Local choices connect with authenticity, a genuine spirit of valuing what’s ours, and the ability to convey a genuinely native essence.
At Urritrek, we have always understood the importance of keeping the message of prioritizing local consumption alive. It is a core part of our philosophy, and we ensure that it permeates every one of our tours.
In this article, we want to share why we believe it is essential to always value what’s local—in areas such as food, accommodation choices, and selecting guides for the Camino de Costa Rica. Understanding this will help you appreciate the connection with the communities you visit on the tour. At the same time, we hope that from now on, this perspective will impact your life and future travel experiences.
First, what does “local” mean?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines a local food product as grown, produced, and distributed within 400 miles of its origin or the same state. However, the concept of "local" can vary depending on the context. We’ll use this definition as our reference.
Some USDA programs use terms like "local" or "regional" more flexibly, sometimes referring to food sourced from neighboring states or within a specific geographic region rather than adhering strictly to the 400-mile rule. Additionally, consumer perceptions of "local" may focus on factors such as small-scale production, seasonal availability, or direct relationships with farmers and producers rather than just geographic distance.
The Importance of Local Consumption
Urritrek generates a dozen direct jobs and over 100 indirect jobs. Our commitment to local consumption has ensured this impact remains strong.
Choosing local products and services brings numerous benefits, positively affecting the economy, the environment, and society. Some key aspects include:
Strengthening the Economy
Money circulates within the community by choosing local products, directly supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses. Our tours contribute positively to the local economy with every experience.
Environmental Sustainability
Reducing reliance on imported products decreases the carbon footprint generated by transportation and encourages sustainable production.
Cultural Preservation
Supporting local consumption helps keep traditions, native flavors, and craftsmanship alive.
Quality and Freshness
Regarding food, local products are often fresher, as they do not require long transportation or storage periods. Look at what hikers have enjoyed during their trip:
We love hearing stories from people who have changed by adopting a locally focused lifestyle. Here’s a great example: this blog by Owen Walsh, a North Carolina resident who admits to paying close attention to everything he eats. Among his habits, he places great importance on consuming local products. You can read more in one of his articles on the “The Human League” website.
Costa Rica as a model of local consumption
Costa Rica's commitment to local consumption is evident in many aspects of everyday life.
From farmers' markets to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, Costa Ricans have embraced this approach as part of their national identity. Choosing national products keeps traditions alive and reduces reliance on imports, fostering a more self-sufficient and sustainable economy.
Tourism is another sector where local consumption is essential. Costa Rica has developed a sustainable tourism model, encouraging travelers to choose local options instead of international chains. This is evident in the preference for boutique hotels, tours led by local guides, and restaurants offering fresh, native ingredients.
Can Costa Ricans be considered true advocates of local consumption? Absolutely! A national study conducted by a credit card company found that, after the pandemic, the philosophy of buying local significantly increased. According to the same document, 72% of shoppers actively invest in their community to support local stores, and 90% plan to continue even after all restrictions are lifted.
How local consumption works in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known for its biodiversity, sustainability efforts, and a strong sense of community. Among its many responsible practices, prioritizing local consumption has become a key aspect for both residents and visitors.
This approach strengthens the national economy and contributes to environmental conservation and the promotion of Costa Rican culture. Some key areas where this commitment is evident include:
Food
Across the country, farmers' markets are a weekly routine for many Costa Ricans. Consumers can purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and artisanal products directly from producers, ensuring quality and supporting the local economy.
We visit small family- or community-run businesses focusing on seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes during our tours.
With local cooks, you can try dishes like gallo pinto, gallitos en tortilla, rice and beans (on the Caribbean coast), coffee-based specialties, and tropical desserts, among others.
Tour Guides
Tourism in Costa Rica is all about authentic experiences. Choosing local guides ensures in-depth knowledge of the environment, creates jobs in rural communities, and supports the development of lesser-known destinations.
Urritrek was founded in 2018 by two Costa Ricans, and today our team includes local guides like Joseph, Kattia, Eliseo, and Isaac, who know the terrain inside and out. Their leadership enriches the tours, providing valuable insights and genuine Costa Rican experiences.
