Costa Rica Coast to Coast Ride

15 days
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Small Group Tour
Take in the variety of Costa Rica by bike, pedalling past rainforest, volcanoes and stunning sections of coastline. From San Jose we cycle south with vast Pacific views to the right and dense forest to the left. Crossing the 3400m Cerro de la Muerte pass into the Orosi Valley we ride past coffee plantations and volcanoes to arrive on the fertile Caribbean...

Overview

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

Highlights

    • Cycle along the stunning coastal highway with incredible Pacific views and beaches
    • Ride through ever-changing tropical scenery, alongside coffee farms, volcanoes, banana plantations and rainforest
    • Hike in Manuel Antonio National Park
    • Explore the waterways of Tortuguero National Park in search of wildlife

What's this trip about?

    Take in the variety of Costa Rica by bike, pedalling past rainforest, volcanoes and stunning sections of coastline. From San Jose we cycle south with vast Pacific views to the right and dense forest to the left. Crossing the 3400m 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 located at the foot of Arenal Volcano.Cycle stretches of the Costa Rican Pacific coastline.

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CitySan Jose (near to)
End CitySan Jose (near to)

Travel Themes

  • Cycling & Biking

Destinations

  • Central America

Activities

  • Cycling

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
    • All accommodation (see accommodation section)
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour/Cycling leader and support team throughout
    • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
    • Local bike hire

Itinerary

Travel Map
Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Fly to San Jose.

Those on the group flight land at San Jose and will be transferred to our start hotel in La Garita, around 15 minutes away. Those on land only arrangements should make their own way to the start hotel this evening. *Comfortable Hotel*

Day 2 Ride to Rio Tarcoles.

We have a briefing this morning and spend some time adjusting our bikes before riding out through small rural communities followed by dry, tropical forest with very little traffic on the paved roads. This initial stage concludes outside Atenas, then we have a 20 m...

Day 3 Boat tour; cycle to Esterillos.

Following an early breakfast, we transfer 20 minutes to Rio Tarcoles for a private guided boat tour of the estuary. We hope to see crocodiles, water birds, shore birds and Scarlet macaws. A 30 minute transfer brings us to the outskirts of Jaco where we return to o...

Day 4 Wildlife hike in Manuel Antonio N.P; to Rio Savegre.

We start the morning with a 2 hour guided hike in Manuel Antonio National Park, an outstanding region for wildlife. The forest here meets the sea and iguanas and White-headed Capuchin monkeys can often be seen on the beach. A 30 minute transfer takes us to Rio Sav...

Day 5 To Osa Peninsula; ride to Puerto Jimenez.

Our ride today takes us from Playa Tortuga on to Palma Norte, where we cross the Rio Terraba, Costa Rica's longest river, then to Palmar Sur, where we will stop at the central park for a look at some of the famous spherical rocks, made by a little-known ancient in...

Day 6 Ferry to Golfito; ride/transfer to Las Cruces.

We board a private boat this morning for a 30 minute journey across the Golfo Dulce to Golfito. Here, sometimes dolphins can be seen frolicking in the surrounding waters. Our cycle route heads to Rio Claro via a tropical garden where we will learn about the medici...

Day 7 Cycle to Paso Real; transfer to Orosi Valley.

Back on the saddle we enjoy a fantastic ride from the hilly region near San Vito downhill to Paso Real, far below at the Rio Terraba. En route we pass through an indigenous area where villagers can often be seen in traditional dress. We will stop in Paso Real to h...

Day 8 Cycle in the Orosi Valley.

This morning we start with a short downhill stage before jumping on the bus for a transfer that will take us over the infamous Cerro de La Muerte. At 3,541 metres above sea level, this is the highest point of the PanAm Highway in Costa Rica. On this stretch we wil...

Day 9 Ride to Turrialba. 

After breakfast we start cycling from the hotel for perhaps one of the most beautiful cycling stages riding past numerous coffee plantations. With any luck, we will see some farmers using their colourful traditional oxcarts to haul the coffee to nearby processing ...

Day 10 Cycle to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica.

After breakfast we will start cycling until we arrive at the town of Siquierres form where we will board the coach and take a transfer to the Caribbean coast. On arrival to the coast we will start a second biking stage through an isolated backroad and as we arrive...

Day 11 To Tortuguero.

This morning we will start by hiking in the Cahuita National Park. During this hike you can expect to see lots of wildlife including two and three-toed Sloths, Capuchin monkeys and also Iguanas. At the end of the hike we will transfer to Guapiles where we will sto...

Day 12 Boat trip; ride and transfer to La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano.

An early morning boat trip enables us to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero, passing serenely along the waterways. At this time of day wildlife is usually at its most active and with the help of our expert guide we are likely to encounter mon...

Day 13 Cycle to Bajo Rodriguez; to San Jose.

