About this trip.
Coast to coast in thirteen days
The premise is straightforward: thirteen days riding from Costa Rica's Caribbean side to its Pacific coast, with several volcanoes, two distinct climates and a continental divide crossed somewhere in the middle. The country lends itself well to road cycling — the paved network is in good shape by Central American standards, the climate is generally pleasant, and the scenery shifts faster than the mileage suggests. Within a week of leaving the rainforest behind at Guapiles, you're on the sand at Samara watching the sun drop into a different ocean.
The grading runs across the full Skedaddle range (1 to 5), reflecting that some days are gentle warm-ups and others involve serious climbing through the central highlands.
The route across Costa Rica
After a first night in San José, the group transfers north-east to Guapiles in Limon province. The opening ride is a short acclimatisation loop through Caribbean lowlands; the following day is the first full one in the saddle, leaving the coast behind to head inland. From there the route works its way through the heart of the country, skirting the shores of Lago Arenal and the active cone of Volcan Arenal — the natural pause point is La Fortuna, where the volcanic views pair well with a cold beer.
The route then crosses the continental divide and drops towards the Pacific. By the time you reach Samara and Carrillo on the south-western coast, the landscape has changed completely: palm trees, golden sand, drier air. The final cycling day takes in the sparsely populated Nicoya Peninsula before a transfer back to San José for a closing dinner. Returning riders single out the San Ramon to La Fortuna stage and the optional ride from La Fortuna on towards Canas as standout days.
Distances and what to expect
The second day, San José to Cahuita, is around 41 miles with 250 metres of ascent — roughly the shape of the gentler stages. The harder days, particularly the divide crossing, involve more climbing and ask for a decent level of road fitness. The mixed grading means it isn't the right choice for someone wanting purely flat riding, nor for hardened climbers wanting nothing but cols; it's a varied tour that expects you to be comfortable across the spectrum.
Wildlife is genuinely abundant — sloths, monkeys, toucans and a long list of birds — and the contrast between the sodden green of the Caribbean side and the drier, beachier Pacific coast is the trip's defining feature.
Bookings and the practical side
Prices start from £4,395 per person for the thirteen days, beginning and ending at San José airport. The trip is fully guided by a Skedaddle tour leader from arrival onwards. Bikes are built up at the start in San José and used through to the Pacific coast, with a transfer back to the capital for the final night.
Saddle Skedaddle donates to World Bicycle Relief on every booking, contributing towards a Buffalo Bicycle for each long-haul departure; riders can match the donation at the time of booking. The trip suits cyclists who already enjoy multi-day road tours, want some altitude and variety in the riding, and don't mind that the days are full ones. Detailed trip notes are available from Skedaddle directly.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for cycling holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every riding day
- ✓Bike rental (usually a hybrid), helmet, and panniers
- ✓Detailed route notes with GPX files and emergency contacts
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance with cycle cover (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches and most evening meals — eat locally on the route
- ×E-bike or road-bike upgrades (usually a supplement)
- ×Repair kit consumables (tubes, chain lube) beyond what comes with the bike
- ×Any alcohol beyond wine included with set dinners
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard are the climbs?
Grading reflects daily distance, total climbing, and traffic. Moderate routes typically involve 40-60km a day with 300-600m of climbing, on quiet roads or well-surfaced bike paths. If you ride regularly at home and can manage a 40km weekend ride, you'll be fine. Check the daily elevation profile when the operator shares it.
Q2Is bike rental included?
It's usually included, with a hybrid as standard and an e-bike or road-bike upgrade available for a supplement. Helmets and panniers normally come with the rental. Check the operator's booking page for the exact inclusions on this trip.
Q3What if I get a puncture?
Rental bikes come with a small repair kit and a pump. If you can't fix it yourself, the operator's support line can arrange a replacement or a lift to the next hotel — times vary by location. Carry a phone and the support number at all times.
Q4Can I use my own bike?
Yes, most operators are happy for you to bring your own bike — you'll often get a small discount off the trip price in lieu of rental. Check with the airline on how to transport it, and bring basic spares (tubes, multi-tool).
Q5Can I do this solo?
Absolutely — self-guided cycling holidays work well for solo travellers. The route notes, GPX files, and 24/7 support are designed for confident independent riders.
Q6What if the weather is bad?
The route is rideable in rain if you're dressed for it, though some surfaces get slower. The operator's support line can reroute you onto a lower / flatter alternative or arrange a vehicle transfer for any stage if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Q7How do I get there from the UK?
Fly into the nearest airport, then train or transfer to the start point. The operator will advise — some will book onward trains for a small fee. If you're bringing your own bike, check dimensions and dismantling requirements with the airline in advance.
Q8What about cancellation?
A deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance with cycle cover is strongly recommended.
Three cycling holidays, side-by-side.
Other cycling holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
