Upon arrival to Costa Rica, gather your luggage, make your way through customs and exit the airport. Ride the Earth guides and drivers will be waiting for you as you exit. There will be two scheduled shuttles from the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela at 1:00pm and 4:00pm to provide transport to the hotel. Note, additional shuttle times can be arranged for an added cost. See the Extras tab for details.

Once aboard our private van, we’ll head to a local hotel, nestled in a quiet, lush garden. We encourage you to unwind, settle in and get ready for the week's mountain bike adventure. Once the group is settled, we’ll get together to build bikes, have a cold beverage and get to know the fab crew you’ll be riding with in Costa Rica.
This evening, we’ll enjoy a group dinner and discuss the week’s activities.

Kick off the day with a fresh breakfast at our boutique lodging to fuel up for our day’s adventure. Don’t forget to try the local favorite, “gallo pinto,” a traditional breakfast of rice and beans fit for mountain biking champions!

Get ready for action as we are headed to an awesome bike park near the city of San Jose. We’ll spend the day shuttling laps on the trails to maximize our time and experience. This park is a total riot with jumps, drops, berms and quality man-made features to play on.

Once we’ve rallied the trails, we'll head back to our accommodation for dinner and rest. (B, L)

Start the day early with a tasty breakfast before heading out to our next destination. This day is full of action. We'll kick it off by biking 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 as seemingly endless trail flows down to coffee plantations below.

After our ride, we'll head to a local "soda" a typical Costa Rican style restaurant. Try the typical Casado lunch, which is a healthy plate of rice, beans, your choice of 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 to a beautiful eco-lodge high in the cloud forest of the Talamanca mountains. We’ll settle into our rooms and then head to the main lodge for a delicious dinner. Relax for the evening and take in the incredible sights and sounds of the rainforest and get ready for another excellent day tomorrow. (B, L)

Wake up to the sounds of the jungle before enjoying a healthy breakfast at the lodge. After our meal, we’ll hop in the van and head high into the mountains for a most epic adventure. This cherry ride will take us through the high rainforest and down mountain peaks to the valley below. This trail has a litte bit of everything; rocky technical terrain, fun side hits, fast and flowy sections, and is topped with some optional steep chutes near the end. A little something for everyone! Our group has exclusive access to this trail so come, enjoy, and get ready for an experience of a lifetime in the Costa Rica backcountry. Test your limits and find your groove, this place is an absolute highlight of the week!

We'll finish our big epic ride with high fives and cold beverages waiting in the cooler. Now that's Pura Vida! After our ride we'll have lunch back at our hotel, nestled in a natural reserve deep in the cloud forest. Wildlife abounds here and, if you’re lucky, you may even spot the elusive quetzal. Enjoy your afternoon to relax before joining the group for dinner or, you may also spend the evening on your own to rest and rejuvenate. (B, L)

This travel day is part adventure, part rest day. For those that wish to sleep in and take a break, this is your morning. Those that want some more riding will get up early for a quick 2-3 hour loop near the hotel. Spin your legs with a combination of climbing and fun, fast, and flowy singletrack! 

Late morning, the group will load up and travel to the coast where we'll make a quick stop to jump in the ocean and grab food and cold beers at a local brewery. Then we'll head back into the mountains for a couple nights of "glamping" at a luxury riverside eco lodge. This incredible boutique hotel has trails out the back door, a waterslide and pool, and incredible food for all of our meals. The permanent tents have private bathrooms, running water, and an amazing patio with a view. This is “glamping” Costa Rica style! (B, L)

Today we’ll head out at sunrise for an early morning ride out the back door of the hotel. This super fun trail system was recently developed by our friends, the Rafiki crew. A short climb will bring us to a series of trails developed for bikers, by bikers. A sweet combination of fun rollercoaster style sections decorated with berms, drops and technical segments.

