COSTA RICA
OFFICIAL CHALLENGE NAME:
Costa Rica Coast to Coast Challenge
DATES:
13th to 22nd April 2023
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE:
Tough
Costa Rica Coast to Coast Challenge
DATES:
13th to 22nd April 2023
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE:
Tough
Tour Information
Includes / excludes
Itinerary
- Traverse Costa Rica on foot, bike, kayak and raft from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific.
- Cycle through forested lowlands, across rivers, and past verdant patches of jungle.
- Trek through primary rainforest and with incredible views Turrialba volcano.
- Experience first-hand the amazing biodiversity and natural beauty that is Costa Rica.
- Help raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).
COSTA RICA COAST TO COAST CHALLENGE ITINERARY
P3 SUMMIT ITINERARY AND TOUR INFORMATION
P3 SUMMIT ITINERARY AND TOUR INFORMATION
Join the Performance 3 team on a tough 275km challenge from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, crossing Costa Rica on foot, bike, kayak and raft!
The crossing starts with a challenging kayak down the Pacuare River taking in views of the Caribbean lowlands with the rainforest slowly giving way to ubiquitous banana plantations.
You will cycle through forested lowlands, across rivers, and past verdant patches of jungle.
Your trek will provide incredible views of the rainforest and Turrialba volcano, experiencing first-hand the amazing biodiversity and natural beauty of Costa Rica, and a chance to meet the indigenous people along the way.
As you near the Pacific we transfer to rafts for a 10km white-water run. As you make your way downstream the vivid colours of the exotic birds make the old growth forest flash with life, with many species of kingfishers and Toucans.
The challenge will test you physically and you will earn your sponsorship for the MNDA, but this is the most incredible way to experience Costa Rica - world-renowned for its abundance of rainforests, cloud forests, jungles and volcanoes.
The crossing starts with a challenging kayak down the Pacuare River taking in views of the Caribbean lowlands with the rainforest slowly giving way to ubiquitous banana plantations.
You will cycle through forested lowlands, across rivers, and past verdant patches of jungle.
Your trek will provide incredible views of the rainforest and Turrialba volcano, experiencing first-hand the amazing biodiversity and natural beauty of Costa Rica, and a chance to meet the indigenous people along the way.
As you near the Pacific we transfer to rafts for a 10km white-water run. As you make your way downstream the vivid colours of the exotic birds make the old growth forest flash with life, with many species of kingfishers and Toucans.
The challenge will test you physically and you will earn your sponsorship for the MNDA, but this is the most incredible way to experience Costa Rica - world-renowned for its abundance of rainforests, cloud forests, jungles and volcanoes.
Before you travel
- Fitness training notes
- Access to training weekends (Optional)
On the challenge
- International flights to and from the UK (including all known UK air taxes, and fuel surcharges, at the time of costing)
- Fresh drinking water on challenge days
- All meals (unless otherwise stated in the itinerary)
- Accommodation during the challenge (usually in twin share with single supplement)
- Internal road and air transfers as per the itinerary
- All ground staff including English speaking guide, drivers, cooks, and porters
- Full back-up support including first-aid qualified staff and first-aid supplies
- Activity equipment such as tents and rafts as per the challenge activity
- A Performance3 technical challenge T-Shirt & Hoodie
- All challenge management before, during and post event
- An English speaking first aid trained challenge leader and full local support team (assistant, drivers, mechanic, medic)
- Entrance fees to national parks or other places of interest visited on the itinerary
- Two Performance3 leaders
- Public liability insurance
What's NOT included:
- Travel to and from the UK airport of departure
- Vaccinations (please check Trip Notes for requirements)
- Travel Insurance (Proof of cover required before departure)
- Clothing and equipment listed on your Kit List (unless otherwise stated)
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 1 – Thurs 13 April 2023 - Arrive into Costa Rica
Flying to Costa Rica from your home country, you will arrive into the Juan Santamaria International Airport and meet the P3 team and local support staff before transferring to your hotel in the capital city of San Jose for dinner and overnight stay. Most of the team will arrive this evening and can start to get to know one another.
Accommodation: Hotel
Flying to Costa Rica from your home country, you will arrive into the Juan Santamaria International Airport and meet the P3 team and local support staff before transferring to your hotel in the capital city of San Jose for dinner and overnight stay. Most of the team will arrive this evening and can start to get to know one another.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2 – Fri 14 April 2023 - San Jose to Finca Parcuarito camp
After breakfast, you will have a couple of hours to explore San Jose before the group assembles at the hotel to start the challenge with introductions to your team mates and the leadership team. Mid-morning the excitement builds for the adventure ahead as you depart, heading for the Finca Paruarito camp located in striking distance of tomorrow’s challenge starting point. On arrival at the campsite you will store your kit into your allocated tent and sit down for a relaxing lunch. The afternoon will be spent setting up the group’s kayaks and bikes in preparation for the challenge. You will also receive safety and equipment briefs Spend the evening settling into your environment getting to know your fellow participants.
