Costa Rica Bike Tour
- Road bike past thriving rain forest, breathtaking waterfalls and captivating villages
- Commune with nature at the tranquil eco-friendly Nayara Hotel & Spa
- Ride in the shadow of imposing Arenal Volcano
- Soak in hot springs in a jungle oasis
- Watch monkeys play - then hit the beach and show them how humans do it!
Arenal Volcano to the Nicoya Peninsula
Your wedding day, graduation, the day you got that promotion. What are some of your best days? Well, make space for these six days in Costa Rica. You'll follow undulating routes on road bikes, spinning past scenery so enchanting you're instantly smitten. Be greeted by farmers - and howler monkeys! Soak in hot springs, hike in the rain forest, gape at waterfalls and that majestic volcano. Love the riding and those papaya batidos. Did we mention blissing out on a gorgeous beach? By the end, you'll know these six incredible days will never be forgotten.
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.
Read the Straight Talk
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.Terrain & 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.Rain and humidity may be ideal for Costa Rica's cloud forests and wildlife, but they're tough on the roads. Be prepared for the occasional pothole (hueco—pronounced "wayco") and short sections of gravel. Keep in mind that the humidity, heat and elevation gain can make biking feel more challenging (but will make the hotels' pools feel that much more refreshing!).
On-Your-Own Activities
During the trip there's time for you to enjoy zip-lining, one of Costa Rica's favorite activities. This activity is often a highlight, but as it's not to everyone's liking it's not included in the cost of the trip and participation is at your own risk. 
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.
Terrain & 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.Rain and humidity may be ideal for Costa Rica's cloud forests and wildlife, but they're tough on the roads. Be prepared for the occasional pothole (hueco—pronounced "wayco") and short sections of gravel. Keep in mind that the humidity, heat and elevation gain can make biking feel more challenging (but will make the hotels' pools feel that much more refreshing!).
On-Your-Own Activities
During the trip there's time for you to enjoy zip-lining, one of Costa Rica's favorite activities. This activity is often a highlight, but as it's not to everyone's liking it's not included in the cost of the trip and participation is at your own risk.
Itinerary
Day
1 Meet our longtime local friends, who introduce you to the pura vida lifestyle that defines the Tico culture 
Ride on smooth undulating roads through rain forests, over rivers, past fruit groves and small farming hamlets Clouds willing, the views of Arenal Volcano will be impressive! Mango con leche, anyone? Cool off with a refreshing fruit drink in lively La Fortuna.
Day
2 Take in views of majestic Arenal Volcano on a boat ride across Lake Arenal Pedal part of the Vuelta del Lago mountain bike race route - at your own pace of course Sweet music to your ears? Listen for the call of howler and white-faced 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 canopy or a visit to the spa, perhaps?
Days
4-6 A scenic flight whisks us to the Nicoya Peninsula Pedal through tropical dry forest, with spectacular views of 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 Savor the relaxed pace of "Tico time": bask by the spring-fed swimming pool, visit the spa, do some yoga - or find your very own pura vida on the beach.
Premiere & Casual Inns*
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. Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa)
Tango Mar Beach Resort
Playa Tambor (2 nights) 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, tennis, golf)
Guest Reviews About This Trip
Another outstanding biking trip! This is the very best way to visit the diverse environments of Costa Rica and relax at the end of the day in outstanding accommodations. Bravo Backroads!- Miami, FL
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.- Fort McMurray, AB
Great bike rides, wonderful people, excellent staff (both leaders and drivers), incomparable food and accommodations - what's not to 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.- Ann Arbor, MI
Trip Dates & Prices
Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.