We'll return from the ride for showers and lunch at the main lodge. Then spend the rest of the day as you wish. Relax in the pool overlooking the valley below or get adventurous and try out the super fast water slide (and believe us when we say, it's FAST!). Dinner is inlcuded at the lodge tonight. Enjoy a healthy meal prepared by the chefs at our glamping lodge. (B, L, D)

Today we’ll feast on a tasty breakfast and enjoy one last morning relaxing in the rainforest. Anyone who wants to sneak in one more ride, can head out at sunrise for a quick lap, then join the group to wash and pack up bikes and gear. Those who want to relax can enjoy a leisurely breakfast and chill by the pool until it is time to pack up. 

After lunch, we'll load up and return to Alajuela for our last night in Costa Rica. Once we’re settled in, refreshed, and ready for the next day, we’ll head out on the town for a final group dinner to celebrate the week’s adventures, new friends, and a lifetime of great memories. (B, L)

We have reached the last day of our amazing trip in Costa Rica and it's time to say goodbye.

Our guides and drivers will run a group shuttle to the Juan Santamaria International Airport for a 5:00am check in. Most departures return to the US and Canada in the early morning, so this shuttle time generally accommodates most groups. If you need a different shuttle time, just let our team know and we can make the appropriate arrangements. Note: Shuttles outside of the scheduled time are available at an extra charge.

Looking to stay longer in Costa Rica? Let us be your source for off the bike adventures! Our team will gladly help you set up additional hotels, activities and even provide transportation and guides if needed. Our partner company, Earth Visions Travel, specializes in custom vacation packages and would love to make any and all arrangements for you. Click here to set up a call and start planning a custom add on.

Thanks for riding Costa Rica with us! We can’t wait to ride with you again… (B)

• Scheduled airport shuttle to/from Juan Santamaria International Airport
• 7 nights of boutique accommodations
• 6 days of incredible mountain biking
• ½ day on the beaches of the Pacific Ocean
• Daily fresh breakfast & healthy lunches (Days 2-8)
• An ice cold beer post ride and other beverages provided each day
• Purified water available at all times

• Gratuities for guides and activities: 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.


• Non-scheduled airport shuttles: We provide one or more scheduled pick up and drop off times for each itinerary. These times are based on the standard arrival and departure times for most flights to/from that location. If you arrive outside of those times, just let our staff know and we will arrange a private shuttle for you for a special rate. Specific rates are subject to arrival and departure times and the number of people. Contact us for a quote and to reserve your ride.


• Equipment rentals (bike, SUP, surf boards, etc.)


• Food & beverages not included in the itinerary: In general, riders are responsible for their own dinners and any beverages. Some lunches will include non-alcoholic drinks, but specialty drinks and extras should be placed on your own tab. We provide post ride celebratory beverages (usually that means a locally made cold beer!) but anything outside of that is not included. Although our guides will have some snacks and drinks available, it is highly recommended that each rider bring a full supply of ride snacks and electrolyte replacements.


• International Airfare


• 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 have partnered with World Nomads to provide you with affordable trip insurance. Click HERE to view our trip insurance page to choose and purchase your policy.

• Single Room Add On: Ride the Rainforest – $850 per person
Important Note: There are minimal single rooms available for this trip. If you'd like to make arrangements for a private room, send us an email and we'll accommodate requests on a first come, first served basis.


• Airport Shuttle Add On: Ride the Rainforest – $95 per person


• Full Suspension MTB Rental: Note: There are limited options for rental bikes available for this tour. It is highly recommended to bring your own bike. Our team will happily help you through the packing and preparation process for traveling with your bike. Also, check out the Bike Packing section below for more details. If you would like to rent a bike, please contact us to make arrangements.


• Custom Add On: Arriving early or staying longer after your ride? Contact our team to design your additional travel days. Our team specializes in custom tour packages both on and off the bike. We’d love to show you more great places to explore in our selected destinations. Cost varies per package.


• Couples Getaway Add On: This customized add on is a great addition to any of our bike tours. Sign up your partner as a couples add on and we’ll provide a private guide to show them the other great stuff to do at your destination of choice. Whether they want to practice their skills on a bike or spend their time exploring other non-biking activities, we’ll make sure they have an excellent experience paralleling your mountain biking vacation. Cost varies per package.

