This is a 5 day rugged eco-challenge for those who love pushing hard, discovering themselves, followed by some relaxing days on your own.
Enjoy Costa Rica from the heart of the jungle, hike thru unspoiled trails, ride in to the mountains and paddle down the amazing Pacuare river, hands down the best rafting in Costa Rica. The gorge and canyon and pristine untouched jungle that surrounds you is like setting foot on to the setting of Jurassic park. The Cabecar Indians are among the most private, and remote, indigenous people left in Central America. Their mountainous land is isolated, and the Cabecars live within their own territories, wishing to stay away from the buzzing civilization outside their mountains.
We at Serendipity are privileged to be permitted to enter their land. We have agreed that we will not alter it in any way. We have agreed, also, to make no effort to contact them. If, during our expedition, they wish to contact us, they will do so.
Later on, we will head towards the pacific coast, we leave the lush green setting behind and dive into the dry northern coastal plains where the blue/crystal clear waters are framed by the white sandy beaches, here you get to relax and process all you have learned during this amazing trip.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and get acclimatized
Hola and welcome to Costa Rica.
The Cabecar Trail starts at about 4,500 feet of altitude. It takes a little time to acclimatize. So your first day, when you arrive, we’ll pick you up and take you to a unique mountain lodge on the slopes of Turrialba Volcano, about 2 hours from the San José airport, or to a hotel in the area. Look up! Don’t miss the smoking volcano visible from the yard.
Day 2: Pedal power to the Costa Rica frontier
Eat well and enjoy the view before we set off on two pedals. We’re in the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains, and heading east on gravel roads and some single track for about five hours. Finally an isolated village, where everyone is busily working as they have for several generations. We’ll continue on a bit to find Carlos and his family and camp next to the stream.
As we prepare camp you can explore the surrounding area, or swim in the clear river next to us. We’ll sleep under the stars and have a magnificent view of the jungle up above. No artificial lights here.
Day 3: Hiking in indigenous lands
Few are as lucky as you. Step into the past.
Cabecars are reclusive, and rarely make contact with outsiders.
The bikes stay below as we head off on foot up into the mountains to explore the tropical humid rainforest. This is a REAL (no manicured trails) hike that involves slippery and wet terrain, muddy jungle trails, machetes, and humidity. At the same time, this trek offers a true insight into the fascinating world of the tropical rainforest and how people survive and enjoy themselves in these areas. We will hike through virgin rainforest as well as ranches belonging to these native Americans.
Tonight we will make a grand dinner and invite the farm workers to join us.
Day 4: Pack horses carry all our gear to the (Top) Pacuare River
We will make our final descent into the canyon where we’ll start our paddle adventure. The trek is long, steep and very hard, and we’ll be eternally grateful to our sure-footed horses — carrying all our gear, water, and food necessary for today and tomorrow. That includes rafts, kayaks, paddles, life jackets, etc., on horseback.
The horses descend about 1200 feet of altitude for 18 kilometers into a lush green tropical paradise where the last of the Cabecar Native Americans remain. The Cabecars speak their own language, and prefer living in isolation from the turmoil of the white races. We’ll get a small glimpse of a style where your only source of fun, laughter, help, comfort and assistance is a friendly neighbor.
We’ll reach the campsite with some time to enjoy the surrounding creeks and pools. We’ll set up camp before dark and have a wonderful dinner. Sleep tight, for tomorrow is your biggest challenge yet.
Day 5: White water rafting or inflated kayaks down the (Top) Pacuare
18 kilometers of technical class III and IV white water. This is a stretch of river that very few visitors to Costa Rica ever get to see. The reason, it is accessible only by foot or horses. The rewards are, however, worth the work of getting here — technical, pristine, unspoiled river, all ours, all very real.
We’ll start by outfitting everyone properly and teaching you the essentials of white water survival and the teamwork that makes white water such a thrilling sport. .
