Costa Rica Pacific Coast Bike Tour
6 nights from $2575
A guided cycle tour through Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula via Tamarindo, Nosara, and Sámara
Pura Vida! Costa Rica’s national phrase, meaning “pure life”, is more than a saying – it reflects a way of living rooted in simplicity, gratitude, wellbeing, and enjoying each day as it comes.
This journey follows that spirit through Guanacaste – Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast province of surf towns, hidden beaches, ranch country, and open roads. Each day reveals another side of the region: the energy of Tamarindo, the quiet beauty between small villages, and the changing colors of the sea by evening. Then comes Nosara, one of the world’s five recognized Blue Zones, where long life is influenced by movement, fresh food, connection, and time outdoors. Along the way, keep watch for monkeys, iguanas, tropical birds, and scarlet macaws – all part of the natural character of this coastline.
Combining warm Pacific waters, memorable sunsets, and the relaxed rhythm of daily life, this tour offers a genuine experience of Costa Rica’s most iconic coastal region.
Daily Program
Day 1: Arrival to Liberia airport and transfer to Playas del Coco
Welcome to Liberia, the gateway to Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Upon arrival at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, an included transfer will take you to Playas del Coco, the starting point of your journey. Along the way, you’ll pass through the landscapes of Guanacaste, with cattle ranches, dry forest, and glimpses of the coast. There will be time to enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch and local coffee. Depending on arrival time, you may reach Playas del Coco in time for sunset. This relaxed beach town is known for its calm waters, palm-lined shore, and easygoing atmosphere. (L, D)
Overnight in Playas del Coco
Day 2: Playas del Coco – Playa Potrero,
24 mi / 38 km | Elevation gain: 631 m
The first day of riding follows Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast through rolling hills, coastal roads, and dry tropical forest. After leaving Playas del Coco, the route reaches the trails and singletrack around Las Catalinas, with flowing sections and elevated views over the coastline. Along the way, there are glimpses of quiet beaches, small coves, fishing villages, and local wildlife. The ride ends in Playa Potrero, a relaxed coastal village known for its calm waters and views toward the Catalina Islands. It’s a pleasant place to unwind after the first day’s ride and enjoy the sunset by the sea. (B, L, D)
Overnight in Playa Potrero
Day 3: Playa Potrero – Tamarindo / Playa Grande,
19 mi / 31 km | Elevation gain: 348 m
The route continues south along some of Guanacaste’s best-known beaches, including Playa Flamingo, Brasilito, Puerto Viejo, and Playa Conchal, known for its distinctive crushed-shell sand and clear water. The riding alternates between coastal roads and quieter backroads, with regular views of the Pacific. Arrival is in Tamarindo or nearby Playa Grande. Tamarindo is well known for its surf scene, restaurants, and long sandy beach, especially at sunset. (B, L, D)
Overnight in Tamarindo
Day 4: Tamarindo / Playa Grande – Marbella,
27 mi / 43 km | Elevation gain: 440 m
Leaving the Tamarindo area behind, the route heads into quieter and more remote stretches of the Guanacaste coastline. One section of the ride passes through the trails of Hacienda Pinilla, a large coastal ranch area with forest tracks and open sections near the ocean. Further along, the route passes Playa Mansita, Playa Avellanas, Playa Negra, Playa Mata Buey, and the Mirador Pitahaya viewpoint, offering wide coastal views. The day ends in Playa Marbella, a small beach community surrounded by dry forest and open coastline. (B, L, D)
Overnight in Playa Marbella
Day 5: Marbella – Nosara / Guiones,
14 mi / 23 km | Elevation gain: 305 m
A shorter riding day leads into one of the world’s recognized Blue Zones, known for longevity and a healthy way of life. The route follows a scenic stretch of coastline, passing Playa Marbella, San Juanillo, and Ostional (an important sea turtle nesting area), along with Playa Pelada and Playa Guiones. The day ends in Nosara/Guiones, a relaxed coastal area known for its surf, wellness focus, and easygoing atmosphere. (B, L, D)
Overnight in Nosara/Playa Guiones
Day 6: Nosara / Guiones – Sámara,
21 mi / 34 km | Elevation gain: 289 m
The final route follows some of the Pacific Coast’s most scenic stretches, passing Playa Nosara, Playa Guiones, Playa Garza – a small fishing village – Playa Barco Quebrado, Playa Barrigona – a remote jungle-backed beach – and Playa Buena Vista, before arriving in Sámara. Known for its calm waters and relaxed atmosphere, Sámara is a pleasant place to unwind, especially at sunset. If conditions are favorable, scarlet macaws may sometimes be seen in the surrounding almond trees. After arrival, there is a relaxed 90-minute guided kayak trip to Isla Chora, just offshore. Paddle across calm waters to the island, with time to explore before returning to the beach. (B, L, D)
Overnight in Sámara
Day 7: Departure from Sámara and transfer to Liberia airport
Transportation will be provided to Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport or a nearby hotel. As the journey ends, the desire to return often begins. Safe travels and buen camino. (B)
Hotels
If one of the listed accommodations is unavailable, a similar property of comparable standard will be used where possible.
