Costa Rica Coast to Coast Hiking Tour
Epic Trails from the Caribbean to the Pacific on the Camino de Costa Rica
- Available: January, February, March, April, May, November, December
- Activity: Level 4
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels, Rustic Lodges
Special Follow the Leader Departures with Andre Labarca on March 9 and Luis Die on April 5!
Highlights
- Gear up for rewarding hikes on the best 40 miles of Costa Rica's new Coast to Coast Trail passing through the territory of monkeys, sloths, toucans, lizards, and other amazing wildlife
- Delight in breathtaking natural wonders, from the lowland rivers and canals of the Caribbean to the majestic volcanoes and cloud forests of the highlands and the pristine beaches of the Pacific
- Enjoy warm hospitality and hearty local fare at carefully chosen boutique hotels and wilderness lodges along the route
Itinerary
Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica
Day 1
Arrive at the airport in San Jose, Costa Rica. Meet your guide and transfer to your charming hotel, surrounded by lush gardens. Recover from your travels with a dip in the pool or soak in the sights and sounds of the gardens. End the day with a delicious welcome dinner.Accommodation: Hotel Bougainvillea-Heredia, Costa Rica
Accommodation: El Rodeo Estancia Boutique HotelMeals: Dinner
Journey to the Caribbean Coast, Cruise Rainforest Canals & Hike the Pacuare Reserve
Day 2
Depart San Jose and head for the Caribbean Coast town of Barra de Pacuare. Set out by boat on local channels, similar to Tortuguero, scanning the shores for toucanets and crocodiles. Arrive at the Goshen Pier, the official start (Stage 1) of the new Coast to Coast Trail. After a relatively easy first day of walking through the Pacuare Reserve, home to howler monkeys, poison dart frogs, and rare jaguars and ocelots, take a final short boat trip to your lodge, surrounded by tropical forests and canals just a short distance from the Caribbean Sea.Accommodation: Lirio Lodge
Activity: 3 hours/4.5 miles easy hiking with 50' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer; 45-minute private motorboat cruise plus shorter motorboat transfer to lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Tsiobata Village & Raft the Pacuare River
Day 3
Return by motorboat this morning to Goshen Pier, then transfer by private van to the Linda Vista de Tres Equis trailhead for a short but challenging hike uphill on Stage 4 of the Coast to Coast Trail, to the traditional indigenous village of Tsiobata. After meeting the villagers and learning about their lifestyle, hike down to the Pacuare River and set out for an exciting rafting trip on class II, III, and IV rapids to Siquirres. Arrive at Casa Turire for an overnight stay.Accommodation: Casa Turire
Activity: 4 hours/4 miles hiking with 1,519' elevation gain & 981' elevation loss; 3 hours rafting
Transportation: 30-minute motorboat cruise; 4-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spy Tropical Birds on a Hike to Tapanti National Park
Day 4
Hike Stage 8 of the Coast to Coast Trail, climbing steeply uphill from Pejibaye to the highlands of Taus and the entrance of Tapanti National Park. There is a rich variety of tropical birds along the trail, including resplendent quetzals and trogons. You may also spot capuchin monkeys, tapirs, or kinkajous. Your private van is waiting to take you to Hacienda Orosi for an overnight stay. Enjoy a self-guided coffee tour on the estate, as well as free time to take a soothing soak in hot spring baths (four pools with different temperatures).Accommodation: Coffee Pickers Village at Hacienda Orosi
Activity: 5 hours/7 miles hiking with 3,668' elevation gain & 1,837' elevation loss
Transportation: 40-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climb to the Palo Verde Cloud Forest Reserve
Day 5
From the trailhead at Navarro de Muñeco, hike Stage 10 of the Coast to Coast Trail, climbing uphill to the Palo Verde Cloud Forest Reserve. Join a local mycologist to discover the diversity of mushrooms and other fascinating fungi, and the vital role they play in forest ecology. Following lunch in the reserve, transfer to a nearby lodge for an overnight stay. Birdwatchers won't want to miss the opportunity to seek out the elusive quetzal in some of their last remaining habitat, found on the trails around the lodge.Accommodation: Trogon Lodge
Accommodation: Mirador de QuetzalesActivity: 5 hours/7 miles hiking with 2,241' elevation gain & 935' elevation loss
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descend to the Valley of the Saints & Sip Locally Grown Coffee
Day 6
After a short drive to Jardin de Dota, and from the highest point in your journey (7,671' above sea level), hike down into the Valley of the Saints (Stage 12 of the Coast to Coast Trail) passing rural villages in this fertile coffee producing region. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, then meet the private van for a transfer to Toucanet Lodge, where you spend the night. Here, savor the aromas and flavors of freshly roasted local coffee, considered some of the finest in Costa Rica, and learn about the deep traditions of this culinary delight. Also enjoy the pristine beauty of the lodge, surrounded by an exuberant cloud forest and its centennial oak trees covered in moss and bromeliads, and over 200 species of birds, including brilliantly colored hummingbirds.Accommodation: Toucanet Lodge
Accommodation: Cedrela Eco LodgeActivity: 4 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,165' elevation gain & 3,271' elevation loss
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike through the Esquipulas Rainforest
Day 7
After a short drive to the cross of Santa Juan Pito de Tarrazu, hike Stages 14 & 15 of the Coast to Coast Trail through Fila Brunqueña and the Esquipulas Rainforest, with chances to see scarlet macaws, trogans, and even king vultures. Stay overnight in rustic but comfortable “tipis” in the rainforest, with elevated wooden floors and thatched roofs, outfitted with electricity and real mattresses with pillows and linens.Accommodation: Esquipulas Rainforest Lodge
Activity: 4 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,276' elevation gain & 3,087' elevation loss
Transportation: 45-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike the Final Stage to the Pacific Ocean
Day 8
The final Stage 16 of the Coast to Coast Trail culminates in an exhilarating encounter with the majestic Pacific Ocean. After a short van transfer to Villa Nueva for an eye-opening spice tour where you'll see how vanilla, cinnamon, cacao, black pepper, allspice, and other exotic crops are grown and be treated to a tasting. Set out on a hike to Finca Anita, a journey full of challenges and discoveries, where hikers are rewarded with the breathtaking view of the sea glittering on the horizon. From Finca Anita, a short van takes you to Quepos for a photo op at the end point of the Coast to Coast Trail, then transfer to your lodge. Check in at Si Como No Hotel in Manuel Antonio to indulge yourself after your amazing journey from coast to coast.Accommodation: Si Como No Hotel
Activity: 4 hours/7 miles hiking with 456' elevation gain & 1,198' elevation loss
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Beach Relaxation at Manuel Antonio
Day 9
Spend the day unwinding on the palm-fringed pristine beaches of Costa Rica, soaking up the sun and reflecting on the incredible journey you've experienced. Watch for capuchin monkeys swinging through the trees. Gather for a festive farewell dinner this evening.Accommodation: Si Como No Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Return to San Jose & Depart
Day 10
This morning, transfer back to the San Jose airport and depart for home.Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Why Travel With Us?
