Road cycling is a sport on the rise and ever more people are choosing it as part of their lifestyle. Certainly, those who do it for the first time find it to be addictive, since the discipline combines exercise, enjoyment, teamwork and, of course, going out and seeing new places. If you’re one of the enthusiasts heading out to discover the country on two wheels, we have advice for you that may be of assistance. Take a look at the routes where you can explore on a road cycling trip.

Guanacaste

  • Route Bagaces-Fortuna-Aguas Claras-Guayabo-Bagaces: This is a secondary route, which is paved and in good condition.
  • Route Bagaces-Guayabo-San Jorge-Curubandé-Liberia: This secondary route is paved and in good condition.
  • Route Golfo Papagayo-Playa Panamá-Playa Hermosa-El Coco: This is a main road that is paved and in good condition.
  • Route Sámara-Nosara: You’ll be heading out on a main road, though it’s recommended to travel by mountain bike – although parts of the road are paved, others are dirt or gravel.
  • Route Nandayure-Hojancha: This is a primary route that is paved and in good condition.
  • Route Cañas-Tilarán: You can cycle on a main road that is paved and in good condition.
  • Route Cañas-Bebedero: This is a secondary route that is paved and in good condition.
  • Route Cañas-Upala-Río Celeste: This is a primary route that is paved and in good condition.

A person riding a bike down a street at sunset.

Northern Region

  • Route Florencia-Fortuna: Fall in love with the natural surroundings and landscapes. Head along a main road that is paved and in good condition.
  • Route Chilamate-San Miguel-Venecia-Aguas Zarcas: This route is located on the main route between Sarapiquí and San Carlos. It is paved and in good condition.

Central Pacific

  • Route Quepos-Dominical: Close to the sunny beaches you’ll find a main route that is paved and in good condition.
  • Route Dominical-Uvita: This is a primary route that is paved and in good condition.
  • Route Uvita-Palmar Norte: This is another primary route that is paved and in good condition.

Atlantic Region

  • Route Cahuita-Puerto Viejo-Manzanillo: This is an excellent option to hop between beaches and national parks. The route is on the main road which is paved and in good condition.
  • Route Hone Creek-Sixaola: Without leaving the Caribbean, you can choose this route that is on a main road which is also paved and in good condition.

Safety recommendations

  • Make sure you have the right equipment for the activity (knee pads, shin guards, gloves, helmet, appropriate clothing, appropriate footwear, etc.)
  • Take enough water and food in case there is nowhere on the route where you can buy them
  • Always be easily visible (safety vest, bicycle lights, etc.)
  • Do not travel alone. Ideally, travel in a group to avoid problems.
  • Before leaving, check the bike to be sure that it is in perfect working order
  • Maintain a safe distance from vehicles and always be careful
  • Make sure you have insurance