Ruta de los Conquistadores, the adventure of Colombian Cyclists
By Néstor Raúl Aventurabtt
We are members of a Colombian cyclists club, is a mountain bike group called “Aventura BTT”. One day, over dinner, we got inspired and decided to go abroad and live a fantastic mountain bike adventure.
Checking out some famous routes, we came across Costa Rica’s Ruta de los Conquistadores, and due to its fame, we became highly motivated to take up the challenge and conquer it. Our enthusiasm was contagious, and we called our Aventura BTT buddies. As a result, 9 biking fans took this trip: Kike, Roberto, Karen, Restre, Mao, Lina, Juliana, Diego, and of course, yours truly, Néstor.
In just 2 weeks, we already had our plane tickets, hotel reservations, routes, and budget. We felt elated and overwhelmingly anxious; the day before our departure, none of us could sleep.
We arrived at Juan Santamaría Airport in Costa Rica, and the great similarities between both countries’ streets,infrastructure, and people were surprising.
On our frst night here, a pickup truck appeared, and Mao confdently approached the driver and asked him if he could take us to Uvita, in Costa Ballena the South Pacifc. He resoundingly said YES! So, we went back to the hotel to get our bikes and luggage ready for next morning’s trip.
It took us a few hours from San José to our destination; on the way, we could enjoy the beautiful landscape, and saw crocodiles in their own habitat.
The town of Ojochal became our headquarters, and the frst morning, we were awaken by loud monkeys.
Wearing brand new uniforms, it was time for discovery. For four days we pedaled, explored, and visited beaches like Tortuga, Ventanas, Piñuela, Ballena, Uvita, and Hermosa. We rode along the Uvita River up to the waterfall, and from a breathtaking viewpoint, we were amazed by the famous “Cola de Ballena” (whale tail).
We returned to Colombia with the satisfaction of having accomplished our adventure, and experienced this beautiful land on our bikes.
iNFO: Néstor Raúl Aventurabtt
