Costa Rica: Central
9 days, 6 races, and countless adventures
OVERVIEW
MAP & ITINERARY
WHAT TO EXPECT
PLAN YOUR TRAVEL
BOOK YOUR TRIP
FAQ
Live La Pura Vida
Come as you are — solo, with a partner, or a friend. Our all-inclusive running adventures will let you touch, taste, and behold natural wonder as you run Costa Rica.
Daily trail runs through sunny fields and down into the rainforest challenge your inner explorer to dig deep and use all the senses to take it in.
With no planning on your end, the morning trail runs roll into afternoons of high adventure and laid-back cultural excursions. Discover what we have in store for you in Costa Rica.
Quick Info:
- 6 trail runs and hikes (7-12K)
- Daily afternoon activities
- Hotels, meals, and local transport included!
- Covid-19 vaccination not required
- Next Trip: January 20-28, 2024
- Arrive/Depart: San Jose, Costa Rica
- 9 days / 8 nights
Trip Highlights:
See Arenal Volcano
Zip-line through the jungle
Spot wildlife on your daily run
"This is an adventure...like no other race you've experienced before."
- 2020 Global Adventurer
Meet Your Host Country: Costa Rica
Known for its beaches, mountain ranges, volcanoes and varied wildlife, Costa Rica's rich biodiversity makes it a popular destination for eco-tourists.
We'll run to the coast as we visit the soaring Arenal Volcano, swim in the waters of La Fortuna waterfall, and soak up sun on Jaco Beach.
CAPITAL
San Jose
LANGUAGE
Spanish
CURRENCY
Costa Rican Colón
WEATHER
85° / 76° in
January
LANDSCAPE
Jungles and Beaches!
KNOWN FOR
Coffee, chocolate, and the Blue Morpho Butterfly
Pura Vida!
A commonly exclaimed phrase throughout the country, "Pura Vida" is the national motto of Costa Rica. Although it can mean many things, the phrase roughly translates to "pure life" or "good life". It can symbolize a relaxed outlook on life - no matter what the day brings!
Coffee and Chocolate
Every country has its export, but none so beloved as coffee and chocolate!
Costa Rica takes great pride in its coffee plantations, which fuel people internationally through chains like Starbucks. We can't forget the chocolate, though. Locally made and always delicious; you can't visit without a taste.
Biodiversity At Its Finest
Costa Rica is a hotspot for biodiversity, boasting 11,000 kinds of trees and flowering plants and 200 species of reptile.
Sheltered under the rainforest canopies, we'll find brightly colored tree frogs, toucans, sloths, monkeys, and the famous Blue Morpho butterfly.
The Global Adventures Experience
The Best Dang Team On The Planet
Tireless travel directors, local guides, trail runners, photography gurus, and staff medics...we're all here to make your experience one for the ages.
Adventures Built for YOU.
Group travel can be daunting, so we're proud to offer community-first adventures with smaller group sizes and inclusive leadership.
Whether you're flying solo or bringing your BFFs, there's a place here for everyone.
All of The Fun, None of The Work
We've done the hard parts for you. Once you book your trip, our expert team handles all the details. From mapping out scenic runs to finding the comfiest beds and local grub.
Plus, we take care of that boring stuff like local transportation and even laundry.
All that's left is to book your flight and call in sick from work ;)
Costa Rica Itinerary
Scroll to explore!
Adventure Overview
- Day 1: Welcome
- Day 2: Puerto Viejo
- Day 3: Sarapiqui
- Day 4: Laguna Hule
- Day 5: Arenal Volcano
- Day 6: Piedra de Fuego
- Day 7: Guacalillo Cliffs
- Day 8: Free Beach Day
- Day 9: Departure
Saturday (Day 1): Welcome to San Jose
You’ll arrive in San Jose, 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.
- Welcome dinner & check-in
- Hotel Barcelo San Jose
- San Jose, Costa Rica
Sunday (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.
- Local tour or nature walk
- La Quinta Sarapiqui
- Sarapiqui, Costa Rica
Monday (Day 3): Sarapiqui & Whitewater Rafting
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.
- Whitewater rafting
- La Quinta Sarapiqui
- Sarapiqui, Costa Rica
Tuesday (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.
