Mountain Biking Arenal

Mountain Bike at Lake Arenal – Full Day Adventure

This is a challenging intermediate ride along the southern shore of Lake Arenal. You’ll bike through the rainforest and enjoy awesome views of Arenal Volcano and its lake. This is an out and back ride starting by Arenal Volcano National Park. You’ll bike on the gravel road along the south shore of Lake Arenal, famous for the abundant wildlife and stunning scenery. After crossing the Caño Negro river we’ll ride on the abandoned road around the lake crossing a few streams and passing by small family farms and areas of protected forest. On the way back we’ll stop in the village of El Castillo for a delicious “casado” lunch. After lunch we have the option of riding the old dirt road all the way back to Arenal Dam.

Distance: 30 to 40 km / 18.6 to 25 miles
Altitude Gain: 665 m / 2181 ft
Terrain: abandoned dirt road with some muddy and rocky sections and secondary road of gravel and sand.
Dificulty: Intermediate
Departure: 8a.m. Return: 3p.m.

What to bring: comfortable shoes, sun screen, sun glasses, biking shorts or other comfortable shorts.

Arenal Volcano to El Castillo – Half day Adventure

This ride takes us on an old road connecting Arenal Dam with the main entrance to Arenal Volcano National Park. From there we go towards the village of El Castillo, biking on a quiet lane surrounded by dense forest and cattle farms. Along the ride we see howling monkeys, coatis, and birds like toucans, egrets and king fishers. We’ll stop for a picnic on the shore of Lake Arenal where it’s possible to swim. The volcano is visible during all of the ride and we can usually hear its activity while we bike.

Distance: : 13 to 26 km / 8 to 16 miles
Altitude Gain: 85 mts /280 ft
Terrain:Secondary road of gravel/sand with a few rocky spots. Flat with a few short hills
Difficulty: Beginner – Intermediate
Departure: 8a.m. and 1 p.m Return: 12 noon or 5p.m.

What to bring: comfortable shoes, sun screen, sun glasses, biking shorts or other comfortable shorts.


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