Costa Rica Coast to Coast Adventure

Difficulty level

Rated 'high'.

The Costa Rica Coast to Coast Challenge is graded as ‘Tough’ and preparation is key to help you get the most enjoyment and reward from this challenge. A good level of fitness and endurance is required in order to complete this multi activity challenge. A training programme will be provided when you book onto this trip.

Mountain biking

Whilst the mountain biking is not on technical trails, some sections are on gravel and rough tarmac, so it advisable that you train on a variety of terrains including gravel trails or bridleways to get accustomed to cycling on this terrain. There are some steep sections to test your stamina though the views are spectacular through rainforests, farmlands, villages and vast countryside. 

Trekking

The trekking sections are not technically difficult, though you must have good level of fitness in order to manage sections of the trip particularly in the heat. During the trek you will be required to carry your own kit including snacks, drinking water, wet weather gear and personal items such medication and of course your camera.

Whitewater rafting

Experience of whitewater rafting is not necessary but you will be paddling and balancing for the majority of time that you are on the raft so fitness and stamina are key. The Pacuare River is a class III – IV river. Grade IV: These rivers are considered to be challenging, with long stretches of rapids with irregular waves. The courses to take on these rivers will have various obstacles and obstructions may be hidden and unseen underneath the waves. You will be accompanied by experienced guides throughout your rafting legs.

Kayaking

For the grand finale section of kayaking, again you do not need previous paddling experience, however a good level of strength is required to kayak the river to reach the Caribbean. There’s a great opportunity of wildlife spotting during both paddling sections.

Training programme

A bepsoke training programme will be provided when you join this trip to help you with your preparations. There are also exclusive offers with Training Partners and Communities – Her Spirit and Strength and Movement Coach, Peter Lant.

Train hard, smile harder and enjoy the journey!

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Juan Santamaría International Airport
Río Segundo
Costa Rica

Itinerary

• Day 1 | Day flight from UK to Costa Rica

  Flight from London UK to San Jose Juan Santa Maria (SJO) approx 10 – 12 hours.

  On signing up for the trip, you will be provided with the recommended flights to book or alternatively, the flights will be booked for you through the ATOL protected Flight Agent at an additional cost. Flights are not included to give you the flexibility to travel from your nearest airport, use any frequent flyer points or extend your stay in Costa Rica or nearby countries if you wish. The recommended flights for this will include airport transfers in Costa Rica. 

  Arrive in Costa Rica, meet the team and trip briefing.

  Included:

  Transfer: For those who are on the trip's recommended flight from the UK to San Jose, you will be met at the airport by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in San Jose. For those of you who are not on or near this flight arrival, you can simply catch a taxi or bus to the hotel. Free time in San Jose.

  Accommodation: Hotel in San Jose (twin share basis).

  Meals: No meals included. Dinner at your own expense in a local restaurant.

• Day 2 | Warm-up day - Manuel Antonio National Park

  Your challenge begins on the stunning Pacific Coast. After leaving San José by bus – your final motorised journey for the next 10 days – you’ll arrive at the picturesque fishing village of Quepos, located next to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park. Spend your afternoon relaxing on the beach or exploring the park, known for its incredible wildlife. Before dinner, you’ll have time to check and set up your bike, ensuring it’s ready for tomorrow’s early start. After dinner, you’ll gather for the official trip briefing.

  Included:

  Transfer: Transfer from San José to Quepos.

  Accommodation: Lodge (twin share basis).

  Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

• Day 3 | Pacific Coast to Naranjillo (bike 19K/12 miles + trek 14K/9 miles)

  Your adventure kicks off with an early start and a light buffet of fresh fruit and coffee to fuel your day. You’ll set off on your bike, tackling the steep climbs of the sparsely populated Pacific Coast. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views that make the effort worthwhile. In the quaint town of Esquipulas, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast, take a well-earned rest, and prepare your day pack for the next stage of the journey. Swapping your wheels for hiking boots, you’ll trek into the cool, lush mountains of Central Costa Rica. The day ends with a night of camping in the serene valley of Naranjillo.

  Included:

  Accommodation: Camp.

  Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Day 4 | Naranjillo to Santa Maria - Pacific slopes (trek 12K/7 miles + bike 14K/9 miles)

  Your day begins with a trek toward the Continental Divide, where you’ll take on the infamous “Cemetery Hill,” a challenging 13km climb that will test your endurance. From there, you’ll continue to the pueblo of San Lorenzo, where you’ll switch to mountain bikes for the journey to the charming village of Santa Maria. Here, you’ll refuel with delicious, traditional Costa Rican cuisine and rest for the night in cosy local cabins.