- Waterfall visit, river swim
- Arenal Paraiso and Hotel Magic Mountain
- La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Wednesday (Day 5): Arenal & Jungle Zip-line
The run will take you through fields looking up at the impressive Arenal Volcano - an active landmark that gives this area stunning biodiversity. Keep an eye out for leaf cutter ants on the trail as you run and you’ll probably spot a long line of these little bodybuilders carrying leaves back to their nest, just like you’ve seen on National Geographic.
After our run and lunch in La Fortuna, you’ll have the option of doing a canopy zipline tour or relax in the hot springs at our resort.
- Jungle zip-lining
- Arenal Paraiso and Hotel Magic Mountain
- La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Thursday (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 & free time on your own.
- Crocodile Tour
- Punta Leona
- Punta Leona, Costa Rica
Friday (Day 7): Guacalillo Cliffs & Canoeing
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! This adventure includes lunch on a private island.
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.)
- Outrigger canoeing
- Punta Leona
- Punta Leona, Costa Rica
Saturday (Day 8): Free 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 & free time on your own
For those leaving today, we'll have shuttles to San Jose Airport (SJO) throughout the day.
- Punta Leona
- Punta Leona, Costa Rica
Day 9: Departure
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.
- San Jose Airport (SJO)
- Punta Leona, Costa Rica
Please note that this is an example of activities and quality stays you will enjoy with us. Changes may occur based on weather, logistics, and new opportunities. We will always search for comparable alternatives when a change is made.
What to Expect from Your Global Adventure
Quick Planning Guide
- Keep an eye out for emails from us the month before your trip - we'll send packing info, weather updates, and a group WhatsApp chat to get acquainted!
- We're in the tropics! Pack outfits to keep you cool and dry. Don't forget your bathing suit.
- Bring some colónes for souvenirs and snacks.
- Avg. 40-60 people per trip
Active Adrenaline Trip
While all Global Adventures include daily trail runs, this higher adrenaline trip gets your heart racing with more physical activities like zip-lining and river rafting.
Before You Arrive
What to Expect From Us
After registration, you'll receive a welcome email with information to get ready for your Global Adventure! After this initial email, you can expect to hear from us regularly starting about 3 months before with further trip details, a packing list, and more.
Keep an eye on your mailbox - we'll also send you special trip swag ahead of your trip!
Your Pre-Trip Homework
boOK YOUR FLIGHT
Flights or other transportation to our host country are not included in the trip cost. You'll want to book these well in advance to get the best prices. For this trip, please fly into San Jose Airport (SJO).
GET COVERED
We recommend having travel insurance to keep you protected while you're out enjoying each day. Companies like Safety Wing offer flexible coverage for your trip.
While we no longer require participants to be vaccinated, we encourage you to understand the travel requirements of each country you will visit or pass through on a layover.
COMPLETE YOUR TRAVELER PROFILE
Once registered, you'll have a traveler profile with us. Leading up to the trip, we will ask you to complete this profile with information about your flights, dietary needs, etc. This information is private to our event directors and is used to coordinate nitty-gritty trip logistics.
Want to chat with other Global Adventures runners?
Join our community of travelers on Facebook!
Daily Life on a Global Adventure
MORNING Run (~7:00 am)
Ok, we know you're on vacation, but starting the day early means we get to show you so much more. You didn't think we'd be sleeping on this trip...right?
On most trips, we'll have breakfast at the hotel before departing for a 7-12K trail run. Pack your day bag (included as trip swag!) with a fresh set of clothes and an activity for the journey.
After the race we'll regroup to shower (when available) and refuel with lunch.
AFTERNOON activity (~11:00 AM)
After our run, each day brings something new! We'll have lunch and then head out for a range of activities depending on your Global Adventure.
Active Adrenaline - These trips keep your heart racing with more active fun like rafting, zip-lining, and more.
Culture Kick - These trips focus on giving you a backstage pass to each country's culture. We'll tour historical sights, learn traditional skills, and taste the local fare.
Expect to have a few hours of free time each afternoon to explore the towns we visit and take in the grandeur of the landscape. Our goal is to have enough adventure to fill your days without feeling rushed from location to location.
Check out your Costa Rica Global Adventure itinerary for more details.
Evening wind down (6-8:00 PM)
It's time to wind down and enjoy the night! We'll have dinner together as a group at a local restaurant or at the hotel. Dinners typically include set menu options and wine or beer.
