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Costa Rica Biking

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 rain-forest lodge where relaxation comes naturally.

Days 1-2 La Fortuna

Meet in San José Pedal through a lush agricultural area laden with sugar cane, banana, pineapple and papaya en route to La Fortuna, nestled beneath rumbling Arenal Volcano After a scenic cruise across Lake Arenal, enjoy panoramic views while biking a portion of the Vuelta del Lago mountain bike race route  Spin past palms, ferns and bromeliads, then reward yourself with a sweet treat at a German bakery  In the evening, soothe your biking muscles with a soak in hot springs.

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 pedal along a rolling seaside road, listening to the sounds of the surrounding rain forest  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 coast 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 with an option to hike and kayak in Corcovado National Park Return to San José by scenic charter flight.

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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 villas overlook the calm waters of Golfo Dulce.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6

Please note that all biking is done on mountain bikes and the terrain can make the routes feel more difficult than the mileage may suggest.

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 Biking Average Walking Average
Insider Trips
Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more.
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
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS

Guest Trip Reviews

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.
Gail S. - 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.
Ken Benjamin - Los Gatos, CA

As usual, we had a great time on our Costa Rica trip. The leaders were real cheer leaders for the country and the places we visited. We feel very fortunate that we were able to see and experience places in the country not frequented by the ordinary tourist. The lodging was extraordinary and each place had its own unique quality. We admire your ability to search out the unusual for your guests. Our leaders made us feel like real champs and that's a good way to feel.
Harold Holden - Franklin Lakes, NJ

Great bike rides, wonderful people, excellent staff (both leaders and drivers), incomparable food and accommodations - what's not too like? The local drivers were fun, enthusiastic, and clearly part of a successful team with the leaders. Great trip! Good bike routes, wonderful food and accommodations, very friendly people, and incomparable leaders and drivers. The friends we made were icing on the cake.
Wayne Lindstrom - Ann Arbor, MI

We loved the whole experience, it really met all our expectations, we're still dreaming about it!
Linda Dibble - Ann Arbor, MI

What can I say but fantastic! Our support drivers were SO crucial to our good time. They kept us hydrated, fed and happy. Since my first travels with Backroads 11½ years ago, I have been constantly talking about the company with other people. I have never had such great vacations as I have had with Backroads.
Amanda Riggs - Fort McMurray, AB

Great trip, wonderful guides far beyond my expectations. I am excited to take my next trip with my grown children so they can have this experience. It was the perfect start to my husband’s retirement. Thank you.
Edith Otto