Trek Costa Rica
94km
Approx. distance
Tough (2)
Challenge Grading
9 days
Challenge Duration
Costa Rica
Challenge Location
Challenge Highlights
Climb to the summit of Cerrio Frio, taking in incredible views and witnessing a variety of tropical birds on our way to the top
See the breathtaking waterfalls of the Rio Division, surrounded by awesome mountain views
Visit the mountain town of San Gerardo, home to more than 200 species of birds
Spend a day at Manuel Antonio beach, where we may see four different species of monkey and possibly even sloths!
The Challenge
If you’re looking to push your boundaries with a tough trek through tropical landscapes, the challenge look no further! Our Costa Rican adventure takes us over mountain passes, through coffee plantations, past huge waterfalls, and through cloud forest on our way to the top of Cerro Frio at 3,492m. From here we’ll enjoy awesome views of the lush landscapes of Costa Rica. Finally, we’ll get a well-earned break with our free day at the stunning Manuel Antonio Beach, home to monkeys, sloths, iguanas and more!
Challenge Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart UK
We depart the UK for Costa Rica, and transfer to San Jose for our overnight stay. Here we get a good night’s sleep before starting our trek!
Day 2 - Pacific Coast to Tierras Morenas
After an early breakfast, our transfer takes us to the Pacific coast, a short distance from the beach town of Dominical. Here we stretch, take some photos, and
then begin our trek! Our first day follows a 4×4 track that crosses a river several times as it climbs into the mountains. We conquer our first of several mountain passes before dropping into the river valley for the first night of camping.
Trekking distance – 18km approx. / 5 – 7 hours
Day 3 - Tierras Morenas to Bajo Savegre
Our goal for the second day of trekking is the community of Savegre. After a climb out of the valley and into cooler weather, we are treated to incredible views of the Pacific coastline in the distance and endless mountain ranges merging into the clouds above. Once we’ve stopped for lunch we head down to Savegre, where we have time to enjoy some local flair before settling in for the night.
Trekking distance – 17km approx. / 6 – 8 hours
Day 4 - Bajo Savegre to Angeles
The first of two tough days of trekking starts with an ascent through coffee plantations high above the raging Division River. Along the way we are treated to
some spectacular vistas of the river canyon, and several huge waterfalls as they cascade into the Rio Division. After a long day of trekking we descend into the
coffee-producing town of Angeles, where we spend the night camping at the town’s church community centre.
Trekking distance – 22km approx. / 8 – 10 hours
Day 5 - Angeles to San Gerardo
A very early departure gives us a head start on the most challenging day of our trek. The first 7 km along a coffee road is steep, but with the sun still behind the mountains we get a great start to the day. The road quickly gives way to a trail leading up through the cloud forest and along muddy trails to an altitude over 2,300m. From here we head down to the Savegre River, and the quaint mountain town of San Gerardo. Tonight we camp on the banks of the river and rest up for tomorrow’s last push to the summit.
Trekking distance – 23km approx. / 10 – 12 hours
Day 6 - San Gerardo to Cerro Frio
The final 14 km to the top of Cerro Frio is the steepest climb of the entire trek. We pass through cloud forest where we have a good chance to see a wide variety of tropical birds, including the infamous Quetzal! During the final part of the trek the cloud forest disappears, giving way to more open areas with some amazing views of the Pacific slopes of Costa Rica! At the summit we celebrate our accomplishments with group photos, before beginning our descent.
Trekking distance – 14km approx. / 5 – 7 hours
Day 7 - Free day at Manuel Antonio Beach
Manuel Antonio Beach is famous for the many types of animals that it is home to, including four types of monkey – spider, howler, whitefaced and the endangered squirrel monkey, many of which could be visible from your hotel window! The area is also a prime destination for spotting sloths.
Day 8 - Depart Costa Rica
This morning we transfer back to San Jose to the Juan Santa Maria International airport, before departing for the UK.
Day 9 - Arrive UK
We arrive back in the UK.
Please note, this is a complex itinerary and is subject to change.
Challenge Inclusions
What's Included
- Return flights from a London airport to San Jose
- All accommodation
- Luggage transfers
- Tents and other camping equipment
- Local English-speaking guides
- All meals will be provided from breakfast on Day 2 through to breakfast on Day 8 with the exception of lunch on Day 7
- Global Adventure Challenges leader from the UK
- Comprehensive first aid/medical kit
- Challenge Medal
What's Not Included
- Airport Tax and Fuel Surcharge Contribution – Please refer to Dates and Costs tab. These are approximately £250 and payable 12 weeks prior to departure
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks
- Sleeping bag and mat
- Your personal kit
- Dinner on Day 1 and lunch on Day 7
- Please note that for bespoke challenges, inclusions and exclusions may differ
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m interested... What do I do now?
