Considered the first and original multi-stage Mountain Bike Competitions in the World, La Ruta de los Conquistadores (Conquerors Route) in Costa Rica celebrates 25 years.

This sporting event was created in 1993 by Román Urbina and a group of athletes that wanted to travel the path of the Spanish conquerors and crossing Costa Rica from coast to coast.

Three days, 225 kilometers, across 5 mountain ranges, rivers, 9 of the country’s microclimates, these characteristics make La Ruta one of the toughest athletic events in the planet.

La Ruta 2017 will take place from November 2 to November 4 and to celebrate the 25 years of its existence it will have new routes.

The competition is divided in three stages, the first one scheduled on Thursday, November 2 the “Juan de Cavallón” route starts at the Crocs Hotel in Jaco Beach, Puntarenas at 5:30 a.m. and will conclude 95 kilometers later (59 miles) at Hacienda El Rodeo in Ciudad Colón, San José.

The second stage “Perafán de Rivera” leaves from Terramall in Tres Ríos, San José at 5:00 a.m. and concludes at Catie, Turrialba, Cartago, after 76 kilometers (47 miles) of competition.

The third and final stage “Juan Vazquez de Coronado” on Saturday, December 4 leaves from Siquirres, Limón at 8 a.m. and finishes at Playa Bonita, Puerto Limón with a total of 59.2 kilometers (37 miles).

Many competitors register but not all are able to finish; this year La Ruta de los Conquistadores opened a different category denominated Adventure Category designed for those that practice MTB and want to take part of La Ruta but are not ready to complete the entire route. This event involves a total of 152 kilometers divided in three stages.

The rest of the 2017 categories include: Elite runners; U18, Couples, Single Speed, Fat Bikes and age groups: 19 to 29; 30-39; 40 to 49, 50-59, and 60+.