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This trip provides a piece of magic; aboard your bike, pedal through the lush countryside of Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama past gleaming lakes, enormous volcanoes, colonial towns, and sunny beachfronts across the Caribbean. These are iconic destinations and seeing them on two wheels gives a unique perspective on the region. The ride of your life is waiting to begin. All that's missing is you.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have a safety deposit box which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our CEOs are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Costa Rica will not be allowing anyone to enter the country without proof of a departure ticket (bus, airplane, boat, etc.). If you are travelling through a few countries in Central America, you will need to show proof of your itinerary and a departure ticket from your last destination. Please print the itinerary and voucher and bring it with you.
Cycling Grading - Moderate
• Some degree of experience required
• Mixture of road cycling and off road
• Occasional long days in the saddle or multiple ascents and descents
• Good fitness and skill level recommended
• Cycle usually between 35-70 km per day.
Helmets are provided but you are welcome to bring your own if you would prefer.
Bringing Your Own Bike
If you choose to bring your own bike, please be aware that you are responsible for the maintenance and support of the bike. It may be possible to hire some extra equipment as necessary for your cycle. Check with your airline about travelling with your bike, as some will charge you to take a bike on board. We would suggest that you pack your bike in a bike box or bag( usually available from your local bike shop). It's also advisable to make sure your bike has been serviced before you travel.
9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Operator (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Office San Jose, Costa Rica
During Office hours (Weekdays 9am-5pm Local Time): +506 4001 8474
After hours emergency number: +506 8322 9140
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Cycling:
• Bicycle pedals (optional)
• Bicycle saddle cover (optional)
• Bicycle saddle (optional)
• Biking gloves
• Cycling clothing (cycling shorts and cycling jersey)
• Cycling shoes
• Handlebar bag (optional) (For easy access to small personal items.)
• Personal cycling gear
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
The currency in Nicaragua is the Cordoba (NIO). The currency in Costa Rica is the Colon (CRC) and in Panama, the Balboa (PAB).
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.
You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollars cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
We do not recommend you bring travellers cheques, as it is very difficult to exchange them in each country.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 50USD (20USD notes are ideal).
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Guided cycling trip from Granada to Masaya Volcano. Masaya Volcano National Park visit. G Adventures-supported homestay on Ometepe Island with a local family. Guided cycling trip around Concepcíon Volcano (Ometepe). Two guided half-day mountain biking excursions from La Fortuna. Two guided full-day cycling trips in central Costa Rica between Cartago and Turrialba. Whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River. Beach time in Puerto Viejo and Bocas del Toro. Full-day guided cycling tour from Boquete. Guided mountain biking trip in Soberania NP (Panama City). All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Cycle in Nicaragua Costa Rica and Panama, Pedal around the active Concepción Volcano on Ometepe Island, Cycle along mountain roads and coffee farms between colonial Costa Rican towns, Go white water rafting on the Pacuare River, Chill on Caribbean beaches, ride through the jungle in Panama's Soberanía National Park
Max 16, avg 12
Public bus, bike, raft, walking
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Kayak in Puerto Viejo (60USD per person)
- Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge Hike
- Bike Rental
- Surfing Lesson (60USD per person)
Bocas del Toro
- Cycling Bocas del Toro
- Island Hopping
- Sailing Snorkelling Tour (45USD per person)
Chief Experience Officer (CEO), local guides.
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
An arrival transfer is included when you arrive on Day 1, or if you arrive up to three days prior provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through G Adventures (**or National Geographic Journeys) in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.
Our driver will be waiting for you with a G Adventures (**or National Geographic Journeys) sign with your name on it, and they will be waiting for you outside the luggage hall. There most likely will be many signs, so please check carefully for your name.
Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day in which no activities are planned.
Your CEO will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, they will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Your CEO will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip.
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.
More information about the equipment that we use for this trip, and any specifics about the route or itinerary can be found in the 'Important Notes' section of the Tour Details.
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Hotels (13 nts), homestay (2 nts).
Nicaragua exit tax: $2USD
Costa Rica exit tax: 8USD
Panama entrance tax: $3USD
Panama airport exit tax: $40USD (if not already included in flight)
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
16
Arrive at any time.
Arrive in Granada at any time. Granada is approximately one hour from the Managua International Airport, and taxis are readily available to transfer you to the hotel. Check into our hotel and enjoy the city.
Please try to arrive before 6pm for an important group meeting where you can meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members.
