14 days tour

Costa Rica Coast To Coast Ride

$ 6,450 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $6,450.00

Costa Rica Coast To Coast Ride

This tour includes:

Accommodation

We spend 13 nights in characterful hotels, most of which have swimming pools. There are three nights in remote mountain lodges with lush gardens and superb views, one with a well-known tropical botanical garden. All accommodations are well maintained, very clean and most are long-time favourites in Costa Rica. Below are a few of the standout accommodations on this trip. Dominical: Villas Rio Mar In a beautiful rainforest setting, Villas Rio Mar is a slice of Costa Rican wilderness but with plenty of amenities. Thereโ€™s a large palm tree-wrapped swimming pool, tropical gardens, and a rainforest trail to explore. Sustainability-focused practices include solar power running the air conditioning in the bungalows, vegetables for the restaurant grown in their greenhouse, and a monthly clean-up of Playa Dominical beach (which is just a 10-minute walk away). Near San Vito: OTS Las Cruces Lodge Unleash your inner natural historian with a stay at the Organisation for Tropical Studies Las Cruces Research Station. Itโ€™s a hub of science and nature, which brings together researchers and wildlife lovers from across the planet, with accommodation for up to 100 people. During our time here, we enjoy a guided walk around the Wilson Botanical Garden, which surrounds the property and is home to an extraordinary collection of tropical plants and more than 400 bird species. Tortuguero: Pachira Lodge Five minutes from the main entrance to Tortuguero National Park and hugged by scenic canals, this 94-room resort has a prime location. When itโ€™s time to relax, thereโ€™s a turtle-shaped pool (this is green turtle country, after all), a buffet restaurant serving Costa Rican-Caribbean cuisine, and a bar. But the real draw is the other residents. You may spot sloths, howler monkeys and white-faced monkeys and, if youโ€™re lucky, an otter or manatee in the surrounding waterways.

Others

All transport and listed activities Local bike hire

Guide

Tour/Cycling leader and support team throughout

Transport

The support vehicle will carry all your luggage and personal belongings. The vehicle will follow the riders at all times, allowing you to cycle as much or as little as you like. While distances covered in the coach are relatively short, some transfers are longer due to poor road conditions, road works, heavy traffic and/or rugged terrain (for example, Day 8 can take more than four hours to reach the Orosi Valley).

Meals

All breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners are included. Hotel breakfasts are normally buffets. Expect plenty of gallo pinto, a Costa Rican speciality, and lots of rice, beans, fruit and grilled meats. Fish lovers will be well satisfied with a variety of fresh fish from both Pacific and Caribbean waters. Vegetarian, vegan and Gluten-free options are limited but food is plentiful and tasty โ€“ please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.

Not included:

Others

โ€” Travel Insurance โ€” Single accommodation (available on request) โ€” Visas or vaccinations

Insurance

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Costa Rica Coast To Coast Ride

  • Day 1 Day 1: Start La Garita De Alajuela, Near San Josรฉ
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Start La Garita De Alajuela, Near San Josรฉ

      We gather at our start hotel in La Garita de Alajuela, around a 15-minute drive from San Josรฉ airport. Thereโ€™s nothing planned today, so take time to relax and prepare for the exciting adventures ahead. Accommodation: Hotel La Rosa de Amรฉrica (or similar)

  • Day 2 Day 2: Ride And Transfer To Rio Tarcoles; Boat Tour; Transfer To Playa Bejuco (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Ride And Transfer To Rio Tarcoles; Boat Tour; Transfer To Playa Bejuco (Breakfast)

      After breakfast, we have a short welcome briefing and spend time adjusting our bikes before riding out on paved roads with very little traffic through small rural communities and a dry tropical forest. This initial stage will finish at Cebadilla, where we transfer approximately 40 minutes for lunch at Casita de Cafรฉ, high above Atenas. After lunch, we transfer 45 minutes to embark on our private, guided boat tour of the Tรกrcoles estuary. We hope to see crocodiles, waterbirds and even scarlet macaws. After, we take a roughly 45-minute transfer to our beach hotel at Playa Bejuco. If tide and sand conditions permit, we can fit in more cycling and arrive at the hotel riding on the immense tropical beach. The full tour briefing will take place following dinner at the hotel. (Extra 6.2mi/10km for beach ride option) Accommodation: Hotel Playa Bejuco (or similar)

  • Day 3 Day 3: Wildlife Walk And Swim In Manuel Antonio National Park; Transfer To Playa Dominical (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Wildlife Walk And Swim In Manuel Antonio National Park; Transfer To Playa Dominical (Breakfast)

