COSTA RICA EXTRAVAGANZA - CONTACT US
16 days - A bike ride exotica - Incredible diversity of landscape - Rainforests, cloud forests, active volcanoes and beautiful deserted beaches - Bewildering array of wildlife - A "real" holiday with a challenge.
'Pura Vida' (meaning 'great life') is a common saying amongst Costa Ricans and this trip certainly lives up to that, offering excellent mountain biking with that holiday feeling. Starting out from Volcano Poas (2704m.), on dirt roads and single-track, there is the chance to see lots of spectacular wildlife, such as macaws, toucans, sloths and monkeys. Then, beneath the perfect cone of Volcano Arenal (1657m.), we can enjoy a beer and soak at the sophisticated Tabaccon Hot Springs Resort and marvel at the volcano's almost continuous lava displays. After the challenging climb to the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, followed by a mind blowing descent to the lovely and little-visited Nicoya Penisula, we have 3 idyllic days of biking, both on and alongside deserted Pacific Ocean beaches. Heading southwards, our ultimate destination is Montezuma, a small, but lively fishing village with wild surf and great cocktails. A fitting finale to this tropical adventure.
DURATION: 14 nights hotels & lodges, 12 days MODERATE biking, 280 kms., 50% Off Road, max. altitude - 2700m. Some meals not included.
Brief Trip Outline & Notes
Day 1. Depart UK and arrive in San Jose. Transfer to the Edelweiss Hotel.
Day 2. Cycle to Paos Volcano at 1900 metres.
Days 3-4. Cycle to and rest day at the jungle lodge of La Quinta.
Day 5. Transfer to the town of La Fortuna. Day ride.
Day 6. Cycle to the hilltop settlement of Tilaran.
Days 7-8. A long, hard day of riding to Monteverde.
Day 8 in Monteverde.
Day 9. A 1000 metre descent to the Nicoya Peninsula.
Days 10-12. Cycling along the peninsula's coast to Montezuma.
Day 13. In Montezuma.
Day 14. In San Jose.
Day 15. Depart San Jose.
Day 16. Arrive UK.
