+ + + + costa rica - The Cedar Foundation

COSTA RICA
Coast to Coast Rainforest Trek
This is an Open Challenge itinerary; you can take part on the dates
shown and raise money for a charity of your choice.
Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Trip Grade: Tough
Dates:
1 Feb – 12 Feb 2014
15 Nov – 26 Nov 2014
31 Jan – 11 Feb 2015
14 Nov – 25 Nov 2015
Payment Options:
Fundraising:
Registration Fee
2014
2015
£399
£399
+
+
Fundraising Target
£3500
£3600
Self Payment:
Registration Fee
£399
£399
Trip Cost
+
+
£1550
£1600
* Registration Fee is in addition to Trip Cost / Fundraising Target
For further detail on payment options see our website or contact us
_______________________________________________
Costa Rica has a huge variety of landscapes, climates
rainforest, serenaded by howler monkeys and exotic
bird calls. We take in the country’s highest active
volcano before our challenge ends with an
unforgettable journey by raft and boat to a beautiful
tropical beach.
This is a challenging trip through remote and rarelyvisited regions. The terrain is tough with some hard
climbs but the rewards are immense!
and environments and it is home to five per cent of the
planet’s biodiversity. From palm tree-lined tropical
beaches to smoking volcanoes, cloudforest, rainforest
and mangrove swamps – it all awaits us in Costa Rica!
ITINERARY
Day 1: Fly London – San Jose
We arrive late afternoon / early evening, transfer to our
hotel and relax! Night hotel.
Day 2: San Jose – Pacific Coast – Londres
After an early morning breakfast and trip briefing, we
transfer by bus to a beach near Quepos on the Pacific
Coast. Turning inland, we start our trek at Finca Maritima
and set off on our adventure across Costa Rica! Our route
takes us through palm oil plantations and agricultural land
which is predominantly flat, before reaching the foothills of
the more remote and forested highlands. Londres, the site
of our evening’s camp, is a small farming community on the
edge of the rainforest. Night camp.
Our coast to coast challenge is an adventurous
Drive approx 4 hrs; trek approx 12 km / 5 hrs
journey on foot and by raft from the Pacific to the
Caribbean Coast! Our route takes us from traditional
farming communities through coffee plantations and
oak forests, deep into cloudforest and dense tropical
Discover Adventure Ltd Throope Down House Blandford Road Coombe Bissett Salisbury Wiltshire SP5 4LN
Tel 01722 718444 Fax 0843 2905 289 [email protected] www.discoveradventure.com
Day 3: Londres – San Isidro
Today we trek from Londres to the small village of San
Isidro along good tracks and paths that gradually climb up
to the edge of the rainforest. There are several demanding
ascents and descents and several stream crossings and it
can be quite muddy, but we are rewarded by fabulous
views down to the Pacific Coast. We pass through thriving
rural communities that provide us with a great insight to life
in this part of Costa Rica before arriving at our homestead,
where we camp for the night. Night camp.
Trek approx 18 km / 8 hrs
Day 4: San Isidro – Betania
continuously, climbing to another ridge where we have
After a good night’s
lunch. Our tracks are narrow with thick vegetation towering
sleep we rise early
up to each side, and we cross several rivers and cascades.
and head off into
Reaching our high point of 1965m, we descend sharply to
the rainforest. Our
the Rio Brujo. We cross a stream and embark on a steep
trail is initially steep
climb along a narrow trail on the other side. Following
with several stream
slightly better trails that undulate through the jungle with
crossings as it
further stream crossings, the track becomes wider as we
takes us into dense
make our way further into cloudforest to our farmstead at
vegetation, very
Quetzal y Tucan. Night camp.
different to our
Trek approx 17km / 10 – 12 hrs
surroundings
yesterday. Watch
Day 6: Quetzal y Tucan – Santa María de Dota
out for wildlife such
Today’s trek takes us through small communities and
as beautiful tree
agricultural land to our camp near the small town of Santa
frogs, some no larger than your fingernail, which are
Maria de Dota. We leave this amazing area of rainforest
perfectly camouflaged amongst the leaves and vegetation
with its huge variety of
of the forest. It is often quite dark and damp in the dense
flora and fauna behind us
vegetation of the rainforest as sunlight cannot penetrate
with mixed feelings; sad
the canopy above our heads. The trail is slippery and we
to leave such an
have to clamber over and under enormous roots and fallen
incredible habitat behind
trees as agile spider monkeys mock our progress from
us, but perhaps glad to
above. We continue until we reach a clearing and our
rejoin less challenging
accommodation at Betania in the Cascades area. Night
paths! We trek on wider,
camp.
