Distance
280 km
Duration
3–5 days
Elevation
8,500m
Route Map
Start Finish · Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Elevation Profile
Gain
+5,270m
Loss
−5,270m
Max
3,340m
Key Points
Irazú Volcano · 3,340m · 90km
Turrialba Volcano · 3,340m · 180km
About This Route
La Ruta de los Conquistadores retraces the path of Spanish conquistadors across Costa Rica, from the Pacific coast to the Caribbean. Despite its short distance, it's considered one of the hardest mountain bike races in the world, climbing over active volcanoes and descending through dense jungle in just three days.
Route Highlights
- Crosses Costa Rica coast to coast in 3 days
- Climbs over active Turrialba volcano
- Extreme mud and jungle conditions
- Annual race held in November
- Considered one of the world's hardest MTB races
Route Details
Start
Jacó, Pacific Coast, Costa Rica
Finish
Limón, Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica
Best Season
November (race), February – April (touring)
Surface
Jungle singletrack, volcanic trails, mud
GPX Track
Available for download
Community Ride Reports
First-hand accounts from riders