Designed for active travelers seeking real adventure, this Costa Rica coast-to-coast expedition takes you across the entire country over 12 days. Powered entirely by your own strength, you will move from the Pacific to the Caribbean Sea by mountain bike, foot, raft, and sea kayak. Covering roughly 248 km, this journey operates completely motor-free throughout every stage.
The route crosses diverse terrain, leading through the Naranjillo Valley, up the famous climb of “Cemetery Hill,” and into the mountain coffee village of Santa María de Dota. Descending into the green Orosi Valley, continue toward La Cruz before entering the whitewater of the Pacuare River toward El Nido del Tigre. Along the way, the landscape shifts from misty high-altitude cloud forests to lush tropical rainforests, offering plentiful stops to enjoy waterfalls, natural pools, and beaches.
Overnights feature a deliberate mix of lodging, combining comfortable amenities with immersive rustic stays. Spend 4 nights at hotels in San José, Quepos, and on the Caribbean coast, equipped with private ensuite bathrooms. Remote mountain passes feature basic community campsites and cabins run by locals, while established riverside camps along the Pacuare host you in raised tent platforms complete with real beds after a full day of activities.
Please note: The itinerary below is a planned route. Distances, timings, and campsites can change with the weather, river levels, and road conditions. The guides confirm each day’s plan at the briefing the evening before.
Day 1
The Costa Rica coast-to-coast journey starts in the capital, San José. A member of our local team meets you at the airport at any time on Day 1 and drives you to a central hotel in San José.
The rest of the day is free. If you land early, walk the center; if you land late, rest up for the coast.
Meals included: None
Day 2
To begin the crossing toward the Pacific, drive to Quepos, a fishing village near Manuel Antonio. This is the final leg by vehicle until the Caribbean.
The afternoon is free. Tourists often enjoy the beach or take a walk to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the best places in the country to spot sloths and monkeys. After dinner, the guides run the official briefing on the route, the gear, and how each day works.
Meals included: Breakfast / Dinner
Day 3
Your Costa Rica adventure tour begins after a breakfast of fresh fruit and coffee. Set off by bike and climb straight into the steep valleys of the Pacific side, with views back over the coastline.
In the small town of Esquipulas, stop for a second breakfast and pack your day bag. Then, swap the bike for hiking boots and walk up into the cooler central highlands, ending at camp in the Naranjillo valley.
The first campsite is basic and communal, offering a covered area for food preparation and dining, shared restrooms, and cold-water showers. By spending the night here, you help generate income for the local community, away from mass-tourism routes.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4
The trek heads toward the Continental Divide and includes the hardest hike of the trip, “Cemetery Hill,” a steep 3 km climb. Get back on the bikes at the village of San Lorenzo.
The ride ends in Santa María de Dota, a coffee village in the mountains. Dinner is typical Costa Rican food, and the night is in comfortable local cabins with a private bathroom and hot shower.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5
Before breakfast, tackle the route’s most demanding ascent: a 14 km paved climb reaching the Continental Divide of Costa Rica. Standing at 2,330 m (7,644 ft), this peak marks the highest elevation of the entire journey.
The reward comes at about 1,800 m of descent, largely on gravel roads and trails, into the Orosi Valley, a green valley of pastures and coffee farms. End the day relaxing in the thermal waters of Orosi.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 6
A short ride along the river takes you to Tapantí National Park, a rugged area of dense primary forest. Leave the bikes here and walk into the mountains, where wheels cannot go.
This is the longest stretch of Costa Rica trekking on the route—a trail under a canopy where almost every trunk and branch carries ferns, mosses, and bromeliads. By late afternoon, the terrain levels off near the small settlement of Humo, where you will set up camp and enjoy a starry-night dinner at the second community campsite.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7
Ride on toward La Cruz, the put-in for the Pacuare River. After lunch by the water, the guides explain safety measures before the group can get on the rafts (each one steered by an experienced guide).
The river runs through untouched rainforest, past canyon walls and waterfalls. In the afternoon, reach El Nido del Tigre, a camp on the riverbank, deep in the forest. Look for toucans overhead, explore the trails, or swing in a hammock to the sound of the river.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 8
A full day off at the camp. The rainforest around it is kept as close to its natural state as possible and sees few visitors.
