250km Coast to Coast Expedition through Costa Rica

Such a well organised trip, every day was seamless and the team were incredible. Beautiful country, wildlife and people. The activities were tough but achievable. Incredible value for money. Already looking to book the next one!

Perfect trip with a well-balanced itinerary. Definitely wasn't easy, but incredibly rewarding and very well-organised. Unbelievable guides who made sure everything was great at all times and were extremely knowledgeable. The food was surprisingly brilliant as well even when we were at fairly basic campsites. Overall brilliant experience!!!

A superb expedition - well planned and excellently guided. Nothing was too much trouble and everything worked perfectly. If you are thinking of going to Costa Rica, this is definitely the way to experience the country and its people in all their glory.

A completely inspiring journey. I had been mulling over this trip for 18months and so happy that I took it on. From the people I met and the challenge itself, I got everything I wanted from the adventure. Much Better Adventures have done a great job pulling this together. The head guide Fez and team were faultless and were there every step of the way. Pick this challenge if you want to be put out of your comfort zone but still live to tell the tale.

Absolutely loved this trip! Such an amazing adventure and in my opinion the best way to explore the country which is beautiful. The guides were all excellent and could not have done a better job. As described on the website, this trip is physically challenging so you need to be prepared for that but it makes the trip very rewarding. Would definitely recommend!

Probably the best thing I’ve ever done. Such a beautiful country and the itinerary is spot on for allowing you to see so much of it. The first 3 days are hard work but once you’re through those it’s all downhill to the Caribbean coast and you can really settle into rainforest life. Our guides Danny and Josue and later Fez along with Memo, Mao and Abel were amazing and looked after us so well. If you’re worried about the price tag then don’t be - it’s WORTH EVERY PENNY! Also bring a pillow, a jumper stuffed full of smelly clothes is not the one 🙃

Hands down the most incredible trip I have ever done. The whole trip was incredibly organised, and made it very easy for us all. The guides throughout the whole trip were friendly, generous, supportive, positive and generally just great people.

The heavy caribbean rain made some of the camping a bit damp but its only for one night and it such novel jungle locations you can live with that, only recommendation would be to keep getting the same outfit wet - swimming in the waterfalls, rivers and rafting - saves on damp smelly clothes.

The event is physically challenging but incredible and so worth it, the scenery is hard to describe it is so beautiful and you truly see it all.

I cannot speak highly enough of the whole team, they truly made it a trip of a lifetime.

Superb and challenging! Fabulous organisation and food throughout. Great guides and travel companions.

The BEST way to experience Costa Rica! A challenging and rewarding adventure that I'll remember for the rest of my life.

Fez, Memo and Mau put on a masterclass of logistics and organization - this trip runs like a well-oiled machine, everything ran flawlessly and each day was so well thought out!

The hills are steep, the sun is hot, but the views and food are amazing. I was initially hesitant because of the price tag, but can confirm it is well worth every penny. Come physically and mentally prepared - the climbs are tougher than they look on paper, the heat is like nothing you've ever experienced, and accommodations are variably rustic (campsites and small hotels with no A/C). That said, I agree with other reviews that anyone with a reasonable amount of fitness, some grit and a good sense of humour can complete the trip no problem. The one-for-all-and-all-for-one mentality of the group motivated everyone to keep going when the going got tough!

I was happy I brought electrolyte tablets, clipless pedals/bike shoes, my own bike saddle, a 2L Camelbak + 1 bike water bottle (instead of only water bottles), inflatable pillow (no pillows provided for the 2 "rough camping" nights) and sun leggings for the rafting and kayaking days.

Wow - what an experience! Much more challenging than I anticipated, but serves me right for not looking at the gradient properly! Challenging, and so rewarding, and emotional on reaching the Carribbean. Fez was a great guide, and so well supported by Memo & Mau. Their teamwork, made our team work so well. They were a slick team, timing was perfect and everything was always in the right place at the right time. Thank you so much for enriching my life.

