3-Days of Trekking + 1.5 days of Rafting

4 days / 3 nights | Stage 7, 6, 5, 4 and Pacuare Rafting

Enjoy the best climate and epic views on the Camino de Costa Rica as you hike Stage 7 through 4 and then raft the world-famous Pacuare River to the town of Siquirres.

  • Price per person
    1200
  • Difficulty
    3/5 fitness level
  • Camino Stages
    7, 6, 5 and 4
  • Tour type
    Self-guided until rafting
  • Length
    3 nights / 4 days

Description

This is a self-guided tour until the rafting portion of the trip. The mix of stages 4 through 7, but completed in reverse, gives you the best climate and views on the Camino. It then sets you up perfectly to raft down the famous Pacuare River, stopping midway at the newest lodge constructed on the River – Rio Vista Lodge. This itinerary has simple logistics and visits the highlights of what makes the Camino so special.

Trip Itinerary

What to pack

FAQS

Reservations

Nom(Nécessaire)
Preferred Starting Date(Nécessaire)

Trip Itinerary

This hike begins at the iconic Río Pejibaye footbridge. Follow the river to the small town of Atirro, then cross through coffee and sugarcane fields as you ascend to a viewpoint overlooking Lake Angostura. The trail then climbs challenging terrain to Sito de Mata, where your accommodation offers stunning views of the Turrialba Volcano, city lights, and Lake Angostura.

  • Distance
    21 kilometers / 13 miles
  • Ascent: 700 meters
    Descent: 500 meters
  • Accommodation
    Turrialba Vista
  • Day 1 meals
    Lunch & dinner
  • Highlights
    Epic views

When the Camino de Costa Rica was penciled out by the Mar a Mar Association, they wanted to focus on bringing the trail through rural areas of the country that haven’t been touched by tourism. On today’s hike you will experience the best of that as you journey through the Pacayitas region and into Tres Equis. You’ll pass farmers, meet happy dogs and get incredible views along the way.

  • Distance
    20.9 kilometers / 13 miles
  • Ascent: 322 meters
    Descent: 556 meters
  • Accommodation
    Finca Tres Equis
  • Day 1 meals
    Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Highlights
    Rural Costa Rica

After a delicious breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to Finca Tres Equis and begin the short hike down into the Rio Pacuare canyon. At the river, you’ll meet your river guides where you’ll swap your backpacks for PFDs. The first portion of the Pacuare is mellower rapids with amazing scenery. You’ll explore side creeks and swimming holes, see macaws and stop alongside the river for a hearty river lunch. Shortly after lunch, you’ll arrive at Rio Vista Lodge, featuring 9 stand alone cabins nestled in the Pacuare jungle. That night your river guides turn into river chefs and they’ll prepare an incredible dinner before you turn in for the evening.

  • Distance
    4 kilometers hiking / 6 kilometers rafting
  • Ascent: 50 meters
    Descent: 371 meters
  • Accommodation
    Rio Vista Lodge
  • Day 1 meals
    Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Highlights
    Pacuare swimming holes

On Day 4, you’ll leave the lodge by raft and paddle through the famous Pacuare Gorge. Stunning canyons, cascading waterfalls, wildlife and tons of rapids fill the day. You’ll soon see why National Geographic calls this a top ten river. After another delicious lunch, the guides will navigate one more Class IV rapid “Dos Montanas” before arriving at takeout in the town of Siquirres.

  • Paddling distance
    19 kilometers / 12 miles
  • Rapids
    Class II, III & IV
  • Accommodation
    N/A
  • Day 4 meals
    Breakfast & lunch
  • Highlights
    Whitewater & waterfalls

What to Pack

Being lodge to lodge with meals included, you don’t need to bring much on the Camino de Costa Rica. Below are the essentials for your trip.

  • Day pack
    Day pack for snacks, water bottle, sunblock and other misc items
  • Hiking or tennis shoes
    Whatever you are comfortable walking and hiking in over long distances.
  • Quick dry shirts
    A mix of comfortable long and short-sleeved shirts.
  • Quick dry underwear
    A mix of comfortable, athletic/quick dry underwear
  • Quick dry shorts
    A few pairs of quick dry shorts.
  • Quick dry pants
    Zip-off for extra functionality.
  • Light rain jacket
    The weather changes fast in Costa Rica!
  • Hat and sunglasses
    A hat and sunglasses are a must-have for on the trail.
  • Insect repellant
    Bug spray is recommended for the days we explore forested areas.
  • Sunblock
    Sunscreen is considered a must-have.
  • Waterbottle
    Enough for 2-3 liters per day. Some opt for two single-liter bottles instead of a large 2-liter bottle.
  • Snacks
    You’ll have access to small stores along the route, but bring your favorite snacks to get started.
  • Toiletries
    Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

A reservation includes the following:

  • Reservations at three unique, 3-star accommodations from Night 1 through Night 3.
  • All meals, starting with lunch on day 1 and ending with lunch on day 4.
  • All necessary equipment and river guides for the Pacuare River.
  • A navigation app specifically for this itinerary.
  • Trail support concierge via WhatsApp for before and during your hike.

As a complimentary service, we will shuttle your car for free. It will be waiting for you at the end of the rafting trip.

We can arrange a private shuttle service for you. Or, there are public buses as well from either location.

Not necessarily. You'll need comfortable clothing but because meals and lodging are arranged, you can leave behind the tent, sleeping bag and backpacking stove.

A reservation includes our assistance during the trail. If you are unable to complete a portion of the hike, we can find and hire transport for you on your behalf to that nights accommodation.