Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama

Those on the group flight land into Managua and will be transferred to
Granada (approx. 1 hour). Those on land only arrangements should make their
own way to the start hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

After breakfast, we have an overall tour briefing as well as indications for
the initial cycling stage. Any last-minute adjustments to the bikes are made
before we set off towards the shore of Lake Nicaragua. As we reach the
lakeshore, we enter into the Asese Peninsula recreation area, a beautiful
protected area, where the traffic is kept to a minimum and several species of
exotic birds can be spotted. Our lunch stop offers stunning views of the
large volcanic mass of Mombacho.

Upon arrival back at our hotel, we’ll have time for a swim or stroll along
La Calzada, Granada’s main pedestrian street. In the late afternoon we
will head for the popular Mirador Catarina, overlooking pretty Laguna Apoyo.
Our Sunday visit will allow us to experience the local people enjoying the
wonderful view while being entertained by strolling marimba bands and
souvenir vendors. Afterwards we will head for the Masaya Volcano National
Park for a night visit to observe molten lava bubbling away in the depths of
the huge crater. It may also be possible to spot the 'Chocoyos', a
sub-species of parakeet which nests in the crater walls, having evolved to
become resistant to the constant emissions of sulphuric gas. Due to safety
concerns, the visit to the crater is limited to 15 minutes (and occasionally
the park is closed altogether). We then return to Granada for dinner.

Gradual descent down to the lakeshore, then virtually flat (but bumpy) out to
the tip of the Asese Peninsula. The roads are 65% paved, 35% dirt/rock.

After breakfast we transfer (approx. 1.5 hours) south to the port of San
Jorge on Lake Nicaragua, where we will board the vehicle ferry for the 1 hour
trip out to fantastic Ometepe Island, with the twin volcanoes of Concepcion
and Masaya dominating the view. Upon arrival at busy Moyogalpa, we start our
cycling with a stretch around the west face of Concepcion, the active volcano
on Ometepe. We then continue with a climb up and over the isthmus which leads
out to rainforest clad Maderas, the extinct volcano on Ometepe. Our
destination is lovely Ojo de Agua fresh water spring ($5 entry fee), where we
will have lunch, and enjoy a swim in the cool, crystal-clear spring water, a
welcome respite on a hot day. Afterwards we get back on our bikes to head for
the wildlife-filled Charco Verde Lagoon, where our hotel is set. The west
facing location right on the lake allows for some spectacular tropical
sunsets, as well as the possibility to take a dip in the warm waters of Lago
Cocibolca, the Indigenous name for Lake Nicaragua.

The roads are all paved except for the final half mile to Charco Verde.

Today we depart the hotel around 10:30am, which gives us some free time
beforehand to hike the trails around the lagoon to spot more wildlife or
relax on the beach and admire the view. For keen cyclists looking for a
challenge, an early morning ride along the single-track trails within the
Charco Verde Reserve ($2 entry fee for hotel guests) is a great start to the
day. Those looking for a hike can do the same trails; make sure to bring your
camera as the reserve is full of wildlife, best seen in the early morning. 

Departing the hotel, we cycle to Moyogalpa and get the ferry back to the
mainland. We then hop on the saddle again for a ride to Rivas, the largest
city in southern Nicaragua, and then along La Chocolata Road towards San Juan
del Sur, a Pacific beach town. The road takes us through dry forest where we
may see (or hear!) Howler monkeys and spot large iguanas. We also pass
through several small villages which experience no tourism other than our
biking groups. If you plan to bring any gifts for local people, the children
and teachers in the small rural schools along the way really appreciate
pencils, pens and crayons. After finishing the mild climb which then drops us
onto the Pacific side of Nicaragua, we ride just a bit further west to the
beautiful beach ‘Playa Marsella’, in time for a late afternoon swim. Our
hotel for this evening is close to the main San Juan del Sur beach, a great
place to watch the sunset or simply enjoy the hotel pool.

Along mostly level roads with some mild climbs. The road is 60% well-groomed
dirt and 40% paved.

