El Camino de Costa Rica - a new Coast to Coast Camino!

[LCT]

My husband and I just completed the El Camino de Costa Rica. It was mind blowing! An approximate 16 day trek from the Atlantic to the Pacific through 5 ecosystems and 16 stages approx 280 KM.... a little of everything including coastline, jungle, rainforest, cloud forest. The El Camino de Costa Rica is still in its infancy stages so not at all crowded and overdeveloped. We did many home stays and small lodges where we were housed and fed, all included. The trail runs through the indigenous territory, too and is helping the less populated and tourist areas of Costa Rica to sustain themselves. Our guide, Juancho from UrriTrek is an encyclopedia of flora and fauna!! More importantly, he is passionate about his country and people. We are avid hikers and travelers and by far, this was our very best adventure yet. Would love to share my life changing experiences and thanks for sharing yours! A must do for hikers of all ages!!! https://www.urritrekcostarica.com/ We are ready to take on our next Camino and look forward to learning from you all.

 

[Former member 104756]

That looks amazing. I have a nephew living in a rural area of Costa Rica. We haven’t visited him yet. I must send him the map and see where he is in relation to the walk. Thank you.

 

[J Willhaus]

My husband and I just completed the El Camino de Costa Rica. It was mind blowing! An approximate 16 day trek from the Atlantic to the Pacific through 5 ecosystems and 16 stages approx 280 KM.... a little of everything including coastline, jungle, rainforest, cloud forest. The El Camino de Costa Rica is still in its infancy stages so not at all crowded and overdeveloped. We did many home stays and small lodges where we were housed and fed, all included. The trail runs through the indigenous territory, too and is helping the less populated and tourist areas of Costa Rica to sustain themselves. Our guide, Juancho from UrriTrek is an encyclopedia of flora and fauna!! More importantly, he is passionate about his country and people. We are avid hikers and travelers and by far, this was our very best adventure yet. Would love to share my life changing experiences and thanks for sharing yours! A must do for hikers of all ages!!! https://www.urritrekcostarica.com/ We are ready to take on our next Camino and look forward to learning from you all.

Does it require hired guide? Can it be done with only a map or some kind of written guide?

 

[LCT]

Does it require hired guide? Can it be done with only a map or some kind of written guide?

No, it really does need to be done with a guide for a couple of reasons. First, when you go through the indigenous territory, they require an indigenous guide to travel through their territory. Second, the trail is not very well marked. Third, because so many of the accommodations are arranged privately through the few guides and tour operators (because much of the route does not have many accommodation options and even meal options), it really makes sense to work with a guide/tour. Yet, we did this completely alone with our guide. While I believe a couple of people have done it without a guide (and we have hiked other trails both ways- with and without), this particular Camino was WELL WORTH the guide and help. It would not have been near the experience it was to do family stays and to learn so very much about the country, plants, animals etc. We researched this for well over one year and finally chose Urri Trek. Two guys who gave up full time careers to do this. Their hearts are in it and you won't be sorry.

 

[LCT]

That looks amazing. I have a nephew living in a rural area of Costa Rica. We haven’t visited him yet. I must send him the map and see where he is in relation to the walk. Thank you.

Terrific! Hope you can do it!! We wanted to do it before it got too popular. Hope you can, too

 

[sun is shining]

That sounds beautiful! Can you give us an approximate budget for the guides / lodging / food?

 

[Former member 104756]

Î followed the Urritrek link in the first post and the costs are all there. Gréât website And detailed itineraries

 

[LCT]

That sounds beautiful! Can you give us an approximate budget for the guides / lodging / food?

It really depends on the level of accommodation you want and probably the number of people. One reason we chose UrriTrek was we could customize the accommodation and in the end, we wanted to go alone which they were able to do. They also included moving our main duffle bag so we could hike with our day packs and all our meals. So, really just snacks and tips were not included. From what I remember as we created our plans, it ranged from about $3000 per person to $4,200 per person for the 2 1/2 weeks, but I am happy to share the contact information if you want so you can get a better idea, based on what you desire.

 

[LCT]

That sounds beautiful! Can you give us an approximate budget for the guides / lodging / food?

Yes, I too just looked at UrriTrek link and the costs are less than I thought. We added 3 days to our Camino ( white water rafting, thermal pool day and Quepos, so our costs were different.

 

[sun is shining]

Thanks for the response! I bet you had an absolutely amazing time - mesoamerica is a wonderful region.

 

[LCT]

Thanks for the response! I bet you had an absolutely amazing time - mesoamerica is a wonderful region.

We are both having terrible post Camino blues. Can't even begin to tell you how life changing it is for both of us. Not to mention, we made a forever friend and will go back for sure!

 

[Former member 104756]

Thanks again for this @LCT I asked my sister exactly where my nephew lives. She said it's Ojochal - about an hour by car from the end of the trail on the Pacific side. I guess I have no excuse.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

My husband and I just completed the El Camino de Costa Rica

Your enthusiasm is contagious and your pictures are lovely!
Costa Rica in summer sounds very hot, humid and buggy. Were any of these things a negative? I've been to Mexico in the summer many years ago and all three were present with the exception of higher elevations.
I personally would never attempt this walk without a guide; it sounds like yours was exceptional and he truly enhanced your trip.

