Costa Rica Biking
From Arenal Volcano Down the Coast to the Osa Peninsula
Your wedding day, graduation, the day you got that promotion. What are some of your best days? Well, make some space for these six days in Costa Rica. The ride from Dominical to the Golfo Dulce. Sounds of the rain forest. The blue Pacific on white sands. Greetings from howler monkeys. Sweet papaya. Smiles from a local fisherman bringing in the night’s supper. The warm sun on your back, and one epic ride. Together they will be the accumulation of six incredible days that will rank among the all-time greats.
- Explore the remote Osa Peninsula, one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions
- Scenic flights connect distant parts of Costa Rica
- Spin through lush rain forest, listening to toucans call and howler monkeys roar
- Arenal Volcano, an active cinder cone that regularly steams and rumbles
- Soak in hot springs in a rain forest oasis
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Arenal Volcano, an active cinder cone that regularly steams and rumbles 
Pedal to La Fortuna through a lush area laden with sugar cane, banana, pineapple and papaya.
Day 2 Soak in rain forest hot springs After a scenic boat cruise on Lake Arenal, ride part of the Vuelta del Lago mountain bike race route - at your own pace of course - and enjoy panoramic views and the chance to spot coatis and howler monkeys Spin through broadleaf forest and reward yourself with a cup of the area’s finest coffee.
Day 3 Scenic flights connect distant parts of Costa Rica From the surf town of Dominical, bike a rolling route along the Pacific Discover the magical National Marine Park of Bahia Ballena, among Costa Rica’s most adored beaches.
Days 4-6 Explore the remote Osa Peninsula, one of the planet's most biodiverse regions Embark on an epic ride (a highlight for sure!) along the coast and through the jungle to the tranquil Golfo Dulce Toucans, parrots, macaws and sloths - just some of what’s out there ¡Buenas! This any-time-of-day greeting is handy as you pedal quiet hilly back roads through friendly Tico communities What’s your idea of paradise? How about basking on warm white sand, then feasting on seafood al fresco beneath an ocean sunset.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Bali Biking Thailand Biking Hawaii BikingOther Central/South America Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
This was the most incredible vacation I have ever taken, and I have been promoting Backroads since returning home. Each day brought wonderful and unique experiences. Never having taken a trip like this, I did not know what to expect and now cannot believe I waited this long to try a group trip like this one. My husband and I plan to take many more trips with Backroads in the future.- Cherry Hill, NJ More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Costa Rica Biking
Premiere Inns*
Lost Iguana Resort
La Fortuna (2 nights) Revel in the views of Arenal Volcano from your private balcony. (pool, spa)
Cristal Ballena
Dominical (1 night) A welcoming tropical retreat situated between the ocean and the rain forest - an ideal spot to catch the sunset. (pool, spa)
* Casual Inn
Villas Corcovado
Golfo Dulce (2 nights) A luxurious rain forest hideaway with private beachfront villas built of local woods. (pool)
Costa Rica Biking
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 4
3 Route Options Available
- 11, 22, 34 miles
- 450 - 1300 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available.
- 16, 27, 47 miles
- 400 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Option Available
- 17, 26 miles
- 250 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 22, 51, 68 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 14, 26 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Guided Walk 1 hour
Please note: All biking is done on mountain bikes and the rough terrain makes the routes feel more difficult than the mileage may suggest.