Nepal Trekking Sale On NowBook Now & Save
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
Blue skies as we hike through the heart of Costa Rica  | Mark Watson
Action shot as we cycle Costa Rica wilderness | Mark Watson
Action shot as we cycle Costa Rica wilderness  | Mark Watson
Exploring the spectacular wilderness of Costa Rica on the Costa Rica Traverse
Exploring the spectacular wilderness of Costa Rica on the Costa Rica Traverse
Kayaks used on our Costa Rica Traverse
Kayaks used on our Costa Rica Traverse
Incredible waterfall scenery, Costa Rica | Sophie Panton
Incredible waterfall scenery, Costa Rica  | Sophie Panton

Costa Rica Traverse

Cross Costa Rica under your own steam in an epic multi-activity journey from the mountains to the Caribbean coast

12 Days from

$3690 USD

Trip Code: CRT
View dates to Book
Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

E-bike rental
$520 USD
Single Supplement
$970 USD

Duration

  • 12 Days

Activities

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

Style

  • Classic Adventures  

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

  • Traverse Costa Rica from the Central Highlands to the Caribbean coast using multiple modes of travel
  • Cycle and trek through volcanic landscapes, cloud forest and rural coffee-growing regions
  • Visit remote Indigenous communities and gain insight into traditional ways of life
  • Spot wildlife such as sloths, monkeys and tropical birdlife in one of the world’s most biodiverse environments
  • Raft the Pacuare River through rainforest gorges on an exhilarating stretch of whitewater, then continue by kayak to the Caribbean Sea
  • Explore San José, known for its lively markets, local cuisine and mix of historic and contemporary city life

Overview

For active travellers seeking a genuine challenge, this journey crosses Costa Rica from the Pacific side to the Caribbean coast - by bike, on foot, by raft and by kayak. Your route takes you into the Central Highlands, a chain of volcanic mountains and cloud forest that forms the backbone of the country, where you ride and trek through coffee-growing regions, misty forest trails and remote rural communities. As you descend into the Caribbean lowlands, the landscape shifts dramatically to dense rainforest, winding rivers and fertile plantations. Wildlife encounters are a constant possibility in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Along the way, you may spot howler monkeys, sloths and colourful birdlife such as toucans and parrots, while the forest itself reveals towering trees, tangled vines and a layered canopy.

A defining moment of the journey is the descent of the Pacuare River, one of the world’s classic whitewater experiences. Rafting through steep rainforest gorges on Class II to IV rapids, you move between high-energy sections and calmer stretches. As the river widens, the journey continues by kayak through lowland waterways and banana-growing regions, finishing at the Caribbean coast.

This is an active journey designed for travellers who enjoy a challenge and the strong sense of achievement that comes with it.

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

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

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 on Days 1 and 12
  • Private transport
  • Good quality hotel accommodation
  • All group camping equipment
  • Summer sleeping bag & sleeping mat
  • Rafting equipment and instruction
  • Kayaking equipment and instruction
  • Mountain bike hire (helmet not included)
  • Support vehicle on most bike sections, except for approximately 1.5 hours between Santa Maria and the Orosi Valley

Not included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Visa
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Bicycle helmet
  • Christmas, New Year and Easter supplements. Please ask our staff for details
  • Tips

Reviews (39)



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

Search Filters