A selection of locally owned boutique hotels and guesthouses offering a relaxed and authentic feel. Expect comfortable, simple rooms, small pools or gardens, and friendly, informal service. These properties are typically set just back from the beach or in quieter areas.
Playas del Coco: Villa del Sol Boutique Hotel
Potrero / Flamingo Area: Villas Pura Vibra
Tamarindo: Seis Playas Hotel
Marbella: Solindo Stays
Nosara: Green Sanctuary Hotel
Sámara: La Flor del Coco
Bikes
Mountain Bike - Hardtail
- Frame: Carbon hardtail
- Front Suspension: Fox 34SC, 100 mm fork
- Brakes: Shimano M6000 hydraulic disc
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 12-speed
- Cassette: Shimano Deore 6100 10-51T
- Crankset: 32T
- Wheels: 29-inch
Mountain Bike - Full suspension
- Frame: Carbon full suspension
- Front Suspension: Fox 34SC Factory Push to Lock Kashbolt, 120 mm fork
- Rear Suspension: Fox Float SL Factory Push to Lock, 190x45 mm rear shock
- Brakes: Shimano XT 8220 hydraulic disc
- Drivetrain: Shimano XT 12-speed
- Cassette: Shimano 8200 10-51
- Crankset: Shimano XT 34T
- Wheels: 29-inch
Electric Mountain Bike
- Frame: Carbon e-bike
- Battery: 800 Wh
- Front Suspension: RockShox SID SL Ultimate Brain, 100 mm fork
- Rear Suspension: RockShox Specialized Brain, RX XC Tune rear shock
- Brakes: SRAM Level Ultimate, 2-piston caliper hydraulic disc
- Drivetrain: SRAM 12-speed
- Cassette: SRAM XG-1299 Eagle 10-50T
- Crankset: 32T
- Wheels: 29-inch
Accessories
Helmets, flat pedals, gloves and water bottle available for emergencies.
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
Surface and terrain
The cycling routes are predominantly on unpaved surfaces, with a mix of dirt roads, gravel tracks, and shorter paved sections through towns and coastal villages. Most days feature 72% to 96% dirt/gravel, giving the ride a scenic backroad feel. The terrain is rolling rather than mountainous, with frequent short climbs and descents through coastal hills, dry forest, farmland, and beach landscapes. Daily distances range from 14 to 27 miles, with elevation gains between 948 and 2,070 feet. Some routes may also include shallow river crossings, depending on local conditions. If any section feels uncomfortable, including river crossings, riders can use the support vehicle at any point along the route.
How to get there
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, Liberia (LIR)
Upon arrival, an included transfer will take you from Liberia Airport to your hotel in Playas del Coco, approximately 30 minutes away.
Upon departure, an included transfer will take you from your final hotel in Sámara to Liberia Airport, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours away.
Be the first to review this tour!
This brand-new tour is waiting for its first review — maybe it’ll be yours! At BikeTours.com, we carefully select only the best bike tours, offering both variety and value. With over 20 years of experience, we’re committed to delivering authentic travel experiences — all from the saddle of a bicycle!
Email
Office Hours