Accommodation: Camping
After breakfast, you will have a couple of hours to explore San Jose before the group assembles at the hotel to start the challenge with introductions to your team mates and the leadership team. Mid-morning the excitement builds for the adventure ahead as you depart, heading for the Finca Paruarito camp located in striking distance of tomorrow’s challenge starting point. On arrival at the campsite you will store your kit into your allocated tent and sit down for a relaxing lunch. The afternoon will be spent setting up the group’s kayaks and bikes in preparation for the challenge. You will also receive safety and equipment briefs Spend the evening settling into your environment getting to know your fellow participants.
Accommodation: Camping
Day 3 – Sat 15 April 2023 - Kayak to Freeman and Cycle Caribbean Coast to campsite (Approx. Kayak 10km / Cycle 35km / ?? hrs )
You will rise early for breakfast and set off by road and boat for approximately an hour to Cano Blanco, situated at the mouth of the rainforest fringed Pacuare River in the tropical Caribbean Sea. Kayaks at the ready, the challenge activities begin as you paddle 10km from the mouth of the Pacuare River to Freeman, taking in views of the Caribbean lowlands with the rainforest slowly giving way to ubiquitous banana plantations. Lunch will be served in Freeman and is a chance to rest your arms, rehydrate and change clothes for this afternoon’s bike ride. This afternoon it’s time to saddle up and give your legs a workout as you begin the 35km cycle. The route will take you through the forested lowlands, across rivers, past verdant patches of jungle winding its way to finish back at your campsite. Rest your legs and share stories of the day with your teammates, before enjoying dinner and a well-deserved slumber.
Accommodation: Camping
You will rise early for breakfast and set off by road and boat for approximately an hour to Cano Blanco, situated at the mouth of the rainforest fringed Pacuare River in the tropical Caribbean Sea. Kayaks at the ready, the challenge activities begin as you paddle 10km from the mouth of the Pacuare River to Freeman, taking in views of the Caribbean lowlands with the rainforest slowly giving way to ubiquitous banana plantations. Lunch will be served in Freeman and is a chance to rest your arms, rehydrate and change clothes for this afternoon’s bike ride. This afternoon it’s time to saddle up and give your legs a workout as you begin the 35km cycle. The route will take you through the forested lowlands, across rivers, past verdant patches of jungle winding its way to finish back at your campsite. Rest your legs and share stories of the day with your teammates, before enjoying dinner and a well-deserved slumber.
Accommodation: Camping
Day 4 – Sun 16 April 2023 – Trek Finca Pacuarito camp to Barbilla (Approx. 18km / 7 hrs )
This morning you will enjoy a leisurely breakfast before preparing your kit and setting out on the first trek of the challenge. The route will cover 18km and treat you to incredible views of the rainforest and Turrialba Volcano, experiencing first-hand the amazing biodiversity and natural beauty Costa Rica has to offer. You will have a picnic lunch en route and finish invigorated from the journey at our overnight camp.
Accommodation: Camping
This morning you will enjoy a leisurely breakfast before preparing your kit and setting out on the first trek of the challenge. The route will cover 18km and treat you to incredible views of the rainforest and Turrialba Volcano, experiencing first-hand the amazing biodiversity and natural beauty Costa Rica has to offer. You will have a picnic lunch en route and finish invigorated from the journey at our overnight camp.
Accommodation: Camping
Day 5 – Mon 17 April 2023 - Trek Barbilla Park Station to El Nido del Tigre (Approx. 15km / 7 hrs)
An early breakfast today will set you up for the second trek of the challenge as well as allow time for the team to pack up camp. The trek will be tougher than yesterday, pushing your way through primary jungle enjoying the sense of adventure and feeling of the team being self-sufficient amid the isolated forest. There will be physically demanding sections, river crossings, an abundance of rainforest flora and fauna and chance to meet the indigenous people of the area along the way. You will arrive at the El Nido del Tigre campsite late afternoon. The campsite takes its name from the giant patches of ginger plants that carpet the floor of the main area. After settling in there will be time to explore the trails that radiate from the camp to discover hidden waterfalls before dinner and a relaxed evening.
Accommodation: Camping
An early breakfast today will set you up for the second trek of the challenge as well as allow time for the team to pack up camp. The trek will be tougher than yesterday, pushing your way through primary jungle enjoying the sense of adventure and feeling of the team being self-sufficient amid the isolated forest. There will be physically demanding sections, river crossings, an abundance of rainforest flora and fauna and chance to meet the indigenous people of the area along the way. You will arrive at the El Nido del Tigre campsite late afternoon. The campsite takes its name from the giant patches of ginger plants that carpet the floor of the main area. After settling in there will be time to explore the trails that radiate from the camp to discover hidden waterfalls before dinner and a relaxed evening.