The following outlines the fitness and skill required for this specific itinerary. If you have questions about your ability level, email us or schedule a call back and we’ll answer all your questions and help get you booked on the tour that matches your skill and fitness levels.

Skill Level - Advanced(Black Trails): You are very advanced in all areas of mountain biking. You have significant and strong skills in the areas of shifting, braking, speed control, cornering, climbing and descending. You can comfortably navigate all terrain at high speeds. You’re not afraid of jumps and drops and can easily manage transitions.

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.

The Ride the Rainforest tour starts and ends at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela, Costa Rica. Two scheduled shuttles will be provided to the hotel on day 1 and one shuttle on the last day for your return to the airport. On day one, there are no scheduled activities until late afternoon to allow time for all the riders to arrive via their international flights. On the final day, there is a scheduled shuttle to the airport in the morning allowing proper time for departing flights. Shuttles on the last day to other locations in Costa Rica can be arranged at an additional cost.

Arrival Day Shuttle Times: 1:00pm and 4:00pm at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)

Departure Day Shuttle Time: 4:00am for arrival at the Juan Santamaria International Airport by 4:30am.

• IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a traveling tour. In order to maximize our time riding each day, our group will change hotels every couple days to be as close to the trails as possible. The accommodations for the Ride the Rainforest tour are all comfortable 3-star accommodations with one 4-star luxury glamping experience. They are carefully selected by our team and are perfectly situated nearby the trails. Amenities will vary from hotel to hotel. You’ll want to bring luggage that is easy to pack and carry around. A rugged duffel bag is highly recommended (with or without wheels).


• Breakfast and lunches are typically provided each day and are listed on the trips detailed itinerary as (B, L, and/or D) at the end of each day’s description.

• Packing for international travel can be overwhelming and when you add a bike it can quickly become a lot of stuff. Trust us, we know. Each of our rides has a packing list specific to the destination. Below are the links to the packing list for each destination as well as a link to a fun video we made to show you proper techniques for packing your bike for travel. Still have questions? Schedule a call back and our team will gladly walk you through the process and answer any questions.
• Click HERE for Costa Rica packing list
• Click HERE for bike packing video

The Ride the Rainforest tour starts and ends in Alajuela, Costa Rica, near the international airport and the capital city of San Jose.

Airport: Juan Santamaria Airport
Airport Code: SJO

Vaccinated Visitors:
Adult tourists and minors under 18 years of age that are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be allowed to enter Costa Rica. In the case of visitors from the United States, the “COVID-19 vaccination record card” will be accepted.

Foreigners will be able to enter the country if they carry a vaccination certificate or card that contains at least the following information:
- Name of the person who received the vaccine
- Date of each dose
- Pharmaceutical company

Non-Vaccinated Visitors:
Unvaccinated adult visitors traveling to Costa Rica will need to provide proof of a medical insurance policy to cover any COVID-19 related medical treatment or quarantine lodging while in Costa Rica. In the case of international insurance, tourists must request from their insurer a certification issued in English or Spanish, noting:
1) the validity of the policy during the dates of visit to Costa Rica,
2) guarantee of coverage for medical expenses in cases of COVID-19 related medical treatment in the amount of $50,000 USD and,
3) minimum coverage of 2,000 USD for extended lodging expenses due to COVID-19 related illness.

All visitors must also complete an online Health Pass (pasa de Salud) 48 hours prior to travel to Costa Rica.
Click Here to access the travel Health Pass.

All travelers require a current passport that is valid 6 months after your return date in order to enter the country. 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.

It is best to travel with local currency when you’re traveling abroad. We recommend exchanging a small amount of money in the airport upon arrival and then using ATMs for more cash. Most businesses accept credit cards, so you don’t have to carry too much on any given day.

Our team at Ride the Earth is currently monitoring the COVID-19 situation in all destinations where we operate. Each departure will be carefully considered prior to moving ahead. We encourage everyone considering travel to Costa Rica to visit the CDC Website for the most up-to-date information regarding travel restrictions, health and safety.

