Meet at the group hotel in San Jose. A single group transfer from San Jose Airport is provided. Depending on the arrival time, the local guide will provide an initial pre-trip briefing and advise the group about local restaurants for the evening meal (not included). Again, depending on the time of arrival, those who have brought their own bikes should reassemble them today.

After breakfast, the group will set off by bus through coffee plantations, peaceful villages, fern, flower and strawberry fields to Volcan Poas (2708m) which lies within a national park of the same name. A short walk leads to the main crater which, at 1.8 km in diameter, is one of the largest geyser-like craters in the world. From the lookout, there are stunning views of the blue sulfur lake and the clouds of steam and gas rising from the crater. Returning to the support vehicle at the national park entrance, you will saddle up for the first time and set off cycling on a route that leads via Poasito and Varablanca to the beautiful, single vertical drop, La Paz Waterfall. You'll then continue downhill through the villages of Cariblanco, San Miguel, Colonia Carvajal and San Ramon to reach the overnight stop at La Virgen de Sarapiqui where the overnight facilities are best described as 'glamping' - very comfortable tented accommodation with real beds, private bathrooms and furnished decks, situated on platforms in the forest. 30% sealed road, 70% dirt road.

From the tented accommodation in Sarapiqui, the first kilometres are on a paved road as you head north. Then, cycling mostly on unpaved roads, through pineapple plantations and rainforest, you'll reach the Golfito suspension bridge and a rendezvous with the support vehicle. The final part of the day's ride leads to the small village of Boca Tapada beside the Rio San Carlos, in the very north of the country close to the border with Nicaragua. Here life runs smoothly and in harmony with nature and the tourist infrastructure is limited to three small, family-run hotels that provide simple accommodation to nature lovers. 30% sealed road, 70% dirt road.

Today starts with a safari-like tour in an inflatable boat across the Rio San Carlos with excellent opportunities to spot the local wildlife. An amazing variety of birds can be seen including the endangered great green macaw. There are also many animals to discover on land, such as the vivid green, red and blue poison dart frogs, various species of monkeys and sloths and (with luck) even a tapir. Also memorable are the crocodiles basking in the sun at the water's edge. In the afternoon there's time to relax, perhaps in a hammock on the terrace, listening to the sounds of nature and enjoying a refreshing drink.

Saying goodbye to this little corner of paradise today you get back on your bike and take the route via San Marcos and Tabla Grande towards Ciudad Quesada. The northern lowlands are characterized by a wide variety of landscapes. These include pastureland, swamps, primeval forests, rain forests, cloud forests, active volcanoes and a network of rivers. Not too far from the border with Nicaragua and about midway between the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, heading west, this is a great day of cycling. 20% sealed road, 80% dirt road.

Today's bike route takes the group towards La Fortuna, mostly across open terrain dotted with cattle farms. During the tour we will visit the San Francisco de Penas Blancas School, where an important part of the curriculum is ESD - Education for Sustainable Development. We'll then have lunch, before continuing through quiet, rural districts with the perfect cone of Volcan Arenal visible ahead of us. The biking day ends at the hotel at the foot of the volcano. Undoubtedly beautiful, La Fortuna is one of the most visited destinations in Costa Rica and the tourist infrastructure has developed accordingly with numerous hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs and shops. Although Volcan Arenal has been dormant since 2010, it still has an intriguing presence. 25% sealed road, 75% dirt road.

After a reasonably early breakfast, the day starts with a short transfer to a forest reserve that is equipped with canopy level 'hanging bridges' that provide a unique pathway through the treetops. This is a great way to experience the biological wealth of the forests including lots of species of birds as well as monkeys, coatis and sloths. After our time in the trees, we take a walk on ash-covered trails and across a frozen lava flow beneath Volcan Arenal. Up until a few years ago, small eruptions could be observed regularly at Arenal, evidence of which can still be seen in many places. There are also great views today of Lake Arenal and the surrounding rolling hills. Returning to the group's accommodation in La Fortuna, the afternoon is at your disposal.

The first part of today's ride leads to the dam at the eastern end of Lake Arenal. From here, we continue the ride westwards on the south side of the lake via the small settlements of Tronadora and Tierra Morenas. We have a short transfer to our overnight hotel in Tilaran. 10% sealed road, 90% dirt road.

After breakfast at the hotel, there's a short transfer back to the end of yesterday's cycling stage. Then, continuing to cycle westwards across the province of Guanacaste, the transition from rainforest to a rare form of dry tropical forest is quite marked. This forest type is partly deciduous and includes tree species such as Costa Rica's national tree - the Guanacaste tree, as well as a rich assemblage of plants, animals and birds. Today's ride will also show off some of the region's agriculture, including cattle farming and the growing of cotton, sugar cane and rice. Our stage ends today in Liberia, the capital of Costa Rica's 'sabanero' (cowboy) culture. 60% sealed road, 40% dirt road.

This morning we transfer out to the Pacific coast at Ostional Beach, a famous nesting place for several species of turtles including olive ridleys and leatherbacks. With luck the group might experience this spectacle at first hand - the turtles come ashore approximately once a month for 3 to 5 days to lay their eggs. Here, we hop on our bikes and set off southwards, at times on the beautiful beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula. The ride ends at Samara, and after checking in at the group's accommodation, there is the chance to take a first dip in the Pacific. Samara is a small village at the foot of a steep hill covered with tropical rainforest. The wide bay is protected by an offshore reef and the pristine beach is fringed with palm trees. Mostly dirt road cycling.

Today you'll cycle from Samara along the beaches of Carrillo, Islita, San Miguel and Coyote to the small village of San Francisco de Coyote. Striking coastal landscapes and wild bays lined with tropical vegetation are highlights of the day's ride and with a bit of luck there's the chance to see (and hear) howler monkeys lazily hanging out in the trees. It's also usual to spot impressive iguanas sunbathing. Mostly dirt road (and beach) cycling.

Heading south towards the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, todays' relatively short stage can include cycling on the beach in places - some of the best beaches are at Manzanillo and Playa Hermosa. If there has been a lot of recent rain and the rivers are full, a more inland route may be necessary. At Mal Pais, close to Nicoya's southern tip, the bikes will be stowed away for the last time and there will be a short transfer to a hotel overlooking Playa Organos with a great view of Isla Tortuga. There's plenty of time to enjoy the paradise beach surroundings with the cycling now completed.10% sealed road, 90% dirt road.

Today is free to do whatever you please. The hotel overlooks the long palm-fringed beach and Isla Tortuga byond. There's an infinity pool to relax in and the secluded, completely uncommercialised beach is just a short walk away.

After a morning at the hotel and another chance to take a stroll on the beach, there will be a short transfer to the ferry port of Paquera. From here you'll take a boat across to Puntarenas, before completing the journey back to San Jose in the bus. The journey between hotels will take around 4 hours. Time to freshen up at the group hotel before heading out for a final group dinner and a time to reflect on your Costa Rican experiences.

Your holiday ends after breakfast at the group hotel. A group transfer to San Jose Airport is provided.