Included: Experienced bilingual hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area (First aid, CPR, Swiftwater Rescue certified, some also Wilderness First Responders) 12-day active adventure in Costa Rica Accommodation for 11 nights: 5 nights in hotels 5 nights in campsite 1 night in a local cabin All transportation during the tour Airport transfer on Day 1 Transfer from San Jose to Quepos Motor boat from the finish to Moin Cahuita to San Jose Airport transfer Support vehicle from one area to the other Meals as listed in the itinerary (12 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners) Group equipment (rafts, camping gear, etc.) Rental bikes — 29ers Mountain Bike (Scott and Trek), or similar — every bike has front suspension and disk brakes Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout): Single occupancy room at hotels Not included: Flights to Costa Rica Meals not indicated in the itinerary Personal equipment Visa or anything entry-related Departure tax ($29) Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Guide gratuities — optional Insurance — mandatory, available to add at checkout

How fit do I need to be?

In order to join this Costa Rica active adventure, you need to have a great level of fitness and good stamina . Some mountain biking experience will make the trip more enjoyable. As for whitewater rafting, experience is not necessary, but you’ll be paddling all the time you’re on the raft, so fitness and stamina are a must. Within a day, expect to do… up to 30 mi (49 km) of biking Up to 17 km (10.5 mi) of hiking Up to 20 km (12 mi) of rafting Up to 12 km (7 mi) of kayaking. If you’d like to see what else is in the area, check out our other Costa Rica adventures !

What do I need to bring?

No sleeping gear is needed for overnight stays at El Nido del Tigre and Finca Pacuarito. We supply the basic equipment needed for the activities. We asked our customers to bring their own cycling helmet. Luggage carrier Duffle Bag Daypack (approx. 20-35 L) Daypack rain cover Upper body Shirts (poly-pro outer wear (for quick drying) Short sleeve and light colored long sleeve for sun protection) Lightweight rain jacket (Gortex, nylon or similar) Medium weight wool or fleece over-sweater Lightweight thermal underwear top (polypro/wool) Lower body Lightweight comfortable pants Shorts (quick dry) Lightweight rain pants Head Sun/rain hat with brim (preferably 360˚ brim) Bandana Footwear Lightweight adventure shoes or hiking boots Sandals with SNUG straps (Teva type) Lightweight fast drying hiking socks Personal gear Sunglasses (UVA and UVB resistant) Keeper straps for sunglasses 1 headlamp (long lasting LED bulbs are the best option) Extra batteries (for headlamp, camera, etc) Additional small flashlight 2-3 one quart, durable water bottles Prescription glasses or contacts (bring an extra pair of glasses) 1 copy of your passport Insect repellent Waterproof sunscreen 30+ SPF Gallon & quart size Ziploc bags Towel Optional gear Dry bag Camera w/ waterproof camera bag Deck of cards Binoculars Sarongs (works as a towel, or quick cover-up) Writing materials (pen, pencil, notebook…) USB memory card (to share pictures with other participants) Trekking poles Biking (feel free to bring your own pedals and seat if you want) Bike shorts with padded seat Bike water bottle Bike helmet Bike gloves (can also be used for paddling) Bike shirts (optional)

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes: For this Costa Rica active adventure, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 12:1 . It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants. Costa Rica active adventures can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors older than 12 may be permitted to join the tour, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has travelers under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Is a single occupancy room available?

During this Coast to Coast Costa Rica adventure, you’ll spend 5 nights at hotels, 5 nights in campsites, and 1 night in a local cabin. The 5 hotel nights are based on twin-share rooms , but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee . You can add it to your booking at checkout. As for the campsite & local cabin, a single occupancy room/tent is likely not available, but let us know if interested at checkout.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Costa Rica, most people fly into Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José. Your guide will then pick you up at the airport at a prearranged time and take you on your tour. On the final day of your adventure, your guide will also transport you back to the airport.

What about money in Costa Rica?

A mix of US dollars and credit or debit cards works best while travelling. Bring smaller-denomination bills in good condition (notes under $100 are ideal), as traveller’s cheques are rarely accepted. Cards are widely used, but small shops and street vendors may only take local cash. ATMs are available , and it’s a good idea to check with your bank before departure to ensure your card works internationally. Spending money depends on your habits, but you’ll want extra cash for some meals, drinks, souvenirs, and tips . Lunch typically costs $10–12 , while dinner ranges from $12–20 . A departure tax of $29 is payable at the airport in cash or by card (check if it’s already included in your ticket). Tipping around 10% is customary, and gratuities for guides and drivers are always appreciated.

