Experience Costa Rica’s ultimate walking trip on a journey that crosses Central America’s narrow isthmus from the volcanic sands of Costa Rica’s Caribbean to the pounding Pacific Coast. This unique 10-day itinerary is an adventurous trek through the country’s mountains, rainforest, cloud-forest, coffee and banana plantations to reach the picturesque beaches of Manuel Antonio. Expect wonderful wildlife, rural communities and magnificent landscapes in a truly off-the-beaten track adventure.
Itinerary Highlights
Follow in the footsteps of the explorers across Costa Rica’s great divide.
Experience wonderful wildlife from howler monkeys to quetzals
Explore remote communities well off the beaten track
Finish up on the golden, tropical beaches of Manuel Antonio
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
Fully portered
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. You may like to walk only certain segments before moving onto another destination. It departs daily.
9
Nights
Price Guide
from $12,895 pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to San Jose
Day 2
Caribbean-Bound – the Boca Pacuare Reserve
The adventure begins with a scenic drive across to the pacific coast through the stunning Braulio Carrillo National Park . The journey takes you through rugged mountains, dormant volcanoes, and lush rainforests before dropping down into the Caribbean lowlands. At Muelle Goshen, you join a wildlife cruise and glide through the lush rainforest channels of the Madre de Dios River to reach your lodge within the Boca Pacuare Reserve. Time and energy allowing, you’ll have the chance to explore the captivating Caribbean beaches — a truly unforgettable experience if you arrive during the sea turtle nesting season (March to September).
Day 3
Hike to the Pacuare River
After awaking to symphony of howler monkeys and tropical birds outside your room, you are transferred to Linda Vista in Turrialba by river and road, the starting point for your wonderful walk. With your guide, you will set off into the hidden corners of Costa Rica, rarely seen by locals or visitors. Wandering through indigenous Tsiobata Cabecar villages amidst towering rainforest, you will cross the Pacuare River via a thrilling cable car ride, taking in the lush diversity of the surrounding jungle, where large morpho butterflies accompany you along the trail. Soon the forest gives way to rural farmland, with corn fields, banana and cassava plantations until you reach your river lodge, nestled along the banks of the majestic Pacuare River.
Day 4
Thrills on the Pacuare River
Trading your hiking boots for a paddle, you will set off on a thrilling 19-mile journey down the legendary Pacuare River through world-class Class III-IV rapids framed by cascading waterfalls, lush jungle, and vibrant wildlife. On reaching Siquirres, you will continue by road into the lush agricultural landscapes of Turrialba Valley under the commanding presence of Turrialba Volcano. Overnight at a charming hacienda where you can wander through the picturesque gardens or simply relax and soak in the beauty of this idyllic setting.
Day 5
El Humo to Tapanti National Park
After breakfast, you hit the trail again and hike 16km from the small village of el Humo to the entrance of the Tapanti National Park. The first part of the journey winds through coffee and sugar-cane plantations providing an authentic glimpse into the agricultural heart of Costa Rica before you ascend into the highlands and Costa Rica’s famous cloud-forest. Here the views open up across the dramatic mountains and keeping your eyes peeled, you may even spot colourful tanagers and hummingbirds or even the iconic Resplendent Quetzal. From here, the path drops into the beautiful Orosi Valley where you will be met and driven on a tranquil retreat surrounded by nature, a perfect place to relax and recharge.
Day 6
Cloud Forest Wonders in the Muñeco valley
After breakfast, you are driven to the quaint village of Muñeco de Navarro, the starting point for the day’s trek. Leaving the agricultural belt behind, you plunge back into glorious cloud-forest where you can marvel at the vibrant biodiversity: mushrooms sprouting along the path, tropical birds flittering amidst colourful flowers all under the canopy of towering old-growth trees. The trail climbs 1500ft up through numerous micro-climates and you are rewarded with breathtaking mountain views and wonderful flora and fauna from canopy orchids and “Barba de Viejo” epiphytes to bellbirds, humming-birds and quetzals. Finally, you reach the cooler cloud-forest belt of the Talamanca Mountains where you will be met and driven on to your lodge.
Day 7
Hike to San Pablo – Coffee Heaven!
