What to Expect from Las Catalinas’ Mountain Bike Trails

Almost every day, we're asked about the mountain bike trails at Las Catalinas. Here at Pura Vida Ride, we can't help but express our love for them! Being part of the Las Catalinas development has been a stroke of luck for us, given its unwavering commitment to the trail system since day one. What initially started as 2 km of trails when we first opened our shop has now blossomed into 35 km of trails today. This means you get to decide the length of your ride! Whether you opt for a quick 1-hour loop to squeeze in a dynamic workout before hitting the beach or you dedicate your entire morning to exploring both the front and backside of the mountain, the choice is yours.

Our trail system caters to intermediate mountain bikers. You should have some experience with braking, shifting, and maintaining balance. The trails lean more towards  flowy rather than technical, providing a seamless blend of ups and downs. Riding through these well-designed trails, you'll feel like a seasoned mountain biker, effortlessly utilizing the small downhills to propel yourself up the inclines. The mountains take center stage here, with only a few man-made bridges scattered throughout the ride.

Spectacular views await you at every turn. From breathtaking ocean vistas to serene mountain scenery, there's no shortage of photo opportunities. We recommend bringing your phone not only to track your ride on Strava but also to capture these stunning moments along the way. Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife inhabiting the area: monkeys, white-tailed deer, jaguarundi, mapaches, pizotes, armadillos, and anteaters. However, be sure to be quiet during your ride to avoid startling them.

You'll encounter two distinct seasons on our trails. Regardless of when you visit, expect warm, if not hot, weather. The dry season spans from December to April, characterized by no rainfall. Towards the latter part of the dry season, the trees shed most of their leaves, resulting in less shade along the trails. We recommend riding in the mornings during this time of year. Our doors open at 7 am, allowing you to kickstart your experience bright and early.

In addition to self-guided rides, we also offer guided tours on our mountain bikes. Our experienced guides are passionate about showcasing the trails. They'll tailor the pace to suit your preferences and serve as knowledgeable companions throughout your time on the trails.

If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us at puravidaride.com. Or better yet, come and experience firsthand the best mountain bike trails in Costa Rica.