Costa Rica Bike Tour

Arenal Volcano to the Pacific Coast

From $3,398 - $4,049 pp dbl. occ. | 6 days / 5 nights

(+$1,230 for sgl. occ.)

Internal air: $340

Consider some of the best days of your life—and include this week in Costa Rica. You'll bike amid enchanting scenery. Soak in hot springs, hike in a tropical dry forest, bliss out on a beach and marvel at that majestic volcano. Love those papaya batidos. Be greeted by howler monkeys! Six incredible days that will never be forgotten.

Highlights

Bike past thriving rain forests, breathtaking waterfalls, captivating villages and farming hamlets
Ride in the shadow of imposing Arenal Volcano after a boat ride across its beautiful sister lake
Rejuvenate in hot springs in a jungle oasis full of lush palms, colorful tree-clinging bromeliads and verdant ferns
Experience Costa Rica from a bird's-eye view by zip line or suspended bridges in the rain forest

Costa Rica

Start/End San José

Itinerary

Day 1 Meet our longtime local friends, who introduce you to the pura vida lifestyle that defines the Tico culture | Ride on undulating roads through rain forests, over rivers, past fruit groves and farming hamlets | Clouds willing, the views of Arenal Volcano will be impressive! | Cool off with a refreshing fruit drink in La Fortuna.

Day 2 Take in majestic Arenal Volcano on a boat ride across Lake Arenal | Pedal part of the Vuelta del Lago bike race route | Sweet music to your ears? Listen for the call of howler monkeys as you venture across a network of hanging bridges high in the rain forest canopy | Soak in hot springs amid palms, bromeliads and ferns.

Day 3 Pedal rolling roads flanked by papaya, pineapple and yucca plantations | Hop off the saddle to explore a local art gallery | The afternoon is yours to do as you choose—more biking, a zip-line adventure through the jungle treetops or a visit to the spa, perhaps?

Days 4-6 A scenic flight whisks us to the Nicoya Peninsula | Pedal through the province of Guanacaste, with spectacular views of mountains and the Gulf of Nicoya | Enjoy ocean breezes on a private boat ride to Bahia Ballena | Ride to Curú Biological Reserve, keeping your eyes open for scarlet macaws and spider monkeys | Bask by the spring-fed swimming pool, hike through a tropical dry forest, do some yoga or lounge on the beach.

Next: Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.

Cancellation fees may vary based upon departure date. Please review the grid below:

Number of Days Prior to Trip Start	Cancellation Fees (per person)	Departure Dates
96+ days	$200	2018 11/18, 12/16, 12/23, 12/29 2019 1/13, 1/27, 2/10, 3/10, 3/24, 4/7, 11/17, 12/1, 12/15, 12/22, 12/29
61-95 days	30%
31-60 days	60%
0-30 days	100%
156+ days	$600	2018 11/11, 12/2
126-155 days	30%
96-125 days	50%
61-95 days	75%
31-60 days	100%
0-30 days	100%

For information on our trip transfers see here.

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

Available
to Book i
Going
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Us i
Private Trip
– Reserved i

C Classic Dates

1/27–2/1

2019 February

2/10–2/15

2019 March

3/10–3/15

2019 April

4/7–4/12

2019 November

11/17–11/22

2019 December

12/1–12/6

12/15–12/20

12/22–12/27

12/29–1/3

View Private Dates

Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities. You can pick from the selection of dates below for your group of 8 or more. If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you. Call or email us to reserve your date.

2019 Private Trip Pricing

10 or more guests: from $3,699 pp dbl occ
8 - 9 guests: from $4,299 pp dbl occ

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

Don't see your ideal travel date? Make a Date

8 AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 8 or more guests
12 AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 12 or more guests
16 AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 16 or more guests
Reserved

C Couples, Friends & Solos Tours

2018 November

11/11–11/16

2018 December

12/2–12/7

2019 March

8 3/24–3/29

2019 December

8 12/1–12/6

8 12/15–12/20

16 12/22–12/27

View Scheduled Dates

The sky’s the limit! Tell us what your dream trip would be and we'll make it happen! Whether you're looking for a honeymoon trip for 2, a 30-person family reunion or a 100-person corporate trip, we can do it all. A dedicated Custom Trip Consultant will work closely with you to bring your dreams to reality. Call us at 800-462-2848 to speak with your Custom Trip Consultant or click on the button below.

