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.

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Detail Itinerary

Day 1 San José (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.

Day 2 Manuel Antonio Beach

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)

Day 3 Pacific Side

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 midst of endless mountain ranges. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Los Santos

On this day our adventure continues by trekking towards the Continental Divide by challenging the infamous “Cemetery Hill” - a strenuous 3-kilometer bike climb up a steep, winding pass. We spend the night in a gorgeous valley, making camp next to a trapiche (traditional sugar cane processing house). (B, L, D)

Day 5 Los Santos

The small pueblo of San Lorenzo is our morning destination where, after a few hours of hiking, we switch back to pedal power – mountain biking. We finish the day in the quaint village of Santa María where we tend to our sore feet, refortify with some typical Costa Rican fare and rest up in comfortable local cabins for the following day. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Continental Divide

The hardest, steepest climb of our adventure begins on this day at the refreshing hour of 5.00 a.m. The challenge before breakfast is mountain biking a 14-kilometer up-hill stretch to the Continental Divide, bringing us to an altitude of 2330 meters - the highest peak in 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 and our bike rest for the night in mountain top cabins. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Tapanti

After some coffee, snacks and fruit we are mountain biking again and journey 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 bike, 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 town of Taus. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Pejibaye River

Today is a mixture of mountain biking and whitewater rafting…we begin by biking to our river rafting put-in. Our first experience with rafting is on the Pejibaye River, which eventually joins up with the mighty Reventazón River - one of the most popular whitewater rivers in all of Central America. Once downstream, we bike just another half-hour’s climb up a steep mountain road until we reach our night retreat nestled high above the river valley. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Pacuare River

After breakfast we are mountain biking 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. Frequent rapids will thrill while the savage beauty of your surroundings is humbling. 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)

Day 10 Pacuare River

A full day at the camp to really appreciate the rainforest. Take the opportunity to hike through the forest and to nearby waterfalls, or float down a rapid with just a life jacket, or relax in a hammock. (B, L, D)

Day 11 Pacuare River

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. “Taking out” near the town of Siquirres we arrive to the Finca Pacuarito riverside camp and rest for the night before an early start in the morning. (B, L, D)

Day 12 Pacuare River

THE SWEET TASTE OF SUCCESS... For the final leg of the crossing we continue whitewater rafting down the Pacuare and ease 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 passed. 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 at the comfortable Laguna Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 13 Caribbean

The day is free to relax and enjoy the area. If you have some energy to leave poolside a walk into town or on the beach is a nice way to loosen up. A visit to the community museum in town is a worthwhile stop and the boat trip through the canals to see the forest and the wildlife at close hand, is a must. The 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 crossing the country. (B, L, D)

Day 14 Caribbean - Return to San Jose

After breakfast by Motor Launch we wind through the Tortuguero Canals to our awaiting bus. This is an extremely relaxing way to complete your mountain biking, trekking, hiking, whitewater rafting adventure. We arrive back in San José with plenty of time in the afternoon for any last minute souvenir shopping. (B)

Day 15 San Jose (Departure)

A Costarican Adrenaline Adventures representative will drive you to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

Note

All dates are guaranteed departures. We will open a new date with a minimum of 4 people.

For more Mountain Biking and Sea Kayaking trips look at The COSTARICAN ADRENALINE Trip, Adventure Trails, Hidden Valleys, Mountains, Beaches and Rivers.