Costa Rica: Bike Adventure in the national parks
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Costa Rica enchants us with tropical flora, exotic animals and hospitable people. Hardly any other country offers such diverse landscapes in such a small area. The Cordillera chain with its lava-spitting volcanoes rises above the humid cloud forest. Wild water rivers, crystal-clear lakes and endless, beautiful sandy beaches lure you to take a refreshing dip. We discover bird paradises in the lowland dry forests and mangroves, encounter howler monkeys and, with a bit of luck, toucans and sloths. Of course, we don’t miss out on biking: Most of the time we’re on dirt roads and adventurous trails. The grand finale is the dream downhill from the Irazú volcano (3432 m) down to sea level! If you are looking for a nature experience from your bike,
Highlights
- Reservoir and Arenal Volcano
- Skywalk in the Monteverde cloud forest
- Hot springs in the Rincón de la Vieja
- Wildlife in Palo Verde National Park
- Swimming and biking on dream beaches
- 19 Days/18 Nights
- January to December
- Moderate


Travel Program
Day 1: Flight to San Jose
We meet at Zurich Airport and with a direct flight from Edelweiss we fly to San José, where we arrive in the evening (local time). The accompanying bus takes us to the nearby hotel. We move into our rooms and enjoy our first evening together in Costa Rica.
Overnight: Hotel in San Jose or the surrounding area
Overnight
Hotel
Meals
B/L/-
Day 2: Arenal Volcano
We take the bus to Zarcero (1800 m). This area is also called «Switzerland of Costa Rica». This is where our bike adventure begins with a long shot ride. First we drive on an asphalt road, then on a red dirt natural road through wide green farmland. Back on the asphalt, the side road winds its way through a narrow, winding valley covered in jungle with many ups and downs. Depending on the time of day and the weather, the bus takes us the last few kilometers to Fortuna, to our spa hotel at the foot of the Arenal volcano (1633 m ).
Bike route: 50 km, 800 m
ascent Overnight stay: good spa hotel or lodge in La Fortuna
Overnight
Hotel
Mountainbiking
Biking
Meals
B/L/-
Day 3: Idyllic reservoir
From the hotel we cycle along the foot of the volcano up to the Arenal reservoir. First we bike through meter-high reed grass and then through lush tropical forest on a natural trail that gets narrower and narrower along the shore and are amazed by the variety of fauna and flora. It is also important to cross one or the other river! In the afternoon the bus takes us via the “Cordillera de Tilaran” to the area of the impressive Monteverde National Park.
Bike route: 42 km, 600 m
ascent Overnight stay: beautiful hotel lodge, Monteverde
Overnight
Hotel
Mountainbiking
Biking
Meals
B/L/-
Day 4: Skywalk in the cloud forest of Monte Verde
Here, in the always humid cloud forest regions of Costa Rica, we find a uniquely rich flora. The Skywalk, a network of bridge paths set high in the jungle canopy, offers us many interesting insights into flora and fauna that are still intact. The canopy is even more adventurous – if you want, you can try out this optional adventure and zoom through the airy treetops on a steel cable.
Overnight
Hotel
Mountainbiking
Biking
Meals
B/L/-
Day 5: Single trails at the foot of the volcano
A long descent with wonderful views over rural Costa Rica and a subsequent bus ride on the famous highway, the Panamericana, bring us to the small town of Liberia in the north of the country. In the afternoon, a special treat awaits the technically experienced bikers. The single trails laid out in the tropical forest at the foot of the Rincón de la Vieja volcano require calf strength and technical skills. For pleasure bikers, a mostly paved road leads up. Our accommodation usually has a pool for enjoyment without further biking. Here we spend two peaceful nights in nature, far away from civilisation.
Bike route: 35/56 km, 350/1000 m
elevation gain Overnight stay: Hotel with pool, Liberia or Rincón de la Vieja
Overnight
Hotel
Mountainbiking
Biking
Meals
B/L/-
Day 6: Rincón de la Vieja National Park
The Rincón area is full of surprises. There are numerous volcanic features such as fumaroles, bubbling mud pools and volcano-heated streams to explore. There are many animals in this area: larger ones like raccoons or smaller ones like the bright blue butterflies. Depending on your mood, we bathe in a waterfall or go on a leisurely optional Wild West ride on horseback.