2015 CLASSIC DATES
March 2015
- 3/2 - 3/7 ( $3198 per person, double occ., +$590 for single occ. , +$300 for internal airfare
- 3/9 - 3/14 ( $3298 per person, double occ., +$590 for single occ. , +$300 for internal airfare
April 2015
- 4/7 - 4/12 ( $3298 per person, double occ., +$590 for single occ. , +$300 for internal airfare
December 2015
- 12/17 - 12/22 ( $3198 per person, double occ., +$620 for single occ. , +$300 for internal airfare
- 12/22 - 12/27 ( $3198 per person, double occ., +$620 for single occ. , +$300 for internal airfare
- 12/25 - 12/30 ( $3198 per person, double occ., +$620 for single occ. , +$300 for internal airfare
- 12/30 - 1/4 ( $3198 per person, double occ., +$620 for single occ. , +$300 for internal airfare
2016 CLASSIC DATES
January 2016
- 1/5 - 1/10 ( $2998 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ. , +$300 for internal airfare
- 1/17 - 1/22 ( $2998 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ. , +$300 for internal airfare
- 1/31 - 2/5 ( $2998 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ. , +$300 for internal airfare
February 2016
- 2/14 - 2/19 ( $2998 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ. , +$300 for internal airfare
- 2/28 - 3/4 ( $2998 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ. , +$300 for internal airfare
March 2016
- 3/13 - 3/18 ( $2998 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ. , +$300 for internal airfare
- 3/27 - 4/1 ( $2998 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ. , +$300 for internal airfare
April 2016
- 4/10 - 4/15 ( $2998 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ. , +$300 for internal airfare
December 2016
- 12/18 - 12/23 ( $3198 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ. , +$300 for internal airfare
- 12/24 - 12/29 ( $3198 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ. , +$300 for internal airfare
- 12/30 - 1/4 ( $3198 per person, double occ., +$560 for single occ. , +$300 for internal airfare
Don't see your ideal travel date? Call us at 800-462-2848 for Private Trip date availability.
This Trip Is Rated Level 2-4
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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 22* | 600 | ||||||||
| 28 | 1100 | |||||||||
| 2 | 14* | 1400 | 23* | 1900 | 40 | 2900 | ||||
| Boat Cruise on Lake Arenal (30 Minutes) | ||||||||||
| Hanging Bridges Walk (2 Miles) | ||||||||||
| 3 | 22* | 700 | 37* | 1200 | 62 | 2500 | ||||
| Optional Zip-Lining | ||||||||||
| 4 | 25 | 600 | 41 | 1100 | ||||||
| 5 | 14* | 800 | 28 | 1500 | ||||||
| 6 | Waterfall Hike (2 Miles; 300` elevation gain) | |||||||||
| Morning Yoga (1 Hour) | ||||||||||
Rain and humidity may be ideal for Costa Rica’s cloud forests and wildlife, but they’re tough on the roads. Be prepared for the occasional pothole (hueco - pronounced "wayco") and short sections of gravel. Since the overwhelming majority of our routes are paved, but road conditions can change unexpectedly, we’ve elected to use our standard 9-speed titanium road bikes on this trip.
Please keep in mind that the humidity and heat can make the riding in Costa Rica feel more challenging. Nothing a cool drink and a refreshing dip in the pool can’t fix!
* Includes a shuttle
Private Trips Options & Pricing
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 any open date for your group of 8 or more except for trips departing during the last two weeks of December, where a 16 guest minimum is required. Call us for date availability.
Pricing for Private Trips (prices may vary based on departure date)
2015
| 8 - 9 guests from $3,798 pp dbl. occ. | 12 or more guests from $2,998 pp dbl. occ. |
| 10 - 11 guests from $3,298 pp dbl. occ. |
2016
| 8 - 9 guests from $4,498 pp dbl. occ. | 12 or more guests from $3,698 pp dbl. occ. |
| 10 - 11 guests from $3,998 pp dbl. occ. |
For groups of 2 to 7 guests, please call for Custom Trip pricing.
More Recommended Trips
For 35 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Costa Rica tour experts. See our award-winning Latin America biking tours, Latin America walking and hiking tours and Latin America multisport tours.
