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Cycle Central America
16 days, Granada to Panama City
Itinerary Notes
More information about the equipment that we use for this trip, and any specifics about the route or itinerary can be found in the 'Important Notes' section of the Tour Details.
Itinerary
Day 1Granada
Arrive at any time.
Arrive in Granada at any time. Granada is approximately one hour from the Managua International Airport, and taxis are readily available to transfer you to the hotel. Check into our hotel and enjoy the city.
Please try to arrive before 6pm for an important group meeting where you can meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Granada/Isla de Ometepe
Cycle along the backroads from Granada to a nearby picturesque villages, stopping off at a viewpoint overlooking the Laguna de Apoyo crater lake. Get up close and personal with the active Masaya Volcano, then transfer south to cross Lake Nicaragua by ferry to reach Ometepe for a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family.
Depart Granada at 7:00am for our first journey on two wheels. Head to one of Nicaragua’s famous active volcanoes in Volcán Masaya NP.
Cycle along a paved road out of Granada surrounded by the incredible natural beauty of Nicaragua.
Travel south to San Jorge where we board a ferry and cross Lake Nicaragua to arrive at Ometepe Island. This unspoiled island paradise formed out of the lava flowing in between two volcanoes, Maderas and Concepción, is a nature-lover’s dream.
Cycling Granada to Masaya
Enjoy getting out on two wheels on the road between Granada and Masaya Volcano National Park. The scenic route is mostly on unpaved backroads and passes through the picturesque villages called the Pueblos Blancos before stopping off at a viewpoint overlooking the Laguna de Apoyo crater lake. Hop on the main highway for the final 5km before arriving to the entrance of Masaya Volcano National Park.
Volcán Masaya National Park Visit
Experience the energy and excitement of getting up close and personal with an active volcano. See the crater spew smoke and gas. Walk in a moonscape of lava rocks and stunted shrubs. Stop by the visitor’s centre and learn about the history of Masaya and many other volcanoes in Nicaragua. See lizards, deer and raccoons and find out about the local parakeets and bats who call the crater and nearby caves home.
Private Vehicle
Travel from Laguna de Apoyo to San Jorge to catch the ferry to Ometepe.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Private Vehicle
Transfer from Moyogalpa dock to homestay
Pueblo Hotel Community Guesthouse Stay
Stay with a local family by the lake in the small rural village of Los Angeles, on Ometepe Island. Your presence is supporting this community-owned and operated business. While you're here, practice Spanish, enjoy authentically-cooked fresh food and explore the island!
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 3Isla de Ometepe
Enjoy a full-day cycling trip through towns and the countryside around the base of Concepcíon Volcano, stopping to see pre-Columbian statues before lunch and a swim at a local swimming hole.
Ometepe Cycling
Cycle along mostly unpaved roads through small villages around the island past fields of plantains, coffee, beans and tobacco, crops that thrive in the fertile volcanic soil. Stop at the town of Altagracia to view pre-Columbian statues next to the main square, then continue by bicycle to Santo Domingo Beach for a lunch break. The final stop of the day is the Ojo de Agua, a beautiful natural swimming hole great for a swim. Hop back on a bicycle and continue to loop around Concepcíon Volcano, finishing the day where it all began at the homestay.
Pueblo Hotel Community Guesthouse Stay
Stay with a local family by the lake in the small rural village of Los Angeles, on Ometepe Island. Your presence is supporting this community-owned and operated business. While you're here, practice Spanish, enjoy authentically-cooked fresh food and explore the island!
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 4Isla de Ometepe/La Fortuna
Cross the border into Costa Rica and finish up La Fortuna, near Arenal Volcano.
Our journey takes us onto one of the most iconic roads in all of the Americas. The Pan-American Highway travels from Alaska down to Patagonia, covering the length of the continent, and taking in a huge variety of terrain, the road snakes its way through 23 countries, with a break of just 87km along the way.
Arenal Volcano, once quite active, has been dormant since the beginning of 2011, but still is a dramatic backdrop to the town of La Fortuna.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Nicaragua - Costa Rica)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5La Fortuna
Enjoy a half-day bike ride around Lake Arenal to El Castillo, then relax or explore the La Fortuna area in the afternoon.