Safety measures and insurance

Insurance is mandatory in order to join this tour. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

This adventure has 2027 dates with 10% deposit available

San Jose | Costa Rica

Coast to Coast in Costa Rica: Hike, Bike, Kayak, Raft

12 days | Moderate | 5.00

From $3,272 ()

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Choosing between Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts is tough—so this journey does both. Over 12 unforgettable days, we’ll hike, bike, raft, and kayak through lush rainforests, winding rivers, and hidden trails beyond the beaches. We’ll paddle the iconic Pacuare River, wander through fragrant coffee plantations, and feel the cool mist of cloud forests on our skin. Wildlife is a constant companion along the way, adding color and life to every day. This journey captures the true meaning of pura vida—the pure life.

Adventure Highlights

Human-powered adventure: From the Pacific to the Caribbean, you’ll do all the work—hike, bike, raft, and kayak across the country
Biodiversity hotspot like no other: Home to nearly 6% of the world’s biodiversity, Costa Rica is alive with wildlife, lush forests, and vibrant natural beauty at every turn
Crossing the country: One day you’re sunbathing on golden beaches, the other you’re taming wild waters cutting through the dense jungle

Duration

12 days

Season

February through May and August through December

Group size

Up to 12 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

Travel coast to coast on this human-powered 12-day adventure! You’ll cross 154 miles (248 km) by mountain biking, hiking, whitewater rafting and sea kayaking. The route traverses mountain villages, coffee plantations, and small riverside communities whose trails take you to virgin forests, immaculate beaches, and crystalline rivers and waterfalls.

Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica

Once you land in San José, your guide will meet you at the airport and drive you to your overnight accommodation in San José. Relax and prepare for the next week of adventure!

Accommodation: Hotel in San José

Day 2: Manuel Antonio National Park

Our challenge starts on the Pacific Coast. We leave San José by bus—our last motorized vehicle for the next 10 days—and head to the fishing village of Quepos, next to Manuel Antonio National Park. There’s time to relax on the beach or visit the national park, famous for its abundant wildlife. Before dinner, we’ll check and set up our bikes, as we have an early start the following morning. The official trip briefing takes place after dinner this evening.

Accommodation: Hotel in Quepos
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 3: Esquipullas — Naranjillo

The adventure begins… We wake early and enjoy a light buffet of fresh fruit and coffee before setting off by bike to climb the steep mountains of the sparsely populated Pacific Coast. The views from above reward the hard work. In the small town of Esquipulas, we enjoy a hearty breakfast, rest, and prepare our day packs for the next leg of the journey. Trading wheels for hiking boots, we continue on foot into the cool mountains of central Costa Rica, camping overnight in the Naranjillo Valley.

Accommodation: Camp in Naranjillo
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 9 mi (14 km)
Biking: 12 mi (19 km)

Day 4: Santa Maria & Pacific slopes

Our day begins with a trek toward the central part of the country, tackling the infamous “Cemetery Hill.” As we hike through coffee plantations, we catch our final views of the Pacific. From there, we head to the pueblo of San Lorenzo and switch to mountain bikes, riding on to the quaint village of Santa María. Here, we refuel with typical Costa Rican fare and settle in for the night in comfortable local cabins.

Accommodation: Cabins in Santa Maria
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 8 mi (13 km)
Biking: 9 mi (14 km)

Day 5: Continental Divide — Orosi Valley

Today we tackle the hardest and steepest climb of the adventure. Before breakfast, we take on a 14-kilometer uphill mountain bike ascent to the Continental Divide, reaching 2,330 meters, the highest point of the journey. And as the saying goes, what goes up must come down—so the rest of the day delivers mountain biking at its best, with mostly downhill riding on dirt roads and flowing singletrack. We finish the afternoon in the beautiful Orosi Valley, where rolling pastures and dark green coffee forests blanket the landscape, and settle in for the night in the town of Orosi.