An amazing trip, really well organised. Our guides, Carlos and Jeffrey, were brilliant, so knowledgeable and fun, really made the trip what it was. The food was plentiful and every meal tasted great (I took snack bars just in case, but definitely didn't need them).

The scenery and views as we were crossing Cost Rica were stunning (the photos really don't do them justice) as were the waterfalls that we got to stop at en route. The great thing about the trip is a lot of it is way off the beaten track so it's just your group and guides .. you hardly see anyone else for much of it, which makes it even more special.

Having said that, it was really tough, much harder than I was expecting. I thought it would be doable with the odd really tough bit/hill .... however I would say the first four/five days were pretty grueling then it got easier!

The accommodation at times was very basic (particularly the campsite on the first night which was a bit of a shock), but that added to the experience in a good way. The campsite where you stop for a couple of nights was just lovely.

I would definitely suggest:

• Mentally preparing yourself for a tough few days at the beginning (both walking and cycling)
• Take walking poles if you have them (the hills are steep going up and going down)
• Take whatever padded shorts/seats you have, I ended up with a boys bike saddle and it hurt!
• Embrace the experience as it will be amazing

Wow, what a trip! And what a way to see some of this amazing country. Thank you Carlos (guide) and Jeff (support driver). They ran the trip like clockwork .. very professional and superbly organised. There was always an evening briefing by Carlos, on what to expect the following day. And the meals they made were superb (but also a shout-out to river guide Michael's bolognese sauce made to his mum's recipe). A few notes:

1. On our dry season trip it was hot (by cold climate European standards). Sunhats, sunblock etc a must, plus long sleeves and leg coverings for kayaking.
2. Some early starts (after breakfast, packed ready to go by 6am) but no problem and welcome as the heat arrives early. The day's activities are over by mid afternoon so plenty of time to relax.
3. We went as a group of friends, so the atmosphere was great. But even though we're fit cyclists and runners, some of the days' activities were harder than expected .. some of it due to terrain and always harder with the heat.
4. There's lots of cycling and it's all on mountain bikes. Some of the cycling is tough-going but the main ascents are on superb paved roads. Bring whatever specialist kit helps (well-padded cycling shorts and clipless shoes & pedals recommended).
5. Some of the accommodation is basic but all part of the excellent experience. Hard floor tenting that you put up yourself in small communities in the middle of nowhere. No hot showers there. Tent, sleeping bag & thin inflatable sleeping pad provided. Sleeping bag liner, pillow and additional camping mat recommended.
6. For the 2nd breakfast on day 3, at the cafe on the summit of the morning's cycling, don't have the rice with prawns. Just saying.

The best trip in my life

I booked this trip 3 weeks in advance as I was in between jobs and wanted a challenge, I was unsure what I was getting myself in for, however I can whole heartily agree that it was an excellent decision.

The Guides Fez, Memo, Darwin and Andres were top class. Getting the group on the road early to tackle the days challenge, to ensuring everyone was in high spirts and well fed as well as tending to the odd puncture here and there or grazed knee.

The the trip it self is very well put together, its brings you off the beaten track from the very popular tourist areas of Costa Rica to show you a true Costa Rica experience.

If you are debating this trip, go for it.

Fabulous experience, some injuries along the way which were dealt with professionally and guides really did go out there way to make this one of my best experiences so far. Thank you all. Only one small point, in booking the holiday I wanted lots of information before this was available re contacts, transfers, hotels and general logistics. This was all provided when requested but needed to send a couple of mails requesting information. Later when generic mails were sent out this was all included!

Wonderful experience of Costa Rica flat (not what you consider flat at home) and hills, especially Cemetery Hill (you know why it has this name, when you try to climb it). Nice group of participants and very engaged guides. Maybe a bit tougher than other trips rated similar, but it is definitely worth the effort. Well organized, nice accommodation and good food. Routes and program in general good, maybe a bit less too ambitious and sometimes too much traffic on major roads. A perfect experience of the Costa Rica nature and culture!

