We depart UK on a day flight and land late in San Jose early evening. Our team will meet you at the Juan Santamaria International airport in San Jose, and drive you to your downtown hotel in the capital.

This morning we start our challenge with a transfer eastwards to the Caribbean
coast, stopping off at the town of Sarapiqui for a visit of the Snake Garden Wildlife Centre. Here we can get a taste of the amphibians, reptiles and birds of Costa Rica that we may see along the way. We then continue on to our hotel in the town of Guapiles, where we have a bike fitting and a full briefing on the challenge
ahead, before we sit down to a welcome dinner.

Today, after an early breakfast, we transfer to Caribbean Coast by bus and then a quick boat ride to the start of our challenge. The ride starts along banana and pineapple plantations on the flat lands on the Caribbean. We then continue along some single tracks and several river crossings before arriving back at our hotel in Guapiles.

CYCLING APPROX 65KM

We begin today’s ride on a paved road heading toward the Sarapiqui River. We
are likely to see several groups of monkeys and exotic birds on this section of the route. Sarapiqui is a region of rich diversity, known for its lush vegetation and production of crops such as corn, coffee, cocoa, cardamom, tropical foliage and
the delicious palm hearts.

CYCLING APPROX 62KM

Back on our bikes, we cycle a challenging hilly section along dirt roads through the San Carlos agricultural area famous for its plantations of citrus fruit, papaya, yucca and pineapples. The rest of the day is along paved roads heading to the stunning
and active Arenal Volcano.

CYCLING APPROX 102KM

Depending on how people are feeling we have a choice of 2 routes – paved or off road. The off road option takes us along the rugged southern shores of Lake Arenal and involves several river crossings, sections of single track, and many ups and downs. The paved option is easier on the body with a smooth surface but equally as hilly and also with great views. Either way, the day is sure to be a highlight of the crossing.

CYCLING APPROX 68KM

The day begins with a steep climb up and over the Continental Divide. As we reach the highest point, we are treated to great vistas of the Guanacaste plains and Pacific coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula. Guanacaste is the major cattle ranching area of the country and we pass through some of these ranches along the foothills of the Tenario and Miravalles Volcanoes. The day see a transition from a tropical to a dry windy climate. Tonight’s hotel has naturally heated pools to sooth away any aching muscles.

CYCLING APPROX 57KM

A hilly morning is rewarded with an incredible limestone downhill to the town of Liberia, the center of Guanacaste. This typical large Costa Rican town is quite different from the smaller communities we have been passing through. Lunch in town and then we finish the crossing on a paved road to Hermosa Beach on the Pacific coast. The evening we celebrate and reflect on the experiences of our ride across Costa Rica.

CYCLING APPROX 66KM

The morning is free to relax on the beach before being transferred back to the airport in San Jose. We catch our flight, landing in the UK the following day.