- Overview
- Map & Itinerary
- Essential Info
- Pics & Vids
- Dates & Prices
Costa Rica Coast to Coast Highlights
- Conquer this epic 250km coast to coast journey in Costa Rica under your own steam
- Mountain bike, hike, white-water raft and kayak across Costa Rica Coast to Coast
- Discover amazing landscapes and wildlife from the Pacific Coast to the Caribbean
- Explore Manuel Antonio National Park, perfect for sloth and monkey spotting
- Cross the impressive Continental Divide
- Experience your own Indiana Jones style film set as you raft through deep gorges and virgin jungle of the Pacuare River
- Plunge into sparkling clear natural waterfalls and pools
- Camp under a star filled sky in the pristine jungle camp at El Nido del Tigre
- Enjoy the well earned celebrations on kayaking to the Caribbean Sea
- Receive a complimentary Water-To-Go Bottle to help illuminate our plastic footprint in Costa Rica.
Overview
Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean on the other, Costa Rica is a small country that packs a lot in. A diverse and awe-inspiring fusion of high mountains & volcanoes, vast virgin rainforests, stunning coastlines, roaring rivers and home to half a million animal species. Impressively around 25% of the country’s landmass has been set aside as protected reserves, the largest percentage of protected area anywhere in the world. Costa Rica certainly positions itself for the ultimate epic adventure in the heart of Central America.
Now’s your chance to embark on this exciting self-powered coast to coast adventure as you bike, hike and paddle 250km across Costa Rica from the Pacific to the Caribbean. Your journey will take you under thriving jungle canopies, over the impressive Continental Divide – backbone of the Americas, swooshing along the beautiful Pacuare River, through remote and friendly mountain villages and out to the other side to the Caribbean Sea. All whilst trying to catch a glimpse of some remarkable wildlife, sleeping under a vast blanket of star filled skies and using all your strength and determination to complete this incredible journey under your very own steam.
Our Costa Rica Coast to Coast itinerary has been carefully designed in association with our fantastic local team who completed the first coast to coast crossing of Costa Rica in 1996. Your adventure will be fully supported by both a qualified UK Mountain, Bike & Kayak Guide together with a Local Costa Rican Guide and team.
Arrival in Arrival in San José Costa Rica
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Costa Rica – a land of lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, exotic wildlife and pura vida spirit, where coastlines meet cloudforests and the real adventure begins.
On arrival at San José International Airport (SJO), timed with the recommended Adventurous Ewe flight, you’ll be met by your local transfer and taken to your hotel in the bustling capital. If you arrive earlier, you’re free to explore this lively city – from colourful markets to street art and excellent coffee – before regrouping at the hotel.
This evening, meet your Local Guide and fellow adventurers for a welcome briefing, gear check and dinner, as you prepare for the coast-to-coast journey ahead.
Included
Private transfer: San José Airport to hotel
Accommodation: Hotel in San José (twin share)
Meals: not included
Quepos & Manuel Antonio National Park: Your Adventure Begins
This morning you’ll head west from San José to the Pacific Coast and the small fishing village of Quepos – the official starting point of your epic coast-to-coast journey. This will be the last time you travel by motorised vehicle for the next 10 days!
Once you arrive, the rest of the day is yours to soak up the coastal vibes. Stroll along palm-lined beaches, take a refreshing swim in the Pacific, or explore the neighbouring Manuel Antonio National Park – one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse pockets of jungle, home to monkeys, iguanas, sloths and toucans.
Later, there’s time to set up and test your bikes before regrouping for a delicious dinner and a full trip briefing with your expert local guide and fellow teammates. Tomorrow, the real adventure begins.
Included
Transfer: Private transfer from San José to Quepos
Accommodation: Lodge in Quepos (twin share basis)
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Pacific Coast to Naranjillo: Your Coast to Coast Journey Begins
Bike 19km · 350m up · 150m down + Trek 14km · 1000m up · 700m down
Fuelled by fresh tropical fruit and rich Costa Rican coffee, you’ll set off early this morning for your first leg across the country – and it’s a big one! Hop on your bike and begin climbing the steep slopes of the Pacific Coast. It’s a challenging start, but the sweeping views of the coastline make every pedal stroke worth it.
