Cycling in Costa Rica
Including Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal Loop, Bijagua and Tenorio Volcano Foothills, and Central Valley and Puriscal Hills. On the map.
The vibe
Cycling here is a test of endurance against steep, winding mountain roads and heavy tropical traffic rather than a leisurely cruise. The cooler, drier mornings are essential for getting miles in before the midday heat and afternoon downpours set in. It feels like a rugged, independent challenge where you must be comfortable sharing the narrow asphalt with buses and trucks.
Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal Loop
Alajuela Province
Gerard Prins / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Circumnavigate Costa Rica's iconic Arenal Volcano on a mix of challenging volcanic gravel roads, farm tracks, and rolling paved connectors. The loop offers dramatic views of the active volcano, lush rainforests, and the shimmering expanse of Lake Arenal.
Access. Base out of La Fortuna, where bike rentals and guided gravel tours are widely available. Accessible via a 3-hour drive or shuttle from San José.
Notes. Best ridden during the dry season from December to April. Expect variable volcanic gravel and steep punchy climbs; e-bikes are increasingly popular here.
Bijagua and Tenorio Volcano Foothills
Alajuela Province
David Bogomolny / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ride through the lush agricultural and secondary rainforest tracks surrounding Tenorio Volcano and the vibrant blue waters of Río Celeste. The terrain features rolling gravel roads, pastoral farmland, and dense jungle borders.
Access. Base out of Bijagua, accessible via the Inter-American Highway between Liberia and Cañas.
Notes. Unpaved tracks can become extremely muddy and slick during the green season (May to November). Suitable for robust gravel or mountain bikes.
Central Valley and Puriscal Hills
San José
Dominic Sherony / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Conquer steep, paved mountain passes and coffee-plantation singletracks rising sharply out of Costa Rica's Central Valley. This challenging region is renowned for brutal road climbs and winding descents framed by towering peaks.
Access. Start directly from San José or Alajuela, where specialized road and gravel bike rentals are easy to secure.
Notes. High elevation changes and heavy truck traffic on main arteries require early morning starts. Highly demanding terrain suited for experienced cyclists.
Nicoya Peninsula Coastal and Inland Route
Guanacaste
Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., Canada / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Explore the sun-drenched Nicoya Peninsula on a network of red-dirt gravel roads, coastal tracks, and quiet beachside lanes. This destination connects vibrant surf towns, rolling cattle pastures, and hidden Pacific coves.
Access. Fly into Liberia or San José, rent a gravel or mountain bike, and take the ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya to Puntarenas or Paquera.
Notes. Hot and humid year-round; the dry season (December–April) offers the best riding conditions before seasonal rains wash out unpaved tracks.