Cyclists riding through the volcanic highlands on a Costa Rica coast-to-coast bicycle tour

13 Days Coast-to-Coast Bicycle Adventure

Cross Costa Rica on two wheels, from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific coast.

Ride across Costa Rica from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean on a fully supported 13-day cycling adventure through volcanic highlands, tropical rainforests, rural communities and spectacular coastal landscapes

Designed for active travelers seeking more than a traditional tour, this journey combines rewarding cycling routes, nature, culture and local experiences with expert guides, Trek mountain bikes, mechanical assistance and a dedicated support vehicle.

🗓️ 13-Day Tour · 🚵 Mountain Biking · 🌊 Caribbean to Pacific · 🚐 Full Vehicle Support · 🏨 12 Nights’ Accommodation

Tour Highlights

Cycle across Costa Rica from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean.
Ride through volcanic highlands, tropical rainforests and rural communities.
Explore Irazú, Arenal, Miravalles and Rincón de la Vieja volcanoes.
Experience Caribbean beaches, wildlife and local culture.
Discover Río Celeste and meet members of the Maleku Indigenous community.
Enjoy natural hot springs, waterfalls and scenic cycling routes.
Travel with expert local guides, Trek mountain bikes and full vehicle support.
Relax on the beautiful beaches of Guanacaste.

Cyclist riding near Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal in Costa Rica

Explore the 13-Day Cycling Route

Discover the main region visited each day as the journey crosses Costa Rica from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific coast.

1 Each number represents the main region visited that day.

The map presents the general sequence of destinations. Exact cycling routes and transfers may vary according to weather and road conditions.

Itinerary

Description of activities and areas to visit

🌍 Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica – Arrival & Transfer to Cartago

Your coast-to-coast adventure begins at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), where our local team will welcome you to Costa Rica.

After collecting your luggage, enjoy a private transfer through the Central Valley to Cartago, the country’s historic former capital. Along the way, admire fertile volcanic landscapes, coffee-growing communities and mountain scenery.

After checking into your hotel, relax and prepare for the first riding day. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a traditional Costa Rican dinner and meet the team supporting your journey.

Overnight at Grandpas or similar

🌋 Day 2: Irazú Volcano Hike & Mountain Bike Descent to Turrialba

Begin the day at Irazú Volcano National Park, home to Costa Rica’s highest active volcano. Walk near the crater and explore its dramatic high-altitude landscape while learning about the area’s geology and unique páramo ecosystem.

After the visit, prepare for an exciting mountain bike ride from the volcanic highlands toward Turrialba. The approximately 42 km (26 mi) route descends through cloud forests, farms, rural communities and constantly changing scenery.
The cooler mountain environment gradually gives way to greener valleys and warmer conditions as you approach Turrialba.

Cycling distance: Approximately 42 km / 26 mi
Difficulty: Moderate, with extended descents and changing terrain

Overnight at Guayabo Lodge or similar

🚴‍♂️ Day 3: Caribbean Cycling Adventure – Limón to Puerto Viejo

Travel from Turrialba toward Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands, passing rainforest, rivers and banana plantations on the way to Limón.

Your cycling journey begins near Limón and follows the Caribbean coast toward Puerto Viejo. Ride past palm-lined beaches, tropical forests and colorful coastal communities while enjoying the warm sea breeze.

The route passes near Cahuita National Park, where monkeys, sloths and tropical birds are frequently seen. Stops for hydration, tropical fruit and photographs will be included throughout the ride.

Cycling distance: Approximately 60 km / 37 mi
Difficulty: Moderate
Arrive in Puerto Viejo and enjoy its relaxed Afro-Caribbean atmosphere.

Overnight at Villas del Caribe or Almonds and Corals

🌴 Day 4: Cahuita to Puerto Viejo – Beaches, Wildlife & Caribbean Culture

After breakfast, transfer to Cahuita and begin a relaxed coastal ride back toward Puerto Viejo. Cycle along a scenic road bordered by tropical forest, small communities and beautiful Caribbean beaches. Stop at viewpoints and local fruit stands, with opportunities to visit Playa Negra, Playa Cocles or another nearby beach.

An optional walk in Cahuita National Park can be arranged for travelers interested in spotting monkeys, sloths, iguanas and tropical birds.
Cycling distance: Approximately 16 km / 10 mi

Difficulty: Easy
The afternoon is free to enjoy Puerto Viejo, relax on the beach or participate in optional activities such as kayaking, snorkeling or surfing.

