Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica on Electric Bike
A 10 day tour of Costa Rica by Electic Bike. Relax and Enjoy Costa Rica on this sustainable tour.
Tour Overview
Costa Rica is a tropical paradise known for its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and relaxed culture. The country also increasingly adopts sustainable tourism practices. As a result, it is an excellent destination for eco-friendly adventures.
Exploring Costa Rica on an electric bike offers a fantastic way to experience its wonders while having fun. This tour is perfect for recreational cyclists, because you will journey through rural Costa Rica along various cycling routes.
Highlights include visiting the beautiful Orosi Valley and Tapantí National Park. You'll also get an up-close view of coffee and sugar cane plantations on your way to La Suiza de Turrialba. In Sarapiquí, you'll have the chance to interact with locals who will share the secrets of Costa Rican cuisine. For example, you learn about traditional dishes and perhaps even join in a hands-on cooking class. In addition, you'll enjoy the stunning nature of the northern lowlands in Boca Tapada. This area is home to fascinating wildlife such as toucans and sloths. After an exhilarating day of riding, you can unwind in the warm waters of a thermal spa in La Fortuna.
Finally, the tour concludes at the beachside resort of Sámara on the Pacific coast. Here you can relax on pristine beaches or explore local shops and cafes.
Tour Level: The terrain includes some longer ascents and descents, with altitude differences reaching 1,000 metres or more. Daily cycling distances average between 40 and 70 km. Therefore, this tour is ideal for recreational cyclists who enjoy an active lifestyle while soaking in the stunning scenery.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Costa Rica
Welcome to the start of your Costa Rica on Electric Bike tour. You arrive in San José in the afternoon and then take a standard transfer to the hotel. Afterwards, you can reach sights and restaurants within walking distance from your centrally located hotel.
Overnight in San José
DAY 2
San José – Orosi – Tapantí
By bus, we leave early this morning and head over to the former state capital, Cartago. Here we can visit the basilica before continuing into the small village of Orosi. In the hotel, we will familiarise ourselves with the bicycles. Afterwards, we drive for about 13 km to the park entrance of Tapantí National Park. On the way, we stop for lunch. We will then visit the national park by bike and on foot. On the way back, our guide can tell you many exciting things about the history and cultivation of coffee. Bike stage: approx. 28 km, elevation up 410 m / down 410 m.
Overnight in Orosi surroundings · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 3
Tapantí – Tucurrique – Atirro – La Suiza de Turrialba
Today, you drive along Lake Cachí via Tucurrique and Atirro to the La Suiza (Switzerland) sector of Turrialba. Meanwhile, coffee and sugar cane plantations accompany you along the way. Bike stage: approx. 47 km, elevation up 910 m / down 1,216 m.
Overnight in Turrialba surroundings · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 4
Turrialba – Siquirres – Sarapiquí – El Roble
We drive until we swing on the bike. Today's stage partly features a view of the river Reventazón. It is home to the largest hydroelectric power station in Latin America. Moreover, the station is an essential step for Costa Rica on its way to climate neutrality. We then continue the rest of the route to Sarapiquí on the bus. Later, we will get to know the cordiality of the Ticos during a visit to the village of El Roble. Here we prepare dinner with typical Costa Rican delicacies. We also learn more about their main source of income, the cultivation of pepper. Bike stage: approx. 36 km, elevation up 1,260 m / down 1,580 m.
Overnight in the sustainable biological station Tirimbina, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí · Meals included: Breakfast, joint dinner
DAY 5
Sarapiquí – Boca Tapada
Early morning, you can discover the private Tirimbina Reserve, a paradise for bird and nature lovers. With all your senses, you can immerse yourself in the pulsing flora and fauna of the jungle. Then we depart to the north, following mostly dirt roads past pineapple plantations. Finally, the last stretch runs through the rainforest to the small village of Boca Tapada. It is located on the San Carlos River near the border with Nicaragua. Bike stage: approx. 37 km over partly paved but mostly natural road, elevation up 350 m / down 438 m.
Overnight in Boca Tapada
DAY 6
Boca Tapada
First, we will take a boat trip right from the hotel. Just before the border with Nicaragua, we will get on bicycles. We ride a few kilometres parallel to the border crossing. Then we head over the hills and forest back to the lodge. In the afternoon, we will continue to discover the rainforest on foot. Afterwards, the rest of the day is free to relax in the quiet environment. Alternatively, search for tropical birds and lizards that like to visit the lodge garden. Bike stage: approx. 25 km, elevation up 418 m / down 418 m.
