Incredible waterfall scenery, Costa Rica | Sophie Panton

Flora and fauna in abundance along the Camino de Costa Rica

Blue skies as we hike through the heart of Costa Rica | Mark Watson

A cute sloth enjoying a belly scratch in the Costa Rican rainforest

Green iguana

Dense jungle trails await you on the Camino de Costa Rica

Hike the Camino de Costa Rica

Hike the best of the Camino de Costa Rica on an immersive journey through rainforest, mountain trails & vibrant local communities.

Costa Rica

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1 review

10 Days from

$3390 USD

Trip Code: CDC

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Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement

$330 USD

Duration

10 Days

Activities

7 days hike

Style

Classic Adventures

Accommodation

2 nights hotel
7 nights supported camps

Meals

7 Dinners
8 Lunches
9 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint

31kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(277kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Complete a coast-to-coast journey across Costa Rica on sections of the Camino de Costa Rica
Hike through rainforest, farmland, mountain terrain and coffee-growing regions and undertake climbs of Las Brisas and El Nido del Tigre
Stay in rural communities including Tres Equis and Mollejones, with opportunities to experience local food and music, travelling with Indigenous guides
Begin at the Caribbean coast and finish at the Pacific Ocean, finishing near Manuel Antonio to unwind after the hike

Overview

The Camino de Costa Rica is a rewarding coast-to-coast journey that reveals a side of the country few travellers see. Spanning 280 kilometres (174 miles) from Parismina on the Caribbean coast to Quepos on the Pacific, this trail links rainforest, rural communities and mountain landscapes in one richly varied walking experience. On this itinerary, we have selected the best sections of the route, combining memorable hiking with authentic local encounters.

Your journey begins in San José before travelling to the Caribbean coast through Braulio Carrillo National Park. From here, a scenic boat journey leads to the trail and your first walk by the sea, setting the tone for the adventure ahead. Over the following days, you hike through changing landscapes, from jungle paths and rural roads to more challenging ascents including Las Brisas and El Nido del Tigre. Along the way, Indigenous guides share their knowledge of the trail, while local communities offer a warm welcome and a deeper connection to the country’s culture and way of life.

The experience is as much about immersion as it is about walking. Overnight stays at places such as Tres Equis and Mollejones add a cultural dimension, with opportunities to enjoy local cooking and dancing. As you continue towards the Pacific side, the scenery shifts again to coffee plantations and sweeping coastal views en route to Naranjillo and Esquipulas. The journey concludes near Manuel Antonio, where you can complete your coast-to-coast crossing and celebrate at the Pacific Ocean after an unforgettable walk across Costa Rica.

Itinerary

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Bienvenidos Costa Rica. On arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, you’ll be met by a local representative who will assist you with your transfer to your centrally located hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to explore the nearby parks, cafes or markets, or simply relax after your journey. Overnight: Sleep Inn Hotel or similar

Meals: Nil

The adventure begins with a scenic 3-hour drive to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, passing through Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of the country’s largest and most pristine rainforest reserves. At Caño Blanco port, you’ll board a boat that winds through quiet waterways toward the trailhead near the sea. From here, enjoy a gentle warm-up hike along the coast to start your journey from the Caribbean sea, before transferring to your riverside campsite at Finca Pacuarito. Walking distance: approx. 5 km / 3.1 mi, 2 hours (+50 m / +164 ft) Overnight: Finca Pacuarito Campsite

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, begin your steady ascent toward the small rural community of Las Brisas. Today’s hike follows a mix of forest trails and quiet local roads, gradually climbing from the Caribbean lowlands into the foothills of the mountains. Along the way, enjoy expansive views and keep watch for local birdlife in the treetops. The day ends at the Indigenous Community of Tsiobata, where you'll settle into camp surrounded by nature. Walking distance: approx. 18 km / 11.2 mi, 6–7 hours (+800 m / +2,625 ft, -300 m / -985 ft) Overnight: Tsiobata Campsite

Meals: B,L,D

Today you’ll be joined by an indigenous guide who will lead you along a traditional trail still used by the Maleku people to traverse the jungle. The route winds deep into the tropical forest, climbing and descending steep sections and crossing multiple creeks. It’s a long and rewarding day on foot, surrounded by rich biodiversity. The final descent brings you to the banks of the Pacuare River. After crossing, you’ll arrive at tonight’s camp: El Nido del Tigre. Walking distance: approx. 13 km / 8.1 mi, 9–10 hours (+700 m / +2,297 ft, -500 m / -1,640 ft) Overnight: El Nido del Tigre Campsite

