Day 01

Following arrival at San José International Airport we have a short shuttle (30 min) west to peaceful Atenas, situated on the western edge of Costa Rica’s most populous region, the Central Valley. Our hotel here is beautiful Vista Atenas, with pristine landscaped grounds, sparkling swimming pool and spectacular view of the surrounding region. Once we are situated, and you have had a chance to relax, we will meet in the dining room for an excellent dinner, following which we discuss tour details.

Day 2

Today we start our adventure! Following a hearty full breakfast (7 a.m. ), we begin our ride out towards the Pacific Coast, starting with a tremendous 10 mile descent into the Rio Tárcoles valley.

Watch for the coffee plantations in the higher regions, followed by sugar cane as we drop further down into the valley. Remember, here in the tropics temperature is generally a function of altitude; this allows for much of Costa Rica famous diversity of eco systems. After crossing the river via an interesting suspension bridge, we climb out of the valley, passing through small typical villages such as San Pablo, San Pedro and San Francisco, after which we descend into the next valley to the south, with the Rio Turrubares at its base, which we will have to ford. This remote area is at the north edge of Carara National Park, and often we spot Scarlet Macaws, Toucans and Roseate Spoonbills near the river. After crossing the river, a 2.5 mile climb up to San Juan de Mata, our lunch stop, where you can sample Costa Rica’s typical midday meal, the “casado”, hearty and filing!

Excellent tropical fruit drinks here too. After lunch, we shuttle ( approx. 1 hour) on to bustling Puntarenas, our largest Pacific port. Hotel here is on old favorite, the Tioga, with Art-Deco architecture, a delightful open-air dining room overlooking the beach, and excellent sea-food. Late afternoon free to enjoy the beach and spectacular sunset. Dinner at hotel.

Day 3

This morning you have a chance to sample our typical breakfast, “Gallo Pinto” (7 a.m.). After breakfast we depart via bikes, riding along the sea – front malecon, hopefully with a little shade from the towering palm tree! As we work our way inland watch for water birds as we skirt the Puntarenas estuary on our left. Upon reaching Caldera, we begin to follow the old railroad tracks on into Mata de Limón, where we cross a foot bridge over another Mangrove estuary, then on through Cambalache and Machuca, small agricultural towns, growing mostly melons and mangoes.

After crossing the Rio Jesús María, we begin a steady climb up to Labrador, good for a rest stop under a shady fig tree. After our break, on towards Jesús María via a very remote back road; watch for our famous “living fence”. Lunch today will be picnic style upon arrival at Mahogany Park. For those who wish to try a Canopy tour ( zip – lines in tree tops ) here is a good opportunity. Also available are superb single – track trails located within the park. Following our activities we shuttle back up to Atenas, our hotel. Shuttle time is approx. 1 hour.

Day 4

Today we start our ride across Costa Rica’s most populated area, the Central Valley. After another great breakfast (7 a.m.) we head again for the Tárcoles Valley, this time using some of the route of what is reputed to be one of the world’s toughest mountain bikes races, the famous “Ruta de Los Conquistadores”! Following a steep descent to the river, we then face some challenging climbs on the south bank, riding through very remote regions with tiny communities such as Jateo, Cordel and Piedras Negras, where we can stop for refreshment. Then down into the valley again, followed by the usual climb out.

Lunch stop today is in Turrucares, a busy farming community, after which we ride on to our hotel, the pristine Rosa America, located in La Garita, a weekend retreat area for wealthy families from San José. The hotel features beautiful grounds and a nice pool. This evening’s dinner will be taken at one of Costa Rica’s best typical restaurants, the outstanding Delicias del Maíz.

Day 5

Today’s start is a bit different: after the usual 7 a.m. breakfast, we will shuttle thought busy San José and Cartago (approx 2 hours). If time permits, we will make a short stop at Costa Rica’s largest and best stocked bike shop, Los Ases. We start our ride in the mountains on the east side of the Central Valley, outside the small town of Lourdes.