Overnight in Boca Tapada · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 7
Boca Tapada – La Fortuna
We swing back on the bike and take the route over San Marcos and Tabla Grande to Boca Arenal. Different landscapes characterise the northern lowland. For example, there are pastureland, primary forests, swamps, jungle, rainforests, cloud forests, active volcanoes, and a network of river arms. Shortly before Boca Arenal, we will take the bus to La Fortuna, close to the Arenal volcano. In the evening, we will relax in one of the beautiful hot springs, where you can also enjoy dinner. Bike stage: approx. 49 km, elevation up 916 m / down 879 m.
Overnight in La Fortuna · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 8
La Fortuna – El Castillo at Lake Arenal – Sámara
Along a gravel road, we will drive to El Castillo on the southern side of Lake Arenal today. With the assistance of our support vehicle, we cross a river. Then we enjoy the quiet ride along the lake shore to Río Chiquito. Here we take a boat to the other side of the lake, load the bikes, and enjoy lunch. After that, we drive to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Our charming hotel is located near the beach of Sámara, between beautiful jungle plants, trees, and flowers. Meanwhile, howler monkeys and shy iguanas visit the beach and village. Bike stage: approx. 32 km, elevation up 530 m / down 550 m.
Overnight in Sámara · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 9
Sámara
Take a cycling tour from Sámara or, alternatively, enjoy a day at leisure at the beach. Finally, this evening, we finish the trip with a festive farewell dinner.
Overnight in Sámara · Meals included: Breakfast, farewell dinner (including one drink)
DAY 10
Sámara – San José or extension
Transfer with the guide directly to the airport in San José (4 hours travel time). Alternatively, transfer to a hotel in San José city for an overnight stay. You may also like to extend your stay in Costa Rica. If so, you can book this at the beach hotel in Sámara. You can also book a private transfer to another beautiful beach on the Pacific coast.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
Arrival and departure transfers
Transportation throughout by car, minibus, bus or boat. For 1-3 people, this is an SUV with bike rack. For groups of 4 or more, it is instead a bus with support vehicle.
All accommodation as shown or of a similar quality
Daily breakfast, plus lunch and dinner as shown in the itinerary
Services of a local expert English speaking guide from Day 2 to Day 10
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
AVE Mountain E-bike (alloy frame, Bosch 400Wh Li-Ion battery) – a classic (non-electric) mountain bike is available on request
Rented helmet (you are welcome to bring your own)
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start point – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Drinks
Items of a personal nature
Bike gloves (highly recommended bringing)
Tour Map
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
All departures are small group tours with a guaranteed English-speaking guide throughout.
Prices shown are per person, based on double or twin room occupancy.
Prefer a Private Tour?
Prefer to travel on your own dates? This tour is also available as a private departure.
From £3,995 per person (based on two people sharing)
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for Costa Rica.
Citizens of the UK, US, Canada and most EU countries need no visa for a stay up to 90 days. Similarly, citizens of Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland need no visa for stays up to 30 days. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. In addition, you should confirm all visa-related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
There are no compulsory vaccinations for this tour. However, we recommend protection against typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Also take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites, including repellent and long trousers/sleeves when necessary. Many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. This applies if you are travelling from infected areas. Therefore, please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure.
It is a condition of booking with Our Local Tour that you have adequate valid travel insurance. This must fully cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, including medical emergency helicopter evacuation. It must also cover the entire duration of your holiday. In addition, it must cover all activities you intend to undertake, including optional activities.
What to Bring
Lightweight clothing is essential in midsummer. However, a warmer jumper is advisable for cooler evenings in the highlands. A good waterproof is also essential, and you should consider waterproof trousers. The jungle lowlands are hot and muggy, and it can rain at any time of year. Therefore, we recommend long trousers and long-sleeved shirts on jungle walks. Lightweight trail/walking boots are ideal for jungle walks, alongside comfortable shoes/trainers and sandals. In addition, we recommend waterproof footwear.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. You're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent, a water bottle, and binoculars for bird and animal spotting. Finally, we suggest a solar charger for your phone and other electronics.
While You're There
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure our local guides all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a job well done with a tip. As a guideline, we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week. Your guide may also organise a voluntary group tips kitty for included activities and meals. For this, we'd suggest allowing around US$30 (approx. 18,000 Colones).
The Costa Rican Colón (CRC) is the local currency. You can change money in advance or on arrival at the airport. There you will find both ATMs and a Bureau de Change. USD are also accepted in some shops and restaurants. In addition, we recommend taking some emergency cash in USD because the GBP exchange rate isn't very good. However, notes should be in good condition or they may not be accepted. Credit cards are widely accepted in many shops and restaurants, although some may add a service charge.
Ready to Book or Need More Information?
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