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Tony Hadley's Costa Rica Trek - Spring 2008
Tony done another Trek, he went to Costa Rica, treking and rafting from the Pacific to the Caribbean coast along with Martin Fry and Richard Drummie. They left on March 9th and returned on 20th.
This is the itinerary
Day 1: We fly from London Heathrow to San Jose . Arrive late afternoon and transfer to our hotel.
Day 2: San Jose - Pacific Coast - Londres
Early morning breakfast, briefing and bus transfer to the central pacific coast south of Quepos. After the three hour journey we arrive at our coastal start point and the beginning of our adventure across Costa Rica . We begin by walking across rough ground and agricultural land which is predominantly flat before coming into the foothills of the more remote and forested highlands. Londres, our evening's camp site is a small farming community on the edge of the rainforest. Approx 7 hours of trekking
Day 3: Londres - San Isidro
Today we trek from Londres to San Isidro along good tracks and paths that gradually climb into the edge of the rainforest. We can see down to the Pacific coast and pass through thriving rural communities. We arrive at our campsite on the edge of the small village of San Isidro. Approx 7 hours of trekking
Day 4: San Isidro to Cascades
After a good night's sleep we head off into the rainforest. The trail undulates through dense vegetation. Watch out for wildlife such as beautiful tree frogs, some no larger than your fingernail, which are perfectly camouflaged amongst the leaves and vegetation of the forest. Beware we are also in the snake zone ! It is often quite dark in the dense vegetation of the rainforest as the sunlight cannot penetrate the canopy above our heads. The trail is slippery and we have to clamber over and under roots and fallen trees as Spider monkeys mock our progress from above. We continue until we reach a clearing and our nights rainforest camp site at Cascades. Approx 7-8 hours of trekking
Day 5: Cascades to Naranjo
In the morning we continue along narrow and slippery trails through dense rainforest. Keep your eyes open for the many wonderful birds and the occasional small group of howler monkeys - small but extremely loud! The track climbs to a high point of 1900m and then descends sharply to the Rio Brujo. We cross a stream and have a steep climb along a narrow trail on the other side. The afternoon's trek to Naranjo takes us on slightly better trails that gradually become wider as we make our way into cloud forest. We occasionally need machetes to clear our path. Approx 6-7 hours of trekking
Day 6: Naranjo to Bajo del Roble (Santa María de Dota)
Leaving the Los Santos Forest Reserve, which is an amazing forest with its huge variety of flora and fauna is sad but today we trek through small communities and agricultural land to Santa Maria de Dota our finishing point for the day. Approx 6 hours trekking.
Day 7: From Bajo del Roble (Santa María de Dota) to La Esperanza
Breakfast of refried beans and eggs gives us the energy to walk along the mule track through several small villages towards La Esperanza. We have a gradual incline to the small village of Copey before a steep walk up to the Pan American Highway. A short walk then takes us in forest towards our campsite near Esperanza. Approx 6 hours trekking Day 8: From La Esperanza to Turrialba
We follow a steady and undulating track into the cloud forest before descending along a steep and wet path into the remoter area of jungle. The track is unclear at times but it is truly beautiful! We eventually emerge from the forest and arrive at a coffee plantation. From here we load up in vehicles and head drive the two and a half hours to Turrialba one of the highest volcanoes in Costa Rica.
Approx 6 hours trekking
Day 9: Turrialba - Caribbean Coast - trekking and rafting
An early start takes us east around the foot of the 3328m volcanoe to a point where we meet our vehicles and head towards our put in point on the Pacuare river. We raft grade III - IV rapids and we will be travel around 30 km (19 miles) which will take about 4 hours, depending on the water level. This is considered one of the best rivers in the Americas, not just because of its waters, but also because of the lush vegetation that surrounds it. There is a chance to swim in the river, and there is always the possibility of encountering some wildlife. From our finishing point we will drive towards the coast but will then walk the last hour or so to the Caribbean coast and our finishing point. Transfer to our hotel and followed by our celebration dinner!! Approx 2 hours of trekking & 4 hours of white water rafting.
Day 10: Free day leisure
Today you can relax on the beach and take it easy!
Day 11 : Drive back to San Jose and depart San Jose
Day 12: Arrive UK
This information taken from the Action Medical Research Website which can be found here.