🚴♂️ Coast-to-Coast Bicycle Adventure – Cross Costa Rica on Two Wheels 13D/12N
Embark on the ultimate cycling challenge, pedaling from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, crossing volcanoes, rainforests, and remote countryside in one of Costa Rica’s most epic multi-day rides. This coast-to-coast journey is the perfect mix of adventure, endurance, and breathtaking landscapes..
This once-in-a-lifetime cycling adventure is for those who seek endurance, nature, and the thrill of crossing an entire country by bike!
🌿 Pura Vida & Keep Pedaling! 🚵♂️🇨🇷
Itinerary
Description of activities and areas to visit
Your Costa Rica adventure starts upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José. After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, a comfortable shuttle will take you to Cartago, the historic former capital of the country.
🚗 Scenic Drive Through the Central Valley
Enjoy the stunning landscapes of Costa Rica’s fertile Central Valley, known for its rich volcanic soil and vibrant greenery.
🍽 Evening: Traditional Costa Rican Dinner
✔ Savor authentic local dishes at a traditional restaurant in Cartago.
✔ Experience Costa Rican flavors, such as gallo pinto, casado, or fresh tropical fruits.
🏨 Rest & Prepare for Your Journey Ahead
✔ After dinner, settle into your hotel in Cartago, where you can rest and recharge for the adventures to come.
✔ Your journey has just begun, and Costa Rica’s natural wonders, rich culture, and thrilling landscapes await!
Overnight at Grandpas or similar
🥾 Morning: Visit & Hike at Irazú Volcano
✔ Early departure to Irazú Volcano National Park (3,432m), Costa Rica’s highest active volcano.
✔ Walk to the crater’s edge, admiring its moon-like landscape and, on clear days, views of both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
✔ Hike along volcanic trails, exploring paramo ecosystems and unique high-altitude flora and fauna.
🚵♂️ Midday: Volcanoes Route – Mountain Biking to Turrialba
✔ Start the Volcanoes Route, an adrenaline-filled descent from Irazú toward Turrialba Volcano.
✔ Ride through gravel paths, farmlands, and cloud forests, feeling the temperature shift as you descend.
✔ Pass through rural highlands, potato and dairy farms, and lush green valleys.
✔ Arrive at Turrialba Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s most active and impressive volcanoes.
⬇️ Afternoon: Final Descent to Turrialba Town
✔ Enjoy the final descent, riding past tropical plantations, sugarcane fields, and coffee farms.
✔ Arrive in Turrialba town, where you can relax after a day filled with adventure and stunning landscapes.
Overnight at Guayabo Lodge or similar
🚗 Morning: Transfer from Turrialba to the Caribbean
✔ Transfer from Turrialba to the Province of Limón, passing through lush rainforests and banana plantations.
✔ Watch as the landscape transitions from volcanic highlands to the humid lowlands of the Caribbean coast.
✔ Arrive in Limón City, the vibrant heart of the Caribbean region, where your cycling adventure begins.
🚵♂️ Midday: Cycling from Limón to Puerto Viejo (Approx. 60 km ride)
✔ Start your ride along the scenic coastal road, heading south toward Puerto Viejo.
✔ Feel the warm Caribbean breeze as you cycle past palm-lined beaches, coastal villages, and tropical forests.
✔ Pass through Cahuita National Park, where you might spot monkeys, sloths, and toucans along the way.
✔ Stop at hidden beaches or local fruit stands for a refreshing break.
🏖 Afternoon: Arrival in Puerto Viejo
✔ Reach Puerto Viejo, a laid-back Caribbean town known for its Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae vibes, and stunning beaches.
✔ Check into your beachfront lodge and unwind after the ride.
✔ Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the town, relaxing on the beach, or sipping a fresh coconut.
Overnight at Villas del Caribe or Almonds and Corals
🌊 Morning: Scenic Beachside Cycling (Approx. 16 km – Easy Ride)
✔ Ride along the stunning coastal road between Cahuita and Puerto Viejo, with the Caribbean Sea on one side and lush jungle on the other.
✔ Pass through small Afro-Caribbean villages, palm-lined beaches, and nature reserves.
✔ Stop along the way at Playa Negra or Playa Cocles for a swim or fresh coconut water.
✔ Optional stop at Cahuita National Park – Take a short walk to spot monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds.
🏖 Afternoon: Free Time to Enjoy Puerto Viejo’s Beaches & Vibes
✔ Relax on one of Puerto Viejo’s famous beaches, such as Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva, or Manzanillo.
✔ Optional activities:
Snorkeling or kayaking in the coral reefs of Cahuita National Park 🐠.
Surfing lessons at Playa Cocles 🏄.
Explore the vibrant town of Puerto Viejo, visiting local markets and cafés.
✔ End the day with a Caribbean-style dinner, enjoying fresh seafood and reggae music.
Overnight at Villas del Caribe or Almonds and Corals
🌊 Morning: Boat Transfer from Moín to Caño Blanco
✔ Private transfer to Moín, the starting point of your boat journey.
