Product Description
Highlights
Get into the hidden heart of rural Costa Rica, heading out a 4-day hike through some of the most world’s most spectacular wilderness. Look out for toucans, quetzals, alligators, crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas, turtles, sloths and more as you explore national parks and wildlife reserves. Swim in hidden waterfalls and experience rural Costa Rican life and culture. Costa Rica offers some of the world’s best white water rafting – get your taste when you tackle the Rio Naranjo rapids
Overview
Jump onto this active journey through the incredible wilderness of Costa Rica. Even though it’s surrounded by countries of amazing natural landscapes, Costa Rica is still a standout. From vibrant San Jose, head to the pristine San Gerardo de Dota Valley, home to endless cloud forests and a haven for unique birdlife. Pull on your boots and stretch your legs for an unforgettable 4-day hike to the Pacific coast, through misty forests and humid jungle. Stick on a helmet and savour a full day of rappelling down cliff faces and riding the rapids of the Rio Naranjo. Continue down the coast to Drakes Bay and explore the rainforests of Corcovado National Park and the Rio Claro, then look out for sloths in Manuel Antonio National Park. This trip will open the eyes and quicken the pulse.
Breakfast Included: 10 Lunches Included: 5 Dinner Included: 4
San Jose
Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica! An assortment of galleries, theatres and lively central plazas set among San Jose’s glitzy modern shopping malls make this one of Central America’s most surprising capitals. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.
San Gerardo de Dota
Before 9 am, transfer to your lodge near San Gerardo do Dota (approx 2.5 hours). You will make short stop on the way to purchase last-minute suppliers and some snacks for the hikes ahead. There will also be a lunch stop before reaching the accommodation for an afternoon check-in. Huddled up against the Talamanca Mountain is San Gerardo de Dota, a haven for birdwatchers, hikers, and fishing enthusiasts. Perhaps join your leader for a short afternoon stroll or enjoy free time before regrouping for dinner (optional) and a briefing about the hike. In the evening take the time to pack a smaller, lighter bag with only the essentials you require. Your main luggage will be transported to Uvita with access to it on the evening on Day 7.
Hiking Savegre River
Leave your main luggage at reception, ready for a 6-7 am departure. Set off on a four-day trek to the Pacific Coast. Guided mainly by the shores of the Savegre River, trek through cloud forests and lowland rainforests, looking out for Quetzals on the way (Approximately 14 kms or 6 hours trekking) to a big wooden house, your accommodation for this evening. You will pass through cattle farms and forest with multiple descends and ascends (Elevation change: 2000 MASL and ends 1600 MASL). This is an area few people know about so make the most of the beautifully remote area and the chance to swim in nearby waterfalls. This is the perfect chance to experience authentic Costa Rican rural life, as well be surrounded by the country's rich natural environment. Enjoy your afternoon rest before dinner at 7 pm.
Hiking Savegre River
Day two is the most challenging day, where you will hike a total of 16km, taking approximately 7-8 hours (Elevation change: start 1600 MASL and ends 700 MASL). Starting at 6 am, you will ascend for the first couple of hours through fields and by open road until you will reach 2200 metres and be treated to spectacular views. For the second part, you will mainly descend through the forest. This part of the trail can be very challenging if there is rain as the track can become very muddy and slippery. Once you reach the cabin, apply insect repellent to enjoy the afternoon, before dinner at 7 pm. This evening you will hopefully get to try some heart of palm for dinner, a local specialty.
Hiking Savegre River
On day three you will cover approximately 14km, trekking for approximately 6 hours (Elevation change: starting at 700 MASL ending at 840 MASL). Intitally the trek will be relatively flat along open trails before an extended lunch stop with a chance see the Savegre River from a different angle; go for a swim in the cleanest river in Costa Rica and one of the cleanest rivers in the world! Tackle a 4km climb before arriving to the cabin. If you still have energy, perhaps take the trail nearby to the cabin to search for an array of different frog species, returning in time for a 7 pm dinner.
Hiking Savegre River
On the second last day, trek 16 km (approximately 7 hours) to Albergue Los Campesinos (Elevation change: start at 840 MASL to 200 MASL). Starting early (approximately 6:30 am) with a steep climb, expect varied undulation today. Aim to reach the cabin by lunch time and be rewarded by getting the chance to swim in one of the nearby waterfalls or enjoying the hanging bridge in the afternoon. Dinner is at 7 pm.
Canyoneering, Rappelling & Rafting Quepos / Uvita
This is a day to really get the heart pumping. Your local expert guides will keep you safe and ensure that you have a wonderful time. After breakfast, at 8 am walk to the start point of the Canyoneering trip. Gear up and get ready for a day full of adventure. Take a short hike to your first rappel, which will be down a dry rock face into a canyon, followed by a rappel down a free fall from the cable to a tranquil pond. From here, continue to a further three rappelling opportunities taking a total of approximately 2 hours. Lunch will be served back at the cabin around 11 am. Gather all your items and board 4x4 vehicles, travelling about 45 minutes. At 1 pm hop in a raft to ride down the Rio Naranjo for 2 hours. The river drops down from the mountains and flows through tight rocky canyons that boast world class rapids (Depending on the water level, they are classed as 3 or 4). Finally, drive 1.5 hours to Uvita where you will be reunited with your main luggage and have a free evening.
Corcovado
At 9 am, travel 2 hours by private vehicle, before boarding a shared boat at 11:30 am to Drake Bay (45 minutes). For 30 years this paradise was conserved by a Costa Rican family before being handed over to the Costa Rican government. Getting to wildlife-rich reserve is part of the adventure. Enjoy the beach on arrival and spend the night at a lodge in the middle of the amazing Corcovado National Park.
Corcovado
Enjoy the second largest National Park in Costa Rica. It is one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth, with 13 different ecosystems in its boundaries – highland cloud forests, lagoons, mangrove swamps and marine habitats just a few.
Carara National Park / San Jose
Take the boat at 7:30 am and hit the road towards San Jose (approximately 5 hours total), with a visit to the stunning Carara National Park on the way. The protected area is 4700 hectares including regenerating tropical rainforest-lowland and tropical dry forest. Check-in to your hotel in San Jose and decide a time to regroup for your farewell dinner (optional).
San Jose
This trip comes to an end after breakfast today. Please note you are required to comply with any internal check out rules and times set by the hotel.
