COSTA RICA

Running Experience

March 1st – 7th, 2025

Booking Deadline: February 4th, 2025

Trip Length

7 Days, 6 Nights

Group Size

Max. 16 People

Activity Level

Distances:

Ranging daily from 8 to 15km

Starting from:
$3,500 USD
Installments Available.

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Overview

Join us in this extraordinary 7-day trail running experience through one of Central America’s most impeccably preserved locations. Run through Costa Rica’s pristine landscapes: from the enchanting Cloud Forests of Monteverde to the volcanic landscapes and coffee plantations of Central Costa Rica, and further into the lush Rainforests and Caribbean Beaches of the East Coast.

This running adventure promises to authentically encapsulate the essence for which Costa Rica is renowned worldwide.

Your Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: San José Arrival – 8 km Sunset run in San José – Welcome Dinner

We will meet at the hotel at 4:30 pm for an 8 km acclimatization run through the colonial part of town, timed to enjoy the sunset. After the run, we’ll enjoy a group welcome dinner at one of the best restaurants in San José.

REQUIRED ARRIVAL Any Time Before 1:00 PM

Lunch: Not Included

Accommodation: San Jose Boutique Hotel Aranjuez.

Welcome Dinner: Included

Airport shuttles: Not Included

Day 2: Transfer from San José to Monteverde - 9 km Monteverde Run + Body Awareness Exercises

The day begins with breakfast and an early departure from San José, heading towards the Punta Arenas Canton. After a 4-hour drive, we will arrive at the Biological Cloud Forest Reserve of Monteverde. There, we’ll embark on an exhilarating 9 km run through the cloud forest trails of Reserva Santa Elena and Bosque de los Niños Eternos, a perfect introduction to the rich natural diversity of Costa Rica.

Following the run, we settle in for lunch at our hotel. The afternoon features a body awareness exercise session and a peaceful opportunity to unwind as the sun sets.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Monte Verde Lodge

Day 3: El Tigre Waterfall Trail 10Km – Lunch and Transfer to Arenal Lake

This day will begin with a captivating morning run along the breathtaking Tigre Waterfall trail, offering stunning views of waterfalls, hanging bridges, and scenic pathways. After the run, we will return to the hotel to freshen up and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Later on, we’ll hop on our bus and travel to the Arenal Volcano Area. The scenic 3-hour drive will lead us to the Arenal Lake area as evening approaches. Relaxing by the pool and the jacuzzi will be the perfect indulgence to pamper our bodies after the journey.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Arenal Lodge

Day 4: La Fortuna 11km Run - Afternoon Hot Springs Session

We begin this day with an incredible breakfast against the breathtaking backdrop of Arenal Reserve. After our meal, we’ll embark on a captivating run along the Observatory Lodge Trails. This scenic run will take us through the jungle and along volcanic rivers, providing the latest views of the Lava rivers from 1992.

Once we’ve had lunch at the hotel and freshened up after our run, we’ll indulge in a therapeutic session at the Chollin Hot Spring rivers near La Fortuna. It’s the perfect way to round off our afternoon’s activities.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Arenal Lodge

Day 5: – La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo Drive – 7km Sunset Run in Puerto Viejo.

This day will encompass the longest drive and journey of the trip, as we travel from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo. The drive will take around 5.5 to 6 hours, leading us to the Caribbean Coastline by afternoon.

Once we’ve checked into our hotel, we’ll enjoy a scenic run along the black beaches of Puerto Viejo. After our run, we will have time to freshen up with a shower before indulging in dinner in Puerto Viejo.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Puerto Viejo Lodge

Day 6: – Puerto Vargas to Cahuita 10 K – Caribbean Beach Exploration

On the final day of our extraordinary running experience in Costa Rica, we’ll dedicate our time to exploring the captivating Caribbean beaches. After a short early transfer to the entrance of Cahuita National Park, we’ll embark on an unforgettable run along the beach. Expect to encounter wildlife in these pristine coastal stretches.

Following this exhilarating run, we’ll head to Cahuita to indulge in local fruits and beers. As the sun goes down, we’ll gather at the Lodge in Puerto Viejo for a special farewell dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Puerto Viejo Lodge

Day 7: Transfer from Puerto Viejo to San Jose

We’ll be departing from Puerto Viejo and heading to San José. Please keep in mind that your departure should be scheduled for after 5:00 PM to allow for enough travel time from Puerto Viejo to Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José.

