The Costa Rica Mycological Route 2026 will hold its fifth edition with a program focused on scientific tourism, wild mushroom conservation, and environmental education. The initiative will visit several destinations across the country, featuring guided expeditions, citizen science activities, and family-friendly experiences.

The project, organized by Oropopo Experience and Funga Conservation, seeks to introduce people to the world of fungi through interpretive hikes, species identification, field observation, and activities connected to rural communities.

This year, the route will feature activities in locations such as Iyok Ami, on Cerro de la Muerte; La Sabana; Monteverde; the Escazú Hills; Wanatura Reserve, in Esparza; Laguna Don Manuel, in Santa María de Dota; Hotel Savegre, in San Gerardo de Dota; and Monte de la Cruz, in Heredia.

For the fifth consecutive year, the initiative received the Esencial Costa Rica seal of approval, a recognition that, according to the organization, reaffirms its commitment to sustainability, environmental education, and local impact. In its four previous editions, the Mycological Route brought together more than 700 participants, visited 16 destinations, and offered 52 experiences in different parts of the country.

Science Tourism During the Rainy Season

The Mycological Route takes place during the rainy season, a time when traditional tourism activities tend to decline, but when the presence of mushrooms increases across various ecosystems.

According to the organization, the activities are conducted in small groups and are designed for people ages 12 and up, with varying levels of physical exertion depending on the type of activity.

Luis Francisco Ledezma, co-director of Funga Conservation, pointed out that the initiative aims to transform the way people view forests.

The Mycological Route is an experience that changes the way people perceive the forest: it ceases to be merely a landscape and becomes a living system full of interconnections, where fungi play an invisible but crucial role

Talks, hikes, and conservation

For 2026, the Mycological Route will include three talks aimed at the whole family, accessible for a donation, with the goal of bringing knowledge about fungi to a wider audience.

The program includes topics such as edible mushrooms, bioluminescent fungi, mushroom myths, ecological restoration, and methods for identifying and conserving mushrooms in oak forests.

Besides its educational aspect, the route promotes citizen science by allowing participants to observe, record, and learn about species found in the country’s various ecosystems.

Registration and prices

Prices for the activities will range from $47 to $235, depending on the type of experience. There will also be options available on a donation basis.

More information about dates, activities, and registration is available on the website oropopoexperience.com and on the Instagram accounts @oropopoexperience and @fungaconservation.

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