Nature and culture

Nature on El Camino de Costa Rica.

El Camino de Costa Rica is a 280 km, 16-day walking trail that crosses Costa Rica from coast to coast. This trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems of Costa Rica, which are home to a rich variety of flora, fauna, and funga. The trail crosses a country known for its biodiversity, including over 9,000 plant species, approximately 900 bird species, 50 hummingbird species (the largest per square feet of any country in the world) and 400 native bee species.

The work of Asociación Mar a Mar in environmental education and reforestation is crucial in preserving this biodiversity and promoting sustainable development in the communities along the trail. Through their efforts, they are not only protecting the environment, but also empowering local communities, and fostering a deeper connection between people and nature.

Ecosystems and Conservation areas

El Camino de Costa Rica passes through several conservation areas and borders national parks, enriching the hikers’ experience of nature. In the maps below, you can see the biological corridors and protected areas that El Camino de Costa Rica traverses.

Flora

The flora along El Camino de Costa Rica is incredibly diverse, reflecting the country’s varied climates and ecosystems. From lush rainforests to dry tropical forests, the trail passes through numerous habitats, each with its own unique plant species. Some of these notable species include:

• Epiphytes: Rainforest plants that grow on other plants, including abundant orchids and bromeliads.
• Hardwood Trees: Tropical forest species like mahogany and cedar.
• Medicinal Plants: Many medicinal plants such as the guava tree, whose leaves are used to treat various ailments.

Fauna

El Camino de Costa Rica also boasts of  diverse fauna, with numerous species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Some of the most noteworthy wildlife include:

• Mammals: Howler monkeys, sloths, and jaguars can be found in the forests along the trail. Monkeys and sloths are the most easily seen. These can be seen in Sections 1, 2, at times in Section 12, and then again in section 16.
• Birds: Costa Rica is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with species like the resplendent quetzal, toucans, and scarlet macaws. Birding tours are available in several places along El Camino de Costa Rica. A large number of the 50 different species of hummingbirds can be seen along El Camino de Costa Rica,  particularly in sections 12 and 13.
• Reptiles and Amphibians: The trail is home to various species of snakes, frogs, and lizards, including the famous red-eyed tree frog. Under the careful guidance of the indigenous guides, one can sometimes see Fer-de-Lance snakes, one of the most poisonous. They are not aggressive and can be observed at a distance with care.
• Insects-Bees: A large variety of colorful and unique insects can be seen along the route. In particular, we are making bee tours – and more specifically tours of native bees– available to hikers. Costa Rica is home to over 400 species of native wild bees. Mar a Mar has a program to develop native and solitary bee hives and tours in at least 6 communities.

Funga

The funga or fungal diversity along El Camino de Costa Rica is also noteworthy. Fungi play a crucial role in the ecosystem, aiding in decomposition and nutrient cycling. Some of the notable fungi include:

• Mushrooms: Various species of mushrooms can be found along the trail, some of which are edible, and others that are used in traditional medicine.
• Lichens: These symbiotic organisms, which are a combination of fungi and algae, are commonly found on trees and rocks along the trail.

Mar a Mar foments educational tours related to the importance of funga in the ecosystems and collaborates with other organizations in providing these to interested hikers.

Culture on El Camino de Costa Rica

El Camino de Costa Rica offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it a truly immersive experience for hikers.  The trail fosters a deeper connection between people and nature, promoting sustainable tourism enterprises and behaviors consistent with environmental protection. The work of Mar a Mar in community empowerment and development of entrepreneurship capacities has significantly contributed to the economic development of the communities along the route

There are two distinct areas through which the route passes and where the hiker can see  well differentiated cultural dimensions: Afro-Caribbean culture of the Limon área and the Indigenous, Cabecar ethnic group in Nairi Awari Territory. Additionally each of the áreas dominated by monoculture such as the cane fields of Sections 6 and 7 and the coffee plantations of sections 13 and 14 take on traditions unique to them.

Afro-Caribbean Costa Rican culture

The Afro-Caribbean culture in Costa Rica began when people were brought to the country by Spanish Conquistadors as slaves. It is a blend of the creole language, and a unique Costa Rican version of music, dance, and cuisine.

Límon is the land of Afro-Costa Ricans, with stunning landscapes, world-class beaches, and a significant Afro-Caribbean community. The influence of inherited customs from West Africa and the Antilles has marked Afro-Costa Rican culture in architecture, gastronomy, music, and traditions.

The Afro-Caribbean heritage in Costa Rica is a vibrant and significant aspect of the country’s cultural fabric. Descendants of African slaves brought to the Caribbean coast during the colonial era have made immense contributions to the diversity and richness of Costa Rican culture.

Homestays along El Camino de Costa Rica provide an authentic experience which includes the music, dance and food of the Afro-Caribbean community.

Cabecar Culture – Nairi Awari Territory

The Cabecar people are one of the largest indigenous groups in Costa Rica, primarily residing in the Talamanca mountain range. They have a deep connection with nature and their land and maintain a traditional lifestyle that includes farming, hunting, and gathering. Their language, Cabecar, is part of the Chibchan language family and is still spoken by many community members.

