The Coast To Coast Trip


	Costa Rica Guided Tour Package

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The Coast To Coast Trip
Cross Costa Rica without the use of motorized vehicles!
The experience of a lifetime!

A 234-kilometer mountain biking, trekking, whitewater rafting adventure expedition from Pacific to Atlantic shores. For the physically fit and those whose sanity might be questioned, this multi-activity adventure is a trip of a lifetime. From the picturesque cliffs and beaches of Manuel Antonio you will be biking, hiking and trekking to challenge the Continental Divide, a barrier that has held back man and beast for thousands of years. We cross the Talamanca and Central Mountain ranges mountain biking, trekking and whitewater rafting through some of the most diverse terrain in the world. Finally, having conquered many of nature’s great challenges, we drift and gently paddle our raft peacefully to the Atlantic shore, humbled by our deliverance.

DAY
• • • •
PLACE/ACTIVITY
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
DESCRIPTION
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 SAN JOSE
(Arrival) Arrival to Costa Rica. After welcoming you at the San José Airport, our guides bring you to a comfortable hotel in the city and will take time to discuss your adventure, meet the group and prepare for your mountain biking, trekking and whitewater rafting expedition ahead.

2 MANUEL ANTONIO
(Flight to Quepos) The day starts with a 25-minute flight to Quepos, a fishing village on the Pacific coast. Here you can visit Manuel Antonio National Park, which is famous for its beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife. We spend the afternoon discussing the details of our adventure and tending to any necessary prep-work. (B, D)

3 PACIFIC COAST TO NARANJILLO
(Mountain Biking 25 km and Trekking 14 km) THE ADVENTURE BEGINS... We wake at the crack of dawn and enjoy a light buffet of fresh fruit and coffee. Mountain biking is our first sport as we leave Manuel Antonio and climb into the steep mountains and beautiful valleys of the sparsely populated Pacific Coast. In the small town of Esquipulas we have a hearty breakfast, rest up and prepare our packs for the next leg of the day’s journey. Trading our wheels for hiking boots, we continue by trekking into the cool mountains of Central Costa Rica. We camp overnight in the valley of Naranjillo. (B, L, D)

4 Naranjillo to Santa Maria
(Trekking 13 km / Mountain Biking 13 km) We begin our day by trekking towards the Continental Divide and challenging the infamous “Cemetery Hill” - a strenuous 3 kilometer climb. We then head for the pueblo of San Lorenzo switching to mountain bikes along the way. We finish the day in the quaint village of Santa Maria where we refortify with some typical Costa Rican fare and rest up in comfortable local cabins. (B,L,D).

5 CONTINENTAL DIVIDE
(Mountain Biking 46 km) Today we tackle the hardest, steepest climb of our adventure. The challenge before breakfast is mountain biking a 14-kilometer up-hill stretch to the Continental Divide, bringing us to an altitude of 2,330 meters - 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 mountain top cabins. (B,L,D).

6 OROSI VALLEY
(Free Day) Spent in the beautiful valley of Orosi, this day is a free day in which we relax after the first week’s adventure. You are free to explore the area or just use the day to relax. Your guide will have some options of what to do and see in the area. (B).

7 TAPANTI
(Mountain Biking 9 km and Trekking 13 km) After some coffee, snacks and fruit we mountain bike along a river to the Tapantí National Wildlife Refuge where we stop for breakfast. 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. The end of the day finds us on flatter ground, camping near the small settlement of Taus. (B,L,D).

8 PEJIBAYE RIVER
(Mountain Biking 20 km and Whitewater Rafting 10 km) Our day starts on water as we begin rafting on the Pejibaye River. The Pejibaye is a jungle river with fun rapids, clear water and spectacular scenery. It is a great introduction to rafting in Costa Rica and good preparation for the ‘real deal’ on the Pacuare River. From the take-out we have a short biking section finishing with a steep climb up a mountain road to reach our night retreat nestled high above the river valley. (B,L,D).

