Cycle Costa Rica

14 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
View all 21 photos
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
premier

Health Safety +

Small Group Tour
Discover a diverse land, rich with nature, towering volcanoes, and abundant wildlife on our cycling tour through Costa Rica. Come along for the ride to explore the lush rainforests of Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast before cycling through the ever-changing landscapes of the interior, past active volcanoes, lakes and cloud forests. Finally, unwind on the bea...
19%
$4,625
From$3,760
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star

Highlights

    • Cycle through a volcanic landscape rich with nature and abundant wildlife
    • Explore the waterways of Tortuguero National Park
    • Discover the trails and tropical beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park

What's this trip about?

    Discover a diverse land, rich with nature, towering volcanoes, and abundant wildlife on our cycling tour through Costa Rica. Come along for the ride to explore the lush rainforests of Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast before cycling through the ever-changing landscapes of the interior, past active volcanoes, lakes and cloud forests. Finally, unwind on the beautiful beaches of the Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast. Why we love this trip Cycle from coast to coast - Pedal your way through Costa Rica's diverse beauty from the Caribbean to the Pacific. Nature and wildlife - Spot sloths, monkeys and brightly colours frogs, together with spectacular birdlife. National Parks and volcanoes - Tick off bucket-list sites such as Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio, Arenal and Miravalles.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CitySan Jose
End CitySan Jose

Destinations

  • Central America
  • Costa Rica

Attractions

  • Arenal Volcano
  • Caribbean
  • Guanacaste
  • La Fortuna
  • Manuel Antonio National Park
  • San José
  • Tortuguero National Park

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join tour San José

Our tour starts today in San Jose, Costa Rica's cosmopolitan capital. Lying in a fertile valley, at an altitude of 1,150 metres, coffee and sugar are big industries here - coffee is even planted between buildings and along the roadsides on the outskirts of the city. ...

Day 2 Journey to Tortuguero National Park by bus and boat

We'll have an early start this morning as we leave the capital behind and head to the Caribbean coast. Our destination is La Pavona Pier, around a three-and-a-half-hour drive away. The journey takes us through Braulio Carillo National Park and on arrival we'll board a...

Day 3 Exploring Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero's remarkably rich landscapes include rainforests, mangroves, swamps, beaches and lagoons and we'll spend this morning discovering its stunning natural diversity. After an early morning coffee, we'll head out on a guided boat tour along some of the park's ca...

Day 4 Boat and bus to Guapiles. Afternoon cycling

Leaving Tortuguero this morning, we'll head back to La Pavona Pier by boat, a journey of around two hours. From here, we'll drive on to Guapiles, lying in the heart of the country's banana-growing region, where we'll stop for lunch before driving on to the starting po...

Day 5 Cycle to La Fortuna

Starting from our hotel today, we'll cycle through a landscape of undulating terrain, passing through a rural landscape of farms, cultivated fields and patches of tropical forest. Arriving in Muelle, we'll stop and look for some of the huge iguanas that can occasional...

Day 6 Free day in La Fortuna

There's no cycling today and you're free to enjoy the area at your leisure. There are several optional activities you could try including canopy tours, zip lines and hot springs. The city's downtown area is dominated by the Arenal Volcano, one of the world's most acti...

Day 7 Cycling in the Arenal Volcano National Park

We'll start today with a short drive to Lake Arenal, the largest man-made lake in Costa Rica. Beginning our day's riding at the base of the volcano, we'll follow the northern shore of the lake and negotiate our way through a landscape of rolling hills, rainforest and ...

Day 8 Cycle across the Guanacaste plains, swim in Llanos de Cortes waterfall, drive to Cañas

We'll start our day with an easy ride down towards the drier plains of Guanacaste today, enjoying spectacular views of the Pacific coastline and the chain of volcanoes that lie to the north. Our ride ends at Bebedero from where we'll take our bus to the Llanos de Cort...

Day 9 Cycle through the foothills of Miravalles Volcano

We'll start early today to make the most of the cooler temperatures as we take on our most challenging ride. Beginning with a short drive to Bagaces, we'll start with a gentle uphill ride, heading north towards the Miravalles Volcano. The route is mainly uphill but th...

Day 10 Explore the landscapes around the Miravalles Volcano

The Miravalles Volcano is the highest peak in the Guanacaste Mountains (2,023 metres/6635 feet) and sits in the heart of the largest geothermal field developed in Costa Rica. We'll spend another day here to relax and enjoy more of its unique attractions, starting w...

Day 11 Early morning loop cycle from the hotel, drive to Manuel Antonio N.P.

Early this morning we'll explore the local area further on a circular bike ride. After the ride, there'll be time to shower and change before we check out of our hotel in the late morning. We'll spend the rest of the day making our way by bus (a four-hour journey) ...

Day 12 Manuel Antonio National Park

One of Costa Rica's most popular parks, Manuel Antonio provides a wonderful mix of world-class views and golden beaches along the country's central Pacific coastline. Today is free for you to make the most of this idyllic spot, with plenty of options available for ...

Day 13 Free morning. Afternoon drive back to San José

After a relaxing morning, we'll drive back to San José after lunch. The journey will take around five hours and we'll arrive in time to enjoy a stroll through the centre of the city before dinner.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 14 Tour ends San José

Our trip ends this morning at our hotel in San Jose. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer ...

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $3,760
Price per day$269
Last Updated: 5/20/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
05 Oct 2024
18 Oct 2024
$3,760
$4,480
16 spots left
16 Nov 2024
29 Nov 2024
$4,710
$5,420
10 spots left
25 Jan 2025
07 Feb 2025
$4,490
$5,220
14 spots left
15 Feb 2025
28 Feb 2025
$4,490
$5,220
16 spots left
04 Oct 2025
17 Oct 2025
$4,490
$5,220
16 spots left
15 Nov 2025
28 Nov 2025
$4,490
$5,220
16 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,921
Great
2,301
Average
388
Disappointing
123
Terrible
58
G

Graham

Nov 2023

Written on

Cycle Costa Rica

Well planned, varied, good guide. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts.

A

Adrian

Feb 2023

Written on

Cycle Costa Rica

Great itinerary with varied days seeing lots of wildlife and plants. ...

M

Maureen

Nov 2022

Written on

Cycle Costa Rica

So many highlights! Stopping for a swim in the lake at Arenal and having a delicious picnic lunch prepared by the trip leader Carlos and the back up crew Geoffrey Ju...

Write a Review

Other Explore! Reviews

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Peloponnese Explorer

Fantastic trip. Many amazing sites, some well off usual tourist trails. Excellent specific site guides. Itinerary set to avoid busy times so often had sites almost...

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Cycle the Dalmatian Coast

Croatia is a beautiful country and cycling is a great way to experience it. Loved all the cycling but my favoutite day was Wednesday on Korcula which was beautiful....

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Turkey in Depth

Alkan-was an excellent tour leader and guide and ensured the group had a wonderful experience!

Write a Review

Tour Operator

Explore!

premier
View Profile

About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Bicycle, Boat,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Bicycle, Boat
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s)
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Costa Rica: Citizens from the UK, US, Canada and most EU countries do not require a visa for a stay up to 90 days. Citizen of Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 13
  • Dinner : 2
  • Lunch : 3
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-CCR

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!