Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN SAN JOSÉ
San José might be the capital of Costa Rica, but it also doubles as a hidden cycling gem. Whether you're cruising through urban streets, climbing into lush mountain foothills, or touring the Central Valley on two wheels, the city offers a dynamic mix of bike touring experiences. With its pleasant climate, friendly cycling community, and routes that range from chill to challenging, San José is a fantastic base for any traveler looking to bring their bike along on vacation. Let’s roll through the best cycling and bike touring routes in and around San José.
Best urban and commuter-friendly rides
City cycling with Costa Rican flavor
Riding through downtown San José isn’t just doable — it’s enjoyable. While it might seem hectic at first glance, the city has been growing its bike infrastructure with designated bike lanes, shared roads, and increasingly bike-aware traffic. Plus, it’s the best way to get a feel for the local rhythm.
Start with the Ciclovía de San José, the city's dedicated bike lane network that connects parks, universities, neighborhoods, and even markets. It’s best explored on a Sunday morning when traffic is light and the city feels relaxed.
Another great ride is from La Sabana Park to Barrio Escalante. La Sabana is San José’s “Central Park,” and you can loop the park before heading east through tree-lined neighborhoods filled with cafes, galleries, and street art. Stop for a cold agua de pipa (coconut water) and soak in the local vibes.
Ciclovía de San José: The city's bike spine — paved, safe, and connected.
La Sabana Loop: Easy flat ride in the heart of the city.
Barrio Escalante Ride: Mix of cycling and gastronomy in a hip neighborhood.
Paseo Colón: Closed to cars on Sundays, perfect for families and tourists.
University Route: Ride from UCR to San Pedro through bike-friendly zones.
Local tip: Sundays are gold. Many main streets shut down for “CicloRecreoVía” events — giving cyclists the whole road to ride stress-free. Expect to see rollerbladers, families, and food stands too.
Green parks and scenic valley loops
Ride into nature without leaving town
San José is nestled in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, which means you don’t have to ride far to find lush scenery. These routes offer beautiful green views, gentle climbs, and a break from the bustle without needing a full-on mountain bike setup.
A go-to ride is the Parque del Este to Guadalupe loop. This eastern San José route takes you through residential areas, local parks, and then loops back through quiet backroads with mountain views. It’s perfect for a morning ride with coffee stops along the way.
If you're looking for more distance and rural vibes, ride from San José to Heredia. It’s about 20 km each way and takes you through coffee fields, old towns, and gentle valley climbs. It’s mostly paved, and you can stop at quaint sodas (local eateries) for gallo pinto or tamales.
Parque del Este to Guadalupe: Short loop with great views and little traffic.
San José to Heredia: Chill 40 km round trip through the Central Valley.
La Sabana to Rohrmoser: Gentle urban loop with parks and bakeries en route.
Curridabat Ride: East side route with a mix of road and trail segments.
Hatillo to Escazú connector: Offers a fun transition from city to hills.
These rides are perfect for all kinds of bikes and don’t require intense training. They’re designed to enjoy the landscape, sip great coffee, and experience Costa Rican daily life from the saddle.
Don’t forget your rain jacket — even dry season rides can surprise you with a quick afternoon shower.
Mountain climbs and adventurous routes
For those who crave elevation and epic views
If you're the kind of cyclist who lives for the climb and wants to earn those views, San José has some epic mountain touring routes. With the Central Volcanic Range nearby, you can ride from urban streets to alpine-style ascents in just a few hours.
The ultimate route? San José to Cerro de la Muerte. This one’s for experienced riders. It’s a long climb — over 3,000 meters of elevation gain — but the reward is jaw-dropping views and cool highland air. Most riders break it up over two days and bring support vehicles, but it’s absolutely legendary.
A more approachable climb is the San José to Cartago route. About 25 km each way with steady uphill riding and plenty of roadside pulperías (small shops) to grab snacks. Once in Cartago, visit the Basílica or explore the Orosi Valley if you’re still feeling strong.
San José to Cerro de la Muerte: The ultimate climb for serious tourers.
San José to Cartago: 50 km round trip with steady climbing and cultural stops.
Alajuelita Loop: Rural climbing route with minimal traffic and amazing views.
Escazú to Santa Ana: Rolling hills with a foodie finish.
Vuelta al Valle Central: Multi-day loop for seasoned bikepackers.
For the adventurous crowd, a bikepacking trip through the Central Valley is an amazing option. Plan an overnight route that hits towns like Grecia, Sarchí, and Naranjo — all known for art, culture, and panoramic landscapes.
Just be sure your bike is geared for climbing and your brakes are dialed — these aren’t just Sunday spins, they’re adventures with serious rewards.
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