Costa Rica Coast to Coast Trek and Raft

Level of difficulty

The Costa Rica Coast to Coast Challenge is graded as tough due to the terrain, exposure to heat and numerous nights camping. This is the perfect challenge for participants who are of an adventurous spirit and an open mind and with previous trekking experience.  You will need a good level of fitness in order to undertake this challenge.  During the Challenge , you will be:

• Trekking between 6-8 hours a day
• Trekking with steep inclines and declines
• Trekking in 90+% Humidity and over 30 degree heat
• 7 nights of Camping
• 2 day of White Water Rafting Rapids Grade 2-4

Typical Day

Each day you rise early , after breakfast will help to pack up your kit and break camp, then trek carrying only daypacks for 6 to 8 hours, stopping for a packed lunch en route. You will have scheduled times to stop and view the remarkable scenery, or just absorb the thick jungle environment as you move through it. The challenge zone is remote and home to rare flora and fauna amid the bountiful biodiversity. The evenings are spent in wonderfully located camps, situated in the heart of the jungle or among farmland of the region. The food will be hearty and facilities basic. 

Safety

Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of its participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. Our Challenge Safe brand formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, bringing together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the activity itself. Your welfare is paramount! In terms of your Coast to Coast Challenge, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
- You will be trekking through dense, isolated primary jungle
- You will be physically exerting yourself for long periods of time in the heat of the tropics
- A good level of fitness is required for the challenge
- You may encounter a wide variety of insects, animals and plants
- You will be rafting on grade II to IV rapids
- You will be trekking through remote areas where facilities are basic

Responsible Tourism

It is our aim to make your challenge experience unforgettable. We also wish to contribute positively towards the communities and the destinations that we visit. You will be joined on this challenge with native residents. This will ensure that you not only will have a much higher level of engagement with the local culture, but also knowledge of the environment, local ways of living, history and experiences from the locals. During your trek you will pass through lots of local communities. 

Flights

You will be flying from London to San Jose, Costa Rica. If you wish to upgrade from economy, you can request this through your account area.

The airline and routing will be confirmed two months prior to departure. Your flight tickets will be e-mailed to you before departure.

If you choose to book your own flights you must confirm with the Charity Challenge office before paying otherwise you may be liable for your included group flights (please contact flights@charitychallenge.com for further assistance).

Please note: Timings of the group flights are subject to change so please take this into consideration when booking domestic travel arrangements to reach your departure airport i.e. book flexible tickets where possible. We are unable to take responsibility for the consequences of missed international flights due to delayed travel arrangements to the airport. We therefore advise you, when booking transport and making any arrangements, to plan to get to the airport in plenty of time allowing for any possible delays which may occur on the day (bad weather, break down, cancellations etc). If you book a domestic flight, in order to get to your international departure airport, please do consider that this flight ticket cannot be linked to the ticket we are organising for you; you will need to collect your luggage, possibly change terminal and check-in again as normal.

Visa

British citizens do not require a visa for Costa Rica for a stay up to 90 days. If you are of a different nationality, please check with the Costa Rican embassy within the country of your origin. You must hold a full ten-year passport with at least six months to run from the end of your challenge, and at least one blank page for your visa and entry/exit stamps.

Climate and Terrain

Climate: December to April are among the best months to travel in Costa Rica, with typically dry weather and varied humidity, although due to the climate of Costa Rica, rain at some point of the challenge is expected. Note, however, that temperatures can be very hot at all times of year. The rainforest offers some respite from the sun, but during the long treks, you will need to ensure that you stay well hydrated and protected from the sun. September is typically rainy season however it is a month mid the rains that is proven to be fairly dry.

Terrain: It is the terrain, rather than the distances covered, that will pose the greatest challenge during the Coast to Coast Challenge. Rainforest treks will require orienteering through dense vegetation and undulating terrain. During the rafting you will encounter grade I to IV rapids.

Extension

Tortuguero National Park Extension

Day 1: Transfer to Tortuguero National Park 

Rise early morning for your pick up at the hotel to tranfer to La Pavona Dock (3.5 hrs), breakfast on route. You will have a tour along the Tortuguero National Park Canals where you will be able to enjoy the exuberance of the tropical rainforest. After lunch, you will be able to take the walk through the gardens and nature trails, visit the picturesque Tortuguero Village to appreciate the lifestyle of its people and learn a little about there lifestyle and customs. 
Overnight Hotel Pachira Lodge Tortuguero (B, L, D).

