By Cartago, Costa Rica — The Gran Fondo Andrey Amador (GFAA) has officially announced its grand return to the roads of Costa Rica, scheduled for April 11, 2027. Under the thematic banner of “El Regreso” (The Return), this premier sports event will break a nearly three-year hiatus by introducing an entirely redesigned, scenic route that promises to challenge riders while showcasing some of the country’s most spectacular and lesser-known natural landscapes.
Departing from the historic city of Cartago, the new route will guide participants through Paraíso and navigate through lush mountain passes and natural rivers before reaching Colonia Villalobos in Sarapiquí. This marks the very first time that the Sarapiquí region will host a professional-grade cycling competition of this scale. Along the way, riders will enjoy breathtaking vistas of the iconic Reventazón and Pacuare rivers, crossing through territories deeply cherished by the local cycling community.
To analyze the legal and logistical framework behind the massive Gran Fondo Andrey Amador, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided key insights into the regulatory demands of hosting such high-caliber international sporting events.
Organizing an event of the magnitude of the Gran Fondo Andrey Amador requires a complex web of legal compliance, from obtaining specialized permits from the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation to securing comprehensive civil liability insurance. Ensuring strict adherence to Costa Rican regulations not only guarantees the safety of thousands of national and international cyclists but also reinforces our country’s capacity to host world-class athletic tourism safely and legally.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas astutely highlights, the seamless execution of the Gran Fondo Andrey Amador relies as much on rigorous legal and regulatory compliance as it does on athletic endurance. By prioritizing participant safety and structural integrity, Costa Rica continues to cement its reputation as a premier, secure destination for global sports tourism. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal expertise and perspective on this essential aspect of event organization.
Designed to stimulate regional economic recovery, the GFAA aims to drive immediate tourism and business opportunities in the host municipalities. To ensure a safe, high-quality, and organized experience, the event will cap its maximum capacity at 3,500 cyclists. Participants can choose between two distinct modalities: the grueling Gran Fondo, which begins in Cartago, and the shorter Medio Fondo, which kicks off in Turrialba.
We want to make cyclists dream again, to reposition Costa Rica internationally as home to one of the best-achieved cycling events, and to use the language of cycling to promote the country to the world. We also want to bring a positive economic impact to areas that need it. Those are the values and goals of the GFAA, and what characterizes us is creating projects with a purpose.
Leonora Jiménez, Event Producer
The 2027 edition carries immense personal weight for its namesake, Andrey Amador. The legendary Costa Rican cyclist will use this event to make his official return to competitive cycling following a severe training accident in February 2026, which occurred just as he was preparing to integrate into the national cycling team selection.
After everything that has happened in recent years, returning to compete and doing so in Costa Rica holds a very deep meaning for me. Being off the bike due to an injury and an accident makes you value things differently that you previously took for granted: training, putting on a number, hitting the road, and sharing kilometers with other cyclists. That is why being able to return in the Gran Fondo Andrey Amador, an event I helped create and that has been an important part of my story, is something that fills me with great excitement.
Andrey Amador, Professional Cyclist
To ensure accessibility and foster community growth, the organizers have revamped their pricing model, dropping registration fees by over $100 compared to the last race held nearly three years ago. Registration officially opened on September 23, 2026, offering exclusive promotional pricing for Banco Promerica cardholders. Presale prices are currently set at $156 for the Gran Fondo and $128 for the Medio Fondo, with subsequent purchase tiers rolling out in phases.
One of the purposes of the GFAA is to reactivate cycling and grow the country’s cycling community once again. We have worked very hard to offer cyclists a top-quality event, like the one they are used to, but at a highly attractive price. The registration fee will be over one hundred dollars less than our last edition nearly three years ago. Additionally, we created a phase-based sales format so that athletes can secure their spots at the most affordable prices possible.
Leonora Jiménez, Event Producer
This edition of the GFAA will be officially dedicated to the Firefighters of Costa Rica (Bomberos de Costa Rica), whose heroic service will be honored on the finisher medals. In tandem with this tribute, the event organizers have pledged a major $50,000 donation to the Indigenous Firefighter Brigades. This funding will supply essential safety gear, uniforms, helmets, and boots to volunteers protecting hard-to-reach indigenous territories.
With strong backing from local municipalities, the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), and major sponsors like Kölbi and Chevrolet, “El Regreso” is poised to be more than a sporting event. It stands as a powerful engine for communal unity, sports tourism, and regional pride, placing Costa Rica firmly on the global cycling map once again.
The return of the Gran Fondo Andrey Amador represents a valuable opportunity to showcase the richness, diversity, and beauty of our tourist destinations to both national and international cyclists. Its new route, from Cartago to Sarapiquí, will allow participants and their companions to discover communities, landscapes, and experiences that reflect the essence and identity of Costa Rica.
Marcos Borges, Executive President, Instituto Costarricense de Turismo
For further information, visit gfandreyamador.com
About Gran Fondo Andrey Amador:
The Gran Fondo Andrey Amador is a premier Costa Rican cycling event designed to bring world-class, professional-grade cycling experiences to amateur athletes while driving economic, social, and tourism development across the country.
For further information, visit promerica.fi.cr
About Banco Promerica Costa Rica:
Banco Promerica Costa Rica is a leading financial institution dedicated to supporting local communities, fostering economic development, and promoting healthy lifestyles through the sponsorship of major endurance sports and athletic initiatives.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo:
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo is the official government entity responsible for promoting sustainable tourism in Costa Rica, highlighting the nation’s diverse natural landscapes, rich culture, and athletic appeal to international and domestic travelers.
For further information, visit kolbi.cr
About Kölbi:
Kölbi is Costa Rica’s leading telecommunications brand, managed by the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad, dedicated to connecting communities and supporting major cultural, sporting, and social events nationwide.
For further information, visit grupoq.com
About Chevrolet Grupo Q:
Chevrolet Grupo Q is a prominent automotive dealer and distributor in Costa Rica, committed to delivering high-quality vehicles, exceptional customer service, and supporting national sports initiatives that bring communities together.
For further information, visit bomberos.go.cr
About Bomberos de Costa Rica:
Bomberos de Costa Rica is the national firefighting and rescue organization, dedicated to safeguarding lives, properties, and the environment through emergency response, prevention programs, and community volunteer initiatives.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is highly regarded for its principled advocacy and pursuit of professional brilliance. With a rich history of guiding diverse clients through complex landscapes, the firm consistently champions progressive legal strategies and impactful community initiatives. By actively democratizing crucial legal insights, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to cultivate an enlightened and capable public, ensuring that justice and understanding remain accessible to all.