 

[LCT]

The guide... yes, he truly enhanced the trip and we have learned that it can work both ways so we did our research before we chose him and Urritrek! He beyond enhanced it, along with his partner, who exceeded all expectations along the way with their accommodation choices, food, connections, knowledge, and little surprises. As for the weather, it was perhaps an even bigger surprise! We live currently in South Florida so expected terribly hot and humid and yes, bugs. Fortunately, it was cooler and less humid in Costa Rica than here and we experienced very few bugs. We actually only used bug spray the first 2 days on the Atlantic and then the day we went through the indigenous jungle (although I would not recommend that). We only had A/C twice, I believe, and had no problem with that at all.. Not possible in Florida in July! Remember that after the first couple of stages, you begin to climb and so the weather changes throughout the whole middle of the Camino. We even used blankets and light jackets in the higher elevations.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Thanks for the extra details, LCT!

 

[LTfit]

It looks incredible but I assume quite a bit more expensive for those of us who live in Europe due to travel expenses. I'll check out the link though. One can always dream

 

[LCT]

It looks incredible but I assume quite a bit more expensive for those of us who live in Europe due to travel expenses. I'll check out the link though. One can always dream

Funny thing is I can actually fly to Costa Rica for less than I can fly from Florida to Bangor, Maine. I hope you can find a reasonable flight and make it work. Once in Costa Rica, Urri Trek can really customize it to whatever level of expense works best for you. We opted for some extras and some terrific lodging options but they have glamping and camping options too. Hope your dreams can come true!

 

[annakappa]

I live in Costa Rica and my late husband Adriaan and I walked various parts of the proposed route in its planning days, to help with logistics.
The experience is nothing like walking the Camino: most lodgings have to be organised as this is a very recent project. As far as I know, there are no guide books,forums, etc.
In my opinion, you definitely need a guide, who will be worth his weight in gold, although I read last week of a lady who has just completed it alone.

 

[annakappa]

Your enthusiasm is contagious and your pictures are lovely!
Costa Rica in summer sounds very hot, humid and buggy. Were any of these things a negative? I've been to Mexico in the summer many years ago and all three were present with the exception of higher elevations.
I personally would never attempt this walk without a guide; it sounds like yours was exceptional and he truly enhanced your trip.

Hmmm! Costa Rica hot, humid and buggy! Well, not really, only on the Atlantic coastal plain and on the much narrower Pacific coast, where, yes, it’s very hot, but not humid.
A lot of the country is mountainous, fairly fresh at nights and I hardly ever experience bugs! You might come across a snake or two!!!
PS.I live in Costa Rica! Beautiful country!

 

[LCT]

Several of you asked about the cost. I just received this and you can see the cost etc. Hope this helps!

 

[jalluisi]

Looks incredible!! Great views! Thanks for sharing.

 

[LCT]

I live in Costa Rica and my late husband Adriaan and I walked various parts of the proposed route in its planning days, to help with logistics.
The experience is nothing like walking the Camino: most lodgings have to be organised as this is a very recent project. As far as I know, there are no guide books,forums, etc.
In my opinion, you definitely need a guide, who will be worth his weight in gold, although I read last week of a lady who has just completed it alone.

Lucky you to live in beautiful Costa Rica and what a wonderful memory to have walked parts of the Camino de Costa Rica in its planning days. Our guide, Juancho also was a part of the blazing and planning of the original trail which is one of the reasons we chose his company, Urri Trek. There are now several companies, face book groups and forums on the Camino de Costa Rica and I am so happy to know that their original plan to bring revenue to the less touristy spots, and to give particularly women new employment through housing and feeding the hikers, has all come to fruition! Yes, one really does want to have a guide for so many reasons and I can't sing enough praise for Urri Trek. These two guys gave up their full time professional careers to guide this Camino so that is a testament to their commitment and passion.

 

[Suz31]

That looks amazing. I have a nephew living in a rural area of Costa Rica. We haven’t visited him yet. I must send him the map and see where he is in relation to the walk. Thank you.

I was very happy to find this thread. I signed up for the January 2025 16 day trek with Urritrek and now trying to work out a training program. I also have a list of ongoing questions and trying to get in touch with the right people to answer them. It looks like an amazing journey. thank you for sharing.

 

[woody66]

Hi Suz!
What are your dates myself and my two adult kids are signed up for the 13th Jan to 28th Jan 2025 16 day hike! I know there are two later one that run into Feb.
But another forum member would be great!
If your dates are different have a wonderful experience and great memories!!!
Buen Camino
Woody

 

[woody66]

Just a line to say get some hill walking in 70% is uphill!
Don't know if you are a hiker or walk a good distance everyday, if not get some miles in it will help!

I am working on my quads as i they got weaker and more painful on the downhills after Cruz de Ferro and O Cebreiro and then any downhill afterwards to Santiago.
I have got to shed weight as near to 10 kilos as i can get!
I walk about 10 to 15 km a day most days, we will only have a daypack, but we will have to carry at least 3 litres of water so practice with 4 kilos in your pack or a little more!
My other concerns are toilets,upset stomachs, water quality and 12 hours of darkness when there is no electricity other than that all will be good i cant wait to go and begin the adventure

No seriously i am buzzing so excited as are my kids were gunna have a blast!

What gear are you taking;
temps in th 80's daytime and humid! I think i will take just my normal Camino gear; I've seen lots of trail runners worn by others mine are non waterproof Hokas let your feet breathe (plus waterproof socks for crossing streams) I will take a Lifestraw and a 20000 mah power bank as extras. Oh and some dehydrated meals and some spice or tobasco sauce as rice and beans can be boring!

If there is anyone else who wants to chip in please do!!!

 

[Suzanne A]

Hi everyone! I just signed up for Feb. 14 dates. I sent LCT, Suz 31 and Woody private messages so we can connect and talk about plans- as all pilgrims like to do right?! Today Uritrek sent me the Elevation profile. Some challenging days.
If anyone else has done or going to do this hike please connect with me.

Suzanne