Riding Costa Rica's Backroads on Adventure Motorcycles

A guided tour through rainforests, beaches, and mountain roads reveals the country's diverse landscapes.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:07am

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A guided adventure motorcycle tour through Costa Rica's backroads and diverse landscapes, from rainforests and volcanoes to beaches and urban areas. The author and his friend Nick Schoeps spent seven days exploring the country with Silversteed Adventures, facing challenging riding conditions like heavy rain, river crossings, and congested city traffic, but also enjoying stunning views, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences.

Why it matters

Costa Rica is known for its natural beauty, but the country's backroads offer an exciting and unique way to experience it on two wheels. This story highlights the growing popularity of adventure motorcycle touring as a way for travelers to immerse themselves in a destination and explore off-the-beaten-path areas.

The details

The author and Nick Schoeps booked a 'Pura Vida Tour' with Silversteed Adventures, a two-man operation that offers motorcycle rentals and guided tours in Costa Rica and Panama. They rode Suzuki V-Strom 650 motorcycles, which were modified with 70/30 street-biased tires and upgraded skid plates to handle the varied terrain. The tour took them through rainforests, across rivers, up mountains, and down the Nicoya Peninsula, with challenges like heavy rain, muddy roads, and congested city traffic. Despite the difficult conditions, they were rewarded with stunning views, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences.

  • The tour took place in late May, just before Costa Rica's monsoon season.
  • The author had last visited Costa Rica 15 years prior.

The players

Nick Schoeps

The author's friend who joined him on the adventure motorcycle tour.

Silversteed Adventures

A two-man operation that offers motorcycle rentals and guided tours in Costa Rica and Panama.

Chad Groff

The guide and co-owner of Silversteed Adventures who led the tour.

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What they’re saying

“Never grow up! Adventure should be fun, not a chore.”

— The author (treadmagazine.com)

“There is never enough time to explore amazing diverse international destinations like Costa Rica.”

— The author (treadmagazine.com)

What’s next

The author and Nick Schoeps stayed an additional four days in Costa Rica to further explore the country, renting a small 4WD vehicle to visit the west coast and go diving.

The takeaway

Adventure motorcycle touring offers a unique and immersive way to experience the diverse landscapes and culture of Costa Rica, from its rainforests and volcanoes to its beaches and urban areas, despite the challenges of navigating the country's varied terrain and weather conditions.