After 19km of riding, you’ll reach the quiet mountain town of Esquipulas, where a well-earned second breakfast awaits. Here, you’ll swap your bike for hiking boots and continue on foot, trekking 14km into the cool, forested mountains of central Costa Rica.
Tonight, you’ll camp in the peaceful valley of Naranjillo, far from roads and towns. Drift off to sleep under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle – your self-powered journey is now well underway.
Included
Accommodation: Camp in Naranjillo (shared tents)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Naranjillo to Santa Maria: Trek & Bike via “Cemetery Hill”
Trek 13km · 1000m up · 250m down. Bike 14km · 500m up · 300m down
Today is one of the most rewarding – and toughest – days of your journey. Set off on foot, climbing steadily toward the Continental Divide. As you ascend through coffee plantations and rural farmland, you’ll catch your final glimpses of the Pacific behind you. One of the day’s biggest tests is the infamous “Cemetery Hill” – a steep and steady climb that rewards you with panoramic views and a huge sense of achievement.
Reaching the pueblo of San Lorenzo, you’ll trade your hiking boots for wheels once again. A scenic bike ride brings you into the mountain village of Santa Maria, where you’ll be welcomed with a hearty Costa Rican dinner and a warm bed in a family-run cabin.
Included
Accommodation: Local cabins (twin share)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Santa Maria to Orosi Valley: Cross the Continental Divide – the High Point of Your Journey
Bike 49km · 1300m up · 1800m down
Get ready for one of the most exhilarating and challenging days of your adventure. Today begins with a bang – a 14km climb on two wheels, taking you up a steep, winding stretch of tarmac all the way to 2,330 metres, the highest point of your entire coast-to-coast journey and your official crossing of the Continental Divide.
It’s tough, no doubt – but it’s also an incredible achievement and one of those unforgettable “I did it!” moments. And the best part? From the top, it’s downhill from here – literally. The afternoon is pure joy as you descend 1,800m along dirt roads and flowy single-track trails through coffee plantations, lush forests and rolling green pastures.
By late afternoon, you’ll roll into the stunning Orosi Valley, where the landscape is blanketed in rich volcanic soil and coffee farms. Rest up in the laid-back town of Orosi, surrounded by cloudforest peaks and natural hot springs.
Included
Accommodation: Local lodge in Orosi (twin share)
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Orosi to Humo: Into the Cloudforest Wilderness
Bike 9km · 300m up · 150m down · Hike 17km · 500m up · 1000m down
After breakfast, saddle up for a short but scenic 9km ride along the river, gradually climbing 300m into the lush outskirts of Tapantí National Wildlife Refuge – a vast and rugged rainforest rarely seen by travellers.
Here, you’ll trade your bike for boots and head deep into the mountains on foot, tackling a 17km trek through spectacular cloudforest, descending 1,000m across a wild, remote landscape. Towering trees draped in ferns, mosses, and bromeliads line the trail, and the only sounds are birdsong and the rustle of leaves.
By late afternoon, you’ll reach flatter ground near the small settlement of Humo, where you’ll set up camp and enjoy a well-earned dinner beneath the stars – completely off-grid and immersed in nature.
Included
Accommodation: Camp near Humo (shared tents)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Humo to Pacuare River: Ride, Raft and Camp Deep in the Rainforest
Bike 43km · 700m up · 1000m down + Raft 10km
Today brings one of the most thrilling chapters of your coast-to-coast journey. After breakfast, jump back on your bike for a 43km ride, climbing 700m and descending 1,000m through ever-changing terrain as you make your way toward La Cruz, the upper gateway to the mighty Pacuare River.
Here, you’ll have lunch on the riverbank before hopping into rafts for a 10km paddle through untouched rainforest, dramatic canyon cliffs, and thundering waterfalls. Keep your eyes peeled – this wild stretch is home to toucans, sloths, and even boa constrictors.
By afternoon, you’ll reach El Nido del Tigre (The Tiger’s Nest), your riverside jungle camp named after the giant ginger plants found nearby. Swing in a hammock, take a dip, or simply relax and soak in the sounds of the rainforest.
Included
Accommodation: Camp at El Nido del Tigre (shared tents)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Pacuare Valley: Free Day in the Rainforest
Today is all about slowing down and soaking up the beauty of your surroundings at El Nido del Tigre, your peaceful riverside retreat nestled deep in the Pacuare Valley.
