Costa Rica

Introduction to the Costa Rica expedition

Expedition summary for Costa Rica   Location: Costa Rica, Central America Duration: 14 to 28 days Ideal for: Those with an interest in biology, geography or conservation. Highlights: Experiencing the world's most biologically diverse country.

Acclimatisation phase
There are a large number of acclimatisation treks to choose from – such as the Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve, or the Rincon de la Vieja National Park which offers hot springs and bubbling mud pools due to mild volcanic activity. Other “volcanic” treks include The Arenal National Park, where you’ll be trekking by Lake Arenal, from which at night you can see the spectacle of Volcán Arenal gently erupting in the distance.

Main Trekking phase
High Altitude Treks
At 3,820m Cerro Chirripó is the highest peak in Costa Rica - it makes a very challenging trek. They will however be rewarded on day 3 when they make it to the peak at sunrise and see the panoramic view of Costa Rica – and if the weather is clear, three quarters of Costa Rica, including both the Pacific and the Caribbean coasts, can be seen.

The Highlands of Panama offer the chance to make an ascent of Volcan Baru, the only volcano and highest peak in Panama at 3,478m. Teams can trek for up to 10 days in Panama: there are many challenging and varied Highland trails, Volcan Baru can be climbed, and for the ultimate challenge there is a rugged but spectacular 5 day trek from the Highlands all the way down to the pristine Caribbean coast.

Rainforest Treks
The Corcovado National Park is renowned for its pristine rainforest. Teams can trek for up to six days so that in addition to arduous treks of up to 20 kilometres through the rainforest, they will be able to spend days on the Pacific coast. Here they can do gentler treks and enjoy the varied and prolific flora and fauna which includes trees of up to 80 metres tall, bromeliads, sloths, monkeys, peccaries, coati-mundis, macaws and frogs, to name a few.

Volcanic Treks
Crossing into Southern Nicaragua teams can explore the beautiful Island of Ometepe with its 2 perfectly conical volcanoes, both of which can be climbed. Alternatively, a trek along Nicaragua’s Maribios volcano range offers the chance to summit 5 volcanoes in 5 days. Rincon de la Vieja National Park can also be used for the main trekking phase, with an ascent of the Rincon Massif providing an excellent challenge.

Projects
Community-based projects usually involve basic construction or agricultural tasks. Cultural interaction is a very important aspect of such projects. There are several community projects which can be integrated into the main trekking phase, with the team trekking for several days to reach the community. There is also a fantastic turtle conservation project on the Caribbean coast, so remote that it is reached by boat through the jungle lagoons.

Rest and Relaxation
Throughout the expedition there are numerous opportunities for R & R activities – white-water rafting is a popular option. Teams usually decide to spend their last couple of days in Costa Rica relaxing on a beach - either on the palm fringed Caribbean coast or the more rugged Pacific side. There are also opportunities for sea kayaking, including a 3-5 day ‘kayak trek’ that can be combined with hiking in the Corcovado Rainforest.

What did you think of your expedition to Costa Rica?

This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, filled to the brim with experience and fun.  I have discovered things about myself and have made life-long friends.  I would not exchange this opportunity for anything in the world.
Alex Richardson, Challenger - Kambala, NSW Costa Rica

The experience has shown me that there is more to life – a whole other world waiting to be seen. Having the back-up of World Challenge was just a bonus.  It has inspired me to travel more and now I know I can do it without my parents.I’ve definitely grown up enormously, and I’m proud of my whole group and how we’ve all grown as people.