easier tracks, but there
Trek approx 8km / 5 – 6 hrs
are still several steep
climbs before us, which
Day 5: Betania – Naranjo – Quetzal y Tucan
take us to a high-point of
Today is our most strenuous day: a long route on
2045m. We then descend
challenging terrain with demanding, muddy ascents and
towards Santa Maria de
descents. We start early; a steep, narrow and often muddy
Dota. Very picturesque,
ascent takes us up to a high ridge in dense rainforest
the town lies in a green valley surrounded by coffee
(1765m). Keep your eyes open for the many wonderful
plantations, forested hills and distant mountain peaks and
birds and the occasional small group of howler monkeys –
feels very busy after our time in the rainforest. Night camp.
small but extremely loud! Our track then undulates
Trek 19 km, approx 7 hrs
Discover Adventure Ltd Throope Down House Blandford Road Coombe Bissett Salisbury Wiltshire SP5 4LN
Tel 01722 718444 Fax 0843 2905 289 [email protected] www.discoveradventure.com
The beautiful stretch of water includes several white-water
rapids (grade III – IV; no experience necessary) but also
plenty of time to sit back and enjoy the scenery. This is
considered one of the best rafting rivers in the Americas,
not just because of its exciting waters, but also because of
the lush vegetation that surrounds it. There is a chance to
swim in the river, and keep your eyes open for wildlife –
there’s often a better chance of glimpsing creatures from
the river than when walking through the dense vegetation.
We will trek up to a waterfall and have a break for lunch
during the course of the day, but this will be an exhilarating
day that becomes a trip highlight for many. We camp again
on the banks of the Pacuare River. Night camp.
Day 7: Santa María de Dota – Volcan Irazu – Rio
Pacuare
Raft approx 4 – 5 hrs; trek approx 1 hr
An early start sees us driving to the spectacular Volcan
Irazu (3432m), the highest active volcano in Costa Rica.
We have time to explore the crater rim, with its views over
the vivid green lake in one of the craters, and if there is
minimal cloud we will be able to see neighbouring Volcan
Turrialba. On a really clear day it’s possible to see both the
Caribbean and Pacific coasts! We then have a further drive
to the start of our trek, which takes us uphill on relatively
good tracks though farmland and jungle before a
challenging descent takes us on a narrow mud track
through rainforest to the banks of the Rio Pacuare. Time
permitting, there may be a chance for a refreshing river
swim on arrival. Night camp.
Total drive approx 4 – 5 hrs; trek approx 6km / 2 hrs
Day 9: Rio Pacuare – Caribbean Coast
After an early breakfast and a last look at the river, we
meet our vehicles and have a lovely drive along the
beautiful palm-tree-lined coastline towards Cahuita
National Park. The final section of our Costa Rica trek
takes us, very aptly, along the beach – a wonderful end to
our challenge! Our wide, level track turns into a narrow trail
which winds alongside the white sands of the Caribbean
coast. We may see wildlife such as capuchin and howler
monkeys and crab-eating raccoons. We reach our hotel in
the small town of Cahuita, and for the first time in a week
can enjoy the comforts of a hotel! We meet later in the
evening for a slap-up barbeque and celebrate our huge
achievement. Night hotel.
Drive approx 2 hrs; trek approx 12km / 3 - 4 hrs
Day 10: Cahuita
Day 8: Rafting Rio Pacuare
Cahuita’s black-sand beach is within walking distance of
After breakfast we prepare ourselves for a day of rafting!
the town, and you can swim or surf in the warm Caribbean
We will be rafting for around 30km (19 miles), which will
waters. Slightly further away there are white-sand beaches
take about 4 or 5 hours, depending upon the water level.
and coral reefs perfect for snorkelling, and the Cahuita
Discover Adventure Ltd Throope Down House Blandford Road Coombe Bissett Salisbury Wiltshire SP5 4LN
Tel 01722 718444 Fax 0843 2905 289 [email protected] www.discoveradventure.com
National Park with its diverse wildlife. We have the day free
to relax and enjoy our surroundings. Night hotel.
(Lunch and dinner not included)
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
For most people, the main attraction of travelling to a
different country is to see new sights and enjoy new
Day 11: Depart San Jose
experiences. Sometimes those new experiences can
We have an early morning drive back to San Jose and to
make life harder or more inconvenient than you may
the airport for our afternoon flight back to the UK.
like, such as toilet hygiene or different food, or simply a
(Occasionally flights depart in the morning, in which case
different attitude to solving problems. This is all part of
we’ll drive to San Jose the evening before.)
the challenge you are signing up for!
