Pura Vida
This trip is a challenging jungle adventure that will have your adrenaline pumping as you explore remote areas that few riders will ever access.
Joining In
San Jose, Costa Rica
Skill Level
Advanced
Group Size
2-4
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Per Person From
USD $2695
Single Supplement
$425 USD / supplement
Dates and Availability
Region
Trip Details
Escape to Costa Rica for six days of shuttle-assisted mountain biking through lush forests, cloud-covered peaks, and vibrant local culture. This adventure blends the thrill of hand-built singletrack and machine-sculpted bike park trails with the beauty and biodiversity of one of the world’s most stunning destinations. We begin at Senderos Colón Bike Park, a premier hub for mountain biking in Costa Rica. Here, you’ll warm up on a curated mix of flowing berms, fun jump lines, and rocky sections, all set against a backdrop of dense forest and rolling hills. From there, we head into the highlands of Santa Maria de Dota, where world-class coffee farms and misty cloud forests shape a trail network unlike anywhere else. Expect flowing singletrack, punchy climbs, and technical descents that wind through coffee plantations and mountain ridges at elevations between 1,500m and 2,500m. A visit to a local coffee co-op adds cultural flavour to the ride. Our journey finishes in Providencia, a remote village tucked into the dramatic landscapes of the Los Santos region. Here, trails carve through lush greenery and river valleys, offering sweeping views and steep descents that will keep you on your toes. The quiet setting and rich biodiversity make it feel like you’re riding through a hidden paradise. This trip is a challenging jungle adventure that will have your adrenaline pumping as you explore remote areas that few riders will ever access.
- Trip pricing is based on double occupancy. Please review the Single Supplement policy in our Terms and Conditions.
- Expert local guide
- Seven nights accommodation
- All breakfasts
- Return airport transfers to San Jose airport
- All ride-day transportation
- Bike storage for any post-trip plans
- Guided tour of coffee co-op
- 24 hour trip support
- Detailed pre-departure information
- Alcoholic Beverages
- All dinners, all lunches
- Ride snacks and supplements
- Airfare; airport taxes and excess baggage charges (if any).
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- Optional tipping to guides.
- Your bike and related equipment needed to ride.
Advanced
You have been mountain biking consistently for five years or more and can ride technical trails, including steep sections, small jumps, and small drops. You can ride switchbacks confidently, including rock gardens and sections with exposure. Your overall fitness level is high, and you have the endurance to ride for 4-6 hours, over multiple days, with some intense climbs. You bike as much as you can, in all weather, and over all terrain. You know when to walk a section that might be outside your comfort zone.
Paulo
There is simply no one better than Paulo to show you secret Costa Rican singletrack mountain biking that even the locals don’t know about. Beneath Paulo’s laid-back and soft-spoken demeanor is a strong rider both up and down, a kind person and consummate professional on all aspects of a great mountain bike adventure.
Are you looking to elevate your technical downhill riding skills? Do you want to immerse yourself in an unforgettable tropical riding experience? Do you want to ride hand-built singletrack through the jungle, on remote, rarely-ridden trails? Then this trip to Costa Rica is for you. The minimum technical ability for this trip is Advanced. Although there are some fast and flowy sections, the riding is very technical and requires experience and confidence. You can expect off-camber, very steep, loose chutes, and terrain that can be rooty or composed of slippery volcanic rock. Be prepared for drops, obstacles, and technical trail features, as well as sections that can be overgrown and dense with foliage. All rides are accessed by shuttle and occasionally require a short hike-a-bike.
Our Trips, Your People
There’s nothing quite like gathering with close friends or family for an unforgettable adventure — whether it’s a milestone birthday adventure with your closest riding crew, a friend group escape to a fully-catered chartered boat, a couples’ anniversary trip to Italy complete with all the wine tasting, or even an eMTB trip in Mexico combined with yoga classes and beach time.
The possibilities are endless. With a private trip, everything is tailored to your group — your pace, your style, your crew. Choose from one of our existing itineraries and fill out the form below to start planning.
Pricing & Booking Details
Private group pricing follows the posted rates for your chosen itinerary, provided your group meets the minimum number of riders required for that destination.
Your group can choose any available scheduled departure that doesn’t already have riders booked, or — subject to availability of guides, accommodations, and logistics — we can work with you to select custom dates that best suit your group’s schedule. Once dates are confirmed, we require a 25% deposit per person to secure your private departure.
Please note that prices may be subject to change if booking more than a year in advance, or if any factors affect trip costs (such as group size adjustments, accommodation upgrades, or adding extra nights before or after your main itinerary).
Want to customize the itinerary for your group? No problem. Any updates, additions, or changes to existing itineraries are subject to a $1000 USD one-time booking fee.
Our team will maintain close communication with you throughout the process to ensure full transparency — no surprises. Once your trip details and pricing are confirmed, we’ll take care of everything so you can focus on what matters most — an incredible riding experience with your favourite people.
Trip Itinerary
Escape to a tropical paradise and enjoy six days of shuttle-assisted riding, featuring a mix of hand-built singletrack and machine-built bike park trails.
Trip Highlights
Trail
Hand built singletrack.
Amenities
Rooftop pool and bar.
