Bike Costa Rica Itinerary New

Day 7 – Tilarán – Park National Marino Las Baulas
57km approx.
After breakfast we cycle 20km towards the Pacific Coast, passing Tilaran and Canas. From here we
transfer North West to Belen. The excitement mounts as we re-join our bikes for the last time.
From here we head south to the coast for our last 37km. The final stretch is an unforgettable ride
which runs parallel to the sparkling Pacific Ocean. It’s a wonderful mixture of inland and coastal
scenery on flat terrain all the way to the finish line at our hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort in
the Park National Marion Las Baula.
Day 8 – Park National Marino Las Baulas
A free day to relax at the hotel or sample some of the many leisure attractions (Lunch is not provided today). Tonight we enjoy a celebratory meal to reflect on a fantastic achievement!
Day 9 – Park National Marino Las Baulas - San José Airport
Transfer to the airport on the way there is time to visit Park National Vulcan Poas, overnight in our
airport hotel.
Day 10 - San José Airport
Morning transfer to San José airport for our return flight to Manchester.
Day 11 – Manchester
Morning arrival in Manchester.
Please note this is a complex itinerary and subject to change
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ITINERARY
Discover Costa Rica, one of the most ecologically diverse countries on Earth. It
boasts 26 national parks, 895 species of birds and almost 2000 types of trees
as well as diverse wildlife including crocodiles, monkeys, and armadillos. What
better way to explore this beautiful country than by bike? Saddle up for a
spectacular cycle adventure from the heart of the country to the Pacific Ocean.
Along the way discover primary rainforest, pristine lakes, thermal hot springs,
active volcanoes and palm-tree fringed beaches. Join us for a once in a lifetime experience whilst raising funds for your favourite charity.
Day 1 – Manchester – San José – Guapiles
Fly from Manchester to San José. On arrival it’s a 1½ coach transfer to our hotel in Guapiles.
Located in the heart of Costa Rica's banana growing region, Guapiles is the gateway between the
Central Highlands and the Caribbean coast.
Day 2 – Guapiles 20km approx.
We meet our bikes this morning in preparation for the week ahead. There is an optional 20km
warm-up circular bike ride around Guapiles which will be a gentle introduction to cycling in Costa
Rica. The rest of the day is free to relax, explore Guapiles or take an optional tour to the
Rainforest Aerial Tram which offers incredible views above primary rainforest. This evening after
dinner we meet our guides and hear more about the adventure ahead.
Day 3 – Guapiles – Puerto Viejo 75km approx.
Saddle up for an action-packed first day of cycling! We set off through the lush banana plantations
which surround Guapiles towards the village of Rio Frio. The terrain today is an exciting mix of
tarmac and dirt roads which takes us into the heart of the real Costa Rica away from the usual
tourist trail. Our destination is Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, known locally as Puerto Viejo, a
picturesque town where Río Sarapiquí and Río Puerto Viejo meet. Before roads and railways were
built it was an important port on the trading route to the Caribbean. We overnight near Puerto
Viejo.
Day 4 – Puerto Viejo – Muelle de San Carlos
75km approx.
Another fascinating day as we head deeper into rural Costa Rica. This morning we ride west from
Puerto Viejo on gently undulating terrain. We pass a succession of villages and hamlets en-route
for a unique insight into local life. Late morning we reach La Virgen, situated on the densely
jungled shores of the Río Sarapiquí. The town is dependent on the nearby pineapple fields which
will give us some shade as we ride past. From here the route becomes more hilly with some steep
ascents but the roads are quiet with little traffic. After riding through Santa Rita the route returns
to gravel and flattens out as we reach a large iron bridge over Río Toro. The cycling becomes
more challenging for a few kilometres as we cross Río Amigo and Río Delicias. After the second
river the terrain becomes easier all the way to the village of Muelle de San Carlos, in the heart of
sugar cane country.
Day 5 – Muelle de San Carlos – Arenal
61km approx.
A spectacular day in the saddle. We set off on undulating terrain bound for town of La Fortuna
from where there are excellent views of the perfectly conical Arenal volcano. It exploded in 1968
after lying dormant for 450 years and until 2010 was one of the most continually active volcanoes
in the world. We leave La Fortuna tackling some steep uphill and downhill stretches with the
volcano a dramatic backdrop to the scenery. After crossing Río La Palma we reach Tabacon Hot
Springs for lunch. The remainder of the day is a thrilling 11km off-road rainforest ride through the
pristine Arenal Volcano National Park. We ford three rivers en route (although bridges are
planned) and pass through the tiny communities of El Castillo and Pueblo where we overnight.
Day 6 – Arenal – Tilarán 74km approx.
Another magnificent day as we cycle round the north-east side of the glistening Lake Arenal, the
largest inland body of water in Costa Rica. We re-trace yesterday’s route for the first 11km back to
the National Park entrance. From there we head to Lake Arenaldam, a man-made stretch of water
created when the original lake was dammed in 1973. The terrain is undulating with barely any
tarmac and the wind is likely to be quite strong, however the breathtaking panoramic views will
more than make up for it. The lake is surrounded by spectacular rolling hills which are home to
birds like parrots, hummingbirds and toucans and animals such as Howler and White Faced
Monkeys and Coatis. Half way through the day we stop for a well-earned lunch before continuing
to the lakeside town of Nuevo Arenal. From there we continue along the shores of the lake on
strongly undulating terrain. We leave the lake towards the end of the day and head to our hotel in
the relaxed market town of Tilarán.