Countless miles of dirt trails through spectacular landscapes and abiding serenity will please the avid cyclists along with the novice. These trails will let you discover a different point of view from the roads that regular tours go. Single and multi-day tours will take you through the mountains, up volcanoes and pass the rural areas of Costa Rica.
Quepos Mountain Biking – The surrounding mountains and jungles of Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park provide a perfect setting for every mountain bike riding level. Guided tours explore hidden waterfalls, traverse steamy jungle paths and glorious costal vistas from the mountains above. This tour is organized by champion cyclists who are also naturalists and directors of the Quepos mountain bike team. You will be amazed by the number of colorful birds, mammals and other exotic creatures on this adrenalin charged adventure.
Arenal Lake to El Castillo – This ride takes you on an old road connecting Arenal Dam with the main entrance to Arenal Volcano National Park. From there the tour goes towards the village of El Castillo. Bike on a quiet land surrounded by dense forest and a few cattle farms. Along the ride, see howler monkeys, coatis and many birds like toucans, egrets and kingfishers.
Road biking around Lake Arenal – This is a traditional tour on the road around the north shore of Lake Arenal. This lane has very little traffic and offers the most relaxing ride through tropical forest full of monkeys, birds and the view of the lake. This tour gives you a chance to feel the unhurried rural life in this remote part of Costa Rica.
ARENAL LAKE TOUR – 1 Night/ 2 Days. Day one of the tour starts at Arenal Dam and goes through long stretches of forest, farms and villages. The overnight stay will be in the village of Tronadora. Day two rides to the village of Rio Chiquito from there the path narrows and goes through deep forest and crossing small streams until reaching Rio Cano Negro. The rest of the tour goes in front of Arenal Volcano, giving you the chance to enjoy the best views of the mountain. Toward the end of the ride, bike by Arenal National Park’s main entrance and back to Arenal Dam.
Paddles and Pedals Whitewater Rafting / Sea Kayaking / Mountain Biking across Costa Rica - 8 Nights/ 9 Days. Explore the diversity of Costa Rica’s tropical terrain while challenging you with a variety of human-powered adventure activities. A healthy spirit of adventure is all you need to enjoy this active multi-day trip. Starting with exhilarating whitewater rafting through tropical rainforest on the Pacuare River, we travel to Arenal Volcano to hike in the majesty of this active Volcano, sea kayaking on Lake Arenal and along the rugged Pacific coastline before finally mountain biking down the Nicoya Peninsula on dirt roads and hard packed beach sand - all the way to the beach town of Samara.
Check out this exciting itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica. After welcoming you at San José airport your guide will bring you to a comfortable hotel in the city and take time to answer any questions, meet the group and prepare for your multi-activity adventure trip. The evening is free to explore San José.
Day 2: Whitewater Rafting The first day begins with a scenic drive along the foothills of the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes to the “put in” on the Pacuare River for our two-day whitewater rafting adventure. We will run a total of 27 kilometers of Class III-IV rapids exploring the magnificent river valley. This afternoon we arrive at our comfortable riverside camp, “El Nido del Tigre.” Nestled between the sounds of the rainforest and the hum of the river, take time to explore the lush environment first hand, looking out for toucans overhead or simply relaxing in a hammock to the sounds of the river. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Whitewater Rafting Today the Pacuare takes us through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons. We maneuver through the exhilarating rapids and point out the intricacies of the rainforest at the river’s edge. Along the way we take time out to do some hiking to spectacular waterfalls and have lunch on the shore. “Taking out” near the town of Siquirres sees the end of our whitewater rafting adventure and we drive to the Arenal Volcano for a change of activity. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Arenal Volcano Hiking & Hot Springs. The Arenal Volcano, active since 1968, constantly emits gases, water vapor and explosions with pyroclastic material emissions. Sometimes the eruptions are accompanied by powerful thunders. The ash is carried by the wind over long distances especially to the northwest area of the volcano with the biggest and heaviest material falling close to the crater.
The lava flows come out of the crater with a temperature of about 1000 centigrade and cool as it moves down. Leaving the hotel in the morning on foot we set off trekking up the dormant Volcano Cerro Chato to a lake filled crater surrounded by rainforest. Here we can feel the power of the active Arenal Volcano from one of its closest vantage points. Our hike continues and gives us close up views of monkeys, sloths, iguanas and birdlife ending at Arenal Observatory where we will be met by our driver and we continue to Tabacon Hot Springs. The constant energy of the active volcano, the warmth of flowing thermo mineral rivers and the surrounding lush tropical rainforest, provide for an unparalleled experience at one of Costa Rica's renowned jewels from where it is possible to see the Volcano erupting. Relaxing in these Hot Springs will be a welcome relief after a day on your feet. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Arenal to the Pacific Coast. This morning our adventure moves from inland to the Pacific Coast. Our route starts with sea kayaking on Lake Arenal at the base of the volcano. Sea Kayaking in the shadows of the volcano to the far side of the lake (with the benefit of the strong tail wind) takes approx. 3 hours and gives us unique views of the volcano. After the crossing we switch from our sea kayaks to a comfortable vehicle for the first part of the journey to the Nicoya Peninsula and the Pacific Coast. The last part of the journey is by pedal power on mountain bikes along the coastline to the town of Samara which is a great place to complete our travels and base ourselves for the next few days. (B, L)
Day 6 & 7: Pacific Ocean. The next two days will be a mixture of different activities. The Pacific Ocean along this coastline is perfect for sea kayaking; the surrounding area has brilliant and challenging mountain biking routes that meander inland and back to the coast. In addition the snorkeling just off the coastline is worth checking out. You will have the choice of activities with the group or if you prefer to spend some quality personal time, our mountain bikes will be available for you to take your own relaxed route. Your guide will be available to discuss the possibilities according to the weather and personal choice. For those who would like to experience the freedom of zip lines through the canopy of the rainforest, just mention this to us either before you arrive in Costa Rica or early on during your trip and we can make arrangements for you. (Price for the canopy is not included in the overall price). For those who want to end their trip with some relaxation, Samara is a very laid back town with the perfect atmosphere to just chill out, enjoy the beach, the hotel and some of the most spectacular sunsets you will ever see. (B, L)
Day 8: Beach / Flight to San Jose - The morning is free to spend a few more hours enjoying the beach. At mid-day you will be transferred to Carrillo for your local flight back to San José. The evening may be spent taking in the sights and sounds of San José. (B)
Day 9: Departure. You'll be transferred to the airport for your international departure flights. (B)
B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner
