5.0

250km Coast to Coast Expedition through Costa Rica

Hike, bike and paddle yourself from the Pacific Ocean all the way to the Caribbean Sea

What's Included?

  • Activities & Certified GuidesAll itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides
  • All accommodation4 nights in hotels, 7 nights camping
  • MealsAll breakfasts, 8 lunches and 7 dinners
  • TransfersTo and from the airport and everything in between
  • Equipment & PermitsAll your biking, rafting, kayaking gear; camping equipment; all permits and entry fees
  • Small Like-minded GroupsSolo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 16 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people

From…excluding flights

Highlights

  • Cross the width of one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth under your own steam, from one lush coastline to another

  • Journey through cloudforest, mountain villages and virgin rainforest teeming with wildlife before heading up and over the Continental Divide

  • Rest up at beautiful eco-camps on the banks of the pristine Pacuare River and cool down with swims and dips at secret swimming spots in the rainforest

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Welcome to Costa Rica

    Hotel
    Twin share
    Show Day 1 detail

    Fly into beautiful Costa Rica and head to your hotel in San José. Depending on what time you land, explore, or just relax and get ready for the start of your adventure.

    Day 2

    The Pacific Coast

    Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and dinner included
    Show Day 2 detail

    Hop on a bus bound for the Pacific Coast – the starting point for your coast-to-coast adventure. This will be your last motorised vehicle for the next 10 days! Spend the night in the quiet fishing village of Quepos, next door to Manuel Antonio National Park. Relax on the beach, visit the park, famous for its abundant wildlife and then have dinner and a group briefing with the rest of your team.

    Day 3

    The adventure begins

    Hiking
    14km · 1000m up · 700m down
    Cycling
    19km · 350m up · 150m down
    Campsite
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 3 detail

    Fuel up on some fresh fruit and coffee, then set off on your bike. There are some steep sections straight away, although you'll be instantly rewarded with some sweeping views of the Pacific coastline. Reach the small town of Esquipulas and have a bigger, second breakfast before swapping your bike for hiking boots and heading deep into the cool mountains of central Costa Rica. Camp for the night in the valley of Naranjillo and listen to the sound of nature, uninterrupted.

    Day 4

    Santa Maria Village

    Hiking
    12km · 1000m up · 250m down
    Cycling
    14km · 500m up · 300m down
    Campsite
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 4 detail

    Start with a hike towards the Continental Divide before tackling 'Cemetery Hill' – a challenging 3km climb. From the pueblo of San Lorenzo, grab your mountain bike and set off for the quaint village of Santa Maria. Load up on some typical Costa Rican food and then rest up in a comfortable cabin for the night.

  5. Day 5

    Over the divide

    Cycling
    49km · 1300m up · 1800m down
    Campsite
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 5 detail

    Time to tackle the toughest and steepest climb – a 14 km uphill stretch to the Continental Divide. This section is on a tarmac road which makes the going easier during the climb. At 2330 metres, it's also the highest point of your journey. Of course, what goes up must come down, so the rest of the day is off-road cycling at its best – downhill along dirt roads and smooth trails. Finish the day in the beautiful Orosi Valley, where rich pastures and dark green forests of coffee carpet the land.

    Day 6

    Tapantí cloud forest

    Hiking
    17km · 500m up · 1000m down
    Cycling
    9km · 300m up · 150m down
    Campsite
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 6 detail

    Cycle beside the river and then into the vast Tapantí National Wildlife Refuge. Take a break from the bike and head deeper into the mountains on foot – far from where wheels could ever take you. Trek through the cloud forest and feel tiny beneath thousands of trees covered with ferns, bromeliads and mosses. After reaching flatter ground, camp near the small settlement of Taus and have a big dinner under the stars.

  7. Day 7

    The Pacuare River

    Cycling
    4hrs · 43km · 700m up · 1000m down
    Rafting
    2hrs · 10km
    Campsite
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 7 detail

    Continue cycling towards La Cruz, the gateway to the raging Pacuare River. Eat lunch on the river's banks before loading up your raft to paddle through pristine rainforest, canyon cliffs and past deafening waterfalls. Set up camp for the night at El Nido del Tigre, named after the giant indigenous ginger plants that carpet the area, nestled between the sounds of the rainforest and the river. There will be some free time to explore this lush environment – be sure to look out for toucans, boa constrictors and sloths – or you can just relax in a hammock.

  8. Day 8

    Rest day

    Campsite
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 8 detail

    Enjoy some well-earned downtime at this gorgeous location. Explore the primary forest, swim in the river, visit some nearby waterfalls and swimming holes where the water is so pure you can drink from them, or just put in some more hammock time. The area of rainforest around your camp is in a pristine state and rarely visited – perfect for a peaceful day.

    Day 9

    White water

    Rafting
    4-6hrs · 20km
    Campsite
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 9 detail

    Continue along the Pacuare, passing through river-carved canyons. There are also some exhilarating Class II and III rapids to manoeuvre, as well as gentler sections where you can peer into the rainforest and spot wildlife. Take a break from rafting and hike to some cascading waterfalls and have lunch on the shore. Stop for the night as the forest gives way to the banana plantations at Finca Pacuarito and enjoy the rapidly changing scenery.

  10. Day 10

    The Caribbean Sea

    Cycling
    2hrs · 26km · 100m up · 100m down
    Kayaking
    2hrs · 12km
    Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 10 detail

    Jump back on your bike and ride through the plantations to the town of Freeman, then board your kayak for the final leg of the journey. Leave the rapids of the highlands behind and paddle into the tropical lowlands, before finally drifting into the Caribbean Sea. Celebrate with a drink in the surf and some beach time – you've earned it!

    Day 11

    Final beach time and back to San José

    Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast included
    Show Day 11 detail

    Enjoy some final downtime on the sand and then drive back to San José through the cloud forest and misty mountains of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Toast your epic coast-to-coast achievement. Not everyone can say they've crossed an entire country!

  12. Day 12

    Goodbye Costa Rica

    Breakfast included
    Show Day 12 detail

    After breakfast, head back to the airport in time for your flight home, or explore a little more of this incredible country.

Practical Stuff

Getting There

Nearest airport
Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
Pick up
Juan Santamaría International Airport, San José
Anytime on Day 1
Drop off
Juan Santamaría International Airport, San José
Anytime on Day 12

Detailed Logistics

Transfers

Airport transfers are included on arrival and departure days. Just let your host know your flight details. If you arrive and depart outside of the set days, your host can arrange an airport transfer for you for an extra cost. See Optional Extras for the price.

Travel options

There are regular flights to Costa Rica from major airports across the UK and Europe.

