Contact us for more info about Costa Rica & Panama Cycling Adventure

We don't currently have scheduled dates for this tour, however please let us know you're interested and when you'd like to go and we will endeavour to provide you with a tour to meet your needs.

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    Costa Rica & Panama Cycling Adventure

    14 Day Biking Tour from $9280 NZD
    (5/5) from 5 reviews

    Contact us for more info about Costa Rica & Panama Cycling Adventure

    We don't currently have scheduled dates for this tour, however please let us know you're interested and when you'd like to go and we will endeavour to provide you with a tour to meet your needs.

      [recaptcha]

      We invite you to join our unique tour in unspoiled Costa Rica and fascinating Panama, two countries which are a joy for cyclists and nature enthusiasts alike.

      There are rainforests and rivers, valleys and volcanoes, hot springs and cool oceans. And it’s not just the terrain that’s diverse – these are two of the world’s most biodiverse countries. A cast of creatures from toucans to howler monkeys will cheer you on while you’re cycling.

      We’ll go whitewater rafting in Costa Rica, explore the lush highlands and also visit Tortuguero National Park with its amazing variety of animals, reptiles and birds.

      In Panama we’ll stay a couple of nights on one of the main tropical islands of Bocas del Toro where a relaxing sightseeing tour by boat is included. Finally we reach Panama City and finish our journey with a city walk, a visit to the famous canal and a bike ride along the city’s spectacular waterfront trail.

      As Costa Rica and Panama have so much to offer, this trip incorporates a great balance of cycling, sightseeing and relaxation. Cycling days will often include climbs and descents so we recommend a moderate level of fitness or you can hire an e-bike. Your accommodation each evening will be comfortable and diverse.

       

      14 Days
      • Availability Guide:
      • Current date selected
      • Plenty
      • Limited
      • Closed or too close to departure (Call Us for options)

      Reviews for Costa Rica & Panama Cycling Adventure - Tour

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      I want to give a big shout out to Ralph and Global Cycling Adventures (GCA) for the recent bike tour through Costa Rica and into Panama. This was our second tour with GCA (following a tour through Vietnam and into Cambodia back in 2019). My wife and I joined the Costa Rica tour with 15 others and had a blast. Throw some zip-lining and white water rafting in and there was something new and different every day. A highly recommended tour for those who want to experience Central America through Costa Rica into Panama via MTB.

      Matthew Riordan August 28, 2023

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      The Costa Rica/Panama cycle tour was a magnificent blend of biking and exploring these two countries hitting all the high points, from sandy beaches on the coast to active volcanoes in the interior as well as numerous other activities, including rafting, exploring wildlife in the immense jungles and of course the canal; couldn't think of a better way to do it, Global Cycling put together a truly memorable itinerary. Amazing to think what was packed in to just two weeks!

      Martin Moore August 25, 2023

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      I have done a few bike trips with GCA and Costa Rica/Panama lived up to the usual high standards. We had excellent care and service from the local guide (Mike) and his crew. The biking highlight for me was descending the Irazú volcano, a drop of some 2000 meters on excellent road. Some non riding highlights would be Ziplining through the tropical rainforest.

      Robin Morton August 25, 2023

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      This was my first major overseas trip, and WOW what an experience. The trip was really well organised. I felt safe all the time, and the guides made sure that they took excellent care of us. We always knew what was happening and the non-cycling excursions were fantastic. I can't wait to do my next trip!

      Kim Hamill August 25, 2023

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      After 6 trips with Global Cycling this has to be up with the best! Mike our guide was outstanding. This tour was unforgettable, enough excitement without being dangerous, with very good quality hotels, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.

      Kristine & Ron August 25, 2023

      Liberia (Costa Rica) to Panama City

      Liberia Guanacaste Airport (Costa Rica)
      • Lifestyle
      • Grade
      • Tour price is for min group size of 7
      • Surcharge applies for group size 4-6
      • USD 1,050 single room surcharge
      • USD 385 hybrid bike hire
      • USD 420 mountain bike hire
      • USD 550 e-bike hire
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      Fitness and Preparation

      Grade 2 - Mild Tours

      Moderate tours have an expectation that you have an interest and possibly some experience in the activities. Routes chosen will require a reasonable level of fitness and experience on different terrains.

      Fitness required

      An average level of fitness is required, you will need to be doing some form of exercise two-three times a week during the build up to this tour.

      Full Itinerary

      DAY 1

      Arrive Liberia Airport (transfer to Playa Hermosa)

      No cycling

      Bienvenido to Costa Rica (Spanish for “rich coast”). You’ll fly to Liberia, the capital of north-west Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province. It’s known as the white city for its stone and buildings. Then it’s a 25 minute drive to our hotel at Playa Hermosa (literally “beautiful beach”). Here, the warm Pacific waters meet a pristine sandy bay with bush-clad hills surrounding a lively town. After our tour briefing later this afternoon, get to know the other group members at dinner tonight.

      Meals: Dinner

      DAY 2

      Guanacaste Province (loop ride)

      Cycling: approx 40 km

      Once part of Nicaragua, Guanacaste is named for the huge, shade-giving Guanacaste tree, and has a slightly different character to the rest of Costa Rica. After breakfast - a bike fit and then we’re off to explore this cattle ranching region. It’s a beautiful ride where we have a good chance of seeing monkeys. We’ll also pass through a number of typical towns so will probably take a break under a tree in one of the town’s central parks.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 3

      Playa Hermosa to La Fortuna

      Cycling: approx 60 km

      First up: a 2 hour drive to Lake Arenal in the northern highlands. The largest lake in the country, it’s teeming with fish and has hundreds of bird and mammal species around it. We’ll unload the bikes near the gorgeous town of Tilaran. Coffee, peanuts, and macadamias grow here, plus there are cattle and horse ranches. And because of the higher altitude, riding conditions are cool and comfortable. We’ll ride the paved northern route along the lake, which has ups and downs, but we’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the iconic cone of the dormant Arenal Volcano. We’ll meet at the far end of the lake and then go to our hotel in La Fortuna de San Carlos. A soak in the thermal hot springs may be just what the doctor ordered.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 4

      La Fortuna: Rest Day

      No cycling

      La Fortuna, while busy, has kept its local character. You have a free day and there’s and there's a lot on offer. Take one of the many tours into the mountains, join a jungle wildlife tour, zipline through the rainforest canopy, swim by a waterfall, visit a spa, or go to high-end hot springs. Breakfast is included at the hotel, and locals will be more than happy to recommend great lunch and dinner spots.

      Meals: Breakfast

      DAY 5

      La Fortuna to Turrialba region

      Cycling: approx 50 km

      We start the day with a four-hour drive to the quaint town of Orosí, set in the deep Orosí Valley, forged by the Reventazón River. This brilliantly colourful valley with its lush fields, coffee and sugarcane is one of the most famous Costa Rican landscapes - a great setting for today’s ride. Our destination is a mountain lodge near Turrialba, amid the central valleys, lush tropical gardens and volcanic peaks of Turrialba Volcano National Park. Turrialba, a small city and a whitewater rafting mecca, is also famed for its local cheese. We’ll be staying here for two nights.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 6

      Turrialba region: Irazú Volcano Ride

      Cycling: approx 40 km

      An exhilarating day awaits! This morning we’ll drive you to the top of the Irazú Volcano (3,400m asl) from where you can see both oceans on a clear day. We’ll stop at the closest viewing point allowed, and most likely we’ll see smoke. Then it’s an exciting descent on our bikes via country roads back towards Turrialba. Near the bottom of the hill we’ll probably load up the bikes and transfer the last few km back to our beautiful mountain lodge.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 7

      Turrialba region to Guapiles

      Cycling: approx 30 km / Rafting: 25 km

      It will be a thrilling day as we head for the Caribbean coast. First we jump on our bikes and ride towards the surging aqua Pacuare River. We’ll transfer the final 5 km to the raft put-in point at Tres Equis as it’s a steep gravel road. Then it’s pure exhilaration as we raft through the rapids, and take in the views of the river-carved canyons and virgin rainforest. We’ll lunch by the river’s edge, then continue to our late afternoon rafting take-out point at the start of banana plantation country. After an hour’s drive we arrive at Hotel Suerre, with its Olympic sized swimming pool, great food & comfy rooms.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 8