  Included:

  Accommodation: Local cabins (twin share).

  Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Day 5 | Orosi Valley - up and over the Continental Divide (bike 49K/30 miles)

  Today, you’ll face the steepest and most demanding climb of the journey. Before breakfast, you’ll tackle a 14km uphill mountain biking stretch to the Continental Divide, reaching an altitude of 2,330 metres – the highest point of the entire adventure. But as the saying goes, what goes up must come down. The rest of the day offers the thrill of mountain biking at its finest, with exhilarating descents on dirt roads and single-track trails. By afternoon, you’ll arrive in the breathtaking Orosi Valley, where lush pastures and deep green coffee plantations blanket the landscape. You’ll end the day resting in the charming town of Orosi.

  Included:

  Accommodation: Lodge or hotel (twin share basis).

  Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

• Day 6 | Humo - through the valley to the Tapanti are (bike 9K/6 miles + trek 17K/10.5 miles)

  After breakfast, you’ll set off on your mountain bike, following a scenic route along a river to the Tapantí National Wildlife Refuge. This rugged expanse is blanketed with dense, untouched rainforest. Leaving your bike behind, you’ll trek into the mountains, surrounded by towering trees adorned with ferns, bromeliads, mosses, and other epiphytes – a stunning display of primary cloud forest ecology. As the day winds down, you’ll descend to flatter terrain, where you’ll camp near the small settlement of Humo.

  Included:

  Accommodation: Camping.

  Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Day 7 | Pacuare River (bike 43K/27 miles + raft 10K/6 miles)

  After breakfast, you’ll hop back on your bike and ride toward La Cruz, the starting point for your whitewater rafting adventure on the mighty Pacuare River. Following a hearty lunch, you’ll gear up and hit the water, paddling through breathtaking rainforest and canyon cliffs adorned with roaring waterfalls. By the afternoon, you’ll arrive at El Nido del Tigre, a cozy riverside camp nestled in the heart of nature. Here, you can explore the lush surroundings in search of toucans, boa constrictors, and sloths, or unwind in a hammock, letting the hum of the river and the sounds of the rainforest surround you.

  Included:

  Accommodation: El Nido del Tigre camp.

  Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Day 8 | El Nido Del Tigre - free day where you can hike to waterfall, swim in natural pools, or relax in a hammock

  Today is all about embracing the tranquillity of your surroundings at this stunning riverside retreat on the banks of the Pacuare River. You’ll have time to hike through the hills, explore pristine primary rainforest, and take refreshing swims in the river. Discover waterfalls and crystal-clear swimming holes with water so pure you can drink it (most of the year). This untouched rainforest remains in its natural state, with minimal disruption to preserve its beauty. The campsite, El Nido del Tigre, is named after the giant ginger plants that blanket the area. With only a small number of guests, this secluded spot offers a profound sense of peace, letting the purity of nature inspire your day and fill your dreams at night.

  Included:

  Accommodation: El Nido del Tigre camp.

  Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Day 9 | Pacuare River (raft 20K)

  Today, you’ll paddle along the breathtaking Pacuare River, winding through untouched rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic river-carved canyons. You’ll navigate exhilarating rapids that get your adrenaline pumping, while the calmer sections offer the chance to glimpse the lush rainforest at the water’s edge. Along the way, you’ll pause for a hike to explore spectacular waterfalls and enjoy a riverside lunch. By late afternoon, you’ll reach the take-out point at the edge of the banana plantations at Finca Pacuarito, where you’ll settle in for a well-deserved night of rest.

  Included:

  Accommodation: Camping.

  Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Day 10 | Caribbean Coast (bike 26K/16 miles + kayak 12K/7 miles)

  The sweet taste of success!
  This morning, you’ll hop on your bike for a short ride through banana plantations to the town of Freeman, where the final leg of your journey begins. Switching to kayaks, you’ll paddle down the Pacuare River, leaving the rapids behind as the water calms and the landscape transforms. The rainforest fades into the expansive Caribbean lowlands, with banana plantations dominating the horizon. As the river slows to a tranquil pace, you’ll raft the last mile, completing the breathtaking mosaic of landscapes you’ve experienced throughout your adventure.

  At last, you’ll reach the mouth of the Pacuare River, where it meets the Caribbean Sea. Here, you’ll celebrate your incredible achievement with a toast of bubbly on the beach. After some time to soak it all in, a motorboat will pick you up for the transfer to Moin, from where you’ll journey by vehicle to the beach for your next steps.