Trip level explained

Level 5

Challenging

Crossing 250km coast-to-coast in 10 days is a challenge, so strong fitness and a sense of adventure is vital. You'll also need to be happy swapping from bike, to hiking boots, to a multi-person raft, to a single person kayak. You do not need kayaking experience although upper body strength is useful. And the mountain biking is not technical so while you do not need to have prior experience of trails etc, the more experience will make your trip more enjoyable. The rafting is from Class II up to Class IIII rapids. No experience is needed for the rafting, your guides will give you a full instruction on how to tackle the rapids as a team, with an experienced rafting guide captaining each raft.

The cycling on the trip is a combination of paved roads and dirt roads going through dry forests, jungles, and cloud forests. Most of the riding is not that technical, your guide will give a heads up on the more difficult parts. Experience in riding back-to-back days is recommended but not absolutely necessary. Most of the days there are climbs as you pass from one valley to the other over the mountains. There is always plenty of time each day to take your time riding and to stop to take pictures etc. You will regroup wherever the guides find it necessary to keep the group together and safe. There will be plenty of local snacks and some shade to keep you going. The ultimate aim of cycling on this trip is simply to be able to see more of Costa Rica combining it with hiking, whitewater rafting, and kayaking.

Climate Factors To Consider

This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely high during the times of year when this trip operates. High humidity and limited access to shade can also be factors, and warm temperatures can continue into the nighttime, which additionally influence the body’s ability to cool down. Personal care should be taken to keep as cool as possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration. Very high temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at cooler temperatures. People may experience symptoms associated with dehydration and Heat Stroke (opens in new tab). Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.

Remote environment: factors to consider

Some parts of this trip take place in areas where access to medical facilities and emergency services may be limited. This may mean that reaching medical care takes longer than you might normally expect, or that local medical facilities have fewer resources than those you may be used to at home.

If someone becomes unwell or injured, initial treatment may be provided locally before onward travel to a larger hospital or city for further care. Evacuation could involve changing the planned route or using different forms of transport to reach appropriate medical facilities. Mobile phone coverage may also be intermittent in some locations.

Your guide is trained to manage situations in remote environments and will monitor the group and respond appropriately if any issues arise. However, it’s important that you let your guide know straight away if you feel unwell or experience any health concerns during the trip.

Before booking, consider your personal health and ability to travel in locations where access to medical care may be delayed. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns, we recommend seeking advice from a medical professional and discussing them with your host before travelling.

All travellers must have suitable travel insurance that covers the activities included in the trip and emergency medical evacuation if required.

What is and isn't Included?

What's included

  • Guided hiking, cycling, rafting and kayaking expedition across Costa Rica over six days
  • Rest day on Day 8

  • Expert, local, English-speaking guides

  • 2 nights in a centrally located hotel in San José
  • 1 night in a simple hotel in Quepos
  • 7 nights camping at campsites and rustic cabinas
  • 1 night in a boutique hotel in Cahuita National Park

  • All (11) tasty breakfasts
  • 8 hearty lunches
  • 7 traditional Costa Rican dinners

  • Arrival transfer from San José Airport at any time on Day 1
  • Departure transfer to San José Airport at any time on Day 12
  • All transfers during the trip

  • All biking equipment
  • All rafting equipment
  • All kayaking equipment
  • Tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mats for the camping nights

  • All permits and entry fees

Where You'll Stay

Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.

  • Twin room, Sleep Inn Paseo Las Damas, San Jose, Costa Rica

    San Jose

    Stay

    San Jose

    You'll stay in a 3-star hotel in the centre of town, for example the Hotel Sleep Inn Paseo Las Damas which is opposite España Park and the Modern Art Museum. The exact hotel will be confirmed by your local host in your pre-departure information.

  • Kamuk Hotel and Spa, Quepos, Costa Rica

    The Pacific Coast

    Stay

    The Pacific Coast

    You'll stay at Kamuk Hotel and Spa in Quepos, just minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park and steps from the Pacific Ocean.

  • Camping at El Nido del Tigre, Costa Rica

    The Expedition

    Stay

    The Expedition

    You'll stay at campsites and rustic cabinas. Highlights include El Nido Del Tigre, an authentic Costa Rican camp that’s passionate about sustainability in the Bajo Tigre rainforest.

  • Hotel Casa de las Flores, Cahuita National Park, Costa Rica

    The Caribbean

    Stay

    The Caribbean

    You'll celebrate the end of your journey with a night at the boutique Hotel Casa de las Flores in Cahuita National Park. The hotel is close to the beach and surrounded by an area renowned for its invaluable biodiversity, where you're likely to see white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, iguanas, toucans, sloths and a variety of birds and butterflies.

What You'll Eat

A classic plate of Costa Rican food includes rice and beans, salad, fried sweet plantains and either fish, chicken, pork or beef. Some will also have cheese, french fries or grilled vegetables. Gallo pinto is another classic Costa Rican staple: slow-…

Food and Dietary info

A classic plate of Costa Rican food includes rice and beans, salad, fried sweet plantains and either fish, chicken, pork or beef. Some will also have cheese, french fries or grilled vegetables. Gallo pinto is another classic Costa Rican staple: slow-cooked rice and beans with onions, peppers and coriander (cilantro). This dish often forms part of the Costa Rican breakfast: gallo pinto with eggs, fried cheese, sweet plantains and homemade corn tortillas. There'll be plenty of other Latin American and tropical foods available, and on both coasts you’ll find pipa fria: a whole, cold, fresh coconut.

Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request on your passenger info form.

Optional Extras

Equipment / Kit Hire

Bike Helmet Hire
…

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation

Pre/Post trip accommodation in San Jose (per room, per night) from
…

Upgrades

Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade, seasonal from
…/per person

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).

Transfers

Airport Transfer One Way (San Jose Airport to San Jose accommodation) from
…

To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.

All extras must be paid before your trip starts.

Ratings & Reviews

5.0217 reviews
  • 3 stars (0)
  • 2 stars (0)
  • 1 star (0)

Category rating

Food
5.0
Guides & crew
5.0
Accommodation
4.0
Itinerary
5.0

Latest Reviews

  • Mary C.

    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.

  • Kendra B.

    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.

  • wayne p.

    I travelled in May and the rain was epic, waterproof cover for ruck sack was useless so i suggest a double dry bag if you go when I did and need to protect your passport. I have travelled a lot with MBA and you know what you are going to get. Good organisation. simple food but lots of it. I thought this one was expensive but it's the first one where I cycled and rafted. The Hiking was not to tough but amazing views. One of the days on the bike was really tough but I'm not a massive cyclist. i guess my only non-positive comment would be we were not met by our guide on the first day and he left the day before the final day. to finish on a positive i would say the white water rafting was the best afternoon I have had for years on holiday.

