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canada ‘single track attack’
new zealand
costa rica
argentina
brazil
christmas in the andes
scotland/hebrides
weekend breaks
tuscany
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Iceland/Faroes/Shetland
south africa
Situated between Nicaragua and Panama and washed by two oceans, this tiny mountainous country is recognised as a model for eco-tourism the world over. Committed to protect its natural wonders Costa Rica is truly intoxicating; a feast to the eye and to the senses. And what better way to experience it than from a mountain bike? We guarantee a lifetime of experience and all in just 14 days!
No artificial ingredients
Our trip includes many of the highlights of this unique environment. We’ll be riding through rainforest, cloudforest, tropical dry forest (one of the rarest ecosystems), up (and down!) volcanoes and along deserted Pacific beaches. This incredible diversity of landscape and the vast array of flora and fauna will leave you bewitched by Coast Rica’s exotic paradise. We’ll be riding some amazingly scenic trails – nothing too technical, but enough to push even the most experienced rider if desired. But there’s no rush – especially with so much to see along the way. The experiences are too numerous to mention, though the chance to watch a volcano erupt at night from the comfort (and safety!) of the Tabacon natural hot springs must be a once in a lifetime opportunity! Our guide, Manuel de la Cruz Murillo, is one of Latin America’s mostexperienced cyclists and a wildlife expert to boot, a rare combination to escort you through this fantastic country. Costa Rica’s motto is “no artificial ingredients”. Come and see for yourself.
Please consult your doctor in good time since it is normally advisable to be up to date with routine vaccinations (typhoid, tetanus and polio). Costa Rica has an excellent health care system, with services available throughout the country.
The superior accommodation we have chosen ranges from small, family run establishments to exquisite beachside hideaways. All places have been selected for quality and comfort, reflecting the ambience and character of the location. All rooms have private facilities and are based on 2 people sharing or a ‘willing to share’ basis. A single supplement applies.
Our bike route has been carefully chosen to take in some of the most beautiful trails Costa Rica has to offer. From the capital San Jose we ride northeast towards Rio Cuarto and then northwest to the firey Arenal Volcano and Monteverde cloudforest reserve for a couple of unforgettable days. We’ve time to explore the cloudforest with our expert guide, enjoy the canopy tour (optional) and visit the Hummingbird sanctuary – or simply chill out in a hammock and forget there’s a world out there!
An awesome 35km descent heads toward the Pacific. Then it’s off to bike the Volcanoes Oresi, Rincon de la Vieja and Miravalles and sample the unique ecosystem of the arid Dryforest, before hitting the Pacific coast. Travelling south along the coastal tracks provides several days of stunning biking, with some long climbs, fantastic descents and awesome beaches along the way.
We finish the trip in style with a couple of nights on the Nicoya Peninsular at Tambor and enjoy some well earned chilling out on a palm fringed Pacific beach, before our private plane journey back to San Jose. Your pleasure and comfort come first so we’ve the added support of a vehicle on most rides, carrying spares and refreshments and even you, if you want to rest! There’s no need to ride hard and fast on the longer rides; just enjoy the journey and watch for wildlife and take photos of an adventure you’ll remember forever!