Mountain Biking In Nicaragua

Nicaragua has one the best trails for mountain biking in the world and its tough and difficult terrain, along with long range of accessible mountains, make it a popular destination for biking enthusiasts from around the world. Along the several routes for mountain biking in Nicaragua, you will be able to enjoy breathtaking sights of rivers, lakes, coffee estates and beautiful pineapple plantations as well.

The biking network even goes through urban landscapes and also mountains and hills situates near the mighty and majestic Pacific Ocean. There are many biking competitions held there throughout the year, which are organized by the government as well as private and local organizations to promote mountain biking tourism in the country.

Mountain Biking in Nicaragua

People from around the world participate in those tournaments which are held in various seasons throughout the year. Thus Nicaragua is a dreamland for people who enjoy mountain biking. There are many travel operators in the country who also organize mountain biking trips for tourists from around the world. They offer all the necessary equipment needed to enjoy the experience of biking in the beautiful scenic mountains of the country. They also offer guidance and training to amateur biking enthusiasts. So, if you are a mountain biking enthusiasts and want to learn this sport, you must go to Nicaragua. There are many schools and professional institutes which teach this sport to beginners.

Here are some things you need to be aware of before going on such tours:

If the altitude can be an ally in the preparation phase, the high mountains may also conceal some pitfalls that you should know about, in order to avoid them.

Usually, many biking enthusiasts prefer staying in any of the hotels and resorts, attached to biking institutes, situated in high altitudes. They are located in different parts of the country and especially around Lake Nicaragua in Granada. Staying at a high altitude cycling institute has several advantages and disadvantages. It helps to acclimatize with the mountain weather before any effort in the mountains. Over the days, the body adapts, heart rate and breathing stabilizes and you get accustomed to the conditions. However, you might run out of steam and become less effective.

When you climb the highest passes of Nicaragua (about 2500 meters), the rate of oxygen in the air drops to only 75% (relative to sea level), thus making it difficult to continue. Before any extended stay at 2000 meters or more, precautions are necessary. Even if you're healthy, an exercise test is recommended especially if you are 40 years or more, and if you have asthma or any other lung diseases. Great caution, renunciation is necessary if you suffer from chronic bronchitis or any other type of respiratory failure or heart failure.

What to expect?

During your trip, you will come across breathtaking views of lakes, valleys, hills and mountains. Usually, the trail will not be too long. For example, the biking trail from Pueblo Viejo to Managua is about 12 miles long. If you want, you can also camp in the forest along the way and spend some time amidst nature.

Go equipped

Remember to use plenty of sunscreen (the sun's rays are more dangerous in the mountains than they are in the plain). Do not leave the hotel without your sunglasses and a helmet; slide a windbreaker in the pocket of your jersey for the descent, sip it from time to time, to keep your body hydrated. And never take the road if the weather threatens to be dangerous. Finally be aware that the risk of getting acute mountain sickness is almost zero if you stay below the height of 2000 meters.