Trails lead from the camp to waterfalls and swimming holes. The camp is named after the giant ginger plants that cover its main clearing. Swim, explore, or simply rest your legs before the next stretch of river.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 9
The second day of Pacuare River rafting runs through virgin rainforest and river-carved canyons, with rapids to work through as a team and calmer stretches to look into the forest along the banks.
Stop for short hikes to waterfalls and for lunch on the shore. The take-out is at Finca Pacuarito, where the forest gives way to banana plantations. Spend the night at camp before an early start.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 10
Trading bikes for kayaks in the town of Freeman, a scenic pedal through banana plantations, brings you to the start of the final stage of this Costa Rica coast-to-coast adventure. As the river reaches the Caribbean lowlands, the waters calm and the whitewater rapids fall behind.
At the mouth of the Pacuare, paddle out into the Caribbean Sea and celebrate with a drink in the surf. After some time on the beach, a motorboat takes you to Moín, and the support vehicle drives you to your hotel by the beach.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 11
The morning is free. Rest at the hotel, walk the beach, or join an optional tour in the area.
After lunch, the road climbs back over the mountains to San José, crossing the misty forests of Braulio Carrillo National Park, with time to look back on the whole country you just crossed.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 12
Following breakfast, a local team member will transfer you to the airport for your flight back home, unless you choose to extend your stay to explore more of Costa Rica.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations along this Costa Rica coast-to-coast tour vary by region: comfortable hotels mark the beginning and end of the journey, rustic campsites and local lodges host you through the mountain passes, and two established riverside camps welcome you along the Pacuare River.
Standard lodging is shared twin occupancy, though single occupancy options for rooms and tents are available upon request for solo travelers.
Guests stay 4 nights at hotels featuring ensuite bathrooms: two nights in central San José (Days 1 and 11), one night in Quepos near Manuel Antonio National Park (Day 2), and a final night along the Caribbean coastline (Day 10).
Located right along the banks of the Pacuare River, the raised tent platforms at El Nido del Tigre (Days 7 and 8) and Finca Pacuarito (Day 9) offer a memorable camping experience complete with real beds, cozy sheets, and pillows. Refreshing cold showers provide a welcome relief from the tropical heat and humidity.
El Nido del Tigre is completely off-grid with no electricity, Wi-Fi, or phone service. Guests can relax in hammocks by the water or follow nearby trails to pristine waterfalls and natural swimming holes.
Accommodation during the mountain sections is intentionally simple. The community campsites near Humo (Day 6) and in the Naranjillo valley (Day 3) are run by locals. These sites provide basic facilities—including shared flush toilets, cold showers, and a sheltered area for cooking, eating, or setting up tents during rain—offering an authentic, rustic experience.
Between these camping nights, comfort is elevated with private rooms, hot showers, and ensuite bathrooms during your stays at the local cabins in Santa María de Dota (Day 4) and in Orosi (Day 5).
The Costa Rica coast-to-coast tour includes all meals listed in the itinerary. For meals not indicated (Days 1, 5, 10, and 11), food, snacks, and drinks are paid for.
A typical local dish has rice and beans paired with salad and sweet plantains, served alongside your choice of fish, chicken, pork, or beef. Breakfast commonly features gallo pinto (rice and beans slowly cooked with onions, peppers, and coriander) garnished with eggs, fresh fruit, and coffee.
Meals are prepared right at the campsite on camping days, and rafting lunches are served along the riverbank. While near either coast, be sure to try pipa fría, a chilled, fresh whole coconut.
Dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free diets, can be accommodated with advance notice. Tell us about severe food allergies before you book, since options in remote villages are limited. Drinking water is refilled from the support vehicle at the start of each stage and at every night’s stop.
“Have just returned from the 250km Coast to Coast and loved every single minute. From the moment you arrive, to the moment you depart, everything is organised and run meticulously by Carlos and his support team. Food was great and accommodation excellent, especially El Tigre, which was just awesome. Saw all sorts of wildlife. In terms of the challenge - don't underestimate how hard the first three days are. The humidity and heat hit us hard so managing your water, electrolytes and energy levels are key. The 14 km climb on Day 2 was the hardest but the downhill sections make it all worthwhile. Few other tips to consider that will help. . . . . 1) Small towel to wet in waterfalls and keep on your neck. Keeps you cool and prevents sunburn. 2) Carry a small ziplock bag of rice to dry out phone charging socket. Mine constantly refused to charge due to the humidity. 3) Take plenty of spare plastic bags to separate off wet clothing. You will be wet permanently either through sweat or rain. 4) Carry enough cash for tips and misc purchases. 5) Take photos but also enjoy the moment with the encounters. The wildlife of Costa Rica is breathtaking. If you are undecided just go for it and book. Trip of a lifetime and can't recommend it enough”
— Andrew R
“This was an amazing adventure, really tough but the kit list is 100% correct. The flora and fauna are amazing I'd really recommend it.”