Meals: B,L,D

Wake to the peaceful sounds of the Pacuare River, with birdsong and the calls of distant howler monkeys echoing through the forest. Today’s journey follows scenic trails and rural roads that trace the river’s edge, offering expansive views along the way. Upon reaching Tres Equis, you’ll transfer to the nearby community of El Humo, located beside the Pejibaye River. Here, you have the chance to cool off with a refreshing swim. Walking distance: approx. 15 km / 9.3 mi, 7–8 hours (+600 m / +1,970 ft, -400 m / -1,312 ft) Overnight: Community campsite, El Humo

Meals: B,L,D

Today’s journey begins in the rural community of El Humo. The trail follows a mix of quiet paved roads and rural footpaths, winding through a lush landscape of tropical forest and small agricultural settlements. As the day progresses, the route becomes more demanding, with a steady climb alongside the boundary of Tapantí National Park – one of Costa Rica’s most biologically diverse regions. You’ll pass the Río Macho Hydroelectric Plant and enter highland terrain filled with cloud forest, waterfalls and coffee plantations. Panoramic views open up across the mountains and valleys of central Costa Rica. The day’s hike concludes in the colonial town of Orosi, nestled in a fertile valley surrounded by emerald green hills. Here, you’ll settle into a peaceful lodge just outside the town. Walking distance: approx. 18–22 km / 11.2–13.7 mi, 6–8 hours (+900 m / +2,953 ft) Overnight: Orokay Lodge Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

After an early morning transfer, you’ll begin your first hike on the Pacific side of Costa Rica around Santa Maria de Dota. The afternoon is spent walking along quiet rural roads that weave through coffee-growing regions. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history, cultural significance, and economic importance of coffee production in Costa Rica. The day ends in the small mountain community of Mata de Caña, the last settlement on the central range before you begin your descent toward the Pacific coast. Walking distance: approx. 16 km / 9.9 mi, 5–7 hours (+500 m / 1,640 ft ascent) Overnight: Community campsite, Mata de Caña

Meals: B,L,D

After a short vehicle transfer, the day’s trek resumes along old plantation roads that lead to the town of Naranjillo. Midway through the hike, you’ll stop at a scenic waterfall, the perfect spot for a refreshing swim and a relaxed lunch in nature. As the trail continues, the landscape gradually opens up to reveal your first glimpses of the Pacific coast and the lush terrain that surrounds it. Walking distance: approx. 13 km / 8.1 mi, 5–7 hours (+100 m / +328 ft, -800 m / -2,625 ft) Overnight: Community campsite, Naranjillo

Meals: B,L,D

It’s the final push to the Pacific! Today’s descent takes you from the central highlands down to the small rural community of Esquipulas. After completing the hike, you’ll visit a nearby waterfall on the Naranjo River, a refreshing reward before transitioning from the mountains to the coast. In the afternoon, transfer to Quepos, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic beach towns, known for its white sand beaches, vibrant wildlife, and if time allows a visit to the nearby spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park. Walking distance: approx. 13 km / 8.1 mi, 5–6 hours (+200 m / 656 ft ascent, -750 m / 2,460 ft descent) Overnight: Kamuk Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Quepos, a chance to walk along the beach, swim in the warm Pacific waters, or simply soak in the coastal atmosphere, and if time allows, a visit to the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park. In the afternoon, you’ll transfer by vehicle back to San José or Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) for your onward flight. Trip concludes in San Jose, If you plan to continue your journey in Costa Rica, please enquire about additional trips and accommodation options our team can assist. Transfer duration: approx. 3.5–4.5 hours (depending on traffic)

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

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What's included?

Included

9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 7 dinners
Experienced guides
Airport transfers (days 1 and 10 only)
All included transportation noted in itinerary
Good quality hotel accommodation
Supported camp sites
Sleeping bag and pad
Expert tour leaders and guides
All entrance fees, charges and government taxes for activities and locations noted in the itinerary.
24 hour emergency support and group medical kit.

Not included

Flights
Travel Insurance
Visa
Meals not indicated
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc