Costa Rica Coast to Coast

Today is a chance to adjust to the new time zone, check kit and have a full briefing on the coming expedition. Then, in the afternoon, there will be time to prepare the kayaks and the bikes in advance of an early start tomorrow.

Located on the borders of the Talamanca Mountain Range, the Pacuare River is noted for its well-preserved rainforest, as well as for being one of the best spots in the region for kayaking and rafting.

Today will see you kayak 10kms, starting from the Pacuare River mouth, in the Caribbean lowlands, before ending at Freeman. You’ll cover a particularly scenic stretch of the Pacuare River, as you paddle along channels flanked by dense rainforest that gradually recedes and gives way to banana plantations and cultivated fields as you approach Freeman.

On reaching Freeman, you’ll be met by the support vehicle carrying your bikes and, after lunch and time to change into your biking gear, embark on a 35km ride along a mostly flat route with a few fun river crossings – be prepared to get your feet wet! The journey ends with your return to Finca Pacuarito Camp, where you spend a second night.

This initial rainforest hike is a chance to witness the real Costa Rica and its many varieties of fauna and flora. Costa Rica contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity; around 25% of the country’s land is in protected national parks, a small section of which you’ll discover today.

There will be time to stop during the course of the 18km route to take in the scenery, catch your breath and have a picnic lunch. Expect to arrive at Barbilla Park Station, where you camp tonight, late this afternoon.

You can expect to reach El Nido del Tigre Camp, which takes its name from the giant patches of ginger plants that carpet the ground beneath it, in time for a late lunch. From the centre of the camp, clearly-marked trails radiate out into the rainforest, hiding secluded waterfalls and swimming holes.

This will be a tough day, but the dramatic views will be stunning enough to take your mind off the often-steep climbs.

The final section of today’s ride is a relatively flat trundle along a quiet and picturesque lakeside road on the run into Orosi, where you spend the evening at the comfortable Tetey Lodge.

After a 6am breakfast and 7am start, you shall ride out of Orosi for 15km before dismounting to climb on foot an approx. 70% gradient hill for 4.5km. At the top you will once again meet the bikes ahead of a well-earned downhill ride into Estreya for lunch.

Around 1pm you’ll ride out of Estreya and straight into a tough climb of 10.5km, followed by a long and steep ascent of 15km. The day is mountain biking at its best – downhill and uphill on dirt roads and single-track trails. You’ll finish this afternoon in the beautiful Santa Maria de Dota, a picturesque town that lies in a green valley surrounded by coffee plantations, forested hills, and distant mountain peaks. It will feel very busy after your time in the rainforest!

You stay tonight at the cosy and rustic Cecilia Cabins.

In Rio Naranjo, swap your bike for a water raft and embark on a 10km course through Class IV rapids. Between runs, you will witness untouched tropical forest yielding various species of birds, such as the keel-billed toucan, kingfisher and several varieties of hummingbird.

Mid-afternoon, you will leave the river and remount your bike for a final 15km ride into Manual Antonio. The day ends with a ride on to the beach where you can dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean, completing your coast to coast journey!

This evening you stay at the Hotel El Faro, or similar, in Manual Antonio. There will be a celebratory dinner to celebrate your achievement. Well done!

Please inform us if you wish to extend with more time in Costa Rica – beach or wildlife.