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Costa Rica Trek - itinerary

Images from Costa Rica

11 days/10 nights (7 days trekking)

Day 1

Depart from London to San Jose. On arrival we transfer to our hotel for the night getting a good nights rest before our challenge begins the next day

Day 2

Cerro Frio to San Gerardo

After breakfast we drive along the Pan American Highway to the Top of Cerro Frio which stands at 3,474 metres and the start of our trek. We take time to adjust to the tropical climate and find our rhythm today passing through cloud forest, where there is a good chance to see a wide variety of tropical birds including the infamous Quetzal. Our trek finishes at the town of San Gerardo and we camp close to town so there is an opportunity to walk around and get the flavour of local life.

Approx 4-5 hour trek

Day 3

San Gerardo to Angeles

We wake early to the sound of the local wildlife and in preparation of the long day ahead of us. We hike out of the valley and head back into the mountains and the cloud forest. At this point we are nearing the highest point of our challenge trek and are surrounded by coffee-lined mountains and spectacular views. After lunch we descend into the coffee-producing town of Angeles where we should see coffee pickers along the way. It is here we find our camp for the evening.

Approx 6-8 hour trek

Day 4

Angeles to Rio Nuevo

After a good breakfast we head off for what promises to be a challenging day. We are treated to our first true view of the rainforest and the possibility of seeing and hearing monkeys. Today is a challenging day where our trail leads us through coffee plantations and on steep slipper sections that will require hands and feet. We finish at Rio Nuevo where we will set up camp and toast our achievement with a cup of the local coffee!

Approx 5-7 hour trek

Day 5

Rio Nuevo to Cerro San Antonio

After a good nights sleep we head out today knowing that today will bring our last major climb before we start our descent into the valley. The trails we follow are narrow and tricky in part but offer some spectacular views of the Pacific coastline. After digging deep and reaching the top we camp on top of the ridge at Cerro San Antonio.

Approx 5-7 hour trek

Day 6

Cerro San Antonio to Magnolia

After the passed days climbing it's time for us to descend into the valley passing long cascades of spectacular waterfalls. If we have time we will take a quick dip in the tropical lagoons before continue to our camp at Magnolia.

Approx 4-6 hour trek

Day 7

Magnolia to Tres Piedras

Our penultimate day takes us along the valley and through farming communities, stopping for lunch at one of the many local farms With a view to making a living from the rainforest without destroying it, the local women in Tres Piedras are crafting and selling jewelry and adornments made from rainforest seeds and other renewable forest products. It's another picturesque day with the beach firming in our sights.

Approx 4-6 hour trek

Day 8

Tres Piedras to Playa Baru

Nearing the end of our challenge, we are making the beach our goal for the day. Before we reach that point however we have to hike along the riverbed and through the rainforest which is no easy feat but are rewarded with our first close-up of the Ocean. Our challenge finishes at the right on the beach and what a treat after the trekking over the past few days. After celebrating and feeling the sand between our toes we transfer to the National Wildlife Refuge in Dominical in the South Pacific region.

Approx 5-7 hour trek

Day 9

Free day at the beach - Dominical

The Wildlife Refuge is 815 acres of wetland and secondary forest in the lowlands to primary rainforest on the highland coastal ridge. For those looking for a real adrenaline rush the property has its own zip-line canopy (additional charge) which gives a bird's eye view of the forest. For the less adventurous there is an orchid garden, a bird tower and butterfly garden. Forest covered mountains dramatically rise up from the Pacific coastline and beckons those who want to rest and soothe their sore limbs on the sandy beaches of Domincal.

Day 10

Drive to San Jose - Departure

We leave the tranquility of Dominical and the Pacific Coast behind us as we head to San Jose and the airport for the return flight to the UK.

Day 11

Arrive London

Notes:

This itinerary is complex and may be subject to change.

Skyline Events and the charity act as agents for Skyline Tour Operations Ltd (ATOL protected 10069)