Asociación Mar a Mar Costa Rica
Fondos / Fondos Comunitarios | Funds / Community Funds, Medio Ambiente y Conservación | Environment & Conservation
About
Asociación Mar a Mar Costa Rica is a nonprofit organization that created and manages El Camino de Costa Rica, a long-distance hiking trail connecting the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Founded in 2016, the organization works as a destination management organization, bringing together rural communities, public institutions, tourism businesses, cooperatives, and donors to promote sustainable tourism and local economic development. Through responsible travel, community partnerships, and environmental education, Mar a Mar creates opportunities that strengthen rural livelihoods while showcasing Costa Rica’s natural and cultural heritage.
Impact
23 Rural
Communities
Connected
7,200+
Annual Hikers
30
Community
Projects
Developed
Programs
Trail Management
Maintains, monitors, and promotes the 280-kilometer route to ensure a safe and high-quality hiking experience.
Community Fund
Provides grants to local entrepreneurs and community organizations that develop projects benefiting rural communities.
Environmental Ambassador Clubs
Delivers environmental education and STEAM-based learning opportunities for children and adolescents.
Current Need
Growing the impact of El Camino de Costa Rica depends on continued community participation and support. Mar a Mar is expanding international visitation, strengthening environmental education for local students, funding new community-led projects, improving trail infrastructure, and mobilizing volunteers to enhance rural communities along the route. Donations, responsible travel, volunteering, and promoting the project all help ensure that tourism continues to create lasting benefits for people and nature.
Growing Stronger Every Year
We’re proud to participate in Amigos of Costa Rica’s Transparency Badge System, which evaluates organizations across three key areas: financial stewardship, governance, and community impact.
Organizations are recognized at four levels of growth: Seed, Sprout, Sapling, and Tree, helping donors better understand each organization’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
The badges displayed below reflect our current achievements and our ongoing commitment to strengthening our organization and maximizing our impact.
Finance
Governance
Impact
Ready to Join Our Mission?
Support this organization using the donation method that works best for you. Online giving is available through credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal, with additional options including wire transfers, stock gifts, checks, Zelle, and cryptocurrency donations.