From stunning Lake Nicaragua to Panama City, we cycle quiet roads through the best of Central America

The best way to explore the narrow isthmus that separates the Caribbean from the Pacific and North America from South is by bike. Our route takes us past charming colonial cities, lush cloud forest, active volcanoes and coral-fringed islands as we head south through Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. We visit Ometepe, a stunning island forged by two adjacent volcanoes in Lake Nicaragua, go searching for quetzals in Monteverde Reserve, relax on the tropical islands of Bocas del Toro and enjoy the superb cuisine and nightlife of cosmopolitan Panama City. Our final cycling day takes us along the Panama Canal, a true feat of modern engineering and a fitting climax for this superb itinerary.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Granada. 2 Short ride to Catarina for views of Apoyo Lagoon; afternoon visit artisan market and Masaya Volcano N.P. 3 Ride south along Pan-American Highway; ferry transfer to Ometepe Island in beautiful Lake Nicaragua. 4 Ferry to mainland and ride to San Juan del Sur on the Pacific. 5 Ride mountain road to the Pan-Am Highway; transfer south to Costa Rica and Rincon de la Vieja N.P. 6 Ride to Pan-Am Highway and transfer to Monteverde; visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. 7 Ride around Lake Arenal toLa Fortuna; evening at hot springs. 8 Ride down to the tropical lowlands; transfer to Cahuita on the Caribbean coast. 9 Ride through banana plantations into Panama; boat transfer to Bocas del Toro Islands. 10 Free day for optional diving, snorkelling and even surfing. 11 Return to the mainland; transfer to Fortuna Dam; fast descent to Pan-Am Highway; transfer to colonial Chitre. 12 Ride to Ocu, centre for Panama hat makers. Transfer to Panama City. 13 Ride along Panama Canal from Miraflores Locks to Lake Gatun. 14 End Panama City.

Mode of travel: Av. daily distance: 40km (25m)\r\nNo. of days cycling: 11\r\nVehicle support: 100% vehicle support.\r\nTerrain and route: surface: 80% tarmac, 20% groomed dirt road with some moderate climbs. Routes mainly follow quiet backroads.
Group size: Min. 6, max. 16, plus leader and driver.
Accommodation: 13 nights hotels.
Food: All breakfasts included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $330.00
Trip Reference: MUC
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.