Lake Arenal to El Castillo Bike Tour
This mountain bike ride takes us along Lake Arenal at the base Arenal Volcano through rural farmland along a gravel road with the volcano visible during all of the ride. It's possible to see some wildlife if you're lucky, but you're more likely to see friendly Costa Rican farmers waving to you as you pass by. Stop for a picnic on the shore of Lake Arenal where it’s possible to swim. Finish at the small town of El Castillo, which is surrounded by rainforest.
Free Time
Get out there and explore more of the La Fortuna area.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6La Fortuna/Cartago
Enjoy a morning mountain biking tour then transfer to Cartago, Costa Rica's first ever capital city.
Cartago served as the capital until 1823, and was given the title 'Very Noble, Very Loyal' by the Spanish Parliament. Opt to take a stroll around town to visit the ferrocarrill (train line), Basilica and the ruins of Santiago the Apostle's Church. The city lies at the base of the inactive Irazu Volcano, an incredible backdrop to this serene setting.
Half-day Mountain Biking tour near Arenal
Set out from La Fortuna on mountain bikes along backroads on a challenging ride. Ride past fields of cassava, banana, papaya and other crops with mountains jutting out in the distance on all sides and Arenal Volcano looming nearby.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Cartago/Orosí
Set off on road bicycles through the Costa Rican countryside, passing by fields of chayote squash, coffee plants, and cycling up and down rolling hills, finishing at the small town of Orosí.
Situated in a river valley and surrounded by coffee plantations, Orosi offers thermal water springs and the magnificent colonial church built in 1739. Finish the day with a traditional Costa Rican “casado” dinner.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Cycling Cartago to Orosí
Cycle along a hilly route on a road bicycle past the Cachi Dam and along the Orosí River Valley until reaching the small town of Orosí, in the middle of a big coffee growing region.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Orosí/Turrialba
Continue cycling along the scenic Orosi and Reventazon River Valleys, past coffee and sugar cane plantations to the Turrialba area. Upon arrival, opt to walk to a small waterfall or take a trip into town.
Spend the night at a lodge overlooking the valley outside of the town of Turrialba.
Cycling Orosi to Turrialba
Leave Orosi and pedal 54km (30 mi) to Turrialba. There are lots of big hills and valleys -- so be prepared for a challenge. Feel the burn and smile anyway as you suck in the fresh mountain air and ride past rivers, coffee farms, sugar cane fields and lush tropical forests. In the afternoon, arrive (finally) at our hotel and drink in the spectacular views of Turrialba and the valley below.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 9Turrialba/Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Raft along the Pacuare River, stopping for a riverside picnic lunch before continuing down river to the Caribbean lowlands.
Stop for a great riverside picnic lunch and continue rafting all the way to the Caribbean lowlands. After rafting, drive to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and explore town or walk along the beach.
Pacuare River Rafting
Experience the full explosion of excitement which is the thrill of white water rafting. Buckle up a life jacket, strap on a helmet and get ready to paddle Pacuare River's class III & IV rapids. Take direction from the expert guides and then enjoy the green jungle scenery as you dip and dodge the boulders and gullies of the rushing river. This is nature at its most natural!
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 10Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Enjoy free time in to relax on the beach, rent a bike and explore the coast, or visit the Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge to look for monkeys and other wildlife.
Ride or walk the quiet beaches south of Puerto Viejo all the way to the Manzanillo-Gandoca Refuge. Cycle, swim, surf or hike in the rainforest or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the laid-back vibe of this Caribbean village.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Puerto Viejo, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like snorkelling, biking, and hiking in the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Bike Rental
Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.
Surfing Lesson
60USD per personGrab your swimsuit and get ready to hang ten! Learn how to find and ride the waves with surfing lessons from local experts. Enjoy the fresh sea air, and try to spot local marine life while enjoying the waters.
Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge Hike
65USD per personBeginning at the Cocles River south of Puerto Viejo, the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge extends through beach communities, jungle, marshland, coves and coast all the way to the Sixaola River and the border with Panama. Begin in Manzanillo and wind your way through plantations of cacao, strangler fig and almond trees, look for capuchin and howler monkeys, sloths and raccoons. White sand beaches lead into aquamarine water, filled with 35 species of coral and tropical fish, sea turtles, lobsters and sting rays. Wear light clothing, walking shoes, and bring lots of water and insect repellent.
Kayak in Puerto Viejo
60USD per personPunta Uva is known as one of the world's best 'fun fest' beaches. You decide! Grab a paddle and hop into a kayak for a relaxing trip along a river. Spot a zoo full of wildlife, including monkeys (howler, whiteface, spider), turtles, spiders, sloths, lizards, iguanas, and birds, as well as several medicinal plants and trees, such as the big fig tree, indio desnudo, bread fruit, ylang ylang and more.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Puerto Viejo de Talamanca/Bocas del Toro
Cross the border to Panama and hop on a water taxi to the Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro for some serious rest and relaxation.
The Archipelago of Bocas del Toro is made up of six islands, only two of which have roads and services for tourists. Cycling here is a great choice because the island is almost entirely flat. The entire trip around the island is 32km (20 mi).
If you prefer not to cycle, there are plenty of other options for you to consider. Snorkel, take a boat trip between the islands, or simple choose to relax on the beach.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Costa Rica - Panama)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Boat
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Day 12Bocas del Toro
Enjoy free time here to cycle around the islands or snorkel in the clear blue sea.
Free Time
In the islands, there are no planned cycling trips so that there is ample time to take advantage of the other activities available. Sunbathe on one of the many beaches, hop on a boat to explore other islands nearby, snorkel around coral reefs, spot dolphins in the clear waters, go scuba diving or surfing. If you want to keep cycling, you can rent a bike in town and pedal around Isla Colon.
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Cycling Bocas del Toro
Hop on your bike and pedal around Isla Colon, a popular form of transport on the island.
Island Hopping
Hop on a boat and spend time at some of the nine islands that make up the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Look skyward to see the birds of Bird Island, head to Starfish Beach to see stunning starfish in the shallow water, swim with dolphins in Dolphin Bay and visit a Caribbean indigenous village on Bastimentos. Lots to explore, so get hopping!
Sailing Snorkelling Tour
45USD per personSet out on the calm waters around Bocas del Toro and sail to Dolphin Bay, enjoy seeing Bottle Nose Dolphins play in the waves. Head to Mangrove Reef, Isla San Cristobal for some snorkelling in the diverse reefs in the area. After you've had enough of discovering urchins, anemones, and swimming with schools of tiny fish, enjoy a simple but yummy lunch on the boat on route to The Garden, Isla Solarte. Enjoy even more snorkelling around parrot fish and other sea creatures before heading back to the island.
Day 13Bocas del Toro/Boquete
Ferry back to the mainland and transfer across the isthmus to the highlands of Boquete.
It's a long day of travel before arriving at the impressive mountain retreat of Boquete.
Shared Van
Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
Day 14Boquete
Set off on a full day of cycling through the highlands of Boquete.
Boquete Cycling
Set off on a full day of cycling through the highlands around Boquete. Cycle along some paved and some gravel roads through highland forest past cattle farms and green hills along local roads. This day is all about enjoying the fresh mountain air of the Panamanian countryside, so take a deep inhalation and enjoy.
Day 15Boquete/Panama City
Watch the Panamanian countryside fly by on a travel day to Panama City.
It's a full day of travelling today to get to Panama City, the country's capital. After arriving, the evening is free to explore the city before our final day of cycling.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 16Panama City
Transfer to Soberania National Park for a mountain bike tour along jungle trails in the Panama Canal zone. The trip ends after returning to Panama City this afternoon.
Leave Panama City and head first for Summit Park, a 250-acre park teeming with Panamanian flora and fauna. Our ride continues to Soberania NP, close to the Panama Canal, popular with bird watchers.
The tour ends in Panama City in the late afternoon.
Soberania National Park Mountain Biking
Grab a mountain bike and hit the jungle trails of Soberania NP, a humid tropical forest located along the the Panama Canal. Keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of birds and animals living in the canopy.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.