This was an incredibly fulfilling trip with a varied physical challenge against the backdrop of a beautiful, scenic country. Everything ran very smoothly thanks to our guide Fez with help from Memo, Darwin and Andres and a great group. Some tips - bring a smaller empty day pack for transitions between activity. For people like me, cover up on the rafting and kayak and bring sunscreen that works when you're wet(!). Everyone managed the physical side but some experience on the bike definitely helps. Overall the trip was amazing and thanks to the team for getting us from Coast to Coast smoothly.

Well organised, great Leaders / Team, plenty of good food, fun but challenging cycling/hiking/rafting/kayaking. A very special adventure.

Overall a really good trip. You just couldn’t do it on your own - the organisation of everything was really smooth, and the parts of Costa Rica you get to see are incredible. You stay in some really rural places and get a good sense of the whole country.

The first four days are genuinely tough (potentially even tougher than advertised), even if you think you’re in good shape. It’s not so much the distance as it’s the elevation gain each day and the relentlessness of it, not to mention to heat. After that it does get easier and feels more like a holiday - once you get to the rest day it’s incredible, and the feeling of accomplishment when you get to the end was great! I wouldn’t have wanted to visit Costa Rica in a normal way after this trip.

Guides (Danny and Josué) were brilliant - so knowledgeable, motivating, good natured (and great chefs).

I had been eying up this trip for a few years, but was a little put off by the price, however I can guarantee it is worth every penny. The trip is so well thought out, I wouldn't have changed a thing, except for a few additions to the packing list (plastic bags/dry bags for wet kit!) Carlos, Dani and team were amazing hosts, the food, accommodation, transitions between activities and guiding were spot on. We didn't encounter any other tourists on the trip (except rafting), and truly felt as though we had seen some real Costa Rica. Having spent a few days after the trip in some more traditional touristy areas of Costa Rica, I was even more grateful for how special the trip was. If you're considering the trip I would say don't put it off...go go go!

Challenging, awe-inspiring, and good fun in a stunningly beautiful country. I was especially impressed by our local guide and his team - all phenomenal. I felt safe and supported throughout. I also learned a great deal with each new activity and through our guide's deep and intimate knowledge of his country, its history, culture & ecology, and the interplay w/social, economic, and climate issues.

The tour was very well organised. The tour was challenging and an unforgettably rewarding experience.

This has been an amazing trip. Costa Rica is beautiful and by walking, cycling, rafting and kayaking you really get the full experience. What really brings it alive are the people though. Our guides Danny and Josué really brought it alive with their passion, knowledge and emotion for the environment and the people of the country. Memo and Mahou were always there with a smile, coffee and amazing food at the end of the day. If you like being active whilst being immersed in a country and being with like minded people then this is for you.

Great way to see Costa Rica away from the busy towns and cities.

Absolutely perfect organisation what also means safe travel. If some parts are too difficult you can always get a ride because supporting car is almost always following the group. Danny is truly knowledgeable guide and wonderful inspiring person! All crew members were very kind and helpful. Scenery spectacular changing every day showing all beauty of powerful and unspoilt nature. Switching from biking to hiking etc makes that you never feel bored or truly tired. You can adapt to heat and humidity which seems unbearable at the beginning. Enough time to rest and enjoy free time. Tap water drinkable! Buy sun screen with 85 factor in San Jose. Be prepared that your cloth we never dry, it was useless to carry all rain gear. You can charge your phone every night except for 2 nights in jungle. No need for mosquito net. If you want to visit Manuel Antonio NP make sure you book your ticket in advance. Challenging but rewarding even for girls 50+ I would do it again :)

I just came back from the most amazing trip of my life! I joined the 250km self-powered coast to coast expedition in Costa Rica with Much Better Adventures.

We started from the Pacific coast and crossed the country by bike, raft, kayak, and foot, exploring the stunning landscapes, wildlife and culture of this beautiful country. We biked through coffee and banana plantations and rainforests, then kayaked and rafted through some of the most beautiful scenery where saw so much wildlife (including crocodiles, this encouraged us to paddle faster). We also got to experience the local cuisine, music and incredible hospitality along the way.