You can register online below – payment of the registration fee is due at time of booking. All payment options and costs are explained below. Once your registration is received we will get in touch with further information on what to expect from this awesome adventure! Your charity will also be in contact to discuss your fundraising.
Is this trip for me?
Absolutely! The trek is suitable for all abilities with the correct training. The minimum age for this trek is 18 years old (if you are aged between 14 – 17 years you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). The one thing everyone will have in common is a great sense of adventure and the desire to help a charity. Whether you are taking part as an individual or as a team with friends, team spirit will be flying high on the challenge.
How fit do I need to be?
This challenge has been graded as tough (2) on our challenge grading scheme, meaning the trek has been designed to push your boundaries – however it is achievable by most people as long as you fitness train beforehand. You will be trekking for 5 consecutive days and in hot temperatures so good cardiovascular fitness is required – the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the challenge! We will provide you with a full training guide once you register and this is also available to download via our website. Why not join one of our challenge training weekends – it’s a great opportunity for you to meet our team and other participants and train together prior to the event!
Our policy is to encourage and support as many people as possible to take part in our challenges. But they may not be suitable for all people due to restriction posed by limitation in mobility, physical or cognitive disability, pregnancy or other various medical conditions. If you have any doubts regarding your suitability for your challenge please contact our office to speak to one of the team.
What is the challenge grading scheme?
All our challenges are graded on a scale from 1 to 3 to indicate the level of difficulty, 1 being the lowest challenge grade and 3 being the most challenging. (1 = Challenging, 2 = Tough and 3 = Extreme).
Where will we stay?
On the first night and nights six and seven, we will stay in a hotel on a twin-share basis, with en-suite washing facilities. Whilst on trek we will be camping – all tents will be provided but participants are expected to bring their own sleeping bags.
Do I need specialist kit?
We will supply you with a kit list of what to take once you register to take part. Apart from some broken-in trekking boots and possibly trekking poles you do not need any specialist kit.
Do I have to carry my own luggage?
No. All participants will only have to carry a day pack (for items such as sunscreen, water, sun hat, camera etc) and whilst on trek your main piece of luggage will be transported by the support vehicle.
Food Matters...
All meals will be provided from breakfast on Day 2 through to breakfast on Day 8 with the exception of lunch on Day 7. Water will be provided free of charge on trekking days. We can cater for most dietary requirements as long as we know in advance – just fill in the appropriate section on your registration form. Meals will be a mixture of local and Western style meals.
What support is there on the challenge?
There will be a strong support team with a professional Global Adventure Challenges leader from the UK, as well as local guides. Full, comprehensive first aid kits will be taken and mobile telephones will be used to ensure your safety and security at all times.
Can I stay in Costa Rica after the challenge?
Yes you can, but this is subject to us being able to amend your booking from our flights inclusive package to our ground only package. For further information on how our ground only packages work, please visit our guide to ground only challenges.
If you have already registered and would like to request a change to our ground only package, please contact customer.care@globaladventurechallenges.com.
What happens if I get tired?
There will be regular rest stops for drinks and snacks – there is no problem with you taking more rest stops should you need them. A guide will be bringing up the rear of the group ensuring no-one is left alone. Remember this is not a race!
How do I go about raising the sponsorship?
Once you have signed up you will receive a fundraising pack from your charity in order to make your fundraising as easy as possible. You will also receive a few tips and ideas from Global Adventure Challenges to help you on your way.
dates and costs
Payment Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
You pay the non-refundable Registration Fee to Global Adventure Challenges. This is used to administer the challenge, and to secure relevant permits. You then commit to raising the minimum sponsorship and send it to your chosen charity as you raise it - 80% of the minimum sponsorship MUST be received by the charity no later than 12 weeks* before departure. Failure to do so may mean non-participation in the challenge. Your chosen charity will decide when the remaining 20% should be received - this is a normally a couple of weeks after your return to the UK - proof of pledges may be required. The Challenge Costs will be paid for you by your charity out of the sponsorship raised. Do try and raise as much as you can, as every penny you raise over the minimum sponsorship will be retained by your charity too!
*For the challenges listed below, 80% of your minimum sponsorship must be received by your charity no later than 6 weeks before departure:
• Snowdon at Night Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall 25KM Trek
• Peak District Trek 25KM
• Ben Nevis at Night Trek
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall Trek
Payment Option B - Self-Funding
This option enables you to fund the entire challenge yourself, which means you do not have to commit to raising a set sponsorship. You pay the non-refundable Registration Fee to Global Adventure Challenges. You will then be required to pay the challenge balance no later than 12* weeks before the challenge date. Although no fundraising is required, we do strongly encourage you to support a charity of your choice and raise as much as you possibly can.
*For the challenges listed below, the challenge balance invoice is to be paid no later than 6 weeks before departure:
• Snowdon at Night Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall 25KM Trek
• Peak District Trek 25KM
• Ben Nevis at Night Trek
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall Trek