Souvenirs & Handicrafts
Visitors can find various handmade crafts by Costa Rican artisans, from ceramics to wooden goods and textiles. Buying local souvenirs means taking home an authentic piece of the country’s culture.
Accommodation
Instead of staying in large hotel chains, tourists can choose eco-lodges, jungle retreats, and family-run guesthouses, promoting a fairer and more responsible tourism model.
This is precisely what we support. Not only does it provide a more authentic way to connect with the places we visit, but it also helps local businesses thrive. In fact, at Urritrek, we are genuinely pleased to see how the economic situation of families with lodging businesses that host us along our journey has improved. Seeing these improvements reminds us of the importance of supporting these initiatives by choosing their services and introducing them to new customers. Preferring these kinds of projects provides genuine support.
How to make local consumption a lifestyle
Adopting local consumption as a daily habit requires a mindset shift and small changes in purchasing habits. Here are some tips to get started:
- Research Local Options: Identify what products and services are available in the community. Look up information before traveling and ask locals for recommendations.
- Prioritize Local Markets & Shops: Avoid large chains and choose small, family-run businesses to help strengthen the local economy. In cities, visit independent stores; in rural areas, seek out locally owned restaurants that use regional ingredients.
- Choose Authentic Experiences: From tourism to gastronomy, opting for locally managed options provides a deeper cultural connection.
- Spread the Word: Sharing the importance of local consumption with friends and family helps encourage more people to join the movement.
Challenges of local consumption and How to overcome them
Supporting local consumption has multiple benefits. However, one of the main difficulties in adopting it as a daily practice is that it can be perceived as more expensive and harder to find. Learning more about this and identifying solutions allows for more informed and committed decision-making. Let’s take a closer look:
1. Perceived higher prices vs. Long-term value
Local products and services are often seen as more expensive compared to imported options or large chain stores. However, it is essential to consider the real value behind each purchase:
- The quality is usually superior, as many local products are handmade or crafted with fresh, sustainable ingredients.
- The investment goes back into the community, creating jobs and strengthening the local economy.
- In the case of gastronomy, choosing local ingredients reduces the carbon footprint and promotes a more authentic and healthier cuisine.
2. Limited availability of local alternatives in some regions
In certain destinations, finding 100% local options can be challenging, especially for specific products or in areas where globalization has displaced traditional businesses. Some strategies to address this include:
- Researching before traveling to identify markets, cooperatives, and local businesses.
- Asking residents for recommendations; many of the best options are not available online. You’ll uncover hidden gems as you explore.
3. The influence of international tourism on consumer preferences
The growth of global tourism has, in some cases, led to local experiences and products being replaced by more commercial offerings targeted at international visitors. This can dilute cultural authenticity and make it harder for small businesses to compete. To counteract this:
- Choose accommodations, restaurants, and activities that highlight local identity instead of those that replicate global standards.
- Opt for artisanal souvenirs rather than mass-produced items unrelated to Costa Rican culture.
- Support rural and sustainable tourism initiatives that work directly with communities.
Overcoming these challenges is not only possible but also ensures that every purchase decision has a positive and lasting impact on the country you're visiting.
Responsible tourism minimizes negative impacts on the environment and local communities while creating more meaningful experiences for travelers and hosts. This philosophy has become the norm in Costa Rica, promoting practices like respecting nature, choosing sustainable tour operators, and supporting local businesses.
As mentioned earlier, this approach also involves reducing waste, respecting biodiversity, and contributing directly to the local economy. Every decision—from where to stay to which activities to book—can make a difference.
By choosing locally, tourism becomes an enjoyable experience and a powerful tool for sustainable development.
With Urritrek, you support local consumption
If you love supporting local consumption and making it a part of your lifestyle, choosing Urritrek tours helps make that happen.
We have guided over 700 hikers through these practices to experience Costa Rica’s breathtaking landscapes, nature, and cuisine.
We will continue adopting these principles to strengthen the economy, preserve culture, and protect the environment.
Furthermore, we hope this article has convinced you that embracing this philosophy benefits local communities and allows us to connect more deeply with our surroundings and enjoy higher-quality products and services.
Following Costa Rica’s example is a way to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world. Will you join the change? Hike The Camino de Costa Rica with Urritrek.
