Cycling across Central America, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama
Take one of the best cycle activity holidays to explore like no other and see Central America, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and discover things to do in Panama in this wild and off the beaten path adventure. Rainforests, active volcanos, the crystal clear Caribbean ocean, remote island living, the freshest coffee, sloths, howler monkeys and discover things to do in Panama such as visit the engineering magnificence of the Panama Canal lock, all from the seat of a cycle.
This trip is an organised trip from Exodus and it’s challenging, but don’t be put off if you’re a hobby or beginner cyclist, they have a support vehicle which you can jump in when things get a little tough! Most of this trip includes meals, with the exception of lunches and a few dinners and drinks. If you want to keep active and see Central America away from usual the tourists spots this is the perfect trip for you.
ACTIVITY HOLIDAYS ROUTE OVERVIEW
The route travels across three countries and includes cycling coast to coast in Costa Rica and includes things to do in Panama including visiting Bocas Del Toro Island.
ACTIVITY HOLIDAYS CyCLING IN GRANADA, NICARAGUA
It takes around 1-1.5hrs to arrive in Granada from Managua airport. Granada, founded in 1524, is a pretty, colonial, tropically painted city with highlights such as Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral (built in 1525) and the Hotel Patio del Malinche with its typically styled courtyard, pool, comfortable rooms and patio breakfasts. Given the travel time to Nicaragua from the UK, it’s unlikely you will want to do much after getting to the hotel, however, the hotel is well located, if you want to have a wander around the city. And make sure you try the local Tona (beer).
Masaya Volcano and Lake Nicaragua
Into the saddle to take a short ride around the city to the shore of Lake Nicaragua (tenth largest lake in the world) from which you can see the rainforest covered Mombacho volcano, the lower sections of which are used to grow sugar cane and coffee. One of the highlights of any activity holidays is seeing an active volcano! You can get up close and personal for just $4, at Masaya Volcano National Park. Warning… the smell of sulphur means you won’t want to hang around, but there is definitely enough time to get a few pics. Visit the long established Villas Mombacho restaurant for the fresh lake fish and Lake Nicaragua views, but make sure you have plenty of time as service can take a while.
Total cycle 22km
OMETEPE ISLAND, Nicaragua
Cycling through Catarina, San Juan de Oriente and Masatepe, we stop for lunch at La Casona in San Marcos, which is usually filled with students from the local university. It’s then a 1.5hr transfer to the port town of San Jorge to take the 1 hr ferry over to the figure of eight shaped Ometepe Island which is formed by two volcanoes (Concepción and Maderas) rising out of Lake Nicaragua.
Once we arrive at port Moyogalpa on Ometepe, it is a 13km cycle to the ecological reserve, pool and private beaches of the Hotel Charco Verde.
Total cycle = 40 km
San Juan DEL SUR, NICARAGUA
Lunch at Pizzeria Buon before heading back to the mainland to cycle to the Pacific coast near San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua’s famous beach town. Lots of wildlife and “rustic” bridges on the way and an opportunity to meet locals and make donations to the local schools.
We finish the ride at Hotel Selina Maderas with its cabinas that lead onto the pool. Check out the sunset at Playa Marsella which is a short walk from the hotel. If you’ve not had enough from your activity holidays so far, head a bit further out to Playa Maderas a famous surfing beach, but there is a beach bar should you want to just take it easy!
Total cycle = 42km
ACTIVITY HOLIDAYS CYCLING INTO Costa Rica
Great views as you cycle out of Nicaragua to La Virgen where we transferred to the border (have your paperwork and fees handy). It can be hot waiting around so bring water and a fan!
Time at the border might mean limited cycling time in Costa Rica and just enough time to transfer to the hotel Hacienda La Pacifica which is a working farm with its very own wildlife rescue centre (Las Pumas)
Total cycle = 29km
ACTIVITY HOLIDAYS RAFTING ON Tenorio River and Arenal
Take a 2 hr rafting trip down the Tenorio where you’ll see much of Costa Rica’s wildlife, followed by a cycle and lunch at Safaris Corobici for a typical midday Casado. After lunch it’s a cycle in the hilly region around Lake Arenal to the eco, slightly hippy and beautiful Mystica Resort. Mystica has amazing views and it’s highly likely you’ll see a toucan. Adding to that their wood fired pizzas and decent wine selection, Mystica is a must!
Total cycle = 55km
ARENAL
Beautiful lush views of Costa Rica as you cycle down to La Fortuna and the dam where you can see the active Arenal volcano. Watch out for the leaf cutting ants when you stop… they are strangely addictive to watch! Lunch is at one of the best restaurants in town El Novillo with its volcano views.
There is a two night stay at San Bosco with its pool and jacuzzi and it is nearby to a laundry should you need it. San Bosco is a good place to pick up local produce (coffees, spices, souvenirs). Lots of options for dinner, so take a wander to see what you fancy. Day two take a loop around La Fortuna for more volcano views.
After two long days in the saddle, you’ll welcome a visit to the Eco Termales, one of the many hot springs in the area. Recommend the Pina Coladas and the buffet dinner (under $25)
Total cycle = 110km
CYCLING TO Cahuita
On to the Caribbean coast, so watch out for the heat, a downside of many activity holidays. Lunch at El Yugo is simple and cateria style and options are limited, but the views during this day of cycling are worth it. Lush plantations and wildlife surround you and finally you get to take a dip in the Caribbean near the hotel Atlantida. Dinner at the local italian on the beach.
Total cycle = 84km
THINGS TO DO IN PANAMA
Another highlight of the things to do in Panama is the border crossing at Sixaola from Costa Rica into Panama. This derelict bridge that can’t be cycled over (too many holes) is something out of an Indiana Jones movie. Food options are limited so ask your hotel to make you up a lunch to go.
Take the transfer to the dock where you can get a small boat over to Bocas Del Toro (30 mins). During the transfer watch out for dolphins and women dressed in long flowing embroidered dresses who are part of the Guaymi tribe.
Total cycle = 52km
BOCAS DEL TORO ISLAND
The Gran Bahia Hotel (check out the old safe in the reception area), is at the quieter end of lively Bocas Del Toro (read bars and nightlife). Head out for a tona (beer) at the Om Cafe on the waterfront and dinner at El Refugio or alternatively at Buena Vista.
Take a full day boat trip out to Red Frog where you can combine dolphin watching, snorkelling and visit Red Frog beach with its pretty rainforest leading to white beaches (take your own food and drinks for the boat and beach) or check out Bocas Water sports, there is plenty to do for a few days.
CYCLING To Santiago
Back to mainland Panama to ride through rainforest scenery. This will be a mix of cycle and transfer due the distance to Panama City via Santiago, although there are some fun fast downhill sections. Stay at the hotel is La Hacienda (it has a swim up bar although in April you might get some cooler weather in the evening).
Total cycle = 62km
Rural PANAMA
Another mix of cycle and transfer and it’s quite a shock to hit Panama City coming from so many rural stays, but stay at the Allbrook Inn (the region was a former US Air Force Base) and dine at Rinos (an old favourite of Panama’s elite).
Total cycle = 54km
Panama City AND CANAL
The final day is spent in wonder at the engineering brilliance of the Panama Canal Lock, Miraflores, built in 1914. Around 30 ships a day make this passing so you’ll probably see a cruiser lining going through the lock (including the masses of waving passengers!)
Cycle out to Gatun lake and the Gamboa Rainforest Resort for more wildlife and lunch at Los Lagartos where you can watch the wildlife as you dine. Spend the afternoon wandering the historic Casco Viejo and find a rooftop spot like the bar at Tantalo Terraza for great views of the city. Dinner at La Clementinas to round off the trip. If you’re flying out the following day, its likely to be an early start so go easy on the cocktails!
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