Bienvenidos! Welcome to Nicaragua. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. Nicaragua has flourished in recent years. Home to immense natural beauty and friendly locals, it is often a traveller favourite. Other than the important group meeting there are no activities planned for today. Cycling distance: none ...

Avoid the heat today with an early cycle (approximately 4 hours) around Apoyo Lagoon. As we leave town we will pass by the 'Fuerte de Polvora”, a white Spanish colonial fort built in the 18th century. Our route then takes us on dirt tracks up some slight inclines and through small settlements off the beaten track in the Nicaraguan countryside. Before arriving at Apoyo Lagoon, stop at the lookout of Santa Catarina and enjoy breathtaking vistas over the Apoyo Lagoon and distant Mombacho Volcano. There are some steep, cobblestoned hills leading up to this viewpoint but the effort is well worth it. Please note that if you are not comfortable with riding the steep hills to Santa Catarina you can always use our support vehicle. After enjoying the view, ride along the border of the lagoon before returning to Granada (a route that i...

Head out this morning on a historical walking tour with a top local guides who will reveal the behind-the-scenes life of Granada as well as its traditional historical sites. In the late morning catch a transfer to San Jorge and from there take the boat to Ometepe Island, which is formed by two impressive volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua. Disembark at the island's main town, Moyagalpa. Enjoy some free time before starting your biking adventure around the north side of Conception Volcano. Stop in and marvel at the many stone carvings of Altagracia - evidence of early, culturally developed indigenous tribes who inhabited the island long before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. After another half hour in the saddle, arrive at Santo Domingo Beach in time for a swim and some well-deserved rest at the beach or hotel p...

In the morning make a loop around the less populated Madera Volcano. The volcano itself is not active and its crater now contains a lake. Ride through secluded rural areas that are home to howler monkeys, a wide variety of bird species and small mammals. Stop and cool off with a visit to Ojo de Agua, a beautiful swimming spot where the water comes from deep inside the Maderas Volcano. Take time to relax and enjoy lunch before transferring to Moyagalpa and boarding the boat back to the mainland. After docking on the mainland, take easy afternoon ride down to the Pacific beach in time for sunset. Cycling distance: approx. 50 kms

Say goodbye to Nicaragua and journey south to Costa Rica. Hit the road before 7 am and cross the border at the sometimes unpredictable Penas Blancas border crossing. Once on the other side, start cycling down and along the shores of Lake Fortuna. The lake sits at the base of the Arenal Volcano in the northern highlands of Costa Rica and is the country's largest landlocked body of water. There are quite a few rivers to cross, with Cano Negro being the biggest one. Most of the hotels in Lake Fortuna are located on the slopes of Arenal Volcano, so expect a little climb towards the end of the day. Cycling distance: approx. 45 kms

Take breakfast with clear views of Arenal's gorgeous lake and volcano before saddling up for the day. Your destination is a home stay in the rural community of San Juan Ilama. This is a region of Costa Rica rich in agricultural bounty, including orange groves, passionfruit, papaya, cacao, rice, corn, bananas, and sugar cane. Several villagers in the San Juan Ilama community have built comfortable rooms for guests next to their homes. All rooms have shared facilities. In order to make the most of this homestay experience, it may take a bit of effort from you to break the ice. Learn as many Spanish words as you can and get ready to improvise with hand signals! Of course, your tour leader will prepare us well in advance so you can enjoy the best stay possible. Cycling distance: approx. 55 kms

Get ready for a real jungle adventure. Journey deep inside the Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve and see monkeys, sloths, bats, turtles and 'Jesus Christ' lizards – famous for their ability to run on water for extended periods of time before sinking. The wildlife reserve is home to a diverse number of flora and fauna, which you will get a chance to see while floating down the Cano Negro River. After stopping for lunch, cycle through the reserve back to the main road, where your trusty support vehicle will take you and the group back to San Juan Ilama for a soccer match with the locals. Cycling distance: approx. 35 kms

