The occasional sweat and effort make Costa Rica’s spectacular landscapes and abiding serenity all the more endearing from the seat of a saddle. Sure, you’ll work for your reward. But you’ll never get so close to so much beauty in a car.

Costa Ricans are particularly fond of cycling, and bicycle racing is a mayor sport, culminating each December in the 12-day-long Vuelta a Costa Rica, which crisscrosses the mountain chain from sea level to over 3,000 meters. Away from the main highways roads are a little traveled. However there are no bike lanes. Potholes are a persistent problem. And traffic can be hazardous on the steep and windy mountain roads. So you’ll need a helmet.

Several local tour companies offer group tours like Aventuras Naturales, Costa Rica Adventures and Wildlife, Costaricabike, Costa Rica Tropical Cycling, among many others. Most are suitable for all level of competence, but check in advance the kind of terrain and distance involved on the trip. Don’t be put off by the fact that the majority of the tours involve cycling on the volcanoes, so you’ll be cycling up and not down as the majority of the times.