It is important that all riders contact their personal physician and/or public health office prior to traveling abroad. These resources can provide you with the proper recommendations for your personal health needs regarding vaccinations, medications and general travel health information.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements:
There are no vaccinations currently required for entry into Costa Rica though it is highly recommended to complete the full COVID-19 vaccine regimen prior to travel. Vaccinated tourists may enter Costa Rica with a vaccine passport or official vaccination card. Non-vaccinated indivuduals must be prepared to carry proper insurance coverage. See the insurance section below for details.

Additional Vaccine Requirements:
Travelers arriving from yellow fever risk areas may be asked to provide proof of a current Yellow Fever vaccination.

Food & Water Safety:
In general, the food and water are safe to drink in Costa Rica however, we recommend you consider drinking purified and bottled water at all times. Our guides will have water available each day and all hotels and restaurants will provide purified and bottled water.

It is safe to eat all fruits and vegetables in Costa Rica.It is important that all riders contact their personal physician and/or public health office prior to traveling abroad. These resources can provide you with the proper recommendations for your personal health needs regarding vaccinations, medications and general travel health information.

Know before your go! For detailed information on travel to Costa Rica to visit the Visit Costa Rica Website.

In general, the food and water are safe to eat/drink in Costa Rica however, we recommend you consider drinking purified and bottled water at all times. Our guides will have purified water available each day and all the hotels and restaurants will provide purified and bottled water.

It is safe to eat all fruits and vegetables in Costa Rica.

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 have partnered with World Nomads to provide you with affordable trip insurance. Click HERE to view our trip insurance page to choose and purchase your policy.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All adult tourists fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines must privide proof of vaccination upon entry by presenting their COVID-19 vaccination record card.

Foreigners will be able to enter the country if they carry a vaccination certificate or card that contains at least the following information:
- Name of the person who received the vaccine
- Date of each dose
- Pharmaceutical company

Unvaccinated adult visitors traveling to Costa Rica will need to provide proof of a medical insurance policy to cover any COVID-19 related medical treatment or quarantine lodging while in Costa Rica. In the case of international insurance, tourists must request from their insurer a certification issued in English or Spanish, noting:
1) the validity of the policy during the dates of visit to Costa Rica,
2) guarantee of coverage for medical expenses in cases of COVID-19 related medical treatment in the amount of $50,000 USD and,
3) minimum coverage of 2,000 USD for extended lodging expenses due to COVID-19 related illness.

All visitors must also complete an online Health Pass (pasa de Salud) 48 hours prior to travel to Costa Rica.
Click Here to access the travel Health Pass.

For details on this requirement, visit the Visit Costa Rica website.

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. The Ride the Rainforest tour will travel to areas in the mountains where the temperature can drop to 40-50F (4-10C) and rain can happen at anytime. It’s the rainforest after all! You will want to have a rain jacket and warm layers with you to be prepared for a variety of temperatures and weather changes. Refer to the 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.

Yes, it is very hot and humid in Costa Rica. We recommend all riders should be prepared to carry 2-3L of water on them each day.

Our crew will have some snacks available, however, it is up to each participant to provide their own personal snacks and electrolyte replacement tabs and/or chews while riding. There are stores in Costa Rica where these can be purchased, however, it is recommended that you bring a supply of your favorite items from home as the selection in Costa Rica can be limited.

There are 5 full days of riding on this tour. There will be a combination of all mountain/enduro style rides and shuttle rides. Expect to be biking for 4-6 hours each day. The rides are mixed up so there is time to rest (i.e. not too many days of big climbs in a row). Expect to climb for 1-3 hours during enduro rides and up to 2000ft of vertical. Some days will be climbing at a private bike park so the climbs will be short, but repeated multiple times.

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. We will provide you with forms to fill out prior to travel that will allow you the opportunity 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, our group will always choose venues that are happy to cater to a variety of dietary needs.

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 process.