Costa Rica Traverse

Costa Rica Traverse

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tourhub | World Expeditions | Costa Rica Traverse | CRT tourhub | World Expeditions | Costa Rica Traverse | CRT

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12 Days From

$3870

Costa Rica Traverse

12 Days Starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica

Visiting: San Jose, Pacific Coast, Esquipulas, Naranjillo, Santa Maria, Orosi Valley, Tapantí National Wildlife Refuge, Pacuare River

Tour operator:

World Expeditions

Tour code:

CRT

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate to Challenging

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Cycling, Trekking

From: $3870

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the thrilling "Costa Rica Traverse" adventure, a dynamic journey through the heart of Costa Rica's stunning landscapes. This tour offers an exhilarating mix of trekking, biking, and rafting, taking you from the vibrant city of San Jose to the serene Caribbean Coast. Experience the breathtaking highlands, visit remote Indigenous communities, and explore the lush Cloud Forest teeming with exotic wildlife. Conquer the challenging terrains of the Continental Divide and navigate the exhilarating rapids of the Pacuare River. Enjoy a sea kayak adventure to the Caribbean's tidal mouth and unwind in the tranquil beauty of El Nido del Tigre. With experienced guides, quality accommodations, and all necessary gear provided, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Costa Rica's natural wonders.

Highlights

  • Trek and bike in the Costa Rica highlands

  • Visit remote Indigenous communities

  • Experience exotic wildlife and the Cloud Forest

  • Raft the exhilarating Pacuare River through spectacular canyons

  • Undertake a sea kayak adventure to the tidal mouth of the Caribbean Coast

  • Explore the vibrant city of San Jose

Itinerary

tourhub | World Expeditions | Costa Rica Traverse | CRT | Route Map

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Day 1 : Arrive In San Jose

Location: San Jose

Accommodation Name: hotel

You will be met on arrival at San Jose's international airport and taken to your hotel. Depending on arrival time you should have some time to explore the sights of San Jose.

Day 2 : San Jose - Pacific Coast

Location: Pacific Coast

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

We transfer from San Jose to the Pacific Coast. The drive takes us along the Pan American highway reaching heights of over 3000 metres before turning west to the coast. Upon arrival we have a chance to relax either at the pool or on the beach. In the late afternoon, we will meet for a bike fitting and a short warm up ride. After dinner the trip briefing will be held and your guide will outline the plans for the coming days.

Day 3 : Cycling From The Pacific Coast To Esquipulas

Location: Esquipulas

Accommodation Name: camp

This morning, we take the customary picture on the beach and begin the ride along a section of the Pan American highway. A few kilometers along the highway we turn off and ride along a dirt track beside the Savegre River. A few hours into the ride we get our first taste of Costa Rica’s undulating terrain as we head toward the mountains of the Pacific Coast. In the town of Londres we take a break and enjoy some local color before continuing our ride to camp in the small community of Esquipulas.
Cycling distance: 47km

Day 4 : Trekking From Esquipulas To Naranjillo

Location: Naranjillo

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a hearty breakfast, we begin the first full day of trekking into the mountains of Central Costa Rica. With only 16 kms to cover, there is plenty of time to enjoy the vistas of the rainforest covered mountains ahead of us and the beautiful Pacific Coastline behind us. The trek route takes us up to an altitude of over 800 metres before we drop back down into a valley to our camp in the community of Naranjillo.
Trekking distance: 16km

Day 5 : Trekking And Cycling From Naranjillo To Santa Maria

Location: Santa Maria

Accommodation Name: local cabins

Although today is challenging, our previous activities have stood us in good stead for our day’s mixture of trekking and biking. The day starts with a crossing of the Naranjillo River and a steep climb out of the valley along a trail through the rainforest. We will be trekking around 13 km in total today. At just over 1300 metres, the forest opens up to our first glimpse of Costa Rica’s abundant coffee industry. From here we continue trekking up and down through coffee plantations for several hours until we get to an altitude of 1950 metres. Here we switch back to biking and enjoy an exhilarating descent and ascents of 13 km on paved roads into the quaint village of Santa Maria where we refortify with some typical Costa Rican fare and rest up in comfortable local cabins.
Trekking distance: 13km, Cycling distance: 13km