✔ Board a scenic riverboat, cruising through jungle-lined canals toward Caño Blanco, a gateway to the Tortuguero region.
✔ Enjoy the wildlife-rich scenery, spotting caimans, monkeys, and tropical birds along the way.
🚴♂️ Midday: Bike Ride from Caño Blanco to Siquirres (Approx. 50 km – Moderate Ride)
✔ Once in Caño Blanco, get on your bike and start riding inland.
✔ Cycle through banana plantations, rural villages, and lowland rainforests.
✔ Feel the transition from the Caribbean wetlands to the central lowlands as the landscape gradually changes.
✔ Stop for a refreshing drink at a local fruit stand, tasting fresh pineapple, papaya, or coconut water.
🌿 Afternoon: Arrival in Siquirres
✔ Check into your lodge and relax after an exciting day of boat and bike travel.
✔ Optional: Visit a local cacao farm to learn about Costa Rica’s chocolate-making traditions.
Overnight at Overnight La Quinta or similar.
🚗 Morning: Transfer to La Fortuna de San Carlos
✔ Depart from Siquirres and travel toward La Fortuna, home to the iconic Arenal Volcano.
✔ Enjoy the changing landscapes as you move from tropical lowlands to lush rainforest and volcanic terrain.
✔ Arrive in La Fortuna, where your cycling adventure begins.
🚵♂️ Midday: Bike Tour to Arenal Lake (Approx. 30 km – Moderate Ride)
✔ Start pedaling from La Fortuna toward Arenal Lake, surrounded by lush forests and stunning volcano views.
✔ Ride along scenic paved and gravel roads, passing local farms, waterfalls, and river crossings.
✔ Stop at Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest lake, for a short break with breathtaking views of the volcano.
🥾 Afternoon: Hike Inside Arenal Volcano National Park
✔ After reaching the Arenal Volcano National Park, switch gears and start a hike through lava fields and regenerating forest.
✔ Walk through old lava flows from past eruptions, learning about Arenal’s volcanic history.
✔ Spot wildlife like toucans, monkeys, and coatis along the trails.
✔ Enjoy panoramic viewpoints of the volcano and lake, perfect for incredible photos.
🌿 Evening: Relax in La Fortuna
✔ Return to La Fortuna and unwind after a day of adventure.
✔ Optional: Visit Arenal’s hot springs to relax your muscles after biking and hiking.
Overnight in Arenal at Arenal Paraíso or similar
🌿 Morning: Cultural Visit to the Maleku Indigenous Reserve
✔ Begin the day with a visit to the Maleku Indigenous Reserve, one of Costa Rica’s last remaining native communities.
✔ Learn about their traditions, language, and ancestral connection to the land.
✔ Discover their use of medicinal plants, spiritual rituals, and traditional crafts.
✔ Engage in a cultural exchange, hearing ancient stories and wisdom from Maleku elders.
🚵♂️ Cycling to Río Celeste – Tenorio Volcano National Park (Approx. 45 km – Moderate Ride)
✔ After the cultural experience, hop on your bike and start pedaling toward Río Celeste.
✔ Ride through scenic backroads, passing rural villages, farmlands, and rolling hills.
✔ Enjoy views of Tenorio Volcano, feeling the landscape transition into lush rainforest.
✔ Arrive at Río Celeste, one of Costa Rica’s most stunning natural wonders, known for its vibrant turquoise waters.
Overnight in Arenal at Arenal Paraíso or similar
🚗 Morning: Transfer to Upala Region
✔ Depart from Río Celeste and travel toward the Upala region, a scenic rural area near Miravalles Volcano.
✔ Enjoy views of rolling green hills, farmlands, and geothermal landscapes along the way.
✔ Arrive at Miravalles Volcano, an area known for its geothermal activity and diverse terrain, perfect for biking.
🚵♂️ Midday: Bicycle Tour in Miravalles (Approx. 40 km – Moderate Ride)
✔ Start your cycling tour around Miravalles, riding through open countryside, forested trails, and volcanic landscapes.
✔ Pass by cattle farms, rural villages, and steaming fumaroles, feeling the heat of the earth beneath you.
✔ Stop at a geothermal energy site, where you’ll learn how Costa Rica harnesses volcanic power for clean energy.
✔ Enjoy breathtaking views of the volcanic slopes as you ride along gravel and paved roads.
♨️ Afternoon: Relax in Miravalles Hot Springs
✔ After an intense ride, unwind in natural volcanic hot springs, surrounded by tropical scenery.
✔ Enjoy a soothing soak in mineral-rich waters, perfect for muscle recovery and relaxation.
✔ Optional: Try a volcanic mud bath, a traditional treatment known for its healing properties.
After a day of cycling and thermal relaxation, return to your lodge and prepare for the next adventure!
Overnight Colinas del Miravalles at or similar.
🚵♂️ Morning: Bike Transfer from Miravalles to Rincón de la Vieja (Approx. 45 km – Moderate to Challenging Ride)
✔ Start the ride from Miravalles Volcano, cycling through rolling hills, open pastures, and tropical dry forests.