For two of the evenings you will be free to explore and find dinner on your own (not included in trip cost). Ask our local team for recommendations...or grab some food at the hotel, turn your phone on silent, and enjoy hotel amenities to re-coop from an active day. The night is yours!
We got you! Expect a team text before bed with details on tomorrow's race, weather conditions, and packing suggestions.
Trail Runs and Hikes
Our trail runs will take you into the countryside, where you'll feel like part of the iconic landscapes that drew us here. We'll have crew on course to mind you, markings to guide you, and finish line food to revive you.
You can take these runs at your own pace - or go for gold! At the end of the week everyone earns a Global Adventures finisher medal, plus special awards for our fastest racers.
run difficulty & training
A typical Global Adventures trip includes 6 trail runs ranging from 7-12K in length. Most of these runs will have a decent amount of elevation gain and temperatures can get hot. It is not uncommon for us to walk the uphill portions and run when the terrain is flat or downhill. If you want to train, we recommend working up to back-to-back trail runs with varied elevation gain.
We ask runners to maintain at least a 20-minute trail pace on these runs.
Costa Rica trail Runs
Exact trails, distances, and the order we run them may depend on weather and your trip dates!
Puerto Viejo (6.4K)
Point-to-point
Elevation Gain: 350 ft.
Easy to moderate
Sarapiqui Countryside (8.7K)
Point-to-point
Elevation Gain: 600 ft.
Easy to moderate
Laguna de Hule (8K)
Loop
Elevation Gain: 1,053 ft.
Challenging
Arenal 1968 (7.6K)
Point-to-point
Elevation Gain: 814 ft.
Moderate
Piedra de Fuego (9.6K)
Loop
Elevation Gain: 1,148 ft.
Challenging
Guacalillo Cliffs (8.5K)
Point-to-point
Elevation Gain: 282 ft.
Moderate
Plan Your Travel
Now that you're as excited as we are, let's get down to the gritty details of your adventure.
Travel Details
Arrival (first day):
- Arrive by mid-afternoon on the first Saturday of your trip
- San Jose Airport (SJO), Costa Rica
- Check in at the Hotel Irazu Best Western
Depart:
- Depart anytime on the last day of your trip
- San Jose Airport (SJO), Costa Rica
- Check out from Hotel Punta Leona
Packing & Prep
Coverage: You may want to consider travel insurance for such an epic adventure! Companies like Safety Wing offer flexible coverage for your trip.
Packing List: 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!
Training: Adventurers of various skill levels can enjoy our running adventures. If you want to train, we recommend working up to back-to-back trail runs with varied elevation gain.
Check out the Costa Rica trail runs for more info on what to expect!
Upcoming Trip Dates
Registration for 2024 Costa Rica Global Adventure opens: March 31st, 2023 @ 8am M.T.
January 20-28, 2024
9 Days | 8 Nights
$4,200
per guest
Based on double-occupancy rooms. Flights not included.
only a $500 refundable deposit due at registration!
Have questions?
Included in all Global Adventures
- 6+ trail runs or hikes (7-12K)
- Expert team of staff, guides, and a medic
- Daily activities and outings
- Hotels and lodging
- Most meals (and drinks!)
- Local transport
- Travel swag and race medals
Payment & Policy Info
Pricing Breakdown
Trip Pricing:
$4,200 (double occupancy room)
$5,000 (single occupancy room)
Deposit:
$500 (refundable until 5 months before your trip)
Trips are refundable minus a fee until 3 months before the event. Please read the Registration Policy for more info.
Registration Policies
Click to Read Our Policies
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration & Trip Planning
Will I need a passport or visa?
This is an international running adventure. A valid passport is required for participation. Though every country is different, a good rule to follow is that your passport should not expire within 6 months of your planned travel.
We do not anticipate that you will need a visa. However, visa requirements vary by country and by nationality. If you are unsure, please reach out to us and we will help you determine whether you will need to apply for a visa at all, in advance, or on arrival.
Are there discounts available?
We do not currently offer any discounts for Global Adventures trips.
What are the hotels like?
We typically have 3-star lodging booked for you. Rooms will be comfortable, clean, and safe, but no frills; a place that you would feel ok relaxing in!
On some adventures, we have alternative lodging like glamping tents. Check your itinerary and the photo gallery for pictures and additional information.
Who goes on Global Adventures trips?
