www.actionchallenge.com

actionchallenge in Costa Rica

trip highlights● Activity: Trekking & Rafting● Location: Pacuare River Valley, Costa Rica● Duration: 7 Days / 4 days trekking and 2 days rafting● Difficulty: Moderate● Distance: 70 km● When: November 2015● Group size: 15 -25

at a glance

Action Challenge have been leading inspirational team adventures across the world for individuals, private groups,charities and corporate clients since 1999. Our trips enable people to experience the world’s most exhilarating locations,often in aid of charity. At the heart of every challenge is team spirit and fulfilment; together we take on once-in-a-lifetimeadventures, achieve formidable goals and forge friendships for life.

A unique opportunity to travel deep into the heart of Costa Rica as we follow the river’s journey downstream towardsthe Caribbean. We travel on foot and by raft on this exhilarating one week adventure into nature

Immersed in lush rainforest we trek along the banks of the Pacuare River, across swing bridges, visit beautifulwaterfalls, enjoy delicious picnics and swim in the clear waters. Passing through several indigenous settlements, we geta fascinating glimpse into the way of life in the heart of the rainforest.

Our trek leads us inland, high into the surrounding mountains along trails and rural roads to a Pacuare settlement. Here,as a group, we have the opportunity to give back to the rainforest communities by helping out at the local school beforeheading back to the river for our rafting experience.

Huge boulders and rocks churn up the water as the mighty river twists and turns its way down to the Caribbean. Getready to engage those core muscles as we shoot the rapids and hurtle down the river on an exhilarating 30 km raft ride.This adrenaline fuelled journey takes us through towering canyons on a buckaroo ride over class II to IV rapids so holdon tight!

After our amazing adventure we celebrate together with a delicious dinner and Costa Rican party back in San Jose.

trekCosta Rica

● Cross stunning swing bridges● Shoot class II rapids● Hike through lush rainforests● Picnic by the Pacuare River● Help out in a local school● A celebratory meal in San Jose● Central America’s ‘green’ jewell

The best time to travel to Costa Rica isduring the dry season which runsbetween November and April. Be awarethat the dry season does not mean thatthere is no rain, it means that there is lessrain than at other times of the year.Completing the challenge during the dryseason helps our rafting experience as,during the rainy season, the river canswell and become extremely hazardous.

Costa Rica

This fully-inclusive adventure to Costa Rica will begin as soon as you register! You willreceive a challenge pack including a training guide, kit list and discounts for all theessentials you may need. If you are raising money for a charity, we will sort out all theformalities so you can concentrate on your own preparation and fundraising. We offerpre-challenge briefings and training weekends in the UK, where you can meet our trekleaders, members of your group and others taking part in challenges around the world.On the day of departure you will meet your group and Action Challenge leader at theairport in London. Whether you’re joining the challenge on your own or with others, youwill instantly be made to feel welcome. As a team we will board our flight to San Jose,ready to take on the hike of a lifetime!

introduction

brief itinerary

Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4

Arrival in San JoseBajo Pacuare to SantubalSantubal - San JoaquinSan Joaquin - Pacuare

what’s included

November 2015

Please visit our website for more details

All inclusive trip cost from £1,799Initial £399 deposit to sign up

Three payment options available

Please visit our website for more details

· International flights· Action Challenge trek leader· Full support team, including local guides· UK medic· All accommodation· All meals, except in free time· Airline taxes· Treated drinking water· All transfers in local vehicles· National Park entrance fees· Celebration dinner in San Jose· Invitation to a challenge briefing in London· Discounted training weekends in the Peak District and Wales· Fitness and training guide· Discounts from UK retailers· Reduced rates at Nomad Travel Clinics and Masta Health

+44 (0) 207 609 6695 www.act ionchal lenge.com events@actionchal lenge.com

This challenge has been classed as amoderate challenge as you will betrekking for four days over distances of12 km to 22 km per day. In addition, youwill be rafting for two days which willrequire good core muscle strength.Additional strength and aerobic training istherefore required for this challenge.

Day 5Day 6Day 7

Finca La Cruz - El Nido Del TigreFinca PacuaritoArrive UK

trek

itinerary

Breakfasts each morning will be at ourcamp, whilst packed lunches will beprepared for us to have en route. Eveningmeals will be freshly prepared for whenwe arrive at our accommodation or in alocal restaurant. There will be a widevariety of fresh food available includingmeat and fish.

