COVID-19: For guidance on COVID-19 entry and exit requirements for U.S. nationals. Or, visit the CDC website for general air-travel guidelines

Facebook Instagram Phone-alt

Mountain Biking in Costa Rica

Costa Rica was made for outdoor enthusiasts, and mountain bikers are no exception. Although the country’s biking infrastructure isn’t as developed or organized as thoroughly as countries like New Zealand or Scotland per se, the plethora of scenic mountains and countless gravel roads crisscrossing the countryside make it a mountain biker’s dream come true. 

Mountain bike tours Costa Rica

Taking a tour is the best way to get your mountain biking fix without actually bringing your own wheels with you on vacation or renting from a local provider and going solo. 

The vast majority of rural ecolodges offer biking tours, especially around Arenal Volcano, Guanacaste Province, and along the coasts. They generally include a guide and an assortment of protective gear.  

The best advantage of booking a guided tour is that you’re guaranteed to see some spectacular sites on well-established trails that are chosen for their quality and rider safety. Trying to navigate Costa Rica’s (usually unmarked) rural roads without getting lost can be challenging and even dangerous if you’re not fully prepared.

Top Costa Rica mountain bike tours

These destinations are renowned for offering the best mountain biking and off-road trails in Costa Rica. Speak with your ILOVECOSTARICA representative to book a tour that best suits your itinerary. 
  • La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano National Park
  • Guanacaste Province - Rincón de la Vieja and Tenorio Volcanoes
  • Northwest Pacific Coast
  • Monteverde
  • Southwest Atlantic Coast - Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo
  • Central Valley
  • Nicoya Peninsula

Taking on Costa Rica’s best mountain biking trails on your own will require some preparation and planning, but it’s definitely worth it. 

Mountain bike rentals, Costa Rica, are available in most tourist destinations. However, don’t expect the best bike quality and condition unless you’re renting from a high-end resort or exclusive provider. Hourly, daily, and weekly rates are generally offered. 

E-Bikes – true to the country’s reputation for promoting renewable energy transportation, E-biking has made considerable headway in Costa Rica. High-end tour providers and hotels with the means are starting to onboard e-biking tours with great success. Ask your ILOVECOSTARICA rep for the most recommended e-bike tours for your visit.  

The following is a list of favorite cross-country biking trails in Costa Rica:

  • Ruta de Los Conquistadores: this cross-country trek is hailed as one of the world's most challenging.
  • West Coast Trail, Nicoya Peninsula: this epically stunning ride follows the rolling coastal dirt roads of the peninsula and covers mountain, flat, and rolling terrain, in addition to a few exciting river crossings.
  • Jicaral to Montezuma: this scenic ride crosses the Nicoya Peninsula countryside from northeast to southwest.
  • Las Catalinas, Guanacaste: these recently cut trails explore the steep and scenic coastal mountains and hillsides of the northwest Pacific Coast.
  • La Angelina Mountain Bike Park, Cartago: These steep and scenic trails are a great day ride and close to the Capital, San Jose.
  • Los Senderos de Colon, Ciudad Colon: Another great day-ride option just outside of San Jose near scenic coffee plantations and the UN University for Peace.
  • Arenal Volcano Rugged Trail: a national favorite, this panoramic gravel road ride takes you around the scenic Arenal Volcano and Lake.
Scroll to Top