Costa Rica: Volcanoes and Guanacaste Beaches
Eight days, challenging cycling on a mix of paved and rough roads, from the interior volcanoes and hot springs to the empty west coast beaches. Wildlife is abundant, and you will feel part of it!
Costa Rica sets the pace and space for a wonderful active holiday. The climate is perfect for cycling and swimming; the people are educated, friendly, and beautiful; and there are heavenly places to rest at night. This adventure combines the unusual experience of Arenal’s volcanic activity with the best tropical beach ride in Costa Rica on the Nicoya Peninsula. A smorgasbord of active delights, it includes abundant wildlife sightings, beautiful rides on quiet roads, opportunities for surfing and horseback riding, and rests at exquisite lodges. You will visit absolute biological reserves, deserted beaches, and cascading waterfalls, as well as hot springs near the mountain divide, and tropical surf on the enchanting beaches of the north Pacific coast. The riding includes some challenges on rough and hilly roads which help make the destinations quiet and superbly untrammeled. Air-conditioned van support is available if you choose to replace some of the day’s challenge with an early finish by the pool or at the beach.
The Plan:
Day 1: Arrival
Make your way to your inn in San Jose. Your guides will meet you at breakfast tomorrow morning. (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only)
Hotel Grano de Oro, San Jose, www.hotelgranodeoro.com;
Upgrade: Finca Rosa Blanca, Heredia, www.finca-rblanca.co.cr, $100 per person extra.
Day 2: Cycling to La Fortuna Waterfall ~40km (25 mi)
Paved and well-maintained gravel roads. Final 6km to the falls is a challenging uphill.
Your day begins with a shuttle to Tigra near La Fortuna and active Arenal Volcano. Ride to La Fortuna Waterfall to hike the lush forest and a refreshing swim beside the cascade. Entrance fees are included and all proceeds are used to benefit the community. Another ride brings you to your resort for the night where you can spend the evening enjoying views of the lively Arenal Volcano. BLD
Lost Iguana Resort, www.lostiguanaresort.com; or
El Silencio del Campo, www.hotelsilenciodelcampo.com; or
Arenal Observatory Lodge, La Fortuna, www.arenalobservatorylodge.com;
Day 3: Cycling Arenal Lake ~50km (31mi)
On packed gravel and paved roads.
This morning you depart the Fortuna area and head towards the town of Tilarán at the opposite end of Arenal Lake. You will enjoy excellent views as you follow the paved northern route in and out of ravines, across bridges and past the town of New Arenal, with the mighty volcano at your back. BL
Mystica Lodge, Tilaran, www.mysticaretreat.com
Day 4: Cycling from Santa Cruz to the Coast ~30km (19mi)
Generally a downhill ride and often accompanied by a tailwind.
Today’s destination is the sand and surf of Costa Rica’s west coast. You will start with a transfer to the village of Santa Cruz where you can enjoy an independent lunch in town. From here you will begin your ride to the beach. Playa Junquillal is well known for it’s active waters and is one of the top surfing destinations in Costa Rica. BD
Hotelito Sisisi, www.hotelitosisisi.com; or
Hotel Guacamaya Lodge, www.guacamayalodge.com; or
Hotel Iguanazul, Playa Junquillal, www.hoteliguanazul.com
Day 5: Cycling to Samara ~60km (37mi)
A lengthy ride along the hilly coast.
This is spectacular riding on rough roads with very minimal traffic. Stop in the cowboy town of Nosara for lunch and take any opportunity to swim as you ride past numerous beaches. We recommend a visit to Playa Garza where an offshore reef protects the crescent bay with its broad, white-sand beach. Take a break under the palm trees and have a refreshing plunge in the sea before cycling the last 15km to your hotel. B
Villas Kalimba, www.villaskalimba.com; or
Hotel Samara Beach, Samara, www.hotelsamarabeach.com
Day 6: Cycling to Playa San Miguel ~40km (24mi)
A few inland roads with one notable climb.
Today you can savour the tropical delights of Costa Rica’s finest and less visited beaches as you make your way from Sámara to Playa San Miguel. This beach is known for its white sand and tranquil waters - a seldom visited beach full of wildlife and perfect for long beach walks and beautiful sunsets. BLD
The Flying Scorpion, Playa San Miguel, www.theflyingscorpion.com
Day 7: Cycling to Malpaís ~50km (31mi)
The ride to Malpaís is one of the nicest rides we know of!
From your hotel you ride on gravel roads until the town of Ario, where you jump on the beach all the way to Mal País. This is a perfect spot; marrying the beating heart of tropical forests with the serene spirit of the ocean surf. BL
Milarepa Hotel, Malpais, www.milarepahotel.com; or
Beja Flor Resort, www.beijaflorresort.com;
Upgrade: Florblanca, www.florblanca.com, $120–$220 per person extra, depending on season and room category.
Day 8: Return to San Jose
Today you can take advantage of optional activities such as canopy tours, horseback riding, surfing lessons, hiking Cabo Blanco National Park, and watersports. Your transfer back to San Jose departs early afternoon, then taking the 16:00 ferry across to Puntarenas where we will stop for our last dinner together. Arrival San Jose by 22:00, where your guides say farewell, and you can indulge in well-earned sleep, perhaps after sampling San Jose nightlife. We are able to help you secure lodging in San Jose, based on your preferences. BD
The Details:
| Start: | San Jose day one, your guide will meet you the next morning at breakfast. |
| Finish: | San Jose 22:00, day eight |
| Guided Cost: | $2995 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, vehicle transfers, luggage handling, van and guide support, maps and route notes) |
| Self-Guided: | $2795 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, necessary vehicle transfers, luggage handling, maps and route notes) |
| Single Occupancy: | $595 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Mountain Bike: $195 |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Nov 6-13; Nov 21-28; Oct 30-Nov 6 (customized trip & professional development program with Barry Braun - Pathways to Success); Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure. |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | Jan 9-16; Feb 20-27;Mar 6-13; Nov 5-12, 20-27. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure. |
| Self-Guided Dates: | You choose! Best months are November to April. |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
