Itinerary, inclusions and highlights of Camino de Costa Rica - Self-Guided Hiker Lodging Package (15 Nights)

Tour overview

  • Have experience with multi-day or long-distance hiking
  • Prefer to set your own pace without a group schedule
  • Want to hike El Camino de Costa Rica independently but need lodging and logistics organized
  • Are comfortable navigating with GPS apps (FarOut, Wikiloc, Komoot) and basic Spanish
  • Have already arranged your own transport to Muelle Goshen and from Quepos

Not sure yet? Browse our guided tour options if you'd prefer a fully supported experience with meals, certified guide, and group support vehicle.

Night by Night

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1st Night

Option — Stage 1a
Green Gold Lodge

  • Caribbean lowlands
  • Accommodation options: Full Service

Option — Stage 1b
Casa Tamandúa

  • Cimarrones foothills · Lunch box included on hiking day
  • Accommodation options: Full Service

2nd Night — Campamento Nama Ju

  • Stage 2 · Remote rainforest
  • Accommodation options: Full Service

3rd Night — Campamento Ju Tsiobata

  • Stage 3 · Cabecar Indigenous Territory
  • Accommodation options: Full Service · Indigenous guide required (not included)

4th Night — Finca 3X

  • Stage 4 · Rural family farm
  • Accommodation options: Full Service

5th Night — Casa Rita

  • Stage 5 · Local community stay
  • Accommodation options: Full Service

6th Night — Cabaña Aromas del Campo

  • Stage 6 · Mountain zone
  • Accommodation options: Full Service

7th Night — Cabaña Jorleny

  • Stage 7 · Traditional rural lodging
  • Accommodation options: Full Service

8th Night — Río Macho Lodge

  • Stage 8 · Tapantí watershed
  • Accommodation options: Full Service

9th Night — Cabaña Verde

  • Stage 9 · Orosi Valley
  • Accommodation options: Full Service

10th Night — Pedacito de Guatape

  • Stage 10 · Cloud forest
  • Accommodation options: Full Service

11th Night — Cabañas Turísticas Cerro Alto

  • Stage 11 · Trail's highest point (~2,365m)
  • Accommodation options: Full Service

12th Night — Hacienda Tarrazú

  • Stage 12 · Pacific side begins
  • Accommodation options: Full Service

13th Night — Finca Los Lirios

  • Stage 13 · Zona de los Santos coffee region
  • Accommodation options: Full Service

14th Night — Campamento Paraíso

  • Stage 14 · First Pacific Ocean views
  • Accommodation options: Full Service

15th Night — Campamento Esquipulas Rain Forest

  • Stage 15 · Final night before the Pacific
  • Accommodation options: Full Service

16th Day — Pacific Ocean, Quepos

  • No accommodation included. Journey complete. 🌊

What's included

15 nights of accommodation across all stages of El Camino de Costa Rica

2 Meals a day breakfast and dineer

Pre-booked lodging at URRITREK's trusted network of family-run lodges, cabins, homestays, and eco-camps

Camino de Costa Rica passport — the official trail stamp book

WhatsApp support from URRITREK throughout your hike for logistics questions

 

What's not included

  • Airport transfer to the trail's starting point (Muelle Goshen, Limón Province)
  • Return transfer from the trail's end point (Quepos, Puntarenas)
  • Lunch
  • Hiking guide or trail escort
  • Entrance fees to private areas or indigenous reserves
  • Travel insurance
  • Gear (tent, sleeping bag, trekking poles, etc.)

Our recommendation 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.
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.