We can cater for all dietary requirementsif informed in advance.

DAY 1 - Arrival in San Jose

We meet our group and Action Challenge staff at the airport in London before departingon our trip to Costa Rica. On arrival in San Jose we transfer to our comfortable hotel inthe city where we enjoy a trip briefing with our local guides.

Meals: Dependent on flight schedule Accom: Hotel

DAY 2 - Bajo Pacuare to Santubal

An early breakfast, followed by a three hour drive from San Jose brings us to the startof our five day trek. We set off from near the settlement of Bajo Pacuare, heading upriver along the bank of the Pacuare to the settlement of Paso Marcos. Here we crossthe Pacuare using a swing bridge and begin heading down the valley. The day endswith a climb up to the village of Sentubal and our first camp.

Meals: B,D Accom: Tent Distance: 17 km

DAY 3 - Santubal to San Joaquin

We wake to a spectacular view of the Pacuare River Valley and its mountains blanketedby rainforests. Leaving Sentubal, we begin our trek to our next camp in San Joaquin.We pass several indigenous settlements and get a glimpse of their unique way of life.The highlight of the day is another crossing of a swing bridge over the Pacuare River.Lunch and a swim are followed by the last few kilometers of trekking to San Joaquin.The village’s football field and community centre is our camp for the night.

Meals: B,L,D Accom: Tent Distance: 19 km

If you decide that you would like to haveyour own room on the challenge, we canaccommodate this in the majority ofplaces.

Please email us for more information

• Insurance - £60 • Tips for local staff - £30 • Vaccinations - Malaria tablets will beneeded. It is also preferable if you areup-to-date on your boosters. • Airline fuel surcharge / supplement as

applied by airlines. Please note thatthis is capped at a maximum of £150.

DAY 4 - San Joaquin to Pacuare

An impassable river canyon means we must leave the valley floor and head inland, intothe surrounding mountains. Today’s route takes us over a river and along countryroads and trails up to 1000m, the highest point of our journey. Tonight we relax andenjoy a peaceful evening in the settlement of Pacuare.

Meals: B,L,D Accom: Tent Distance: 22 km

All accommodation is on a twin/triple-share, single-sex basis and we will pairyou with someone of a similar age, wherepossible.

If you wish to share a room with someoneyou are travelling with, please specify this

• Two nights in hotels • Four nights camping en route

+44 (0) 207 609 6695 www.act ionchal lenge.com events@actionchal lenge.com

Costa Ricatrek

A kit list will be sent to you on receipt ofregistration. Many everyday items can beused on this challenge, and we offer a kithire service to keep costs down.

If you are planning on travelling to CostaRica before the challenge or wish toorganise your own flights, we do offer aland only option, with a significantdiscount off the trip price. You will berequired to meet your group at the hotelon day two of the itinerary.

Please email us for more information

• Alcoholic drinks • Drinks and food outside of meals, otherthan water • Personal kit / equipment • Airline fuel surcharge / supplement as

applied by airlines. Please note that thisis capped at a maximum of £150.

DAY 7 - Arrival in UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to London.

The reward! After the last four days of tough trekking we are rewarded with a 20 kmpaddle down the class III-IV rapids of the Pacuare River. This section of the riverfeatures some of the most exciting rapids the Pacuare has to offer. We navigate theriver through virgin rainforest, cascading waterfalls and river-carved canyons on ourway to the Caribbean lowlands and the end of our challenge. Along the way we taketime out to do a side hike to some waterfalls and have lunch on the shore. The finishline is at Finca Pacuarito, near the town of Siquirres. We return to San Jose,appreciating the breathtaking views as we pass through Braulio Carillo National Park.Tonight we have a dinner and party to celebrate the end of our Costa Rica adventure!

Meals: B,L,D Accom: Hotel Distance: 20 km

DAY 6 - El Nido del Tigre to Finca Pacuarito

+44 (0) 207 609 6695 www.act ionchal lenge.com events@actionchal lenge.com

training weekends / briefings

We run a number of training weekendsthroughout the year in the Peak District,Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia. Theseare fully-inclusive - 2 night’saccommodation and all meals. We alsoorganise training days in London and theNorth and South downs. On both, you willget the chance to meet our mountainleaders and test out your kit and fitness!

