Costa Rica Coast to Coast Ride

14 days
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Small Group Tour
Take in the variety of Costa Rica by bike, pedalling past rainforest, volcanoes and stunning coastline. From the Central Valley, we cycle south with vast Pacific views to the right and dense forest to the left. Crossing the 11,150ft (3,400m) Cerro de la Muerte pass into the Orosi Valley, we ride past coffee plantations and volcanoes to arrive on the fertile C...
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$8,100
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Cycle through the ever-changing tropical scenery of Costa Rica, guided by our expert tour leader
    • Glide downhill through the dense rainforest of the Orosi Valley
    • Spot wildlife on a guided nature walk in Manuel Antonio National Park
    • Take a boat ride on the animal-rich waterways of Tortuguero National Park

What's this trip about?

    Take in the variety of Costa Rica by bike, pedalling past rainforest, volcanoes and stunning coastline. From the Central Valley, we cycle south with vast Pacific views to the right and dense forest to the left. Crossing the 11,150ft (3,400m) Cerro de la Muerte pass into the Orosi Valley, we ride past coffee plantations and volcanoes to arrive on the fertile Caribbean plains where banana plantations take over the landscape. We take a break from the saddle to explore the wildlife-rich rivers and waterways of Tortuguero before travelling to La Fortuna, a lovely spot at the foot of Arenal Volcano.Cycle stretches of the Pacific coastline and see the highlights of Costa Rica on this bike adventure

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityLa Garita de Alajuela, near San José
End CityLa Garita de Alajuela, near San José

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Cycling & Biking
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Attractions

  • Caribbean
  • Palma

Activities

  • Culture
  • Cycling
  • Nature

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, four lunches, two dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour/cycling leader and support team throughout
    • Local bike hire

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start La Garita de Alajuela, near San José

We gather at our start hotel in La Garita de Alajuela, around a 15-minute drive from San José airport. There’s nothing planned today, so take time to relax and prepare for the exciting adventures ahead. Accommodation: Hotel La Rosa de América (or similar)

Day 2 Ride and transfer to Rio Tárcoles; boat tour; transfer to Playa Bejuco

After breakfast, we have a short welcome briefing and spend time adjusting our bikes before riding out on paved roads with very little traffic through small rural communities and a dry tropical forest. This initial stage will finish at Cebadilla, where we transfer app...

Day 3 Wildlife walk and swim in Manuel Antonio National Park; transfer to Playa Dominical

Today we start with an early-morning transfer (approximately one hour) to arrive at the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park just as it opens. Our 7am arrival will give the best opportunity for wildlife spotting and allow us to avoid the park at its busiest later in ...

Day 4 Ride to Uvita Waterfall; see stone spheres at Palmar Sur; transfer to Osa Peninsula

Today we cycle south along the coastal road, which includes a few hilly sections near Uvita and Ojochal. Our first destination of the day is Uvita Waterfall for a refreshing dip in the emerald waters; an ideal place to cool off from the heat of the day. Departing Uvit...

Day 5 Free day on the Osa Peninsula

Today is free for you to relax and recharge in the gorgeous surroundings of Agua Dulce. It's possible to swim at Playa Pan Dulce, do some kayaking, or for those who wish to cycle, there's a flat gravel/dirt round-trip stage (27mi/43km) out to the southern tip of the O...

Day 6 Transfer to Mirador Osa; ride to Chacarita and transfer to Las Cruces; nature walk at Las Cruces Botanical Garden

This morning we take a 45-minute transfer to Mirador Osa (Osa Viewpoint), where we can take in spectacular views over the Golfo Dulce and Osa Peninsula. We then hop on the bikes for a scenic cycle through the hills and rainforest of the Osa Peninsula to Chacarita. Fol...

Day 7 Cycle to Paso Real; transfer to San Gerardo de Rivas

Back in the saddle, we enjoy a fantastic downhill ride from the hilly region near San Vito to Paso Real, far below at the Rio Terraba. We pass through an indigenous area where villagers can sometimes be seen in traditional dress. We stop near Buenos Aires for lunch be...

Day 8 Ride to San Isidro de Perez Zeledon; transfer across the Cerro de la Muerte pass; cycle to Orosi

This morning we start with a short downhill stage before jumping on the bus for a transfer that will take us over the Cerro de La Muerte. At 11,617ft (3,541m) above sea level, this is the highest point on the PanAm Highway in Central America. We enjoy an extended lunc...

Day 9 Cycle to Turrialba

After breakfast, we leave the hotel for one of the most beautiful cycling routes on this trip, past numerous coffee plantations. With any luck, we will see farmers using their colourful traditional oxcarts to haul their crop to nearby processing facilities, as well as...

Day 10 Cycle to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica and transfer to Puerto Viejo

After breakfast, we will start cycling a hilly section with incredible views, followed by a fast downhill to the town of Siquirres, where we board the coach and transfer to the Caribbean coast. Depending on our arrival time this afternoon, there may be time to enjoy a...

Day 11 Transfer to Guacimo; cycle through banana plantations; transfer to La Pavona for boat trip to Tortuguero

Today is a very early start as we have a transfer of approximately one hour to Santa Rosa for breakfast. Then we continue (approximately 1hr 30min) to the beginning of our backroads biking stage, which takes us through several small towns within the immense banana pla...