REQUEST YOUR CUSTOM TRIP NOW

Previous: Overview

Dates

2019
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
Nov
Dec

View Scheduled Dates
Go Private
Go Custom

Prices

From $3,398 - $4,049 pp dbl. occ.
6 days / 5 nights

(+$1,230 for sgl. occ.)

Internal air: $340

Reviews

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Premiere & Casual Hotels*

Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens

La Fortuna (3 nights)

Tango Mar Beach Resort

Playa Tambor (2 nights)

* Casual Hotel

See Lodging Details

Activity Level

This trip is rated Levels 2-4

See Daily Route Options

What's Included

Services and equipment are included.

See how we include more

Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in Costa Rica

Find out What sets us apart

More On This Trip

View more photos

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Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip

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Next: Lodging

Premiere & Casual Hotels*

Accommodations may vary based on departure date. Any difference from what is listed below can be found by clicking on your desired date on the View Scheduled Dates or Private Dates tabs.

Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens

La Fortuna (3 nights)

Arenal Volcano is on display at this tranquil oasis, whose spacious bungalows each offer a private deck with whirlpool tub and a secluded outdoor shower. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa)

Tango Mar Beach Resort

Playa Tambor (2 nights)

* Casual Hotel

This serene seaside haven provides the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll on the beach or a siesta in a hammock slung beneath palms. (pool, spa)

Previous: Reviews

Next: Activity Level

This Trip Is Rated Levels 2-4

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.

Daily Route Options (drag to see full )

Day	EASYGOING				ACTIVE				AVID
Daily Route Options
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Level 4		Level 5
	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain
1			21*	600	30	1700
2	11*	1000	21*	1600			38	2800
	Boat Cruise on Lake Arenal (30 Minutes)
	Optional Hanging Bridges Walk (2 Miles; 300' elevation gain)
3			24*	1500	40*	2800	45	3500
	Traditional Cooking Class (1 Hour)
	Optional Zip-Lining (not included)
4			17*	700	35*	1200
5	14*	800			27	1700	39	2300
6	Waterfall Hike (2 Miles; 200' elevation gain)
6	Morning Yoga (1 Hour)

Note: Humidity and heat can make routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest.

* Includes shuttle.

Learn more about how we determine our activity level and fully support a range of abilities and interests.

Please note that our distance and elevation figures come from Ride with GPS. Other sources may give differing elevation figures due to different GPS and mapping technologies and other external factors.

Previous: Lodging

Next: What's Included

Meals

All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

Available Bike Options

The key to a stellar day’s ride is a bike that’s perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Read on for your available bike options for this trip.

Backroads Titanium Bikes (Included in your trip price)

Our custom-built titanium bikes are specially designed for you—and we offer different models for varied terrain so your bike is ideally suited to the region. Our custom-made bikes are included in your trip price.

Touring Bike (Included)

Performance Road Bike (Included)

Also Included

Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
Snacks and beverages between meals
Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
Park and other entry fees
Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
Select coach transfers
Baggage transfers and porterage

Previous: Activity Level

Next: Straight Talk

Next: Why Backroads

Get the Straight Talk about This Trip

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Flights

On this trip we occasionally travel by air to reach the exclusive hotels and activities this destination has to offer. We will be flying by charter with Sansa Airlines, a division of Avianca, aboard turboprop planes that seat 8–14 passengers.

