El Camino de Costa Rica is a 280-kilometer (174-mile) hiking route across Costa Rica from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific at Quepos. It’s split into 16 stages, and most hikers take 12 to 16 days. The route runs mostly on rural roads and trails through farms, rainforest, an Indigenous Cabécar territory, cloud forest and coffee country. It reaches about 2,338 meters (7,670 feet) at its highest point. You can hike it self-guided or with a tour operator. Either way, book your overnight stays before you start.
This guide is for fit hikers thinking about walking all or part of the Camino de Costa Rica. It covers the route, the regions it crosses, how to plan, when to go, and what to watch for.
| Camino de Costa Rica | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 280 km (174 miles) |
| Stages | 16; usually 12 to 16 days |
| Start | A boat from Parismina or Barra del Pacuare to the pier at Goshen, on the Caribbean side |
| Finish | Quepos, on the Pacific coast |
| Highest point | About 2,338 m (7,670 ft) |
| Run by | Asociación Mar a Mar, a nonprofit |
| Best season | December to April (drier) |
| Difficulty | Challenging: long days, steep climbs and descents, heat and mud |
The route
What Is the Camino de Costa Rica?
El Camino de Costa Rica is a coast-to-coast walking route created and managed by the Asociación Mar a Mar, a nonprofit that has been bringing hikers through rural communities since 2018. The idea, loosely inspired by Spain’s Camino de Santiago, is to send visitors and their spending to towns that see few tourists. Hikers sleep in family homes and small lodges and, in one section, at campsites, and eat in local homes and sodas (small, family-run restaurants).
The route uses country roads, farm tracks and forest trails rather than a single purpose-built path. You can hike it end to end or in sections.
Regions
What You’ll Walk Through
Caribbean lowlands
The Camino starts with a boat ride along the Caribbean coast to the pier at Goshen. The first days cross hot, humid lowlands with banana and other plantations and small rural communities. Heat is the main challenge; start early and carry plenty of water.
Barbilla and the Cabécar territory
The route then climbs into the hills near Barbilla National Park and crosses the Nairi Awari Indigenous territory, home to Cabécar communities. This is the most remote part of the trail: dense rainforest, river crossings and camping. Hikers go through this section with local Cabécar guides; arrange them in advance through Mar a Mar or your tour operator.
Turrialba and Tapantí
Beyond the Pacuare River area, the route passes rural communities around Turrialba, including Pacayitas, then climbs toward Tapantí–Macizo de la Muerte National Park. Expect long climbs, cloud forest and much cooler nights. The highest point, about 2,338 meters, has cabins with fireplaces. See our guides to Tapantí National Park and Guayabo National Monument near Turrialba.
Coffee country and the Pacific
The later stages descend through the Los Santos coffee region, including Tarrazú, then drop toward the Pacific through warmer farmland. The Camino ends in Quepos, at a mural of an octopus overlooking the ocean. Manuel Antonio National Park is a short ride away. See our guides to coffee plantation tours, Manuel Antonio and hotels in Quepos and Manuel Antonio.
Planning
How to Plan Your Camino de Costa Rica Hike
Guided or self-guided
- With a tour operator: the operator books lodging, arranges guides for the Indigenous territory and often moves your bags. Many offer full-route trips, small-group departures and section hikes. Operators include UrriTrek.
- Self-guided: you plan each night yourself. You can use the FarOut app for GPS navigation; Mar a Mar recommends it and the El Camino de Costa Rica hiking guide by Evan Brashier. Mar a Mar can answer questions and help with planning.
Getting there and back
To reach the start, travel from San José to the Caribbean side and take a boat from Parismina or Barra del Pacuare to Goshen; operators and Mar a Mar can help with the connection. From Quepos at the end, buses, shuttles and short flights connect to San José. See our public bus guide.
Fitness
You don’t need mountaineering skills, but you do need to walk long days, back to back, with steep climbs and descents on loose or muddy ground, in heat and humidity. Train with long walks on hills carrying a daypack. Plan a rest day or two, and consider combining or splitting stages to suit your pace.
When to go
Best Time to Hike the Camino
The dry season, roughly December to April, is the most popular time, with firmer trails and more reliable river crossings. The trail is open year-round. In the rainy season, expect sunny mornings and afternoon storms, so start walking early. Mud, slippery descents and higher rivers make the rainy months harder, especially in the Caribbean lowlands and the Indigenous territory. See our guides to the rainy season and hiking in Costa Rica.
Health and safety
Health and Safety on the Trail
- Malaria: the first stages are in Limón province, where preventive malaria medication has been recommended for travelers. Ask a travel clinic well before you go. See our vaccinations guide.
- Water: carry enough for each day, and don’t drink from streams or rivers without treating the water. See our drinking water guide.
- Heat and sun: start early, rest in the hottest hours and protect yourself from the sun on exposed farm roads.
- Snakes and insects: watch where you step and put your hands, and use repellent.
- Communication: cell coverage is patchy in remote sections. Tell your hosts or operator your plans each day.
- Insurance: carry travel medical insurance that covers hiking and evacuation from remote areas.
Pack
What to Pack
- Broken-in trail shoes with good grip, plus sandals or light shoes for evenings.
- Quick-dry clothes, a rain jacket and a warm layer for the cold nights at altitude.
- A water filter or purification tablets, and bottles or a bladder for at least a full day.
- Sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a small first-aid kit.
- A headlamp, dry bags for electronics, and cash for small rural businesses.
- Camping gear for the Indigenous territory if your operator or hosts don’t supply it; ask in advance.
Our Costa Rica packing list covers the basics.
FAQ
Camino de Costa Rica: FAQ
How long is the Camino de Costa Rica?
About 280 km (174 miles), divided into 16 stages. Most hikers take 12 to 16 days to walk the full route.
Where does the Camino de Costa Rica start and end?
It starts on the Caribbean side, with a boat from Parismina or Barra del Pacuare to the pier at Goshen, and ends in Quepos on the Pacific coast.
Do I need a guide for the Camino de Costa Rica?
Not for the whole route; you can hike self-guided. The section through the Cabécar Indigenous territory is done with local guides, which you arrange in advance.
How hard is the Camino de Costa Rica?
It’s challenging. Expect long days, steep climbs and descents, heat, humidity and mud, with a high point of about 2,338 meters.
Can I hike just part of the Camino?
Yes. Many people hike sections, self-guided or with an operator. Book lodging in advance for every overnight stop.
When is the best time to hike the Camino de Costa Rica?
December to April is the driest and most popular time. The trail is open year-round, but the rainy months bring more mud and higher rivers.
The short version
The Camino de Costa Rica crosses the country coast to coast: about 280 km in 16 stages.
Book every overnight stay in advance, and arrange Cabécar guides for the Indigenous territory.
Go in the dry season if you can, and ask a travel clinic about malaria for the Caribbean stages.