Drive 5 – 6 hrs
We are very privileged to live in a country with a high
standard of living, and travelling exposes us to
(Lunch not included if not in-flight)
different challenges – all of which help broaden our
Day 12: Arrive UK
horizons. We can guarantee that coming face-to-face
Discover Adventure reserves the right to change the
route or itinerary for safety reasons should local
conditions dictate.
with experiences outside your normal ‘comfort zone’
will help you bond with your fellow trekkers and
provide you with plenty of things to laugh about! A
sense of humour and sense of adventure are two of
the most important things to bring with you!
GENERAL INFORMATION
Our experienced tour leaders and local crew will help
TOUR COST
All accommodation is included as well as all flights and
bridge the cultural gap; take advantage of their
transport; camping equipment (except sleeping bag and
understanding of a new culture as well as the
sleeping mat); all meals except three as specified in the
achievement of completing a challenging trek.
knowledge so you can come away with an
itinerary; white-water rafting equipment, guides and
instruction; entrance to Reserves and any sites visited as
part of the itinerary.
Costs in Costa Rica
Experienced Discover Adventure leaders and doctor
We recommend you budget for the following costs in-
(depending on final group size) are also included, along
country:
with a local support crew of horses, guides, cooks and
- Tips for Local Crew (see below): US$30
- Meals not included: US$35-45
- Departure tax: US$28
drivers.
It does not include personal travel insurance, airline fuel
Discover Adventure), three meals as specified, tips for local
Remember to allow extra for drinks, souvenirs & other
personal expenses.
This recommendation is a guideline only. Please note that
crew, or international departure tax. It also does not include
costs may fluctuate and we have no control over any
any entrance fees to any optional sites or attractions.
changes.
supplement charged by the airline (capped at £200 by
We strongly recommend you carry a credit card in case
of personal emergency.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Group flights leave from London Heathrow or Gatwick and
are booked through Discover Adventure Ltd under ATOL
licence 5636. By travelling with Discover Adventure you are
protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
We are most likely to fly with Iberia Airlines. However, we
don’t always fly with the same airline so this is a guideline
Discover Adventure Ltd Throope Down House Blandford Road Coombe Bissett Salisbury Wiltshire SP5 4LN
Tel 01722 718444 Fax 0843 2905 289 [email protected] www.discoveradventure.com
only. You will usually receive confirmed flight details
be in hotels which are comfortable, clean and with private,
several months before departure.
twin-share facilities, but not luxurious. Please do not expect
Our itineraries are always based on current flight
schedules and are therefore subject to change by the
the same standards as a tourist hotel in the UK - they may
be better in some ways and more basic in others!
airline.
FOOD
Connecting Flights
All food is
If you book flights to Heathrow or Gatwick, it is your
responsibility to allow plenty of time to connect to the group
flight and to cope with any flight schedule changes. Please
be aware that the best deals allow little flexibility if you
need to change them. We regret that we are unable to
book connecting flights for you.
Transit Stops
When booking group flights we endeavour to find the best
flights that match our itinerary. There are often no direct
flights to our destination, so do be prepared for transit
stops: bring a good book or chat to your fellow trekkers!
Airlines that do offer direct flights rarely offer competitive
rates for groups. Please remember that the main purpose
of our trips is to raise money for charity!
included except
three meals as
specified in the
itinerary. The food
is great and there
is plenty of it.
Dietary
Requirements
Being vegetarian
or having other
dietary
requirements is
not usually a
problem provided you let us know well in advance. Please
do not expect as much variety as you would have access
Flying Separately
to at home – we will be in rural areas and among people of
If you prefer to book your own flights please ask us for a
a different culture who may not understand your
land-only cost. You will be responsible for making your
requirements, however willing they are to help. If you know
own arrangements for meeting the rest of the group,
there are plenty of foods you cannot eat you may wish to
though we can advise you. We need to know if you do not
bring extra snacks from home so you can top up your
require our group flight as early as possible - please
energy supply. Please feel free to ask us for advice.
complete the form in the information pack you’ll be sent
Other Meals
with your booking confirmation.