The food we were provided with was fantastic, breakfasts, lunches and dinners, as well as a huge assortment of snacks to keep you fuelled for the days activities. There were plenty of opportunities to top up water along the way, and even “Technical” stops at local supermarkets to stock up on beers for the evening.

The guides were awesome, very knowledgeable and friendly, and they made sure we were safe and comfortable throughout the journey. The lead guide, Danny, was the highlight of the trip, the passion he had for nature was infectious. We were getting info on all the plants, insects and animals we met along the way, easily turning a 2-hour hike into a 3-hour hike and we loved every second. He was absolutely one of a kind, ecologist/champion triathlete, there was nothing you couldn’t ask him and he was always very positive and supportive. Some of the sections were particularly technical and challenging so we were given fair warning during the evening briefings. The guides will assess the capability of the group and for safety suggest alternative ways to approach them. We hiked a section that was designated for biking, it was hard enough to walk down let alone bike. It was absolutely the right decision, even our most capable cyclists were happy we made the switch. The equipment was top-notch and the accommodation was cozy and clean. The camping was great, especially the nights in the jungle campsite between rafting days. Sleeping near a river in the middle of the jungle on mattresses and swinging in hammocks was a nice little treat after some pretty tough days biking and hiking. The rafting was another highlight, although the water in the river was quite low (dry season) we had a great time bouncing up and down when we got stuck on rocks and paddling for dear life through the rapids. The group was small and diverse, and we had a lot of fun together. Was easy to forge new friendships through adversity (when they say challenging, they aren’t lying) but by day two you had shared most of your life story with the group and learned plenty about them too.

I had my birthday during the trip, I tried and failed to keep it a secret. Got rumbled reading birthday cards that were hidden in my suitcase. Everyone was so nice, I was treated to a birthday bagel with candles and then the guides arranged a cake too. Certainly, a birthday experience I will never forget.

All in all, the trip was challenging but rewarding, and I feel like I learned a lot about myself and the world. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves adventure and nature. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget!

Tips- • Be prepared for early starts alarms set for 5am was not uncommon. Sounds brutal but its less brutal that the heat.

• Padded Pants for cycling, my bottom was quite cross with me by the end of the trip.

• Cycling Gloves, for the bumpy downhills especially.

• Hydration is key, bring something you can carry 2-3 litres of water in addition to your day bag i.e. running hydration vest.

• If you have spares and space bring extra, I was fortunate enough to borrow cycling gloves and a cap after loosing mine. Even if you don’t loose something, someone will and you can be in a position to help.

• Have a good reason for doing it, it helps to remind yourself of this on the gruelling uphill sections. Also makes for a nice conversation starter.

This holiday has the best mix of physical challenge, good food, lessons on ecology and totally off the tourist map. Definitely highly recommended. Our main guides passion for wildlife, ecological wellbeing of Costa Rica and cooking skills were all exceptional. Don’t be fooled by the description that it requires a good level of fitness- this will challenge even the fittest and the bravest ( on the mountain bike parts)..

If you are looking for an opportunity to challenge yourself, enjoy the splendor of nature and reset your soul, this is the adventure for you! I was traveling alone not sure how it was going to be not knowing anyone else. Within minutes of meeting the others we all connected and forged a bond. Danny, Carlos and all the others on the leadership team supported us and made sure we had what we needed at all times. The food was great and Danny taught us soooo much about Costa Rica as we moved through the countryside. I highly recommend this trip to people who like to be physically and mentally challenged, love adventure and learning new things.

Fantastic trip. Organisation was spot on throughout. Delicious food. Friendly guides who were very passionate about ecology and always happy to share their insight - thanks so much Danny and Carlos! Great group to travel with.

This was an amazing experience in so many ways and brilliantly organized and led by a great guide……… and am now thinking about my next adventure with MBA