15 Days - from $2610

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 Lake Nicaragua, search for the Howler Monkeys as we take a boat trip on the Tenorio River and take some time out for snorkelling on Panama's reefs. A ride along the impressive Panama Canal is included at the end of the trip - a great climax to an unusual and interesting itinerary.

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 and along the Pan-Am Highway to border with Costa Rica; transfer to Canas. 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 at refreshing springs; evening visit thermal springs 9 Ride down to the tropical lowlands; transfer or cycle to Cahuita on the Caribbean coast. 10 Ride alongside toweing mountains and through banana plantations into Panama; boat transfer 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: surface: 80% tarmac, 20% groomed dirt road with some moderate climbs. Routes mainly follow quiet backroads.
Group size: Min. 6, max. 16, plus leader and driver.
Accommodation: 14 nights hotels.
Food: All breakfasts included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $444.15
Trip Reference: MUC
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.