Doing El Camino de Costa Rica is more than just an adventure; it’s a hike with purpose. Stretching 280 kilometers from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, this trail connects travelers with 18 rural communities, offering a unique opportunity to directly support local economies. By staying in community-run lodges, purchasing locally sourced meals, and engaging with the residents, hikers contribute to sustainable tourism that uplifts these small, often remote villages. This approach not only ensures that the trail benefits the people who live along it but also fosters cultural exchange, allowing travelers to experience authentic Costa Rican traditions and hospitality.
Beyond its natural beauty, El Camino de Costa Rica is a powerful example of how tourism can drive positive change. Many of the communities along the trail face economic challenges, but the income generated through hiking tourism provides new opportunities for development. From artisan crafts to guided tours, locals are empowered to share their knowledge and talents, creating a mutually enriching experience for both hikers and hosts. By choosing to walk this trail, adventurers become part of this profound purpose: to support rural sustainability and preserve Costa Rica’s rich cultural heritage.
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About Us
What we stand for How we work What we believe Our goals Asociacion Mar a Mar is a non-profit association for rural development. We have created a journey full of adventures and picturesque Costa Rican villages from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The organization develops and strengthens the nexus between biodiversity conservation and protection, sustainable…
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Join our community
The nonprofit Mar a Mar Association designed, built, and continues to develop El Camino de Costa Rica—but most importantly, it works closely with communities along the route. We provide guidance and capital seed money to rural entrepreneurs; address basic community issues such as water and electricity for schools and clinics; and tackle the digital divide,…