Terrain

Rain and humidity may be ideal for Costa Rica's cloud forests and wildlife, but they're tough on the roads. Be prepared for unexpected potholes (huecos—pronounced "waycos") and sections of rough roads. Also note that these Tico roads were not designed with a shoulder, and if you're traveling over busier holiday periods, there may be more traffic than expected.

Climate

Costa Rica is known for its volcanoes, rain forests and tropical climate. On this trip we'll flatten some of the hills with strategic shuttles to give you a boost, but you should be comfortable with the occasional short steep hill or with hopping in the van. Keep in mind that the humidity, heat and rough road conditions can make biking more challenging.

On-Your-Own Activities

During the trip there's time for you to enjoy some of Costa Rica's favorite activities, such as zip-lining, horseback riding and surfing. These activities are often a highlight for those who choose to do them, but due to liability issues and because they're not to everyone's liking, they're not included in the cost of the trip and participation is at your own risk.

Previous: What's Included

Next: Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in Costa Rica

A Second Van When You Need It

Backroads is the only active travel company providing two support vans in Costa Rica—because we know it's essential to ensure a truly great travel experience. It doubles our ability to be there when you need us to offer hydration, lighten your load or give you a lift if it's time to take a break. Read more on why two vans make all the difference.

The Best Leaders in Costa Rica

Backroads has the best-qualified people to lead your trip in Costa Rica, and our guests back that up, rating our Trip Leaders an average of 9.75 out of 10 for all-around quality of performance. Get the facts (and no fluff) on how we recruit and develop the very best people for your trip.

Everyone at Their Own Pace

We design and support our Costa Rica trips to suit mixed abilities and varied interests—so you can set your own pace, then change things up as the day unfolds. And all guests are free to do the same, traveling together or apart, with no one cramping anyone else's style. Which sounds easy in theory, but it's hard to pull off. Here's more on how we do it.

We Stand Behind Our Trips

Most companies' trips in Costa Rica are run by local operators. At Backroads we manage our own trips; we would never subcontract your precious vacation to a third party. So as you enjoy the support of your seasoned Trip Leaders, along with our expert local guides and drivers, you have the confidence of knowing we're with you every step of the way.

Our Superb Bikes Included

A great bike is obviously critical for a great biking trip; you don't want to gamble on one that's been sourced locally to trim costs. This trip features our acclaimed Backroads Custom Titanium bikes, expertly tuned and fitted, and included in your trip price. Learn why our titanium bikes are ideal for most riders.

A Variety of Routes Each Day

In Costa Rica you head off each morning after choosing among several expertly designed routes—all with detailed directions, mileage and shuttle options. Unlike trips with one fixed daily route (or worse, one guide that everyone's obliged to follow), you're free to enjoy the best of the region at your pace, stopping wherever you want to explore further.

We Live in the Neighborhood

Our Trip Leaders in Costa Rica live in the area and are deeply engaged in their communities, giving them unique inside knowledge they're happy to share in making your experience that much richer. They'll introduce you to people, customs and parts of town you'd likely never encounter on your own—and teach you a few local phrases to help break the ice.

Your Hotels Are Locked In

It may seem obvious to say the great hotels we tell you about are the ones you'll actually stay in. But the fact is many companies haven't even booked the places they promise and are later forced to settle for inferior alternatives. We book our hotels and exact rooms long in advance—often over two years—so you stay where you expect to stay.

Quality You Can Measure

Since 1979, Backroads Founder and President Tom Hale has shown that staying #1 means constantly evaluating our performance using the best possible source of information: our guests. As we systematically analyze your feedback on our trip consultants, leaders, hotels, meals and on-trip activities, we never stop working to make a great company even better.

Previous: Straight Talk

Previous: What's Included

Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip

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Featured Blog Story

5 Reasons to Visit Costa Rica | Backroads Blog

It seems word has officially gotten out about Costa Rica. It's an adventurer's playground, and globe-trotters from near and far are experiencing firsthand why it's such a unique and sought after tropical destination.

Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Costa Rica Bike Tour