Accommodation: Hotel in Orosi
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Biking: 30 mi (49 km)

Day 6: Tapantí National Wildlife Refuge — Humo

After breakfast, we mountain bike along a river toward the Tapantí National Wildlife Refuge, an area of rugged terrain blanketed in dense primary rainforest. Leaving our bikes behind, we continue on foot, trekking into the mountains among towering trees draped in ferns, bromeliads, mosses, and other epiphytes—classic cloud forest ecology. By the end of the day, we reach flatter ground and set up camp near the small settlement of Humo, surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

Accommodation: Camp in Humo
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 10.5 mi (17 km)
Biking: 6 miles (9 km)

Day 7: La Cruz — Pacuare River — El Nido del Tigre

After breakfast, we continue mountain biking to the whitewater rafting put-in at La Cruz, the upper gateway to the raging Pacuare River. After lunch, we load into the rafts and paddle through pristine rainforest, dramatic canyon walls, and past thundering waterfalls. By afternoon, we arrive at our comfortable riverside camp, El Nido del Tigre, nestled between the sounds of the rainforest and the steady hum of the river. There’s time to explore this lush setting—spotting toucans, sloths, and maybe even a boa constrictor—or simply relax in a hammock by the river.

Accommodation: Camp in El Nido del Tigre
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Rafting: 6 mi (10 km)
Biking: 27 mi (43 km)

Day 8: Pacuare River — El Nido del Tigre

How you spend your day today is up to you. You’re going to be stationed on the banks of the Pacuare River, so there are multiple options here: hiking the hills, swimming in the Pacuare, or exploring primary forest, waterfalls, and swimming holes. You can also have a look at the giant ginger plants, named the same as the camp—El Nido del Tigre. Spend another night at this remote camp, which will give you a sense of isolation as not many people are here.

Accommodation: Camp in El Nido del Tigre
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9: Pacuare River

Today the Pacuare carries us through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic river-carved canyons. We navigate exhilarating rapids, and in calmer sections, peer deep into the rainforest lining the riverbanks. Along the way, we take time to hike to spectacular waterfalls and enjoy lunch on the shore. By late afternoon, we take out at the edge of the banana plantations at Finca Pacuarito, where we settle in for the night after an unforgettable day on the river.

Accommodation: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Rafting: 12 mi (20 km)

Day 10: Caribbean Coast

The sweet taste of success… This morning, we hop on our bikes for a short ride through banana plantations to the town of Freeman, where we begin the final leg of the journey by kayak. We follow the Pacuare as it leaves the rapids behind and drifts into the Caribbean lowlands, where plantations gradually replace rainforest. As the river slows, we paddle the final stretch to its mouth, reaching the Caribbean Sea and celebrating our coast-to-coast crossing with a splash of bubbly in the surf. After time to relax on the beach, we transfer by boat to Moin and continue by vehicle to the coast. (B, L)

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Kayaking: 7 mi (12 km)
Biking: 16 mi (26 km)

Day 11: Caribbean Coast — San José

This morning relax around the hotel or on the beach. After lunch, we’ll head back to San José, which is around 4 hours away. Along the way, we’ll pass a myriad of spectacular landscapes: high cloud forest, misty mountains, deep, steep, river-carved canyons, and Braulio Carrillo National Park.

Accommodation: Hotel in San José
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Departure

After your final breakfast in Costa Rica, your guide will come pick you up at your hotel for your homebound flight. If you’d like to stay longer and explore the wonders of Costa Rica, just ask your guides for some recommendations!

Meals: Breakfast

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Lodging & food

Lodging

On this coast-to-coast adventure, your nights are as memorable as your days. You’ll stay in a mix of hotels (5 nights) and campsites (5 nights) as well as a local cabin for a night. Some of these accommodations are set right in the heart of Costa Rica’s wild landscapes—from riverside hideaways like El Nido del Tigre tucked beside the rainforest to peaceful camps near banana plantations at Finca Pacuarito.

These lodgings are chosen by local guides for their authentic charm and natural settings, giving you a true sense of place while providing a restful base after full days of biking, rafting, trekking, and kayaking.