You will also receive an invite to achallenge briefing in central London.

Costa Ricatrek

DAY 5 - Trek / Raft Finca La Cruz to El Nido del Tigre

Before we start our final day’s trek, we will spend a couple of hours at the local schoolgiving a helping hand with some simple repairs and maintenance. Once underway, wehave a three hour trek to the start of our rafting experience. After lunch and a safetybriefing, we begin our descent of the Pacuare River. The 10km section of class II-IIIrapids takes around two hours to complete. We arrive at “El Nido del Tigre”, ourcomfortable riverside camp in time to explore the area.

Meals: B,L,D Accom: Tent Distance: 12 + 10 km

payment optionsATOL is a scheme that protects you fromlosing money or being stranded abroad ifyour travel company collapses. ActionChallenge is 100% ATOL bonded, whichprovides you with full financial protection.On receipt of your registration fee, you willreceive an ATOL certificate explainingyour protection.

A REGISTRATION DEPOSIT of £399 (for 2014) is required to secure your place. Weoffer 2 deposit payment options:

OPTION 1:  Deposit paid in full, by card at the time of registration.

OPTION 2:  Deposit paid in two 50/50 split payments. The first 50% is paid when youregister and the second is charged to your payment card at the end of the followingmonth. For this option, a £10 supplement will be charged with the first instalment.

Once registered, there are 3 PAYMENT OPTIONS to fund the balance of the trip cost.Full details are on our website.

1) SELF FUNDED

For anyone who wants to pay for the entire trip themselves. It’s then completely up toyou whether or not you choose to raise any money for a charity of your choice.

The total all inclusive cost of this trip is £1,799 (for 2014), which, after you pay the £399Registration Deposit, leaves a balance of £1,400. This final balance is due for payment10 weeks before your departure along with any fuel surcharges levied by the airline.

2) SPONSORSHIP FUNDED

This is for anyone who wants to take on this challenge and will link it with fundraising asignificant sum of money for a charity of their choice. You would have to raise at least£2,800 (for 2014) via sponsorship and donations from friends, family and colleagues,and be confident at the outset that you can achieve this total.

Pay the Registration Deposit and nominate a charity to fundraise for. All fundraisinggoes directly to your charity and providing that you raise at least £2,800 (for 2014), yourcharity will pay for the balance of your trip costs to Action Challenge. That balance, paidby your charity, is £1,400 (the same as if you were you were ‘Self Funded’) - the charitywill retain at least £1,400 to help fund their work. You will have to pay any airline fuelsurcharges 10 weeks prior to departure.

3) MIXED FUNDED

A mix of the 2 options above! You pay about half the trip cost yourself, and alsofundraise for your charity. They pay the remaining balance of your trip costs. Ideal foranyone who wants to take on the challenge and also fundraise for a charity, BUT ishappy to pay a reasonable proportion of the trip cost themselves, which with yourregistration deposit, is set at a level that covers at least the costs of flights &accommodation; perfect for those who feel more at ease asking for sponsorship inrespect to the ‘challenge’ component of their trip.

Pay the Registration Deposit and nominate a charity to fundraise for. All fundraisinggoes directly to your charity and providing that you raise at least £2,100 (for 2014), yourcharity will pay a portion of your trip cost to Action Challenge. That balance, paid by yourcharity, is £850 At the same time, you will be required to pay the remaining balanceyourself, which will be a figure of £550 (These two amounts add up to the same as the‘Self Funded’ final balance) - the charity will retain at least £1,250 to help fund theirwork. You will have to pay any airline fuel surcharges 10 weeks prior to departure.

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Action Challenge UK LtdUnited HouseNorth RoadLondonN7 9DPUnited Kingdom

how to book

To book on to this challenge, please visitour website; www.actionchallenge.comfor a full list of prices and all availabledates.

+44 (0) 207 609 6695 www.act ionchal lenge.com events@actionchal lenge.com

If you are a charity, business, school orprivate group with a minimum of 10people and fancy your own bespoke trip,please call us on +44(0 )207609 6695or you can send us an email toevents@actionchal lenge.comfor more information.

private groups

Costa Ricatrek