Mountain Bike

Buen Camino is quickly gaining recognition as one of the top places for mountain biking in Costa Rica, attracting both local riders and international visitors. Located just outside of San Jose in San Mateo de Alejuela and on your way to the beaches of the South Pacific or up to Monteverde, this purpose-built bike park offers full-day bike rentals for around $130 (Wednesday-Monday) along with an on-site restaurant and six cabins available for overnight stays, making it an easy stop for multi-day riding trips. Day passes cost $25 and can be bought on site. If you’ve got a hiker in the family they also have great hiking trails.

The trail network at Buen Camino is already being praised by professional riders as some of the best mountain bike trails in the country. Carefully designed to match the natural landscape, the trails feature jumps, bridges, dense jungle sections, and sweeping views. Riders will find options for every skill level, from beginner green trails to expert-level Double Black Diamond descents.

One standout trail is Viejo Verde, a smooth and approachable green run that has become a favorite for beginners and first-time riders. Intermediate riders often gravitate toward El Patrón to Jaguar, a fast, top-to-bottom blue trail that’s ideal for riding with friends and lapping multiple times. Advanced riders can test their skills on Boss and Machete, two Black Diamond trails with steep downhill sections, technical features, berms, and off-camber terrain.

Trail development at Buen Camino is ongoing, with new lines regularly added to the park, further strengthening its reputation as a must-ride destination for mountain biking in Costa Rica.

Just over an hour from San Jose, with over 60 km of bike routes, the trails at La Lucha Farm are specifically designed for mountain biking events. They offer a wide variety of terrains and difficulty levels, catering to all types of cyclists, from beginners to experts. Entrance fees are cheap, at $12 for the day for full access (including the downhill track).

The “El Cabuyal” trail is an iconic downhill track recognized worldwide. It hosts major international events and features long trails specially designed for this sport. Hacienda La Lucha provides a natural and safe environment for those seeking the thrill of mountain biking in a one-of-a-kind setting.

After you are done pumping down the mountain, enjoy a meal at the restaurant on site, or stay in the cabins overnight for a fully immersive experience.

Why not add a little culture and history to your ride by visiting the Onsite Museum and former home of Don Pepe, the former Costa Rican president who abolished the army and brought hydro-electric power to Costa Rica. The farm also features one of the best technical highschools in the country and is a special little oasis in the Costa Rican Highlands. This is a great full day or half day stop on our Peaks, Palms and Paradise Itinerary.

Hacienda Pinilla is one of the most accessible and diverse destinations for mountain biking in Costa Rica, especially for riders visiting the Guanacaste region. Located on a working ranch and resort property near Tamarindo, the area offers a mix of scenic cross-country riding and more demanding trails suitable for all skill levels.

With over 45 kilometers of trails, riders can explore routes that wind through cattle ranch land, tropical forest, resort grounds, and even along the coastline. Beginners and families will appreciate the wide, bike-friendly farm roads and flatter scenic loops, while experienced riders can challenge themselves on longer, more technical sections that test endurance and skill.

Hacienda Pinilla is also a recognized venue in Costa Rica’s mountain biking scene. The trails have hosted national MTB competitions, including stages of Guanaride, one of the region’s most demanding races.

Beyond the trails, the property features a golf course, hotel, and multiple resort amenities, making it a convenient base for riders looking to combine mountain biking with beach access, dining, and relaxation. Its location in the Guanacaste Peninsula, just minutes from Tamarindo, makes Hacienda Pinilla an easy addition to any Costa Rica mountain biking itinerary.

Colón Trails has an extensive network of trails in the hills just outside of Ciudad Colón. The trails are well-marked, pet friendly and only cost $9 USD (4,500 Colones) to enter.

This area is easy to access from San Jose and offers over 20 miles of trails that wind through the hills above the Central Valley. This place has some serious vertical feet, 8,493 ft to be exact and challenging trails like “Bee Mountain” (Abejas Montaña) and Peruvian (Peruano) you can easily spend the day here. We recommend bringing lots of water and sunscreen, as that hot Costa Rican sun can beat down on you.

On occasion, they offer demo bike days, but you can also pick up a bike rental at BiciRent Costa Rica, in Santa Ana, before making your way over to the trails for the day.

Just outside the city of Liberia, at the skirts of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, is the Rincón Trails MTB and Adventure complex which offers 12KM of trails and is perfect for beginner level mountain bikers. This innovative complex focuses on practicing MTB safely, since drivers in Costa Rica aren’t always the friendliest with bikers. The basic entrance fee is $6 for the day, but you can pay $4 dollars extra to include the breakfast of the day.

Here, you can splash through puddles during the rainy season or experience the unique dry forest of the Guanacaste Province from December-April. Due to the heat during the day, we recommend going either early morning or late evening. An evening ride will allow you to catch the incredible sunsets this region is known for.

After you’ve finished, head on over to Rio Negro Hot Springs and Mud Baths to relax your tired muscles with a soak in the natural mineral water.

For a less physically demanding, more laid back Pura Vida style mountain bike ride, try an E- Moutnain Bike Tour from Samara to Nosara on the rural route, which takes you through quiet back roads with little to no traffic. The back roads in the Nicoya Peninsula are not easy, but they represent the true essence of the region.

This option presents a healthy challenge, both to your senses and your fitness level, but the eBike ensures the ride remains enjoyable and manageable. As you pedal through the countryside, you’ll get a true taste of Costa Rica’s rustic charm, passing through serene landscapes untouched by crowds.

After completing your ride, take a well-deserved break and enjoy lunch at Al Chile Mexican Food, a local favorite known for its fresh and flavorful dishes, providing the perfect setting to relax and recharge after the ride.