Starting early to avoid the heat, we cycle over the continental divide and
down to a backroad (subject to road/weather conditions) near La Virgen, which
then take us on to Sapoa, close to the border with Costa Rica. We then have a
5 minute transfer which will take us to Peñas Blancas where we will exit
Nicaragua. After clearing immigration on the Costa Rica side, we will stop
for lunch near La Cruz and then continue south along the Pan Am highway to
just outside Cañas, another good sized town. Our arrival will be late in the
afternoon due to ongoing highway constructions.

Initial climb departing San Juan del Sur, then gradual descent to near La
Virgen. Back road to Sapoa is mild rolling terrain, graded dirt. 40% paved /
60% dirt

This morning we get out of the saddle early in the morning for a 2 hour float
down the Tenorio River, a haven for birds and wildlife. As our raft takes us
gently along the river, we can expect to see several species of monkey,
iguanas, coatis and a wide range of birds. There are also crocodiles along
the lower stretch of the river and our experienced guides will not only
handle the oars but will also point out as many species as possible. This is
likely to be a big wildlife highlight of the trip! Afterwards, we transfer up
to near Bijagua, then cycle back down to the Pan American Highway before
lunch. After our meal we head up to the hilly region surrounding Lake Arenal
where our afternoon biking stage will begin. This is quite a challenging
section and although the distance is short there are several climbs and it
can also be rather windy. The rewards are the spectacular views of the lake
with the surrounding hills and Arenal Volcano off to the east.

Morning stage is fast downhill after climbing out from Bijagua but can be
pot-holed. Afternoon stage from outside Tilaran to Mystica includes several
fairly steep climbs through rolling hills. 100% paved.

After breakfast we set off on our bikes towards La Fortuna. This is one of
the most spectacular cycling stages, starting in lush agricultural land which
gradually gives way to thick rainforest as we approach the dam which forms
Lake Arenal. Watch out for monkeys, toucans and the amazingly colourful
neon-blue Morpho butterflies as we cycle. If it's clear the dam is a great
place to take a break for a wonderful view of Arenal Volcano. The town of La
Fortuna is a major tourism destination within Costa Rica, so those looking
for souvenirs will be well satisfied.

Mostly on rolling hills with some short but fairly steep climbs, followed by
fast downhill to La Fortuna. The road is 95% paved and 5% dirt or gravel.

Today’s ride follows a circular route through the region surrounding La
Fortuna, taking in a great variety of terrain and ecosystems. Starting from
the hotel, we head south toward Chachagua, then divert to a backroad leading
to El Bosque where we pass through agricultural land devoted to bananas and
sugar cane before heading into a rugged hilly zone leading back towards
rainforest near the small town of La Tigre. Toucans are especially common
here and there are some incredible views of the jungle and Arenal Volcano. As
we approach La Fortuna again, there is one final steep climb before we reach
our hotel. This evening we include a visit to the Eco-Termales Hot Springs to
soothe any aching muscles – the best hot springs in the area!

Paved roads, mostly level for the first half, followed by several challenging
climbs.

/Please note: Traffic can be heavy near La Fortuna; a modified route may be
selected./

We have another early start today as we head east into the rolling terrain of
the San Carlos plains, riding through rich agricultural zones, sugar cane and
pineapple plantations and rural villages. We are generally descending on this
leg, which levels off as we get closer to Muelle where we conclude the
morning stage. Have your cameras handy upon arrival, as there is a population
of large iguanas posing while the staff will load the bikes for the transfer
out to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. As we will be crossing a large
portion of Costa Rica, this is a long transfer (approx. 4-5 hours). Just
outside the busy port of Limon we put the bikes back into use for a short
ride using a more tranquil back road which will take us to the main coastal
highway at Rio Banano, we then have a short transfer to the southern zone of
the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Our destination is bustling Puerto Viejo,
a popular destination on this coast of Costa Rica.

Morning stage fast descent leaving La Fortuna, then level out to Muelle.
Afternoon stage fully level  100% paved for both stages.