Day 6 : Cycling Across The Continental Divide

Location: Orosi Valley

Accommodation Name: hotel

Today we tackle the hardest, steepest climb of our adventure. The challenge before breakfast is mountain biking a 14 km uphill stretch to the Continental Divide, bringing us to an altitude of 2330 metres - the highest peak of our journey. Following the rule that everything that goes up must come down, the remainder of the day is mountain biking at its best - mostly downhill on dirt roads and single-track trails. We finish the afternoon in the beautiful Orosi Valley where rich pastures and dark green forests of coffee carpet the land and we rest for the night in the town of Orosi after our exhilarating ride.
Cycling distance: 46km Cycling Terrain: The first 14 kms are all on paved roads, then a mix of paved roads and rubber roads.

Day 7 : Cycle And Trekking To The Reventazon Valley And On To Pejibaye

Location: Tapantí National Wildlife Refuge

Accommodation Name: local families

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We are amidst both cloud and rainforest today but by now we are well into our stride of climbing mountains. After breakfast, we mountain bike along a river to the Tapantí National Wildlife Refuge. This is an area of vast rugged terrain covered with dense primary rainforest. Leaving our bikes, we take to the mountains trekking amongst thousands of trees covered with ferns, bromeliads, mosses and other epiphytes until the small settlement of Taus, where we jump back on the bikes to continue with our last section of cycling on dirt roads to the town of Pejibaye, where local families will welcome us with fresh coffee. The group is then divided into different houses in the village where dinner and a bed are provided for the night and breakfast the following morning. This makes for a great cultural exchange so remember to bring your phrase books!
Cycling distance: 10km & 6km. Cycle Terrain: Paved roads and rubber roads. Trekking distance: 12km

Day 8 : Cycling To The Pacuare River And Whitewater Rafting

Location: Pacuare River

Accommodation Name: El Nido del Tigre

Meals Included: Lunch

After saying goodbye to your new Costa Rican family our day starts with cycling, followed by whitewater rafting. We begin the day’s bike (approx 40kms) towards the whitewater rafting put-in at La Cruz, which is the gateway to the raging Pacuare River. Here we have lunch and embark on a whitewater rafting journey through pristine rainforest. The rapids section of the river is approximately 30 kilometers of Class II-IV rapids. The Pacuare is the most scenic rafting river in Costa Rica and one the world’s classic whitewater experiences. By afternoon we arrive at our comfortable riverside camp, El Nido del Tigre. Nestled between the sounds of the rainforest and the hum of the river we take time to explore this lush environment and look out for wildlife such as Toucans overhead. Spacious tents on fixed platforms board the edge of the river and nestle in the surrounding forest. The camp is fully functional with its own supply of pure spring water, shower and sanitary facilities. The name of the camp, El Nido del Tigre, comes from the giant patches of ginger plants that carpet the main floor of the main area of the camp. When the ginger reaches a certain height it falls over creating flattened areas in the shape of a tiger’s paw - hence its name, which translates to “the nest of the tiger”. From the centre of the nest, trails radiate throughout the forest and along the river. There is an open area for those who like the odd game of ball or Frisbee. If this is too much after a day on the river, seek out one of our quiet reading areas, set yourself down with a refreshing drink and just ‘be’ for a while.
Cycling distance: 40km Cycling Terrain: Mostly paved roads but the last 8kms are downhill on rubber roads. Rafting distance: 10km