  • Alan C.

    An amazing trip, one of many MBA trips I’ve been on, with loads of wildlife to be seen and a diverse range of landscapes. Sloths, toucans, howler monkeys, vultures, poison arrow frogs, crocodiles, capuchins, iguana and much more. The campsites along the Pacuare River were delightful and the hotels were good. The food was delicious and plentiful. Our guide and support crew were spot on with everything running smoothly and to time. We were only a small group of 4 so there was no faffing about and we tended to get to camp in the early afternoon so had plenty of downtime to soak it all in. The activities were all well judged. Although others have said that it’s tough, I found it all really easy - and that’s despite being a slightly overweight mid-50’s male having had some major health issues. It was nice steady hiking on easy tracks with only one or two steep sections and plenty of rest stops. The mountain biking was all on tarmac or well groomed gravel roads and at a very slow pace with plenty of time to complete the distances. The climbs were never steep, and nor were any of the descents. Slightly less traffic in some sections would have been nice, but it was never too bad. The rafting was just good fun, no fitness needed for that, just sit there, obey the instructions and enjoy the ride. The kayaking was an easy pootle along a calm river. All in all an amazing trip through a spectacular country.

  • Thomas C.

    Absolutely amazing trip, guides were amazing food was superb too thx Memo, Carlos and Kely. As advertised this trip isn't easy!, with early starts however you generally have most of the afternoon to relax. If you haven't done much biking previously my recommendation would be to do some training beforehand (I did and this seemed to help), having a general fitness lifestyle does help also. Take plenty of electrolytes and breathable T-Shirts. I would defiantly look at doing a MBA again.

  • Rosalyn F.

    My hubby and I just completed thd 10 day asventure trek with Coast to Coast, and it was a PHENOMENAL trip! Dani, our guide exceeded our expectations! He is passionate, charismatic, knowledgeable, flexible, talented, skilled at managing, organizing, creating psychological and physical safety, friendly and professional. And has alot of amazing stories to share! His cooking was superb, along with driver & chef, Memo. We ate such good food daily. Dani debriefed us so well each day. This trip, along with a group of strangers turned friends, was one of the mist memorable! It also requires you to be very fit, as it is physically demanding & challenging! We loved it!! Thank you to Dani and staff!!

  • Þorsteinn B.

    Absolutely amazing trip with Much Better Adventures! Huge thanks to our incredible guides — Fez, Memo, Abel, and Douglas — who went above and beyond to support everyone and make the experience special. One of the highlights was the food: everything was sourced locally from the market each day and the guides prepared all the meals themselves. It was fresh, delicious, and far beyond what I expected on a trip like this. They also shared so much knowledge about nature and helped us spot many animals along the way. The whole trip had an amazing vibe, and you could really feel how much effort the team put into making it memorable for everyone. I’m incredibly grateful for the experience and would highly recommend this adventure!

  • Emma P.

    It's difficult to put into words how incredible this trip was. Our group of 5 solo travellers turned up, each looking to challenge ourselves physically but what we got, was so much more. I finished this trip feeling challenged, educated and inspired. Danni was without doubt a top tier guide, we could not have asked for someone better to lead our group. His positivity, passion and knowledge is nothing short of inspiring. He made every day of the trip fun and interesting, sharing his passion for his home country and ecology. The support provided by Jeffrey was also second to none, making each transition absolutely seamless and providing delicious snacks and refreshments. A small blip in my journey lead me to an afternoon on an IV drip in a hospital. Danni and Jeffrey handled this incident incredibly well. Recognising that I required medical attention, they quickly organised an additional support vehicle which allowed the rest of the group to continue the journey as scheduled. They made contact with a local clinic, allowing me to been seen and treated very quickly. This quick intervention allowed me to recover and return to activities the following day. Having Jeffrey with me the entire time to translate for me made me feel more at ease in a scary situation. The trip was in equal parts challenging and rewarding, each day I thought it couldn't get any better and each day I was proven wrong. Falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle is a memory which will stay with me forever. If you've read this far, your either considering booking - in which case, just do it, you will not regret it! Or you're looking for kit list recommendations - previous reviews have been spot on. Bring a camping pillow, dry bags to separate wet and dry kit, lots of bug spray and a sports suncream that won't run into your eyes when you sweat! I wouldn't bother with a clothes line and card games are a must! I would also probably take my own immodium if I did it again🤣

  • Marcus E.

    A fantastic trip through the beauty of Costa Rica's rain & cloud forests, rivers, mountains & waterfalls! We all bonded within the different adventures and challenges of the trip with the expertise and guidance of our amazing guide Daniel!

  • Ian B.

    I've been on a few MBA trips and they've all been impressive, this was no exception. It's starts with a few chilled days and then the adventure begins. As you've already read it is physically challenging, be prepared. Each of our group found different aspects more challenging but everyone supported each other through the ups and down (Costa Rican Flats!) and there was genuine happiness when each of us completed the next stage. The physical challenge was always rewarding. Exploring Costa Rica by human power was amazing and we saw and learnt so much about the country. This was in no small part down to our amazing guide Danny. His knowledge, enthusiasm and joviality was only surpassed by the 150% effort he gave at all times of the day. Whilst I know the coast to coast adventure would have been incredible whoever guided us I'm glad we all got to experience it with Danny. He was ably supported by Jeffery who kept us hydrated and fed and made sure we had the right gear for the next leg. Thanks to both of you. Definitely check people's kit list recommendations and definitely book the coast to coast adventure!!

Customer Photos

5.0217 reviews
  • 5 stars (210)
  • 4 stars (7)
  • 3 stars (0)
  • 2 stars (0)
  • 1 star (0)
Showing all 217 reviews

  • Pura Vida is a real thing!

    Mary C. June 2026
    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.

  • Fabulous Trip

    Kendra B. June 2026
    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.

  • The Rain and the smiles!

    wayne p. May 2026
    I travelled in May and the rain was epic, waterproof cover for ruck sack was useless so i suggest a double dry bag if you go when I did and need to protect your passport. I have travelled a lot with MBA and you know what you are going to get. Good organisation. simple food but lots of it. I thought this one was expensive but it's the first one where I cycled and rafted. The Hiking was not to tough but amazing views. One of the days on the bike was really tough but I'm not a massive cyclist. i guess my only non-positive comment would be we were not met by our guide on the first day and he left the day before the final day. to finish on a positive i would say the white water rafting was the best afternoon I have had for years on holiday.