— Guy S
“Top Tips - if you’re not used to cycling get some hill training in . You will thank yourself later . Also incline walking to help with the hiking . It certainly helped me . Wow what an adventure ! Great trip and really well organised . Carlos was an excellent guide who had all our safety and well fare in his mind . Plus him and Memo really are excellent cooks . Kept us well fed ! Didn’t think it would be possible but I actually put weight on during this trip lol . We lost 2 days rafting due to the weather but nothing we could do about Mother Nature . And I appreciate that Carlos the tour leader had to make the decision but it was always with our safety in mind . What stood out for me for the trip is the planning and organisation . We didn’t have to think about anything as it was all arranged for us. I like that the money also is spent on supporting local communities long the way. I would recommend this trip to anyone with above average fitness as otherwise you will struggle a bit .”
— John K
“This journey provided both mental and physical challenges but also created some great, new friendships. I’ll not lie, there were times I wanted to quit - especially during day 3’s gruesome cycle ride up to the PAH. But we just kept each other going and all completed the journey. And our guide Carlos made it run so smoothly. This journey shows you another side to Costa Rica, raw beauty rather than a tourist’s perspective. We were lucky with the weather, but it can get really hot and very wet. It was never cold enough to worry about out getting wet in the rain so we didn’t have much use for ponchos or rain jackets. And we wore sandals and trainers most of the time. I took cycling kit (shoes, pedals, seat, helmet) but you can do it as easily without - just bring padded shorts. And a willingness to laugh, have fun and share the experience with friends. It makes it all worth it.”
— Darren H
“Costa Rica is such a warm culture with amazing food, endless scenic landscapes and animal sightings. If you like to be challenged and are ready for an adventure, this is the one to do! Our group would agree that Danny Boy, our guide, made the trip! The amazing crew was there and really made it feel like home- set up tents, took care of water, snacks and made every type of plantain you can imagine! Danny was incredible- he knew how to work with the chemistry of the team, kept a pace that was good for everyone and literally knows everything about the country and every bird, animal or insect you can imagine. You will trek across the country without a car, see amazing wildlife, mountains and beaches. Don't be stressed if you don't feel you are "good" in all of the types of activities. Just come in shape and be ready to rock.”
— Mary C
“This trip was fabulous in every way. Great guide and support, excellent group of people to travel with, good food and perfectly executed itinerary. Bringing a backpacking type sleeping mat and headphones for some areas was a great tip. Water shoes for the rafting portion is a good call. Highly recommend this trip if you are so inclined.”
— Kendra B
“Great experience all around. The guide (Jeff S) was very friendly and fun. He kept us organized, informed and prepared for each day’s activities. The coordination between hiking, biking, rafting and kayaking was good. The food was delicious and plentiful. He was obviously very experienced. The hiking and biking was challenging but I knew what I was getting into when I signed up. The rafting guides (Ninja) and his brother (sorry, blanked on his name) were professional and helped us negotiate class 3 and 4 rapids safely. I don’t hold it against them that they said their grandmother could paddle better than us, they were likely right…”
— Bruce G
“Every single element of the trip was superb, organisation and logistics in particular were flawless and our guide Carlos and support crew Memo were excellent. Book a trip to Costa Rica with these folks, you won't regret it!”
— Chris
“For those with adventurous spirit, the Costa Rica Coast to Coast is not to be missed. Our guide and support crew were fantastic enabling us to travel under our own steam, hiking, biking, rafting and kayaking across and through the Costa Rica rain forests seeing and experiencing all it has to offer. One word.....amazing!”
— Deb
“The most impressively organised fascinating varied tour across the whole wonderful country. Hard work at times but so worth it. All staff excellent along with their food and information. The trip leader Juan Carlos was off the scale in his general and specialist knowledge, graft, care, and fun company. We had 7 in the random group (2 x US, 3 x Canada, and us 2 UK) and 7 people went home thrilled with memories for life.”
— Doug C
Price from
$3,535 / per person
Price from
$3,535/ per person