Day 9 : El Nido Del Tigre On The Pacuare

Location: Pacuare River

Accommodation Name: El Nido del Tigre

This is a well earned rest day although you can make it as active as you like. Your guides will be with you and so make the most of this free day at the camp by spending it enjoying El Nido del Tigre and the surrounding area. Hiking through the rainforest to a waterfall, floating down a rapid with just a life jacket, or relaxing in a hammock around the camp, are all possible activities.
Trekking distance: 12km

Day 10 : Rafting On The Pacuare River

Location: Pacuare River

Accommodation Name: Finca Pacuarito

Meals Included: Lunch

Today the Pacuare takes us through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons. We manoeuver through the exhilarating Class III and IV rapids and point out the intricacies of the rainforest at the river’s edge. The Class IV rapids are exciting and separated by calm stretches which enable you to stare at the near vertical green walls towering hundreds of metres above the river, which makes this a magnificent and unique river trip. Along the way we take time out to do some hiking to spectacular waterfalls and have lunch on the shore. Tonight’s camp marks the end of the rapids and the beginning of the banana lined slow moving waters of the Pacuare River. We take-out in the heart of banana plantation country at Finca Pacuarito, where we rest for the night before an early start in the morning.
Rafting distance: 17km

Day 11 : Cycling & Sea Kayak To The Caribbean Sea And Transfer To San Jose

Location: San Jose

Accommodation Name: hotel

THE SWEET TASTE OF SUCCESS...This morning we jump on our bikes for a short ride through banana plantations to the town of Goshen where we begin the final leg of the traverse in kayaks down the Pacuare leaving the rapids behind as the river eases into the Caribbean lowlands where banana plantations gradually swallow the receding rainforest. The river slows to a tranquil pace as we are rafting the last mile of the river, completing the mosaic of the landscapes we have experienced. At the end of the adventure, we reach the mouth of the Pacuare as it meets the Caribbean Sea, celebrating our passage with bubbly in the surf, while enjoying a well-deserved rest. After some time on the beach we are picked up by a motorboat and transferred down the canals to the coastal town of Caño Blanco where we are transferred back to San Jose.
Cycling distance: 27km Cycling Terrain: All rubber roads. Kayaking distance: 12km

Day 12 : In San Jose, Trip Concludes

Location: San Jose

You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    3 nights hotel

  • Experienced guides

    The tour includes experienced guides to assist throughout the journey.

  • Airport transfers

    Airport transfers are provided on days 1 and 12.

  • Private transport

    Private transport is included for the duration of the tour.

  • All group camping equipment

    All necessary group camping equipment is provided.

  • Summer sleeping bag & sleeping mat

    A summer sleeping bag and sleeping mat are included for camping.

  • Rafting gear and instruction

    Rafting gear and instruction are provided for the rafting activities.

  • Kayaking gear and instruction

    Kayaking gear and instruction are included for the kayaking activities.

  • Mountain Bikes

    Mountain bikes are provided for the cycling sections, but bicycle helmets are not included.

  • Support vehicle

    A support vehicle is available on the majority of bike sections, except for 1.5 hours between Santa Maria and the Orosi Valley.

  • International flights

    International flights are included in the tour package.

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What's Not Included

  • Bicycle helmet

    Bicycle helmets are not included and must be provided by the participant.

  • Christmas, New Year and Easter supplement

    A small peak season surcharge applies during Christmas, New Year, and Easter.

  • Meals not indicated

    Meals not indicated in the itinerary are not included.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Items of a personal nature such as phone calls and laundry are not included.

  • Tips & gratuities

    Tips and gratuities are not included in the tour package.

  • Visa

    Visa fees are not included and must be arranged by the participant.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is the responsibility of the participant.

What You Carry

In your daypack you will need to carry a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, lip balm etc.