      Today we start with an early-morning transfer (approximately one hour) to arrive at the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park just as it opens. Our 7am arrival will give the best opportunity for wildlife spotting and allow us to avoid the park at its busiest later in the day. Our extended visit also gives time for a longer walk on the newly renovated and less visited Punta Catedral trail, as well as a special treat: a swim at the beautiful white-sand beach set within the park, one of Costa Ricaโ€™s best beaches. Leaving Manuel Antonio behind, we transfer approximately one hour to Playa Dominicalito, where we enjoy a late lunch at at the fabulous La Parcela restaurant, which offers great meals, spectacular views and plenty of wildlife - donโ€™t let the monkeys steal your food! Following lunch, we transfer 15 minutes to our accommodation in the rainforest at Villas Rio Mar. Accommodation: Villas Rio Mar (or similar)

  • Day 4 Day 4: Ride To Uvita Waterfall; See Stone Spheres At Palmar Sur; Transfer To Osa Peninsula (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Ride To Uvita Waterfall; See Stone Spheres At Palmar Sur; Transfer To Osa Peninsula (Breakfast)

      Today we cycle south along the coastal road, which includes a few hilly sections near Uvita and Ojochal. Our first destination of the day is Uvita Waterfall for a refreshing dip in the emerald waters; an ideal place to cool off from the heat of the day. Departing Uvita, we transfer to Palmar Sur, where we can observe the famous stone spheres produced by the ancient Boruca indigenous culture of this region and have a look at the remnants of the old United Fruit Company banana operation. Departing Palmar Sur in the bus, we head to Mirador Mogos for lunch then resume cycling at Rincรณn on the Osa Peninsula, where we ride a second biking stage to Agua Dulce Beach Resort. Accommodation: Agua Dulce Beach Resort (or similar)

  • Day 5 Day 5: Free Day On The Osa Peninsula (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Free Day On The Osa Peninsula (Breakfast)

      Today is free for you to relax and recharge in the gorgeous surroundings of Agua Dulce. Itโ€™s possible to swim at Playa Pan Dulce, do some kayaking, or for those who wish to cycle, thereโ€™s a flat gravel/dirt round-trip stage (27mi/43km) out to the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula. Your tour leader can help to book optional activities; most require advance booking and a minimum number of participants. A fantastic option is the sunset kayak tour and if the bioluminescence is occurring, youโ€™re in for a spectacular treat! Accommodation: Agua Dulce Beach Resort (or similar)

  • Day 6 Day 6: Transfer To Mirador Osa; Ride To Chacarita And Transfer To Las Cruces; Nature Walk At Las Cruces Botanical Garden (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Transfer To Mirador Osa; Ride To Chacarita And Transfer To Las Cruces; Nature Walk At Las Cruces Botanical Garden (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      This morning we take a 45-minute transfer to Mirador Osa (Osa Viewpoint), where we can take in spectacular views over the Golfo Dulce and Osa Peninsula. We then hop on the bikes for a scenic cycle through the hills and rainforest of the Osa Peninsula to Chacarita. Following a bus transfer (1hr 30mins) across the steep mountains surrounding San Vito, we arrive at Las Cruces Biological Station, which is surrounded by the Wilson Botanical Gardens, where we take a guided nature walk in the afternoon. Accommodation: OTS Las Cruces Biological Station (or similar)

  • Day 7 Day 7: Cycle To Paso Real; Transfer To San Gerardo De Rivas (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Cycle To Paso Real; Transfer To San Gerardo De Rivas (Breakfast)

      Back in the saddle, we enjoy a fantastic downhill ride from the hilly region near San Vito to Paso Real, far below at the Rio Terraba. We pass through an indigenous area where villagers can sometimes be seen in traditional dress. We stop near Buenos Aires for lunch before boarding the bus for our two-hour transfer to San Gerardo de Rivas. We take a break close to one of the vast pineapple plantations for our tour leader to give some background on pineapple cultivation in this region - the fruit is Costa Ricaโ€™s number one export crop. Our hotel tonight is in the mountains, so it may be chillier than you expect. Accommodation: El Pelicano Mountain Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 8 Day 8: Ride To San Isidro De Perez Zeledon; Transfer Across The Cerro De La Muerte Pass; Cycle To Orosi (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Ride To San Isidro De Perez Zeledon; Transfer Across The Cerro De La Muerte Pass; Cycle To Orosi (Breakfast)

      This morning we start with a short downhill stage before jumping on the bus for a transfer that will take us over the Cerro de La Muerte. At 11,617ft (3,541m) above sea level, this is the highest point on the PanAm Highway in Central America. We enjoy an extended lunch stop en route, where we are sure to be greeted by multiple species of hummingbirds. On this stretch, we drive through rainforest, up into the cloud forest before descending towards the Central Valley. From here, we get back on our bikes for another downhill into the Orosi Valley. Accommodation: Hotel Alma de Luna (or similar)

