Trips

Granada

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Nicaragua. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. Nicaragua has flourished in recent years. Home to immense natural beauty and friendly locals, it is often a traveller favourite. Other than the important group meeting there are no activities planned for today. Cycling distance: none

Masaya/Granada

Avoid the heat today with an early cycle (approximately 4 hours) around Apoyo Lagoon. As we leave town we will pass by the 'Fuerte de Polvora”, a white Spanish colonial fort built in the 18th century. Our route then takes us on dirt tracks up some slight inclines and through small settlements off the beaten track in the Nicaraguan countryside. Before arriving at Apoyo Lagoon, stop at the lookout of Santa Catarina and enjoy breathtaking vistas over the Apoyo Lagoon and distant Mombacho Volcano. There are some steep, cobblestoned hills leading up to this viewpoint but the effort is well worth it. Please note that if you are not comfortable with riding the steep hills to Santa Catarina you can always use our support vehicle. After enjoying the view, ride along the border of the lagoon before returning to Granada (a route that is mainly downhill). On return to Granada there is time to enjoy lunch at your leisure. Following lunch, hop aboard a tour bus to see the sights of this charming city. This includes a visit to the White Towns – an area where talented local artisans make clay pottery, bamboo baskets, up-cycled flowerpots out of old car tyres and much more. Stop for a quick visit at Masaya Market and then on to Masaya Volcano, where lava can often be seen. The day concludes on return to Granada, where you can take dinner at your leisure. Cycling: Riding distance is approx. 37 kms / 4hrs, on hilly terrain with an elevation gain of approx. 645 meters

Ometepe Island

Head out this morning on a historical walking tour with a top local guides who will reveal the behind-the-scenes life of Granada as well as its traditional historical sites.  In the late morning catch a transfer to San Jorge and from there take the boat to Ometepe Island, which is formed by two impressive volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua. Disembark at the island's main town, Moyagalpa. Enjoy some free time before starting your biking adventure around the north side of Conception Volcano. Stop in and marvel at the many stone carvings of Altagracia - evidence of early, culturally developed indigenous tribes who inhabited the island long before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. After another half hour in the saddle, arrive at Santo Domingo Beach in time for a swim and some well-deserved rest at the beach or hotel pool. Cycling: Riding distance is approx. 23 kms / 2.5 hrs, on rolling terrain with an elevation gain of approx. 345 meters Vehicle Transfer - Approx. 1 hour

Maderas Volcano & San Juan del Sur

In the morning make a loop around the less populated Madera Volcano. The volcano itself is not active and its crater now contains a lake. Ride through secluded rural areas that are home to howler monkeys, a wide variety of bird species and small mammals. Stop and cool off with a visit to Ojo de Agua, a beautiful swimming spot where the water comes from deep inside the Maderas Volcano. Take time to relax and enjoy lunch before transferring to Moyagalpa and boarding the boat back to the mainland. After docking on the mainland, take easy afternoon ride down to the Pacific beach in time for sunset. Cycling: Riding distance is approx. 50kms / 4 hrs, on hilly terrain with an elevation gain of approx. 580 meters Vehicle Transfer - Approx. 1 hour

Arenal

Say goodbye to Nicaragua and journey south to Costa Rica. Hit the road before 7 am and cross the border at the sometimes unpredictable Penas Blancas border crossing. Once on the other side, start cycling down and along the shores of Lake Fortuna. The lake sits at the base of the Arenal Volcano in the northern highlands of Costa Rica and is the country's largest landlocked body of water. There are quite a few rivers to cross, with Cano Negro being the biggest one. Most of the hotels in Lake Fortuna are located on the slopes of Arenal Volcano, so expect a little climb towards the end of the day. Cycling: Riding distance is approx. 45 kms / 4 hrs, on rolling terrain with an elevation gain of approx. 490 meters (mostly towards the end of the ride) Vehicle Transfer - Approx. 4-5 hours

El Castillo Area

Take breakfast with clear views of Arenal's gorgeous lake and volcano before saddling up for the day. Your destination is a home stay in the rural community of San Juan Ilama. This is a region of Costa Rica rich in agricultural bounty, including orange groves, passionfruit, papaya, cacao, rice, corn, bananas, and sugar cane. Several villagers in the San Juan Ilama community have built comfortable rooms for guests next to their homes. All rooms have shared facilities. In order to make the most of this homestay experience, it may take a bit of effort from you to break the ice. Learn as many Spanish words as you can and get ready to improvise with hand signals! Of course, your tour leader will prepare us well in advance so you can enjoy the best stay possible. Cycling: Riding distance is approx. 60 kms / 6 hrs, on hilly terrain with an elevation gain of approx. 625 meters Vehicle Transfer - Approx. 1 hour

