Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama

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)

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, protected area, where the traffic is kept to a minimum and several species of exotic birds can be spotted. Our lunch stop offers stunning views of the large volcanic mass of Mombacho.

Upon arrival back at our hotel, we have time for a swim or a stroll along La Calzada, the main pedestrian street in Granada. In the late afternoon, we head for the popular Mirador Catarina, overlooking pretty Laguna Apoyo (entrance fee US$2). Our Sunday visit allows us to mingle with local people enjoying the wonderful view while being entertained by strolling marimba bands and souvenir vendors. Afterwards, we head for the Masaya Volcano National Park for a night visit to observe molten lava bubbling in the depths of the huge crater. It may also be possible to spot chocoyos, a sub-species of parakeet that nests in the crater walls, having evolved resistance to the constant sulphuric gas emissions. Due to safety concerns, the crater visit is limited to 15 minutes. On occasion and sometimes without warning, Masaya Volcano National Park is closed. In these instances, we visit a ceramic workshop in San Juan de Oriente. We then return to Granada for dinner.

Route: Gradual descent to the lakeshore, then virtually flat (but bumpy) to the tip of the Asese Peninsula. The roads are 65 percent paved, 35 percent dirt/rock.

Accommodation: Hotel Patio del Malinche, Granada (or similar)

Distance covered: 16mi (26km)

Ascent: 335ft (102m); Descent: 341ft (104m)

Meals included: Breakfast

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 busy Moyogalpa, we start cycling a stretch around the west face of the active volcano, Concepcion. We then continue with a climb up and over the isthmus, which leads to the rainforest-clad Maderas, the extinct volcano. Our destination is Ojo de Agua freshwater spring (US$5 entry fee), where we have lunch and enjoy a swim in the cool water, a welcome respite on a hot day. After, we cycle to the wildlife-filled Charco Verde Lagoon, where our hotel is set. The west-facing location right on the lake allows for spectacular tropical sunsets, as well as the possibility to swim in the warm waters of Lago Cocibolca, the indigenous name for Lake Nicaragua.

Route: The roads are all paved except for the final 0.5mi (0.8km) to Charco Verde.

Accommodation: Hotel Charco Verde, Ometepe island (or similar)

Distance covered: 22mi (35km)

Ascent: 1,526ft (465m); Descent: 1,575ft (480m)

Meals included: Breakfast

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 Charco Verde Reserve (US$3 entry fee for hotel guests) is a great start to the day. Those looking to hike can do the same trails; bring your camera as the reserve is full of wildlife, best seen in the early morning.

Departing the hotel, we cycle to Moyogalpa and get the ferry back to the mainland. We then hop into the saddle for a ride from Rivas, the largest city in southern Nicaragua, and then along the unpaved La Chocolata Road towards San Juan del Sur, a Pacific beach town. The road takes us through dry forest where we may see (or hear) howler monkeys and spot large iguanas. We also pass through several small villages, which experience no tourism other than our biking groups. After finishing the mild climb, which then drops us onto the Pacific side of Nicaragua, we ride just a bit further west to the beautiful beach Playa Marsella, in time for lunch and a late afternoon swim. Our hotel for this evening is close to the main San Juan del Sur beach, a great place to watch the sunset.

Route: Along mostly level roads with some mild climbs. The road is 60 percent well-groomed dirt and 40 percent paved.

Accommodation: Hotel Gran Oceano, San Juan del Sur (or similar)

Distance covered: 27mi (44km)

Ascent: 791ft (241m); Descent: 1,004ft (306m)

Meals included: Breakfast

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 we exit Nicaragua. After clearing immigration, we stop for lunch near La Cruz and then continue south along the Pan-Am Highway to just outside Cañas, another good-sized town. Our arrival will be late in the afternoon due to ongoing highway constructions.

Route: Initial climb departing San Juan del Sur, then gradual descent to near La Virgen. Backroad to Sapoa is mild rolling terrain, graded dirt. 40 percent paved/60 percent dirt.

Accommodation: Hotel Hacienda La Pacifica, Cañas (or similar)

Distance covered: 27mi (43km)

Ascent: 1,480ft (451m); Descent: 1,345ft (410m)

Meals included: Breakfast

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 also crocodiles along the lower stretch of the river and our experienced guides will not only handle the oars but will also point out as many species as possible. This is likely to be a big wildlife highlight of the trip.

After, we transfer up to Bijagua, situated between the Miravalles and Tenorio volcanoes, then cycle back down on the only paved road to the Pan-American Highway before lunch. Today’s lunch is taken at a restaurant overlooking the Corobici River, then we hop in the bus for a short transfer back to our hotel. The afternoon is free to explore the grounds of the hotel, which are often full of wildlife including iguanas, monkeys, agoutis and deer, or relax by the outdoor pool.

Route: Today’s stage is a fast downhill after climbing out from Bijagua. It can sometimes be potholed and windy.

Accommodation: Hotel Hacienda La Pacifica, Cañas (or similar)

Distance covered: 21mi (33km)

Ascent: 856ft (261m); Descent: 2,162ft (659m)

Meals included: Breakfast

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 rewards are spectacular views of the lake with the surrounding hills and Arenal Volcano to the east. The route is 100 percent paved.

For those who would prefer to skip the first section, we can join together 10mi (16km) into the ride for one of the most spectacular cycling stages. We start in lush agricultural land that gradually gives way to thick rainforest as we approach the dam that forms Lake Arenal. Look for monkeys, toucans and neon-blue morpho butterflies as we cycle. If it’s clear, the dam is a great place to take a break for a wonderful view of Arenal Volcano. The town of La Fortuna is a major tourism destination, so those looking for souvenirs will be well satisfied.

