Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama

15 days
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Small Group Tour
Starting in the colonial city of Granada and ending in bustling Panama City, our route takes us into Costa Rica’s steamy rainforests, alongside active volcanoes and to the tropical island of Bocas del Toro. We explore the island of Ometepe at Lake Nicaragua, search for howler monkeys while rafting on the Tenorio River, and ride through rural villages along th...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star

Highlights

    • Cycle through three different countries in two weeks
    • Relax on Pacific beaches and the idyllic Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro
    • Discover the dramatic Ometepe Island, with its twin volcanic peaks
    • Ride along the Panama Canal, see the Miraflores Locks in action
    • Look for wildlife in the national parks of Costa Rica

What's this trip about?

    Starting in the colonial city of Granada and ending in bustling Panama City, our route takes us into Costa Rica’s steamy rainforests, alongside active volcanoes and to the tropical island of Bocas del Toro. We explore the island of Ometepe at Lake Nicaragua, search for howler monkeys while rafting on the Tenorio River, and ride through rural villages along the Caribbean coast. Our journey ends with a cycle near the Panama Canal, following our visit to the colossal Miraflores Locks. This itinerary is valid for departures from 9 Sep, 2017 to 20 Dec, 2024. For other departure dates, please contact us.Enjoy challenging rides through three tropical countries

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityGranada
End CityPanama City

Travel Themes

  • Cycling & Biking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Caribbean
  • Granada
  • La Fortuna

Activities

  • Cycling

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts
    • All accommodation (see accommodation section)
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Cycling leader and support team
    • Local bike hire

Itinerary

Day 1 Start Granada

The adventure starts at our hotel in Granada. Settle in and rest up, the cycling begins tomorrow. Accommodation: Hotel Patio del Malinche, Granada (or similar)

Day 2 Ride along Lake Nicaragua; visit Masaya Volcano National Park

After breakfast, we have a tour briefing and indications for the initial cycling stage. Any last-minute adjustments to the bikes are made before we set off to Lake Nicaragua. As we reach the lakeshore, we enter into the Asese Peninsula recreation area, a beautiful, pr...

Day 3 Transfer to San Jorge; ferry to Ometepe island and cycle to freshwater spring

After breakfast, we transfer (approximately 1hr 30min) south to the port of San Jorge on Lake Nicaragua, where we board the vehicle ferry for the one-hour trip to Ometepe island, with the twin volcanoes of Concepcion and Masaya dominating the view. Upon arrival at bus...

Day 4 Ferry to mainland; ride to San Juan del Sur

We depart the hotel around 10.30am, which gives us free time to hike 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 Cha...

Day 5 Ride from Pacific to Lake Nicaragua; transfer to Costa Rica

Starting early to avoid the heat, we cycle over the continental divide and down to a backroad (subject to road/weather conditions) near La Virgen, which then take us to Sapoa, close to the Costa Rica border. We then have a five-minute transfer to Peñas Blancas, where ...

Day 6 Wildlife float trip on Tenorio River; cycle through Bijagua valley

This morning we get out of the saddle early in the morning for a two-hour float down the Tenorio River, a haven for birds and other wildlife. As our raft takes us gently along, expect to see several monkey species, iguanas, coatis and a wide range of birds. There are ...

Day 7 Cycle to La Fortuna

After breakfast, we take a 45-minute transfer to the Mirador Lago Arenal, just outside Tilarán, and jump on the bikes. This initial portion is quite a challenging, hilly section and, although the distance is short, there are several climbs and it can be windy. The rew...

Day 8 Local morning ride with views of Arenal Volcano; 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, we head south towards Chachagua, then divert to a backroad leading to El Bosque where we pass through agricul...

Day 9 Morning ride to Muelle; afternoon cycle near Caribbean coast; transfer to Puerto Viejo

We have another early start today as we head east into the rolling terrain of the San Carlos plains, riding through rich agricultural zones, sugarcane and pineapple plantations, and rural villages. We are generally descending on this leg, which levels off as we get cl...

Day 10 Ride to Panama border; boat to Bocas del Toro islands

We begin riding south at the base of the Talamanca Mountains. We follow the main coastal road before turning off to Bri-Bri, home to the indigenous Guaymi community. We may see traditionally dressed women in flowing embroidered dresses as we pass through. The ride con...