The Cabecar culture is characterized by its spiritual beliefs and practices. They believe in the presence of spirits in the natural world. Their traditional healers, known as “awa,” play a crucial role in their society, using medicinal plants and spiritual rituals to treat illnesses.

Art and craftsmanship are also significant in Cabecar culture. They create intricate woven baskets, pottery, and other handmade items that reflect their cultural heritage. Music and dance play an important role in their social and ceremonial life, often performed during festivals and community gatherings.

The Cabecar culture in the Nairi Awari Territory is a fascinating and integral part of Costa Rica’s cultural heritage and hikers will meet this ethnic group along the trail as it passes through the Nairi Awari Territory, where the Cabecar people have preserved their traditional way of life.

One significant initiative is the transformation of the Barbilla Nairi Awari zone into a destination for biodiversity and environmental education, incorporating the Cabecar culture as a central theme. This program aims to build an iconic Center for Research and Education near Barbilla National Park, in one of the most vulnerable and poorest provinces of Costa Rica.

Mar a Mar also focuses on indigenous architecture and capacity building. They have conducted workshops with local high schools, teaching students about the history of architecture and inspiring them to design and draw their renditions of desired structures.

The Cabecar people play a crucial role in conservation and have a unique relationship with nature. Mar a Mar’s initiatives include capacity-building workshops to train local guides and forest guardians to monitor and protect their environment.

The Barbilla Zone Conference on Biodiversity and Environmental Education acknowledges the central role of the Cabecar people in conservation of these lands and their unique relationship to nature. 

In sum, the Cabecar culture is deeply intertwined with the natural environment, and their traditions and knowledge are invaluable in promoting sustainable development and conservation efforts in the region.

Sugar Cane and local traditions

Fotografía: caña 01

El Camino de Costa Rica passes through the central region’s sugar cane fields in the province of Cartago extending from just above the Angostura lakes near La Suiza to those beyond Pejibaye up to Tous. These represent Sections 6,7 and 8 of El Camino de Costa Rica.

The cane fields in Costa Rica’s central region have a rich cultural heritage and traditions that are deeply rooted in the agricultural practices of the area. Here are some key aspects:

1. Harvesting Season: The sugarcane harvesting season, known as “zafra,” is a significant event in the central region, typically from November to April. During this time, communities come together to harvest the cane, often accompanied by traditional music, dances, and festivals.
2. Traditional Music and Dance: The “cimarrona” and “mascaradas” are traditional forms of music and dance that are popular during the “zafra”. This “cimarrona” is a type of brass band music, while “mascaradas” involve people wearing large, colorful masks and costumes, dancing to the rhythm of the music.
3. Cultural Festivals: Various festivals celebrate the sugarcane harvest, such as the “Fiesta de la Caña” (Sugarcane Festival). These festivals often include parades, traditional food, and cultural performances, highlighting the importance of sugarcane in the region’s economy and culture.
4. Traditional Food: Sugarcane is used to produce various traditional foods and beverages, including “tapa de dulce” or traditional molded cakes made from sugarcane juice, and “guaro” a popular alcoholic beverage distilled from sugarcane.
5. Community Involvement: The sugarcane industry has historically been a significant source of employment and community involvement in the central region. Families often work together in the fields, and the industry has played a crucial role in shaping the area’s social and economic fabric.

These traditions reflect the deep connection between the people of Costa Rica’s central region and the sugarcane industry, highlighting the cultural significance of this agricultural practice.

Fotografía: cafe 01

Coffee Region and its traditions

El Camino de Costa Rica passes through one of the most renowned, high-quality coffee producing areas of the country, Tarrazú and a small section of the Dota coffee region. Walking through or even taking in the view of a coffee plantation in bloom is a spectacular, sensory experience of the delicate scent of the coffee blossoms in hues of ivory to cream. During the harvesting season the indigenous people who often come from Panama to pick the coffee dress in beautifully colorful garments and carry themselves with much dignity. 

The coffee regions of Costa Rica are steeped in rich cultural practices that reflect the country’s deep connection to coffee cultivation.

The coffee plantations in Costa Rica, particularly in regions like Tarrazú, are a significant part of the local culture and economy. The coffee grown in these regions is highly regarded for its quality and unique flavor profile, including bright acidity and fruity notes.. The region’s high altitude, volcanic soil, and ideal climate conditions contribute to the exceptional taste of Costa Rican coffee.

Fotografía: cafe 02

Costa Rica’s coffee culture is renowned worldwide, producing some of the best coffee beans. The coffee journey in Costa Rica, from planting to brewing, is one of great care and attention to detail. In these regions of Dota and Tarrazú, the meticulous cultivation process can be appreciated, involving hand-picking the ripest cherries and carefully drying and processing them, which enhances the natural flavors of the coffee beans. The region’s coffee growers are deeply committed to sustainable farming practices and preserving traditional methods of coffee production. On El Camino de Costa Rica the hikers can avail themselves of coffee tasting experiences and participate in artisanal coffee roasting and processing.