Costa Rica captured global attention this week when The New York Times spotlighted the country’s “El Camino de Costa Rica” trail as an unmissable travel experience for 2024. The prominent feature cements the 174-mile route traversing jungles, beaches and peaks as a prime eco-adventure promising stunning vistas and cultural immersion.
According to the Times, the recently enhanced trail takes travelers through 16 diverse sections over 11 to 15 days, connecting the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. The journey winds through 25 rural communities, exposing hikers to “natural, cultural and gastronomic attractions” embodied in landscapes from mist-veiled cloud forests to Indigenous territories hosting exotic birds.
Organizers improved signage along the route to facilitate navigation between quaint mountain towns, pristine shorelines and national parks protecting rare wildlife like the magnificent resplendent quetzal. Opportunities also abound to sample locally-grown coffee or cacao at their sources before owners host overnight guests.
The trail’s impacts extend into communities themselves by providing residents economic opportunities. Locals develop customized itineraries for visitors involving activities like whitewater rafting or canoe trips. Members of the Cabécar Indigenous group offer guiding services through their ancestral lands. Such enterprises channel tourist dollars toward areas beyond hotspots while preserving heritage.
The Times specifically cited “El Camino” for enabling tourists to immerse themselves in authentic experiences with local cultures integral to Costa Rica’s essence. While alluring travelers with stunning vistas, the route ultimately enriches journeys by opening doors to community life. This duality explains its prestigious selection among only 52 global destinations for 2024. In providing both beauty and cultural bonds, the trail offers a glimpse into Costa Rica’s soul.
Here is the full list of the destinations showcased by the New York Times.
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Ileana Fernandez
