9-Day Running Adventure in Central, Costa Rica

Jan 25 to Feb 2, 2025

Show All photos
9-Day Running Adventure in Central, Costa Rica
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Location
  • Things to keep in mind
  • FAQ

Books Out Quickly

Costa Rica beckons with its breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems, making it an ideal destination for a weekend or week-long adventure with us. Picture yourself exploring lush rainforests teeming with wildlife, trekking beside majestic volcanoes, and basking on pristine beaches fringed by turquoise waters.

In addition to the thrill of running through stunning natural scenery, our itinerary offers immersive experiences in the local culture. Indulge in mouthwatering cuisine crafted from fresh, local ingredients, and interact with welcoming locals eager to share their traditions and way of life. Whether you're navigating forest trails or strolling through charming villages, each moment promises to be infused with the vibrant spirit of Costa Rica.

But the adventure doesn't stop there. Dive into exhilarating activities like canoeing along winding rivers and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, immersing yourself in the wonders of Costa Rica's rich marine life. With a perfect balance of running, nature exploration, and adrenaline-pumping adventures, our multi-day Costa Rica journey promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you invigorated and inspired.

Trip Highlights

Visit tropical volcanoes

Zip-line through the jungle

Spot wildlife on your daily run

Kayak, canoe, and raft through open waters

Run along sandy beaches

Meet Your Host Country: Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s year-round tropical climate makes it the perfect spot for wildlife like sloths and vibrant macaws. Although small, Costa Rica is committed to conservation and boasts eight national parks within its 51,000 square kilometers of land.

During your visit, embrace the hospitality of locals, who call themselves Ticos or Ticas, and settle into the easy comfort of this tropical paradise. Whether you're wandering colonial towns or savoring traditional cuisine, you'll find Costa Rica's charm irresistible.

About

Guided trail runs and hikes (7-12K each)

Daily afternoon activities

Expert local staff

Hotels, meals, and local transport included!

Airfare

These are fast-paced events. We'll send you a packing list before the trip to help you feel ready to tackle...well, just about anything!

"This was by far the best vacation ever! We have traveled to amazing places, eaten delicious food, went on cool runs, and met fun people, but never all in one trip. Top-notch!"

- Angela Delf, Ireland


"Experiencing a trip to Patagonia was life changing. I made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. I treasure the lessons I learned about South American culture and I loved meeting local guides throughout the trip."

- Sara Wormley

Gallery
About The Host

Tireless travel directors, local guides, trail runners, photography gurus, and staff medics...we're all here to make your experience one for the ages.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to San José

You’ll arrive in San José, Costa Rica by Saturday afternoon and either take a taxi or airport shuttle to our hotel for the first night.

We’ll check you in and get everyone oriented for what to expect throughout the week, plus it's your first chance to meet your fellow adventurers! Dinner and drinks are included the first night.

Day 2: Puerto Viejo

We’ll wake up early and head straight to our first run of the week, which is a great introduction to Costa Rica. We’ll get you right into the jungle trails and have you finishing at our jungle retreat stay with fruit and swimming before lunch.

In the evening, you'll have a choice of local tours and then a delicious Costa Rican meal.

Day 3: Whitewater Rafting in Sarapiqui

Today is a day of contrasts. After breakfast, we’ll head to our run for the day which will take you through 3 distinct areas.

First we’ll run through the countryside houses around Chilamate, after which we’ll get more remote as we get off the beaten path running through fields greener than you can imagine. The run then heads back into the rainforest canopy before finishing at the Sarapiqui River where we’ll relax and have a catered lunch.

After lunch it’s river rafting time! Seeing the jungle from the water adds an entirely different element to your experience. For those who don’t want to go rafting...we'll have expert bird-watching guides who can walk you through the forest to see and hear some of the local birds.

We’ll end the day with dinner back at the restaurant at our hotel.

Day 4: Laguna Hule

This is a highlight of the trip! Our run will take you around dormant volcano craters that have filled up with water and are now lagoons. When we scouted this trail, we saw so much wildlife- Howler Monkeys, White Faced Capuchins, Coatis, Toucans, etc.