Today we begin riding south at the base of the towering Talamanca Mountains.
We follow the main coastal road at first before turning off to the indigenous
community of Bri-Bri, home to members of the Guaymi tribe. We may see some of
the traditionally dressed women in flowing embroidered dresses as we pass
through this area. The ride continues through vast banana plantations to the
border crossing on the banks of the Sixaola River. After a quick lunch we
leave Costa Rica and cross to Guabito, the Panamanian port of entry. After
the border formalities, we board the bus through the frontier town of
Changuinola, and then through steep rainforest hills which are inhabited by
indigenous people. We hit the coast and embark on a private boat transfer to
cross into the Caribbean to the wonderful Bocas del Toro Islands, our home
for the next two nights.

Mostly flat roads, although there are some climbs as we head to Bri-Bri. The
roads are paved although there are often potholes and washouts close to the
border.

We enjoy a free day today to explore the beautiful Bocas del Toro Islands,
which are rapidly becoming a popular destination in the Caribbean. Today you
will get a chance to see why: spectacular palm-shaded white sand beaches,
crystal clear water, wonderful snorkelling and diving, lots of wildlife,
kayaking and even great surfing are all available! It's also possible to take
boat trips to the other islands, or go on dolphin-watching tours. All of
these optional activities can be arranged through the hotel or nearby tour
agencies whom we have long-established relationships with.

For those who want to ride today, biking is available on the island and the
32km round trip to Bocas del Drago on the island's western tip is
recommended. Our bikes will stay on the mainland at Almirante, but other
bikes can be hired locally.

After taking a private boat back to the mainland, we drive to Punta Robalo
for a ride through beautiful jungle scenery. After lunch we transfer (approx.
1.5 hours) through the mountains that separate Panama's two coastlines after
which we begin our second ride of the day. The change in temperature,
humidity and eco-systems are significant as we gain altitude. At the top of
the pass we find beautiful Lago Fortuna, set in a rainforest-clad tropical
valley. We then have a fast downhill ride with great mountain views and
several river crossings to Gualaca and the Pan-Am Highway beyond. Upon
meeting the Pan American Highway junction, we board the minibus for the drive
down to Las Lajas, an isolated Pacific beach which stretches for miles. Here
we can enjoy a great tropical sunset while relaxing under the shade of a palm
thatch palapa. 

Some moderate hills near start, then level AM / Fast downhill to Pacific
plain then some short climbs near finish PM. 100% paved.

We have an early start today as we avoid the heat and traffic on our ride
through the Panamanian countryside. We take a short drive to Guabala, a
customs/passport control point on the Pan Am highway, and once our documents
have been checked, we will offload the bikes for a fairly challenging ride
through a quite remote and hilly section of the western portion of Veraguas
Province. Some of the morning's ride takes us along remote backroads past
large sugar plantations and through dry tropical forest. We finish cycling
close to the town of Jorones, where we start our transfer to Panama
City (approx. 5-6 hours), with a quick lunch stop in Santiago, the main city
in this part of Panama. We cross the famous canal where we're very likely to
see huge ships as they make the journey between the Caribbean and the
Pacific. Our hotel is located in the suburb of Albrook, where many opulent
residences are a testament to the days when US military officers and Canal
Authority officials lived in the city.

Level start but becoming increasingly hilly during the middle section. The
last stage is level again and the road is fully paved.

/Please note: A different stage may be selected if the weather conditions are
very hot./

Our final day is truly memorable, as we travel along a stretch of the Panama
Canal to observe some of the highlights. Starting from our hotel which
overlooks the Pacific entrance to the canal, we transfer to the Miraflores
Locks Visitor Centre (entry fee to museum and video presentation included) to
view the process of raising and lowering the ship traffic. We then have a
short transfer to the entry point of the Soberana National Park, where we
will enjoy a final biking stage through lush rainforest. Our biking concludes
with lunch at lovely Los Lagartos, set over Lago Gamboa, with the canal as a
back-drop. This offers a great photo opportunity as ships pass by during
their transit. After lunch we transfer back to our hotel for some free time
or a swim. In the afternoon we visit the World Heritage Site of Casco Viejo,
the historic old portion of Panama City. We will have our final group dinner
in the Casco Viejo this evening. 

This is mostly level along the canal, but with some climbing within the
Soberana Park. The main road is fully paved.

Our trip ends after breakfast this morning, and those on group flights will
be transferred to the international airport for the return journey to the UK.
**