Cycle along the backroads from Granada to a nearby picturesque villages, stopping off at a viewpoint overlooking the Laguna de Apoyo crater lake. Get up close and personal with the active Masaya Volcano, then transfer south to cross Lake Nicaragua by ferry to reach Ometepe for a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family.
Depart Granada at 7:00am for our first journey on two wheels. Head to one of Nicaragua's famous active volcanoes in Volcán Masaya NP.
Cycle along a paved road out of Granada surrounded by the incredible natural beauty of Nicaragua.
Travel south to San Jorge where we board a ferry and cross Lake Nicaragua to arrive at Ometepe Island. This unspoiled island paradise formed out of the lava flowing in between two volcanoes, Maderas and Concepción, is a nature-lover's dream.
Enjoy a full-day cycling trip through towns and the countryside around the base of Concepcíon Volcano, stopping to see pre-Columbian statues before lunch and a swim at a local swimming hole.
Cross the border into Costa Rica and finish up La Fortuna, near Arenal Volcano.
Our journey takes us onto one of the most iconic roads in all of the Americas. The Pan-American Highway travels from Alaska down to Patagonia, covering the length of the continent, and taking in a huge variety of terrain, the road snakes its way through 23 countries, with a break of just 87km along the way.
Arenal Volcano, once quite active, has been dormant since the beginning of 2011, but still is a dramatic backdrop to the town of La Fortuna.
Enjoy a half-day bike ride around Lake Arenal to El Castillo, then relax or explore the La Fortuna area in the afternoon.
Enjoy a morning mountain biking tour then transfer to Cartago, Costa Rica's first ever capital city.
Cartago served as the capital until 1823, and was given the title 'Very Noble, Very Loyal' by the Spanish Parliament. Opt to take a stroll around town to visit the ferrocarrill (train line), Basilica and the ruins of Santiago the Apostle's Church. The city lies at the base of the inactive Irazu Volcano, an incredible backdrop to this serene setting.
Set off on road bicycles through the Costa Rican countryside, passing by fields of chayote squash, coffee plants, and cycling up and down rolling hills, finishing at the small town of Orosí.
Situated in a river valley and surrounded by coffee plantations, Orosi offers thermal water springs and the magnificent colonial church built in 1739. Finish the day with a traditional Costa Rican “casado” dinner.
Continue cycling along the scenic Orosi and Reventazon River Valleys, past coffee and sugar cane plantations to the Turrialba area. Upon arrival, opt to walk to a small waterfall or take a trip into town.
Spend the night at a lodge overlooking the valley outside of the town of Turrialba.
Raft along the Pacuare River, stopping for a riverside picnic lunch before continuing down river to the Caribbean lowlands.
Stop for a great riverside picnic lunch and continue rafting all the way to the Caribbean lowlands. After rafting, drive to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and explore town or walk along the beach.
Enjoy free time in to relax on the beach, rent a bike and explore the coast, or visit the Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge to look for monkeys and other wildlife.
Ride or walk the quiet beaches south of Puerto Viejo all the way to the Manzanillo-Gandoca Refuge. Cycle, swim, surf or hike in the rainforest or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the laid-back vibe of this Caribbean village.
Cross the border to Panama and hop on a water taxi to the Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro for some serious rest and relaxation.
The Archipelago of Bocas del Toro is made up of six islands, only two of which have roads and services for tourists. Cycling here is a great choice because the island is almost entirely flat. The entire trip around the island is 32km (20 mi).
If you prefer not to cycle, there are plenty of other options for you to consider. Snorkel, take a boat trip between the islands, or simple choose to relax on the beach.
Enjoy free time here to cycle around the islands or snorkel in the clear blue sea.
Ferry back to the mainland and transfer across the isthmus to the highlands of Boquete.
It's a long day of travel before arriving at the impressive mountain retreat of Boquete.
Set off on a full day of cycling through the highlands of Boquete.
Watch the Panamanian countryside fly by on a travel day to Panama City.
It's a full day of travelling today to get to Panama City, the country's capital. After arriving, the evening is free to explore the city before our final day of cycling.
Transfer to Soberania National Park for a mountain bike tour along jungle trails in the Panama Canal zone. The trip ends after returning to Panama City this afternoon.
Leave Panama City and head first for Summit Park, a 250-acre park teeming with Panamanian flora and fauna. Our ride continues to Soberania NP, close to the Panama Canal, popular with bird watchers.
The tour ends in Panama City in the late afternoon.
Details
Duration: 16 Days
Travel Style: Active
Service Level: Standard
Merchandising: Planeterra Project
Physical Grading: 4 - Demanding
Trip Type: Small Group
16 day Active tour
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