Day 2: Boat Tour Tortuguero National Park

Breakfast will be served between 07:00 and 09:00. At 08:30 meet your guide and enjoy a tour throughout Tortuguero National Park Canals as you move by boat through the tropical rainforests. Tortugeuro is a paradise for research and ecotourism, as the areas ecosystems are so complex and diverse that visitors can expect anything during the tour form complete tranquility to discovering typical flora and fauna that are characteristic to the Costa Rica Caribbean. Overnight Hotel Pachira Lodge Tortuguero (B, L, D).

Day 3: Transfer Boat and Bus to San Jose

After breakfast you will depart by boat back to the port where you will transfer by bus to the hotel in San Jose. Lunch will be provided in El Ceibo Restaurant, and then onto San Jose. Overnight Hotel in San Jose (B, L, D).

Day 4: Depart San Jose to London

After breakfast, you will depart the hotel for your transfer to the international airport for your return flight home. Hasta Luego! (B).

Important Imformation about the Tortuguero National Park Extension

Included: 

•   3D/2N Package Tortugeuro NP at the Pachira Lodge
•   Transfers with Driver to Tortuguero NP
•   Boat Services and Enhlish Speaking Lodge guide for tours 
•   Airport Transfers

Excluded:
•   Personal expenses (ie: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry etc)
•   Tips for local team (we recommend you allow $6 per person for tipping your guide)

Please note that this extension is subject to minimum numbers of 4 people, flight and ground availability and should be booked as soon as possible. Occasionally, a surcharge may need to be applied in which case we will inform you prior to confirming your booking. Full payment must be received no later than 10 weeks prior to departure or your place on the extension may be cancelled. Extensions are not part of the main challenge. If we cannot offer an extension for any reason and you wish to cancel your challenge due to unavailability, Charity Challenge’s full terms and conditions will still apply.
The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger we will accommodate you in a room with someone of the same sex. Single supplements are available.
The cost of the extension (registration fee and balance) are subject to Charity Challenge's standard terms and conditions.

Training

This challenge is graded ‘Challenging’, which means that a resonable level of fitness is required! Anyone who leads a fairly active and moderately healthy lifestyle should be able to complete the challenge, as long as they train over a period of a few months leading up to the challenge. Don’t forget that the temperature is different from the UK – the hot and humid weather are constants on this challenge. While strength is important, endurance training should be your primary focus. Walking up hills and climbing stairs are both ways to condition your lower body. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, eventually adding weight as you increase your training pace. Take long hikes (6-8 hours) with a weighted pack, up and down hills (on treks, weigh your pack with water containers and pour out the water before your descent to minimise knee stress).

Luggage Allowance and Valuables

As no formal clothes are needed, luggage should be kept to the absolute minimum – details of what to pack are provided in your Kit List. Your main kit bag, or rucksack, must not exceed 23kgs in weight.  Each trekking day, your personal kit will be transported to the next stop by a support vehicle. You will carry a daypack for your daily needs such as sun cream, lunch, water, camera and lightweight waterproofs. We will do everything to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions. The general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces, rings and even watches. Carry your passport with you and make sure you have a photocopy of your documents (travel insurance, passport etc.) in case they get lost or damaged.

Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags.  Specific regulations regarding power banks may vary depending on the airline, the country you're traveling to, and the type and capacity of the power bank. It's always a good idea to check with the airline and the destination country's regulations before your flight to ensure that you comply with their specific rules regarding power banks.

Insurance

It is a condition of travelling with Charity Challenge that you have a suitable travel insurance policy which covers you for your entire challenge. We have a special policy which covers among other things, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, cancellation and curtailment of the challenge, and more specifically for the adventurous activities undertaken on this challenge. The White Water Rafting rapids are graded 1  - 4 and so please make sure these are covered. 

Vaccination and Medicines

Vaccinations: For up to date vaccination information please check the Travel Health Pro page:  NaTHNaC - Costa Rica (travelhealthpro.org.uk)

The Charity Challenge team are not medical experts and we would encourage you to visit your GP or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements. Your GP may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting, and as such it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.