Any meals not included are listed in the itinerary and are
ACCOMMODATION
generally when we are in towns or cities and you are free
We camp for 7
to explore and try other culinary experiences! There is
nights during the
always something to suit every budget.
trek in a
PASSPORT, VISA & VACCINATIONS
combination of
tents and
wooden
sleepingplatforms or
A valid ten-year passport is essential; it should be valid for
at least six months after return from Costa Rica. There is
currently no visa requirement for UK citizens. Other
nationalities should check entry requirements.
rooms that are
We insist that you have had a Tetanus injection in the last
usually part of a homestead or permanent camp. Some
ten years, and highly recommend protection against Polio,
have facilities such as kitchens, dining areas, toilets and
Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Although malaria is not prevalent
showers, others are a little more basic. They are wonderful
in the majority of the regions we trek through, there is a risk
places to stay, often with open-sided verandahs looking out
in the coastal areas where we finish. We therefore strongly
at incredible views. When in tents you will be sharing with
advise you to take malarial prophylaxis.
another person on the challenge; in homestead rooms we
bed down on the floor in larger groups. The remainder will
Discover Adventure Ltd Throope Down House Blandford Road Coombe Bissett Salisbury Wiltshire SP5 4LN
Tel 01722 718444 Fax 0843 2905 289 [email protected] www.discoveradventure.com
A Yellow Fever certificate is essential only if arriving from
an infected country.
You should always check with a GP or travel clinic for
up-to-date travel health advice as it does change.
_______________________________________________
TREKKING INFORMATION
Terrain
Terrain varies from clear wide tracks and small village
roads to muddy, root-covered, slippery paths in the
rainforest. This terrain is very challenging. There are many
steep inclines and descents, made more challenging in wet
Weather
conditions. There are also
many stream / river
Average min-max temperatures & number of rainy days per
crossings in the rainforest;
month in San Jose:
leaders and guides are
Feb-March: 14 - 24ºC; 2
always on hand to help
you cross.
Oct-Nov: 15 - 26ºC; 14
The weather will vary based on the ecosystem and our
elevation: in hillier regions it may be cooler at night.
Trekking Distances
Generally, it will be hot and humid. When in a rainforest it
You will trek approximately
rains – expect to get wet!
95km on this trip overall.
The daily distances are a
Clothing & Equipment
We are travelling through remote terrain where we could be
guide; because of the
exposed to bad weather at any time. The information
varied terrain, it’s not
above gives you an idea of the climate, but be prepared for
possible to give more
all weathers and temperatures. Weather conditions can
accurate daily distances.
change quickly in these regions. We provide you with a
It’s also much more useful when training to think about the
detailed packing kit-list on registration, as well as details on
hours you need to walk for, and the type of terrain you will
useful discounts you are entitled to as a Discover
be trekking over!
Adventure customer. We are always available if you need
We are always happy to talk through the trip in more
detail with you if you are worried about your fitness at
any stage.
advice.
Fitness Levels
Our challenges attract
people of all levels of
FITNESS WARNING: DESIGNED TO BE
CHALLENGING!
experience and fitness,
all ages and
backgrounds. We
This trek is designed to be challenging for those of
expect all participants
good health and fitness, and is achievable for most
to train hard in advance
people provided they train well in advance. We will
to achieve this
supply you with a thorough training guide when you
challenge, but we
have registered. Training for the challenge is all part of
respect everyone’s
the preparation and requires commitment! Without it,
limits. We design our
you will find the trek less enjoyable – and we want you
challenges so that
to have the time of your life!
everyone can go at
their own pace: this is
not a race.
Discover Adventure Ltd Throope Down House Blandford Road Coombe Bissett Salisbury Wiltshire SP5 4LN
Tel 01722 718444 Fax 0843 2905 289 [email protected] www.discoveradventure.com
For logistical and safety reasons we sometimes need to regroup, so the front-runners will find themselves waiting for
the slower ones. Please relax, and remember that this is a
team effort that enables people to achieve their personal
goals and earn sponsorship.
TRAINING WEEKENDS: £140 SPECIAL OFFER!
Only when you book at the same time as registering
for your main challenge
Discover Adventure Training Weekends in Snowdonia
National Park are designed help you prepare for your
challenge. Whether you use the weekend to gauge your
fitness, get your training back on track, boost your
confidence, get advice or meet other trekkers, you’re
humour and ability to safely and effectively deal with any
bound to find it incredibly useful!
situation that arises. You are in very safe hands with a
For dates and further information see our brochure or
Discover Adventure leader.
website.
All our leaders are from the UK or other English-speaking
countries. Most work for us on an ad-hoc basis and have
Rafting Information
All safety equipment will be provided, along with a full
safety briefing and support staff. It does not matter if you
have never been white-water rafting before – you just need
a sense of adventure! Rafting is a participatory team event,
so your paddle is not just for decoration, but between the
rapids the river is calm and beautiful – relax and enjoy it!