Day 11 Free day in Bocas del Toro

We enjoy a free day to explore the beautiful Bocas del Toro islands, which are rapidly becoming a popular Caribbean destination. It’s easy to see why: white-sand beaches shaded by palm trees; crystalline waters; wonderful snorkelling and lots of wildlife. It's also po...

Day 12 Boat and transfer to Punta Robalo; cycle to Rambala and the Pan-Am Highway; transfer to Playa La Lajas

After taking a private boat back to the mainland, we drive to Punta Robalo for a ride through beautiful jungle scenery. After lunch, we transfer (approximately 1hr 30min) through the mountains that separate Panama's two coastlines, after which we begin our second ride...

Day 13 Tropical lowland forest ride; transfer to Panama City

We have an early start today as we avoid the heat and traffic on our ride through the Panamanian countryside. We take a short drive to Guabala, a customs/passport control point on the Pan-Am Highway; once our documents have been checked, we offload the bikes for a fai...

Day 14 Ride alongside the Panama Canal

Our final cycling day is truly memorable, as we travel along a stretch of the Panama Canal to observe some of the highlights. Starting from our hotel, which overlooks the Pacific entrance to the canal, we transfer to the Miraflores Visitor Center (entry fee to museum ...

Day 15 End Panama City

Our trip ends after breakfast. Say your goodbyes to the group and begin the return journey home. Or, if you’d like to explore a little more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,750
Price per day$450
Last Updated: 11/7/2024

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

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Very professional organisation

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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 only (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

We spend 14 nights in a mixture of hotels, with two-night stays at four of the properties used. Make sure to bring your swimwear, many have pools and some are right by the beach. Nicaragua In Granada, we usually stay at Hotel Patio del Malinche, a restored colonial house in the centre of this historic town. Rooms are arranged around a pretty courtyard with a swimming pool. On Ometepe island, our accommodation is usually Hotel Charco Verde, on the shore of Lake Nicaragua and in the protected area of the natural reserve with amazing views of Concepción volcano. In San Juan del Sur, we usually stay at Hotel Gran Oceano, just a short walk from the beach. Rooms are set around a courtyard garden and there is a swimming pool.  Costa Rica Our first night in Costa Rica is at Hotel Hacienda La Pacifica in the Cañas area. The rustic hotel is in a tranquil spot, plus there’s a good chance of seeing exotic birds in the garden. In La Fortuna, our accommodation is Hotel San Bosco in the centre of lively La Fortuna, home to a selection of great restaurants. In Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, our accommodation is normally the peaceful Hotel Escape Caribeño, a short walk from the beach and a 10-minute walk from the town.  Panama In Bocas del Toro, we usually stay at Hotel Gran Bahia for two nights, which is set in an antique wooden building opposite the sea and away from the lively centre of Bocas Town. Our accommodation at Playa Las Lajas is the Las Lajas Beach Resort. It is directly on the beach with a beachfront pool and bar-restaurant, plus hammocks. For the last two nights of the trip, we usually stay at the Holiday Inn Panama Canal. It has cosy rooms, an outdoor pool and is very close to the Panama Canal locks.  Worth knowing On the departure starting in Granada on 21 December 2024, we stay at Divers Paradise in Bocas del Toro, rather than the Hotel Gran Bahia.
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 are included. Restaurant stops for lunch and dinner are selected throughout the itinerary to allow you to try good local cuisine. Expect to see plenty of the Costa Rican speciality gallo pinto and a lot of rice, beans, fruit and grilled meats. Most days, we are on a fairly tight time schedule, especially at lunchtimes when we have cycling stages and transfers in the afternoon. To save time and hassle, we dine as a group. The leader will take a note of people’s orders and settle the total group bill. The leader will then ask clients for individual payments at a convenient time before leaving Nicaragua and then again before leaving Costa Rica. We find this method is the most efficient; however, if you object then you are, of course, free to opt out. Vegetarian and vegan options are limited but food is plentiful and tasty – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note, we recommend that you do not drink the tap water.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 3 Superior nights (hotel), 11 Classic nights (hotel)
  • 12 days of cycling with full vehicle support
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader and staff. Minimum age: 16
  • 21 December 2024 departure has a modified itinerary on Days 9-13. Please see trip notes here
Trip ID
exodus-MUC2

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