250km Coast to Coast Expedition through Costa Rica

An amazing trip! It was very challenging but incredibly rewarding. Josue, our guide, was outstanding—everything was well-organised, we were well-fed, and he kept our motivation and spirits high, with great support from Memo too. I highly recommend this trip to anyone looking to experience beautiful scenery, encounter wildlife, and embrace a sense of adventure!

I booked this trip looking for something different - and boy, did I get it! First off, I have to say, we had an incredible crew looking after us. Carlos, Josué, Memo and Mau. It was obvious that these men absolutely LOVE sharing their beautiful country with us. I’ve always felt the Ticos were some of the kindest, most welcoming people I’ve ever met, and our guides were no exception. They MADE the trip. There were 13 people in our group. We had a wide range of fitness levels but were all able to finish. As one of the “slower” folks in the group, I never felt weird or pressure. The food was amazing. We had some gluten free folks and the guides took care of them. The meals in the campsites were AMAZING. The coffee - delicioso! As for gear - less is probably more. You get at least 2 chances for laundry. Early in the trip and again towards the end. Pack deet bug spray. We honestly didn’t need it too much inside the country but on each coast, it was helpful. Long pants for rafting - long day with your arms and legs exposed. I actually wore sun shirts most days. Water SHOES with good trekking soles. Many in our group wore Teva sandals and ended up with blisters. I had some $20 Amazon water shoes and stuck to the rocks in the waterfalls like Velcro. All the waterfalls have a small hike so I was happy to have really good water shoes that didn’t slip off. For most of the hiking, you could get away with decent trail runners. There’s a pretty intense downhill section where I’m really happy I had my Solomon hiking shoes - I wore them the whole trip but NEEDED them on this portion. We brought an inflatable pillow - that was a life saver. Bring a quick dry towel. And a full coverage sun hat. They aren’t kidding when they say bring your big bag and a day bag (25L is recommended for day bag). You’ll almost never have to carry any of your bags as you trek - I thought I’d carry the 25L with me but it was too heavy so I ended up holding my water bottles. If I did this again, I’d have my main bag - a 25L for the day we actually needed it and then I’d bring a 2-3L camelpack with water bladder for all the days. Oh yeah, bring a 20oz bike water bottle - you’ll want it on the bike. Overall, this trip was amazing. We saw so much, learned so much, worked our asses off, had a blast, ate new foods, spoke broken Spanish and met some incredible new friends. Special thanks to Carlos for really taking such great care. This is a man who loves what he does and it’s obvious. I really don’t think I would have enjoyed this 1/2 as much if he wasn’t there. Josué - never a dull moment, my nighttime hiking adventure guide and jungle boy! Thank you for helping me almost become a jungle girl … hee hee hee.

This trip was just amazing! it was my first time in Costa Rica and seeing it on a unique trip like this blew my mind. You WILL be challenged, you may question why you signed up for this multiple times, but you will be SO HAPPY. I found the cycling sections particularly tough as someone who only occasionally city cycles - definitely recommend padded bike shorts and gloves for this! Special shout out to our incredible guides Josue and Memo - if you have these guys you will be in the best of hands! They completely made the trip. Also shout out to my group - Jax, Lewis, Ryan, Jess and Martinique, you're all a bunch of legends and I'm so glad we did the trip together.

TL;DR - book this trip, you won't regret it.

If you’re looking through reviews to make your mind up, let this review help you decide. Do it!

So well organised with the best guides Carlos, Josue and support team. And then with a incredible group of new friends who supported each other through out and made it so much fun.

It’s an incredible way to see all of Costa Rica’s diversity and felt so much better than just a holiday. The views were spectacular.

Definitely need a good base level of fitness and it’s a challenge but all very achievable. My biggest concern was burning so many calories and being left hungry but the food all the way was truly amazing and very much appreciated after long days of exercise. And even grab a banana on your hike from the trees.

Tips: bring biking gloves!

A fantastic time with Carlos and Josue! The group had great synergy thanks to phenomenal leadership from the guides and crew. The hiking and biking was not super challenging for very fit people, but it was not easy by any means.

Bring a couple lightweight long sleeves and pants to keep the sun off you and plenty of bug spray.