  • An amazing trip through a spectacular country.

    Alan C. May 2026
    An amazing trip, one of many MBA trips I’ve been on, with loads of wildlife to be seen and a diverse range of landscapes. Sloths, toucans, howler monkeys, vultures, poison arrow frogs, crocodiles, capuchins, iguana and much more. The campsites along the Pacuare River were delightful and the hotels were good. The food was delicious and plentiful. Our guide and support crew were spot on with everything running smoothly and to time. We were only a small group of 4 so there was no faffing about and we tended to get to camp in the early afternoon so had plenty of downtime to soak it all in. The activities were all well judged. Although others have said that it’s tough, I found it all really easy - and that’s despite being a slightly overweight mid-50’s male having had some major health issues. It was nice steady hiking on easy tracks with only one or two steep sections and plenty of rest stops. The mountain biking was all on tarmac or well groomed gravel roads and at a very slow pace with plenty of time to complete the distances. The climbs were never steep, and nor were any of the descents. Slightly less traffic in some sections would have been nice, but it was never too bad. The rafting was just good fun, no fitness needed for that, just sit there, obey the instructions and enjoy the ride. The kayaking was an easy pootle along a calm river. All in all an amazing trip through a spectacular country.

  • Tom C

    Thomas C. May 2026
    Absolutely amazing trip, guides were amazing food was superb too thx Memo, Carlos and Kely. As advertised this trip isn't easy!, with early starts however you generally have most of the afternoon to relax. If you haven't done much biking previously my recommendation would be to do some training beforehand (I did and this seemed to help), having a general fitness lifestyle does help also. Take plenty of electrolytes and breathable T-Shirts. I would defiantly look at doing a MBA again.

  • WOW!!!! Highly recommend Coast to Coast!!!

    Rosalyn F. April 2026
    My hubby and I just completed thd 10 day asventure trek with Coast to Coast, and it was a PHENOMENAL trip! Dani, our guide exceeded our expectations! He is passionate, charismatic, knowledgeable, flexible, talented, skilled at managing, organizing, creating psychological and physical safety, friendly and professional. And has alot of amazing stories to share! His cooking was superb, along with driver & chef, Memo. We ate such good food daily. Dani debriefed us so well each day. This trip, along with a group of strangers turned friends, was one of the mist memorable! It also requires you to be very fit, as it is physically demanding & challenging! We loved it!! Thank you to Dani and staff!!

  • From iceland to costa rica

    Þorsteinn B. March 2026
    Absolutely amazing trip with Much Better Adventures! Huge thanks to our incredible guides — Fez, Memo, Abel, and Douglas — who went above and beyond to support everyone and make the experience special. One of the highlights was the food: everything was sourced locally from the market each day and the guides prepared all the meals themselves. It was fresh, delicious, and far beyond what I expected on a trip like this. They also shared so much knowledge about nature and helped us spot many animals along the way. The whole trip had an amazing vibe, and you could really feel how much effort the team put into making it memorable for everyone. I’m incredibly grateful for the experience and would highly recommend this adventure!

  • A lovely, lovely, lovely uphill adventure

    Emma P. March 2026
    It's difficult to put into words how incredible this trip was. Our group of 5 solo travellers turned up, each looking to challenge ourselves physically but what we got, was so much more. I finished this trip feeling challenged, educated and inspired. Danni was without doubt a top tier guide, we could not have asked for someone better to lead our group. His positivity, passion and knowledge is nothing short of inspiring. He made every day of the trip fun and interesting, sharing his passion for his home country and ecology. The support provided by Jeffrey was also second to none, making each transition absolutely seamless and providing delicious snacks and refreshments. A small blip in my journey lead me to an afternoon on an IV drip in a hospital. Danni and Jeffrey handled this incident incredibly well. Recognising that I required medical attention, they quickly organised an additional support vehicle which allowed the rest of the group to continue the journey as scheduled. They made contact with a local clinic, allowing me to been seen and treated very quickly. This quick intervention allowed me to recover and return to activities the following day. Having Jeffrey with me the entire time to translate for me made me feel more at ease in a scary situation. The trip was in equal parts challenging and rewarding, each day I thought it couldn't get any better and each day I was proven wrong. Falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle is a memory which will stay with me forever. If you've read this far, your either considering booking - in which case, just do it, you will not regret it! Or you're looking for kit list recommendations - previous reviews have been spot on. Bring a camping pillow, dry bags to separate wet and dry kit, lots of bug spray and a sports suncream that won't run into your eyes when you sweat! I wouldn't bother with a clothes line and card games are a must! I would also probably take my own immodium if I did it again🤣

  • A fantastic trip through the

    Marcus E. March 2026
    A fantastic trip through the beauty of Costa Rica's rain & cloud forests, rivers, mountains & waterfalls! We all bonded within the different adventures and challenges of the trip with the expertise and guidance of our amazing guide Daniel!

  • Just when you think it can't get any better. . .

    Ian B. March 2026
    I've been on a few MBA trips and they've all been impressive, this was no exception. It's starts with a few chilled days and then the adventure begins. As you've already read it is physically challenging, be prepared. Each of our group found different aspects more challenging but everyone supported each other through the ups and down (Costa Rican Flats!) and there was genuine happiness when each of us completed the next stage. The physical challenge was always rewarding. Exploring Costa Rica by human power was amazing and we saw and learnt so much about the country. This was in no small part down to our amazing guide Danny. His knowledge, enthusiasm and joviality was only surpassed by the 150% effort he gave at all times of the day. Whilst I know the coast to coast adventure would have been incredible whoever guided us I'm glad we all got to experience it with Danny. He was ably supported by Jeffery who kept us hydrated and fed and made sure we had the right gear for the next leg. Thanks to both of you. Definitely check people's kit list recommendations and definitely book the coast to coast adventure!!

  • Absolutely Amasing!