After our run we’ll finish our drive for the day to the area of La Fortuna where we will eat lunch and then take you to the magnificent La Fortuna Waterfall, which is what all other jungle waterfalls aspire to be.

For dinner, you are free to explore La Fortuna with your new best friends from the trip.

Day 5: Volcanoes & Jungle Zip-lining

Pack your bags and get ready for a high-speed adventure! We're boarding the Shinkansen (a bullet train) and traveling to Kyoto. When we arrive, we'll shift gears from the modern technology of the train to the tranquility of bamboo forests as we run through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

Get your cameras ready for the uniquely lush greenery and enjoy the day appreciating a new landscape.

Day 6 Piedra de Fuego & Crocodile Tour

Today, we make our way from the inland rainforest to the arid Pacific coast and beaches. Our run follows singletrack trail through the forest of the Piedra de Fuego preserve. Then, we continue our run through productive coffee plantations which offer breathtaking views of the whole area.

Lunch will be at the finish line and then it's off on a crocodile tour via boat to cool down and see some incredible wildlife. We’ll finish our drive down to Punta Leona, the beach side resort where we will be for the next two nights (make sure to look up in the canopy of our resort for the Scarlet Macaws!).

Dinner will be on your own tonight as you explore local haunts in town.

Day 7 Canoeing at Guacalillo Cliffs

Our final run of the trip! We'll wake up early because our run will take you through very different terrain than you have seen so far on our trip. We will finish our run along two sets of cliffs overlooking the ocean as we take in everything that Costa Rica has offered us over the past week.

After the run, we’ll have some snacks before we head out to have some fun with our last activity, outrigger canoeing! We will have lunch first and then get out on the water

We’ll head back to the hotel where you’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy the beach and ocean; go snorkeling in the turquoise water or just hang out on the beach and relax. Tonight we'll have our closing ceremonies for the trip where we look back on the memories we’ve made with new and old friends alike. (Also, optional karaoke.)

    Day 8 Beach Day

    We’ll spend a lazy morning at the end of our trip eating breakfast, lounging around the pool, and soaking in the warm sun on the beach. You can go exploring in Jaco and get some last minute Costa Rica snacks or ice cream at Pops. There is even a rumor that the event director will take you surfing (we’re not sure if this rumor is true, only the ocean knows for sure).

    Dinner will be on your own as you have free time to walk the shores and watch the sunset at a beach-side restaurant.

    Day 9

    All good things must come to an end - until the next adventure, that is! All will depart from our hotel to the airport via shuttle, bus, or a taxi to the airport.


    Location
    Things to keep in mind

    Refunds are only available for trips that are happening in the future. You cannot receive a refund for an event that has passed. Further, you cannot receive a refund for a deferred or transferred registration. If your registration meets these two criteria, your refund options are as follows.

    3+ months before the trip, you are able to receive a full refund on your payment contributions minus a 5% processing fee (this fee covers non-refundable costs we incur from our booking platform and card payment facility)

    Between 1-3 months before the trip, you are able to receive a partial refund. Your refund amount is your payment contributions minus a 5% processing fee and minus $1,500 to account for non-refundable booking fees that we have paid our in-country hosts (these typically include payments for transportation, hotels, staff, meals, and activities).

    Less than 1 month before the trip, you are still able to receive a partial refund. Your refund amount is your payment contributions minus a 5% processing fee and minus $3,000 to account for non-refundable booking fees that we have paid our in-country hosts (these typically include payments for transportation, hotels, staff, meals, and activities).

    Covid-19 Policy (updated!)

    As of September 1, 2022, a Covid-19 vaccination is no longer required to attend a trip. This decision comes after we’ve reviewed the recommendations from the United States CDC and the various health recommendations of the countries where we travel.

    While not required, we recommend the vaccine for those who don’t have infection-induced immunity. We trust that you will make the best decision for your health.

    Prices are subject to change without prior notice.


    FAQ