The Asociación Mar a Mar is a non-profit association for rural development that designed, built, and continues to develop the Camino de Costa Rica – but most importantly, works closely with communities along the route.
It may not be immediately obvious how promoting a hiking trail is linked with helping rural families and building strong communities in Costa Rica. In fact, it is an innovative model for development. We provide guidance and capital seed money to ventures closely linked to the trail. We foster small businesses like hostels and lodges, women entrepreneurs who create restaurants and small shops, artisans who market crafts, local guides for flora and fauna, indigenous groups who create spaces to share their culture, and many more. Surprisingly, we also address some very basic issues like water and electricity for schools and clinics. And now we’re tackling the digital divide, bringing internet access to these small communities.
Your donation to the Asociación Mar a Mar funds programs that sustain families and build communities over the long term. Over 95% of your funding directly benefits projects along the Camino de Costa Rica. Your gift at any level can help:
$20
Promotes the trail to bring more hikers that support Camino businesses
$100
Improves signage and safety for 1 kilometer of the Camino de Costa Rica
$50
Supports a small entrepreneur in marketing their business
$500
Funds a grant to a microentrepreneur to grow their sustainable small business
$75
Funds textbooks and environmental education activities for a rural school
$1000
Allows us to meet a basic need such as providing water or electricity to a small community
By Wire Transfer
If you would like to donate by wire transfer or donate stock, please email our affiliate contact at Amigos of Costa Rica, emily@amigosofcostarica.org, to receive the indicated account information. She will confirm which project you would like to support with your donation and how you would like to receive your receipt.
Amigos of Costa Rica charges us a 3% fee on donations. If you would like to cover the fees associated with your donation, please include an additional 3%.
Amigos of Costa Rica works with the Costa Rica United States Foundation for Cooperation (CRUSA) to promote Costa Rica's sustainable development by supporting innovative projects and strategic alliances throughout the country. Amigos of Costa Rica is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record.
By Check
Please make payable to Amigos of Costa Rica and mail to:
Amigos of Costa Rica
P. O. Box 748
West Chester, PA 19380
Amigos of Costa Rica charges us a 3% fee on donations. If you would like to cover the fees associated with your donation, please include an additional 3%.
Don't forget to tell us you'd like your donation to support the Asociación Mar a Mar! Please indicate Asociación Mar a Mar on the memo line and include a note with your check. Checks received without a designation will be used to support general Amigos of Costa Rica operating costs. Receipts will be mailed to the address on the check unless you request a digital receipt.
Amigos of Costa Rica works with the Costa Rica United States Foundation for Cooperation (CRUSA) to promote Costa Rica's sustainable development by supporting innovative projects and strategic alliances throughout the country. Amigos of Costa Rica is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record.
Bank Transfer in Costa Rica
BAC San José
Asociación Mar a Mar: Costa Rica
Cédula Jurídica: 3 -002-718717
Account in colones - 928484088
Customer Account - 10200009284840884
IBAN CR23010200009284840884
Account in dollars - 9284840967
Customer Account - 10200009284840967
IBAN CR13010200009284840967
SWIFT BSNJCRSJ
By Sinpe Móvil in Costa Rica: 6036-6199
Become a Founding Donor
The Camino in the News
One step at a time (rural community tourism in Costa Rica) by Colectivo 506 - See more
“’For me, [tourism] has been a great blessing,” she tells us. “It has motivated me so much to think about other ways to get ahead. Not just for myself, but also for many others in the community. The Camino de Costa Rica has generated jobs in food service, lodging, transportation for luggage, even massage services.’ (Rita Quirós Paniagua, the owner of Comidas Rita)
“Similar stories of micro-businesses working together to overcome the challenges of rural subsistence living resonate across almost every part of the Camino de Costa Rica, which starts on the Caribbean coast and ends on the Pacific. While COVID-19 made 2020 an exceptionally difficult year for these intrepid entrepreneurs and Costa Rica’s entire tourism sector, the hope I heard expressed along the way—hope that rural tourism will bring economic resilience and positive change—is a common thread across all of the communities touched by the trail.” Read more
CONTACT US
If you want to get involved with Mar a Mar you can contact us:
Gabriela Saborio
President
Gabriel Chermacov
Vice President
Pablo Ramírez
Secretary