Grading

To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the walking terrain, rafting or cycling as well as the altitude, the number of passes crossed and the length of the trek.
The Costa Rica Traverse trip is graded moderate to challenging as some days will certainly be very demanding. This is primarily due to the terrain and demanding nature of the trail which will test your resolve on some stages. Whilst walking in the jungle the trails are often poorly marked and often very slippery, with lots of hills. There is very little flat terrain on this trip! The rafting is also a factor of this grading with up to class IV rapids. In order to complete the trip we advise that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling and jogging, for at least one hour three or four times a week for at least three-six months prior to your departure. As this trip involves multi activity, we recommend you undertake the necessary cross training to feel comfortable and prepared for the rigours of rafting and sea kayaking (i.e. some upper body workout is advisable). This trip is often underestimated by participants and should be considered a true expedition.
Although prior experience is not necessary, it is important for all participants to be comfortable hiking for up to 8 hours per day, biking on steep tracks and comfortable in water. Please ensure you have read all the documentation (trip notes and pre departure information) thoroughly in order to understand exactly what this trip entails. Costa Rica is in the tropics, and is prone to wet/cool conditions at higher elevations and wet/humid conditions at lower elevations. Fitness is an important aspect of our trips. The fitter you are the more easily you will adjust and enjoy yourself. Resistance to cold and illness is also increased.

Wildlife

The wilderness areas of Costa Rica are populated by a vast variety of plant and animal species attracting nature lovers from all over the world. Costa Rica’s birdlife is incredibly large with 850 species being recorded. The country boasts 50 species of the hummingbird alone. There are over 600 species of butterflies, 1,200 species of orchids and 200 species of mammals including monkey, sloth, armadillos, coatis, peccaries, skunks and otters. This trip aims to view these animals in their natural habitat.

Mode of Transport

Travel in private transport with airport transfers on days 1 and 12. Enjoy mountain biking with support vehicles on most sections, except for a 1.5-hour stretch. Experience thrilling rafting and kayaking adventures with all necessary gear and instruction provided.

Accommodation

Enjoy good quality hotel accommodation and group camping with all necessary equipment provided, including summer sleeping bags and mats. Experience a unique stay at El Nido del Tigre, a comfortable riverside camp with spacious tents and full facilities.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of physical preparation is recommended for this tour?

    The Costa Rica Traverse is graded as moderate to challenging, with demanding terrain and activities such as trekking, biking, and rafting. It is recommended to undertake regular exercise like swimming, cycling, and jogging for at least one hour three or four times a week for three to six months prior to departure. Cross-training for rafting and sea kayaking is also advisable.

  • What wildlife can participants expect to see during the tour?

    Participants can expect to see a vast variety of plant and animal species, including 850 species of birds, 50 species of hummingbirds, over 600 species of butterflies, 1,200 species of orchids, and 200 species of mammals such as monkeys, sloths, armadillos, coatis, peccaries, skunks, and otters.

  • What should I carry in my daypack during the tour?

    In your daypack, you should carry a rain jacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables, and personal items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and lip balm.

  • What is the accommodation like during the tour?

    The tour includes good quality hotel accommodation, camping with all group camping equipment provided, and stays in local cabins and with local families for cultural exchange. There is also a comfortable riverside camp, El Nido del Tigre, with spacious tents on fixed platforms.

  • What kind of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 8 dinners. Meals not indicated are not included.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.

  • What about environmental impact?

    We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.

  • What should I pack?

    Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.

  • Are tips included in my trip price?

    Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.

  • Am I suited to small-group travel?

    We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.

  • Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?

    While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

E. Todd(Bromsgrove, UK)  

Costa Rica Traverse

05 Mar 2018

I would highly recommend this trip. It is challenging but not so tough that it's not possible to complete. JC was a great guide providing us with lots of information, keeping us informed on the days activities and where the tough bits would be. He also kept us safe while having a laugh throughout as well! We experienced a variety of weathers, terrains, wildlife, accommodation and food and loved every minute!

