Top Tips for Mountain Biking in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

[Shannon Farley]

Costa Rica is known around the world for superb mountain biking. In November 2016, hundreds of international riders competed in the 24th annual La Ruta de los Conquistadores (The Route of the Conquistadors), often called the world's toughest mountain bike race. Race founder Román Urbina became the first Latin American to be inducted into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in California earlier this year.

Guanacaste, Costa Rica is a great year-round destination for mountain biking. It’s mostly sunny, warm weather makes it an amazing playground for outdoor enthusiasts. And the rugged, dry terrain around the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano in Guanacaste is one of the best places for mountain biking in Costa Rica. Two extreme 100-mile mountain bike races that circumnavigate the active volcano are held here every year: the Rincón de la Vieja Challenge and the 160K Rincón de la Vieja.

To help you enjoy your ride even better, here are some helpful tips for mountain biking in Guanacaste.

Weather by Rincon de la Vieja Volcano: Always warm; and either dry or wet depending on the season. It is best to ride in the early morning or late afternoon (weather dependent) when it is cooler. Riding on shaded mountain bike trails also helps keep the temperature down. 

Best clothes to wear: Light short-sleeved bike shirts and loose mountain bike shorts, in addition to your helmet. Using elbow and knee protection is recommended for rocky trails; and you should have sport sunglasses.

Best shoes to wear: Clip-in cycling shoes; a recommended brand is Giro, which is also good to do short hikes to nearby waterfalls and rivers along the trails.

Should you bring snacks? Suggestions: Cliff Bars or any good quality Power Bars, peanuts or trail mix, and bananas.

How much water should you bring? Dehydration is always a concern in a hot climate like in Guanacaste. You should have at least two liters of water and electrolytes mixed in with the water. Electrolytes make a world of difference in your body’s ability to absorb water during your ride. 

Special equipment you should have: You should never bike without a patch repair kit, an extra tube, a first-aid kit, and a cell phone for emergencies.

Best things to see: Out in the breathtaking nature around Rincon de la Vieja Volcano in Guanacaste, chances are good you may see wildlife of the region while biking. Keep an eye out for white-faced and howler monkeys, birds like toucans and hawks, iguanas, armadillos and coatis. You will ride by rivers, waterfalls, and incredible volcanic formations.

Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin offers thrilling mountain biking tours in Guanacaste at Rincon de la Vieja on three trails of
varying difficulty – the only mountain bike trails in Costa Rica on an active volcano. Rated No. 1 of Things to Do in Rincon de la Vieja on TripAdvisor, you’ll enjoy the best Costa Rica adventure tours at Hacienda Guachipelin.