  Included:

  Transfer: Motorboat transfer followed by road transfer to your accommodation near the coast.

  Accommodation: Hotel (twin share basis).

  Meals: Breakfast and lunch. Please note, the celebratory dinner is at your own expense to enable you to order the meal of your choice in a local restaurant after completing such an epic challenge.

• Day 11 | Caribbean Coast - free morning/afternoon transfer back to San Jose

  Spend your morning unwinding at the hotel or soaking up the sun on the beach. After lunch, you’ll begin the journey back to San José, a scenic drive of about four hours. Along the way, you’ll be captivated by the stunning landscapes as you pass through high cloud forests, misty mountains, steep river-carved canyons, and the breathtaking beauty of Braulio Carrillo National Park.

  Included:

  Transfer: To San Jose.

  Accommodation: Hotel (twin share basis).

  Meals: Breakfast only.

• Day 12 | Return home

  Filled with an immense sense of pride, stories to share & inspire, memories to cherish and newfound friends, you will return home to the UK or continue on your travels.

  Included:

  Transfer: Airport transfer.

  Accommodation: NA.

  Meals: Breakfast only.

Included

Before your adventure

• Personalised trip support before you go
• Multi-activity training guide
• Exclusive discount on kit and equipment from independent outdoor retailers
• Trip info supplied via the free mobile travel app
• Public liability insurance
• Financial Protection for your booking
• Monthly payment plan available
• Risk assessment and emergency planning
• Free Water-to-Go Bottle

During your adventure

• Accommodation - 5 nights in hotels/lodges, 5 nights in campsites and 1 night in a local cabin
• UK Expedition Leader (10 or more people)
• Expert English-speaking local Costa Rican guide Wilderness First Responder qualification
• Local crew including whitewater guides, drivers and support crew
• Full back-up support including vehicle, first-aid qualified crew and first-aid supplies
• All camping equipment except sleeping bag and sleeping mat
• All equipment hire – mountain bike, white-water raft, kayak, buoyancy aids and paddles
• Mountain bike - Trek 4300-4500 (27 shift) or similar; every bike has front suspension and disc brakes; you are welcome to bring your own pedals/seats/accessories
• Luggage transfers
• Entrance permission/taxes to national parks
• Transfers in a private vehicle, as per the itinerary
• Most meals as per the itinerary (11 x breakfasts, 8 x lunches, 7 x dinners)
• Drinking water, fresh fruit, and snacks at the checkpoints
• All challenge management

Not Included

• Return flights and travel to and from UK airport (flights can be arranged for you if required)
• Airport departure tax in Costa Rica (please check with your flight agent if this has been included in your flight price)
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Vaccinations
• Clothing and equipment listed on your Kit List including a cycling helmet (mandatory)
• Meals not included in your itinerary
• Single room supplement
• Any personal snacks, electrolytes and medication
• Personal spending money
• Tips for local crew. It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Also if you feel your local guides and drivers did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated.
• Any other items not listed on your itinerary
• Any expenses incurred due to leaving the trip early ie. hotel accommodation or change of flight costs

Impressively around 25% of Costa Rica’s landmass has been set aside as protected reserves, the largest percentage of protected area anywhere in the world. Costa Rica is known for its sustainable methods and peaceful attitude. The small Central American nation is consistently making headlines for its ground-breaking movements to protect the environment, without forsaking its people’s happiness in the process.

This trip actively strives to support such forward thinking countries to help drive their tourism economy and hence, the local people and communities involved. Here are some of the reasons why Costa Rica is one of the most sustainable travel destinations you may ever have the privilege to visit.

Sustainability

• Renewable energy

  Costa Rica was almost exclusively (99.62%) powered by renewable energy in 2019, a remarkable feat considering the country is still technically a developing nation. Investing heavily into hydropower, solar power and wind power, alongside the assistance of six volcanoes for geothermal energy, has facilitated this milestone achievement. The country aims to be carbon neutral by 2025 and looks set to achieve this goal.

• Reforestation

  Costa Rica has managed to increase forest cover by 30% over the last 30 years. Only South Korea and Costa Rica have been able to reverse the worldwide trend of deforestation, a hugely commendable achievement. This is largely due to a government scheme providing farmers with grants for every hectare of rainforest they preserve. This is particularly important for farmland that is between national parks, creating buffer zones for wildlife travelling between the parks.

  Farmers are also rewarded for sustainable practices and for replanting forests. Costa Rica puts a price tag on environmental services provided by rainforests, not just tourism, and this has proven very successful.

