Bicycling as a means of transport between La Fortuna and Monteverde

People who love to ride mountain bikes can now do so as a means of transport up to Monteverde. Have an adventure on the way to your next destination, as a part of the innovative Desafío Adventure Connection.

We have two riding options, depending on your adventure level: The first and more intense ride is about three hours long, or about 25 miles. We’ll start at the Lake Arenal Dam where you drop off your luggage with Captain Marquez, our boat driver. From there we ride past the rural community of El Castillo until we get to the pristine Caño Negro Rriver that runs alongside Rancho Margot.

From here we do a technical river crossing and continue riding through rolling hills along the edge of picture-perfect Lake Arenal until we get to the small town of Río Chiquito.

We also offer, a slightly moreexpensive, but shortened, 15-mile ride that includes a boat ride across the Lake Arenal to the mid-way point.

This man-made lake is the second-largest lake in Central America. To get from one side of the lake to the other by land, there are several bridgeless river crossings.

The scenery is a combination of secondary rainforest, farmland and great views of the lake and volcano.

Your eagle-eyed bike guide will help point out some of the local wildlife indigenous to the area, such as wild boar, sloths, toucans, oropendolas and iguanas.

Upon arrival to Río Chiquito, you will be reunited with your luggage and Freddy, our driver, will drive you in his mini-van the remaining 1.5 hours up the steep, gravel roads to your hotel in Monteverde. We also have an office up in Monteverde should you need any advice on what else to do in the area.

This is a truly adventurous ride – the terrain is rugged, the scenery is incredible but this is the perfect way to travel between La Fortuna and Monteverde.

Departs: 7:30am – private trips available (Departure varies depending upon hotel location)

Duration: about 5 hours (2.5 – 3 hours by bike)

Includes: Certified guides who bring extra gear and bikes in case of mechanical malfunctions; suspension mountain bike; helmet; transport to/ from your hotel in the La Fortuna area and Monteverde; sag vehicle in case a rider gets tired. Recommended for ages 13-55 in good physical condition.

What to bring: Secure, closed-toe shoes; comfortable clothes; insect repellent; sunblock and a sense of adventure!