You will note a dramatic change in the climate and eco system, as here we are at more than 4000 feet, riding through pine forest and cypress trees. Following a one mile climb to a pass, we then descend 8 miles through spectacular remote scenery, crossing several icy, crystal clear streams. Watch for the beautiful neon blue morpho butterfly near the crossings. As we make our way into the Orosi Valley, we travel through some of the world’s best coffee plantations, which cover the surrounding steep hillsides.

The small town of Orosi is site of a restored colonial church, worth a photo stop. Leaving Orosi; we begin a continual climb up to our hotel, the Kiri lodge just outside Tapantí National Park. The hotel is famous for fresh trout, caught in the icy stream nearby, along with delicious typical meals. For those who wish to work some different muscles, there is an excellent hiking trail on the hotel grounds.

Day 6

After another 7 a.m. does of Gallo Pinto we set out on one of the prettiest rides of the trip. We double back towards Orosi but divert just after Rio Macho for the start of a wonderful, scenic ride around the south shore of the Cachi reservoir. This stretch is full of coffee farms and ornamental plant and tropical flower growers and has wonderful views of Irazu, Costa Rica’s tallest volcano. Upon reaching the dam we follow the path of the Rio Reventazón, climbing through beautiful scenery. In the distance, one can spot some of the old rail road trestles from the now defunct Atlantic Railroad, largely destroyed by the Limón earthquake of 1990. After Hamacas, we begin a great descent on to Tucurrique, our lunch stop, taken in a small “soda” with great “casados”.

After lunch, we descend to the level region surrounding the Atirro sugar cane refinery, one of our largest. Our destination is the Turrialtico, with incredible views and great meals.

Day 7

Finally, a break from the 7 a.m. “Gallo Pinto”! Today is a free day; for those who wish to do more biking, there are several options in the surroundings hills, some quite difficult. Other options are a serpentarium located near by horse-back riding, hiking, tours to the pre-Colombian indigenous site at Guayabo or Irazú Volcano.

For those who wish to experience a thriving Costa Rican town, Turrialba is only 10 minutes away. This is also a good opportunity to get laundry service too. If we are lucky, the owner, Don Hector a Venezuelan, will prepare one of his famous “parrilladas” for dinner.
 

Day 8

Now for something completely different: following our obligatory 7 a.m. breakfast, we set off on our bikes en route to fabulous Rio Pacuare, site of our white-water rafting adventure! The bike stage climbs gradually up to Tres Equis, followed by a rapid descent down to the river, where we meet with Aventuras Naturales, known for their safety and professionalism. The Pacuare is known as one of the world’s five most beautiful raft trips; quite exciting as well, with class 3 and 4 rapids. We have a private departure, which includes our own exclusive safety kayak. Here we will truly be in the midst of the rain forest, so enjoy the sights and sounds of the jungle.

Lunch is taken picnic style on the bank of the river, a memorable experience. After the rafting, we shuttle (approx. 1.5 hour) to Caño Blanco, where we board a river launch for a beautiful and relaxing voyage to Barra Parismina, gateway to Tortuguero. Have your cameras ready as there is a tremendous amount of bird and animal life along the canal, including crocodiles, caiman, howler monkeys, sloth’s iguanas, and much more. Our hotel is the Reserve, a relaxing, locally owned lodge where all meals are taken family style.

Today is free day to explore the natural wonders of Tortuguero, one of Costa Rica’s most famous national parks. Several exciting and diverse tours are available through the hotel. One very popular tour is a boat trip up the Tortuguero Canal to the park headquarters, and then on into a back-water lagoon, Laguna California, full of birds and mammals. White-faced capuchin, spider and howler monkeys, sloth’s otters, iguanas, crocodiles, caiman, turtles, toucans and many other species are frequently encountered on this tour. April through November is prime time for the annual arrival of the green turtles, returning to lay their eggs. During this time span a tour is available in the evening to observe this event. For those who simply wish to relax, the wild and remote beach along the coast of Parismina Island extends south for 12 miles; great for beachcombing. Swimming is best done near the village of Parismina; care must be exercised due to rip tide and undertow conditions, although at times the Caribbean is as calm as a mill pond. All meals are taken family style in the lodge and tours arranged around our meal times. While Parismina is a small village, it is an excellent site to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Afro-Caribe culture of the East Coast: several bars and discos full of dread-locked locals are available.