Overnight: Hotel with pool, Liberia or Rincón de la Vieja
Overnight
Hotel
Mountainbiking
Biking
Meals
B/L/-
Day 7: Bird paradise Palo Verde or Costa de Pajaros
Today, depending on the accommodation, an adventurous bike tour follows on dirt roads through the wild and romantic hinterland to the Palo Verde biological station, an important feeding area for a large number of waterfowl, or we bike to the Costa de Pajaros.
Bike route: 85 km, 850 m
ascent Overnight stay: simple accommodation in Palo Verde or Costa de Pajaros
Overnight
Hotel
Mountainbiking
Biking
Meals
B/L/-
Day 8: Boat trip and Pacific beach
At dawn we glide with a boat right through the awakening bird paradise. With a bit of luck we can also see iguanas, monkeys, coatis and armadillos. The subsequent bike tour across the Nicoya peninsula takes us to the Pacific coast for the first time, where we treat ourselves to a refreshing swim.
Bike route: 70 km, 700 m
ascent Overnight stay: cozy hotel with pool, Samara
Overnight
Hotel
Mountainbiking
Biking
Meals
B/L/-
Day 9: Swimming at Playa Samara (rest day)
We enjoy the rest day doing nothing under the palm trees on the sandy beach and swimming or snorkeling in the clear water.
Overnight: cozy hotel with pool, Samara
Overnight
Hotel
Mountainbiking
Biking
Meals
B/L/-
Day 10: Peninsula de Nicoya
Some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful and pristine beaches dot the south of the Peninsula de Nicoya. We explore this wild, unspoilt area by bike.
Bike route: 40 km, 700 m
ascent Overnight stay: simple family hotel with pool, San Miguel or San Francisco
Overnight
Hotel
Mountainbiking
Biking
Meals
B/L/-
Day 11: Biking under palm trees on the sandy beach
Today we bike further south on the varied dirt road. Depending on the high and low tide, we can even bike a bit directly on the sand of a dream beach in the direction of Malpais. The afternoon is free for surfing (surfing) or la dolce far niente.
Bike route: 45 km, 200 m
elevation gain Overnight stay: nice hotel with pool, Malpais
Overnight
Hotel
Mountainbiking
Biking
Meals
B/L/-
Day 12: Bike Adventure near Montezuma or rest day
An attractive natural slope and beautiful trails lead through the lush jungle to the east coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, to the hippie village of Montezuma. The challenging ramps will remain in our memories – pure bike adventure. If you prefer to take it easy today, you can swim and relax on the beach of Malpais.
Bike route: 32 km, 750 m
ascent Overnight stay: nice hotel with pool, Malpais
Overnight
Hotel
Mountainbiking
Biking
Meals
B/L/-
Day 13: San Jose, the heart of Costa Rica
If you like, you can cycle early in the morning from the hotel to the ferry port on your own on a hilly, sweaty route. The bus takes everyone else directly to the port. We take the ferry back to the mainland and a winding bus ride takes us up to San José (1160 m), the capital of Costa Rica. If you want, you can stroll through the city in the evening and enjoy the diverse, typically Latin American nightlife.
Bike route: optional 60 km
Overnight stay: good colonial-style city hotel, San Jose
Overnight
Hotel
Mountainbiking
Biking
Meals
B/L/-
Day 14: The mighty volcano Irazú
We spend today near the two highest volcanoes in Costa Rica, the impressive Irazú (3432 m) and the no less beautiful Turrialba (3328 m). The bus takes us via Cartago (with the most beautiful church in Costa Rica) up to the Irazú. If the visibility is good, we have a wonderful view down into the mighty volcanic crater of the Irazú. Then we cycle on a wonderfully hilly route to the Turrialba volcano and through coffee plantations in the lovely nature of the Orosi Valley to our cozy lodge.
Bike route: 70 km, 850 m
altitude difference Overnight stay: quiet, cozy lodge, Orosi valley
Overnight
Hotel
Mountainbiking
Biking
Meals
B/L/-
Day 15: Downhill in the Cordillera Central
Some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful and pristine beaches dot the south of the Peninsula de Nicoya. Explore this wild, unspoilt area by bike.
