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A group of riders on a dirt road through green forest, seen from behind

8 days · Costa Rica

The Nicoya Peninsula & Lake Arenal

Ride the Peninsula. Discover the Volcano.

Days
8
Riding days
5
Level
Intermediate to challenging
Group size
4 to 12 riders
From
US$4,000 per person

The trip

Eight days from the Nicoya Peninsula to the shores of Lake Arenal. The itinerary combines mountain biking sessions, tropical and rural landscapes, a Safari Float on the Corobicí River, volcano views, rides along Lake Arenal and transfers between destinations with logistical support.

How hard is it?

Intermediate to challenging

For riders with past mountain bike experience and good fitness. Five riding days, about 24 to 47 km a day, through farmland, coast towns and mountains. Expect long days in the saddle, mixed ground and some hard climbs. Not extreme or very technical, but you need good stamina, confidence on the bike and past MTB experience.

Best for: Intermediate riders who want a harder, more varied trip.

Day by day

FerryJuan Santamaría International AirportAlajuelaSanta TeresaNicoyaCañasTilaránLa Fortuna

Map data: geoBoundaries, © OpenStreetMap contributors

  • Airport
  • Ferry

Approximate route. [TODO: illustrated map and GPS tracks after scouting]

  1. Day 1Arrival

    Alajuela

    A hotel shuttle bus will pick you up at Juan Santamaría International Airport and take you to your hotel in Alajuela. A “meet & greet” will be arranged at the hotel to review the itinerary, go over protocols & policies, meet the staff & fellow riders and get to know each other. No mountain biking today.

  2. Day 2

    Santa Teresa

    After breakfast we drive to Puntarenas for the 9:00 a.m. ferry to Paquera. From there, bike and minibus take you through Cóbano and Montezuma to Santa Teresa. Your guide rides with you the whole way.

    Riding:
    about 45 km
    Two riders on a road through a small townA rider waving from a dirt road in the forest, two riders behindTwo smiling riders on a dirt road in the forestA rider on a dirt track above the beach
  3. Day 3

    Nicoya

    We leave the coast and cross the inside of the peninsula, through Cóbano and Pilas de Canjel, to Nicoya.

    Riding:
    about 40 km
    Two riders on a dirt road beside thick green plantsA rider on a forest track, seen from behind
  4. Day 4Day off the bike

    Cañas

    A rest for your legs. We drive to Cañas for a Safari Float on the Corobicí River, included in your trip.

  5. Day 5

    Tilarán

    A short stage up into the Tilarán highlands, with climbs that bring you close to the Lake Arenal basin.

    Riding:
    about 24 km
    Ashley and Juan with their mountain bikes on a farm track, Lake Arenal behind themCattle walking along a gravel road near Tilarán, a rider on horseback behind them
  6. Day 6

    La Fortuna

    One of the most scenic rides of the trip. We follow Lake Arenal through Tronadora and El Castillo to La Fortuna, with views of the volcano.

    Riding:
    about 47 km
    A rocky river in the forest near El CastilloArenal Volcano above Lake Arenal and the forest
  7. Day 7

    Alajuela

    Your last ride. Bike sections and minibus links bring you back to the Central Valley.

    Riding:
    about 45 km
    White water on the Arenal River between rocks and forest
  8. Day 8

    Departure

    Breakfast at your hotel. 3 hours prior to your departure flight time, you must take the hotel airport shuttle to Juan Santamaría International Airport in time for your flight.

Included

  • Hotel shuttle bus: Juan Santamaría Intl. Airport pickup and drop-off
  • Meet & Greet gathering at the hotel on Day 1
  • Daily minibus support between riding stages
  • Experienced MTB guide & dedicated mechanic on every ride
  • 7 nights’ accommodation in shared double rooms
  • Daily breakfast
  • A mountain bike fitted to your height
  • On-the-road snacks and drinking water
  • Ferry ticket
  • Guided Safari Float on the Corobicí River

Not included

  • Lunches and dinners
  • Personal riding gear and helmet (see What to bring)
  • Travel insurance (MANDATORY)
  • Single room supplement (US$1,110 per person)

The bikes

We ride with our own fleet of 16 mountain bikes, carefully matched to your height for the best fit and comfort. Our fleet includes the Scott Aspect 940, featuring 29" wheels and sizes XS to XL, and the Trek Marlin 5, featuring 27.5" wheels in size S.

Before your first ride, our mechanic will professionally fit your bike, perform a safety check, and inspect your equipment to make sure everything is ready for the adventure ahead.

Our mountain bikes lined up on gravel by a green wallJuan setting up an orange mountain bike

What to bring

Bring your personal riding gear for a comfortable and enjoyable adventure:

On the bike

  • Cycling helmet
  • Flat-pedal mountain bike shoes or sturdy trail shoes with good grip (no clip-in pedals required)
  • Water bottles or hydration pack
  • UV-protection sunglasses
  • Cycling gloves
  • Lightweight, breathable cycling jerseys
  • Padded cycling shorts
  • Lightweight cycling socks
  • Light rain jacket

Off the bike

  • Comfortable casual clothing for evenings
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Personal toiletries and any required medication

For this route

  • Swimwear and a change of clothes for the Corobicí River Safari Float
  • Sandals or water shoes for the river excursion

For the Corobicí River float, quick-drying clothing, secure footwear and a change of clothes are particularly useful.

Personal medication: Bring an adequate supply of any prescribed or required medication for the entire trip.

Medical information: Please inform your BikingCR guide and staff in advance of any medical conditions, allergies, or health concerns we should be aware of to help ensure your safety and well-being throughout the journey.

Book your trip

From US$4,000 per person

Every trip runs Friday to Friday. Pick a 2027 departure, or tell us when you would like to ride.

  1. 1Choose the number of riders.
  2. 2Pick a Friday departure.
  3. 3Answer a few questions and confirm.

Trip price

US$4,000 per person, based on shared double-room accommodation.

Single-room supplement: US$1,110.

All prices are in US dollars and include applicable taxes.

Book online

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April to September

Departures in 2027

  • Fri, Apr 23 to Fri, Apr 30
  • Fri, May 21 to Fri, May 28
  • Fri, Jun 18 to Fri, Jun 25
  • Fri, Jul 16 to Fri, Jul 23
  • Fri, Aug 13 to Fri, Aug 20
  • Fri, Sep 10 to Fri, Sep 17

We are closed from December 17, 2027 to January 7, 2028. Private tours may be possible on request.

Questions before you book?WhatsApp us.

Can’t find a date that works? Request dates
What is your bed preference? Would you prefer to share a queen- or king-size bed, or have separate twin beds? (optional)
Would you prefer a private single room? A single-room supplement of US$1,110 per person applies. (optional)

We will be in touch shortly by email or WhatsApp.

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