9 PACUARE RIVER
(Mountain Biking 18 km and Whitewater Rafting 10 km) After breakfast we mountain bike directly from the hotel towards the whitewater rafting “put-in” at Tres Equis, which is the gateway to the raging Pacuare River. From here we embark on a whitewater rafting journey through pristine rainforest spotted with waterfalls. The rapids section of the river is approximately 30 kilometers of Class II-IV rapids. This 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 the lush environment first hand looking out for toucans overhead or simply relaxing in a hammock to the sounds of the river. (B,L,D).

10 EL NIDO DEL TIGRE
(Hiking) Today we spend some quality time at this unique location on the banks of the Pacuare River. This area of rainforest is maintained as much as possible in its natural state. The camp takes its name from the giant patches of ginger plants that carpet the floor of the main area. From the center of the camp trails radiate out to secreted areas of rainforest, waterfalls and swimming holes. (B,L,D).

11 PACUARE RIVER
(Whitewater Rafting
3-5 hours, 17 km) Today the Pacuare takes us through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons. We maneuver through the exhilarating rapids and point out the intricacies of the rainforest at the river’s edge. Along the way we take time out to do some hiking to spectacular waterfalls and have lunch on the shore. 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. (B,L,D).

12 PACUARE RIVER
(Whitewater Rafting
5-8 hours, 40 km) THE SWEET TASTE OF SUCCESS...For the final leg of the crossing we continue rafting 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 up the canals to the coastal town of Tortuguero. Here we stay in a comfortable hotel as we congratulate ourselves on completing the journey from Coast to Coast of Costa Rica! (B,L,D).

13 CARIBBEAN
(R & R in Tortuguero) The day is free to relax and enjoy the area. If you have some energy left walk into the town and visit the community museum. Boat trips leave from the dock to see the forest and the wildlife at close hand – its gentle pace allows sufficient time to enjoy the surroundings while learning about the flora and fauna and animal life found in the area. This couple of days in the area is a great way to unwind and relax after your adventure. (B,L,D).

14 CARIBBEAN
(Return to San Jose) Our motorboat winds through the Tortuguero Canals to our awaiting vehicle, which is a very relaxing way to complete your stay in this unique area before boarding a vehicle for the trip back to San Jose. (B).

15 SAN JOSE
(departure) A Coast to Coast Adventures representative will drive you to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

