Costa Rica Biking
Discover the real meaning of pura vida in Costa Rica, a diverse slice of Central American paradise. Picture green pastures and a rain forest alongside a breathtaking lake. A mighty volcano that regularly smolders and rumbles. A remote peninsula that beckons with pristine playas, warm Pacific waves and miles of tranquil roads crisscrossing one of the most biologically rich corridors in the world. And a country inhabited by some of the friendliest people on earth. Bike with Backroads through several ecological zones and stop for breaks in remote villages and on inviting beaches. At night, settle in at oceanfront retreats and a lakefront villa where relaxation comes naturally.
Days 1-2 La Fortuna
Meet in San José 
En route to La Fortuna, nestled beneath rumbling Arenal Volcano, pedal through a lush agricultural area laden with sugar cane, banana, pineapple and papaya 
Spin past palms, ferns and bromeliads to emerge on the shore of Lake Arenal After a scenic cruise across the lake, enjoy panoramic views while biking a portion of the Vuelta al Lago mountain bike race route.
Day 3 Dominical
A morning charter flight whisks us to the Pacific coast Hop on your bike in the quaint surf town of Dominical and spin along the rolling seaside road, with beach on one side and rain forest on the other Bask on warm white sand this afternoon, then wrap up the day with an al fresco seafood feast as the sun sets over the ocean.
Days 4-6 Golfo Dulce
Embark on an epic ride (sure to be a highlight!) along the ocean and through the jungle to the tranquil Golfo Dulce and Osa Peninsula, one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions Keep your eyes and ears open for howler monkeys, toucans, parrots, macaws and sloths Pedal quiet hilly back roads through friendly Tico communities Take advantage of options to hike and kayak in Corcovado National Park Return to San José by scenic flight.
TICO TREASURES : Premiere Inns
Lost Iguana (2 nights): At this colorful resort, relax in your spacious room with a private balcony, swim in the sparkling swimming pool and revel in views of Arenal Volcano.
Cristal Ballena (1 night): Superb ocean vistas, 30 landscaped acres and a large swimming pool are yours to enjoy at this welcoming tropical retreat.
Villas Corcovado (2 nights): Nestled amid 70 remote acres of pristine jungle, with a swimming pool, a quiet beach and private gardens, these luxury private villas overlook the calm waters of Golfo Dulce.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 14, 20, 32 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available.
- 16, 27, 47 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 1 Route Option Available
- 17 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 4 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 22, 39, 68 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 21, 32 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 3.1 miles
- Conclusion of Trip
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 1/5-10Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $430
- 1/26-31Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $430
- 2/2-7Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $430
- 2/23-28Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $430
- 3/9-14Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $430
- 3/31-4/5Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $430
- 4/7-12Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $430
- 4/20-25Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $430
- 12/30-1/4Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $430
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Trip praise
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
This was a great trip from top to bottom. The leaders and van support were just terrific. Thank you for the beautiful birthday party and the gift that our leaders arranged. It was beautiful. Our whole family had the time of our lives.- Los Gatos, CA