Bike route: 40 km, 700 m
ascent Overnight stay: simple family hotel with pool, San Miguel or San Francisco
Overnight
Hotel
Mountainbiking
Biking
Meals
B/L/-
16-17 Day: Beaches and wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park (rest day)
In Manuel Antonio we let our bike holidays end comfortably. The beaches here are among the most beautiful in the country. In addition, there is a rich flora to be discovered in the national park, and countless animal species live here, such as coatis and raccoons, sloths, iguanas and capuchin or howler monkeys. On the last evening we enjoy a farewell dinner together and think back to the experiences in Costa Rica.
Overnight: good hotel with pool on the hill or near the beach at Manuel Antonio National Park
Overnight
Hotel
Mountainbiking
Biking
Meals
B/L/-
Day 18: Return flight
The bus will take us back to the Central Valley to San Jose Airport. We say goodbye to Costa Rica and fly back to Europe overnight.
Overnight
Hotel
Meals
B/L/-
Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner
What's Included
Services included in the prices:
- Flight taxes and fuel surcharges
- Support vehicle and transfers
- 15 nights in a double room
- 2 nights in simple lodges (possibly shared rooms)
- breakfast
- Entrance fees and visits according to the programme
- front suspension rental bike
- Bike Adventure Tours guide
Not included:
- Meals and beverages not listed
- Tips for local team
- Flight Zurich – San Jose – Zurich
- Transport your own bike
- Cancellation cost and assistance insurance
- Possibly small group surcharge (see AVRB point 3.2)
- possibly ½ single room surcharge (see AVRB point 3.1)
What to Bring
What to Bring or take fo Day Hiking and Technical Equipment for Climbing Expedition
This equipment list is compiled to provide you with adequate help when choosing your equipment for a climb. Most items are required. Please consider each of them and make sure you understand the function and exclusive use for mountaineering, before substituting or removing items from this list. Please note that this list has been carefully annotated by the organizer. Remember that mountaineering, mountaineering or mountaineering is an extreme, risky sport, therefore everything related to it is of great attention.
These items should be on your hiking checklist:
Hiking backpack for hiking 30 to 40 liters
Light gloves for hiking or (Optional Mittens waterproof)
Medium weight socks
Sleeping bag (-10º to 15ºC)
Small daypack for one day hiking 20 liters
Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)
Hiking boots or shoes
Medium weight parka with fibber fill or down
Rain poncho (or rain gear)
Long-sleeved shirts
Fleece or Wool sweater and/or trousers
Lightweight pants
Cotton short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
Water bottle for hiking or trekking
Strong waterproof duffel bag
Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
Towel for personal hygiene each participantFirst-aid kit
Regular and long underwear
Knife or multi-tool
Light cap and wool hat
Sunglasses with UV certification, Sun block, lips
The rest of the list Essentials as appropriate for your hike
Grooming and personal hygiene kit
One Hiking Buff per person
Technical Equipment for High Altitude Expedition Mountains
3 Locking carabiners, we recommended per person
We recommend 2 ice screws for each client
1 Daisy Chain (Life Line) per each person
2 Ice axes (per person) technical, we recommended GRIVEL company
1 ATC descender (Rappel), this is very necessary for technical mountains
2 Cords for prusik, very important (Size Cord 6 mm x 10 m. long)
Gloves(Good gloves) for expeditions over 6000meters
Harness, we recommended GRIVEL company
Sleeping pad / Mattress, we recommend with air or inflatable mattress
Crampons, we recommended GRIVEL company
Walking sticks (optional), a pair per person, we recommended GRIVEL company
Down Jacket for expedition
Very important to have personal clothing such as pants and jacket with GOROTEX certification
First aid kit, for high mountains, because we as guides cannot medicate clients
Backpack Capacity 60 liters, it is better to have a bigger backpack to go comfortably to the high camps, because here you have to carry all your personal things
Gaiters or Leggings, now modern boots already have built-in (Incorporated), but better to have an extra pair
Dressing appropriately for the mountains can make the difference between a pleasant trip and a really uncomfortable one. Clothing must provide the right degree of temperature, perspiration and be well ventilated. Preferably cotton clothing should be avoided, as in humid conditions they absorb body heat.