Breakfast: Included

Airport shuttle: Not Included

Gallery

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Discover the world through running

– We look for new perspectives within cultures and communities in remote places that exist outside of modern societal structures which are focused only in progress and gains.–

Experience Details

Highlights

Run through the most breathtaking trails in Costa Rica: the Cloud Forests of Monteverde, volcanic terrains, coffee plantations, lush rainforests, and Caribbean beaches.
Recharge with a soothing hot springs session in the Chollin Hot Spring rivers, naturally fed by a vein from the Arenal volcano.
Explore the captivating Caribbean beaches with a memorable run in the Cahuita National Park.
Unwind and improve your physical well-being with body awareness exercises in the serene beauty of Monteverde.
Savor carefully curated culinary experiences that showcase the flavors of Costa Rica.

Included / Not Included

INCLUDED:
– Transportation throughout the whole experience.
– Specially designed trails along the magical landscapes of Costa Rica.
– Carefully curated culinary experiences. *We can accommodate all dietary preferences.
– Exclusively designed body awareness sessions.
– All meals and accommodations for the duration of the experience.
– Entrance tickets to all national parks and attractions are included in the experience.
– Knowledgeable and professional local guides.
– Complimentary La Familia Global Community Membership ($ 25 USD value)

NOT INCLUDED:

– Airfare for your inbound and outbound flights to Costa Rica.
– Shuttles to and from the Airport in San José.
– Travel Insurance. We highly recommend securing personal travel insurance for your peace of mind.
– Alcoholic beverages and any additional meals beyond the provided ones.

Accommodation Options

Experience the charm of a genuinely authentic city, jungle, and beach resorts, each brimming with distinctive character. Standard accommodation option involves shared lodging. However, you have the choice to enhance your experience by upgrading to private accommodations

Weather

March in Costa Rica is a wonderful time to visit. Expect warm, sunny weather with temperatures ranging from 85°F to 95°F during the day and 75°F to 85°F at night. However, keep in mind that rain can occur unpredictably, even during these sunny periods. Showers can add to the lush beauty of the landscape, but they can also be a surprise. Consider packing a light rain jacket or an umbrella to stay comfortable.

Suggested Packing List

– Running bottoms (shorts/tights).

– Waterproof gear.

– Cool-weather casual and sports clothing.

– Long and short-sleeved tops.

– Rain Jacket (breathable and lightweight)

– Warm Jacket or Polar Fleece

– Sandals, bathing suit, and quick-drying towel.

– 2 pairs of trail running shoes.

– Sufficient pairs of running socks

– Night Lamp or headlamp.

– Biodegradable sunblock, hat or cap, and sunglasses.

– Biodegradable insect repellent.

– Personal medical kit (recommendation with basic medication for any ailment).

– Hydration vest or refillable bottles 2.5 L.

– Thermos for coffee or tea.

– Power plug adapter or voltage converter.

– Personal energy snacks of liking (bars, fruits, nuts, etc…).

– Small waterproof bag (optional) to protect cameras and phones in case of rain during runs.*

– Hiking poles.*

– Umbrella*

*Optional

Travel Requirements

A valid passport is required for entry.
No tourist visa is necessary.
If arriving from certain countries in South America or Africa, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required.
Foreigners must present a return ticket.
Entry requirements may vary based on your home country. Please consult your travel advisory.

Our Hosts

Yannick Wende

Yannick Wende

Discover Our New Perks

1. Three-month semi-personalized training program.

An online training program seeking to connect mind and body through movement and starting three months before your Aire Libre experience.

2. Like The Wind Magazine’s Subscription

A quarterly print magazine dedicated to exploring the culture, history, and social issues endemic to the world of running.

3. Ciele Athletics CLB Cap

A lightweight, fast-drying, performance-ready limited edition original Ciele CLB Cap with Aire Libre’s logo.

*Please note that you can only choose one of these perks. They are limited to one per participant and cannot be combined with other discounts, perks, or offers.

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Our Participants Say:

"I would like to first thank AireLibre above all. Your website, your social media inspire confidence in traveling with you. I want to thank Leslie who answered all my questions. I signed up at the very last minute and she was able to be present and reassuring by putting me in touch with the right person (Yannick) so that I could make my decision. Your responses are clear, the material list provided to participants was clear and complete. Everything is super well organized. Secondly, I wanted to congratulate you on finding someone like Yannick. The guide is the most important element in my opinion for the trip to be a success. He managed to be very inclusive, honest, always thinking about the participants, making sure we were well and happy. He made a difference in ensuring that the group was cohesive. He was taking care of us like family, not clients, a huge difference when traveling".

"I was anxious and my life was getting in the way of the trip. However, when I got on the plane and landed in San Jose my anxiousness left. Arriving at the hotel and being greeted by Yannick shifted my perspective. I was excited as the other participants began arriving. Our first run, our first meal, road trip into the greenest land you ever saw. Rain, mud, animals, waterfalls, challenges and a very supportive crew makes for an extraordinary adventure. I could go on but I think this is the essence of this experience".

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