The stage starts with an early descent down to Rio Pirris. The narrow road winds through terraced coffee plantations and orchards and offers iconic hillside views as we ever so slowly move into lower elevations once again.
After crossing Rio Pirris on the narrow metal and concrete bridge we begin the last major climb of the route, a 350 meter (1,150 feet) ascent over a mere 3 kilometers to the coffee town of San Gabriel. We are in the hills of Tarrazu where most of the local residents work in the coffee fields.
In 3 kilometers after San Gabriel the route turns sharply right at the stage 13 Mojon onto a similar gravel road towards the tiny town of La Esperanza. Along the way there is a long descent followed by a steep ascent and two river crossings over makeshift footbridges. The route then turns left onto route 303 then right towards Napoles and Quepos. For those wishing to end this stage before reaching 303, lodging at Finca Los Lirios Tarrazu provides a good option. Several lodging and limited resupply options also exist in Napoles.
NOTE ON RESUPPLY: To resupply in Mata Caña requires a 1.1 km walk off trail, or 2.2 kms round trip. The options are to resupply heavily before leaving San Pablo (best) or hope to resupply in Napoles where hours of operation can vary. THE NEXT MAJOR RESUPPLY OPPORTUNITY ON TRAIL ISN’T UNTIL VILLA NUEVA, 30 KMS BEYOND NAPOLES.
