The Experience
This trip is all about steep chutes and catch berms - and it will take you into the rainforest to experience some of the steepest and best singletrack that Costa Rica has to offer. We will take you into the heart of the Talamanca Mountains for epic shuttle rides boasting 3-5 mile (5-8km) descents that will keep you wanting more after each lap. This trip is perfect on it's own, or paired with your Costa Rica beach or surf vacation. Our team will pick you up in Alajuela and take you on an incredible journey into the rainforest of southern Costa Rica to ride sick trails, push your limits, and shred the creme de la creme. At the end of these epic days of riding, we'll transport you back to San Jose or onto your next destination in Costa Rica. Skill Level: ADVANCED-EXPERT Duration: 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS Airport: SJO
Highlights
Ride the steepest and best trails of Costa Rica
Cool off in rainforest waterfalls
Ride the flanks of a volcano
Itinerary
CR Freeride | Advanced-Expert | SJO
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Arrival Day: Shuttle Transfers
Welcome to Costa Rica!
Upon arrival to Costa Rica, gather your luggage, make your way through customs and exit the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). Our crew will be waiting for you as you exit.
Load up into the van and we will take you to our boutique hotel in the mountains to get settled in for the evening. If you brought your own bikes, our team will be available to help you assemble them. For those renting bikes, our team will get you fitted and set up with your rental for the trip.
If you will be joining us from another destination in Costa Rica, we can arrange a private transfer for you to meet us. Let us know your travel plans and we will make the transition seamless.
Bike Park Adventure
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, then load up with our team for your first day of Riding the Earth on the trails of Costa Rica!
We'll spend the day near the town of Heredia, at a private bike park known for it's super fun wood features and wide variety of trails. There is a climbing track, for those who love to get some climbing laps in, otherwise, we'll hit the road and drive shuttle for you all day. This area is a total riot with jumps, drops, beautiful berms, and a lot of ride around features to keep things fun for everyone in the group.
At the end of the day, enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel.
Volcano Shuttle + Travel
Awake to breakfast at your hotel, then our team will pick you up and take you to ride off one of the largest volcanoes in Central America. We’ll descend down a technical gully that snakes through misty gnarled forest. The dirt walls grow higher (and the moves more technical) as the trail flows down to the coffee plantations below.
After our ride, we'll head to a local "soda"; a traditional Costa Rican style restaurant. Try the typical Casado lunch, which is a healthy plate of rice, beans, a protein and salad. It's a perfect post ride meal!
After lunch, we'll hop in the van to travel south into the heart of the Talamanca Mountains. As we travel through the countryside, take in the landscape as we climb up into the high tundra of the rainforest, passing small villages adorned with markets and fruit stands.
By early evening, we'll arrive at our ecolodge, high in the rainforest of the Talamanca mountains. We’ll settle into our rooms and then head to the local cantina for a delicious dinner. Relax for the evening and take in the incredible sights and sounds of the rainforest and get ready for riding the steeps of CR.
Into the Steeps
Start off the day with healthy breakfast, then load into the shuttle and get ready for a big day of riding one of our favorite places in Costa Rica.
These trails boast many advanced riding features but, most of all, this place is famous for steep, technical trails with exciting chutes that really tease the pucker factor!
We’ll spend the morning on a warm up lap (or two - trust us they're long laps) to get you ready for all that is to come at this extraordinary bike park. After lunch, we'll take as many laps as you can handle, then head to a nearby waterfall to swim and cool off after a big day.
We'll finish the day in the base area with cold local brews, high fives, and stories to share. Tonight we'll have dinner at the local cantina and then it's lights out as we have a big day tomorrow.
Shred. Shuttle. Shred. Rinse. Repeat
Today is all about shuttle laps and steep trails in the heart of the forest. Each lap drops between 2400-3500 vertical feet (760-1066m) and ranges in length from 3-5+ miles (5-8km). As we've menitoned, these trails are steep and loamy with levels of challenge that will excite even the pros. There are very few b-lines, so get ready to drop in and commit to a full day of excitement!
We’ll break up the day of riding with a freshly prepared lunch near the base area. Enjoy freshly caught trout accompanied with traditional rice and beans and served with hand-picked and squeezed blackberry juice. Then head back out to ride until the sun goes down.
Transfer to SJO or other CR Destination
Today you'll have the option to go for a morning ride before packing up to head to your next destination. Your departure time will be based off the continuation of your travels in Costa Rica.
We will create a seamless transition for you to get you to the airport or your next location in Costa Rica!
CR Freeride | Adv-Expert
Steep chutes, catch berms & Pure Stoke!
5 Nights and 4 Days of riding the best trails in Costa Rica.
$2,995.00/pp
Extras
Details
What's Included
5 Nights Accommodation
4 Days of Guided MTB
Private Transportation
Bike Park Entrance Fees
MTB Shuttles
5 Breakfasts | 4 Lunches | 3 Dinners
What's Not Included
Equipment Rentals (Bike, helmet, pedals, etc.)
Meals & Alcohol not listed above
Destination Info
Getting There & Away
Airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport
Airport Code: SJO
This trip starts at the Juan Santamaria International Airport. Our team will pick you up as you exit the airport.
If you will be joining us from another destination in Costa Rica, we can arrange a private transfer for you to meet us. Let us know your travel plans and we will make the transition seamless.
Accommodations
This trip travels to a remote trail system in the heart of the Talamanca Mountains. We will stay at a small hotel run by the bike park owners. There is a quaint guest house and a small cabin with rustic accommodations. This place is all about being as close to the trails as possible. The lodging is rustic with minimal amenities, but the riding is world class!
