🚴‍♂️»Biking Route in the Pacific Highlands» 9D/8N

Why Ride in the Pacific Highlands?
✔ Diverse terrain – From volcanic trails to forested paths and coastal roads.
✔ Wildlife encounters – Spot howler monkeys, toucans, and coatis along the trails.
✔ Epic scenery – Ride through rainforests, open plains, and breathtaking ocean viewpoints.
✔ Adventure-packed – Combine mountain biking with hot springs, waterfalls, and cultural experiences.

This mountain biking adventure is perfect for those looking to push their limits while exploring Costa Rica’s rugged beauty.

Itinerary

Description of activities and areas to visit

🌿 Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica & Transfer to Río Celeste

✔ Arrival at Liberia International Airport (LIR).
✔ Private pick-up and transfer to Río Celeste, located in Tenorio Volcano National Park (~2-hour drive).
✔ Enjoy the scenic drive through tropical forests, rolling hills, and charming rural villages.
✔ Check-in at your hotel in Río Celeste, surrounded by lush nature and tranquility.
✔ Free afternoon to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.
🌿 Welcome to Costa Rica! 🇨🇷

Overnight at Rio Celeste Hideaway or similar.

🚴‍♂️ Day 2: Bike Adventure to Venado Caves & Cultural Visit to the Maleku Indigenous Reserve

🌄 Morning: 30-Mile Bike Ride to Venado Caves
✔ Cycle through scenic paved roads, passing by rolling hills, tropical forests, and rural landscapes.
✔ Enjoy breathtaking views of volcanic formations as you ride toward Venado Caves, a geological wonder that tells the story of Costa Rica’s emergence.

🌊 Midday: Explore Venado Caves
✔ Lunch upon arrival, refueling before the underground adventure.
✔ Enter the fascinating limestone cave system, formed over millions of years.
✔ Cross subterranean rivers, navigate tight passages, and admire stalactites and stalagmites.
✔ Observe unique cave-dwelling species, such as bats, frogs, and blind fish.

🌿 Afternoon: Cultural Visit to the Maleku Indigenous Reserve
✔ Stop at the Maleku Indigenous Reserve, home to one of Costa Rica’s last remaining native communities.
✔ Spend time with the Maleku people, learning about their traditions, language, and rituals.
✔ Discover their ancestral wisdom, including medicinal plants and traditional crafts.
✔ Return to Hideaway, reflecting on the day’s adventure and cultural immersion.

Overnight at Rio Celeste Hideaway or similar.

🌿 Day 3: Río Celeste Waterfall Hike & Bike to Miravalles Volcano

⛰ Morning: Hike to Río Celeste Waterfall
✔ After breakfast, set off on a 1.5-hour round-trip hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park.
✔ Reach the sacred site of the Maleku Indians, where the sky-blue waters of Río Celeste create a breathtaking natural wonder.
✔ Admire the intense turquoise color, caused by a unique chemical reaction between volcanic minerals.
✔ Moderate uphill hike, passing through lush rainforest with chances to spot toucans, monkeys, and tropical frogs.

🚴‍♂️ Afternoon: Bike Ride to Miravalles Volcano
✔ Return from the hike and hop on your bikes for a cycling journey toward Miravalles Volcano.
✔ Ride through serene countryside, enjoying the transition from rainforest to open pastures.
✔ Arrive at Fortuna de Bagaces, a tranquil town at the foot of Miravalles Volcano, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

After an adventure-filled day of hiking and biking, relax and prepare for the next volcano adventure!

Overnight Colinas del Miravalles at or similar.

🌎 Day 4: Bike Ride Through the Clean Energy Plants

🚴‍♂️ Morning: Cycling the Miravalles Clean Energy Circuit
✔ Explore Costa Rica’s renewable energy district on a scenic bike ride through geothermal, solar, hydroelectric, and wind farms.
✔ Ride along the hilly terrain of the northern Pacific slope, with breathtaking views of Miravalles Volcano.
✔ Witness how Costa Rica generates 100% of its electricity from renewable sources, making it a global leader in clean energy.
✔ Pass by cattle ranches and open landscapes, blending nature with sustainable development.

🌿 Afternoon: Enjoy the Scenic Countryside
✔ Continue cycling through rural Guanacaste, spotting wildlife like howler monkeys and tropical birds.
✔ Optional visit: Stop at a local farm or sustainability project to learn about Costa Rica’s eco-friendly initiatives.
✔ Return to Fortuna de Bagaces, reflecting on an educational and adventure-filled ride.

This unique cycling route combines adventure, sustainability, and stunning landscapes, making it an unforgettable experience!

