Costa Rica Biking

Meet your Backroads Trip Leaders (the folks wearing Backroads T-shirts) at 8:30 a.m. at the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San José (located several miles from the city of San José and about ten minutes from the international airport). Please arrive dressed to bike in warm weather and have your rain jacket handy. See -Arriving & Departing‖ for additional logistics information.

Shuttle to Santa Clara: 11⁄2 Hours

La Fortuna Biking Route: 22 Miles (500-foot elevation gain)

Shorter Option: La Perla 11 Miles with Shuttle (450-foot elevation gain) 

Longer Option: Lost Iguana 34 Miles (1,300-foot elevation gain)

Welcome to Costa Rica! After gathering in San José, we drive north through the lush Central Valley, passing coffee plantations and sugarcane fields, to the small pueblo of Santa Clara. En route, enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and rain forest as we travel over the Continental Divide and onto the Caribbean slope. In Santa Clara we get better acquainted over lunch at the family-run Lomas del Mapache, which serves up hearty portions of fried yucca, and plates of fresh fish, meat and fruit, along with plenty of tropicaldrinks to wash it all down.
Following lunch, your Backroads leaders fit your bike and give a brief talk on biking techniques and safety. Then set out on rolling paved and dirt roads, flanked by plantations of papaya, sugarcane and yucca. On a clear day, Arenal Volcano, one of the world's ten most active volcanoes, can be seen looming in the distance.

In the town of La Fortuna, unwind with un batido, a delicious local fruit drink containing mango, pineapple, papaya and guanábana, at an open-air restaurant. It's a great way to end the ride before shuttling to the hotel, or it will give you the boost you need to ride the last miles of big rolling hills to get there.

After settling in at Lost Iguana Resort, our home for the next two nights, take a stroll through the tropical garden and revel in superb views of the river gorge and the volcano (clouds permitting). Later we meet up for a reception, followed by a delicious dinner at the resort's restaurant.

Lodging: Lost Iguana Resort

Scenic Boat Ride on Lake Arenal: 45 Minutes

Lucky Bug Ride: 27 Miles with Shuttle
(800-foot elevation gain)

Shorter Option: Tronadora 16 Miles with Shuttle (400-foot elevation gain)

Longer Option: Lost Iguana 47 Miles (1,000-foot elevation gain)

Hot Springs Visit: 11⁄2 Hours

This morning we shuttle to the Arenal dam and board a boat for a scenic cruise across the lake. The journey showcases the diversity of the landscape, which changes from tropical forest to rolling hills, with majestic Arenal Volcano on the horizon. Bring your binoculars to spot bird species, such as the flycatcher, kingfisher, great blue heron and anhinga.

After disembarking at Río Chiquito, head out on a favorite Backroads ride that's sure to be a highlight of your trip. The picturesque route-part of Costa Rica's annual Vuelta del Lago mountain bike race-follows gravel roads along Lake Arenal's southern shore and continues on the western edge. When gravel turns to pavement, prepare to trade the smoother ride for some big hills! We stop for lunch at the Caballo Negro Café, also home of the Lucky Bug Gallery, where you can browse for gifts or souvenirs. From here, shuttle or pedal along the northern shore back to the hotel. The terrain levels out a bit in the afternoon, with a few hills interspersed as you near Lost Iguana. Pass palms, ferns, fig trees, bromeliads, epiphytes and countless other tropical plants while keeping an eye out for howler monkeys and coatis (the raccoon's -sociable cousins‖). Need a treat before the final push to the hotel? Stop for a cup of the area's finest coffee and something sweet at the German bakery!

After returning to Lost Iguana Resort in the afternoon, opt for a swim in the hotel's pool or, for a unique spa experience, book a treatment at the Golden Gecko Spa, located beside the beautiful Dos Rios River. (See -During Your Trip‖ for important information regarding spa services.) This evening we shuttle a short distance to Ecotermales, a family-run hot springs hidden in a forest oasis. Unwind in one of four pools filled with geothermal water and soak beneath the steaming waterfall. Fully relaxed, we're treated to a home-cooked dinner of Costa Rican specialties before returning to our hotel.

Lodging: Lost Iguana Resort

Shuttle to El Tanque Airport: 45 Minutes

Charter Flight to Quepos:  45 Minutes

Shuttle to Matapalo: 30 Minutes

Cristal Ballena Route: 26 Miles (250-foot elevation gain)

Shorter Option: 17 Miles with Shuttle (250-foot elevation gain)

On our morning flight from La Fortuna, enjoy aerial views of the terrain you've been exploring and watch the landscape transition as we make our way to Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast. After landing in Quepos we shuttle south along the water to Matapalo. Continue in the shuttle or jump on your bike and head out along the Costanera Highway to the charming beach town of Dominical, nestled between the dense forest and the sea. This is a surfer's paradise, though swimming here is not recommended because of dangerous rip tides. Stroll through the streets, browse in the shops and discover one of the great local restaurants (called sodas) for today's lunch on your own.

