4.9 (352+ reviews)

16 days hike - El Camino de Costa Rica

Join the 789 hikers who’ve taken on El Camino de Costa Rica
Hiker level: Intermediate
Capable of walking up to: 11-15 miles / 18-25 km per day
Total elevation gain: 9157m / 30043ft
Total elevation loss: 8876m / 29121ft

The tour offers hikers the opportunity to have real contact with the people of the communities, taste local food, experience the rural Costa Rican lifestyle, interact with indigenous communities, explore the different ecosystems of Costa Rica, and be the only trail that allows crossing the American continent in a few days and in a safe manner.

  • 16-Day Program:
    Perfect for those who want to fully experience El Camino de Costa Rica at a relaxed pace, savoring each stage of the journey with ample time for exploration and cultural immersion.

Includes:
• Transfers from San José to starting point.
• Three meals a day.
• Accommodations.
• Certified guides.
• Luggage transport between stages.
• Entrance fees to private areas.
• Accident insurance and evacuation protocol.
• Camino de Costa Rica passport.

The $650 deposit secures your spot on the hike
Total price $3300 (based on a minimum of 4 participants)
The remaining balance is paid in installments
For groups of 3 or less, there's a small group supplement
FAQ

Yes! All tours include three meals a day, with vegetarian options available on request. Note: specialized diets (keto, carnivore, and similar) may incur an additional cost.

Yes, all nights are included — no surprise charges for lodging.

Absolutely. If you need to adjust your dates, just reach out as early as possible so we have enough time to update your reservation.

We encourage you to push yourself, but if you need a break, transportation between stages is included. Note: support is available at designated transfer points only, not during active hiking sections. Unplanned transportation during stages have an extra fee.

Total price $3300 (based on a minimum of 4 participants)
$650.00
$650.00

Full itinerary for your: 16 days hike - El Camino de Costa Rica

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Itinerary, inclusions and highlights of 16 days hike - El Camino de Costa Rica

Tour overview

Day 1
  • Leaving from: San José (3 h drive) 
  • Hiking time: 3 h aprox
  • Distance: 3 km - 2 mi
  • Destination: Barra de Pacuare 
  • Stops: Stop 1. Muelle Goshem Stop 2. Aventuras del Caribe Stop 3. Barra Pacuare
Day 2
  • Leaving from: Barra de Pacuare 
  • Hiking time: 8 hours
  • Distance: 25 km - 15.6 mi
  • Destination: Cimarrones 
  • Stops: Stop 1. Muelle Goshen Stop 2. Fruit station at San Carlos
Day 3
  • Leaving from: Cimarrones 
  • Hiking time: 8 hours
  • Distance: 18 km - 11.25 mi
  • Destination: Tsinekisha 
  • Stops: Stop 1. Picnic Lunch 
Day 4
  • Leaving from: Tsinekisha 
  • Hiking time: 8 hours
  • Distance: 14 km - 8,75 mi
  • Destination: Tsiobata 
  • Stops: Regular resting stops. 
Day 5
  • Leaving from: Tsiobata 
  • Hiking time: 8 hours
  • Distance: 20 km - 12.5 mi
  • Destination: Pacayitas 
  • Stops: Stop 1. Lunch at Cucho's Restaurant. 
Day 6
  • Leaving from: Pacayitas 
  • Hiking time: 6 hours
  • Distance: 14 km - 8.5 mi
  • Destination: Sitio de Mata
  • Stops: Stop 1. View poit Fila Balalaika 
Day 7
  • Leaving from: Sitio de Mata 
  • Hiking time: 8 hours
  • Distance: 17 km - 8.5 mi
  • Destination: Humo Pejibaye 
  • Stops: Stop 1. Pilar Family project. 
Day 8
  • Leaving from: Humo Pejibaye 
  • Hiking time: 8 hours
  • Distance: 24 km - 15 mi
  • Destination: Río Macho 
  • Stops: Stop 1. Mariana's Restaurant for lunch 
Day 9
  • Leaving from: Río Macho 
  • Hiking time: 6 hours
  • Distance: 15 km - 9.3 mi
  • Destination: Navarro de Muñeco 
  • Stops: Regular resting stops 
Day 10
  • Leaving from: Navarro de Muñeco 
  • Hiking time: 8 hours
  • Distance: 14 km - 8.75 mi
  • Destination: Palo Verde 
  • Stops: Palo Verde Reserve 
Day 11
  • Leaving from: Palo Verde 
  • Hiking time: 6 hours
  • Distance: 11 km - 6.8 mi
  • Destination: El Empalme 
  • Stops: Regular resting stops. 
Day 12
  • Leaving from: El Emapalme
  • Hiking time: 8 hours
  • Distance: 20 km - 12.5 mi
  • Destination: San Pablo 
  • Stops: Regular resting stops. 
Day 13
  • Leaving from: San Pablo
  • Hiking time: 6 hours
  • Distance:13 km - 8.2 mi
  • Destination: La Esperanza 
  • Stops: Regular resting stops. 
Day 14
  • Leaving from: La Esperanza 
  • Hiking time: 8 hours
  • Distance:14 km - 8.75 mi
  • Destination: Naranjillo 
  • Stops: Regular resting stops. 
Day 15
  • Leaving from: Naranjillo 
  • Hiking time: 6 hours
  • Distance:12 km - 7.5 mi
  • Destination: Esquipulas 
  • Stops: Regular resting stops. 
Day 16
  • Leaving from: Esquipulas
  • Hiking time: 8 hours
  • Distance:23 km - 14.4 mi
  • Destination: Esquipulas 
  • Stops: Stop 1. Quepos sign. 

