This relaxing cycling trip gives you time to explore the unique wildlife and forests of Costa Rica on leisurely rides around spectacular Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake. Explore the easygoing lifestyle of rural villages on the San Carlos plains, and get high on a canopy tour through the trees tops. Two-night stays require less packing.
***Extend this bicycle tour 3 more days for just $530 per person and end at a beach on the Pacific Coast. Check out our Bicycling Costa Rica Plus! the Pacific Tour Details page here.***
Day 1: Bienvenidos to San José, Costa Rica
Highlights: Rural country side, iguanas, welcome dinner.
We'll provide a 2:00PM shuttle from our recommended accommodation in San José, to our first hotel on the banks of the San Carlos River. In the afternoon we'll fit bikes and go for a test ride. Enjoy the beautiful pool before gathering for a welcome drink. We have a special welcome dinner planned tonight. Distance: 22 km (13.7 miles).
Lodging: Hotel Tilajari
Day 2: Biycle the "llanuras de San Carlos" into La Fortuna
Highlights: Traditional farming, Arenal Volcano in the distance, La Fortuna
After a hearty Costa Rican breakfast we'll head off into the San Carlos plains, one of the richest agricultural areas of the country. We ride to the village of La Fortuna, located at the base of Arenal Volcano, passing papaya and yucca plantations, pasturelands recently turned into reforestation projects and a few small villages. An optional extra ride climbs to the village of Monterrey and offers some of the best views of Arenal. This evening we'll suggest one of our favorite restaurants in town for dinner on your own. Distance: 27 or 48 km (16.8 or 30 miles).
Lodging: Hotel Monte Real
Day 3: Loop ride to Chachagua
Highlights: Rural countryside and small villages, Arenal Volcano Hot Springs
There's no need to pack this morning. Our loop ride out of La Fortuna takes us into the countryside past sleepy rural villages, beautiful rivers and rich agricultural land. In the evening we'll enjoy a soak in the famous thermal springs followed by a traditional dinner with home made tortillas. Distance: 32 or 52 km (20 or 32 miles).
Lodging: Hotel Monte Real
Day 4: Arenal Volcano and Boat ride on Lake Arenal
Highlights: Great views of Arenal Volcano, Rainforest Zip Line Canopy Tour
Arenal Volcano dominates our ride this morning - and what a sight! You may even see and hear it erupt as you ride around its base, from a safe distance of course. We'll stop on the way to do an exciting Zip Lines Canopy Tour. Our bike ride ends at the Arenal Dam where our boat-restaurant will be waiting to take us for a gentle ride on the lake, all the way to our hotel. Tonight we'll stay at a very special and small resort overlooking the lake. Tropical/European dinner together. Distance: 22 to 38 km (14 to 24 miles).
Lodging: Hotel La Mansion Inn
Day 5: Bike around Arenal Lake and Hike in the Rainforest
Highlights: Lake Arenal, El Silencio Rainforest Preserve
Today we continue our spectacular ride around the north shore of Lake Arenal. We'll ride to El Silencio Rainforest Preserve where we'll hike accompanied by our naturalist guide. In the afternoon we'll suggest a perfect picnic spot where you can take a refreshing swim in the lake before biking back to our hotel. Enjoy a great sunset over one of the most beautiful lakes in the world followed by our final dinner together. Distance: 41 km (25.5 miles) and 2 hours hiking.
Lodging: Hotel La Mansion Inn
Day 6: Shuttle back to San José
Highlights: Tour ends with a complimentary shuttle back to San José
Our bicycle adventure comes to an end today. We'll also provide a shuttle back to José and the airport, arriving around noon, for those needing to get home. If you plan to depart today, be sure to book a flight that leaves no sooner than 3:00 pm. Pura Vida!-
HighlightsWorld famous Eco Termales Hot Springs, Bicycle ride around Lake Arenal, Zip line canopy tour, Monkeys, iguanas and more
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Includes6 days, 5 nights accommodation; 4 dinners with beer or fruit drink, 1 lunch, 3 breakfasts; group shuttle to San José at tour's end, and all activities included in the itinerary.
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CountriesCosta Rica
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Begin/EndSan José
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Arrive/DepartJuan Santamaria Int'l Airport, San José (SJO)
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Total Distance144 - 201 km (88 - 124 miles)
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Daily Distance22 - 52 km (14 - 32 miles)
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What to ExpectWonderful bike rides, wildlife and bird viewing opportunities, Arenal Volcano and Tico hospitality
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Rating201
Varied terrain: long flat stretches on two days, other days with several short climbs. Lots of extra mileage options. -
Notes
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Terms
Click on the "pins" for details about each day's highlights.
Map Key
Start
City (on route)
End
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