There are many great Camino routes in Europe… but one under the radar destination for hiking is located in another part of the world entirely. 

Known for its tropical rainforests, colourful wildlife and lush beaches, Costa Rica also provides avid hikers the chance to experience rural tourism through mountains, forests and valleys.

The Camino de Costa Rica, which stretches 280 km from the Caribbean sea to the Pacific Ocean, is seeing a rise in visitors looking to participate in authentic cultural activities outside the main tourist hotspots. The route has 16 sections and meant for hikers who are easily able to walk 15km a day.

Here are some highlights from various points of the route:

Stages 3 & 4 – Indigenous Zones

At this point of the Camino de Costa Rica, hikers get to experience the unique sights and sounds of the Costa Rican jungle, which has been protected for generations by local indigenous communities. It’s at this stage in the journey that travellers will be accompanied by a Cabecar indigenous guide, who explains the connection to the land, how the tribes use flora and fauna in their daily lives, and shares stories of the area. 

Stage 5 – Walk the Mountain Range

During this stage of the trek, travellers walk along the top of the Talamanca Mountain range, with spectacular views on a clear day of the Caribbean plains. Small sugar cane mills can be found in the area, with many sugar cane fields found in the Turrialba Valley below.

Stage 10 – The Cloud Forest

The route beginning in Navarro de Muñeco sees travellers make a 2km hike towards the Palo Verde Cloud Forest, where a further 6km are traversed amidst the primary forest. The walk is surrounded by the song of the Bell Bird and other avian friends, and travellers should keep an eye out for the resplendent Quetzal during this stage.

Stage 12 – Sweeping views

For stage 12, the day’s hike starts at the Jardín de Dota junction and passes by an old abandoned pit in Cerro la Roca before continuing on to Cerro la Trinidad. If the weather allows, hikers can make the ascent to the summit of Cerro Trinidad to see stunning vistas of the towns of San Marcos and San Pablo.

Stage 16 – The Pacific Ocean

The final leg of the Camino de Costa Rica starts in the town of Villa Nueva, before heading towards the Quepos boardwalk, where the pacific ocean welcomes weary walkers with its cool waves and picturesque beaches. It’s at this point travellers can say they have traversed the country from coast to coast, and hiked 280km, an admirable feat. 

While the Camino de Costa Rica is suitable for different levels of hikers, it is suggested that less experienced hikers take their time and choose a longer duration. Customized itineraries to include individual portions of the route can also be developed in co-ordination with specialist hiking companies in the country such as Urri Trek and Ticos a Pata.

For advanced travellers, 11 days are recommended to complete the Camino,  14 days for intermediate hikers and 16 days for moderate hikers.