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Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama
Duration
15 days
Site savings
$105
From
$5,127 USD
Cycle tour 3 beautiful countries over 15 days as you explore some of the best sights that Central America has to offer. Roam through the natural beauty of Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama on this epic tour. Ride through colonial towns and enchanting rainforests as you search for the elusive Howler monkey and breathe in the salty air of the Caribbean. Enjoy a trip through paradise on two wheels.
- CategoryCultural & Historical
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration15 days
- Culture LevelAdventurous
- Skill Level2 - Novice
- Activity Level3 - Active
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainMixed
- Distance321.2 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance26.7 miles
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Quick Stats
- Duration15 days
- Main DestinationCosta Rica
- Distance321.2 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance26.7 miles
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainMixed
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Start in Granada
Guests can make their own way to hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure.
- Hotel Patio del Malinche, Granada
- Day 2Ride along the shore of Lake Nicaragua and visit Masaya Volcano
After breakfast, there will be an overall tour briefing as well as indications for the initial cycling stage. Any last-minute adjustments to the bikes are made before you set off towards the shore of Lake Nicaragua. As you reach the lakeshore, you'll be entering the Asese Peninsula recreation area, a beautiful protected area, where the traffic is kept to a minimum and several species of exotic birds can be spotted. The lunch stop offers stunning views of the large volcanic mass of Mombacho.
There is a gradual descent down to the lakeshore, then virtually flat (but bumpy) roads out to the tip of the Asese Peninsula. The roads are 65% paved, 35% dirt/rock.
Upon arrival back at the hotel, you'll have time for a swim or stroll along La Calzada, Granada’s main pedestrian street. In the late afternoon you will head for the popular Mirador Catarina, which overlooks pretty Laguna Apoyo. This Sunday visit will allow you to experience the local people enjoying the wonderful view while being entertained by strolling marimba bands and souvenir vendors. Afterwards, head for the Masaya Volcano National Park for a night visit to observe molten lava bubbling away in the depths of the huge crater. It may also be possible to spot the 'Chocoyos', a sub-species of parakeet which nests in the crater walls, having evolved to become resistant to the constant emissions of sulphuric gas. Due to safety concerns, the visit to the crater is limited to 15 minutes (and occasionally the park is closed altogether). Return to Granada for dinner.
- 16.2 miles
- Hotel Patio del Malinche, Granada
- Breakfast
- Day 3 Transfer to San Jorge: Ferry to Ometepe Island and cycle to fresh water spring.
- Day 4Ferry to mainland and ride to San Juan del Sur
Today depart from the hotel around 10:30am, which gives you some free time beforehand to hike the trails around the lagoon to spot more wildlife or relax on the beach and admire the view. For keen cyclists looking for a challenge, an early morning ride along the single-track trails within the Charco Verde Reserve ($2 entry fee for hotel guests) is a great start to the day. Those looking for a hike can do the same trails; make sure to bring your camera as the reserve is full of wildlife that are best seen in the early morning.
Departing the hotel, cycle to Moyogalpa and get the ferry back to the mainland. You'll then hop on the saddle again for a ride to Rivas, the largest city in southern Nicaragua, and then along La Chocolata Road towards San Juan del Sur, a Pacific beach town. The road takes you through dry forest where you may see (or hear!) Howler monkeys and spot large iguanas. You'll also pass through several small villages which experience no tourism other than biking groups. If you plan to bring any gifts for local people, the children and teachers in the small rural schools along the way really appreciate pencils, pens and crayons.After finishing the mild climb which then drops us onto the Pacific side of Nicaragua, you'll ride just a bit further west to the beautiful beach ‘Playa Marsella’, in time for a late afternoon swim. The hotel for this evening is close to the main San Juan del Sur beach, a great place to watch the sunset or simply enjoy the hotel pool.
For today you'll cycle along mostly level roads with some mild climbs. The road is 60% well-groomed dirt and 40% paved.- 28 miles
- Hotel Gran Oceano, San Juan del Sur
- Breakfast
- Day 5Ride from Pacific to Lake Nicaragua and transfer to Costa Rica
Starting early to avoid the heat, cycle over the continental divide and down to a backroad (subject to road/weather conditions) near La Virgen, which then takes you on to Sapoa, close to the border with Costa Rica. There will be a 5 minute transfer which will take you to Peñas Blancas in order to exit Nicaragua. After clearing immigration on the Costa Rica side, there will be a stop for lunch near La Cruz and then continue south along the Pan Am highway to just outside Cañas, another good sized town. Your arrival will be late in the afternoon due to ongoing highway constructions.