DAY • • • •	PLACE/ACTIVITY • • • • • • • • • • • • • •	DESCRIPTION • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
1	SAN JOSE (Arrival)	Arrival to Costa Rica. After welcoming you at the San José Airport, our guides bring you to a comfortable hotel in the city and will take time to discuss your adventure, meet the group and prepare for your mountain biking, trekking and whitewater rafting expedition ahead.
2	MANUEL ANTONIO (Flight to Quepos)	The day starts with a 25-minute flight to Quepos, a fishing village on the Pacific coast. Here you can visit Manuel Antonio National Park, which is famous for its beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife. We spend the afternoon discussing the details of our adventure and tending to any necessary prep-work. (B, D)
3	PACIFIC COAST TO NARANJILLO (Mountain Biking 25 km and Trekking 14 km)	THE ADVENTURE BEGINS... We wake at the crack of dawn and enjoy a light buffet of fresh fruit and coffee. Mountain biking is our first sport as we leave Manuel Antonio and climb into the steep mountains and beautiful valleys of the sparsely populated Pacific Coast. In the small town of Esquipulas we have a hearty breakfast, rest up and prepare our packs for the next leg of the day’s journey. Trading our wheels for hiking boots, we continue by trekking into the cool mountains of Central Costa Rica. We camp overnight in the valley of Naranjillo. (B, L, D)
4	Naranjillo to Santa Maria (Trekking 13 km / Mountain Biking 13 km)	We begin our day by trekking towards the Continental Divide and challenging the infamous “Cemetery Hill” - a strenuous 3 kilometer climb. We then head for the pueblo of San Lorenzo switching to mountain bikes along the way. We finish the day in the quaint village of Santa Maria where we refortify with some typical Costa Rican fare and rest up in comfortable local cabins. (B,L,D).
5	CONTINENTAL DIVIDE (Mountain Biking 46 km)	Today we tackle the hardest, steepest climb of our adventure. The challenge before breakfast is mountain biking a 14-kilometer up-hill stretch to the Continental Divide, bringing us to an altitude of 2,330 meters - 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 mountain top cabins. (B,L,D).
6	OROSI VALLEY (Free Day)	Spent in the beautiful valley of Orosi, this day is a free day in which we relax after the first week’s adventure. You are free to explore the area or just use the day to relax. Your guide will have some options of what to do and see in the area. (B).
7	TAPANTI (Mountain Biking 9 km and Trekking 13 km)	After some coffee, snacks and fruit we mountain bike along a river to the Tapantí National Wildlife Refuge where we stop for breakfast. 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. The end of the day finds us on flatter ground, camping near the small settlement of Taus. (B,L,D).
8	PEJIBAYE RIVER (Mountain Biking 20 km and Whitewater Rafting 10 km)	Our day starts on water as we begin rafting on the Pejibaye River. The Pejibaye is a jungle river with fun rapids, clear water and spectacular scenery. It is a great introduction to rafting in Costa Rica and good preparation for the ‘real deal’ on the Pacuare River. From the take-out we have a short biking section finishing with a steep climb up a mountain road to reach our night retreat nestled high above the river valley. (B,L,D).
9	PACUARE RIVER (Mountain Biking 18 km and Whitewater Rafting 10 km)	After breakfast we mountain bike directly from the hotel towards the whitewater rafting “put-in” at Tres Equis, which is the gateway to the raging Pacuare River. From here we embark on a whitewater rafting journey through pristine rainforest spotted with waterfalls. The rapids section of the river is approximately 30 kilometers of Class II-IV rapids. This 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 the lush environment first hand looking out for toucans overhead or simply relaxing in a hammock to the sounds of the river. (B,L,D).
10	EL NIDO DEL TIGRE (Hiking)	Today we spend some quality time at this unique location on the banks of the Pacuare River. This area of rainforest is maintained as much as possible in its natural state. The camp takes its name from the giant patches of ginger plants that carpet the floor of the main area. From the center of the camp trails radiate out to secreted areas of rainforest, waterfalls and swimming holes. (B,L,D).
11	PACUARE RIVER (Whitewater Rafting 3-5 hours, 17 km)	Today the Pacuare takes us through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons. We maneuver through the exhilarating rapids and point out the intricacies of the rainforest at the river’s edge. Along the way we take time out to do some hiking to spectacular waterfalls and have lunch on the shore. 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. (B,L,D).
12	PACUARE RIVER (Whitewater Rafting 5-8 hours, 40 km)	THE SWEET TASTE OF SUCCESS...For the final leg of the crossing we continue rafting 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 up the canals to the coastal town of Tortuguero. Here we stay in a comfortable hotel as we congratulate ourselves on completing the journey from Coast to Coast of Costa Rica! (B,L,D).
13	CARIBBEAN (R & R in Tortuguero)	The day is free to relax and enjoy the area. If you have some energy left walk into the town and visit the community museum. Boat trips leave from the dock to see the forest and the wildlife at close hand – its gentle pace allows sufficient time to enjoy the surroundings while learning about the flora and fauna and animal life found in the area. This couple of days in the area is a great way to unwind and relax after your adventure. (B,L,D).
14	CARIBBEAN (Return to San Jose)	Our motorboat winds through the Tortuguero Canals to our awaiting vehicle, which is a very relaxing way to complete your stay in this unique area before boarding a vehicle for the trip back to San Jose. (B).
15	SAN JOSE (departure)	A Coast to Coast Adventures representative will drive you to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

More detailed trip notes for the Coast to Coast Adventure.
Trip Includes: Transportation, local flight, accommodation, meals where indicated and experienced, bilingual & fun guides.
Trip Dates - We will open a new date with a minimum of 4 people.

Departure Dates

2008

Jan 12 - 26

Feb 16 - Mar 1

Mar 8 - 22*

Mar 29 -Apr 12

May 17 - 31

Jun 21 - Jul 5

Jul 12 - 26

Oct 18 - Nov 1

Until Oct 31 /08

*Peak Season

$2,530 USD pp

$2,595 USD pp

Based on double occupancy
Please read "Terms & Conditions for Adventure Trips"

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