Medication

• Carry medicines (including those bought over the counter) in their correctly labelled original packaging, as issued by the pharmacist. These should be carried in your hand luggage.
• Consider packing a spare supply of medication in the hold luggage in case of loss of hand luggage
• A letter from the prescriber detailing the medicines with the generic names for the medications can be helpful for border control checks, and in case medicines have to be replaced or medical help is required
• Carry a note from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery for controlled substances and injection medications
• Take out an appropriate level of travel health insurance including repatriation and specific cover for any pre-existing illnesses
• If you have an allergy which requires an epi-pen, ensure that you carry 2 during your trip

N.B.  Some medications are banned abroad so please check. You can find further information at NaTHNaC - Costa Rica (travelhealthpro.org.uk)

Money

Currency: Costa Rica uses the colon as its currency, USD$ are also widely used. For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com. You should ideally bring a combination of colons and dollars, or bring dollars that you can change into colons on arrival in Costa Rica.
Credit Cards: Credit cards are welcomed in Costa Rica but take cash when outside of the cities. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants. 
ATMs: You will find ATMs in San Jose, located in the airport, the city centre or near banks.  The town of Orosi, Santa Maria and Quepos will also have ATMs.
How much to bring: You will not need a large amount of money during this trip, as most expenses are included. You should only need money for tips, food & drink (additional), gifts and souvenirs. On average around £250- £400 plus a credit card in case of an emergency, should suffice. Keep in mind that, other than at the start and end of the trip, you will normally be away from any foreign exchanges or banks. We therefore recommend that you carry some cash. You will mainly need colons and just enough dollars in small denominations for the staff tips for this trip. 
Tipping: Tipping is personal and at your sole discretion. You should only tip if you feel that you have received good service. We recommend the equivalent of approx. US$15 per person per day (approx $105) in colons (ideally in small denominations), and this should be given to the challenge leader during the trek who will distribute it among the support team, including guides, assistant guides cooks, and porters.

Phone and Wifi

During your stay in San Jose and Manuel Antonio you will have good wi-fi access and phone signal. On camping days there will be no wi-fi and phone signal will be extremely limited. We recommed that you bring a portable charging device for charging phones. 

Leadership

You will be joined by experienced leaders in Costa Rica to support you through the entire journey. Specialist rafting guides and support staff will join you on the Pacuare River. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. We employ a number of local challenge guides, all of whom speak fluent English.

Group Size

Each group is intended to be a minimum of 18 people in order to run and a maximum of 30 people. We will be able to run this challenge for 14 to 17 people by charging a small group supplement of £75 which will be added to your final balance invoice (self funders) or charged to your charity (minimum sponsorship or flexi).

Clothing and Equipment

Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, waterproof, well-worn in (not leather) boots will be indispensable, particularly coupled with some really good quality walking socks. You don’t need a clean pair every day, but enough to make sure you have dry socks each morning. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated, so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are lightweight waterproof jacket, and technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. A full kit list for this challenge can be found in your account area, and once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our clothing and equipment partners. Due to high humidity levels please note that kit will be hard to dry out each day so it is highly recommended to bring several dry bags to seperate wet and dry clothing. 

Accommodation and Toilets

Accommodation: Accommodation will be in twin rooms at hotels and two-person tents at campsites. Participants should bring their own sleeping bag and sleeping mat for camping sections. If you would like your own room/tent, this can be arranged if there is availability but there will be a single room supplement. Please let Charity Challenge know if you are travelling with a friend or partner who you wish to share with. 

Toilets: Toilets are supplied during the challenge. They are set up near the campsite at specific locations away from watercourses. Toilet paper is provided. During the trekking days, you will have to make use of the bushes and rocks. Please ensure you have a few nappy bags to dispose of used toilet roll, and hand sanitiser.

Food and Drinks

Most breakfasts and dinners will be served at the hotels/camps or at local restaurants. Lunches are a combination of local restaurants and/or picnic meals. Water and snacks will be supplied during the trekking days; participants need to bring a water bottle for refill. Please let us know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies. All dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice. Please let Charity Challenge know prior to departure if you have any dietary requirements or allergies.

Emergencies

The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s walking abilities. This is allowed for. There will be a staff member at the back of the group at all times to ensure that you are not left behind and can take things at your own pace. In the event of an emergency all guides and leaders maintain contact via radio, and the support vehicle not be far away. If somebody is unable to walk at all, then we can transport him or her from one location to the next.

Pre Existing Medical Conditions

We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request.

Medical Support

First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold, high altitude and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive in the UK for pre-exiting medical conditions, and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.

If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader.