Wows and Woes
Wows:
Hot springs adorn the Arenal volcano, offering fantastic soaks with cocktails and dinner.
Windsurfers from around the world head to Lake Arenal, renowned for its high winds. It also boasts a modern wind farm of whirling propellers.
Stop in Little Switzerland for a slice of plum cake.
Woes:
Just 15 percent of Costa Rica's roads are paved and many of them are in bad shape.
You will be charged at private toll roads all over the country, and they are not in such
great repair either.
Insider Tips
The best fuel for biking is a Casado lunch. Stop wherever you see a couple of plastic tables and chairs and get a delicious plate with some of everything. A Casado typically consists of rice, beans, salad, fried plantains and tortillas, along with a protein such as chicken, beef, pork or fish. It's a cheap and satisfying meal that will keep you going until snack time.
Bottom Line
Costa Rica is a magical, natural paradise that will enthrall cyclists willing to overlook some broken roads and iffy infrastructure.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
Spending the night in a posh San Jose hotel, it was a bit shocking to be told hotel policy required that guests not put used toilet paper in the toilet, but rather put it in an open basket to ferment all night.