Following a short transfer, our final cycling stage starts with a ride through the dense rain forest surrounding beautiful Lake Arenal, with several spots to observe the volcano as we continue back toward La Fortuna. Departing Fortuna, we bike through tropical far...

Day 14 Depart San Jose.

Our trip ends in San Jose (La Garita) after breakfast this morning and those on group flights will be transferred to the international airport for the return journey. **

Day 15 Arrive London

**

Land Only

Day 1 Start San Jose.

Those on the group flight land into San Jose and will be transferred to our start hotel in La Garita, around 15 minutes away. Those on land only arrangements should make their own way to the start hotel this evening. *Comfortable Hotel*

Day 2 Ride to Rio Tarcoles.

We have a briefing this morning and spend some time adjusting our bikes before riding out through small rural communities followed by dry, tropical forest with very little traffic on the paved roads. This initial stage concludes outside Atenas, then we have a 20 m...

Day 3 Boat tour; cycle to Esterillos.

Following an early breakfast, we transfer 20 minutes to Rio Tarcoles for a private guided boat tour of the estuary. We hope to see crocodiles, water birds, shore birds and Scarlet macaws. A 30 minute transfer brings us to the outskirts of Jaco where we return to o...

Day 4 Wildlife hike in Manuel Antonio N.P; to Rio Savegre.

We start the morning with a 2 hour guided hike in Manuel Antonio National Park, an outstanding region for wildlife. The forest here meets the sea and iguanas and White-headed Capuchin monkeys can often be seen on the beach. A 30 minute transfer takes us to Rio Sav...

Day 5 To Osa Peninsula; ride to Puerto Jimenez.

Our ride today takes us from Playa Tortuga on to Palma Norte, where we cross the Rio Terraba, Costa Rica's longest river, then to Palmar Sur, where we will stop at the central park for a look at some of the famous spherical rocks, made by a little-known ancient in...

Day 6 Ferry to Golfito; ride/transfer to Las Cruces.

We board a private boat this morning for a 30 minute journey across the Golfo Dulce to Golfito. Here, sometimes dolphins can be seen frolicking in the surrounding waters. Our cycle route heads to Rio Claro via a tropical garden where we will learn about the medici...

Day 7 Cycle to Paso Real; transfer to Orosi Valley.

Back on the saddle we enjoy a fantastic ride from the hilly region near San Vito downhill to Paso Real, far below at the Rio Terraba. En route we pass through an indigenous area where villagers can often be seen in traditional dress. We will stop in Paso Real to h...

Day 8 Cycle in the Orosi Valley.

This morning we start with a short downhill stage before jumping on the bus for a transfer that will take us over the infamous Cerro de La Muerte. At 3,541 metres above sea level, this is the highest point of the PanAm Highway in Costa Rica. On this stretch we wil...

Day 9 Ride to Turrialba. 

After breakfast we start cycling from the hotel for perhaps one of the most beautiful cycling stages riding past numerous coffee plantations. With any luck, we will see some farmers using their colourful traditional oxcarts to haul the coffee to nearby processing ...

Day 10 Cycle to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica.

After breakfast we will start cycling until we arrive at the town of Siquierres form where we will board the coach and take a transfer to the Caribbean coast. On arrival to the coast we will start a second biking stage through an isolated backroad and as we arrive...

Day 11 To Tortuguero.

This morning we will start by hiking in the Cahuita National Park. During this hike you can expect to see lots of wildlife including two and three-toed Sloths, Capuchin monkeys and also Iguanas. At the end of the hike we will transfer to Guapiles where we will sto...

Day 12 Boat trip; ride and transfer to La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano.

An early morning boat trip enables us to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero, passing serenely along the waterways. At this time of day wildlife is usually at its most active and with the help of our expert guide we are likely to encounter mon...

Day 13 Cycle to Bajo Rodriguez; to San Jose.

Following a short transfer, our final cycling stage starts with a ride through the dense rain forest surrounding beautiful Lake Arenal, with several spots to observe the volcano as we continue back toward La Fortuna. Departing Fortuna, we bike through tropical far...

Day 14 End San Jose.

Our trip ends in San Jose (La Garita) after breakfast this morning and those on group flights will be transferred to the international airport for the return journey. **

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,565
Price per day$238
Last Updated: 0/16/2019

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.

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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

Accommodation

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
Dinner: All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 dinners are included. In the itinerary we state which meals are included on which day (13 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 dinners). Hotel breakfasts are normally buffet style. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Expect to see a lot of the Costa Rican speciality 'gallo pinto' and a lot of rice, beans, fruit and grilled meats.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • 13 nights hotels all en suite
  • 12 days cycling with full vehicle support
  • 80% tarmac, 20% unpaved tracks
  • Routes mainly follow quiet roads
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader and staff. Min age 16 yrs
Trip ID
exodus-MUD9

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