Camino de Costa Rica Discovery Trek

Typical Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive in San José

   Enjoy your day visiting the sights of San José, Costa Rica’s capital. Highlights include the historic Barrio Amón, El Teatro Nacional Costa Rica, Spirogyra Butterfly Garden, and parks.

2. Day 2: Goshen to Cimarrones

   Today, you start your first trek along the iconic Camino de Costa Rica. After a boat trip to spot native wildlife, and a ceremonial dip in the ocean, you're ready to walk from your start point in Goshen to Cimarrones.

   Walking distance: 25 kilometres

3. Day 3: Trek to Las Brisas

   The next day, we ascend from Cimarrones onto Costa Rica’s countryside trails, until we reach Las Brisas and Nama Hi. Here we journey deeper into the landscape, passing indigenous communities and experiencing local life.

   Walking distance: 18 kilometres

4. Day 4: Head into the mountains to Tres Equis

   This part of the walk takes you into the mid-mountain region, through dense forests and across several river crossings. This area is home to the Cabécar people, who maintain traditional lifestyles living off the land, and spiritual customs.

   Walking distance: 22 kilometres

5. Day 5: Trek from Tres Equis to Pacayitas

   This section of Camino de Costa Rica showcases the beauty and cultural richness of the region. Walk through diverse landscapes, from the Eastern Central Valley, to breathtaking views across the Turrialba Volcano.

   Walking distance: 21 kilometres

6. Day 6: Discover diverse terrain and scenic landscapes to Pejibaye

   Today, embark along quiet roads from Pacayitas village, amongst farmland, sugar cane fields and lush vegetation. Enjoy the serene sounds of the Pejibaye River as the trail leads us near sections of the waterway.

   Walking distance: 18 kilometres

7. Day 7: Pejibaye to Rio Macho

   This section of the trek offers a blend of flourishing landscapes, rural communities and an insight into Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems. There are some steep ascents and descents on this stretch, but we're rewarded with incredible views across the Talamanca Mountain Range. 

   Today’s trek includes a transfer to Tapanti National Park.

   Walking distance: 25 kilometres

8. Day 8: Journey to Palo Verde

   Beginning in the Orosi Valley, today we hike through peaceful landscapes and the rolling hills of coffee plantations, passing by the Rio Macho hydroelectric project. The trek then takes us into the Tapanti Mountains, where we follow forest trails and keep an eye out for native birds and other wildlife.

   Walking distance: 24 kilometres

9. Day 9: Trek from Palo Verde to San Pable

   Today, embark on an adventure deeper into the Talamanca Mountain Range, one of Costa Rica’s most rugged and ecologically diverse regions. Here we reach the highest point along the Camino de Costa Rica, which offers breathtaking panoramic views.

   After reaching the summit, we descend into the scenic Los Santos region, a prime area within the countries’ renowned coffee-growing belt. Its lush green hillsides are home to some family-owned coffee plantations that produce some of the finest coffee globally.

   Walking distance: 30 kilometres

10. Day 10: Onward to La Esperanza

    From our accommodation in San Pablo, we continue on tranquil dirt roads through the Zona de los Santos. Located in the Tarrazú canton, this area is renowned for its high-quality coffee; due to its unique climate and fertile soil, Zona de los Santos coffee is often regarded as some of the best in the world.

    Walking distance: 13 kilometres

11. Day 11: Trek from La Esperanza to Esquipulas

    Our hike today takes us first to the village of Nápoles de Tarrazú. On the approach, we're rewarded with our first view of the Pacific Ocean, framed by the surrounding mountains. From Nápoles, we continue to the village of Naranjillo, a hidden gem renowned as a birdwatcher’s paradise.
    Here we could spot some of Costa Rica’s most colourful and elusive birds, including tanagers and species of hummingbirds.

    Walking distance: 27 kilometres

12. Day 12: The final stage of the Camino de Costa Rica

    Today, we're on the home stretch of the Camino de Costa Rica trail, hiking through palm oil plantations as we draw closer to the ocean. At the end of the trail, we're greeted by beautiful beaches and soothing surf of the Pacific Ocean.

    Walking distance: 23 kilometres

13. Day 13: Journeys end

    Make your own way to the airport for your return flight.