The food was great and plentiful...I tend to eat a lot, but was never hungry for more when the guides were cooking for us ;-)

This was a true adventure crossing Costa Rica without motorised transport. The host team led by guides Carlos and Josue and driver Memo went above and beyond to ensure we were looked after and enjoying all aspects of the trip. Both the route and logistics were flawless and the varied mode of transport used added more to the adventure! The camping sites were beautiful, well equipped and very comfortable after a day out in the wild! The food was excellant, with plenty of it!! I would thoroughly recommend this trip for anyone wanting to see some beautiful scenery, wildlife and who has a sense of adventure!! Pura Vida 🐸✌️

Fantastic trip with amazing knowledgeable guides for whom nothing was too much trouble All activities organised to perfection, accommodation always just what we needed and the food was delicious Can’t wait to do the next one!

Fantastic trip - organisation, guides and support were exemplary (thanks to all the team). Set up was matched by the trip itself, a real adventure that pushed you, whilst delivering an outstanding experience of Costa Rica, both the country and the people.

One for the must do list!!

Very happy I did this tour. It was tough in parts. The guides were exceptional. Always going above and beyond. Guides new the route very well. So were able to give detailed advice at each stage. The kit was very good. Afew people did have afew issues with their bike. It was fixed quickly. Swapped for a new bike if needed. The tour was well organised. We were prepared and briefed for each stage. Water was readily available. Usually every 2 to 3 hours. Costa Rica is expensive! Similar prices to UK. I took walking sticks but didn't use them. Worn in, good pair of trainers is adequate for hikes.

This trip was everything I hoped for, from the organization of each day to the great food to the knowledgeable, supportive, and patient guides. It was physically challenging for us, and we should have trained more, but even being at the back of the group we had a wonderful experience and made it the entire way. If you are thinking about this trip...challenge yourself and do it!

I don’t know where to start. Organization and logistics were excellent. There was so much involved and mba never faltered. Guides were awesome! Very knowledgeable, helpful, entertaining. Our group from several different countries got along extremely well. The trek was challenging (be prepared), country/scenery is beautiful. Food was SO good. Well worth it!

What an enchanting experience!!! If you are considering booking, hesitate no longer book this trip today!! Hands down the best thing I’ve ever done! The country is just stunning and this definitely is the only way to see it!

Read the itinerary carefully, it is physically demanding but you are well cared for by your guides! They tend to your every need and feed you well! Danny, Josie, Fez, Memo, Mau and Abel were fantastic, fun and completely made the trip!

Costa Rica is the most beautiful country, I loved waking up on the River Pacure and hearing sounds of nature… go discover for yourself!! Pura Vida!

My only regret is that I wasn’t there longer!! Also, a further worry is that I won’t find another trip that I love as much!!

(Camel pack and pillow required, for sure. Also, factor 50 suncream isn’t high enough!!!)

Overall this was an incredible experience.

The 250 kilometer hike across the continent is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Our rag-tag group of 10 people (aged between 29 and 59) made it, and everybody lived to tell the tale.

Highlights: first things first: our guide, the eternal Fez. An incredibly inspiring leader. Without him this would’ve been approximately 95 % less fun. Secondly: the country of Costa Rica. The nature and the views are stunning, the people are nice, the food is great, the wildlife is crazy, the vibe is perfect. My personal highlight: early mornings in the rain forest when the clouds slowly moved across the tree tops. It felt other-worldly.

A small sample of the animals we saw: spiders, snakes, sloths, monkeys, crocodiles, birds of all kinds and shapes, frogs, raccoons, lizards, and other ones that I had no idea what the were.

Some small tips: try to arrive some extra days before the actual hike starts, as the jet lag might affect your stamina and endurance. More: if you are sensitive to the sun, please bring long sleeve running shirts to use during mid-day hikes. Even more: you need electrolytes, and you need lots. I went through between four and seven liters of water every day. And water isn’t enough, you need to get back salt, vitamins, etc.

The fine print: the trip is really hard work. You need to brace yourself for the first day, as it will come as a shock. The heat, the elevation, the unpreparedness for the humidity. But it will be worth it, and as the days go on you get used to it. The third day is also tough: that steep climb up the mountain on the bike is a test of your limits. But wow, it’s beautiful, and rewarding.

All in all: 10 out of 10. Thanks to the wild bunch that helped me and my wife make this trip such a fantastic feat: Sarah, Ronit, Nicolle, Arie, Tom, Kit, Chelsie, and Tom2.

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.