An early birding tour gives you the chance to search for the elusive Resplendent Quetzal amidst the misty cloud forest, Costa Rica’s emblematic bird. From here, your begin your trek towards the country’s Pacific coast. As you descend to 1,800 meters, you’ll notice a dramatic shift in the weather, with temperatures becoming noticeably warmer. From the Cerro de la Muerte Highlands, you drop from oak trees, bamboo thickets, lush ferns and bromeliads into iconic coffee plantations where the fertile soil and temperate climate create the perfect environment for some of the world’s best coffee. Enjoy the changing scenery and the rich diversity of flora as you continue your descent into Copey.
Day 8
Napoles to Esquipulas – Journey to the Pacific Coast
The end of the journey approaches as you are driven to Napoles for the final leg which takes you through to the foothills of Esquipulas and the rainforest lowlands near Quepos. En route, you will visit Don Lilo and his wife Maria and learn about their coffee farm and traditional sugar-cane mill. Enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific framed against coffee plantations and towering mountains. A final transfer near Naranjito will take you all the way onto the coast but not before you stop at a small local bar for a “merecida cerveza” – or well-deserved beer!
Day 9
Journey End – Manuel Antonio
Finally a day to rest, enjoy the hotel facilities or wind-down on the beach. If you have the energy, you may like to head into the nearby Manuel Antonio National Park or take a boat trip into the bay for whale watching (according to the season), kayaking or snorkelling.
Day 10
Return to San Jose for Onward Connections
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide from 12,895 per person
When to travel
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Costa Rica enjoys a tropical climate year round which can be divided into a distinct dry and rainy season. The dry “summer” period runs from December to April and is the most popular time to travel. The wet season then corresponds from May to December and coincides with tempestuous downpours. Average temperatures range between 26°-28° throughout the year although it is obviously cooler in the highlands along the spine of the mountains.
Costa Rica in January, you'll want to prepare for warm and humid weather. The average temperature during this time of year ranges from 21°C to 32°C, with occasional rain showers to cool things down.
Costa Rica in February, you'll want to prepare for warm and sunny weather. The average temperature during this time of year ranges from 22°C to 33°C.
Costa Rica in March, you can expect warm and pleasant weather with an average temperature ranging from 22°C to 34°C. It's still important to pack light, breathable clothing and plenty of sunscreen as the sun can be quite strong.
Costa Rica in April, you can expect warm and comfortable weather with average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 35°C.
May, you can expect warm and pleasant weather with average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 34°C. It's still important to pack light, breathable clothing and plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun's strong rays.
Costa Rica in June, you can expect warm and comfortable weather with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 34°C. It's recommended to pack light, breathable clothing and plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun's strong rays. You may also want to bring a hat and sunglasses to make your trip more comfortable.
Costa Rica in July, you can expect warm and humid weather with average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C. It's recommended to pack light, breathable clothing and plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun's strong rays. You may also want to bring a hat and sunglasses to make your trip more comfortable. While rain showers are common during this time of year, it's always a good idea to pack a rain jacket or umbrella just in case.
Costa Rica in August, expect warm and humid weather with average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C.
Costa Rica in September, expect warm and humid weather with average temperatures ranging from 23°C to 31°C. It's best to pack light, breathable clothing to stay comfortable in the heat. Don't forget to bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Costa Rica in October, expect warm and humid weather with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C. It's best to pack light, breathable clothing to stay comfortable in the heat.
Costa Rica in November, expect warm and humid weather with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C.
Costa Rica in December, expect warm and humid weather with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 29°C. It's best to pack light, breathable clothing to stay comfortable in the heat. Don't forget to bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. While rain showers are common during this time of year, it's always a good idea to pack a rain jacket or umbrella just in case.
Add on’s
Prior to starting the trek, you might like to spend a few days at Arenal to get over the jetlag. Arenal also offers wonderful walking, rafting, biking and adventure activities – an ideal base for warming up the muscles before you set off on the trek.
Another option is fly to Tortuguero a few days earlier to give you more time to explore Costa Rica’s Caribbean.
Further afield, there are direct flights from San Jose throughout Central America including Mexico as well as non-stop links to Bogota in Colombia and Lima, Peru.
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