View at beach Hermosa in Costa Rica

Cycle Tour - Costa Rica & Nicaragua - Guided - 17D/16N

A trip through lush greenery

From
3740€
Choose a Journey
  • Duration

    17 Days
  • Difficulty

    Easy
  • Distance

    337km
  • Landscapes

    • Sea/Ocean
    • Nature
  • Theme

    • Deluxe
    • E-Bike
    • Culture 
  • Type of Journey

    Guided

Description

Known for its great wealth of species, Costa Rica’s beautiful flora and fauna awaits you. One third of its area is protected. Lagoons, beaches, coastal landscapes Pacific sides are a must as well as the dense jungle, rainforests and volcanic landscapes. On our visit to several national parks, by bike or on foot, we discover a rich world of exotic birds and butterflies. This bike tour gives a detailed overview of these two neighbouring countries and introduces you to a sea of colours.

Dates:

10.02. – 25.02.2024

30.11. –  16.12.2024

08.02. – 23.02.2025 

 

Characteristics of this journey/holiday

Day by day

Day 1  Costa Rica – San José

 Departure from Frankfurt to San Jose (night flight with a stopover in Santa Domingo, (flight 14.5 hours)

Day 2  San José

 Arrival in San José the capital of Costa Rica and transfer (30 min.) to our hotel. The Gold museum is one of the largest collections of gold in America and  the city is also a real jewel of history and architecture.

Day 3  Pusical – Orotina  40 km

 Our first bike ride begins easily with a visit to a rainforest. Here you discover monkeys, coatis and numerous multicolored birds. Pusical is known for its ceramics and coffee production. Throughout our journey, we cross many coffee and fruit plantations. There are markets along this road, with all kinds of tropical fruits on offer (especially avocados and mangos).

Day 4  Florencia – Fortuna  35 km

 Today the bus takes us to Florencia, from where we will cycle along quiet roads to reach La Fortuna. On the way we will come across a magnificent view of the plateau. In the small town of Fortuna, the main attraction is the volcano which is 6.4 km away. It is still active, so who knows, we may see a small eruption.

Day 5  Arenal 

 The largest lake in Costa Rica is at the foot of the volcano. We go for a hike over the suspension bridges! It is a beautiful walk in the heart of the magical valleys. See gigantic trees, fig-stranglers, mountain bamboo, orchids, ferns, and lianas. In the evening, visit to a thermal bath whose hot springs come from the Arenal volcano. You can go to the spa centre there (about $40).

Day 6  Arenal  40 km

 A short transfer brings us to the lake dam. The bike trip begins here. It follows the water’s edge, through the rainforest and small villages, towards Tilaran.

Day 7  Around Miravalles Volcano  55 km

 A quiet bike ride from Bagaces to the slopes of the impressive Miravalles volcano which is the culminating point of the day, with its hot springs and fumaroles. It’s an unforgettable sight.

Day 8  Rinçon de la Vieja

 We spend the entire day in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The incredible volcanic landscape is characterized by gnarled trees, very dry vegetation, and natural wells.

Day 9  Nicaragua  Santa Catalina – Granada  19km

 After a transfer to Santa Cantalina in Nicaragua, we visit one of the villages on the flanks of the crater of the Apoyo lagoon known for “witchcraft”. After enjoying the beautiful view of the lagoon and Lake Nicaragua, we go to the heart of Granada via small roads and dirt tracks, to reach our hotel. Throughout the day, admire both the blue of the lagoon and the tropical landscape. Granada, is the oldest city in Central America, with its old restored neighbourhoods, palaces, cathedrals, avenues, bistros, and its pastel facades.

Day 10  Granada –  Walking in Mombacho

After a short 15-minute transfer, we arrive at the foot of Mount Granada, Mombacho. A truck takes us to the crater from which many hiking trails leave into the rainforest. You may see monkeys (you will almost certainly hear them). Granada with its colonial heritage, should not to be missed.

Day 11  Belan/Rivas – San Juan del Sur  41 km

 Rivas is on the Panamerican highway, about 4 km from the west shore of Lake Nicaragua, between the Costa Rican border near Peñas Blancas to the south (35 km) and the capital Managua to the north (100 km). The city is the most important junction leading to the coastal city of San Juan del Sur on the Pacific Ocean. After a transfer to Belen we cycle near Lake Nicaragua through the mountain ranges and pastures. Our destination is our hotel in San Juan del Sur on one of the most beautiful beaches of the Pacific Ocean.

Along the way we visit a village school and cycle past a very colourful market to discover a little more about the daily life in this country where there is no army.

Day 12  Isla Ometepe  45 km

We arrive at the San Jorge pontoon to cross Lake Nicaragua (1 h), the largest inland lake in Latin America. Our relatively easy cycle today takes us to the beaches of Santo Domingo. In Ometepe, tourism is developing slowly and still leaves room for the authentic culture. We can discover two spectacular volcanoes surrounded by very fertile agricultural land.

Day 13  Costa Rica -La Cruz – Junquillal  30 km

We leave Nicaragua and go along the coast to Costa Rica. Here we follow the coastal landscape and quiet beaches for several kilometres. Farms stretch along the road and apart from the later climb, the bike ride is very relaxing. Enjoy the sea air.

Day 14  Hermosa Beach

 A towel, a good book, sunglasses, sunscreen and here we are, ready to relax. Hermosa Beach and its golden sand and clear water. No need for diving goggles to see the fish. Enjoy your rest day.

Day 15  Poas Volcano – Tambor  32 km

 On the way to Poas Volcano (2704 m), we drive between coffee and vegetable plantations. The green of the lush vegetation dominates and creates a special atmosphere, with the summit of Poas often shrouded in mist. The impressive waterfalls are also magical. We discover giant butterflies and tiny hummingbirds. Prepare the camera!

Day 16  San José

 The last day has arrived. After a final short passage in San José, the bus takes us to the airport.

Day 17

We arrive in Frankfurt. It’s time to say goodbye and to go home with our heads and camera filled with unforgettable memories.

Accommodation

10 nights in 3 star Hotels mainly with swimming pools
5 nights in 4 star Hotels and Poussadas mainly with swimming pool
rooms with private facilities and air conditioning
Use of the swimming pool

Included services

Flight from/to Frankfurt to San José
10 nights in 3 star Hotels mainly with swimming pools
5 nights in 4 star Hotels and Poussadas mainly with swimming pool
Rooms with private facilities and air conditioning
Use of the swimming pool
Daily breakfast
15 x Half board
France A Velo guide
Tour guide (speaks English)
1 support vehicle during the whole trip
Boat transfer to Isla Ometepe
All mentioned transfers with mini-bus
All entrance fees (including National parks)
Suspension bridge walk through the primeval forest
Truck drive to Mombacho Crater and walk with hiking guide
27-Gang Mountain bikes
Handlebar bags for bikes
Route book, maps and information material

Tour dates

10.02. – 25.02.2024

30.11. –  16.12.2024

08.02. – 23.02.2025 

Additional informations

Minimum number of participants: 11 maximum 16

Grade :
Mainly asphalted roads. You can always climb on the support vehicle

Admission in the country:
A passport, valid 6 months after your return, is compulsory for entry into Costa Rica and Nicaragua. For both countries, you don’t need any specific vaccinations. You can find all our advice and suggestions in our “Travel information” which we will be glad to send you.

The best time to travel to Costa Rica and Nicaragua is between October and April.

* Season supplement 80,00 €

Many exceptional services included in the price!

How to get there ?

Flight from/to Frankfurt to San José

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