Food

Meals are an integral part of the Costa Rican experience, and this adventure is no exception. Included meals are a flavorful mix of local restaurants, regional specialties, and delicious dishes prepared by our tour guides, giving you a true taste of the country along the way. For meals not included, you can expect to budget approximately $10–12 for lunch and $12–20 for dinner. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets can be accommodated at no extra cost—just be sure to let your guides know in advance so everything is arranged smoothly.

Adventure, packed to go

Coast to Coast in Costa Rica: Hike, Bike, Kayak, Raft

Adventure Brochure

Brochure and video trailer

Download the trip brochure and cinematic trailer—everything you need to plan, share, or start dreaming.

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What others say about this adventure

5.00 (4 reviews)

Patrick M

Awesome experience in CR! Randall helped us plan an amazing trip with a ton of fun, engaging activities. Carlos made sure we made it from one destination to the next, always sharing great insights and helping us to learn more about his country. We can’t say enough about how great these guides were, I’d recommend them to anyone looking for a fun, active trip to CR!

Nora and Pat M

We did the 12 day Coast to Coast trip across Costa Rica with Mike and Chris. It was one of our most memorable and amazing trips! We had to miss the first leg of the trip due to illness and Mike and Chris accommodated us joining a few days late. My being a novice bike rider wasn’t a problem either – they were super supportive and encouraging. We have been on more than one trip with these guides, each one has been a special adventure AND we hope to join them again in the near future. If you are thinking of booking this trip – don’t wait just do it, you will love it!

Glen and Joanne S

We did the 12 day Coast to Coast Costa Rica Adventure trip with five of our friends. It was without a doubt one of the best trips we’ve ever experienced. We were impressed with the way the guides took care of us right from picking us up at the airport, to sending us on our way after the trip concluded. They provided top notch equipment, accommodations and meals, which to us is good value for our travel dollars. On the adventure, the five guides made sure we were safe at all times, and gave us excellent assistance. We were a varied group – and all levels of skill were accommodated – we never felt rushed or hurried along. Our favorite section of the trip was staying at the river camps after rafting the Pacuare River. If you like adventure – then hike, bike, raft and kayak across Costa Rica!

Show all reviews

Patrick M

Nora and Pat M

Glen and Joanne S

Alexandra V

We had such an amazing time in Costa Rica! I hadn’t been abroad in decades and had so many questions and really no idea how to plan a trip. Randall was phenomenal! He set up a wonderful trip for us that was a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. He responded to my millions of questions quickly, reminded us of things we had to do before travel, and helped us every step of the way. Definitely will be using these guides again!!

Things to know

Included:
- - Experienced bilingual hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area (First aid, CPR, Swiftwater Rescue certified, some also Wilderness First Responders)
  - 12-day active adventure in Costa Rica
  - Accommodation for 11 nights:
    
    5 nights in hotels
    
    5 nights in campsite
    
    1 night in a local cabin
  - All transportation during the tour
    
    Airport transfer on Day 1
    
    Transfer from San Jose to Quepos
    
    Motor boat from the finish to Moin
    
    Cahuita to San Jose
    
    Airport transfer
  - Support vehicle from one area to the other
  - Meals as listed in the itinerary (12 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners)
  - Group equipment (rafts, camping gear, etc.)
  - Rental bikes — 29ers Mountain Bike (Scott and Trek), or similar — every bike has front suspension and disk brakes
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
- - Single occupancy room at hotels
Not included:
- - Flights to Costa Rica
  - Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  - Personal equipment
  - Visa or anything entry-related
  - Departure tax ($29)
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Insurance — mandatory, available to add at checkout
In order to join this Costa Rica active adventure, you need to have a great level of fitness and good stamina.
- - Some mountain biking experience will make the trip more enjoyable.
  - As for whitewater rafting, experience is not necessary, but you’ll be paddling all the time you’re on the raft, so fitness and stamina are a must.
  - Within a day, expect to do…
    
    up to 30 mi (49 km) of biking
    
    Up to 17 km (10.5 mi) of hiking
    
    Up to 20 km (12 mi) of rafting
    
    Up to 12 km (7 mi) of kayaking.
If you’d like to see what else is in the area, check out our other Costa Rica adventures!
No sleeping gear is needed for overnight stays at El Nido del Tigre and Finca Pacuarito.

