View of Arenal Volcano – Caño Negro River Bike Crossing loop from La Fortuna

Mountain biking trails

View of Arenal Volcano – Caño Negro River Bike Crossing loop from La Fortuna

Hard

5.0

(1)

riders

View of Arenal Volcano – Caño Negro River Bike Crossing loop from La Fortuna

11:28

149km

2,560m

Mountain biking

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 19, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal

Reserva Forestal Zona de Emergencia Volcán Arenal

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

11.6 km

Tabacón Hot Springs

Highlight • Natural

When visiting the region, the "Tabacon Hot Springs" are certainly a must, but also quite expensive.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

11.8 km

Free Hot Springs at Río Tabacón

Highlight • Natural Monument

This must be the only free attraction in the area, specially involving Hot Springs.
Whole area is privatised by the Tabacon Hotels corporation, that people with limited budget cannot afford to experience this natural phenomenon.
At this spot, locals were coming for the swim many years ago but tourists discovered it.
It is just off the road 142, payed parking available, bikes are free.
As always, be there EARLY, it will be crowded. Night visits are possible but not recommended.
Short walk down will get you to the hot river. Walkway is properly build but after that is all natural, rough.
Be very careful and move slowly over the wet and slippery stones. I'm pretty sure they caused many broken bones.
Water temperature is just right for endless bath. Please don't use any toiletries as I would like to come back one day and see it still exist. Please don't leave any garbage.
There are no changing clothes facilities.
Enjoy it responsibly so our kids can come back one day.
Happy riding.

Tip by

19.6 km

View of Arenal Volcano

Highlight • Viewpoint

26.8 km

Caño Negro River Bike Crossing

Highlight • River

Some of the fellow riders told me that they didn't ride south side of the Arenal Lake circle because of inability to cross Cano Negro.
I did ride this road twice and it is my favourite area in CR. Please do not give up on trying!
First time I did it with organised group and support vehicle, west to east. We made it over the river with just the bikes but SAG van got stuck in the middle of the river. While waiting for the van, night rolled in. We had to continue with the moon light and fireflies showing us the way. It was unforgettable! Van waited for big truck to pull him out.
Second time, I did it by myself, fully loaded, east to west. It was end of January.
From the banks it looks scary, fast and big, but don't get discouraged. It's all in the head.
You have to unload the bike and make multiple trips over the river!
At the deepest it's around 60cm but it's fast with big rocks on the bottom. With hands full of stuff, You can easily lose your balance so take it easy and double check every step. Water is refreshing.
That section is only 10-15m wide, the rest is easy and manageable no problem.
The rest of the south lake route has 4 more river crossings but they are all easy and don't require bike unpacking.
Hope that you make it over there and see why I love it so much.
Happy Riding!

Tip by

131 km