    Anne S. March 2026
    Wow! I read all the reviews before I booked and they all said it was amasing! But this trip surpassed what I had expected! I have been on a few tours around the world but never had a trip that felt life changing before. I can’t even put into words how incredible it was. We all thought everyday couldn’t get more beautiful and each day it did and more. Our guide Danny was absolutely amasing. His knowledge of conservation gave us fantastic insight into all the animals, plants and the local communities and made it so much more special. All the work from the entire team including our driver Jeffry was exceptional and all the food they prepared was extremely delicious!! It is rated as challenging, which is correct even for relatively fit people. I would recommend people to look at not just the distances but the elevation over the distance listed to get an indication - as some of the climbs are steep - it does require a level of fitness. If you do regular biking or running I would 100% recommend this trip as an incredible experience. If you do an occasional walk on the weekend then you would need to train before you go or maybe look at the e-bike version of the trip. Cycling experience is required - there is a mix of road and gravel, which was great. I had no mountain bike experience so learnt a lot and actually like gravel as much as road now! Some packing tips: The packing list they give is really good! - Quick dry clothes and socks - Can take a clothes line (but I never actually used mine as there are other lines around) - I took my lightweight hiking boots, trainers for cycling/ evenings, and sandles (with good grip) for the water crossings, rafting and kayaking - Cycling gloves (also used for kayaking) - Compact umbrella for the day bag (for hot sun and for the odd rain storm - very handy) - Factor 50 suncream and deet bug spray (apply regularly) - Lots of electrolytes - I took some energy chews particularly for the first 3 days. I was so well fed that I didn’t need snacks but there are opportunities to stop for snacks during the trip. - Bike bag - particularly for the top bar (so can put energy chews in - or phone) - Binoculars (they are very handy for seeing animals hiding in the canopies) If you love nature, like a challenge and have the fitness - do it!! You honestly won’t regret it! When we finished we all wanted to drive back to the pacific coast to do it all over again - which says it all really!

  • Tremendous trip crossing a continent - get fit before you go!

    Mark P. March 2026
    I'm glad it was Costa Rica, 250km and not the United States, 4000km plus! The good points; Such excellent guides and support crew and logistics - thank you Josue, Enrique, Memo and Darwin. The route - follows much of the Camino de Costa Rica, a hiking trail established in 2019. The wildlife - soaring swallow tailed kites, turkey vultures, toucans, fireflies, monkeys and sloths. The food - hotels, local restaurants and campfire cooked meals - it's plentiful, and I love plantain in all of it's prepared forms. The local casado - rice and beans will fill you up. Local campsites will give you a sense of getting away from it all. Camping in the gym prevented tents getting saturated, and the glamping sites were tents covered by corrugated iron roofs to keep things dry. No punctures in our group of 12 for the whole trip. A great group of folks to share it with (unknown to me, 2 people from my running club booked on the trip too. Small world and all that) The sense of achievement when you see the breaking rollers of the Caribbean Sea on the kayak day. The less good; San Jose - I could have given that a miss (American chain restaurants and little of architectural merit) I wish I'd just gone straight to Quepos as I arrived early. Make sure you're a morning person. If not, become one as there a lot of early starts (4am the most testing. . ) Some of the roads are quite busy and the trucks don't always give a lot of room. Don't expect pristine rainforest all the way. Tracks run through banana and coffee plantations and there are occasional 4 by 4's to meet. The weather - expect it to be wet, there are opportunities to get clothes washed and dried. Sandals are your friend, footwear that will dry quickly. At the end, a 1 hour drive to Cahuita for 1 night, then drive back on the same road to go back to San Jose. Perhaps the national park close by was an attraction and Limon had little to offer?

  • Well organised challenge but not much adventure

    Alexander L. March 2026
    So yes, this is a big challenge with a sense of acheivement at the end. You'll get to experince a few differnt climates and biomes along the way. The logistics of the trip are complicated and the team does a fantastic job of managing them and taking all around care of you. But the downside is really the route you take. The whole journey (except the rafting, which may be cancelled due to weather) is on routes used by motor vehicles. For the bike sections, this means lots of asphalt, often pretty busy. The rest, cycling and hiking is a mixture of gravel roads and access tracks to houses and farms. You'll see a lot of the country but never really feel like you are getting in to the wilds. The first three days are the worst, grueling climbs on busy tarmac or repetetive coffee plantations, with things improlving as it goes on. The challenge level of this trip is real, but if you reguarly cycle or hike up significant hills, you can do it. Focus on the amount of climbing and matching that, not the distances. Technical challenge for any of the sports is pretty absent, but do note that the cycling includes rough gravel roads at points. Bad weather (intense heat or heavy rain) are quite possible and would make things much more gruelling. Food is overall good, but pretty variable. Highlights are some delcious local restaurants, lowlights are sandwiches of cheap bread and pre-sliced cheese. There's also a lot of downtime in the schedule - the trip is 12 days/11 nights nominally, but there's only 7 days of activity. There's a lot of what feels like "padding" start and finish.

  • Smiling all of the way

    Michael P. March 2026
    A trip like this needs 3 things- a good itinerary, a good guide and a great group of people to enjoy it with and this trip had all of those things in spades. Thanks Josué, Enrique, Darwin & Memo who worked so hard; Thanks MBA and Thank you to all adventurers for being great company and a great team. We smashed it😁 Some days were very hard (especially the hike on day 2) but everyone supported each other and it was a fantastic trip. Brilliant even. When I saw the route and the elevations I was concerned but I'm so glad I booked the trip as everything came together on the day. You can see from the pictures that we were smiling at the beginning, smiling at the end and actually all the way across too. Sign up today.

  • Challenge yourself

    Steven H. February 2026
    This was a fantastic trip. The physical challenge was much greater than I expected, but worth the effort even when I struggled. The trip’s organization and its leadership both were stellar. Dani and Zoe did a fantastic job, coaching us, encouraging us, teaching us and feeding us. Their passion for their homeland and desire to make us successful were apparent and infectious. This trip pushed me out of my comfort zone. And rewarded me in kind for the effort.

  • Costa Rica Coast to Coast Adventure

    John B. February 2026
    Just absolute fun and adventure from start to finish. I would thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone who reasonably fit and wants a very active experience in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

  • A fabulous adventure across a stunning country

    Sarah H. February 2026
    I absolutely loved this trip. It was physically challenging (Costa Rica is not flat - more of it seems to go up than down somehow. . . ) but hugely rewarding because of it. We hiked past fields of banana and coffee plants, and cycled alongside miles of sugar cane being harvested by hand. The views were breath-taking, with huge colourful plants, flowers and trees. The wildlife was wonderful too - birds, frogs, lizards, monkeys, sloths, butterflies, a racoon and loads more. I fell in love with the hummingbirds with their super-fast wings and flashes of colour. (Try filming them in slo-mo to see them better. ) We tried lots of local foods and were very well fed throughout the trip. Try Memo's cassava chips if you get the chance. The rafting was great too and it was a great way to see the river and its wildlife. And the kayaking on the last day, although hard work, gave us the opportunity to see families of monkeys right above us in the trees over the river, which was magical. Accommodation is a mixture of camping and hotels. I enjoyed the variety but do be prepared for a couple of nights of very basic camping. The people of Costa Rica are incredibly friendly and welcoming, waving and honking their horns in encouragement as we battled steep hills on the bikes. I found it a really lovely aspect of the adventure, feeling like I was a welcome visitor and being able to exchange smiles and waves. Our guide was Josué and he is brilliant. He knows a huge amount about the country, the wildlife and pretty much anything you ask. He has a great sense of humour but is also a very grounded, responsible leader. I can't imagine the trip being as good as it was without him. My packing tips: - an inflatable sleeping mat to supplement the ones provided (which are quite thin) - a travel pillow (or pillowcase you can stuff with clothes) - a quick-dry microfibre changing robe (packs down just like a towel) - flip flops / slides (for the showers) - small handlebar bag for the bike (for phone, suncream, snack) I got one from Halfords which worked well - something to read / play in the evenings - water shoes (get some cheap ones if you don't have any - really useful for river dips & crossings etc. ) If you're thinking of doing this trip and are confident you're fit enough (or will be), my strong recommendation is to go for it. I can't imagine seeing such a stunning country in a better way.

