UPDATED November 17, 2016

BY Brian Hoeniger

IN

no comments

UPDATED November 17, 2016

BY Brian Hoeniger

IN

no comments

Well Deserved Rest at Rancho Margot

While the Ruta Maya is nowhere near TDAs longest cycling expedition it has gained the reputation for being our toughest ride day in and day out. The tour kicks off with a 1000 m ”baptism by fire” climb leaving San Jose, followed by a wicked 600 m descent and more climbing. While we haven’t gotten soaked yet by the rain which has mercifully held off till mid afternoon, after a mere 2 days of spinning our wheels up the ridges, down into the valleys and around the volcanoes of super humid Costa Rica, it felt like our first rest day at Rancho Margot was well earned.

flora 1 - Copy

And what a respite it has been. Off the beaten track and set amidst the rainforest on the lower slopes of Arenal Volcano, Rancho Margot was voted “best place to stay” in northwestern Costa Rica in 2014 by Lonely Planet. In its 12 years of existence its visionary Juan Sostheim and his dedicated staff and volunteers have turned what were cattle grazing lands into an eco-paradise, that hosts a spectacular variety of flowering trees and hundreds of species of birds, butterflies and tropical plants.

flora 2 - CopyRancho Margot’s hospitality includes organic meals, guest accommodation in beautiful cabanas that overlook the rainforest. This 40 acre facility is also 99% self sufficient including hydro electric and methane gas power generation. Here tired cyclists can simply kick back or choose from a range of post ride recovery activities, including yoga classes, a guided tour of El Rancho, a hike through the forest, or simply sipping cold Bavaria Darks and staring at their smart phones in the bar.

Tomorrow we return to reality and the first real test of La Ruta, a 5 stage stretch that will take us on gnarly dirt roads, then down to the Pacific Coast, across into Nicaragua, and back up into volcano country. But we will leave Rancho Margot truly refreshed and thoroughly indoctrinated into why Costa Rica is one of the world’s premier eco-tourism destinations.

living roof

You can find lots more information on this hidden gem at: www.ranchomargot.org

montezuma oropendola

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