There's an initial climb departing San Juan del Sur, then a gradual descent near La Virgen. The back road to Sapoa is mild rolling terrain that is graded dirt. The roads are 40% paved and 60% dirt.- 27.3 miles
- Hotel Hacienda La Pacifica, Cañas
- Breakfast
- Day 6Wildlife trip on Tenorio River, Bijagua valley ride and ride to Lake Arenal
Get out of the saddle early in the morning for a 2 hour float down the Tenorio River, a haven for birds and wildlife. As the raft takes you gently along the river, you can expect to see several species of monkey, iguanas, coatis and a wide range of birds. There are also crocodiles along the lower stretch of the river and our experienced guides will not only handle the oars but will also point out as many species as possible. This is likely to be a big wildlife highlight of the trip!
Afterwards, transfer up to near Bijagua, then cycle back down to the Pan American Highway before lunch. After your meal, head up to the hilly region surrounding Lake Arenal where the afternoon biking stage will begin. This is quite a challenging section and although the distance is short there are several climbs and it can also be rather windy. The rewards are the spectacular views of the lake with the surrounding hills and Arenal Volcano off to the east.
The morning stage is fast downhill after climbing out from Bijagua but can be pot-holed. The afternoon stage ride from outside Tilaran to Mystica includes several fairly steep climbs through rolling hills. Roads are 100% paved.- 31.1 miles
- Mystica Resort, Lake Arenal
- Breakfast
- Day 7Cycle to La Fortuna
After breakfast, set off on your bikes towards La Fortuna. This is one of the most spectacular cycling stages, starting in lush agricultural land which gradually gives way to thick rainforest as you approach the dam which forms Lake Arenal. Watch out for monkeys, toucans and the amazingly colorful neon-blue Morpho butterflies as you cycle. If it's clear the dam is a great place to take a break for a wonderful view of Arenal Volcano. The town of La Fortuna is a major tourism destination within Costa Rica, so those looking for souvenirs will be well satisfied.
Todays ride is mostly on rolling hills with some short but fairly steep climbs, followed by fast downhill to La Fortuna. The road is 95% paved and 5% dirt or gravel.- 37.9 miles
- Hotel San Bosco, La Fortuna
- Breakfast
- Day 8Ride up from tropical lowlands with views of Arenal volcano and visit thermal springs.
Today’s ride follows a circular route through the region surrounding La Fortuna, taking in a great variety of terrain and ecosystems. Starting from the hotel, head south toward Chachagua, then divert to a backroad leading to El Bosque where you will pass through agricultural land devoted to bananas and sugar cane before heading into a rugged hilly zone that leads back towards the rainforest near the small town of La Tigre. Toucans are especially common here and there are some incredible views of the jungle and Arenal Volcano. As you approach La Fortuna again, there is one final steep climb before you reach the hotel. This evening a visit to the Eco-Termales Hot Springs is included to soothe any aching muscles – the best hot springs in the area!
Roads are paved and mostly level for the first half, followed by several challenging climbs.
Please note: Traffic can be heavy near La Fortuna; a modified route may be selected.- 32.9 miles
- Hotel San Bosco, La Fortuna
- Breakfast
- Day 9Morning easy ride with a short afternoon cycle near the Caribbean coast
You have another early start today as the group heads east into the rolling terrain of the San Carlos plains, riding through rich agricultural zones, sugar cane and pineapple plantations and rural villages. You will generally descend on this leg, which levels off as you get closer to Muelle where the morning stage is concluded. Have your cameras handy upon arrival, as there is a population of large iguanas posing while the staff load the bikes for the transfer out to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica.
As you will be crossing a large portion of Costa Rica, this is a long transfer (approx. 3 hours). Just outside the busy port of Limon hop on the bikes back into use for a short ride using a more tranquil back road which will take you to the main coastal highway at Rio Banano. There will then be a short transfer to the southern zone of the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. The destination is bustling Puerto Viejo, a popular destination on this coast of Costa Rica.
The morning stage is a fast descent leaving La Fortuna which levels out to Muelle. The afternoon stage is fully level. Roads are 100% paved for both stages.- 26.7 miles
- Hotel Escape Caribeño, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Breakfast
- Day 10Ride to Panama border and boat to Bocas del Toro islands
Today begin riding south at the base of the towering Talamanca Mountains. Follow the main coastal road before turning off to the indigenous community of Bri-Bri, home to members of the Guaymi tribe. You may see some of the traditionally dressed women in flowing embroidered dresses as you pass through this area. The ride continues through vast banana plantations to the border crossing on the banks of the Sixaola River. After a quick lunch, leave Costa Rica and cross to Guabito, the Panamanian port of entry. After the border formalities, board the bus through the frontier town of Changuinola and the steep rainforest hills which are inhabited by indigenous people. You'll reach the coast and embark on a private boat transfer to cross into the Caribbean to the wonderful Bocas del Toro Islands, your home for the next two nights.