In general, the weather conditions in in the Andes of South America can vary from day to day and even throughout the day. Therefore, clothing must be versatile.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have regarding the necessary equipment.
Prices & Dates
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» Additional dates available upon request
» Rates may vary from July 26th to 31th for the national holidays
Prices (per person):
1 PAX | 2 PAX | 4 PAX | 6 PAX | 8 PAX | 10 PAX | 12 PAX | 14 PAX |
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Deposit for reservations: — USD (– EUR) ✓ Full payment 40 days before. No refund if you cancel less than 30 days!
Places: *Available
Trip-code: Number ►CRI-
Duration: 16 days
Participants: Minimal: 4 Maximal: 12
Members: We don’t have an open group to join – We can open a new group – Contact us!
Country / Location: Costa Rica
Mountain Guide: Eric Albino Lliuya
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!
3% early bird discount when booking 6 months prior to departure 2023
Legend Booking-information:
EZZ Single room supplement
🟢 On this trip, places are still available.
🟡 On this trip, only a few places left.
🔴 This trip is sold out / closed.

Eric Raul Albino Lliuya
Expert guide certified by AGOMP
General Sales Manager of Peru Expeditions
- WhatsApp: +51 943 081 066
- E-Mail: [email protected]
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Frequently Asked Questions
What our travelers or clients always ask questions before joining our trips, tours & expeditions, read all the information provided here.
Suggested FAQs
What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?
Every day we have active walks around approximately 4, to 5 sometimes 6 hours of walking, everything is according to your pace and physical condition of each person, in each of our travel programs you will find more detailed information, and if If you need more information about each day of the travel program, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify your doubts or questions, for this please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
For our mountain climbing trips: If they are easily accessible mountains: For easy-climb mountains, well, you don’t need much experience, but if you already want to climb mountains above 6,000 meters and the conditions become more difficult, we recommend if you already want to go through mountains above 6,000 meters, have a basic or intermediate course for a good preparation. It is very important to be physically, technically and psychologically prepared.
Regarding the preparation of children: Everything will depend on which mountain you want to climb with your children, once you are clear on which of our tours or mountains you want to go with your children, we can give you some advice or see how to prepare them before going with they.
Regarding older people: It all depends on the condition of experience and how well the person is in health, on many occasions older people are the best to walk in the mountains because they have more experience, so it is always good to ask and find out about their experience of older participant. If you have any other questions, please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
To do long-distance hiking you need to at least train or do some tours such as visiting lagoons to get the experience and feel comfortable with what you do, it is always good before doing a long-distance hiking tour to test yourself so as not to be with the problems of altitude sickness during the trekking, and if you travel with children it is good to first train them before taking them, if they are accompanied by an adult of legal age, they must do a good acclimatization before going on the long-distance tour or with high altitude camps If you want to know or learn more advice, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify your doubts. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
The preparation is according to what type and what technical level you want to go and climb a trek or mountain, the preparation will always gain experience little by little.
For this type of demanding or technical climbing sports, it is recommended to do some summits above 5 thousand meters beforehand and have good knowledge of high mountain technical equipment such as the use of technical ice axes, ice screws, correct use of crampons, and of course all the technical material. For more information, we can schedule an appointment to be able to explain in more detail everything about the mountain equipment and the preparations prior to joining our outings. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?
For the pick-ups of each trip, depending on the place or the trip that you are going to make with us, the meeting point is always at our office, in one of our trips we pick you up where you are staying or staying, or in some cases a A representative of our company will pick you up and then ship you to your transport to continue with your destination of the tour or trip you have booked with us. If you wish to request more information, do not hesitate to contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
In all our trekking or mountaineering trips we do not include personal equipment in our prices, so you have to have your own equipment: Personal equipment (such as boots, ice ax, crampons, harness, sleeping bag, mat, Goretex, etc. ) and also within each page of the trips that we sell is a small list so you can see it on our website.