Overnight at Villas del Caribe or Almonds and Corals

🚤 Day 5: Caribbean Canals & Cycling Through the Lowlands

Begin with a transfer to Moín, where you will board a private boat for a journey through jungle-lined Caribbean canals toward Caño Blanco.
Watch for monkeys, caimans, waterbirds and other wildlife while navigating this remote tropical environment.

After reaching Caño Blanco, continue by bicycle toward Siquirres. Ride through banana and pineapple plantations, rural villages and rainforest landscapes while experiencing everyday life in Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands.
Cycling distance: Approximately 50 km / 31 mi

Difficulty: Moderate
Arrive in Siquirres and relax after a memorable day combining wildlife, waterways and cycling.

Overnight at La Quinta or similar.

🌋 Day 6: Arenal Volcano – Cycling, Lake Views & Rainforest Trails

Travel from Siquirres to La Fortuna, home of the iconic Arenal Volcano. The journey reveals changing landscapes as the Caribbean lowlands transition into rainforest and volcanic terrain.

Begin cycling near La Fortuna and follow scenic paved and gravel roads toward Lake Arenal. Ride through farms, forested areas and rural communities with impressive views of the volcano.
After the ride, explore a trail in Arenal Volcano National Park, walking through regenerating forest and old lava fields while learning about the volcano’s history.

Cycling distance: Approximately 30 km / 19 mi
Difficulty: Moderate
An optional visit to the area’s natural hot springs can be arranged in the evening.

Overnight in La Fortuna at Arenal Paraíso or similar

🌿 Day 7: Maleku Culture & Cycling to Río Celeste

Start with a cultural experience in the Maleku Indigenous Reserve. Learn about Maleku traditions, language, medicinal plants, traditional crafts and their ancestral relationship with the natural environment.

After the visit, begin cycling through rural northern Costa Rica toward Río Celeste and Tenorio Volcano National Park.
The route crosses agricultural communities, rolling countryside and increasingly lush rainforest. Views of Tenorio Volcano accompany sections of the ride before arriving near the famous turquoise waters of Río Celeste.

Cycling distance: Approximately 45 km / 28 mi
Difficulty: Moderate

Overnight near Río Celeste at Cataratas Bijagua lodge or similar.

♨️ Day 8: Miravalles Volcano Cycling & Natural Hot Springs

Continue toward the Miravalles volcanic region, known for its rural scenery, geothermal activity and varied cycling terrain.

Ride through open countryside, cattle farms, small villages and forested sections near the slopes of Miravalles Volcano. Along the way, learn how Costa Rica uses geothermal resources to produce renewable energy.

After completing the ride, relax in natural mineral hot springs surrounded by tropical vegetation. A volcanic mud treatment may also be available.
Cycling distance: Approximately 40 km / 25 mi

Difficulty: Moderate

Overnight at Colinas del Miravalles or similar.

🚴‍♂️ Day 9: Miravalles to Rincón de la Vieja & Las Pailas Hike

Ride from the Miravalles region toward Rincón de la Vieja, crossing rolling hills, traditional cattle ranches and tropical dry forest.

The route offers views of the Guanacaste volcanic range and an authentic look at rural life in northwestern Costa Rica.
After arriving near Rincón de la Vieja National Park, explore the Las Pailas trail on foot. Discover bubbling mud pots, steam vents, fumaroles and other signs of the volcano’s geothermal activity.

Cycling distance: Approximately 45 km / 28 mi
Hiking distance: Approximately 3–4 km / 2–2.5 mi
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Overnight near Rincón de la Vieja at Hacienda Guachipelin or similar

🚵 Day 10: Rincón de la Vieja Bike Park & Waterfall Adventure

Spend the morning exploring the mountain bike trails at Hacienda Guachipelín.
Choose routes suited to the group’s experience, from scenic forest rides to more technical singletrack, climbs and descents.
The trails cross tropical dry forest and volcanic terrain where howler monkeys, iguanas and colorful birds may be seen.

In the afternoon, visit one of the area’s waterfalls. Enjoy a short hike, cool off in a natural pool when conditions permit or simply relax surrounded by forest and volcanic rock formations.

Difficulty: Adaptable to the group’s cycling level

Overnight near Rincón de la Vieja at Hacienda Guachipelin or similar

🌊 Day 11: Guanacaste Beach Ride & Pacific Sunset

After breakfast, transfer from Rincón de la Vieja to the Guanacaste coast and prepare for the final major cycling stage.

Ride along a combination of coastal roads, rural trails and tropical dry forest near beaches such as Brasilito, Conchal, Flamingo and Playa Grande. The exact route will be adapted to local conditions and the group’s experience.
Stop for photographs, hydration and an optional swim before continuing toward Tamarindo.