Roads are mostly flat, although there are some climbs as you head to Bri-Bri. The roads are paved although there are often potholes and washouts close to the border.- 29.2 miles
- Hotel Gran Bahia, Bocas del Toro
- Breakfast
- Day 11Free day in Bocas del Toro
Enjoy a free day to explore the beautiful Bocas del Toro Islands, which are rapidly becoming a popular destination in the Caribbean. Today you will get a chance to see why: spectacular palm-shaded white sand beaches, crystal clear water, wonderful snorkelling and diving, lots of wildlife, kayaking and even great surfing are all available! It's also possible to take boat trips to the other islands, or go on dolphin-watching tours. All of these optional activities can be arranged through the hotel or nearby tour agencies.
For those who want to ride today, biking is available on the island and the 32km round trip to Bocas del Drago on the island's western tip is recommended. The bikes will stay on the mainland at Almirante, but other bikes can be hired locally.- Hotel Gran Bahia, Bocas del Toro
- Breakfast
- Day 12Jungle ride, descent to Pan-Am Highway and transfer to Pacific coast
After taking a private boat back to the mainland, drive to Punta Robalo for a ride through beautiful jungle scenery. After lunch there will be a transfer (approx. 1.5 hours) through the mountains that separate Panama's two coastlines after which you can begin the second ride of the day. The change in temperature, humidity and eco-systems are significant as you gain altitude. At the top of the pass you will find beautiful Lago Fortuna, set in a rainforest-clad tropical valley.
Go on a fast downhill ride with great mountain views and several river crossings to Gualaca and the Pan-Am Highway beyond. Upon meeting the Pan American Highway junction, board the minibus for the drive down to Las Lajas, an isolated Pacific beach which stretches for miles. Here you can enjoy a great tropical sunset while relaxing under the shade of a palm thatch palapa.
In the morning, there are some moderate hills near the start which level out. In the afternoon there is a fast downhill to the Pacific plain and some short climbs near the finish. The route is 100% paved.- 37.3 miles
- Las Lajas Beach Resort, Playa Las Lajas
- Breakfast
- Day 13Tropical lowland forest ride with a transfer to Panama City
It's another early start in order to avoid the heat and traffic on the ride through the Panamanian countryside. Take a short drive to Guabala, a customs/passport control point on the Pan Am highway, and once your documents have been checked, the bikes will be offloaded for a fairly challenging ride through a remote and hilly section of the western portion of Veraguas Province. Some of the morning's ride takes you along remote backroads past large sugar plantations and through dry tropical forest.
Finish cycling close to the town of Jorones, where you start the transfer to Panama City (approx. 4 hours), with a quick lunch stop in Santiago, the main city in this part of Panama. Cross the famous canal where you're very likely to see huge ships as they make the journey between the Caribbean and the Pacific. The hotel is located in the suburb of Albrook, where many opulent residences are a testament to the days when US military officers and Canal Authority officials lived in the city.
The route has a level start but becomes increasingly hilly during the middle section. The last stage is level again and the road is fully paved.
Please note: A different stage may be selected if the weather conditions are very hot.- 23.6 miles
- Hotel Holiday Inn Panama Canal, Panama City
- Breakfast
- Day 14Ride alongside the Panama Canal
This final day is truly memorable, as you travel along a stretch of the Panama Canal to observe some of the highlights. Starting from the hotel which overlooks the Pacific entrance to the canal, you'll transfer to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Centre (entry fee to museum and video presentation included) to view the process of raising and lowering the ship traffic. You will then have a short transfer to the entry point of the Soberana National Park, where you can the final biking stage through a lush rainforest.
The biking concludes with lunch at lovely Los Lagartos, set over Lago Gamboa, with the canal as a back-drop. This offers a great photo opportunity as ships pass by during their transit. After lunch transfer back to the hotel for some free time or a swim. In the afternoon, visit the World Heritage Site of Casco Viejo, the historic old portion of Panama City. There will be a final group dinner in the Casco Viejo this evening.
The route is mostly level along the canal, but with some climbing within the Soberana Park. The main road is fully paved.- 8.1 miles
- Hotel Holiday Inn Panama Canal, Panama City
- Breakfast
- Day 15End in Panama City