  • Exciting journey through Costa Rica

    Martin M. February 2026
    Dani was an outstanding guide, assisted by his daughther Zoe. They did an outstanding job preparing the group for the different stages, organizing the flawless change overs from hiking, biking, rafting and kayaking and they were excellent guides through the amazing nature and landscapes of Costa Rica. Learned a lot and it was fun adventure.

  • Dani was an excellent guide.

    Pascal M. February 2026
    Dani was an excellent guide. Extremely knowledgeable and informative, high energy and caring. Food and accommodation were great and in line with the adventure. The organization of buses, boats, bikes etc was first rate. The trip was definitely a grind but ultimately really rewarding.

  • Epic

    Elizabeth O. February 2026
    Amazing adventure! The expedition totally lived up to the 5 star reviews I read. I was very lucky to part of a great group who were all inspiring, fun, fit from a wide variety of sports and looked out for each other (except when playing cards, nobody warned me about how many card sharks were coming on the trip!) Our guide Josué was an exceptional leader. His passion for nature and wildlife was infectious and we saw so much each day that we would have missed had it not been for his keen eye and enthusiasm to share his wealth of knowledge. The itinerary is certainly challenging but extremely well organised and Josué managed to make the most steep inclines feel doable (not an easy task when you’re at the bottom of a hill straining your neck looking up from the saddle of a mountain bike!). Memo was also great and with their teamwork we were always safe and well equipped with whatever we needed at each stage. The food was plentiful, delicious and always freshly prepared by Nemo and/ or Josué and each meal outdid the previous. I agree with the reviewer who preferred their cooking to the restaurants! The landscape is beautiful and the local people we encountered were really easy going and friendly. Trucks are big but motorists on the road sections always showed us courtesy and gave us plenty of space. Shout out to the rafting team who, despite weather conditions not going our way on one of the days, got us on the water both days. The tips and advice from previous reviews were accurate and very helpful, so well worth a read. I have so many memories from this trip that I’ll treasure so I would have no hesitation in recommending it:) Liz

  • Excellent Trip - Recommended

    Stuart M. February 2026
    As you round the final corner and see the Caribbean Sea from your kayak, this trip gives you a real sense of "we've done it. . . we've travelled from one coast to another by hiking, pedalling and paddling". . . and it feels really good. The journey along the way gives a great look at the interior of Costa Rica (though as the focus is getting from one side of the country to the other, you won't see what the average guidebook says are the 'highlights'). The challenge was just right. . . everyone in our group (of 7) was very fit and it brought us together and fostered a wonderful sense of camaraderie. The trip is a genuine challenge though - a typical day at the start of the trip starts at 04:30 for a 5 hour hike over hilly/rough terrain in high heat and humidity and then switches to 3 hours on a bike. [A word on fitness: it would be a shame if you did not do this trip because you thought you weren't fit enough; similarly, doing the trip having overestimated your fitness would be miserable. I'm a 52 year old guy and I routinely run about 35 miles a week and have a respectable half marathon time. The physical requirements were tough (I pushed the bike a couple of times) but within my grasp and nowhere near enough to ever spoil the trip. If you are much younger and run marathons for fun, this trip will be comfortable for you. If your exercise does not go past a few miles walking in the countryside at the weekend, you'll want to think again before booking or have a serious exercise regime for a few months ahead of the trip] The accommodation is very basic for a couple of nights, but generally you'll be 'glamping' or in a hotel. Some stuff to take that I don't recall seeing on the packing list: - A deck of cards (one of the highlights of the trip for me was no internet and the laughter you can have in a card game. . . remember that from the days before you were tied to Insta or TikTok?) - A camping clothes line and pegs (as other reviewers have said, it's near impossible to dry things out) Some shout outs to the MBA team: Rosa - who deals with admin ahead of the trip is super responsive and helpful and probably doesn't get enough recognition for the fact Memo - our support guy - was the unsung hero of the trip. . . just there at every transition with a smile and just what you needed when you needed it. He was the cook for much of the trip and what he can conjure from a camp kitchen was impressive Josue - the tour leader and an absolute legend. Always smiling, impressively fit, knowledgeable, helpful, flexible and cooked some of the best food on the trip (at silly hours of the morning or after a long day while the rest of us were resting). Anyone that greets me with 'tea?' at 05:00 (when the rest of the group drank coffee) is a friend for life! Be prepared for variable weather - this isn't a trip to think "I'm sure I won't need a fleece", "I'm sure I'll be ok in jeans" or "that cotton t-shirt will dry out ok" - an investment in technical fabrics will be money well spent. For example, after 6 days of sunshine, it rained so long and so hard that our rafting was cancelled due to flash floods (a shame but MBA can hardly control the weather and they clearly put safety first). Overall, this was a brilliant trip - one of the best of this type that I've done. I think we got lucky with the weather (floods aside) and the group size of 7 (I note that these tours typically fill up to 16 and, honestly, I think that is too many to keep a really good group dynamic, but MBA need to make money). Admin, support and tour leader were all first rate. I'll be travelling with MBA again.

  • An epic jungle adventure!

    Megan D. January 2026
    I had so much fun and the entire trip was so well organised and run from start to finish. Great food! Great mixture and quality of accommodation! Fez and the Coast to Coast team are just fab, I always felt safe and looked after. It's such a great way to see Costa Rica and challenge yourself physically along the way. Highly highly recommend

  • A truly amazing experience that

    STUART W. January 2026
    A truly amazing experience that was made infinitely better by Fez!!