Bid a fond farewell to your hosts from San Juan Ilama this morning. Ride to La Fortuna, with some short but steep climbs en route offering rewarding views of the region's mountains and volcanoes. Tonight, visit some local thermal springs and spend the evening relaxing with hydro massages before enjoying a delicious dinner.  Cycling distance: approx. 30 kms

Prepare yourself for the sandy beaches and warm waters of the Caribbean. Today you will ride out of La Fortuna and then catch a transfer to the coast. Depending on the arrival time, there will be time for a quick swim before saddling up for a ride along the shores to the town of Puerto Viejo, a lively Caribbean village with great food and music. Cycling distance: approx. 40 kms

Pedal from Puerto Viejo to the nearby village of Bribri, located about an hour away. Meet Don Catato and his wife, who have kept the local tradition of growing cacao beans alive and thriving. Learn how to mill and roast the beans, and then drink a delicious hot chocolate together with a typical breakfast in their home. After receiving an energy hit, hop back on your bike and cycle to the Panama border. The ride is mostly flat, wending its way past numerous lush banana plantations. Crossing the border into Panama is, again, a little unpredictable in terms of time so be prepared for some delays. Once across, stop for a light lunch before jungle biking along the historic railroad track, which was once part of an extensive network stretching from Panama to Costa Rica. Arrive in Almirante in the afternoon and board a boat to stunn...

Take a free day to explore the beautiful Bocas del Toro Islands, which are rapidly becoming a popular destination in the Caribbean. With their spectacular white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and abundant wildlife, it's easy to see why. Perhaps hire a kayak and explore the coast or learn how to surf like a local. It's also possible to take boat trips to the other islands nearby, or go on a dolphin watching tour. All of these optional activities can be arranged through the hotel or nearby tour agencies with whom Intrepid has long-established relationships. If you'd like to ride today, let your leader know, so your bike can be brought over to the island. Cycling distance: none

In the morning, catch a ferry back to the mainland where you will board a support vehicle and drive to Caldera (approximately 2.5 hours). The area is home to beautiful pine forests, river valleys and streams, with the Baru Volcano serving as a stunning backdrop. Jump back in the saddle for a hilly ride filled with nice descents and amazing scenery. Once you reach the town of Caldera, board a special all-terrain vehicle that will brings you up to the Boquete area, the mountain spectacle where you'll spend the next two nights. Your hotel is located at nearly 1,700 metres above sea level, and the 7-kilometre incline to the hotel door might be an appealing challenge to the more energetic cyclists. Cycling distance: approx. 30 kms

Take advantage of a free day to stretch your legs and try some of Boquete's extra activities, such as a coffee tour or sooth your muscles in the nearby hot springs. Alternatively you can take a break and simply enjoy the peace of this mountain gem. If you're still keen to get back in the saddle, optional rides can be arranged.  Cycling distance: none

Transfer to Los Portrerillos for today's ride along the slopes of Baru Volcano, an active stratovolcano. There are some undulating sections before a long and fun descent on rarely used roads. On a clear day you can see the Pacific Ocean. Freshen up at the bottom before boarding your transfer to Panama City. Cycling distance: approx. 32 kms

See the highlights of Central America's glitziest capital on a short ride along the Panama Canal. Set out from the hotel, close to the Pacific end of the Panama Canal, and then transfer by bus (approximately 15 minutes) to the Miraflores Locks. Entrance to the Visitor Centre is included, which features a large interactive museum, multiple viewing platforms and a delicious buffet restaurant with views of the canal. Departing Miraflores, ride into Soberania National Park, which spans almost the entire width of the country along the east side of the canal. Take a quick side trip down the plantation trail, deep into the jungle. Afterwards continue to Gamboa, a town which was left deserted following the completion of the Panama Canal. See the remains of the town before ending your ride at the truly spectacular Rainforest Discovery...

You can depart at any time as there are no activities planned for today. Cycling distance: none