Our company can also rent the materials that you would need for your trip, see the list here on our website: https://peru-expeditions.org/equipment-rental/ . For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?
In our trips, either hiking or mountaineering: Depending on the type or destination of the trip that you are going to book, in some parts of the treks you go with mules or donkeys or sometimes with horses, and within the mountain trips, the approach camps are also They go with mules or donkeys, but there are some stretches where pack animals can no longer reach. In this part, our logistics is fully supported by the porters.
Who are the porters? They are people from the area who were born and live in the heights of the towns, they are very strong and are very acclimatized, the reason is that after the tourist season ends they dedicate themselves to agriculture and livestock for that reason they are people They are used to the altitude and have lived in nature all their lives and they are happy to be in the mountains together with our expeditions. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?
About accommodation or meals during the tour: Well, depending on the type of tour, when the tour is a classic cultural tour or a city tour, we eat during the route in tourist restaurants and sleep in category hotels that the client has requested.
If the tour is with camps and trekking: During the activity, logistics we include the service of Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with traditional and typical meals of the region where you are going to travel with us, during the night we stay in tents, and we have a special tent for the kitchen and another for the dining room.
If the trip is at altitude or in the mountains: We bring special high mountain food, It are quicker meals to cook and we provide complete logistics such as Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and we sleep in special 4-season high mountain tents, with the best tents. If you have any questions or concerns, we can schedule an appointment via Whatsapp to clarify all your doubts and give you better information so that your trip is an unforgettable tour.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?
Safe and effective vaccines are available that provide strong protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Billions of people have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Getting vaccinated is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself against COVID-19, help end the pandemic and stop new variants emerging.
We also recommend having accident insurance, we always recommend. We are Partners –Global Rescue. If you have any other questions about the trip we can schedule a date for a calling via WhatsApp. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What is the best time of the year for this hike?
For all the trips that we offer within our main tourist destinations such as South America and Central America, also including the ascent of the 7 continents and the 7 highest peaks of each continent, on each page of our website for each trip we indicate that month or what season to travel, then please read the information you find in our travel offers for each tour. If you have any other questions you can contact us by WhatsApp with one of our travel experts. Thank you so much. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
In mountains above 5000 meters: A local guide takes a maximum of 3 clients = Ratio 3pax = 1 local guide
In technical mountains: In large-big mountains we manage the travel policy, a guide and a maximum of 2 clients = Ratio 3pax = 1 local guide. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
For all the trips that we offer within our main tourist destinations such as South America and Central America, also including the ascent of the 7 continents and the 7 highest peaks of each continent, on each page of our website for each trip we indicate that month or what season to travel, then please read the information you find in our travel offers for each tour. If you have any other questions you can contact us by WhatsApp with one of our travel experts. Thank you so much. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Can I join a group?
We as a local company and connoisseurs of tours have departures on different dates. The best thing to do is to join a travel group to take care of your budget, and of course you can join our groups, but on trips like mountaineering we recommend going in small groups. To join a group, ask us for the dates and we will send you the necessary information to be able to join any of our trips.
Why go in a private trip: For trips whether trekking or high mountains, going privately is the most recommended option, but the costs are more expensive. So, if one joins a group, the prices will be more reasonable. In the mountains, the only disadvantage is if you are in a wall with another partner and if one of the participants gets tired or gets sick. In this case, you have to abort or cancel the summit and return together. For more information, contact us. We can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify all your questions.
In a mountain, for example, if 3 people go and one of the participants falls ill on the route, for security reasons they have to cancel or abort the summit or return all together. The same in a technical mountain if the climbing partner gets sick they all have to return, for these reasons sometimes it is better to go private only because for a single person the costs are more expensive for the same reason that the trip would already be private .
For more information please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What happens in the event of bad weather?
About the meteorological conditions of the climate, we try to organize the trips of each tour in the best season to have the best views and enjoy the selected trip but sometimes even is good season we can have bad weather, in this case on hiking or treks trips The complications are minimal, but when this happens during high-altitude climbing expeditions, the complications can become very difficult, that is why the bosses or leaders of the local guides must always make the most correct decision for the safety of our passengers, so we always recommend listening to the best advice from the local guide assigned for each tour. If you have any other questions please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
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