Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica And Panama

15 days - from $2800

Discover Central America's natural wonders, colonial cities and friendly people by bike
Central America's narrow isthmus lends itself perfectly to exploration on two wheels. Starting in the graceful colonial city of Granada and ending in bustling Panama City, our route takes us into Costa Rica's steamy cloud forests, alongside several active volcanoes and to the tropical island paradise of Bocas del Toro. We visit the island of Ometepe in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, search for Howler monkeys whilst rafting on the Tenorio River and take some time out to snorkel Panama's reefs. Our journey ends with a ride along the impressive Panama Canal to see the famous Miraflores Locks in action - a great climax!

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Granada. 2 Short ride along shore of Lake Nicaragua; afternoon visit artisan market and Masaya Volcano N.P. 3 To Catarina for views of Apoyo Lagoon; ride through Pueblos Blancos towards Pan American Highway; ferry transfer to Ometepe Island in beautiful Lake Nicaragua. 4 Ferry to mainland and ride to San Juan del Sur on the Pacific. 5 Ride to the Pan-Am Highway then transfer to Canas in Costa Rica. 6 Morning gentle raft trip on Tenorio River; transfer to Lake Arenal and cycle around lake. 7 Cycle to La Fortuna, near active Arenal Volcano; 8 Ride through jungle and rural areas close to La Fortuna, with stop for swimming; evening visit thermal springs 9 Ride down to the tropical lowlands; transfer or cycle to Cahuita on the Caribbean coast. 10 Cycle alongside towering mountains and through banana plantations to Panama border; transfer by minibus and boat to Bocas del Toro Islands. 11 Free day for optional diving, snorkelling, dolphin spotting or even more cycling! 12 Return to the mainland; transfer to Fortuna Dam; fast descent to Pan-Am Highway; transfer to Santiago passing traditional indigenous villages. 13 Ride through tropical lowland forest and farmland around Santiago; transfer to Panama City, stopping to see Panama Hat production. 14 Ride along Panama Canal from Miraflores Locks to Lake Gatun. 15 End Panama City.

Mode of travel: Average daily distance: 45km (28 miles) No. of days cycling: 12 Vehicle support: 100% vehicle support. Terrain and route: 80% tarmac, 20% groomed dirt road with some moderate climbs. Routes mainly follow quiet backroads and can be potholed.
Group size: Normally 6 to 16, plus leader and driver.
Accommodation: 14 nights comfortable hotels. We stay in a mixture of colonial-style and modern hotels all with en suite facilities.
Food: All breakfasts included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $455.00
Trip Reference: MUC
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Notes: Local Bike Hire: Haro Escape or Cannondale with front suspension GBP130, paid on booking
Trip Reference: MUC