Rafting on the Pacuare River in Costa Rica
Rafting on the Pacuare River in Costa Rica
Blue skies as we hike through the heart of Costa Rica  | Mark Watson
Action shot as we cycle Costa Rica wilderness  | Mark Watson
Exploring the spectacular wilderness of Costa Rica on the Costa Rica Traverse
Cycling across Costa Rica  | Mark Watson
Rafting the Pacuare River in Costa Rica  | Mark Watson
Kayaks used on our Costa Rica Traverse
Incredible waterfall scenery, Costa Rica  | Sophie Panton

Costa Rica Traverse

Walk, cycle and raft your way across Costa Rica, Coast to Coast


 36 reviews

12 Days from

$ USD

Trip Code: CRT
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

E-bike rental
$480 USD
Single Supplement
$890 USD

Duration

  • 12 Days

Activities

  • 4 day trek
  • 6 day cycle
  • 2 day raft
  • 1 day kayak

Accommodation

  • 3 nights hotel
  • 5 nights camping
  • 1 night cabin
  • 2 nights village house/lodge

Meals

  • 7 Dinners
  • 8 Lunches
  • 11 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

6 / 10

Moderate to Challenging

Carbon Footprint  

29kg of CO2-e PP per day

(318kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Trek and bike in the Costa Rica highlands
  • Visit remote Indigenous communities
  • Experience exotic wildlife and the Cloud Forest
  • Raft the exhilarating Pacuare River through spectacular canyons
  • Undertake a sea kayak adventure to the tidal mouth of the Caribbean Coast
  • Explore the vibrant city of San Jose

Overview

An adventure high on the wish list of active adventurers keen to take on the challenge of traversing Costa Rica under their own steam. Our crossing takes us on bike, foot, raft and kayak across this spectacular natural wilderness through farmlands, foothills and mountainous regions reaching the peaks of the Central Highlands. The trails are often slippery and with several river crossings. We encounter indigenous settlements deep in the cloud forest and hope to glimpse rare wildlife and birdlife in this pristine tropical rainforest. The views and terrain vary greatly as we traverse the mountainous backbone of Costa Rica. Our journey will take us into the depths of the Pacuare River on one of the world's classic whitewater experiences, where we undertake an exhilarating rafting trip with class 2-4 rapids through a series of spectacular canyons. In between the powerful rapids there is time to absorb your superb surroundings and the tropical rainforest. We leave the rapids and gorges behind as we ease our way by sea kayak along a much slower moving section of the river, through banana plantations to our final goal, the Caribbean coast.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

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

Meals: Nil

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

Meals: B,D

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)

Meals: B,L,D

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)

Meals: B,L,D

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)

Meals: B,L

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

Meals: B,L,D

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)

Meals: B,L,D

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

Meals: B,L,D

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

Meals: B,L,D

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

Meals: B,L

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

Meals: B

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

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What’s included?

Included

  • 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 8 dinners
  • Experienced guides
  • Airport transfers (days 1 and 12 only)
  • Private transport
  • Good quality hotel accommodation
  • All group camping equipment
  • Summer sleeping bag & sleeping mat
  • Rafting gear and instruction
  • Kayaking gear and instruction
  • Mountain Bikes (bicycle helmets are not included)
  • Support vehicle on majority of bike sections (except for 1.5 hrs between Santa Maria and the Orosi Valley)

Not included

  • International flights
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Bicycle helmet
  • Christmas, New Year and Easter supplement (please ask our staff for details of this small peak season surcharge)
  • Meals not indicated
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
  • Tips & gratuities
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance

Reviews (36)



Responsible travel

Extra trip info

Guaranteeing A Great Costa Rica Trip

Pioneering World Firsts

Quality equipment

Quality accommodations

Innovative itineraries

Custom built, reliable transport

Our all inclusive approach

Multi Award Winning Adventures

Responsible Travel

Adventure Experts Since 1975