Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama

Guide

Full groups will be accompanied by a leader, driver and two additional guides/bike mechanics.

Meals

All breakfasts are included. Restaurant stops for lunch and dinner are selected throughout the itinerary to allow you to try good local cuisine. Expect to see plenty of the Costa Rican speciality gallo pinto and a lot of rice, beans, fruit and grilled meats. Most days, we are on a fairly tight time schedule, especially at lunchtimes when we have cycling stages and transfers in the afternoon. To save time and hassle, we dine as a group. The leader will take a note of people’s orders and settle the total group bill. The leader will then ask clients for individual payments at a convenient time before leaving Nicaragua and then again before leaving Costa Rica. We find this method is the most efficient; however, if you object then you are, of course, free to opt out. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.

Others

All transport and listed activities Cycling leader and support team Local bike hire

Transport

The support vehicle will carry all your luggage and personal belongings. The vehicle will follow the riders all the time, allowing you to cycle as much or as little as you like. Key information Start hotel: Hotel Patio del Malinche, Calle El Caimito de Alcaldía 2 1/2 c. al lago, Granada Phone: +505 2552 2235 Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately Airport: Managua Airport (MGA) Getting to the start hotel The start hotel is approximately 50 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are: Take an Exodus transfer Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative. Catching your return flight There’s a group departure transfer to Panama City Airport (PTY) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Accommodation

We spend 14 nights in a mixture of comfortable and standard hotels, with two-night stays at four of the properties used. Nicaragua In Granada, we usually stay at Hotel Patio del Malinche, a restored colonial house in the centre of this historical town. Rooms are arranged around a pretty courtyard with a swimming pool, and all have air conditioning and wifi. On Ometepe island, our accommodation is usually Hotel Charco Verde, on the shore of Lake Nicaragua and in the protected area of the natural reserve with amazing views of Concepcion volcano. In San Juan del Sur, we usually stay at Hotel Gran Oceano, where rooms are set around a courtyard garden, just a short walk to the beach. There is a swimming pool, air conditioning and free wifi available. Costa Rica Our first night in Costa Rica will be at Hotel Hacienda La Pacifica, in the Cañas area. The rustic-style hotel is in a tranquil spot with a good chance of seeing exotic birds in the garden. When we visit Lake Arenal, we usually stay at the Mystica Resort. The lodge sits atop a green hill and is surrounded by lush gardens. The rooms don’t have TV or wifi, but there is free wifi in the reception and restaurant area. In La Fortuna, our accommodation will be Hotel San Bosco, in the centre of lively La Fortuna, home to a selection of great restaurants. In Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, our accommodation will normally be at the peaceful Hotel Escape Caribeño, a short walk from the beach and a 10-minute walk from the town. Panama In Bocas del Toro, we usually stay at Hotel Gran Bahia for two nights, set in an antique wooden building opposite the beach. It also has free wifi. Our accommodation at Playa Las Lajas is the Las Lajas Beach Resort. The resort is directly on the beach with a beach-front pool and bar/restaurant, plus hammocks. For the last two nights of the trip, we usually stay at the Hotel Holiday Inn Panama Canal. The hotel has comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool and is located very close to the Panama Canal locks. We can arrange single rooms throughout the trip (subject to availability). Please check with your sales representative for availability and prices.

Others

— Travel insurance — Single accommodation only (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations