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Resources 2027

The competitors’ guide

Everything you need to get here, stay and race with peace of mind: how to reach Reserva Conchal, where to sleep, the weather waiting for you, what to bring and what race week looks like.

Updated 1 November 2026. The organisers keep completing this guide until 30 April.

Download the guide (PDF)

01

Getting here

The race starts at Reserva Conchal, on the coast of Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, between Brasilito and Playa Conchal. The closest airport is Liberia.

LIR

Daniel Oduber Airport, Liberia

≈ 65 km · 1 h to 1 h 30

The closest to the venue.

SJO

Juan Santamaría Airport, San José

≈ 280 km · 4 h 30 to 5 h

Along the Inter-American Highway north to Liberia, then to the coast.

By car

  1. 01From San José: Route 1 (Inter-American Highway north) to Liberia.
  2. 02From Liberia: Route 21 towards Santa Cruz as far as Belén; at Belén, towards Huacas (Route 155); at Huacas, turn right towards Brasilito (Route 180).
  3. 03The entrance to Reserva Conchal is between Brasilito and Playa Conchal, signposted from the road.
Open Reserva Conchal in Google Maps

Car rental

Avanti Rent a Car and Economy Rent a Car are co-sponsors of the race. If you travel with your bike, ask for a vehicle with room for the bike box or a rack.

  • Book your car and transfers early: race week pushes demand up across the area.
  • Private and shared shuttles run from both airports; your hotel can usually arrange them.
  • Parking at the venue and arrival times on race day: the organisers publish them here before 30 April.

02

Where to stay

The easiest is to sleep close to the start. First, the race’s two sponsors and the hotels inside them; then the nearby areas, so you can choose by distance.

Sponsors

  • Reserva ConchalSponsor

    At the venue

    Sleep where you start: the venue is the resort, with two Marriott hotels inside.

    • The Westin Reserva Conchal, all-inclusive, with a golf course and spa
    • W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal
    Visit the Reserva Conchal website →
  • Las CatalinasSponsor

    ≈ 45 min

    A car-free beach town north of Potrero: two hotels, plus homes and apartments for rent.

    • Santarena Hotel, in the heart of the town
    • Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas, adults only
    Visit the Las Catalinas website →

Other areas, by car to the venue

  • 5 min

    Brasilito and Conchal

    Small hotels, cabins and rental homes steps from the venue’s entrance.

  • 10 to 15 min

    Flamingo and Potrero

    Beach hotels, condos and restaurants on the bay.

  • 25 to 30 min

    Tamarindo

    The widest choice of lodging, restaurants and services in the area.

If the organisers agree rates with partner hotels, they go here. Book early: the area fills up during race week.

03

The routes

The three official 2027 routes, with their map and elevation profile. The technical facts already published; what is missing, the organisers add here.

Aid stations, start times and cut-offs

Before the race the organisers publish here the aid stations with their kilometre, the start times and the cut-off times of each route. What is already certain: aid stations, mechanical and medical support, a broom wagon and an ambulance come with every package.

04

The weather to expect

The end of the dry season in Guanacaste: heat, strong sun and, with luck, the first afternoon showers.

Temperature

24 to 35 °C

SunriseSunset

Rain
Little; if it rains, in the afternoon
Humidity
High near the coast
  • Start hydrated and drink at every aid station: the heat builds quickly after 9 a.m.
  • Broad-spectrum sunscreen before the start and a spare in your bag.
  • If you come from a cold climate, train in the heat in the weeks before.
  • Showers, if they come, are usually short and in the afternoon.

05

Costa Rica in short

For whoever comes from abroad: the practical facts about the country and Guanacaste, in one pass.

Money
The Costa Rican colón (CRC). US dollars are accepted almost everywhere in Guanacaste, and cards at most businesses.
Language
Spanish. On the coast, English is common at hotels and restaurants.
Time
UTC−6 all year; no daylight saving time.
Electricity
120 V, 60 Hz, type A and B plugs, as in the United States.
Driving
You can drive on your home licence as a tourist for up to 90 days.
Phone
Prepaid SIM cards from Kölbi, Liberty or Claro at the airports and supermarkets.
Tipping
Restaurant bills already include a 10% service charge and 13% VAT.
Water
Tap water is drinkable in most of the country; at the beach many prefer bottled.

Guanacaste is the north Pacific province: dry forest, savannah, beaches and the strongest sun in the country. The guanacaste tree is the national tree, and “pura vida” is not a slogan: it is how people greet each other.

06

What to bring

The short list. What comes in your package you get at kit pick-up.

Tick what you already have ready; the list is kept on this device.

0 of 10 ready

The bike
You
Paperwork

07

Race week

Two kit pick-ups, one in San José and one in Guanacaste, and two race days at Reserva Conchal.

  1. 24Apr · San José

    Race kit pick-up and TPR fair

    Race kit pick-up and TPR fair in San José, for those who live in the Central Valley.

    Add to my calendar

  2. Apr29 and 30 · Guanacaste

    Race kit pick-up and TPR fair

    Race kit pick-up and TPR fair in Guanacaste, for those arriving on those days.

    Add to my calendar

  3. April30 · Multi-stage (day 1)

    La Leyenda · 85 km

    The multi-stage starts at Reserva Conchal.

    Add to my calendar

  4. May1 · Short route, Long route, Multi-stage (day 2)

    La Huella · 51 km / El Legado · 87 km / El Legado · 87 km

    La Huella, El Legado and the second day of the multi-stage. Afterwards: hydration, medals, trophies, the Sunset Session and family activities.

    Add to my calendar

Start, pick-up and award times: the organisers publish them here and email them to you before the race.

All the dates

08

Health and safety

  • Medical support and an ambulance on the course, and aid stations with hydration and food.
  • Mechanical support and a broom wagon.
  • Insurance is included in every package.
  • Ride with your number on the bike and your wristband on all weekend.

Emergencies in Costa Rica911

Questions?

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