Overnight Colinas del Miravalles at or similar.

🚵‍♂️ Day 5: Biking to Rincón de la Vieja Volcano – The Ultimate Climb

🌄 Morning: Challenging Ride from Miravalles to Rincón de la Vieja
✔ Embark on the most extreme cycling day, tackling 26 miles of paved and gravel roads through the Pacific side of the Cordillera.
✔ Ride through remote countryside, open pastures, and dry tropical forest, with stunning views of the volcanic landscape.
✔ Moderate ascent toward Santa María Volcano Station, one of the craters of Rincón de la Vieja’s composite volcanic system.

🌋 Afternoon: Explore the Volcanic Plateau & Optional Blue Ponds Extension
✔ Arrive at a plateau of volcanic tuff, a unique geological formation created by ancient eruptions.
✔ Check-in at Hacienda near the volcano, a working ranch surrounded by nature and adventure.
✔ Optional Extension: Continue riding to reach hidden blue ponds, located at the base of Rincón de la Vieja, perfect for a refreshing dip after a tough ride.

This demanding but rewarding ride takes you from lowland pastures to volcanic highlands, showcasing Costa Rica’s diverse topography and natural beauty.

Overnight in Arenal at Hacienda Guachipelin or similar

🌋 Day 6: Hike Rincón de la Vieja & Bike to the Interamerican Highway

🥾 Morning: Hike Through Rincón de la Vieja National Park
✔ After breakfast, set off on a hike through the volcanic landscapes of Rincón de la Vieja National Park.
✔ Explore bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and steam vents, experiencing geothermal activity up close.
✔ Walk through tropical dry forest, spotting howler monkeys, coatis, and tropical birds along the way.
✔ Admire waterfalls, natural pools, and the stunning volcanic scenery that make this park unique.

🚵‍♂️ Afternoon: Bike Ride Down to the Interamerican Highway & Transfer to Flamingo
✔ Hop on your bike for an exhilarating descent, riding from the volcanic highlands down to the Interamerican Highway.
✔ Enjoy stunning views of the Pacific lowlands, feeling the temperature shift as you descend.
✔ Arrive at the meeting point near the Interamerican Highway, where a vehicle transfer will take you to Flamingo.
✔ Check-in at your beach hotel and enjoy a free evening to relax by the ocean.

After an intense mix of hiking and biking, settle into Tamarindo’s vibrant coastal atmosphere, where surf, sun, and relaxation await!

Overnight in Arenal at Margarita Ville

🌊 Day 7: Free Beach Day – Explore Flamingo at Your Own Pace

After days of intense biking, today is all about relaxing and enjoying the Pacific Coast at your own pace!

🌊 Morning: Chill or Adventure? Your Choice!
✔ Relax on Flamingo’s golden-sand beach, soaking up the sun.
✔ Take a leisurely beach walk, exploring tide pools and spotting marine life.
✔ Optional: Kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboarding through the beautiful Flamingo Estuary, home to mangroves, crocodiles, and exotic birds.

🍽 Afternoon: Explore the Town & Sunset Vibes
✔ Wander through Tamarindo’s lively beach town, filled with local shops, cafes, and artisan markets.
✔ Optional: Take a sunset horseback ride along the beach.
✔ End the day with a stunning Pacific sunset, perhaps with a cocktail in hand at a beachfront bar.

Today is your chance to recharge and fully embrace the relaxed beach lifestyle before the journey continues!

Overnight in Margarita Ville or similar

🏄 Day 9: Biking the Gold Coast & Surfing in Tamarindo

🚴‍♂️ Morning: Bike Adventure Along the Gold Coast
✔ After breakfast, hop on your bike and explore the stunning landscapes of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
✔ Ride through scenic coastal trails, passing by hidden beaches, rocky cliffs, and tropical dry forest.
✔ Take in breathtaking ocean views, spot wildlife like iguanas and howler monkeys, and feel the refreshing sea breeze.

🏄 Afternoon: Surf Lessons in Tamarindo
✔ Head to Tamarindo Beach, one of Costa Rica’s top surf destinations.
✔ Join an expert instructor for a surf lesson, whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your skills.
✔ Ride the warm Pacific waves, with gentle breaks perfect for learning.
✔ Enjoy the laid-back surf town vibes, relaxing on the golden sand after your session.

This day blends land and sea adventure, giving you the best of Costa Rica’s active lifestyle!

Overnight in Margarita Ville or similar

✈️ Day 9. Goodbye, Costa Rica – Safe Travels!

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! 🌿🇨🇷✨

Margaritaville-Beach-Resort-Playa-Flamingo

📩 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! 🇨🇷