Trip Type: Hard Level

El Camino de Costa Rica is a remote and unique experience that connects the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean with world-class trekking through the beautiful mountains of Costa Rica. It is designed to attract adventurers looking to immerse themselves in this tropical destination, off the beaten path. Rural community involvement is integral to the experience and cultural exchanges are a daily occurrence through food, conversation, and the warm welcome at the comfortable lodgings. On this 10 day tour, professional local guides will lead guests along routes through breathtaking locations from sea to sea! The hikes crisscross the mountains through rain and cloud forest reserves, coffee, sugarcane, and banana plantations and past private fincas and ranch lands, deep valleys, rushing rivers and waterfalls. Add this the all the unexpected bonus experiences and we assure you there is not another trip like this that celebrates the diversity of Costa Rica!

The Colombian Condor Route is the experience any cyclists is eager to live. In these exuberant landscapes Colombian national cyclists train every day. The tour begins in the green mountains of the eastern Andes and ends in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. During this tour you will see beautiful landscapes, cross flagship towns of the colonial era, enriched by its culture and gastronomy, and finally you will reach Cartagena – the iconic walled city of Spanish colonization. 

Cycling the Portuguese Camino de Santiago allows you to appreciate the beauty of Portugal’s Minho region and Galicia in Spain. The scenery is a glorious blend of greenery with woodland, rivers, valleys, vineyards, fields and traditional villages with their architecture and age-old rural farming practices. Sections of the Portuguese Camino share the ancient Roman road and you’ll cross many a Roman bridge on your journey. You’ll also discover attractive towns and cities with stunning ancient architecture and fascinating histories. To keep your energy levels up along the Way, tuck into Portuguese and Spanish cheeses, traditional cured meats, the freshest of fish and seafood and vinho verde wines. Begin your incredible journey in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto. Learn how St. James and a cockerel saved a pilgrim’s life in Barcelos, why Roman soldiers were terrified of crossing the river at Ponte de Lima and appreciate the significant part Valença’s fortress played in defending Portugal’s borders. One the other side of the River Minho the stunning Tui Cathedral awaits, as do Redondela’s viaducts and the medieval center of Pontevedra. Riverside Caldas de Reis is famous for its soothing thermal waters while Padrón lays claim to St. James’ first burial spot. His remains have since been relocated to what is now a monumental cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.

Cycling the Portuguese Coastal Way to St. James (Santiago) is a sensational and unforgettable adventure. It is an invitation to discover the Atlantic’s sandy beaches, ancient customs and welcoming people. From plateaus to mountains, from fields to coasts, monumental sites, works of art in the way of cathedrals, bridges, roads and monasteries, the route is full of pleasant surprises. The Coastal Way to Santiago is a route habitually taken by pilgrims coming from Portugal and by those choosing to cross the River Miño through A Guarda. The route, which heads northwards very close to the riverbanks, connects to the classic route that comes from Tui in Redondela.

The Portuguese Camino de Santiago has been one of the main pilgrim routes to Santiago for centuries.  Set out on a journey of discovery, not only of the country but of yourself as you follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims and walkers.  The long days of walking are physically and mentally challenging and rewarding but there’s no need to punish yourself by carrying all your gear or sleeping in overcrowded smelly dormitories.  Our way of doing the Portuguese Way of St. James on foot involves luggage transfers and comfortable beds in the best establishments along this historical route.  These carefully chosen fine hotels, charming country houses and historic buildings bring you closer to the history, culture and gastronomy of this region of Northern Portugal and Galicia.

Scotland’s oldest long distance hiking trail leads you into the raw world of the highlands. In olden times this was barren land, inhabited only by a few merchants and shepherds. Battles were fought here and robbers and gangs of thieves used the seclusion as a refuge. Today, this region is still largely untouched and is extremely varied. The paths scroll in seclusion along the shore of Loch Lomond, only to offer views of the surrounding peaks a few kilometres further on. The West Highland Way is one of the most popular hiking routes in Europe today and attracts travellers from all over the world.

Before you begin your Portuguese Coastal Way to Santiago, pay a visit to the 12thcentury Porto Cathedral and take time to explore the city. Transfer to Matosinhos and walk alongside the ocean towards the pretty old town of Vila do Conde, with a lace making tradition and strong naval history. The coastal towns of Povoa da Varzim, Esposende and Vila Praia de Ancora offer particularly fresh seafood. Viana do Castelo gives you the chance to explore its medieval history and detour to visit Santa Luzia basilica for magnificent views. Then weave your way through the Portuguese countryside and back to the Atlantic Portuguese coast near Caminha, just across the river from Spain.A scenic ferry ride takes you to A Guarda for a beautiful stretch of unspoiled coastline towards the attractive town of Baiona and its tapas bars. Between Vigo and Redondela, you’ll be able to see the Ria de Vigo lagoon, dotted with the Cies islands and floating mussel farms. Meet fellow pilgrims as you merge with the Portuguese Central Way of St. James in Redondela. Take time to enjoy Pontevedra’s charming historical center and relax in one of its attractive squares. More forests, fields, rivers, villages and valleys lie between here and the spa town of Caldas de Reis. Explore Padron, its peppers and its links to the St. James before the final journey to Santiago de Compostela.