The afternoon ride showcases incredible ocean and rain forest scenery. Pedal the rolling Costanera to the luxurious Hotel Cristal Ballena-stay alert and you'll likely see and hear toucans and howler monkeys. If you feel like cooling off, take a short half-mile detour to the quiet waterfall and swimming hole at the pozo azul (or -blue well‖) for a revitalizing plunge.

You'll have time this afternoon to discover the lovely stretch of beach at nearby Bahia Ballena (your Backroads leaders can help arrange a shuttle) or explore Cristal Ballena's forested grounds on a short hike. If you prefer to relax, pamper yourself with a spa treatment or lounge by the pool. (See -During Your Trip‖ in your Travel Planner for more information.)

Tonight we dine in the town of Ojochal at a wonderful restaurant specializing in seafood and fusion cuisine.
Lodging: Hotel Cristal Ballena

Osa Peninsula Route: 68 Miles

Shorter Options: Palmar Norte 22 Miles with Shuttle or Chacarita 51Miles with Shuttle

Fuel up at breakfast for today's epic ride south along the Costanera Highway to the Osa Peninsula. The beautiful route to the small river town of Palmar Norte follows paved roads lined with mangroves. If you've got an eagle eye, you may spy a squirrel monkey zipping through the branches. (At only 10 to 14 inches long, they can easily be missed!) Continue along the narrow stretch of the Pan-American Highway to Chacarita; traffic on this road is steady, so keep to the
right, stay focused and take your time. (You're welcome to shuttle over this portion.) Hills and some rougher terrain are in store as you cross onto the Osa Peninsula, which has only been accessible to vehicles year-round since 1992. Thanks to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who built much-needed bridges, travelers are now able to cross the swollen rivers during the wet season. As you spin to the seaside town of Rincón, be aware of potholes and gravel, but don't let that keep you from enjoying the spectacular views of the Golfo Dulce to the south.

This part of the Osa Peninsula is a natural land bridge facilitating a migratory path for wildlife between Piedras Blancas and Corcovado National Parks. It's one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth, home to monkeys, red-eyed tree frogs, snakes, butterflies, sloths, anteaters, endangered wild tapirs and scarlet macaws, and much more.

This evening, settle into Villas Corcovado, our secluded rain forest oasis. You'll fall in love with this eco-friendly lodge, located on 70 acres of pristine jungle high above the tranquil waters of the Golfe Dulce. Wander along the property's winding trails, cool off in the pool, and then return to your private villa and take a catnap in a hammock. Tonight we dine on locally grown fruits, organic salads and fresh seafood at the hotel's restaurant overlooking the beach-life doesn't get much sweeter than this.

Lodging: Villas Corcovado

Optional Activities at Villas Corcovado

Puerto Jiménez Route: 14 Miles with Shuttle

Longer Option: Finca Kobo 26 Miles with Shuttle

What's in store today? You tell us! Whether it's biking, kicking back or participating in the various activities offered through our resort, we've got you covered. Spend the day at Villas Corcovado and relax with a massage or explore the Golfo Dulce and Osa Peninsula on foot, horseback or by water. Hike in nearby Piedras Blancas National Park, kayak in Isidora and Rincón Bays alongside turtles and sea rays, or paddle the Rincón River to bird-watch and get closer to the mangrove ecosystem. Try catch-and-release ocean fishing or set sail for a dolphin- or whale-watching cruise on the gulf. Take a pleasant horseback ride on labyrinthine jungle trails, stopping for a refreshing dip at a waterfall, or fly through the treetops on a zip-line. (These optional activities are not included in the Backroads trip price; please contact the hotel well in advance of your trip to make arrangements.) Of course, considering the hotel's incredible setting, you can also appreciate views and spot wildlife without even leaving your hammock.

Today's bike ride highlights the breathtaking beauty of the Golfo Dulce, often described as a tropical fjord. When you see how the steep mountains plunge dramatically into the deep sea, you'll understand why. Dolphins swim here, so be on the lookout for their playful displays. It's a challenging route-with plenty of bumps in the road-but the scenery makes it all worthwhile. With views of the gulf, lush rain forest all around, and a smattering of farms, cows and oil palms lining the route, it's a memorable final ride.

If you choose to bike, shuttle or pedal from the hotel to Finca Kobo, where we tour an organic cacao farm (and indulge our sweet tooth). Continue riding into Puerto Jiménez for a lunch of tasty fish tacos and other Tico specialties. After lunch you can opt for zip-lining or horseback riding around Puerto Jiménez. (Please note that optional activities are not included in the trip price.) Otherwise, shuttle back to the hotel and relax by the pool or in a hammock. Join us this evening for a farewell feast at Villas Corcovado restaurant, where we toast our exciting Costa Rican adventure.

Lodging: Villas Corcovado

Cruise to Puerto Jiménez: 2 Hours
Flight to San José: 1 Hour

Rise and shine early to take in your last seaside views and go for an optional bird-watching walk on the property. Then enjoy breakfast before embarking on a two-hour cruise through mangroves and across the bay to Puerto Jiménez. At the airport, we hop aboard a small charter plane for a scenic flight back to San José. See -Arriving & Departing‖ for end-of-trip logistics.