Wake to birdsong and the hum of the rainforest, then spend the day as you choose: trek into pristine primary forest, trek to nearby waterfalls and dip in crystal-clear swimming holes, or simply float in the river and kick back in a hammock. This region remains almost completely untouched, with only minimal disruption to preserve its wild, natural beauty.
Given its remote location and river-only access, this pristine camp is rarely visited – the ultimate setting for a rest day on your epic journey across Costa Rica.
Included
Accommodation: El Nido del Tigre camp (shared tents)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
El Nido del Tigre to Finca Pacuarito: Jungle Rapids and Waterfall Hikes
Raft 20km
Today you’ll paddle one of the most scenic sections of the Pacuare River, travelling 20km through towering canyon walls, cascading waterfalls and untouched rainforest. As you navigate a mix of exhilarating Class II and III rapids, the river offers both adrenaline-pumping thrills and quiet stretches where you can drift beneath the canopy and scan the treetops for wildlife.
Midway, you’ll pull ashore to trek to nearby waterfalls and enjoy a riverside lunch. By late afternoon, the jungle begins to thin, giving way to the first signs of cultivated land and the vast banana plantations of Finca Pacuarito, where you’ll camp for the night surrounded by the sounds of nature and the flow of the river.
Included
Accommodation: Camp at Finca Pacuarito (shared tents)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Finca Pacuarito to the Caribbean Coast: The Sweet Taste of Success
Bike 26km · 100m up/down + Kayak 12km
Your final day of this incredible coast-to-coast journey begins with a 26km bike ride through sweeping banana plantations, heading towards the small riverside town of Freeman. From here, you’ll trade your bike for a kayak and paddle the last 12km of your route – a gentle section of the Pacuare River that meanders through tropical lowlands and peaceful backwaters. Keep your eyes peeled – monkeys often swing through the trees lining the shoreline.
As the river widens and slows, the rainforest gives way to coastal wetlands. Finally, the sparkling Caribbean Sea comes into view, and you’ll glide onto the beach – salty, sandy, proud, and grinning. Celebrate with a drink and toast your extraordinary achievement with some well-earned beach time along the shores of the Caribbean.
Later, a motorboat and vehicle transfer will transfer you to your beachfront hotel for a hot shower and a celebratory dinner of your choosing in a local restaurant.
Included
Transfers: Motorboat to Moin, followed by road transfer to the coast
Accommodation: Hotel near the Caribbean coast (twin share)
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Note: Dinner is at your own expense so you can enjoy a meal of your choice
Caribbean Coast to San José: Free Morning & Scenic Return
Spend your final morning unwinding by the beach or enjoying a relaxed start at the hotel – you’ve earned it. After lunch, it’s time to begin the return journey to San José, a 4-hour scenic drive that’s far from ordinary.
You’ll travel through some of Costa Rica’s most stunning landscapes – passing misty mountains, dramatic river-cut canyons, and the lush cloud forests of Braulio Carrillo National Park. It’s a fitting finale to your coast-to-coast journey across one of the world’s most biodiverse countries.
Included
Transfer: Caribbean Coast to San José
Accommodation: Hotel in San José (twin share)
Meals: Breakfast
Farewell Costa Rica or Continue Exploring
The Journey May End, But the Stories Live On
After a final breakfast by the Caribbean Sea, it’s time to say farewell to Costa Rica’s vibrant coast and begin your journey home – or perhaps continue exploring more of this incredible country at your own pace.
A group transfer will take you from your hotel to San José International Airport, timed to coincide with the recommended departure flight.
As you travel, take a moment to reflect on the adventure you’ve just completed – 12 days, 250km, from the Pacific to the Caribbean, powered entirely by your own determination, shared with newfound friends, and guided by the spirit of pura vida.
Included
Transfer: Hotel to San José International Airport (designated group transfer)
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast
Self-powered multi activity adventure
This multi activity adventure has been designed to deliver an amazing experience and showcase the some of the most stunning landscapes across Costa Rica whilst also giving you the chance to step out of your comfort zone and gain a greater understanding of the mountains, jungles, environment, wildlife and local communities. Plus you can experience different activities, learn new skills and traverse across the breadth of Costa Rica under your own power with bikes, boots & boats.