- MT Sobek has been operating active adventures in Costa Rica since 1980, placing a strong emphasis on responsible travel practices that support local communities and protect the natural environment.
- This exclusive adventure captures the best legs of the new coast to coast “Camino de Costa Rica” in an achievable perfectly paced timeframe, without rustic homestays or camping.
- Experience Costa Rica away from the crowds with our top-notch local guides on an itinerary designed for active travelers who prefer an authentic experience.
Dates & Prices
- 2025
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2025
Scheduled Dates
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
Optional:
Optional:
Special Details
Special Follow the Leader Departure with Andre Labarca!
Optional:
Special Details
Special Follow the Leader Departure with Luis Die!
Optional:
Optional:
Optional:
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Looking for a private family adventure?
This trip can accommodate guests with a
minimum age of 18.
Private Trip Pricing: 2025
6 to 9 guests from $7,995 per person double occupancy
5 guests from $9,295 per person double occupancy
4 guests from $9,995 per person double occupancy
*Seasonal rates may apply.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
January, February, March, April, May, November, December
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Juan Antonio C.
A certified guide since 2014, Juan Antonio has been leading hikers through Costa Rica since he started guiding and specializes in natural history, photography, culture, and history. He holds an international Wilderness First Responder certification. He is an expert on the Camino de Costa Rica, having completed over 40 treks since the first run. His passion for hiking and trekking has taken him up 300 of Costa Rica’s mountains and over celebrated treks and up high peaks internationally. He is an avid amateur photographer and mycologist and loves to get guests excited about their time on Costa Rica’s trails.
Luis D.
Luis was born in Seville, Spain, and graduated from the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid with a degree in Environmental Biology. He is fluent in Spanish, English, and French and has guided in Galapagos since 1999. In addition to being a professional nature photographer, Luis has a Master's Degree in Geographic Ecology and is active with conservation groups. A born teacher, he enthusiastically shares his knowledge of Galapagos with people of all ages. He lives in Quito with his wife, twin sons, and daughter and is MT Sobek's head naturalist guide.
Andre L.
André is an accomplished mountaineer who has dedicated over 25 years to climbing and exploring the Peruvian and Patagonian Andes ranges. He grew up in central Chile and fell in love with Patagonia at first sight and made it his home for 20 years before recently moving to Chile's Araucania region. In over ten mountain expeditions in Patagonia, he accomplished many first ascents, and has climbed the Paine towers in Chile and Alpamayo in Peru. A very enthusiastic guide, André’s love for nature and respect for the mountains is infectious to all who travel with him.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 4. You will be hiking 4-6 hours and up to 7 miles per day on 7 back-to-back days, on trails through a variety of terrain, from humid rainforests and river valleys to temperate cloud forests and agricultural lands. Sections of the trail are on rural roads, and parts may be rocky or muddy at times. Days 3, 4, and 5 involve particularly steady climbs and descents that require stamina. Elevations are between sea level and 7,700 feet. You need to be in good health and physical condition for this trip.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
3 hours/4.5 miles easy hiking with 50' elevation gain & loss
Day 3
4 hours/4 miles hiking with 1,519' elevation gain & 981' elevation loss; 3 hours rafting
Day 4
5 hours/7 miles hiking with 3,668' elevation gain & 1,837' elevation loss
Day 5
5 hours/7 miles hiking with 2,241' elevation gain & 935' elevation loss
Day 6
4 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,165' elevation gain & 3,271' elevation loss
Day 7
4 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,276' elevation gain & 3,087' elevation loss
Day 8
4 hours/7 miles hiking with 456' elevation gain & 1,198' elevation loss
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Relax at first-class hotels, boutique historic properties, and ecolodges in the heart of Costa Rica, plus enjoy one night in elevated thatched-roof cabins with comfortable beds.
Weather
Daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s F, evening lows in the 60s F, varying with elevation. Expect tropical humidity. December-April are driest in most regions but expect rain any time of year.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
Do all hotels have air conditioning?
Can I do the trip if I've never rafted before?
What is the rafting like?
What is the minimum age for this trip?
Are insects a problem?
When and where should I depart?
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