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You will be flying from London to the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica on a day flight.
Late afternoon/early evening arrive San Jose and transfer to the hotel (approx 45min transfer). Briefing and a good night's rest before the challenge begins early tomorrow morning!
Accommodation: Hotel in San Jose
This morning transfer 1.5 hours to Volcan Irazu (3432m) the highest active volcano in Costa Rica. A quick stop to stretch your legs to admire the view before continuing a further 2 hour transfer to the start of todays trek. The route takes you along country roads through farmland and sections of tropical rainforest. Crossing a couple of bridges, the trail today is not too steep but nicely undulating. Your first glance of the Pacuare River comes a few hours into the trek on your way down to the valley floor. After lunch you will cross the river and begin trekking up the other side of the valley until you reach the settlement of Santubal where you set up camp.
Accommodation: Camp (B,L,D)
Today you spend the day following the Pacuare River on trails heading down stream. Setting off from camp you will pass several indigenous communities and observe their unique way of life. Head into the tropical jungle on a single file trail before a fairly steep track descent to the river where you will enjoy a well deserved snack stop. Take on yoru last climb of the day as you leave the valley floor and head inland and up into the surrounding mountains. You will end up in the town of Mollejones, the high point of the journey at over 1000m, and your camp for the night. Tonight, you can tend to sore feet and enjoy the village community of Mollejones.
Accommodation: Camp (B,L,D)
Set off this morning from camp on a 6-hour hike on country roads and along the riverbed to reach your first nights camp, on the Pacuare River. Set off uphill on relatively good tracks through farmland and jungle before descending down to reach your campground for the night.
Accommodation: Camping (B,L,D)
Today hike from camp to an indigenous community, trekking through the reserve that lines the Pacuare river. Learn about the traditional indigenous huts and the way of life on this 12km hike. Head into the mountains as you tackle a 700m ascent, looking out at dramatic viewpoints along the way, including looking down on the Paucuare river where your rafting adventure begins tomorrow.
Accommodation: Camping (B,L,D)
Today the Pacuare River takes you through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river carved canyons. You will maneuver through the exhilarating rapids and see the intricacies of the rainforest at the river’s edge. Along the way you will take some time out to hike to some spectacular waterfalls and have lunch on the shore. Finish your rafting experience mid afternoon before a final short walk in the heart of banana plantation country to Finca Pacuarito.
Accommodation: Camp. (B,L,D)
A 2-hour transfer this morning will take you to the last trek of your Costa Rica Coast to Coast Challenge, in the Cahuita National Park. Enjoy a final walk on wooden walkways while spotting wildlife, before exiting the rainforest to the beaches of the Caribben Sea. You will continue your walk along trails lined by volcanic beaches before a final dip in the sea to celebrate finishing your Coast to Coast Challenge. Lunch is served and the afternoon is at leisure to explore the coastal town and its laid back Caribbean Vibe from cute coffee shops, souvineer shopping and beautiful beaches to relax on. It's party time tonight as you head to a local restaurant for a Celebratory Meal.
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)
This morning is yours to do as you wish. Explore further the relaxed Caribbean town or spend the morning relaxing on the beach. Choose from one of the many local restaurants and cafes for lunch (at own expense) before regrouping at the hotel to pick up the 6 hour transfer back to San Jose.
You will stop en route to pick up snacks/food at your leisure before arriving at the San Jose hotel early evening. Dinner at leisure tonight (at own expense) at the hotel before getting a well-deserved nights rest.
Accommodation: Hotel (B)
This morning following breakfast, your driver will take you to Juan Santamaria International Airport for your flight back home.
Alternatively, if you're joining us for our extension offering to Tortuguero National Park, you'll rise early for your transfer to La Pavona dock.
Standard itinerary: (B), Extension itinerary: (B, L, D).
This morning, you will land back in the UK after an overnight flight from Costa Rica.
BELIEVE >> ACHIEVE >> INSPIRE
We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 6546. Many of the flight-inclusive challenges on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. This ATOL protection only covers challenges that include flights booked by Charity Challenge and that originate in the UK. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLcertificate
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