Route: Mostly on rolling hills with some short but fairly steep climbs, followed by a fast downhill to La Fortuna. The road is fully paved.

Accommodation: Hotel San Bosco, La Fortuna (or similar)

Distance covered: 44mi (70km)

Ascent: 2,231ft (680m); Descent: 3,740ft (1,140m)

Meals included: Breakfast

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 agricultural land devoted to bananas and sugarcane before heading into a rugged hilly zone leading back towards rainforest near the small town of La Tigre. Toucans are common here and there are incredible views of the jungle and Arenal Volcano. This ride usually concludes around noon, leaving time in the afternoon to take advantage of local tour offerings, such as the popular zip-line tours, SUP or kayaking on Lake Arenal. Your tour leader can assist you with any reservations.

This evening, we include a visit to the Volcano Lodge Hot Springs – on of the best private hot springs in the area – to soothe any aching muscles.

Route: Paved roads, mostly level for the first half, followed by several challenging climbs.

Please note: Traffic can be heavy near La Fortuna; a modified route may be selected.

Accommodation: Hotel San Bosco, La Fortuna (or similar)

Distance covered: 30mi (48km)

Ascent: 1,545ft (471m); Descent: 1,919ft (585m)

Meals included: Breakfast

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 closer to Muelle where we conclude the morning stage. Have your cameras handy upon arrival, there is a population of large iguanas posing while the staff load the bikes for the transfer to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. This is a long transfer (approximately four to five hours) as we will be crossing a large portion of the country, and we break the journey with lunch.

We aim to arrive on the Caribbean coast in time for a swim and to enjoy a walk in Cahuita National Park, home to white sandy beaches, raccoons, sloths and iguanas. Leaving Cahuita, we drive 20 minutes to our destination, the surfing town of Puerto Viejo.

Route: This stage is a fast descent leaving La Fortuna, which then levels out to Muelle. Fully paved.

Accommodation: Hotel Escape Caribeño, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (or similar)

Distance covered: 19mi (31km)

Ascent: 276ft (84m); Descent: 869ft (265m)

Meals included: Breakfast

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 continues through vast banana and plantain plantations to the border crossing on the banks of the Sixaola River. After border formalities, we take the bus through the frontier town of Changuinola, and then through steep rainforest hills inhabited by indigenous people. We hit the coast and embark on a private boat transfer to cross into the Caribbean to the wonderful Bocas del Toro islands, our home for the next two nights.

Route: Mostly flat roads, although there are some climbs as we head to Bri-Bri. The roads are paved although there are often potholes and washouts close to the border.

Accommodation: Hotel Gran Bahia, Bocas del Toro (or similar)

Distance covered: 29mi (47km)

Ascent: 535ft (163m); Descent: 525ft (160m)

Meals included: Breakfast

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 possible to take boat trips to the other islands or go on dolphin-watching tours. All of these optional activities can be arranged through the hotel or nearby tour agencies, with whom we have long-established relationships.

Accommodation: Hotel Gran Bahia, Bocas del Toro (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

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 of the day. The change in temperature, humidity and ecosystems are significant as we gain altitude. At the top of the pass is beautiful Lago Fortuna, set in a rainforest-clad tropical valley. We then have a fast downhill ride with great mountain views and several river crossings to Gualaca and the Pan-Am Highway beyond. Upon meeting the Pan-Am Highway junction, we board the minibus for the drive down to Las Lajas, an isolated Pacific beach that stretches for miles. Here we can enjoy a great tropical sunset while relaxing under the shade of a palm-thatched palapa.

Route: Some moderate hills on the morning stage, then level/fast downhill to Pacific plain then some short climbs near finish on the afternoon stage. The route is 100 percent paved.

Accommodation: Las Lajas Beach Resort, Playa Las Lajas (or similar)

Distance covered: 38mi (61km)

Ascent: 1,719ft (524m); Descent: 5,548ft (1,691m)

Meals included: Breakfast

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 fairly challenging ride through a quite remote and hilly section of the western portion of Veraguas Province. Some of the ride takes us along remote backroads past large sugar plantations and through dry tropical forest. We finish cycling close to the town of Jorones, where we start our transfer to Panama City (approximately five to six hours), with a quick lunch stop in Santiago, the main city in this part of Panama. We cross the famous canal where we’re very likely to see huge ships as they make the journey between the Caribbean and the Pacific. Our hotel is in the Albrook suburb, where many opulent residences are a testament to the days when US military officers and canal authority officials lived here.

Route: Level start but becoming increasingly hilly during the middle section. The last stage is level again and the road is fully paved.

Please note: A different stage may be selected if the weather conditions are very hot and depending on the overall ability of the group.

Accommodation: Hotel Holiday Inn Panama Canal, Panama City (or similar)

Distance covered: 24mi (39km)

Ascent: 2,024ft (617m); Descent: 2,028ft (618m)

Meals included: Breakfast

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 and video presentation included) to view the process of raising and lowering the ship traffic. We then have a short transfer to the entry point of Soberana National Park, where we enjoy a biking stage through lush rainforest as we descend back down to the canal level. Upon arrival at the bridge into Gamboa, there is a great spot for group photos, as if we are lucky ships will be passing directly behind. Then it’s back onto the bikes for the final stretch to the park entry, where we transfer back to the hotel for lunch and a swim. In the late afternoon, we visit the Unesco-listed old portion of Panama City. We have our final group dinner in Casco Viejo this evening.

Route: This is mostly level along the canal, but with some climbing within Soberana Park. The main road is fully paved.

Accommodation: Hotel Holiday Inn Panama Canal, Panama City (or similar)

Distance covered: 12mi (20km)

Ascent: 676ft (206m); Descent: 761ft (232m)

Meals included: Breakfast

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.

Meals included: Breakfast