‘real’ jobs in-between trips! We never send our leaders to
the same destination for months on end – we want them to
be as enthusiastic about your trip as you are.
Although our leaders are trained in expedition first-aid, they
are accompanied by an expedition doctor or medic
(dependent on group size), who is there to look after the
well-being of the whole group and deal with any incidents.
They help the leaders to ensure the trip runs smoothly and
encourage you when things get tough.
The number of crew looking after you will depend on the
final size of your group, but an average-sized group in
Costa Rica would be led by two leaders and a doctor. At
Discover Adventure we pride ourselves on our high leader:
trekker ratio and
believe it leads to
greater trip enjoyment
as well as excellent
trip safety.
Local Support Crew
_______________________________________________
Our local support
TRIP SUPPORT
crew is made up of
Discover Adventure Crew
and cooks, and horses where appropriate. Your local guide
Your trip will be led by experienced Discover Adventure
knows the local area well, and is a great source of
leaders. Our leaders are selected for their experience in
knowledge about local customs and lifestyles. Drivers,
harsh wilderness environments, knowledge of travel in
cooks and horse-men do not always speak English but are
remote areas, friendliness and approachability, sense of
very friendly and approachable. The Discover Adventure
local guides, drivers
Discover Adventure Ltd Throope Down House Blandford Road Coombe Bissett Salisbury Wiltshire SP5 4LN
Tel 01722 718444 Fax 0843 2905 289 [email protected] www.discoveradventure.com
crew work closely with the local crew to ensure your trip
leaders are responsible for safety on the trip, and will make
runs smoothly and safely.
any changes to the itinerary they deem necessary should
Tips for Local Crew
Your leader will arrange a collection of tips for the local
local conditions dictate.
support crew at the end of your trek. Tipping is not
questionnaires and travel insurance – is all done with your
obligatory, but once you see how hard they work on your
safety in mind.
Pre-trip administration – such as compulsory medical
behalf you will be happy to donate something! See ‘Costs
in Costa Rica’ above for a guideline amount; your leader
will let you know if there is any change to this guideline. All
our local crew are paid wages, but bear in mind that the
average wage in this country is far below what you would
spend on a normal night out.
WORLDWIDE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Long before Responsible or Sustainable Tourism became
a recognised phrase, we designed and ran our trips to
ensure they made minimum impact on the environment
Luggage
and a positive impact on the local communities we pass
Vehicles take the group to the start of the trek and pick us
through. AITO, our Trade Association, has recognised the
up at the end. All luggage, food, water and camping
work we do in this area and has awarded us 5 stars as a
equipment is carried by vehicles or horses.
Responsible Tour Operator.
Space in camp is limited and hard-sided luggage is not
Discover Adventure Projects
recommended, so we suggest your kit is packed in a soft
We are supporting a tree-planting project in Peru and a
rucksack or expedition kitbag. Ask us about our specially-
children’s home in Tanzania on a long-term basis. If you
designed low-cost kitbags if you don’t have one already.
would like to ‘give something back’ please consider
Bags must be waterproofed – wrap the contents in durable
donating £5 to our projects when you sign up. Please see
plastic bags, especially your bedding.
our website for more details.
You should bring a small daypack to carry for items needed
Carbon Offsetting
during the day as you will not have access to your main
luggage until the evening.
We encourage all our customers to offset emissions
connected with their trip. You can offset at any time in the
lead-up to departure by visiting Climate Care via our
website and making a donation to a worthwhile project
supported by them.
Alternatively, if you wish to take more practical action in the
UK you can volunteer for a day with TCV and work on an
environmental project local to you. Work may include
construction footpaths, dry stone walling, creating wildlife
habitats or planting trees in your community. Volunteer
today at www.tcv.org or call 01302 388883.
Trip Safety
Your safety, and that of the rest of the group, is our highest
priority. Our trips are designed and planned with safety in
mind. Your crew will be equipped with radios and
emergency satellite phones, extensive medical kit and
other safety apparatus where necessary. They always
have access to our 24-hour emergency UK back-up. Our
Please contact the Discover Adventure office using the
contact details below with any queries.
Copyright Discover Adventure 2002 / Updated 2013
Discover Adventure Ltd Throope Down House Blandford Road Coombe Bissett Salisbury Wiltshire SP5 4LN
Tel 01722 718444 Fax 0843 2905 289 [email protected] www.discoveradventure.com