      Guapiles to Tortuguero

      Cycling: approx 40-50 km

      After transferring to the lowlands, we'll ride towards the Caribbean side of the country. From La Pavona river port we take a motorboat for the final leg of today’s journey. We'll settle into our Lodge and then its just a short boat ride to the unique & colourful town of Tortuguero where you can learn about the local lifestyles & customs of the different ethnic groups. This evening there’s the option of a guided beach walk in search of sea turtles. Nesting takes place year round but you’re most likely to see turtles between May & November.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 9

      Tortuguero to Cahuita

      Cycling: approx 30-35 km

      An early canal tour of Tortuguero National Park is sure to be a highlight. Accompanied by a boatman and a nature guide, immerse yourself in the amazing biodiversity of flora and fauna where there are 3 species of monkeys, 400 species of birds, as well as many reptiles, amphibians and mammals. From the Cano Blanco river port its a short van transfer to our bikes. A lowlands ride takes us past banana plantations to the lively town of Siquirres where we load up and transfer to Cahuita.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 10

      Cahuita to Bocas del Toro (Panama)

      Cycling: approx 30-50 km

      Later today we’ll cross the border from Costa Rica to Panama, but first our bike ride down the coast takes us to the beach town of Puerto Viejo. Make sure you slow down and absorb the vibrant local colour. This area is also popular with backpackers and surfers from all over the world. We continue our ride to the border. After crossing into Panama we’ll transfer to the port of Almirante, from where we’ll take a half-hour motorboat ride to Bocas Town on the Island of Colon in the idyllic Bocas del Toro archipelago. We’ll stay at the Divers Paradise Boutique Hotel for 2 nights.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

      DAY 11

      Bocas del Toro

      Boat excursion

      There is plenty to see in the surrounding area so we’ve included a sightseeing trip by private boat. One of the highlights may be the visit to Sloth Island where cute, sleepy, smiling sloths hang around the protected mangroves. We’ll also stop at one of the National Park Islands for a short hike plus there will be time for snorkelling and a visit to a secluded beach for a swim. During the boat trip we may also spot some dolphins so it should be a great day out.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

      DAY 12

      Bocas del Toro to Panama City

      Guided city walk

      Our late morning flight from Bocas del Toro to Panama City takes approx 1 hour. Panama City is a stylish transit hub and melting pot, with a skyline to rival Hong Kong or Miami. During our time here we’ll visit Casco Viejo – the old quarter, known as the SoHo of the South. First chosen as a safe haven from pirates, it’s 16th and 17th century architecture makes it a World Heritage Site. After a guided walking & food tour of the central city, rest your legs, splash out on a Panama hat or try the local coffee on the waterfront.

      Meals: Breakfast

      DAY 13

      Panama City: Canal visit

      Cycling: approx 10-15 km

      This morning we’ll visit Miraflores Lock, one of the best viewing points for the engineering masterpiece that is the Panama Canal. There’s an excellent museum with displays on its construction, or you can watch the huge container ships traverse the Lock, which separates the Pacific Ocean from the artificial Lake Gatun, also part of the canal. Back in the city we'll hop on local bikes and follow the cycle path around the city's waterfront. Later you’ll have another chance to enjoy the hip neighborhood of Casco Viejo, with its colonial buildings and stylish shops before getting together for our final dinner.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      DAY 14

      Departure from Panama City

      No cycling

      After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye. Please arrange your own transfer to Panama City Airport, or you may wish to stay longer to explore this amazing place.

      Meals: Breakfast

      Tour Inclusions and Exclusions:

      Tour Includes:

      • Accommodation in 2* to 4* hotels & lodges
      • Meals as listed in the itinerary
      • One group arrival transfer (day 1)
      • Excursions as listed in itinerary
      • Sightseeing by boat (day 11 Bocas)
      • Flight: Bocas to Panama City (day 12)
      • Support vehicle & driver
      • Tourguide
      • Drinking water while cycling
      • Route maps and profiles

      Tour Excludes:

      • Flights & airport taxes (except Bocas-Panama City is included)
      • Bike hire (extra cost)
      • Single room surcharge
      • Meals not listed in the itinerary
      • Passport and Travel Visa requirements
      • Travel insurance (compulsory)
      • Optional trips & sightseeing tours
      • Costa Rica land border tax (approx USD10 pp)
      • Pre and post tour nights
      • Personal expenses & drinks (except water for cycling)
      • Entrance fees for sights unless specified
      • Departure transfer to Panama City Airport
      • Tips for tour crew & other local guides