We’ve crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of the Costa Rica Coast to Coast trip, and plant or protect enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.
What’s the number?
It works out on average at 147kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, leaders, crew and office operations.
The only thing not included is travel to Costa Rica. Given that our beloved guests travel from all parts of the UK for this adventure we have no way of reliably knowing their travel plans therefore we’re unable to include an individual number in the figure on display here.
What does the number mean?
To give you a snapshot of the numbers:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you).
- A return economy class flight London – New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air over a period of 5 – 10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our adventures are relatively low-carbon by design, and we’re working to develop long term carbon reduction plan. Following much research into climate change organisations, we carefully selected to support the environmental charity, Cool Earth. They’re a sustainable operation and work with rainforest communities across the globe to halt deforestation and it’s impact on climate change. We invest 1% of our revenue into supporting critical conservation projects world-wild with Cool Earth.
On a local level here in the UK, we’re an ongoing business member of the Snowdonia Society, plus Jim and Sue, together with some of our local leaders, also help the Society with their local projects such as planting native trees in Snowdonia. This is to help preserve the landscape and enhance wildlife habitat here in Snowdonia.
Want to know more?
We believe that with great travel, comes even greater responsibility. Tourism is one of the most important and largest industries on the planet. It employs more people worldwide than any other, with millions of families relying on tourism for their daily needs. At Adventurous Ewe we believe that our type of small scale, positive impact tourism can bring benefits to many communities, help preserve the environments we travel to see, and provide real and positive social exchanges. Here is our plan to do our part towards helping reduce factors that we can contributing to climate change as part of Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency.
On booking your Costa Rica Coast to Coast Adventure, you’ll receive all the exciting trip info via our free mobile travel app. You’ll have access to your itinerary, trip countdown, live updates, contact info, weather forecasts, know before you go trip info, kit lists and much more at the touch of a button 24 hours a day via your mobile phone. No more unnecessary use of reams of paper to help the environment and the need of carrying around documents with you. The app is free to download and all info is customary to your adventure ahead. A’ppy days.
With being a small family business we pride ourselves with providing personal, professional and friendly service. We appreciate that everyone has different levels of experience and reasons for wishing to embark on the Costa Rica Coast to Coast Adventure and therefore require varying levels of support and guidance. We’re here to help you every step of the way from the moment you join the flock all the way through to completing the challenge and beyond. Jim and Sue’s knowledge and expertise stems from dozens of years of travelling and exploring the destinations that we visit in order to fully support you in the lead up to your adventure. Having both completed the Costa Rica Coast to Coast adventure, we are perfectly placed to answer all your questions no matter how big or small.
Flights are not included as part of your Costa Rica Coast to Coast Adventure travel package to allow you the flexibility to book your own flights. This way you can travel earlier or stay longer if you wish to explore more of Central America, fly from your closest UK airport therefore reducing carbon miles or use any frequent flyer points for your flights.
Once booked on this trip, we will provide you with the recommended flights to book which include your airport transfers in Costa Rica. If you fly at alternative times, you’ll simply need to make your own airport transfer arrangements. We can help you with this if you need and we recommend:
- Public transportation which is considerably less expensive than taxi
- Public transportation leaves a much smaller environmental footprint
- Or if there is 3 or more of you, then taxi-sharing is also an option to help with costs and reduce separate journeys and a higher carbon footprint.
We can most certainly help with your flight bookings if you wish. Our lovely Flight Agent, who is ATOL and ABTA protected, can quote and book flights for you. This way you are not paying any additional commissions and your flights are fully protected.
For more info, please contact us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call us on 01492 588 069. Where here to make your travel plans as flexible or as structured as you wish.
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.
We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica; however, proof of onward travel may be required – we suggest you take a physical copy of your flight details in case officials ask to see them. You may stay as a visitor for up to 180 days under a tourist visa waiver, although the exact period is at the discretion of the immigration officer on arrival.
Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/costa-rica
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/costa-rica
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/costa-rica/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Costa-Rica.html
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is an important part of any booking. It is compulsory that everyone who travels with us has taken out adequate travel insurance which includes, among other things, cover for the full value of your trip, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, activities undertaken, personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects and flight delays.