Day 1 Aventuras del Caribe

  • Family project in Madre de Dios Lagoon
    Accommodation options: Shared room cabin

Day 2 Hotel Pacuare

  • Accommodation options: Shared double room
    Single supplement available

Day 3 Camping Las Brisas School

  • A community project that helps the school
    Accommodation options: Indoor camping

Day 4 Camping Tsiobata

  • A community project
    Accommodation options: Indoor camping

Day 5 Rita's Place

  • Rural tourism communal project
    Accommodation options: Local house with shared rooms

Day 6 Aromas del Campo Cabins

  • Family project
    Accommodation options: Shared double room

Day 7 Cabañas Margarita

  • Family project
    Accommodation options: Shared room

Day 8 Rio Macho Lodge

  • Family project
    Accommodation options: Shared double room and Single supplement available

Day 9 Navarro Cabana

  • Family house
    Accommodation options: Shared room

Day 10 Cabañas Turísticas Cerro Alto

  • Family project
    Accommodation options: Shared room and Single supplement available

Day 11 Cabañas Turísticas Cerro Alto

  • Family project
    Accommodation options: Shared room
    Single supplement available

Day 12 Hotel Palenque Tarrazú

  • Accommodation options: Shared room
    Single supplement available

Day 13 Finca Los Lirios

  • Family project
    Accommodation options: Shared room

Day 14 Campamento Paraíso

  • Family project
    Accommodation options: Camping

Day 15 Esquipulas Rainforest Lodge

  • Family project
    Accommodation options: Camping

Day 16

  • No accommodation included.

---

  • Accommodation may vary according to availability to a similar lodging.
  • Transfers from San José to Caribbean Coast.
  • Boat transfers at Canal Goshen.
  • Three meals a day.
  • A mix of accommodation between family projects, hotels, cabins, cabanas and lodges.
  • Certified guide and indigenous cabecar guide.
  • Camping gear (Matt, pillow, sleeping bag, tent).
  • Entrance fees to private areas.
  • Luggage transportation between stages.
  • Insurance in case of accident.
  • Evacuation protocol in case of accident.
  • Camino de Costa Rica passport .

Unique features of the tour:

  • Madre de Dios Lagoon
  • Abundant and exuberant flora and fauna
  • Caribbean views of the coast
  • Lots of bird species
  • Indigenous territories
  • Pacuare River nest crossing
  • Local family projects
  • Cultural immersion
  • Amazing views of volcanoes and ranges
  • Dense forest areas
  • Gastronomic experience
  • History, culture, and nature
  • Best coffee in the world area
  • River swimming
  • Hundreds of amazing landscapes

For all stages:

  • Hiking shoes or trekking boots
  • Socks for tropical weather
  • Quick-dry shorts or pants
  • Quick-dry long or short sleeve t-shirt
  • Hat or cap
  • Optional sunglasses
  • Optional sun umbrella
  • Trekking poles
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Medicine
  • Raincoat
  • Flashlight
  • Bath towel
  • Swimsuit

For the day backpack:

  • 2 liters of water
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Snacks
  • Personal first aid kit

Special requirements for Stage 3:

  • Long pants for insect protection
  • Snake guards (optional)
  • Quick-dry underwear for river crossings
  • Sandals for river crossings or lightweight water shoes
  • Long sleeve shirt or quick-dry shirt
  • Hiking poles

Always in your backpack:

  • 2 liters of water
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Extra snacks
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Small towel
Prepare yourself properly for the adventure ahead

Considerations for Long-Distance Hiking

Physical Fitness

Hiking long trails requires good physical fitness (we can make some accommodations, don't worry), including a strong aerobic base and leg strength. The average hiker covers 16-24 miles (26-39 kilometers) per day, though most people limit themselves to 15 miles (24 kilometers) to avoid excessive stress.

Nutrition and Hydration

Proper nutrition and hydration are essential. Trail snacks and meals should balance carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Carry enough water and consider water-treatment supplies.

Weather and Terrain Considerations

Terrain and weather significantly impact hiking. In hot weather, focus on hydration and electrolytes at least a week before hiking. Costa Rican terrain, especially in forested areas, can be muddy, so sturdy hiking boots are necessary.

Health Check

Before a long hike, a health check is advisable to ensure there are no underlying health issues that could be exacerbated by the physical exertion.

What our hikers say

5.00

“We completed the Camino de Costa Rica with UrriTrek in 9 days. It was an unforgettable experience exploring the landscape, culture, and cuisine of Costa Rica. Juancho was an excellent guide, knowledgeable, adaptable, and provided historical context, expertly adjusting the stages”

Laia Linares Ortells
Facebook User review
5.00

“Completing the Camino de Costa Rica with UrriTrek was life-changing. Guided by Juancho "Oso" and Andres, we experienced Costa Rica's natural beauty and culture. I'm forever grateful for the unforgettable journey. Pura Vida!”

Jorge Gaona
Facebook User review
5.00

“Interesting routes, warmth and knowledge from the guide, very good price for everything included (transport, fruit, lunch, and guiding). Recommended.”

Carolina Huelgo
Facebook User review
El Camino de Costa Rica

Find your next hike

There are different program lengths available to complete the Camino de Costa Rica: 16, 14, 11, and 8 days.