Day 12 Boat trip in Tortuguero; ride and transfer to La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano; visit thermal springs

An early morning boat trip allows us to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero. At this time, wildlife is usually at its most active. With the help of our expert guide, we are likely to encounter monkeys, caiman, iguanas, butterflies and many of the ...

Day 13 Cycle on beautiful Lake Arenal to La Fortuna; transfer to La Garita de Alajuela

Following a short transfer, our final cycling stage starts with a ride through the dense rainforest surrounding beautiful Lake Arenal, with several spots to observe the volcano as we continue back toward La Fortuna. Upon reaching town, there is some free time for souv...

Day 14 End La Garita de Alajuela

Our trip ends this morning after breakfast.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,000
Price per day$429
Last Updated: 5/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
04 Jan 2025
17 Jan 2025
$6,600
$7,800
18 Jan 2025
31 Jan 2025
$6,600
$7,800
25 Jan 2025
07 Feb 2025
$6,600
$7,800
01 Feb 2025
14 Feb 2025
$6,600
$7,800
08 Feb 2025
21 Feb 2025
$6,750
$7,950
22 Feb 2025
07 Mar 2025
$6,600
$7,800
01 Mar 2025
14 Mar 2025
$6,600
$7,800
29 Mar 2025
11 Apr 2025
$6,450
$7,650
05 Jul 2025
18 Jul 2025
$6,900
$8,100
09 Aug 2025
22 Aug 2025
$6,900
$8,100

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

One of our best trips ever.

This was an amazing experience. The cycling was moderate on mostly quiet, smooth roads with some hills. The bikes were good quality Scott hybrids with disc brakes....

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Great wildlife!

Great to see so much great wildlife on a cycling trip (it was the reason we took the trip). Be prepared however if, like us, you are used to cycling along quiet ro...

A

Anonymous

Mar 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Wayne Maxwell

We had a great trip and would recommend it highly. Our guide Roberto and his team looked after us all extremely well and nothing was too much trouble. Roberto was ...

A

Anonymous

Mar 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Costa Rica Coast to Coast Cycle Ride

Just back from a wonderful time in Costa Rica. All in all I could not recommend the trip highly enough. The cycling was fantastic, our tour guide and support staff...

A

Anonymous

Mar 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A brilliant cycle trip

This excellent cycle journey offers wonderful diverse experiences from coastline to mountains to rainforests with spectacular scenery and wildlife. The cycling is ...

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Annie O'Reilly Hughes

Nov 2024

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Patient and knowledgeable operative

Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...

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Trevor Butler

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Very professional organisation

Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...

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Sarah R

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India, the Tropical South

An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

13 nights comfortable hotels with en suite rooms Hotels are full of character and most have swimming pools 10 days cycling with 100% vehicle support 80% tarmac, 20% unpaved track Routes mainly follow quiet roads and can be potholed
We spend 13 nights in characterful hotels, most of which have swimming pools. There are three nights in remote mountain lodges with lush gardens and superb views, one with a well-known tropical botanical garden. All accommodations are well maintained, very clean and most are long-time favourites in Costa Rica. Below are a few of the standout accommodations on this trip. Dominical: Villas Rio Mar In a beautiful rainforest setting, Villas Rio Mar is a slice of Costa Rican wilderness but with plenty of amenities. There’s a large palm tree-wrapped swimming pool, tropical gardens, and a rainforest trail to explore. There’s also a focus on ecofriendly practices, with solar power running the air conditioning in the bungalows, vegetables for the restaurant grown in their greenhouse, and a monthly clean-up of Playa Dominical beach (which is just a 10-minute walk away). Near San Vito: OTS Las Cruces Lodge Unleash your inner natural historian with a stay at the Organisation for Tropical Studies Las Cruces Research Station. It’s a hub of science and nature, which brings together researchers and wildlife lovers from across the planet, with accommodation for up to 100 people. During our time here, we enjoy a guided walk around the Wilson Botanical Garden, which surrounds the property and is home to an extraordinary collection of tropical plants and more than 400 bird species. Tortuguero: Pachira Lodge Five minutes from the main entrance to Tortuguero National Park and hugged by scenic canals, this 94-room resort has a prime location. When it’s time to relax, there’s a turtle-shaped pool (this is green turtle country, after all), a buffet restaurant serving Costa Rican-Caribbean cuisine, and a bar. But the real draw is the other residents. You may spot sloths, howler monkeys and white-faced monkeys and, if you’re lucky, an otter or manatee in the surrounding waterways.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners are included. Hotel breakfasts are normally buffets. Expect plenty of gallo pinto, a Costa Rican speciality, and lots of rice, beans, fruit and grilled meats. Fish lovers will be well satisfied with a variety of fresh fish from both Pacific and Caribbean waters. Vegetarian, vegan and Gluten-free options are limited but food is plentiful and tasty – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • 13 nights in hotels
  • 11 days cycling with full vehicle support
  • 97 percent paved, 3 percent unpaved tracks
  • Routes follow quiet roads wherever possible
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader and staff. Minimum age: 16
Trip ID
exodus-MUD

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