Puntarenas , Costa Rica

Jungle Mountain Bike Adventures

Active

(11 reviews)

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Costa Rican Nicoya Peninsula is one of the world's five "Blue Zones," an area where locals live noticeably longer and healthier lives.

We will ride approximately 15 km, exploring the coastline and hills near the town Montezuma by bicycle, one of the greenest and most invigorating ways to travel! The route is mostly on rocky and gravel roads, with a few singletracks and rock croppings.

Also, the ride will be lead by a former professional mountain biker (2 time world champion) and long time local resident, who can point out many sights and animals that many tourists miss.

Available options

Jungle Mountain Bike Adventures

Duration: 2 hours Mountain Bikes

Custom Ride

Custom Private Tour Custom Tour Duration: 3 hours Snack and fresh fruit included Mountain Bike or hike

What's included

Use of bicycle

optional helmet

Detailed itinerary

We will meet in Montezuma's adorable "downtown" for bike fitting & safety check. We provide the mountain bikes and helmets (we carry the tools). Then we'll gently roll out together on our awesome signature route. It's relatively flat, follows the coastline, but we will pull out at a few of our "secret spots".

Experienced guide and longtime cyclist Marla will be leading the ride. If desired, she can stop occasionally to point out interesting stuff, offer riding tips (if you like) and otherwise customize your experience to make it memorable. Of course, the group always stays together!

As we head back to Montezuma, we can grab a couple cool pictures... and maybe even grab a cold one together to cap off a great ride!

You will get to see a special slice of Costa Rica's finest: beautiful rugged beaches, hidden world class surf breaks, ancient tropical trees, and secret waterfalls.

Cabuya Island is one of those magical spots that most people see from the road, but few people manage to approach. It’s a place of legend, rumor, and excitement, supposedly haunted by ghosts at night, due to the fact that it’s been a cemetery for as long as anyone can remember. Also, it happens to have some of the best snorkeling around, and you can even see much of the wildlife (like Pufferfish, etc) without a snorkel.

If it is low tide during our tour, we can actually ride our bikes onto the island!

Near Playa Cedros (which we will see on our journey) is the stunning Playa Las Rocas.

This beach has two sandy beaches and a fresh water river-mouth with a rope-swing.

Playa las Rocas has a “whale’s tail” rock formation, and it’s a lot of fun to scamper around and take photos on these colorful rocks.

In front of the rocks is one of the best snorkeling areas, popular among spear-fishermen and lobster-catchers. Many Tico families come here and park under the coconut trees, and some often catch the family’s lunch or dinner.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

11 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Riders will be sitting on a standard bicycle saddle for two hours.

Meeting point

We meet at the sand volleyball court, next to the free Montezuma Parking Lot, on the oceanside, across road from the soccer field.

About Puntarenas

Puntarenas is a vibrant coastal city in Costa Rica known for its beautiful beaches, rich maritime history, and as a gateway to the Pacific coast. It offers a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Top Attractions

Puntarenas Beach

A popular beach right in the city, perfect for a quick dip or a relaxing walk along the shore.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

Caldera Bay

A scenic bay with beautiful views of the coastline and the Gulf of Nicoya. It's a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Puntarenas Lighthouse

A historic lighthouse that offers panoramic views of the city and the coastline. It's a great spot for photography and learning about the maritime history of Puntarenas.

Historical 1 hour Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Ceviche

Fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices, typically lime or bitter orange juice, and spiced with ají or chili peppers. Often served with tortilla chips or patacones (fried plantains).

Appetizer Contains seafood and citrus.

Gallo Pinto

A traditional breakfast dish made with rice and beans, cooked with onions, bell peppers, and spices. Often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream).

Breakfast Vegetarian, can be vegan if no animal fat is used.

Olla de Carne

A hearty beef and vegetable soup, often made with a variety of vegetables, potatoes, and sometimes plantains. A comforting and filling dish.

Lunch/Dinner Contains beef, can be made with other meats or vegetables.

Popular Activities

Surfing Snorkeling Hiking Beach lounging Sunbathing Picnicking Visiting historic sites Exploring local markets

Best Time to Visit

December to April

The dry season offers sunny weather, clear skies, and perfect conditions for beach activities and outdoor adventures. This is the busiest time for tourism.

25°C to 32°C 77°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (especially in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC)

Time Zone

CST (UTC-6)

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution.

Puntarenas is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Exercise caution and keep valuables secure.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious when using public transport, especially at night.
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps.

Getting there

By air

Juan Santamaría International Airport • 100 km (62 miles) from Puntarenas

By bus

Terminal 7-10

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and reliable, with frequent services. Buses are a great way to explore the area.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Caldera

Day trips

Nicoya Peninsula

30-50 km (19-31 miles) • Half day to full day

The Nicoya Peninsula offers stunning beaches, lush jungles, and a variety of outdoor activities. It's a great spot for a day trip from Puntarenas.

Festivals

Fiestas Patronales de Puntarenas • July

Pro tips

Visit the Puntarenas Beach early in the morning for a peaceful and relaxing experience.
Explore the local markets for fresh produce, seafood, and souvenirs.
Take a boat tour to the Nicoya Peninsula for a day trip or overnight stay.
Try the local seafood, especially ceviche and fried fish.
Visit the Puntarenas Lighthouse for panoramic views of the city and coastline.