Costa Rica sets the pace and space for a wonderful active holiday. The climate is perfect for cycling and swimming; the people are educated, friendly, and beautiful; and there are heavenly places to rest at night.
This adventure combines the unusual experience of Arenal’s volcanic activity with the best tropical beach ride in Costa Rica on the Nicoya Peninsula. A smorgasbord of active delight, it includes abundant wildlife sightings, beautiful rides on quiet roads, and rests at exquisite lodges. Along the way you will visit absolute biological reserves, deserted beaches, and cascading waterfalls, as well as hot springs near the mountain divide, and tropical surf on the enchanting beaches of the north Pacific coast.
The riding includes some challenges on rough and hilly roads which help make the destinations quiet and superbly untrammeled. Air-conditioned van support is available if you choose to replace some of the day’s challenge with an early finish by the pool or at the beach.
Groups: Jan 20-28; Feb. 10-18; Mar 3-11; Mar 24–Apr 1 (extra off-road cycling); Call to find out about newly scheduled trips. Custom groups any time. Route Notes: A ride of escalating challenges, from a start on level paved roads, to a finish with some hilly, rough, challenging sections. Mountain bikes are strongly recommended. Tour starts: Hotel Don Fadrique, San Jose, Costa Rica. 6:00pm Day 1 (flexible); tour finish: Hotel Don Fadrique, San Jose Costa Rica, 8:00am, Day 9.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival. Make your way to Hotel Don Fadrique in San Jose. We will provide a list of things to do, and dining recommendations. Your guides will meet you at breakfast tomorrow morning. Lodging: Hotel Don Fadrique, San Jose.
Day 2: Cycling distance approx. 27km (17 mi.) on paved and well-maintained gravel roads. The final 6km (4 mi.) to the waterfall is a challenging uphill. Your day begins with an early breakfast, in time to hit the road at 8:00am. Shuttle to the town of Tigra,13 miles away from Fortuna and active Arenal Volcano. Ride to La Fortuna Waterfall for a short hike in the lush forest and a refreshing swim besides the cascade. The proceeds from entrance fees are used to benefit the community. Spend the evening enjoying views of the lively Arenal Volcano. All meals are included (just breakfast on self-guided trips).
Note: On the March 24, 2007 trip the paved ride to Tigra will be replaced by a boat trip and 4 hour double-track ride along the lakeshore to a dam. Lodging: La Pradera del Arenal or alternative: El Silencio del Campo.
Day 3: Venado Caves and Arenal Volcano. Cycling distance approx. 30km (18 mi.) mostly on gravel roads. Ride to the Venado Caves, 2.5 hours away, following an old network of ox cart gravel roads. The caves were formed during the Miocene period, between 15 and 20 million years ago. During the 1.5-hour tour you will marvel at the rock formations, including coral from when the caverns were under sea level. After the tour of the caves, continue riding for another 2 hours toward Arenal Volcano. Soothe your muscles this afternoon in the thermal waters of Las Fuentes at Tabacón Resort. There are some challenging hills and fast descents on gravel. Breakfast included, lunch also on guided trips. Lodging: same as last night.
Day 4: Arenal Lake. 51km (32mi.) on packed gravel and paved roads. After a hearty breakfast, depart the Fortuna area and head to the town of Tilarán at the opposite end of mighty Arenal Lake. You will enjoy excellent views as you take the paved northern route through the hills and past the town of New Arenal with the mighty volcano at your back. Your lodge tonight is Arenal’s mountain biking and windsurfing headquarters. Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner on guided trips. Lodging: Rock River Lodge.
Day 5: Arenal Singletrack and Samara. 3-hour mountain bike ride, then 40km (25mi.). Today Norman, Rock River Lodge’s owner and local biking connoisseur, will treat you to a three-hour ride. After washing up, or perhaps a swim, you will have lunch and then shuttle to the Nicoya Peninsula, and the beautiful and remote beach town of Sámara. Some cycling may be possible upon arrival. Breakfast and lunch on guided trips. Lodging: Hotel Samara Beach.
Day 6: Coastal ride to Playa Coyote. Approx 32km (20 mi.). Today you can savor the tropical delights of Costa Rica’s finest and less visited beaches as you make your way from Somara to Playa Coyote. This beach is known for its white sand and tranquil waters - a seldom visited beach full of wildlife and perfect for long beach walks and beautiful sunsets. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on guided trips. Lodging: Arca de Noé Hotel (Noah’s Ark).
Day 7: Coyote to Mal País. Approx. 55km (35mi.) Breakfast and lunch included. The ride to Malpaís is one of the nicest rides we know of: from your hotel in Coyote you ride on gravel roads until the town of Ario, where you jump on the beach until Santa Teresa, just north of groovy Mal País, a perfect spot to combine the finest tropical forest with plenty of water and land activities. Malpaís. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on guided trips. Lodging: Blue Jay Lodge, Mal Pais.
Day 8: Mal País to San Jose. Today you can take advantage of optional activities such as canopy tours, horseback riding, surfing (lessons available!), hiking Cabo Blanco National Park, and water sports. Transfer back to San Jose early afternoon, in time for the 4:00pm ferry. Dinner stop in Puntarenas. Arrival San Jose by 10:00pm, where your guides say farewell, and you can indulge in well-earned sleep, perhaps after sampling San Jose nightlife. Breakfast and dinner on guided trips. Lodging: Hotel Don Fadrique, San Jose.
Day 9: Departure. All good things have come to an end, alas! The airport is a 30-60 minute taxi from your hotel. We can help you make arrangements before we leave.
Testimonials:
"The wildlife was abundant! We were thrilled with frequent sightings of birds, butterflies, monkeys, and turtles. The country seemed rich and thriving, in perfect balance. We rode horses through the surf and bikes around rumbling Arenal volcano; we saw leatherback turtles laying their eggs in the sand; we overcame the reluctance to eat a few termites, and were delighted to discover their rich nutty taste; and we spotted resplendent and elusive quetzals from rope bridges in the jungle canopy. What a marvelous adventure for the whole family! "
(Cathy G. NS)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Guided Cost: $3395 (per person, includes 9 days, 8 nights, 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, 2 transfers, luggage handling, van & guide support, maps & route notes).
Self-Guided Cost: $3195 . dbl. (includes 9 days, 8 nights, 8 breakfasts, luggage handling, maps & route notes, transfers at start and end of trip).
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Costa Rica
Bicycle Touring
Volcano Tours
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