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Costa Rica Bike Tour

Arenal Volcano to the Pacific Coast

From $3,599 - $4,149 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.

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Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip
Costa Rica

Start/End San José

Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Costa Rica Biking Map

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 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

Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Costa Rica Biking Map

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 | Join a cooking class and learn to make ceviche, patacones and mojitos.

Day 3 Pedal rolling roads flanked by papaya, pineapple and yucca plantations | Hop off the saddle to explore a local art gallery | Soak in hot springs amid palms, bromeliads and ferns | The afternoon is yours to do as you choose—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 along the Pacific Ocean to Curú Biological Reserve | Keep your eyes open for scarlet macaws and spider monkeys on a walk through the tropical dry forest with a local naturalist | Bask by the spring-fed swimming pool, 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.

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

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C Classic Dates

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.

Private Trip Pricing
  • 10 or more Guests: from $3,599 pp dbl occ
    • 9 Guests: from $4,099 pp dbl occ
      • 8 Guests: from $4,299 pp dbl occ
      • 2-7 Guests: Give us a call or reach out here!

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

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

  • 2+ AVAILABLE TO BOOK
    for 2 or more guests
  • 8+ AVAILABLE TO BOOK
    for 8 or more guests
  • 16+ AVAILABLE TO BOOK
    for 16 or more guests
  • Reserved

C Couples, Friends & Solos Tours

2020 November
8+ 11/29–12/4
2021 March
8+ 3/21–3/26
2021 November
8+ 11/21–11/26

View Scheduled Dates

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

C Couples, Friends & Solos Tours

View Scheduled Dates
Go Private
Go Custom

Prices

From $3,599 - $4,149 pp dbl. occ.
6 days / 5 nights

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

Internal air: $340


Reviews

Read the Reviews
Write a Review

Premiere & Casual Hotels*

Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens
Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens

La Fortuna (3 nights)

Tango Mar Beach Resort
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

Costa Rica Bike Tours

View more photos

Watch videos
Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip

Reviews by Power Reviews ®

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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

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

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 )

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 21* 600 30 1700
2 20* 1700 27* 1900
Hanging Bridges Walk (2 Miles; 300' elevation gain) or Yoga Class (1 Hour)
Boat Cruise on Lake Arenal (30 Minutes)
Costa Rican Cooking Class (2 Hours)
3 29* 1600 41 2700
Hot Springs Visit (2 Hours)
4 18* 700 33* 1200
5 14* 900 28 1900
6 Waterfall Hike (2 Miles; 200' elevation gain)
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)

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included in your trip price– Available until 4/1/20)

Wishing for a little extra assistance up those hills? Our custom Backroads Electric-Assist Bike lets you experience the thrill of exploring on two wheels while providing a boost when you want it. We've modified a selection of our great Titanium Bikes with the intuitive BionX "pedal-assist" system.

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included)

NEW! Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included in your trip price – Available beginning 4/1 in North America, 5/1 in Europe and 11/1 outside of Europe and North America.)

Our newly redesigned Titanium Electric-Assist Bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power (and then some!) to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance. Other outstanding features include the same comfort as our Touring Bikes and lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting.

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist 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 travel by air to reach the exclusive areas this destination has to offer. We will be flying by charter with Sansa Airlines aboard turbo-prop planes that seat 8-14 passengers. These flights occasionally experience delays or cancellations due to inclement weather. In the rare instance a flight is cancelled we are prepared to travel by land.

Terrain & Climate

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 the occasional short steep hill. ​Keep in mind that the humidity, heat and rough road conditions can make biking feel more challenging. In addition, Tico roads were not designed with a shoulder, and if you are traveling over busier holiday periods, there may be more traffic than expected.

Accommodations

This trip with Premiere Hotels includes two nights at Tango Mar Beach Resort, a Casual Hotel. The guest rooms are comfortable, but simpler than those of our other hotels. We've chosen this property because of its warm hospitality, prime beachfront location and proximity to our biking routes.

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.

Peak Season

The holiday and spring break months are a great time to travel; however, with days off and the desire to escape for sunshine many others have the same idea. While we always aim to get off the beaten path, during certain times of the year crowds and delays are unavoidable.

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

Backroads Photo Gallery

Biker - Costa Rica Bike Tours
Biking on the beach - Costa Rica Bike Tours
Monkey - Costa Rica Bike Tours
Cycling - Costa Rica Bike Tours
Butterfly - Costa Rica Bike Tours
Biking in water - Costa Rica Bike Tours
Locals - Costa Rica Bike Tours
Cart - Costa Rica Bike Tours
Arenal Volcano - Costa Rica Bike Tours
Costa Rica Bike Tours
Coconuts - Costa Rica Bike Tours
Pool - Costa Rica Bike Tours

Guest Photo Gallery

Videos

Featured Blog Story

Pura vida beach costa rica
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.

Flights

On this trip we travel by air to reach the exclusive areas this destination has to offer. We will be flying by charter with Sansa Airlines aboard turbo-prop planes that seat 8-14 passengers. These flights occasionally experience delays or cancellations due to inclement weather. In the rare instance a flight is cancelled we are prepared to travel by land.

Terrain & Climate

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 the occasional short steep hill. ​Keep in mind that the humidity, heat and rough road conditions can make biking feel more challenging. In addition, Tico roads were not designed with a shoulder, and if you are traveling over busier holiday periods, there may be more traffic than expected.

Accommodations

This trip with Premiere Hotels includes two nights at Tango Mar Beach Resort, a Casual Hotel. The guest rooms are comfortable, but simpler than those of our other hotels. We've chosen this property because of its warm hospitality, prime beachfront location and proximity to our biking routes.

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.

Peak Season

The holiday and spring break months are a great time to travel; however, with days off and the desire to escape for sunshine many others have the same idea. While we always aim to get off the beaten path, during certain times of the year crowds and delays are unavoidable.

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