Boasting small but rugged mountains, thick green rainforests and pristine white sand beaches, there is plenty of incredible scenery to see in Costa Rica. Heading out on a mountain biking adventure is one of the best ways to see as much of the small tropical country as you can in a short period of time.
Country Code:
+506
Language:
Spanish
Best time to visit:
December to April
Currency:
Costa Rican colón (CRC)
How to get there:
Any trip to Costa Rica begins with a flight into the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in the capital. From here, it is easy to rent a car and drive to the start of the trip
What’s the weather like?
Due to its proximity to the equator, there are only two seasons in Costa Rica: the wet and dry seasons. The dry season runs from December to April and sees average daily temperatures around 23 ºC (73 ºF). Crucially for outdoor trips, not much rain falls during this time of year
Situated on just 51,100 square kilometers (19,700 square miles) of land and water, Costa Rica is small, but still boasts plenty of great mountain biking opportunities for enthusiasts of every level. Among the favorite spots for mountain biking enthusiasts is the Arenal Volcano. Taking a half-day trip to cycle around the stunning volcano is a great way to explore some of the country’s tropical rainforests, see local wildlife and get stunning views all along the way. Meanwhile, heading to the Monteverde cloud forest is a great way to see some of the country’s spectacular scenery and wildlife too, just while getting in a workout. Take on the grueling 15 to 20 kilometer ride up steep gradients and down thrilling mountain slopes. Finally, take the opportunity of being able to cover significant ground to explore more than one landscape. Head to Manuel Antonio National Park and cycle through rainforest as well as along pristine beaches and coastal cliffs. Watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean before heading back home on your bike
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