  • Awesome trip

    Susan W. January 2026
    What an incredible trip across Costa Rica. Every day was an adventure. Fez (Christopher) was the most fantastic leader. Each day he described in great detail what to expect in terms of physical exertion, what to pack for our transition bags, time expectations and what food/drinks we should carry. I found it very helpful knowing what climbs to expect when cycling. I possessed moderate fitness for the trip and found some parts difficult - particulalry the 14km 800m climb up to the Continental Divide. I felt very much supported by Fez - he exudes great positive energy. On more than one occasion I had to get off my bike and walk - but with Fez's support I completed the trip and it was amazing and somewhat emotional to arrive at the Caribbean Sea!

  • A nice trip, well organised

    Stuart F. January 2026
    A nice trip, well organised across a beautiful country

  • Just returned from completing the

    Kevin C. January 2026
    Just returned from completing the last Coast to Coast trip of 2025! An amazing trip with awesome guides and like-minded group of adventurers. Christopher (Fez) and Memo were great throughout the trek ensuring everyone was prepared for the challenges of the day and keeping the group together - while allowing us to go at our own pace and, keeping us well fed! All of the provided equipment (mountain bikes, tents, rafts, etc. ) were high quality and we never had any issues. One only gets to experience the full beauty and culture of the people and country by doing this type of adventure. Cannot say enough about the people we encountered and their commitment to ensuring our experience fulfilled the promise of pura vida. I highly recommend this adventure. Ensure your legs are in shape as there is a lot of elevation on the bikes! Kevin (Dec 2025)

  • Just incredible!

    Kenneth D. January 2026
    An incredible adventure of a lifetime! There's time of extreme workouts and extreme relaxation. The food is amazing. Fez and Memo are awesome together. The accommodations are humbling, charming, and relaxing. Such a nice mix of everything, and packed with so many small surprises! I want to do it again!

  • Fantastic trip, and a great challenge!

    Robert M. December 2025
    This is really good trip that will test you at some point, both physically and mentally! The combination of hiking, biking, rafting and kayaking makes it tough, especially when you do two different activities in one day. The "Day 5" cycle over the Continental Divide is a real challenge, so if you're not a regular cyclist then I'd recommend doing some training beforehand to help you enjoy it more. The highlight was definitely the two nights spent by the river at El Nido del Tigre where you can relax in the hammocks or catch up on rest on the comfortable memory foam mattresses. Plus the wildlife - we saw a puma! Activity wise, I really enjoyed the downhill biking and the early hiking sections. Confidence on loose gravel tracks will help you enjoy the biking more - drop your saddle down to gain more control. Our lead guide was Josué, supported by Sebastian. Memo and Mau were on logistics. The whole team were fantastic! Everything is very well organised and efficient. The meals prepared by the guide team were all delicious, far better than what you eat out in a restaurant. My tips & advice: - Take a small packable poncho that goes over you and your rucksack. - Definitely take a camping pillow! - Take electrolyte & vitamin tablets, e. g. Phizz. - For the cycling, a small saddle/crossbar/handlebar bag is useful for sun cream, snacks, phone etc. - The bikes have space for two cycling water bottles. - If you use them at home, take your own SPD/clipless pedals and shoes. Waaaay more efficient on the uphills and secure on the downhills. - The bike saddles are OK, but a gel cover will help, or take your own. - Ear plugs and an eye mask are essential! - I took lightweight hiking boots and these kept my feet dry and meant I could walk across streams/rivers fine. - Take playing cards / card games for the evenings and rest day. - I enjoyed having flapjack/cereal bars from home. Overall, this is another great MBA trip which I highly recommend! Just don't underestimate the challenge.

  • Amazing adventure in Costa Rica

    Matthew C. December 2025
    Definitely read other people's reviews - there's some great advice in then regarding kit and conditions you might encounter. Hiking is mostly on gravelly hardpack, but the hills are plentiful and incredibly steep. Cycling wise, I was lucky as I do a decent amount of mountain biking and had a fair idea of what I was likely in for when I saw the distances and elevations in the itinerary, but I think it's worth re-iterating that this part of the trip is tough. You either need a good level of bike fitness, or good general fitness level and a willingness to really slog and suffer through the biking sections. We got pretty lucky with the weather, it was rainy for a fair portion of it with the group looking more like a summer hiking expedition in the Brecon Beacons than the shorts and vest tropical hiking experience I'd pictured when booking, but this actually really worked in our favour as there are some sections that would be pretty punishing in full sunlight, particularly kayaking where there isn't much in the way of tree cover at the end. I think the best advice is to be prepared for anything. The rest day felt really well earned even if we did swap our waterfall hike for watching the rain hammer down while we played cards and lounged in hammocks, but it's a truly wonderful spot. Josue and his team were exemplary - the logistics and the organisation of the trip was flawless throughout, all the meals they cooked at the campsites were top notch as well. There were a couple of changes to the published itinerary due to conditions and safety and fully warranted and well communicated on both occasions. I really can't say enough good things about the guiding on this trip. The rafting at the end of the trip was amazing fun and really felt like a reward for all our hard work up those hills and to finish the trip we seemed I was also lucky enough to share this trip with a great group of investing, fun people (and one puma, spotted on the first day) - which made it even better Overall, a brilliantly organised and challenging adventure.

  • A. M. A. Z. I. N. G. trip of a lifetime

    Sophie C. December 2025
    I wanted to do a challenge to mark my upcoming 50th birthday. Josue and Sebastian (and Memo and Mau) were absolutely outstanding and we couldn’t have been in better hands. Costa Rica was breathtakingly beautiful. This trip was everything I wanted it to be and so much more than I could have imagined. We were lucky with the weather and saw incredible wildlife including a puma(!), sloths, toucans and capuchin monkeys. I read the reviews over and over before booking this trip as I wasn’t sure if I was fit enough, so this review will help you if in a similar spot. You need to be fit physically AND mentally. Everyone in our group said it was the toughest cycling they’ve ever done. One day a section was 3 hours hiking uphill, another day a section was cycling 2-3 hours uphill. So if you have the grit and decent fitness, you'll get there. I was slow, got off the bike a lot and walked, but kept going without breaks and it was great. If in doubt, book the e-bike version. It was worth training hard and being off the booze for a couple of months beforehand. Off-roading gravel cycling experience is useful. Most of the cycling is asphalt, but there are some sections that you should know how to navigate downhill on loose gravel. The rafting is SUPER FUN. I was worried about that and didn't need to be. Kayaking, sure, watch some YouTube videos on technique and make sure you have some upper body strength. The MBA packing list is really excellent. My advice would be to pack lighter than you think. You have cheap laundry (priced by kg not by items) on about Day 4 and also at the end. Every day you're staying in a new place and moving on so don’t overpack. Useful items: - Take a magazine or newspaper. You can walk through creeks and scrunching up a few pages at the end of the day and stuffing them in your shoes will dry them out by morning. - Good quality ear plugs are essential. Village dogs/ motorbikes/ snoring neighbouring campers/ loud rain/ noisy air con. I needed them every night. - Didn’t need a fan (December trip) - I feel the cold, so needed warmer clothes than just ‘a sweater’. A lightweight gilet/ warm socks was needed - Got a spare rain poncho? Take it. Nothing dries, so rain jackets can still be wet the next day - Sarong isn’t optional. Take one - Water bottles (2 max needed), make them as lightweight as possible for the bike. Had metal, wish I took plastic. - I bought a small handlebar bag (waterproof) for phone/ snack/ sunscreen which was brilliant - Walking poles were essential for me - A pack of playing cards is great for evenings/ rest day (which is in paradise, you’ll love it!) - Finally, if you’re blister prone, a combo of Compeed Anti Blister Stick and (USA brand) Wright socks Coolmesh II Tab Anti Blister System socks was a winning combo for zero blisters. All in all, highly recommend. A truly EPIC trip. One for the memory bank. Thank you MBA.

