Costa Rica Traverse

You will be met on arrival at San José International Airport (SJO) and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there may be some time to explore the sights of San José, visit a local café, or relax after your flight

Overnight: San José Sleep Inn or similar

Activity: Arrival transfer only

This morning you travel by bus from San José to the fishing village of Quepos, next to Manuel Antonio National Park, your last motorised vehicle for the next 10 days. On arrival, there’s time to relax, enjoy the beach, or explore the national park, famous for its abundant wildlife and coastal scenery. Before dinner we’ll check and set up the bikes ready for tomorrow’s ride, followed by the official trip briefing after dinner

Overnight: Kamuk hotel or similar, Quepos

Transfer San José to Quepos (approx. 3–4 hrs), bike set-up

The adventure begins! After an early start with fresh fruit and coffee, we set off by bike to climb into the steep mountains of Costa Rica’s sparsely populated Pacific coast. The hard work is rewarded with sweeping vistas. In the small town of Esquipulas, we pause for a hearty breakfast before swapping bikes for hiking boots. From here, we trek into the cool mountains of central Costa Rica, finishing the day in the valley of Naranjillo where we camp overnight

Overnight: Tented campsite, Naranjillo

Activity: Mountain biking (approx. 20 km / 12 mi), trekking (approx. 12 km / 7 mi)

Today’s trek takes us toward the central highlands, beginning with the challenge of the infamous “Cemetery Hill”- a strenuous 3 km / 1.8 mi climb. Along the way, we pass through coffee plantations and enjoy our final glimpses of the Pacific coast before heading inland. Reaching the pueblo of San Lorenzo, we switch to mountain bikes and continue riding to the quaint town of Santa María, where we refuel with a typical Costa Rican meal and rest overnight in comfortable local cabins

Overnight: Local cabins, Santa María

Activity: Trekking (approx. 14 km / 9 mi), Mountain biking (approx. 12 km / 7 mi)

Today brings the toughest climb of the traverse. Before breakfast we take on a demanding 14 km / 8.5 mi uphill stretch by mountain bike to the Continental Divide, reaching an altitude of 2,330 m / 7,644 ft – the highest point of the journey. From here, the reward is an exhilarating descent, with the remainder of the day spent biking downhill on dirt roads and single-track trails. By afternoon, we reach the lush Orosi Valley, a region of fertile pastures and coffee-covered hillsides, and settle in for the night in the town of Orosi

Overnight: Orosi lodge or similar

Activity: Mountain biking approx. 49 km / 30 mi (14 km 8.5 mi uphill, remainder downhill)

After breakfast, begin with a short mountain bike ride along the river into the Tapantí National Wildlife Refuge, an area of rugged terrain cloaked in dense primary rainforest. Leaving the bikes behind, continue on foot, trekking through a spectacular cloud forest where trees drip with moss, bromeliads, ferns and orchids. By late afternoon, emerge onto flatter ground and make camp near the small settlement of Humo

Overnight: Tented campsite, Humo

Activity: Mountain biking approx. 9 km / 6 mi; trekking approx. 17 km / 10.5 mi

After breakfast we continue mountain biking towards the whitewater 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 spotted with waterfalls. The rapids section of the river is approximately 30km of Class II-IV rapids. 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, take time to explore this lush environment first hand, looking out for toucans overhead or simply relaxing in a hammock to the sounds of the river.

Cycling distance: 46km. Whitewater rafting distance: 10kmAfter breakfast, continue mountain biking towards rafting “put-in”in La Cruz, the upper gateway to the Pacuare River. Here we stop for lunch before trading wheels for paddles, beginning our whitewater rafting journey down one of the world’s classic rivers. The afternoon is spent rafting through pristine rainforest and dramatic canyon cliffs, passing thundering waterfalls along the way. By late afternoon we arrive at El Nido del Tigre, a comfortable riverside camp nestled in the jungle. Here you can relax in a hammock by the river, or explore the lush surroundings for toucans, sloths, and other wildlife

Overnight: El Nido del Tigre Camp

Activity: Mountain biking approx. 43 km / 27 mi; rafting approx. 10 km / 6 mi (Grade 2–4)

Today is set aside to enjoy the natural beauty of the Pacuare Valley. From our riverside base at El Nido del Tigre Camp, you can hike forest trails to waterfalls, swim in crystal-clear pools, or play in the river’s gentle rapids. The surrounding rainforest remains largely untouched, offering a pure and immersive experience in nature. With hammocks strung between trees and the sounds of the river and wildlife all around, it’s a perfect day to relax and soak in this pristine setting

Overnight: El Nido del Tigre Camp

Activity: Hiking, swimming, and relaxation in the Pacuare Valley

Today the Pacuare River takes us deeper through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and steep canyon walls. Navigate exhilarating rapids, with calmer stretches offering a chance to glimpse into the rainforest at the water’s edge. Along the way, pause to hike to hidden waterfalls and enjoy a riverside lunch. By late afternoon, take-out near the banana plantations at Finca Pacuarito, where we spend the night

Overnight: Tented camp, Finca Pacuarito

Activity: Rafting approx. 20 km / 12 mi (Grade 2–4), plus short waterfall hike

The sweet taste of success! This morning ride by bike through banana plantations to the town of Freeman, where we begin the final leg of the traverse. Switching to kayaks, paddle down the lower Pacuare River, leaving the rapids behind as the water slows into the Caribbean lowlands. The landscape shifts from rainforest to endless banana fields as the river winds gently towards the sea. At last, we reach the Caribbean coast, celebrating with a toast on the beach to mark the completion of our epic journey. After time to relax by the shore, transfer by motorboat to Moín, then by vehicle to your hotel for a well-earned rest

Overnight: Moín hotel or similar, Moín

Activity: Mountain biking approx. 26 km / 16 mi; kayaking approx. 12 km / 7 mi

Enjoy a free morning to relax at the hotel or on the beach, soaking up the final moments of the Caribbean coast. After lunch, transfer back to San José (approx. 4 hrs), travelling through high cloud forest, misty mountains, and steep river-carved canyons, with spectacular views across Braulio Carrillo National Park

Overnight: Sleep Inn or similar, San José

Activity: Free morning; transfer to San José approx. 4 hrs

After breakfast, your trip concludes with a transfer to San José International Airport for your onward flight. If you are continuing your journey in Costa Rica, please enquire about additional trips and accommodation options available

Activity: Departure transfer only