Corinne Wilson(Ottawa, Canada)  

Costa Rica Traverse

21 Feb 2023

That was an adventure! The Costa Rican company that organized the tour, did a wonderful job with all the logistics, not to speak of the scenic itinerary through the mountains. Our guide was absolutely amazing, in his knowledge of flora and fauna and of the country, in his skills as a cyclist, hiker, rafter, cook and most of all, as a person. All lodgings (hotel or camping) were great each in their own way, our guide’s and driver’s food was the most succulent.

Michael Harrison(Hove, United Kingdom)  

Costa Rica Traverse

6 Feb 2024

What a fantastic experience. Great combination of biking, trekking and rafting/kayaking. Amazing scenery, flora and fauna. Special shout out to our guide Manuel who was a joy to be with, kept us safe and provided expert local information. Huge thanks also to our brilliant driver/cook Memo and Abel who looked after us superbly on the white water rapids. Really a trip of a lifetime

Craig Holliday(Essex, UK)  

Costa Rica Traverse

11 Jan 2017

An amazing trip and a great way to see Costa Rica using your own power to get from coast to coast! Our trip leader JC was superb making sure we all loved our trip. A personal highlight was getting to swim in countless pristine waterfalls on the way, some really unspoilt paradise...

C. Holliday(Essex, UK)  

Costa Rica Traverse

11 Jan 2017

I had an amazing time in Costa Rica! The trip was great and I can’t speak highly enough of our guide Juan Carlos who was superb.

J. Porritt(Bournemouth, UK)  

Costa Rica Traverse

22 May 2019

A stunning trip with fantastic scenery and the friendliest people I have been lucky to meet. The guide Juan Carlos was extremely knowledgeable and showed us a huge variety of wildlife, fruits and vegetation. The bikes and rafts were excellent quality and I even enjoyed the rain!

Colin Jones(East Molesey, United Kingdom)  

Costa Rica Traverse

8 Feb 2023

The trip was a fantastic experience for the whole family. An exciting, challenging and well organised adventure. The guides looked after us very well. Highly recommended.

Carolina Rojas Malerba(Hoboken, TAS Australia)  

Costa Rica Traverse

10 Jan 2023

OMG! Best trip ever! We had Chris as our main guide and Jefrey and Darvin supporting. Our group was amazing and we finished the trip really feeling like a team. We crossed the whole country without putting a foot in a vehicle, only biking, hiking, rafting and kayaking. The tour is thought to give everyone enough time to accomplish this feat. Some days we woke up 530am in the morning, so we had enough time to enjoy the ride and be able to get to the next stop. It is quite physically challenging, bike sections as well as hiking are very steep. I strongly recommend some preparation before signing up. There is no need from specific training, but you have to be relatively fit. The majority of the nights we spent in campings. You will see they say the guides will cook. When I read that the first time I was like "oh boy, this is not going to be good". Darvin was the main cook in the camping, OMG! I wanted to bring him home!!! Seriously, best food ever! A week after coming back I was already missing him. Jefrey was the rafting guide for my boat and he was phenomenal. Really knows his stuff. And Chris... what to say about this guy? The way he guided the tour made us feel like a team and he knows this route as the back of his hand, having done it for several years. Strongly recommend this tour!!!

D. Birch(Clifton, New Zealand)  

Costa Rica Traverse

04 Dec 2019

Well-organised, great food, a wide variety of interesting accommodation, good exercise, and a brilliant knowledgeable guide with a great sense of humour!

H. Clark(Chesham, UK)  

Costa Rica Traverse

10 Dec 2019

A thoroughly enjoyable trip that I couldn't recommend more highly. Tito and Vito looked after us really well throughout the trip. Tito's energetic and knowledgeable guiding really added to the trip and Vito's cooking was delicious! We had a good sized group of 8 (including guide & support crew) which worked really well and meant that there was hardly any waiting around and we all got on very well too. We stayed in some stunning locations, particularly the rafting campsite - El Nido del Tigre. It was lovely to see toucans flying overhead whilst we relaxed after our trek to the beautiful waterfall. All in all a fantastic holiday!

Read all 12 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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