Before You Travel

What to Pack

Backpack with hiking gear laid out

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.

Kit List

What's included?
  • All your kayak, rafting and cycling gear (except for biking helmet)
  • All season sleeping bag
  • Sleeping mat
What's available to hire?
  • Bike helmet (for your own comfort we advise bringing your own if you can)
What do I need to bring?

SLEEPING

  • Sleeping bag liner (optional)

BAGS

  • Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
  • Daypack (25+ litres)
  • Daypack rain cover
  • Dry bag (optional)

FOOTWEAR

  • Lightweight adventure shoes or hiking boots (worn-in)
  • Sandals with SNUG straps (Teva type)
  • Lightweight fast drying hiking socks

CLOTHES

  • Lightweight rain jacket and rain pants (Gortex, nylon or similar)
  • Lightweight comfortable pants
  • Shorts/skirts (quick dry)
  • Medium weight wool or fleece jacket
  • Shirts (poly-pro outer wear (for quick drying)
  • Short sleeved and light-coloured long sleeved tops, for sun protection
  • (Thermal) underwear
  • Fast drying hiking socks
  • Buff or bandana
  • Sunhat (ideally with brim)
  • Something to sleep in
  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Sarong (optional, works as towel or quick cover-up)

BIKING GEAR

  • Bike helmet
  • Trainers or specific cycling shoes (for flat pedals, unless you bring your own clip in pedals)
  • Bike shirts (optional)
  • Bike gloves (can also be used for paddling)
  • Padded shorts for cycling segments
  • Bike water bottle

Note: feel free to bring your own pedals and seat if you want.

OTHER

  • Trekking poles (optional)
  • Sunglasses (UVA + UVB resistant) & keeper strap (you don't want to lose your sunnies in the river)
  • Headtorch or torch
  • Spare batteries (camera, torch, etc)
  • 2-3 reusable water bottles
  • Prescription glasses or contacts (bring an extra pair)
  • Passports (visas and copy of your passport)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Insect repellent
  • Waterproof sunscreen, 30+ SPF
  • Earplugs
  • Padlock for left luggage
  • Universal travel adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Alcohol hand-gel

FAQs

You start your daily activities in the morning. Your guide sets the pace that can be kept up by the entire group, and there will be breaks for water, pictures etc. You stop for lunch and finish the activities in the afternoon, to allow plenty of time to rest before dinner and the daily briefing. When you finish a section – rafting, hiking, kayaking etc, the support vehicle will be strategically waiting ready with your next equipment. Everything is organised and supported so that you simply need to power yourself from coast to coast, rather than think about the logistics. While the guides do encourage and support everyone on the trip to complete the expedition successfully without using motorized transport, if you are unable to complete any section for any reason, transport can be arranged to skip you through to the next stage.

The bikes used will be front suspension mountain bikes with disk brakes. You are welcome to bring your own pedals, seats and accessories, although it's also perfectly fine to just turn up with comfortable active shoes and start riding.

You will be paddling in double sit-on-top kayaks of the brand 'Ocean Kayak'. If you are an experienced kayaker and wish to use a single, please discuss with your host, as they have a limited number available.

The expedition has a support vehicle that transfers all luggage and equipment from stage to stage. You just need to carry a day pack with water, snacks, camera, waterproof jacket etc.

The water in Costa Rica is generally safe to drink except for that found in remote and rural areas where there's little to no infrastructure. The support vehicle carries large containers of water from which you can fill your bottle at the start of each stage. There will also be drinking water available at each night’s accommodation.

This trip visits locations at or above 2500m, where some people may experience symptoms of Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Previous experience at altitude doesn’t guarantee the same response again – your body can react differently on each trip. However, having been at altitude before is still valuable: it gives you a better understanding of how your body might respond, what symptoms to look out for, and how to manage your pace and energy levels.

Your guide is trained to manage the risk of altitude sickness by controlling the rate of ascent, monitoring group wellbeing, and responding appropriately if anyone feels unwell.

Before booking, we recommend considering your personal health, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions, and consulting a medical professional if you’re unsure. Arriving early to allow your body to acclimatise can also make a big difference.

Your travel insurance must cover the maximum altitude reached on this trip and include emergency evacuation.

This trip takes place in environments where wild animals are present in their natural environment, where protections and controls on their movement may be limited or non-existent. Some species may be dangerous, venomous, or unpredictable. Sightings are a privilege – but safety is key. Always follow your guide’s instructions and any posted signage.

We recommend considering your comfort around wildlife and discussing any concerns with your host before travel, particularly if you have allergies, phobias, or related health conditions.

This trip operates in areas where daytime temperatures can reach extreme highs, where limited shade and high humidity can also be a factor. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of dehydration or heat-related illness. Your guide will adjust the pace and monitor the group closely, but hydration, proper clothing, and sun protection are essential.

Before travelling, consider your ability to be active in high temperatures and consult a medical professional if you have concerns – especially if you have any cardiovascular or heat-sensitive conditions. Arriving a day or two prior to the trip may help you adjust gradually to the heat.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Costa Rica's dry season, considered summer by the locals, runs from mid-November to April and temperatures vary significantly depending on the region and elevation. Along the coast and the Caribbean flatlands, temperatures average 25–34˚C (77–93˚F). At the mid-level elevations temperatures average between 17–26˚C (63–79˚F).

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 147kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

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Departure dates

  • Saturday 8th August 2026

    to Wednesday 19th August 2026

    …

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