At a glance
- Distance
- ~28 km
- Climbing
- ~600 m
- Riding time
- ~2–3 h
- Level
- Hard
- Surface
- Dirt track
- Start
- Playa Blanca
- Best bike
- MTB
~ = approximate: distance and climbing change with your start point and the way you ride. Riding time is an estimate of time in the saddle, from a sporty to a relaxed rider on the best bike for the route, without wind or stops.
The ride
The Papagayo beaches are a string of coves east of Playa Blanca, in the protected area of Los Ajaches. The paved path ends at the Castillo de las Coloradas; from there you reach the beaches on dirt tracks, which makes them a mountain bike ride.
The loop from Playa Blanca through the hills of Los Ajaches is about 28 km with around 600 m of climbing. The tracks are loose and stony in places, and you may push on the steepest bits. It is not a ride for a road bike or a city bike.
On the way you pass Playa Mujeres, Playa del Pozo and Playa de la Cera before the Papagayo cove itself.
The way
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1. Playa Blanca
East along the coast path past the Marina Rubicón to the Castillo de las Coloradas.
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2. Playa Mujeres
Onto the dirt track to the first big beach.
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3. Papagayo coves
On along the track to Playa del Pozo, Playa de la Cera and Papagayo.
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4. Back to Playa Blanca
Loop back on the tracks through the hills, or ride back the way you came for an easier day.
Water
Take all your water from Playa Blanca: the tracks are bare, with no shade. Bring a lock for the beach stop; one comes with every bike we rent.
Tips
Go in the morning, before it gets hot and before the beaches fill up. Lower your tyre pressure a little for the loose tracks.
Papagayo questions
Can you cycle to the Papagayo beaches?
Can I ride to Papagayo on a city bike?
Do you deliver mountain bikes in Playa Blanca?
More cycling routes
-
Timanfaya and the lava fields
Through the black lava of the national park, past the salt pans and La Geria.
- Distance
- ~90 km
- Climbing
- ~1,000 m
- Riding time
- ~3.5–4.5 h
- Level
- Hard
Best bike: Road / e-bike
-
La Geria wine route
Vineyards in black volcanic ash, with bodegas to stop at.
- Distance
- ~31 km return
- Climbing
- ~350 m
- Riding time
- ~1.5–2 h
- Level
- Moderate
Best bike: E-bike / MTB
-
Puerto del Carmen to Arrecife
Flat seafront ride past the beaches and Playa Honda into the capital.
- Distance
- ~30 km return
- Climbing
- Almost flat
- Riding time
- ~1.5–2 h
- Level
- Easy
Best bike: City bike
Ride to Papagayo, we bring the bike
Mountain bike delivered to your hotel in Playa Blanca, free.
From €15 a day