During the first two days of riding near San Jose, the base package includes a stay at a beautifully appointed 3-star hotel near the trails. During booking, you may choose to upgrade to a private room or upgrade to a higher end hotel. We partner with an incredible collection of hotels and you can choose from 3-star, 4-star, or 5-star level accommodations to complete your experience.
Visas & Entry
All travelers require a current passport that is valid 6 months after your return date in order to enter the Costa Rica. Citizens of most countries (ex: USA, Canada, UK) will receive a tourist visa upon entry and don’t need to apply for any approvals in advance.
For more information, or if you’re from a country not listed above, check with your local embassy or passport office for detailed travel requirements.
Skill & Fitness
The following outlines the minimum fitness and skill required for this trip. If you have questions about your ability level, contact us and we’ll answer all your questions.
Skill Level - Advanced (Black Trails): You are comfortable and confident at high speeds in technical terrain. Your cornering skills are excellent, and you can easily ride the apex of berms. You are skilled and confident at navigating a variety of technical features such as roots, rocks, mud, sand, and creek crossings. You are very skilled at shifting your weight to navigate technical climbs, descents and all trail features. You can bunny hop over obstacles and are confident to handle smaller jumps and drops.
Fitness Level - 4/7: You have moderately strong mountain bike fitness. You bike or exercise 3-4 times per week all year long for at least 2-3 hours per session. You are comfortable biking for 2-3 hours at a strong pace and 4-6 hours with some stopping or at a slower pace. You can comfortably ride 5 days back-to-back with climbing of up to 1500ft per day.
FAQs
Is this trip for me?
This trip is for strong riders looking to ride steep trails in the mountains. The rides are a combination of enduro shuttle laps and bike park laps. The first bike park has a variety of trails ranging from green to blue to double black. The trails in the middle of the trip are all single, double and triple black runs. The dirt is loamy in places and firm clay in others. The trails are hand built, old school rugged mountain bike trails.
If steep chutes with catch berms is your jam, then you'll love this trip!
Do I have the skills for this trip?
The following outlines the minimum skill level and fitness base required to have the most fun on this specific experience.
Skill Level - Advanced (Black Trails): You are comfortable and confident at high speeds in technical terrain. Your cornering skills are excellent, and you can easily ride the apex of berms. You are skilled and confident at navigating a variety of technical features such as roots, rocks, mud, sand, and creek crossings. You are very skilled at shifting your weight to navigate technical climbs, descents and all trail features. You can bunny hop over obstacles and are confident to handle smaller jumps and drops.
Fitness Level - 4/7: You have moderately strong mountain bike fitness. You bike or exercise 3-4 times per week all year long for at least 2-3 hours per session. You are comfortable biking for 2-3 hours at a strong pace and 4-6 hours with some stopping or at a slower pace. You can comfortably ride 5 days back-to-back with climbing of up to 1500ft per day.
How much riding will we do each day?
There will be 4 days of riding on this trip. The first day is a full day at a private bike park with a short shuttle followed by a wide variety of descending trails. There are man-made features, jumps, drops, and plenty of ride around options to make it fun for everyone.
The second day is a half day shuttle ride on a volcano. The next two days are full days of shuttle laps at a private trail system with truck shuttle access only. These trails are the steepest in Costa Rica and a true gem of an experience. We will provide as many laps as you can handle, but most people are done after 3-4 laps.
What should I wear for riding in Costa Rica?
In general, you can expect hot sunny days in Costa Rica. Typical year round temperatures range from 80-90F (26-32C) during the day and only dropping a few degrees in the evenings. You will need very light, quick drying biking clothes for each day. This area is also up in the mountains where is can be chilly at night. We recommend you bring warm layers for evening porch hang out sessions.
After you book your trip, we will send you a suggested packing list for detailed information on what to bring. You will also be able to leave items in our van each day so you can have back up supplies if needed throughout the day.
Do I need a hydration pack for this trip?
Yes, it is very hot and humid in Costa Rica. We recommend all riders should be prepared to carry 1-2L of water on them each day.
Are their gluten free, dairy free, or vegan food options available?
All of our trips can cater to most dietary needs, however, make sure you tell us in advance so our team can be properly prepared. After you book your trip with us, we will ask you to complete your profile to notify us of any dietary needs or allergies.
Once you’re in Costa Rica, there are a variety of food options available at all restaurants to cater to most diets. The typical plate in Costa Rica is called a Casado and is a plate with rice, beans, salad and a protein (beef, chicken, fish, or fresh cheese for vegetarians). Whole foods, fresh meats, fruits and vegetables are easy to come by everywhere you go. When eating at restaurants, we will always choose venues that are happy to cater to a variety of dietary needs.
I’ve never travelled with my bike. Will there be someone available to help me assemble my bike?
Absolutely! Our guides will be there to help you build your bike at the start of the trip and pack it up at the end. We will have tools available and we’re very experienced in assembling and packing bikes. We’ll gladly give you tips and help you out during the entire process.
Can I rent a bike for the trip?
Rental options vary by bike style and include:
Santa Cruz, Ibis, Transition, and Specialized
Full-suspension, hardtail bikes, eBike
Flat pedals unless otherwise requested
Helmets and bike repair kits available upon request
Let us know your height , weight and riding style, and we’ll get you dialed.
What do I need to know about trip insurance?
Note that trip insurance is required for all riders on any Ride the Earth tour. You must provide proof of policy prior to departure. We recommend World Nomads to provide you with affordable trip insurance. They offer excellent coverage for mountain bikers.
Is gratuity for guides and activities included?
Although tipping is completely up to your discretion, it is customary to provide gratuity for guides and drivers. A typical gratuity for your expert mountain bike guides is 5-10% of your trip cost per person and 2-5% for drivers. This may be given to the lead guide on your trip or to each person individually.