Las Catalinas has 13 kilometers of world-class ocean view singletrack mountain biking trails. The trails feature fantastic ocean views from a variety of angles to different parts of the coast. There are sections deep in the shade of quite valleys. Likely wildlife sightings include monkeys, pizotes, deer, pecaries (wild pigs) and a variety of exotic birds. The trail is sustainably built with moderate grades. It is pretty much all “middle chainring” riding with enjoyable swoops and roller coasters but no sustained grunting climbs. Mountain biking is a very popular sport in Costa Rica, and these trails are without peer in the country! Pura Vida Ride, Las Catalinas’ excellent outfitter, can provide bikes and tours. Las Catalinas is a worthy destination for mountain biking enthusiasts from the world over!
This GPS track shows all 13 kilometers of mountain bike trails open as of June, 2013.
In addition there is lots of good backroad riding available from Las Catalinas. Here are some suggested routes:
Las Catalinas – Monkey Trail – Zapotal Valley Loop – 26 kilometers, deserted back road exploration, then finish off with a great ride up and over the hills on Las Catalinas singletrack. 579 meters of climbing.
- Big Backcountry Loop: LC – Tempate – Sardinal – Zapotal: this is a epic ride, mainly on dirt roads but some on cow trails. In places you feel like you have travelled back in time! 46 kilometers, 869 meters of climbing. Follow the GPS track, or get Pura Vida Ride to guide you!
- Las Catalinas – Playa Pelicano Loop – 40 plus kilometers, with a mix of riding on beaches and quiet dirt backroads.
- Las Catalinas – The Castle – only 16 kilometers, but this route packs in 675 meters of climbing and a load of incredible views.
- More excellent riding is available within a short drive, including routes down the Nicoya Peninsula and up near the Rincon de la Vieja and Miravales volcanoes.
For Masochists Only:
The dirt road heading through Las Catalinas provides a very difficult climb in each direction. The name given to this road by the local cycling community is “El Muro de Los Lamentos”, which means “The Wailing Wall”. You’ll see. Just making it up is quite an accomplishment. Here are the Strava sement pages:
El Muro de Los Lamentos eastbound – 0.9 kilometers, 127 meters of climbing, 15% average gradient.
El Muro de Los Lamentos westbound – 1.0 kilometers, 121 meters of climbing, 12.3% average gradient