  • Day 9 Day 9: Cycle To Turrialba (Breakfast,Lunch)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Cycle To Turrialba (Breakfast,Lunch)

      After breakfast, we leave the hotel for one of the most beautiful cycling routes on this trip, past numerous coffee plantations. With any luck, we will see farmers using their colourful traditional oxcarts to haul their crop to nearby processing facilities, as well as multitudes of Costa Rican cyclists enjoying their Sunday on this fantastic stage. Along the way, we stop at a coffee field and learn more about coffee and its role in Costa Rican history from the tour leader. As we continue through the valley, we ride around a hydroelectric dam before starting a section that involves some climbs. We then descend to the small town of Tucurrique and continue on through sugar cane plantations, taking lunch near Eslabon then transferring five minutes up to our hotel for the night. Our mountain lodge has excellent views, including over the coffee growing Orosi Valley and both the Irazu and Turrialba volcanoes. Accommodation: Hotel Turrialtico (or similar)

  • Day 10 Day 10: Cycle To The Caribbean Side Of Costa Rica And Transfer To Puerto Viejo (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Cycle To The Caribbean Side Of Costa Rica And Transfer To Puerto Viejo (Breakfast)

      After breakfast, we will start cycling a hilly section with incredible views, followed by a fast downhill to the town of Siquirres, where we board the coach and transfer to the Caribbean coast. Depending on our arrival time this afternoon, there may be time to enjoy a guided walk in Cahuita National Park before we transfer (approximately 15 minutes) to Puerto Viejo, a Caribbean town with lively reggae music and culture and spicy cuisine. Accommodation: Hotel Escape Caribeรฑo (or similar)

  • Day 11 Day 11: Transfer To Guacimo; Cycle Through Banana Plantations; Transfer To La Pavona For Boat Trip To Tortuguero (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Transfer To Guacimo; Cycle Through Banana Plantations; Transfer To La Pavona For Boat Trip To Tortuguero (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Today is a very early start as we have a transfer of approximately one hour to Santa Rosa for breakfast. Then we continue (approximately 1hr 30min) to the beginning of our backroads biking stage, which takes us through several small towns within the immense banana plantations. We stop for lunch near these plantations and the leader will explain the harvesting and packaging process, as well as the importance of these plantations to Costa Rica. After, we transfer (approximately one hour) to La Pavona and board a boat to Tortuguero National Park along the wildlife-rich rivers and canals used for transiting in this densely forested area. Accommodation: Pachira Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 12 Day 12: Boat Trip In Tortuguero; Ride And Transfer To La Fortuna Near Arenal Volcano; Visit Thermal Springs (Breakfast,Lunch)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Boat Trip In Tortuguero; Ride And Transfer To La Fortuna Near Arenal Volcano; Visit Thermal Springs (Breakfast,Lunch)

      An early morning boat trip allows us to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero. At this time, wildlife is usually at its most active. With the help of our expert guide, we are likely to encounter monkeys, caiman, iguanas, butterflies and many of the 300-plus bird species here. We retrace our route by boat to the dock at La Pavona where we will start cycling through banana plantations, Our morning ride complete, we have a transfer (approximately 1h 30min, plus lunch) to just outside Guapiles for an early lunch provided by our Tortuguero lodge. After, we continue towards La Fortuna and Arenal volcano (approximately one and a half hours). Following a massive explosion in 1968, Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until recently when it entered a resting phase. En route, we will take a break to observe thriving pineapple operations, before continuing to our town-centre hotel. This evening there is an included excursion to Volcano Lodge hot springs. Accommodation: Hotel San Bosco (or similar)

  • Day 13 Day 13: Cycle On Beautiful Lake Arenal To La Fortuna; Transfer To La Garita De Alajuela (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Cycle On Beautiful Lake Arenal To La Fortuna; Transfer To La Garita De Alajuela (Breakfast)

      Following a short transfer, our final cycling stage starts with a ride through the dense rainforest surrounding beautiful Lake Arenal, with several spots to observe the volcano as we continue back toward La Fortuna. Upon reaching town, there is some free time for souvenir shopping and to enjoy lunch. The last leg of our journey is completed by bus as we transfer (approximately two hours) back to La Garita de Alajuela. Accommodation: Hotel La Rosa de Amรฉrica (or similar)

  • Day 14 Day 14: End La Garita De Alajuela (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: End La Garita De Alajuela (Breakfast)

      Our trip ends this morning after breakfast.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 16 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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