Version 2.0 is here - The new Camino de Costa Rica Lodging website

When we originally launched in 2024, we operated as a reservation service. Hikers submitted a short form, we coordinated with hosts, collected payment, and then transferred funds to the host. This reduced the need to carry cash on the trail, gave hikers confidence that bookings were confirmed, and protected hosts from no-shows with upfront payment.

As demand grew, the model started to break down. It was difficult to scale, and we became more than a financial intermediary. We were effectively providing full hiker support for the Camino de Costa Rica.

So we made a shift, and it is a meaningful improvement. Hikers now connect directly with hosts, keep track of reservations in one place, and communicate using templated messages that auto-populate in WhatsApp. This enables faster coordination on availability and makes it easier to build and adjust itineraries.

The service is completely free. There are no fees for hikers and no commissions charged to hosts.

What’s new

A new URL: https://caminodecostaricalodging.com, reflecting our focus on accommodations
Reservations via WhatsApp using pre-built, auto-filled message templates based on your hiker profile
Confirmed stays automatically added to your hiking itinerary
Ability to browse popular itineraries to plan your hike with minimal effort

What’s staying the same

Search for accommodations with key amenities like laundry and Wi-Fi
Clear information on meals, whether included or available
Easy sorting by stage or distance, with visibility into what is on-trail versus slightly off-route

This is a new release, and issues are expected. If you run into any issues, send an email to Matt and he'll talk a look. Feature ideas and improvements can also be submitted and voted on through the feature request board.