Nosara: Cycling tour with local guide & bamboo bikes

Summary

Pedal Nosara’s back roads, rivers, and black sand beaches by bike

You’ll ride locally crafted bamboo bikes through Nosara’s neighborhoods, river crossings, black sand beaches, and fishing villages with a friendly local guide. Expect stories about sea turtles at Ostional beach and reforestation efforts near Guiones. Finish with fresh coconut water in your hand — one of those little moments you’ll remember long after heading home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost bailed when I realized my sunscreen exploded in my bag before we even started the cycling tour in Nosara. So there I was, sticky hands and all, trying to look cool as our guide Diego handed out these wild-looking bamboo mountain bikes. He grinned and said they’re made locally — lighter than they look, but still solid enough for the bumpy back roads. The seat felt a bit weird at first (maybe it was just me), but after a few minutes rolling through Guiones’ dusty lanes, I kind of forgot about it. Diego pointed out old wooden houses tucked behind tangled bougainvillea and told us how surfers and farmers have shaped this place together — not something you’d read in a brochure.

We rattled along logging roads where the air smelled like wet earth and mango trees, then crossed a bridge over the Nosara River — I’m not sure what I expected, but the water was slow and brown and there were kids fishing off the side. In Rio Montaña, Diego stopped us under some massive trees to share a story about a local legend (I only caught half of it because a parrot started screeching right above us). Then came Ostional beach — black sand that stuck to my calves, pelicans gliding low over the waves. We learned about the sea turtles nesting here; apparently there’s no building allowed because of them. It felt peaceful but also kind of wild — like nature had the upper hand.

The last stretch took us through Santa Marta village where people waved from doorways or just nodded (I tried to say “buenas” but probably sounded awkward). We passed fishermen fixing nets in Playa Pelada, then hit some hidden trails back toward Guiones. There was this moment riding under thick tree cover where everything went quiet except for our tires crunching leaves — honestly, I still think about that silence sometimes.

At the end we stopped for coconut water from a guy everyone seemed to know — he chopped them open with two quick whacks and handed them over with a grin. My hands were muddy and my legs tired but that cold coconut tasted ridiculously good. Not sure if it was just relief or something else. Anyway, if you’re up for getting sweaty and seeing Nosara beyond the surf shops, this day trip is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nosara Cycling Adventure

• Explore Guiones neighborhoods and trails
• Ride to Nosara River and Rio Montaña area
• Visit Ostional black sand beach and learn about wildlife refuge
• Ride through back roads to Santa Marta and Playa Pelada
• Cycle hidden trails from Playa Pelada to Guiones beach
• Enjoy refreshing coconut water from local vendor

Top questions

Is this Nosara cycling tour suitable for beginners?

It’s best for travelers with at least moderate fitness; not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Does the day trip include lunch?

No lunch is included, but you get fruit during the ride and fresh coconut water at the end.

Are helmets provided on the cycling tour?

Yes, helmets are included along with handlebar bags for your things.

What kind of bikes are used on this tour?

You’ll ride front suspension bamboo mountain bikes made locally in Nosara.

Is transportation included to reach the starting point?

No hotel pickup is mentioned, but public transportation options are available nearby.

Do we visit Ostional beach on this cycling tour?

Yes, you’ll stop at Ostional black sand beach to learn about its Wildlife Refuge status and sea turtles.

How long is the cycling route around Nosara?

The exact distance isn’t specified but expect several hours covering neighborhoods, rivers, beaches, and villages around Nosara.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a locally made bamboo mountain bike with front suspension, helmet and handlebar bag for your essentials, fresh fruit during the ride to keep you going, plus refreshing coconut water from a well-known local vendor when you finish pedaling through Nosara’s varied landscapes.