For UK residents we have partnered with Campbell & Irvine Direct to provide you with a travel insurance. If you would like to obtain cover for your trip please feel free to contact specialist Insurance Brokers, Campbell Irvine Direct for a quote.
You must send your Travel Insurance Policy to Adventurous Ewe no less than 8 weeks prior to departure.
Global Rescue Membership
For peace of mind whilst trekking in the mountains, Global Rescue provides short term membership giving access to travel, security, medical advisory and evacuation services up to $US500,000. They’re a specialised field rescue company, and assist from the point of illness or injury by getting you to the closest and most appropriate medical facilities to get stabilised. Once fit to fly if you require additional inpatient treatment Global Rescue will further evacuate and repatriate to your home hospital on record. These services are all covered through their upfront membership fee with no claims process. For more info, please click here.
Vaccinations
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements; however, if you have travelled to a country at risk of yellow fever prior to arriving in Costa Rica, you will be required to have a valid Yellow Fever Certificate with you. It’s also recommended that you get a hepatitis A vaccine.
The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue and zika, both mosquito‐borne viral diseases, are also known risks in places visited on this trip. There are currently no vaccines or prophylaxes available. We therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
For more info, please visit Fit for Travel and Travel Health Pro websites.
Severe allergies
If you have a severe allergy please inform us at the time of booking. We will do all we can to help, but unfortunately we are unable to guarantee an allergy free environment on this trip. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as ‘adrenaline auto-injectors’ are not carried as standard by AE leaders and crew. Whilst your leader is aware of our trekkers medical history, please also inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.
General Health
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.
When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government’s foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements.
To help you prepare yourself for a safe and healthy Costa Rica Coast to Coast adventure, please check out all the latest travel advice by visiting the F&CO website here. Prior planning prevents poor preparations and experience.
During your trip you will be accompanied by certified Local Leaders and Crew for your Costa Rica Coast to Coast Challenge. For groups over 10 people, your team will also be accompanied by a UK Leader who is a certified Mountain, Bike & Kayak instructor.
Your Local Leader is a key part to this trip. They are expertly trained and experienced in every field of this adventure, bilingual (English and Spanish) and qualified in first aid and/or Wilderness First responder. They also have a huge passion for what they do and have plenty of knowledge ready to share with you. They are responsible for ensuring the complete safety, well-being and enjoyment of the team whilst also retaining a flexible and fun attitude.
Leaders and crew will carrying full safety equipment and emergency first aid kits with them at all times. Please note, these kits are for emergencies only so please come prepared with your own personal first aid items.
The Leaders and Crew will also be in constant radio communication with the vehicle drivers and local office throughout your adventure.
At Adventurous Ewe we pride ourselves in small group trips to minimise the impact on the environment, to maximise your safety & wellbeing and to make your experience more authentic.
The minimum group size for this trip to run is 8 people and the maximum group size is 20 people.
You are most welcome to join this adventure as a group of friends, family, colleagues, a private group or as a solo traveller. You are also welcome to use this trip as a fundraiser for the charity of your choice.
If you have a group of over 8 people, we would be more than happy to run a private trip for your team, your charity or your company.
For any further info, please email us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The weather can play a big part in the experience of this adventure, particularly the heat of the sun and the quality of the terrain following torrential rain fall, however this is all part of the adventure and makes the Costa Rica Coast to Coast Challenge such a unique and memorable challenge.
A bespoke trek training programme will be provided when join the team for this adventure to help you with your preparations together with some top tips.
We also have exclusive offers with our Training Partners and Communities – Her Spirit and the Peter Lant Training. For more info, please visit our Training and Preparation page.
The more you are prepared, the more you will enjoy the trip.
Our motto is: Train hard, smile harder and enjoy the journey!
A full kit list will be provided when you register for the Costa Rica Coast to Coast Adventure. Good kit can make the difference between a fantastic adventure and an uncomfortable one.
All equipment is provided for the mountain biking, white-water rafting and kayaking sections. The mountain bikes are Trek 4300-4500 / 27 shift or similar and have front suspension and disc brakes. You are required to bring your own bike helmet and you’re welcome to bring your own pedals and SPD’s if you wish. Rafts are 7-person, self-bailing (6 participants + 1 guide) with certified lifejackets, helmets and paddles. Sea kayaks are plastic sit on top 2-person sea kayaks, with buoyancy aids & paddles supplied.