Descending the river we’ll probably see some Cabecar people working nearby fields with their mules or oxen, or fishing or washing clothes and definitely enjoying the bounty of nature, the jungle, and the river. All of this in addition to the glorious white water — a very technical river, with lots of maneuvering.
Day 6
Today you’ll say goodbye to our Serendipity guide. You get to stay a bit longer for a well-deserved time of relaxation at the beach on the amazing Caribbean Coast. We will make sure you arrive safely to your new adventure.
Day 7
The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica holds many hidden and some remarkable unhidden treasures. Have you had your fill of adrenaline yet? We can help you plan these days on your own too. With more adventure, more wild life or more luxury. Just let us know ahead of time and we will do all the thinking for you
Day 8
Your last day in paradise, time to soak up those last 7 days of adrenaline and adventure, reflect on the good and the beautiful and everything in between.
Day 9
Back to the real world.
You are leaving today. It’s hard to think it is over. You came for adventure, but you leave with much more. What you take is more than bruises and sore muscles and the warmth of new friends.
We hope this will become a compass for your progress through the rest of your life. Thank you for trusting us and letting us be part of your greatest memories. See you soon!
This itinerary is for fit bikers and hikers who have the curiosity to get as remote as possible from civilization. The terrain is between 9,000 feet of altitude and down to 1,200 feet of altitude.
This is your trip with your departure dates. We do not add you to a set itinerary, combine you with other people, or suggest that other people join your trip.
Pricing
This (SAMPLE) itinerary includes:
All accommodations and remarkable remote camping near Indigenous area
All meals, snack foods and power bars/trail mix, water, and loads of fresh fruits
Serendipity’s strong 4×4 adventure vehicle which carries gear, spare parts, water, and — really important — First Aid equipment and radios to places inaccessible by most vehicles
Serendipity’s amazing support, before and during your travels – paddle jackets to keep you warm, helmets with sun visors on the river, well equipped first aid kits, communication equipment (where it works, which is not much after you enter Cabecar area), comfort items like clean towels, sunscreen lotion and bug spray for your convenience. Just arrive here with your essentials – bike pants, gloves, shoes (and possibly your own pedals or even your own bike) – we have all the extras.
The key to your enjoyment is your Serendipity leader who is with you from start to finish, always pushing you to try something new, challenge you physically, or mentally, or both.
To better understand the logistics of “group size” and to give you a rough idea of what this expedition with Serendipity will cost, here’s what the 9 day Cabecar Trail Expedition would cost per person for the following size groups in peak and non-peak seasons. We accommodate larger groups by adding guides and vehicles and equipment as needed, which gives you great flexibility in designing a trip with different action for different people in your group. The important thing to remember is that everything is private for you. No lines, no buses, no compromising how hard you want to push, or how softly.
9 DAY Cabecar Trail Expedition itinerary Prices per person
Prices depend on how many people will be in your self-formed group, your preferences for action, and what tourist season or holidays are involved. Included: accommodations, all the adventures listed, and your dedicated Serendipity adventure leader and expedition team.. Not included: alcoholic beverages, and (optional) tip for the guides.
| NUMBER OF PAX | LOW SEASON | HIGH SEASON |
| 6 pax, 3 rooms | $2,580.00 | $2,840.00 |
| 5 pax, 3 rooms | $2,890.00 | $3,180.00 |
| 5 pax, 2 rooms | $2,590.00 | $2,850.00 |
| 4 pax, 2 rooms | $2,920.00 | $3,215.00 |
| 3 pax, 2 rooms | $3,635.00 | $3.995.00 |
| 3 pax, 1 room | $3,135.00 | $3,450.00 |
| 2 pax, 1 room | $4,170.00 | $4,585.00 |
For the camping in the wild, Serendipity will provide a fully outfitted campsite in remote areas. The hotels quoted for the beach extension of this trip would be classified as 3+ stars. In each location, we’ve selected the hotel which provides the best service. If you prefer other accommodations, we are pleased to use them, with a price adjustment.