Most Inspirational Moment
There were so many: Seeing inside the live volcano; Seeing all the animals on the road/in the hotel grounds/via trips such as the river float (Howler Monkeys, Toucans, Iguanas, Coatis, Frogs, Crocodiles etc); Passing through the villages, getting a feel for local life and seeing all the villagers wave and say ¡Hola!; Sunsets/sunrises on both coasts.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The Team were really superb: Roberto (Lead Guide), Walter & Alvertivo (Guide/Mechanic), Neno (Driver). They worked well together to provide excellent service and support.
Roberto delivered a very well organised trip which went seamlessly. His knowledge and information on each country/location was invaluable. The regular briefings and well planned pit stops were great. Booking group lunches/dinners, and the organised bill paying & individual account keeping made life so much easier and saved a lot of time. His additional help with translating dietary requirements was appreciated. Border crossing were made much easier thanks to their help.
The support provided on the road by the Guide/Mechanics and Driver were much appreciated. From on the road mechanics to loading the bikes and general encouragement. Between them, their wildlife spotting was fantastic.
Many thanks to all of you for really making the trip wonderful.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Kit: Padded cycling shorted and padded cycling gloves are essential - there are some very bumpy roads in Nicaragua. If you can, take your own saddle as well. They can also fit your own pedals if you prefer to take cycling shoes.
Cycling snacks: take your own snacks, gels etc if you are used to using them or have any intolerances. They provide some biscuits / isotonic / fruits at stops. For Gluten Free travellers, there were options at breakfast in all but a few places so just take a small amount of GF breakfast food. Lunches / dinners were mainly in restaurants where there was a full menu choice, so there was always something which could be eaten (practise your spanish for clarifying with waiting staff or ask your guide for help).
Currency: there is no need to exchange to any local currency. Take USD. All three countries accept USD and you get change in local currency in Nicaragua and Costa Rica, which you just need to spend before the border. You can use credit cards in a lot of the restaurants and you pay the guide for your lunches in USD cash in the first two countries.
Re-apply sun cream at each stop (think about taking some sleeves for the strong afternoon sun) along with regular mosi spray in the evenings/early mornings (mosis only seem to be around in a few locations).
Don't take too many clothes. It is very warm, even in the evenings and cycling clothes can be hand washed and dried overnight in the first two countries. Also there is a launderette in La Fortuna.
The cycling is hot and there are a few hills but you can take your time and there are plenty of stops. Take your time to spot the wildlife - it's worth going a little slower in some locations. I would recommend hiring quad bikes on Bocas del Tores as a way to see the rest of the island.
