Costa Rica Bike Routes
The best mountain biking in Costa Rica is in the area around Turrialba, which includes some archaeological sites as well as great sparkling pools begging you to jump in.
For those who are immune to the sun, you can reach the Caribbean Coast in two or three days of riding from Turrialba (Moderate/Strenuous, about 16 hours of biking total).
Or you can follow developed foot trails through a wilder part of Costa Rica, ascending the spine of the country near Cerro de la Muerte (about 8000 ft. altitude), sleep in the cloud forest, then descend to a Pacific beach.
Starting from the mountainous area of the Central Valley west of San Jose, you can reach the Cloud Forest area, and strong bikers can make it to the Arenal volcano (strenuous uphill, steep downhill, about 12 hours of biking total) on back roads used only by local horses and a few tractors.
How do you like this idea — from your arrival at the airport until you reboard your flight, you are either on a bike, in whitewater, or on foot. Once the 4×4 has transported you beyond the city traffic near the airport, you do not see the inside of a motorized vehicle (though the 4WD support is with you the whole way to the beach should you need it). If your “purity” isn’t quite so demanding, you can jump into the 4×4 for the steep ascents, or for the air conditioning.
Mountain biking Costa Rica Serendipity Style
Wherever you ride with Serendipity, you will be accompanied by a bilingual guide and there’s always a 4WD nearby to carry supplies, equipment, and a comfortable place to collapse after (or during) the journey. Our excellent front suspension bikes are well maintained, or you may bring your own bike, and we’ll store your bike box while with us.
Serendipity offers ONLY PRIVATE BIKE ITINERARIES — we DO NOT combine with other groups, rent bikes, or provide route maps independently of our guides and support equipment.
All biking trips are outfitted with a front-suspension bike, helmet, gloves, water bottle, energy bars, trail-mix snacks, biking guide, support vehicle, two-way radios to communicate with the support vehicle, Serendipity’s excellent First Aid kit (which includes EpiPen and full road rash supplies), bike repair equipment (plus a spare bike with the support vehicle), and a Serendipity bike leader — bilingual, certified, current in CPR and First Aid, and very knowledgeable about the bike options in the area.
Want some great biking, set to your own pace of travel? Just ask us at Serendipity. We’ll design your adventure, then come along to enjoy it with you.
For examples of how mountain biking can be incorporated into your active Costa Rican vacation, have a look at the sample itineraries of private Costa Rica vacations.
Ultimate Family Adventure