Accommodation: Camping
Day 6 – Tues 18 April 2023 - Trek & Cycle El Nido del Tigre camp to Orosi Valley (Approx. Trek 7km and Cycle 70km / ?? hrs )
Another early start is required for today’s challenging and rewarding activities fuelled by breakfast at sunrise as the jungle awakens. You set out on foot out from the campsite up a tough ascent through the rainforest and continue for around 7km until you reach the bike rendezvous point for a quick change onto two wheels. The epic ride is a real 70km challenge of undulating terrain past coffee and sugar cane plantations. The stunning views of the active Turrialba Volcano will energise you to keep peddling and distract you from the ascents, before the route flattens out along a picturesque lakeside road as you coast into Orosi to rest and spend the evening.
Accommodation: Lodge
Another early start is required for today’s challenging and rewarding activities fuelled by breakfast at sunrise as the jungle awakens. You set out on foot out from the campsite up a tough ascent through the rainforest and continue for around 7km until you reach the bike rendezvous point for a quick change onto two wheels. The epic ride is a real 70km challenge of undulating terrain past coffee and sugar cane plantations. The stunning views of the active Turrialba Volcano will energise you to keep peddling and distract you from the ascents, before the route flattens out along a picturesque lakeside road as you coast into Orosi to rest and spend the evening.
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 7 – Weds 19 April 2023 - Cycle, Trek, Cycle Orosi Valley to Santa Maria de Dota (Approx. Cycle 9km, Trek 6km, Cycle 32km / ?? hrs )
Today the challenge level of difficulty continues to increase on this next leg of your adventure with mountain biking at its best, both downhill and uphill on dirt roads and single-track trails. This morning you’ll ride out of Orosi for 15km before dismounting to ascend a 70% gradient for 4.5km. When you reach the top, you will once again meet the bikes ahead of a much-needed descent in to Estreya for lunch. As you ride out of Estreya refreshed, you head straight into a challenging climb of 10.5km followed by a long, steep ascent of 15km spurred on by your teammates. Your efforts are soon rewarded by finishing the afternoon entering the beautiful town of Santa Maria de Dota, a very picturesque town that lies in a green valley surrounded by coffee plantations, forested hills and distant mountain peaks.
Accommodation: Cabin / Camp
Today the challenge level of difficulty continues to increase on this next leg of your adventure with mountain biking at its best, both downhill and uphill on dirt roads and single-track trails. This morning you’ll ride out of Orosi for 15km before dismounting to ascend a 70% gradient for 4.5km. When you reach the top, you will once again meet the bikes ahead of a much-needed descent in to Estreya for lunch. As you ride out of Estreya refreshed, you head straight into a challenging climb of 10.5km followed by a long, steep ascent of 15km spurred on by your teammates. Your efforts are soon rewarded by finishing the afternoon entering the beautiful town of Santa Maria de Dota, a very picturesque town that lies in a green valley surrounded by coffee plantations, forested hills and distant mountain peaks.
Accommodation: Cabin / Camp
Day 8 – Thurs 20 April 2023 - Cycle, Raft, Cycle Santa Maria de Dota to Pacific Coast (Approx. 50km / 10km / 15km, ?? hrs)
After breakfast we prepare ourselves for the final tough cycle ride, our spirits buoyed by the exciting thought of this afternoon’s white-water rafting. This morning’s route takes you through 50km of farm land tilled by the locals, past palm oil plantations all while uphill and downhill on dirt tracks and single-track roads. On arrival at Rio Naranjo it’s time to rest your legs and enjoy a well-earned lunch. The afternoon kicks off with a splash when we launch the rafts to begin an exhilarating 10km white-water run. As you make your way downstream the vivid colours of the exotic birds make the forest flash with life, with many species of kingfishers and toucans. The day, and indeed the challenge, finishes back on two wheels with a triumphant 15km cycle into the stunning Manual Antonio National Park and the Pacific Ocean. This evening the whole team can relax in reflection of their efforts and achievements together at the celebratory meal.
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast we prepare ourselves for the final tough cycle ride, our spirits buoyed by the exciting thought of this afternoon’s white-water rafting. This morning’s route takes you through 50km of farm land tilled by the locals, past palm oil plantations all while uphill and downhill on dirt tracks and single-track roads. On arrival at Rio Naranjo it’s time to rest your legs and enjoy a well-earned lunch. The afternoon kicks off with a splash when we launch the rafts to begin an exhilarating 10km white-water run. As you make your way downstream the vivid colours of the exotic birds make the forest flash with life, with many species of kingfishers and toucans. The day, and indeed the challenge, finishes back on two wheels with a triumphant 15km cycle into the stunning Manual Antonio National Park and the Pacific Ocean. This evening the whole team can relax in reflection of their efforts and achievements together at the celebratory meal.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 9 – Fri 21 April 2023 - Transfer to Juan Santa Maria International Airport (Approx. 180km, 3hrs). Depart Costa Rica
According to the time of your return flight you will be transferred from the hotel to the airport to begin the journey home.
According to the time of your return flight you will be transferred from the hotel to the airport to begin the journey home.
Day 10 – Sat 22 April 2023 - Arrive Home
Day 11 – Sat 22 April 2023 - Arrive Home
Interested in this experience?
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