We supply the basic equipment needed for the activities. We asked our customers to bring their own cycling helmet.
Luggage carrier
- Duffle Bag
  
  Daypack (approx. 20-35 L)
  
  Daypack rain cover
Upper body
- Shirts (poly-pro outer wear (for quick drying)
  
  Short sleeve and light colored long sleeve for sun protection)
  
  Lightweight rain jacket (Gortex, nylon or similar)
  
  Medium weight wool or fleece over-sweater
  
  Lightweight thermal underwear top (polypro/wool)
Lower body
- Lightweight comfortable pants
  
  Shorts (quick dry)
  
  Lightweight rain pants
Head
- Sun/rain hat with brim (preferably 360˚ brim)
  
  Bandana
Footwear
- Lightweight adventure shoes or hiking boots
  
  Sandals with SNUG straps (Teva type)
  
  Lightweight fast drying hiking socks
Personal gear
- Sunglasses (UVA and UVB resistant)
  
  Keeper straps for sunglasses
  
  1 headlamp (long lasting LED bulbs are the best option)
  
  Extra batteries (for headlamp, camera, etc)
  
  Additional small flashlight
  
  2-3 one quart, durable water bottles
  
  Prescription glasses or contacts (bring an extra pair of glasses)
  
  1 copy of your passport
  
  Insect repellent
  
  Waterproof sunscreen 30+ SPF
  
  Gallon & quart size Ziploc bags
  
  Towel
Optional gear
- Dry bag
  
  Camera w/ waterproof camera bag
  
  Deck of cards
  
  Binoculars
  
  Sarongs (works as a towel, or quick cover-up)
  
  Writing materials (pen, pencil, notebook…)
  
  USB memory card (to share pictures with other participants)
  
  Trekking poles
Biking (feel free to bring your own pedals and seat if you want)
- Bike shorts with padded seat
  
  Bike water bottle
  
  Bike helmet
  
  Bike gloves (can also be used for paddling)
  
  Bike shirts (optional)
Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!
Group sizes:
- - For this Costa Rica active adventure, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 12:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.
Costa Rica active adventures can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors older than 12 may be permitted to join the tour, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has travelers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
During this Coast to Coast Costa Rica adventure, you’ll spend 5 nights at hotels, 5 nights in campsites, and 1 night in a local cabin.

The 5 hotel nights are based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout. As for the campsite & local cabin, a single occupancy room/tent is likely not available, but let us know if interested at checkout.
To get to Costa Rica, most people fly into Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José. Your guide will then pick you up at the airport at a prearranged time and take you on your tour. On the final day of your adventure, your guide will also transport you back to the airport.
A mix of US dollars and credit or debit cards works best while travelling. Bring smaller-denomination bills in good condition (notes under $100 are ideal), as traveller’s cheques are rarely accepted. Cards are widely used, but small shops and street vendors may only take local cash. ATMs are available, and it’s a good idea to check with your bank before departure to ensure your card works internationally.

Spending money depends on your habits, but you’ll want extra cash for some meals, drinks, souvenirs, and tips. Lunch typically costs $10–12, while dinner ranges from $12–20. A departure tax of $29 is payable at the airport in cash or by card (check if it’s already included in your ticket). Tipping around 10% is customary, and gratuities for guides and drivers are always appreciated.
Insurance is mandatory in order to join this tour. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits

Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
Early Bird booking

Want to be the first one to know when we publish new dates or secure your spot well in advance? Select a future month that suits you best and lock in your Early Bird spot in time with just a 10% deposit.

As soon as our guides publish new tour dates, you’ll be the first one to know. We’ll hold your spot for 2 weeks until you choose the date that suits you best.

More about how Early Bird bookings work below:
- Only a 10% non-refundable deposit must be paid upon booking, but this deposit can be transferred to any other 57hours adventure in case the dates don’t end up working for you.
- Once our guides publish new tour dates, we’ll reach out to you so you’ll be the first one to choose from newly released dates.
- When you pick your date, you’ll confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total trip amount (amounting to the standard 30% deposit).
- Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy (found above) applies.
- The remaining balance is due 90 days before the trip.

Have more questions?

Our team is here to answer your questions and plan with you.

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Book This Adventure for a Private Group

Book a fully private 57hours adventure for your group. We customize dates, group sizes, terrain, guides and accommodations — so your adventure fits your people and your goals.

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