• No to plastic

  Costa Rica is already a pioneer when it comes to reducing single-use plastic and is taking dramatic action against plastic waste with a plan to ban all single-use plastics by 2021. This includes straws, bottles, cutlery, cups and bags.

  The government is offering incentives to businesses, as well as investing in research into alternatives to single-use plastics in order to achieve its goal.

  To help eliminate our plastic footprint in such a pristine and green destination, when you book on this adventure you well receive a complimentary Adventurous Ewe Water-To-Go Bottle to help with our mission below:

  - Protect our planet by offering an environmentally friendly reusable water bottles as an alternative to single-use plastic bottles

  - Protect your health and well-being by offering safe, healthy water anywhere in the world

  - Protect your finances by delivering clean water at a fraction of the cost of bottled water.

  Together, the consumption of single use plastics can be dramatically reduced to support the responsible travel ethos of ‘Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but boot-prints, keep nothing but memories’ whilst also supporting the ban of single use-plastic in Costa Rica.

Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but boot-prints

A challenge you can trust

• AITO member

  This challenge is a member of AITO (The Specialist Travel Association) following an in-depth application process. As a quick overview, the membership is formed of companies, usually owner-managed like this one, who create travel experiences with the highest levels of professionalism, quality travel experiences and excellent personal service. The Association also promotes the unique range of its members’ travel packages and encourages the highest standards in all aspects of tour operating. This membership also dictates that the challenge and travel arrangements have financial protection.

• Finanical Protection through ABTOT

  This challenge organiser is a member of ABTOT with membership number 5604. The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. In the event of insolvency, protection is provided for non-flight packages.

  ABTOT cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if transportation was included in your package. Please note that bookings made outside the UK are not protected by ABTOT.

• Secure online payments

  All bookings can be made online with Mastercard, Visa and debit card or via BACS. You can also opt to pay via monthly instalments. Stripe handles all of the online payments as it is a payment platform which is one of the world leaders in payment processing, offering superior security for both you and the provider..

• Pay in instalments, interest-free

  Adventures can be a significant investment so this makes it easy to afford. Once you’ve put down your deposit, you can pay the remaining balance off in monthly instalments with no extra charges so you can get out there and live your dream.

Costs

5 Stars - based on 40 user reviews:

The communication is exemplary; from my initial inquiry about the trek, to organising my travel plans and what I needed to bring, and to messaging when I got home to see if I was well, is above and beyond my expectations. The ethics helped me to feel like I got to see the Atlas Mountains from a view more closely aligned with the locals. Each person I met from the airport transfers, to the host, travel guide, chefs and all those supporting them, were friendly and welcoming, and every aspect of this trip was seamless. Abby K-H

Just back from a life-changing and iconic expedition with to climb Yala Peak (5550m) in Nepal with a 15-woman team. I knew it was going to be a very special journey because we were honouring Japanese climber Junko Tabei who made the first female ascent of Mount Everest 50 years ago, and also to pay tribute to the people of the Langtang Valley who are rebuilding their villages and their lives after the devastating earthquake 10 years ago. But the expedition far surpassed my dreams! ...the trip brought joy, meaning, friendship and 'glory' to all of us. What rewards!  It doesn't get better than that. I highly recommend. Rosemary J B

From the moment I decided to do this amazing trip the team have been unbelievably supportive and their comms cannot be faulted... I would highly recommend. Eileen H

The whole trip was superbly organised and the team working on the ground were nothing short of fantastic, nothing was too much trouble. Aeysha T

Really personal communication from first contact and loved everything about the company. Outstanding local guide, great itinerary and small group size... Overall a company that makes you feel really valued and that offers really well thought out experiences. Dan B

Absolutely phenomenal company surrounded by the most kind and professional individuals you would ever meet. From my inquiry to the planning and discussion of some individual challenges to doing the Mount Toubkal Trek, I have been extremely impressed by the patience and support I was given by the staff and the guides. As a result, we had the most unforgettable experience, and I am extremely grateful. Tania P

I was impressed with the level of pre-trip communication and advice. The trip was well organised, and the mountain leader was excellent. Catherine T

We had great communication before which prepared us for what we would need on the day and help if needed was available throughout the tour. All equipment was great, lunch was tasty, and the order of events worked perfectly. We will absolutely be booking another trip soon. Thank you everyone. Gemma O

Fantastic company with a huge range of challenges. Highly recommend. Ashley H

Brilliantly organised challenge. All of us at Dynamo were very impressed with the friendly, accommodating team who went out of their way to make sure our multi-stage event ran smoothly and was a huge success. Many thanks from all of us. Sarah F

Reviews taken from Facebook