With most flights from Europe departing in the morning you will arrive in San José the same day. Following touch down at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), you will be transferred the short distance (transfer time 30 mins approx.) to the capital of Costa Rica; San José. The sprawling urban capital is in direct contrast to the rural relaxed pace of life we will experience on our journey.

As flights often arrive quite late and at a variety of times we usually meet formally for the first time the following morning. There will be time for bike fitting and to get to know everyone the following day.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch

After breakfast we transfer (3hrs approx.) to our starting point near the active Volcán Arenal (1680m). The volcano has experienced constant activity since 1968.

It used to offer daytime and night-time viewing opportunities, thanks to its constant explosions and eruptions but unfortunately the last significant eruption here was in December 2010 – or fortunately depending where you’re viewing from. However, it is still an impressive sight even without the explosions, appearing as an almost perfect cone rising above the town of La Fortuna.

This is a short warm-up ride to our hotel located near the volcano. It is a good chance to get acclimatised to the humidity and loosen up the muscles. If the water levels are in our favour we can enjoy a dip at a refreshing waterfall before enjoying late lunch at a ‘Soda’ a typical informal Costa Rican restaurant in La Fortuna. In the early evening we will relax in one of the hot springs the area is famous for. La Fortuna has a variety of different restaurants to choose from for our evening meal.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Today we set out on our quest to follow the chain of volcanoes in the northern part of the country. We cycle around the south side of Lake Arenal (the largest in Costa Rica). The route is on dirt roads with several fun river crossings, hugging the borders of the lake through rolling hills and with spectacular views of Lake Arenal and the majestic Arenal Volcano which towers over the Lake. This part of the route is only accessible by bike or 4×4. We transfer the last part of the day to arrive at our accommodation in Cañas before sunset.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch

After a morning boost in the bus to get to the interesting riding we head towards Miravalles Volcanoes on mainly dirt roads. As we cross over the Continental Divide there are great vistas of the Guanacaste plains and Pacific coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula and sometimes it is possible to make out the volcanic island of Ometepe in Nicaragua in the distance.

Guanacaste is the major cattle ranching area of the country and we will pass through a number of ranching and farming communities during our transition from a tropical to a dry windy climate. We lunch in another ‘La Fortuna’ off the beaten path in a small village with friendly folk and wholesome food. An optional 6km road climb after lunch takes us to our accommodation for the evening below Miravalles Volcano complete with hot springs in the back garden.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch

We are heading towards the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano for the completion of our Volcanic section of the trip. A hilly morning with rolling climbs and descents with the odd cheeky short steep hill is rewarded with a fantastic limestone downhill which is sure to be a highlight of the trip.

Before our gradual decent we stop for some refreshing fresh pineapple and watermelon. Any pineapple back home is a disappointment after experiencing it in Costa Rica!

We reach the town of Liberia, the centre of Guanacaste cattle ranching region. This typical large Costa Rican town is quite different from the smaller communities we have been passing through. We usually arrive at our destination Liberia in time for lunch with the afternoon free to explore Liberia or simply relax by the pool and enjoy a well earned rest.

• Meals: Breakfast

We’re off to the coast today for the Pacific Coastal section of the trip and make some initial headway with a 2-hour drive towards the coast. A few miles shy of the Pacific we mount our bikes at a coffee shop with a brief stop for refreshments.

We are now into very different scenery as forest rises from the ocean. Starting with a downhill to the Pacific coast we then head to the picturesque Playa Garca (where we recommend a picnic on the beach) – a great spot for a dip in the Pacific Ocean.

We finish the day near the small beach town of Samara and settle into our hotel. It is situated a few miles south of town with great views over Playa Carrillo, which will be our home for the next couple of nights.

• Meals: Breakfast

A free day for you to choose your own method of exploration. For the ardent bikers, your guide can advise you on biking routes, varying in length and difficulty but with a chance to see local life at first hand. Most people opt for something different with options including sea kayaking from the beach and heading to the isolated island of Isla Chora, renting a surf board and hitting the waves (or taking a lesson) or you may wish to simply wander down to the beach and relax.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Refreshed after the rest day we get back on our bikes and cycle south along the coast on dirt roads, making our way through small village communities. There are several short but steep hills today which are rewarded with great views of the Pacific coastline. After reaching our hotel (local style cabanas) a few kms inland (no development is thankfully allowed on the beach) we head to Coyote beach, a completely uncommercialised spot, famous for its dramatic sunsets. Enjoy!

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Saving one of the best days till last we can enjoy an unforgettable 6km ride along the beautiful unspoilt Playa Coyote. Even if the tides are unfavourable today is still a great days riding following tracks through river crossings and close to palm backed beaches through very un-touristic terrain before arriving in the chilled out surfer town of Santa Teresa / Malpais.

NB The length of today’s ride will depend on the tide times and river levels as we’ll need to cross some rivers during our ride.

• Meals: Breakfast

Our final day near the coast gives you the option to head inland on dirt roads across the tip of the Nicoya peninsular to Montezuma. The route does not go particularly high but does include some steep sections and its usually pretty warm. Most of the year the Montezuma Waterfalls are accessible. A series of three cascades each with an inviting paddling spot underneath. The super keen can return to Malpais by bike or alternatively take the support vehicle.

There is of course always the option to reward yourself with a day out of the saddle strolling along the extensive beaches that Santa Theresa has to offer or checking out the surf, which makes this area popular, with board hire and a lesson possible. Either way we will meet in the evening for our last dinner by the coast.

• Meals: Breakfast

Time for a last dip in the Pacific Ocean before we head back to San José. The transfer is broken up by an interesting 1hr ferry journey across the Gulf of Nicoya from Naranjo to Puntarenas.

During the journey you’ll pass by some small islands many of which are home to numerous species of birds including brown pelicans, boobies and frigate birds.

Accommodation in San José with our final evening meal taken here.

• Meals: Breakfast

Departure from San José’s Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) for flight connections (transfer time 30 mins approx.). If travelling to the UK / Europe then you will arrive the following day.