Views
Lush jungle and river valleys, monkeys, and exotic birds.
Cuisine
Hearty rice and beans, locally grown coffee.
Geographic Marvels
Tropical cloud forests.
Cultural Experiences
Coffee co-op tour and tasting.
Getting Ready
- Gore-Tex/water-proof riding jacket
- Thin down jacket
- Toque/warm hat
- Polypro/Merino layers
- Bathing suit
- Bike shorts/pants & riding jerseys, etc.
- Socks (extras are good)
- Casual shorts/light pants
- Comfortable clothing for evenings
- Walking/running shoes & flip flops
- Long fingered bike gloves (two pairs)
- Warmer riding gloves (light version)
- Water shoes (for rocky beaches like Croatia)
Mandatory Parts & Tools (MTBs):
- Brake pads (one set)
- Derailleur hanger (for those that have a replaceable one)
- Chain link specific to your bike
Mandatory Parts & Tools (eMTBs & MTBs):
- Two tubes & tire irons & pump
- Chain lube & rag
- Allen keys & multi tool
- Pedals, hemet, riding gear (gloves, knee/elbow pads, eye protection, riding pack)
- Saddle (optional)
Additional Suggested Parts & Tools (MTBs only):
- Brake rotor
- Used derailleur
- Extra spokes
- Small bolt assortment
Suggested Miscellaneous:
- Headlamp
- Personal toiletries & hand sanitizer
- Camera (batteries)
- Sunglasses & sunscreen
- Clear & sun lensed eye protection
- Earplugs (for the light sleepers!)
- Eye mask (for sleeping)
- Energy bars & electrolytes
- Packable snacks or preferred foods
- Air Tags / tracking devices for your luggage
NOTE: Some items on the parts list can be split up among the group and is only a recommendation for convenience. We recommend labeling your belongings & parts in case things get mixed up.
Bike
As it is on most of our trips it is recommended that riders bring their own bikes. A current full-suspension enduro bike with 150-160mm travel designed to climb comfortably but ideal for descending through rough terrain is suggested on this trip. Tires should be tubeless, 2.35” or above, with aggressive tread designed for rocky terrain, one to two-ply casing for durability, puncture resistance and added control. Short stem and riser bars are recommended. Please ensure your bike is in top working condition and freshly tuned. Never arrive with new parts or a bike that hasn’t been ridden. Eye protection and knee pads that you can comfortably pedal in are highly recommended. Helmets are mandatory when on your bike. A 16L backpack is recommended.
Rental Info
No rental bikes available on this trip.
This is a shuttle-assisted, primarily downhill riding style of trip. The descents average between 30-60+ minutes, sometimes starting at altitudes above 3200 meters and can include up to 4000 feet of vertical descent.
3-5 hours, 17-33 kms
This is one of our most technical trips. Terrain sections range from slick volcanic mud, loose rocky, steep riverbeds, to eroded trails with obstacles and pretty much everything in between. There are some hike-a-bike sections (30 minutes max) and steep climbs at times.
No, but we recommend leaving items not needed during the trip in your bike bag, to be stored at the hotel. Given space in vehicles and accommodation – a medium-sized duffle or roller bag is ideal for your belongings. Having a few smaller bags to carry other miscellaneous items is good too. You’ll be thankful when loading in and out of the vehicles.
Always ride well within your limits and ride conservatively. There is no shame in walking your bike on a section that makes you uncomfortable, and walking your bike is mandatory in sections where there is exposure.
A modern three-star boutique hotel in San Jose, a charming guesthouse in the Santa Maria De Dota region, and a farmhouse lodge in Providencia.
All breakfasts, 3 dinners, 2 lunches.
Costa Rican cuisine is fresh, wholesome, and flavorful, featuring staples like rice, beans, and plantains, often paired with chicken, beef, pork, or seafood. Signature dishes include gallo pinto (rice and beans with eggs for breakfast), casado (a hearty lunch plate with rice, beans, protein, and sides), and ceviche (lime-marinated fish), along with tropical fruits and world-renowned coffee.
Laundry services are available at the hotel in San Jose.
The dry season (summer) is from late-November to April, when it’s hot on the coast but perfect riding weather in the mountains. Costa Rica has one of the most diverse climates in the world, and being in the tropics means that sometimes a storm can show up for a few hours. We recommend bringing a variety of clothing – for cool high mountain weather and hot sunny days too. Expect mist and light rain at times in the jungle and high mountains.
The national currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC), but US dollars are used and widely accepted. ATMs (dispensing either Colons or USD) are readily available in the larger towns and cities. We will be travelling in remote areas where bank machines are not available or reliable. Credit cards are accepted only in the larger restaurants and stores. Although it is helpful to bring a credit card along for emergencies, don’t count on using it for most purchases.
As a general rule, Costa Ricans do not tip. If you wish to tip – anything between 5 and 10% depending on service, would be graciously welcomed. Always review restaurant bills carefully, as some will add an automatic 10% tip along with 13% tax. Gratuities for your Big Mountain guides may be given at your discretion in response to their professionalism and leadership throughout the week. As a tipping standard, we suggest 5-10% of the trip price per individual guest to be divided among your guiding team.