Cano Negro wildlife reserve

Get ready for a real jungle adventure. Journey deep inside the Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve and see monkeys, sloths, bats, turtles and 'Jesus Christ' lizards – famous for their ability to run on water for extended periods of time before sinking. The wildlife reserve is home to a diverse number of flora and fauna, which you will get a chance to see while floating down the Cano Negro River. After stopping for lunch, cycle through the reserve back to the main road, where your trusty support vehicle will take you and the group back to San Juan Ilama for a soccer match with the locals. Cycling: Riding distance is approx. 35 kms / 3 hrs, on flat terrain with an elevation gain of approx. 160 meters Vehicle Transfer - Approx. 1.5 hours

La Fortuna

Bid a fond farewell to your hosts from San Juan Ilama this morning. Ride to La Fortuna, with some short but steep climbs en route offering rewarding views of the region's mountains and volcanoes. Tonight, visit some local thermal springs and spend the evening relaxing with hydro massages before enjoying a delicious dinner.  Cycling: Riding distance is approx. 30 kms / 4 hrs, on hilly terrain with an elevation gain of approx. 520 meters Vehicle Transfer - Approx. 1 hour

Caribbean Coast

Prepare yourself for the sandy beaches and warm waters of the Caribbean. Today you will ride out of La Fortuna and then catch a transfer to the coast. Depending on the arrival time, there will be time for a quick swim before saddling up for a ride along the shores to the town of Puerto Viejo, a lively Caribbean village with great food and music. Cycling: Riding distance is approx. 40 kms / 2 hrs, on flat terrain with an elevation gain of approx. 40 meters Vehicle Transfer - Approx. 4 hours

Bocas del Toro

Pedal from Puerto Viejo to the nearby village of Bribri, located about an hour away. Meet Don Catato and his wife, who have kept the local tradition of growing cacao beans alive and thriving. Learn how to mill and roast the beans, and then drink a delicious hot chocolate together with a typical breakfast in their home. After receiving an energy hit, hop back on your bike and cycle to the Panama border. The ride is mostly flat, wending its way past numerous lush banana plantations. Crossing the border into Panama is, again, a little unpredictable in terms of time so be prepared for some delays. Once across, stop for a light lunch before jungle biking along the historic railroad track, which was once part of an extensive network stretching from Panama to Costa Rica. Arrive in Almirante in the afternoon and board a boat to stunning Bocas del Toro. Cycling: Riding distance is approx. 70 kms / 4-5 hrs, on flat terrain with an elevation gain of approx. 150 meters Vehicle Transfer - Approx. 0.5 hour

Bocas del Toro

Take a free day to explore the beautiful Bocas del Toro Islands, which are rapidly becoming a popular destination in the Caribbean. With their spectacular white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and abundant wildlife, it's easy to see why. Perhaps hire a kayak and explore the coast or learn how to surf like a local. It's also possible to take boat trips to the other islands nearby, or go on a dolphin watching tour. All of these optional activities can be arranged through the hotel or nearby tour agencies with whom Intrepid has long-established relationships. If you'd like to ride today, let your leader know, so your bike can be brought over to the island. Cycling distance: none

Boquete

In the morning, catch a ferry back to the mainland where you will board a support vehicle and drive to Caldera (approximately 2.5 hours). The area is home to beautiful pine forests, river valleys and streams, with the Baru Volcano serving as a stunning backdrop. Jump back in the saddle for a hilly ride filled with nice descents and amazing scenery. Once you reach the town of Caldera, board a special all-terrain vehicle that will brings you up to the Boquete area, the mountain spectacle where you'll spend the next two nights. Your hotel is located at nearly 1,700 metres above sea level, and the 7-kilometre incline to the hotel door might be an appealing challenge to the more energetic cyclists. Cycling: Riding distance is approx. 30 kms / 3 hrs, on hilly terrain with an elevation gain of approx. 530 meters Vehicle Transfer - Approx. 3.5 hours