✔ Enjoy the gradual ascent toward Rincón de la Vieja, with stunning views of the volcanic range.
✔ Pass through cattle ranches and rural landscapes, experiencing the traditional Guanacaste way of life.
✔ Arrive at the entrance of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, where the adventure continues on foot.
🥾 Midday: Hike in Las Pailas Sector – Explore Geothermal Wonders (Approx. 3-4 km moderate hike)
✔ Begin a hike through the Las Pailas sector, one of the most geologically active areas in Costa Rica.
✔ Witness bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and volcanic vents, evidence of the volcano’s raw power.
✔ Walk through dry tropical forest, home to howler monkeys, coatis, toucans, and vibrant flora.
✔ Visit small waterfalls, boiling water streams, and colorful sulfuric pools as you learn about the park’s geothermal activity.
🌿 Afternoon: Relax & Enjoy the Hacienda
✔ After an active day of cycling and hiking, check into a hacienda near the volcano.
✔ Optional: Unwind with a volcanic mud bath, a dip in natural hot springs, or a refreshing waterfall swim.
Overnight in Arenal at Hacienda Guachipelin or similar
🌿 Morning: Mountain Biking at the Hacienda Bike Park
✔ Start the day at Hacienda’s Bike Park, an incredible network of trails designed for all skill levels.
✔ Ride through single tracks, technical descents, and flowy trails surrounded by dry tropical forest and volcanic landscapes.
✔ Encounter wildlife along the trails, such as howler monkeys, iguanas, and exotic birds.
✔ Challenge yourself with steep climbs and thrilling downhills, or opt for a scenic ride through rolling terrain.
💦 Afternoon: Visit to the Waterfalls
✔ After an adrenaline-packed morning, switch gears and hike or ride to a stunning waterfall near the hacienda.
✔ Cool off in the crystal-clear natural pools, surrounded by lush greenery and volcanic rock formations.
✔ Optional: Take a refreshing swim, or simply relax and enjoy the sounds of nature.
After a day filled with action and natural beauty, return to the hacienda for a well-deserved evening of relaxation.
Overnight in Arenal at Hacienda Guachipelin or similar
🌅 Morning: Transfer from Hacienda to Huacas
✔ After breakfast, take a scenic transfer to Huacas, a small town near Costa Rica’s famous Gold Coast.
✔ Get ready for an epic coastal bike ride, exploring hidden beaches, tropical forests, and ocean cliffs.
🏖 Midday: Bike Tour Through Different Beaches (Approx. 30-40 km – Moderate Ride)
✔ Start pedaling along dirt trails and coastal roads, passing through Playa Brasilito, Playa Conchal, and Playa Flamingo.
✔ Ride through lush mangroves, sandy paths, and scenic cliffs, feeling the ocean breeze as you go.
✔ Stop at secluded beaches for a refreshing swim or coconut water break.
✔ Pass through Playa Grande, a protected area known for sea turtle nesting and stunning waves.
🌇 Afternoon: Sunset in Tamarindo
✔ Arrive in Tamarindo, a vibrant beach town famous for its surf, nightlife, and golden sunsets.
✔ Relax on the beach with a cocktail in hand, watching the sun dip below the Pacific horizon.
✔ Optional: Celebrate with a beachfront dinner, live music, or a sunset catamaran tour.
Overnight in Margarita Ville or similar
After many days of cycling, hiking, and adventure, today is all about rest and relaxation!
🌅 Morning: Wake Up to the Sound of the Ocean
✔ Sleep in or take an early beach walk, feeling the soft sand and ocean breeze.
✔ Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with fresh tropical fruits and Costa Rican coffee.
🌇 Afternoon: Sunset & Celebration
✔ Unwind with a beachfront cocktail or fresh coconut water.
✔ Optional: Sunset catamaran cruise, snorkeling, or a massage at a beachside spa.
✔ End the day with a delicious seafood dinner by the ocean, celebrating an unforgettable adventure.
Overnight in Margarita Ville or similar
At the indicated time, transfer to Daniel Oduber Airport for your return flight home.
✔ Enjoy the final scenic views of Costa Rica as you head to the airport.
✔ If time allows, take the opportunity to shop for last-minute souvenirs at duty-free stores.
✔ Savor one last cup of authentic Costa Rican coffee, a perfect farewell to this incredible journey.
¡Feliz viaje y hasta la próxima aventura! 🌿🇨🇷✨
📩 Contact Us to Plan Your Perfect Family Trip!
Let us create a memorable, stress-free vacation tailored for you and your loved ones!
✔ Custom itineraries designed for all ages and interests.
✔ Exciting activities like wildlife safaris, beach days, adventure tours & cultural experiences.
✔ Private transportation & expert guides for a smooth journey.
✔ Family-friendly accommodations in the best destinations.
🌿 Start planning today and create unforgettable memories in Costa Rica! Pura Vida! 🇨🇷