Trek the Camino de Costa Rica – 10 Days of Adventure Across the Heart of Pura Vida
Trek the Camino de Costa Rica – 10 Days of Adventure Across the Heart of Pura Vida
Discover Costa Rica’s untamed beauty on the Camino de Costa Rica trek, a 10-day immersive adventure crossing from the Caribbean to the Pacific. Hike through rainforests, cloud forests, and coffee plantations; visit indigenous communities; and finish on pristine Pacific beaches. With handpicked local guides, cozy accommodations, and authentic cultural encounters, this trek combines challenge and reward, showcasing the true spirit of Pura Vida.
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Key information

Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in San José
Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon landing, our local team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in San José. Take the evening to relax, meet your fellow travelers, and prepare for the journey ahead.
Day 2: Caribbean Coast Warm-Up Hike
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive across Braulio Carrillo National Park to reach the Caribbean coast. After a short boat ride, enjoy a gentle warm-up hike along the shoreline before settling into our first campsite at Finca Pacuarito. Ocean breeze, lush greenery, and a taste of pura vida.
Distance: 5 km / 3 mi | Hiking time: 2 hrs | Elevation: +50m | Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Trek to Las Brisas
We climb from the Caribbean lowlands into the mountains. Trails wind through farmland and forests, opening up to stunning vistas. The day ends in the Indigenous community of Tsiobata, where we connect with local culture and share stories by the fire.
Distance: 18 km / 11 mi | Hiking time: 6–7 hrs | Elevation: +800m / -300m | Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Jungle Trails to Pacuare River Valley
Guided by an indigenous leader, we follow ancient jungle paths still used today. Expect challenging terrain, river crossings, steep climbs, dense forest. The day finishes at El Nido del Tigre campsite by the Pacuare River, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.
Distance: 13 km / 8 mi | Hiking time: 9–10 hrs | Elevation: +700m / -500m | Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Trek to Tres Equis / Transfer to El Humo
Wake up to howler monkeys and tropical birds. Today’s route follows rivers and ridges, with sweeping views. After reaching Tres Equis, we transfer to El Humo, a welcoming community by the Pejibaye River, where a refreshing swim awaits.
Distance: 15 km / 9 mi | Hiking time: 7–8 hrs | Elevation: +600m / -400m | Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Crossing to Orosi Valley
One of the trek’s most spectacular days. We ascend alongside Tapantí National Park into lush cloud forests and coffee country, with panoramic mountain views. The day ends in Orosi, a colonial town with peaceful charm.
Distance: 18–22 km / 11–14 mi | Hiking time: 6–8 hrs | Elevation: +900m | Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Coffee Lands to Mata de Caña
After a transfer to Santa María, we hike on the Pacific side. Trails cut through coffee plantations, where we learn about Costa Rica’s coffee heritage. We overnight in Mata de Caña, a quiet mountain community.
Distance: 16 km / 10 mi | Hiking time: 5–7 hrs | Elevation: +500m | Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Descent to Naranjillo
We continue down old plantation roads, with the Pacific horizon gradually coming into view. A hidden waterfall invites us for a swim and picnic lunch. By evening, the coastal air signals we are nearing the ocean.
Distance: 13 km / 8 mi | Hiking time: 5–7 hrs | Elevation: +100m / -800m | Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Final Push to the Pacific / Quepos
Our last hike leads us into Esquipulas, with a final waterfall stop before celebrating at the Pacific coast. After crossing the country on foot, we relax in Quepos by Manuel Antonio National Park, with its stunning beaches and wildlife.
Distance: 13 km / 8 mi | Hiking time: 5–6 hrs | Elevation: +200m / -750m | Meals: B, L
Day 10: Departure
Enjoy a relaxed morning on the Pacific before your group transfer back to San José airport. Leave Costa Rica with unforgettable memories, and the pride of having trekked coast to coast.
What's included
- Accommodation (2 nights in hotels, 6 nights in campsites, 1 night in local cabin)
- All in-country transportation as per itinerary
- Airport transfers (arrival & group departure)
- Meals where indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Group equipment (tents, cooking gear, etc.)
- Support vehicle throughout trip
- Experienced bilingual guides (First Aid, CPR, Swiftwater Rescue, Wilderness First Responder)
Not included
- Sleeping bag and pad
- International flights
- Personal expenses and optional activities
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Costa Rica departure tax ($29 USD)
Packing list
- Luggage: Duffle bag + daypack (20–35L) + rain cover
- Clothing: lightweight hiking pants, shorts, quick-dry shirts, thermal layers, rain jacket/pants, fleece or sweater
- Footwear: hiking boots or trail shoes, sandals with straps, quick-dry socks
- Accessories: hat, sunglasses (UVA/UVB), bandana, sunscreen (SPF 30+), insect repellent, towel
- Gear: headlamp + batteries, water bottles (2–3), trekking poles (optional), dry bag, camera, notebook
- Documents: passport copy, travel insurance proof
- Note: Bring your own sleeping bag and pad
Weather
- Caribbean coast: Warm and humid, temperatures around 28–32 °C (82–90 °F)
- Central highlands & cloud forest: Cooler, temperatures between 15–22 °C (59–72 °F); nights can drop to 12 °C (54 °F)
- Pacific coast: Hotter and drier, around 30–34 °C (86–93 °F) during the day
- Dry season (Dec–Apr): More stable weather, sunny skies, and minimal rain
- Rainy season (May–Nov): Lush landscapes, afternoon showers, slightly higher humidity
Accomodation
- 2 nights in hotels (San José & Orosi)
- 6 nights in comfortable campsites
- 1 night in a local cabin (rural community stay)
- Shared facilities in campsites, private rooms in hotels
How to get there?
- Fly into San José International Airport (SJO)
- Upon arrival, your guides will meets you at the airport
- Private transfer to hotel in San José included
- Group airport transfer back to SJO on Day 10 at noon
FAQs
- How difficult is this trek? Rated High, long days, steep climbs and descents
- Group size: 6–12 people.
- Do I need prior experience? Yes, good stamina and previous hikes recommended.
- Guides: Certified bilingual guides with First Aid and Wilderness First Responder.
- Meals: Mostly local and freshly prepared.
- Laundry: Some hotels offer it; otherwise bring biodegradable soap.
- Visas: Passport valid for 6 months; check visa requirements for your nationality.
- Travel Insurance: Mandatory.