Cycling distance: Approximately 30–40 km / 19–25 mi
Difficulty: Moderate

Celebrate the completion of your coast-to-coast ride while enjoying a memorable Pacific sunset.

Overnight at Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo or similar.

🌅 Day 12: Pacific Beach Day & Farewell Celebration

After several days of cycling, hiking and exploration, enjoy a well-earned day of relaxation on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
Spend the morning walking on the beach, swimming or simply resting at the resort. Optional activities may include snorkeling, kayaking, a massage or a sunset catamaran cruise.

In the evening, celebrate the coast-to-coast journey with a farewell dinner and reflect on the volcanic landscapes, rainforests, rural communities and coastlines experienced along the way.

No scheduled cycling today.

Overnight at Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo or similar.

✈️ Day 13: Departure from Guanacaste – Hasta Pronto!

Enjoy your final morning on the Pacific coast before transferring to Guanacaste Airport (LIR), officially Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport.

The transfer time will be coordinated according to your scheduled flight. If time permits, enjoy breakfast at the hotel, take a final walk by the beach or purchase last-minute souvenirs.
Depart Costa Rica with unforgettable memories of crossing the country by bicycle—from its volcanic highlands and Caribbean landscapes to the beaches of the Pacific coast.

¡PURA VIDA! 🌿🇨🇷✨

What’s Included

Group mountain biking along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast

12 nights of accommodation at the hotels and lodges indicated in the itinerary, or similar.
Private ground transportation and airport transfers as described in the itinerary.
Trek mountain bike, helmet and reusable water bottle throughout the cycling program.
Professional local cycling guides with first-aid knowledge.
Dedicated support vehicle and luggage transportation during the cycling routes.
Mechanical assistance and spare bicycles when required.
Meals specified in the itinerary.
Entrance fees and guided activities included in the program.
Hydration drinks, tropical fruits and energy snacks during cycling days.
Personalized assistance from Coasts & Mountains Expeditions throughout the journey.

What’s Not Included

Cyclists stopping along the Pacific coast during a Costa Rica bicycle tour

International and domestic airfare.
Travel insurance.
Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary.
Personal expenses and optional activities.
Alcoholic beverages.
Gratuities for guides, drivers and hotel staff.
Personal cycling clothing, cycling shoes and other personal equipment not specifically listed as included.
Medical expenses.

Coasts & Mountains support vehicle transporting mountain bikes in Costa Rica

Good to Know

This is an active multi-day adventure designed for travelers with good general fitness and basic cycling experience.
Daily distances, routes and activities may be adjusted according to weather, road conditions and the group’s ability.
The tour combines paved roads, gravel sections, rural routes and mountain-bike trails. A support vehicle accompanies the group during the cycling stages.
Participants may use the support vehicle whenever they need a break. Accommodations may be replaced with similar properties depending on availability.
Travel insurance covering cycling activities, medical emergencies and trip cancellation is strongly recommended.
Please inform us in advance about dietary requirements, allergies, medical conditions or bicycle-sizing needs.

Cyclists descending from Irazú Volcano during a Costa Rica coast-to-coast bicycle tour

Cyclists riding through Costa Rica’s volcanic highlands and wind farm

🎒 What to Bring

Comfortable cycling clothing and padded cycling shorts.
Lightweight, breathable shirts.
Closed-toe athletic or cycling shoes.
Light rain jacket or waterproof shell.
Warm layer for the volcanic highlands.
Swimsuit and quick-drying towel.
Sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent.
Small daypack or hydration pack.
Personal medications and basic toiletries.
Camera or phone with a protective case.
Passport and a copy of your travel insurance information.

🌿Tell us your preferred travel dates, group size, available time and budget, and we’ll help you design a personalized Costa Rica cycling adventure! 🇨🇷

CHAT WITH US ON WHATSAPP

Trek hardtail mountain bike provided for Costa Rica cycling tours

Customize This Cycling Adventure

Every Coasts & Mountains journey can be customized to match your available time, cycling experience, interests and budget. Whether you prefer a shorter route, additional rest days, different activities or upgraded accommodations, our local team will design a personalized Costa Rica cycling itinerary for you.

Ready to Cross Costa Rica by Bicycle?

Tell us about your preferred travel dates, group size and cycling experience. Our local team will help you plan your 13-day coast-to-coast cycling adventure.

CONTACT COASTS & MOUNTAINS

carlos@costaricaoutdoor.com

Explore More Costa Rica Cycling Adventures

Looking for a different route or duration? Explore our other fully supported cycling adventures through Costa Rica.

10-DAY VOLCANOES TOUR

9-DAY PACIFIC HIGHLANDS TOUR