From solo travelers to groups, teens to the silver-haired, seasoned thrill-seekers to those ready to step out of their comfort zone for the first time - these trips offer an experience for everyone. Our past adventurers come from all walks of life but all share a love of life and a willingness to challenge themselves.
Seriously. Don't be afraid to come alone. You are sure to leave with new friends, new confidence, and approximately 800 photos of moments that took your breath away!
How much free time will we have?
Our days start between 6:30-7:00 am for breakfast before we head out run the trails. Expect to have a few hours of free time each afternoon to explore the towns we visit and take in the grandeur of the landscape. Our goal is to have enough adventure to fill your days without feeling rushed from location to location.
In addition, all Global Adventures will have 2 free evenings- you'll be able to walk around town and maybe stop by that cute pub you passed earlier in the day for dinner!
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
If you have a particularly specific or complex dietary requirement, please reach out to us. While we cannot guarantee full accommodations, we'll always try our best!
Are there any age restrictions?
There are no age restrictions for attending these running trips. As long as you are comfortable with the runs and activities, we'll be glad to have you whether you're 12 or 112 years old!
Some of our Global Adventures trips do involve alcohol-oriented events like whiskey tastings, so please keep this in mind. For activity-specific restrictions, read below:
Patagonia Trips: The glacier hike is restricted to ages 64 and under. Individuals 65 and older are not permitted to participate, but we will try to find an alternate activity for them.
Ireland Trips: The whiskey tasting event is 21+
What Covid-19 measures are being taken?
While much of these trips is spent in the great outdoors, there's still a level of risk with any travel. Here's what we can do to limit that risk:
First, While we will no longer require the vaccine, we strongly encourage everyone traveling with us to make sure you're aware of the Covid-19 travel restrictions of each country you will visit or pass through on a layover.
Second, we have a staff medic on each trip. Please let us know right away if you have any symptoms or just need a test for travel purposes. They will be able to help you locate and schedule Covid testing as needed. We will also have rapid tests and masks on hand.
Lastly, staying healthy is a group effort. We ask all our adventurers to respect each others boundaries and preferences. If you remain unsure of the risks, we encourage you to wait to take a Global Adventures trip until you feel confident joining us!
The Races & Activities
How difficult are the runs?
Global Adventures are meant to challenge you. That being said, we welcome runners of various levels and will support you towards the finish line.
Each day we’ll be running/hiking between 7-12K (approx. 3-6 miles). Most of these runs will have a decent amount of elevation gain. It is not uncommon for us to walk the uphill portions and run when the terrain is flat or downhill.
We plan for runners to maintain at least a 20-minute trail pace on these runs. If we believe this pace becomes too difficult for a runner, we may ask them to sit out a run or offer a shorter course for them.
Do I have to run every day?
This is your vacation- you should do what you want!
If you want to take a break for a day or two, then by all means do it. Our goal is to make sure you have the best possible experience on the trails, whatever that means for you.
Are there aid stations?
There are no aid stations in these trail runs.
Most adventurers choose to wear a hydration backpack or carry a water bottle in hand (along with a few gels or other snacks as needed).
You are required to bring your own hydration system. Our team loves the hydration options developed by Nathan Sports. Give them a look!
Will we run into animals on the trails?
If you are lucky, you’ll get to see some local wildlife (Moose, goats, whale, oh my!) We will be visiting wild places and encounters with animals are always a possibility. However, we will be on well traveled trails which tend to keep the animals away.
All Global Adventures trips partner with expert guides from the area to provide tips on staying safe on the trails. Mosquitos will vary greatly with the climate and even changes year-to-year. We recommend packing mosquito repellent.
Can I bring someone who doesn't run?
If you want to bring a partner to the event that doesn’t want to participate in the runs, that’s totally fine. They'll still get to join in the daily activities and explore the destination - just not on the trails.
Just sign up for the event as a regular participant, but let us know in the registration notes that your partner is not running.
What other activities will we be doing?
Each Global Adventure is different - expect a range of activities like historical tours, boat cruises, hands-on workshops, and more!
For activities specific to this trip, check out the itinerary. You'll also receive a detailed daily itinerary a few weeks before your arrival date.
Not passport ready? Join the email list.
We'll send you updates about registration opening, price jumps, and more to keep you on track!
Still got questions? Our team loves to talk to new adventurers! Schedule a chat with us.