An exclusive Adventurous Ewe discount code will be provided for a specialist outdoor retailer on registering for this fantastic adventure.
To help you get the very best from your adventure we will provide you with an exclusive Adventurous Ewe discount code to use in an outdoor retailer both online and in store. They offer a large choice of kit that the staff themselves use while climbing, hiking, mountaineering, running, travelling or enjoying expeditions across the globe and they pride themselves on sharing their experience and knowledge of equipment so you can choose the right gear to suit you and this trek.
Our Costa Rica Coast to Coast trip departs towards the end of the ‘Green Season’. With the country located 10º north of the equator, it has a tropical climate. The average temperature range is 10ºC – 13ºC in the highlands, and from 22ºC – 26ºC in the lowlands. The rainy season is from May to November where there are daily short downpours, though there is still plenty of lovely sunshine.
Costa Rica is made up of many different climate zones, which also creates a lot of microclimates within the country. You should be prepared for the rain and the heat, but these two elements make for a beautiful lush green landscape and exciting conditions.
During your Costa Rican adventure you will be staying in a variety of accommodation places ranging from hotels and local lodges to a family stay and camping. As part of our Responsible Travel Policy, the use of homestay style accommodation to support local communities at the grass roots whilst also providing a more meaningful travel experience is a key focus in this itinerary.
Please find below the breakdown of accommodation places during your adventure:
- 5 nights in hotels or lodges
- 5 nights in campsites
- 1 night in local cabin
We base our accommodation on a share and save basis (twin rooms) however if you would prefer your own room and tent, please let us know and we will make these arrangements for you according to availability. There is a single room supplement costs associated.
Eating is one of the wonderful experiences when travelling in Costa Rica. Included meals are a combination of restaurants, local food and delicious meals prepared by your local crew.
Costa Rican specialities include ‘Gallo Pinto’, a black bean and rice dish considered to be a staple part of the local diet. Soups and stews are also common, and delicious fresh fruit is abundant and will no doubt be one of the highlights of your adventure together with Costa Rican coffee.
Meals included:
- Breakfasts x 12
- Lunches x 8
- Dinners x 7
Please let us know if you have any specific dietary requirements so we can make the necessary arrangements for you.
Drinking water will be provided during your adventure so please bring your own water bottles and water bladders for refilling.
Water-To-Go Bottles
The impact of single use plastic is having on our landscape, wildlife and oceans, it is now more important than ever that we all make changes in order to help our planet. We may not be a huge global company but we’re passionate about playing our part and trying to make a huge difference collectively. Together we can dramatically reduce our consumption of single use plastics and support our responsible travel ethos of ‘Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but boot-prints, keep nothing but memories.’ You can make a difference too with taking part in one of our big adventures. As part of our commitment to helping the planet, members of the flock who join us for a big overseas expedition will receive an Adventurous Ewe Water-to-Go bottle. This is our way of saying thank-ewe and also making a difference to the consumption of single use plastics in developing countries. For more info please visit https://www.adventurousewe.co.uk/water-to-go-bottle-partner-sheep/.
Deposit: £295 per person is required on booking.
Remaining balance: £2490 per person is due for payment no later than 6 weeks prior to the trip departure date.
Monthly payment plan
A monthly payment plan can be arranged for this trip with no additional charges. Please contact us for more information or to set up your plan. Simply email info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.
Fundraising
You are welcome to fundraise for a charity of your choice if you wish to do so. All sponsorship monies are to be sent directly to your chosen charity.
All your Costa Rica Coast to Coast Challenge info will be sent to you through a travel mobile app which is free to download. You will receive an email from Adventurous Ewe with your personalised log in code for this app.