Today we return to our 7 a.m. breakfast routine after which we enjoy a superb 1.5 hour boat ride down the inland waterway en route to the north end of Barra Matina Island. Here we rejoin with our bikes for the start of our ride down the Caribbean coast. The initial stage includes a stretch of biking through a coconut plantation: Keep your helmets on! After crossing the bridge from Barra Matina to the mainland, we continue on to our lunch stop at Playa Bonita, a beautiful white-sand beach and perfect for a quick swim while lunch is prepared. Following lunch, we continue south, riding through busy Puerto Limón, Costa Rica’s largest port.

Our route takes us right along the coast, in some areas traveling through banana plantations and small villages. Our destination is beautiful Cahuita with fine beaches, a coral reef and another wonderful park close by. Tonight’s lodging is the Atlantida with lush tropical gardens, large pool, gym (with stationary bikes if you need more spinning) and pretty Black beach just in front. The hotel grounds are full of amphibians: watch for the spectacular poison dart frogs! Due to the amount of tourism in this region. Cahuita is quite cosmopolitan and several excellent restaurants are available: Sobre las Olas is Italian and located over the waves!
 

Today is a free day to explore the area surrounding Cahuita.  A number of options are available. For those who enjoy hiking the National Park features a wonderful trail with spectacular scenery and lots of wildlife. If you want to hit the beach, the park also has several great white sand beaches. Directly in front of the hotel is Black beach, which often has great waves to play in. Just north of Cahuita is Avarios del Caribe, with outstanding bird watching and a famous sloth rescue facility. A little further north is Estero Negro, which offers boat and kayak trips into a beautiful tropical lagoon.

Also available are trips into the Talamanca indigenous reserve to native villages; this can include horse-back riding too. Finally, several bike rides can be arranged.

A chance for a lay-in; the morning is free to explore Cahuita, relax at the pool or play in the surf at Black beach. We join for lunch at the hotel (11.30 a.m.) after which we depart on bikes for a superb ride through the single – track path through Cahuita National Park. Make sure you bring your cameras along, as the white – faced monkeys almost always come to join us!

After we exit the park, just a short stage on to Puerto Viejo, hub of Costa Rica’s Afro-Caribe culture. Our hotel is located a little further south along the coast at Playa Cocles. The Escape Caribeño is situated at the end of Playa Cocles and features a beautiful stretch of beach just in front of the hotel.

Day 13

Today is free day in Puerto Viejo. Depending upon sea and weather conditions a tour can be arranged to go kayaking / boating amidst the 3 dolphin species living near the Manzanillo / Gandoca Reserve.

For those who simply wish to relax, there are several spectacular white-sand beaches available: Playa Uva is perfect! For those who wish to bike, a ride to a remote Canopy tour can be arranged: lots of fun!

Day 14

Following the usual 7 a.m. breakfast, we begin our transfer back to civilization, heading towards Costa Rica’s capital, San José. Our journey (approx 4 hours) takes us through rugged Braulio Carrillo National Park as we climb back up to the Central Valley. Our hotel, the Don Carlos, is a nicely restored colonial mansion located in Barrio Amón, San José’ nicest downtown neighborhood.

Closed –by are the Jade and Gold museums, as well as the National Theater. Excellent, reasonably priced gift shop in the hotel lobby. Several good restaurants within walking distance.

Day 15

Following a nice buffet breakfast in the open-air courtyard of the hotel, you will shuttle to San José International Airport (30 min) for you flight home.

For those staying on, assistance is available for those needing help with hotels, tours, etc.

Your tour includes:

This tour is all inclusive, including all lodging, all meals, all entry fees, all entry fees, all scheduled tours, all transfers, bi-lingual guides, support vehicle with safe water, sport drinks, fresh fruit and snacks luggage transfer.

Bikes are included: Haro Escape 7.0 aluminum frame hard-trails, Shimano LX/XT 9 speed components, RST front shocks. Sun rims with Specialized tires, Cat-Eye cyclocomputer, 2 water bottles, pump, and seat pack with spares / tools. Shimano SPD, toe – clip and standard flat pedals are all available. Helmets are mandatory; we use Specialized.