Costa Rica’s Fungi Trail

Building on the success of the first two editions of Costa Rica’s Fungi Trail, promoted by Funga Conservation and Oropopo Experience, a new version is set for 2024.

This route takes inspiration from Costa Rica’s potential to offer unforgettable mycotourism experiences to anyone interested in learning about mushrooms, whether locals or international visitors.

Mycotourism, also known as mushroom tourism, mycological walks, or fungal tourism, refers to recreational activities that promote mushroom conservation and sustainable local development through eco-friendly tourism models. These experiences combine environmental education about the fungal kingdom with the tourist journey, fostering the protection of fungi and the knowledge that surrounds them. Participants gain new and meaningful insights through interaction and mushroom identification, all while enjoying the country’s natural beauty during the rainy season.

The Fungi Trail ensures that participants acquire new skills to become more environmentally responsible, respectful of local culture, and committed to fair economic exchanges as part of the activities.

Mushrooms play vital roles in life and are found in all ecosystems. For instance, they contribute to the organic cycle, allowing other species to thrive and survive. They also act as ecological regulators, recycling nutrients through the decomposition of organic matter, benefiting soil fertility and contributing to the health and preservation of entire forest systems. In short, mushrooms are the essential foundation of life. From a human perspective, the diversity of fungi has given us bread, antibiotics, beer, cheese, and wine.

The Fungi Trail offers spaces that promote environmental education, enhancing both individual and collective awareness of the need to conserve fungi. Scientific and local knowledge about mushrooms will be shared, highlighting their economic potential for Costa Rica’s ecotourism sector. Participants will come to understand the necessity of preserving entire ecosystems, recognizing that everything is interconnected.

Throughout this event, there will be a focus on promoting citizen science related to mushrooms via the iNaturalist app. Participants will contribute valuable data that will be used for future fungal conservation projects.

Thanks to these innovative experiences, participants will dynamically engage with both scientific and traditional knowledge about the biological, ecological, and cultural importance of wild mushrooms. Additionally, they will learn how to prevent mushroom poisoning.

From June to November 2024, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on an exciting adventure across eight different locations throughout Costa Rica. Participants will explore a variety of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests at sea level to high mountain páramos, learning from mycology experts about the crucial role fungi play in our ecosystems. Activities along the route will include forest walks, photography, lectures, interactive sessions, night walks, wild edible mushroom identification, and tasting mushroom-based products.

Mushroom season coincides with the rainy season when the country’s tourism typically slows down, making this activity a valuable opportunity for local communities, tour guides, and both national and international tourists.