For the latest and greatest from the land of adventures, simply follow us at:
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We are very excited to have teamed up with leading climate change charity Cool Earth, who share our mission to protect the planet’s precious environment in a sustainable manner. The future of rainforest protection is where everyone makes a difference to climate change! We invest a % of our revenue into supporting critical conservation projects around the world through Cool Earth. You are most welcome to help make a difference too by sparing a few pennies. Please give what you can and help save the world’s rainforests today by visiting Cool Earth Just £2.50 will save 10 trees and lock up 10 tonnes of CO2. Together, we can all make a difference in helping preserve this precious and wonderful planet.
| Departure & Return | Duration | Availability | Deposit | Total Cost* | (*Total cost includes the deposit) |
| Aug 30, 2025 Sep 10, 2025 |
12 Days | Guaranteed to run | £295.00 | £2595.00 | Book Now |
| Nov 08, 2025 Nov 19, 2025 |
12 Days | Guaranteed to run | £295.00 | £2595.00 | Book Now |
| Dec 19, 2025 Dec 30, 2025 |
12 Days | Available | £295.00 | £2785.00 | Book Now |
| Jan 17, 2026 Jan 28, 2026 |
12 Days | Available | £295.00 | £2595.00 | Book Now |
| Jan 31, 2026 Feb 11, 2026 |
12 Days | Available | £295.00 | £2595.00 | Book Now |
| Apr 25, 2026 May 06, 2026 |
12 Days | Available | £295.00 | £2595.00 | Book Now |
| Aug 29, 2026 Sep 09, 2026 |
12 Days | Available | £295.00 | £2595.00 | Book Now |
| Nov 07, 2026 Nov 18, 2026 |
12 Days | Available | £295.00 | £2595.00 | Book Now |
What's Included?
Before your adventure:
- Personalised trip support in the lead up to your adventure
- Multi activity training guide
- Exclusive discount on kit & equipment from independent outdoor retailers, both in shop and online
- Trip info supplied via our free mobile travel app, Vamoos
- Public liability insurance
- Financial Protection for your booking
- Monthly payment plan available
- Risk assessment and emergency management planning
- Free Adventurous Ewe Water-to-Go Bottle
During your adventure:
- Accommodation: 5 nights in hotels/lodges, 5 nights in campsites and 1 night in local cabin
- Adventurous Ewe UK Expedition Leader (10 or more people)
- Expert English-speaking local Costa Rican guide Wilderness First Responder qualification
- Local crew including white-water 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 & paddles
- Mountain bike: Trek 4300-4500 (27 shift) or similar. Every bike has front suspension and disk brakes. You are welcome to bring your own pedals, seats and/or accessories
- Luggage transfers
- Entrance permission to national parks and applicable local taxes
- All transfers as per itinerary in private vehicle
- All meals as outlined in your itinerary (11 x breakfast, 8 x lunch, 7 x dinner)
- Drinking water and fresh fruit and snacks at the checkpoints
- All challenge management before, during and post trip.
What's Not Included?
- Return flights and travel to and from UK airport. Flights can be arranged for you if required. Please contact us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069
- 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.
- Another other items not listed on your itinerary
- Any expenses incurred with leaving the trip early ie. hotel accommodation or change of flight costs.
Sustainable and Responsible Travel
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.
As a tour operator, we actively strive 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.
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 forest. 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 we can dramatically reduce our consumption of single use plastics and support our 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.
As part of our commitment to the Future of Tourism, we proudly support the development of more of our trips in countries who are actively making a difference to sustainable tourism such as Costa Rica.
In 2017 Costa Rica ranked highly in the Sustainable Destinations Top 100. The Top 100 list celebrates efforts of tourism destinations for responsible and sustainable tourism. Nominators had to provide extensive information on their destination sustainability efforts.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own re-usable water bottle on this trip. Your compliementary Adventurous Ewe Water-to-Go bottle is ideal.
- Your packaging waste: If bringing some snacks or new items/clothing from home, please remove as much packaging as possible and recycle or responsibly disregard this rubbish in your home country.
Together, we can all make a difference in helping preserve this precious and wonderful planet.
Difficulty
“Wow, what an incredible adventure! Never really dreamt of being able to cross an entire country under my own power, but now have so many amazing moments to remember. JC, our guide, was so passionate and always super enthusiastic to share his vast local knowledge. Plus he’s biking, paddling and wildlife spotting skills are top-notch. Simply just loved it. A big thanks Adventurous Ewe. Awesome from start to finish!”
“THE best trip ever 💖💖” Cheryl
“What a fabulous experience Victoria and I had. Brilliant in so many ways 👍🏻” Will