Oropopo Experience and Funga Conservation have designed Costa Rica’s first "Fungi Trail." For the first time, fungi fans will be able to find, identify, photograph and, in certain cases, even cook and eat them.
The "Fungi Trail" comprises recreational and educational activities that promote the conservation of wild mushrooms at the local level through responsible and sustainable tourism. The organizers work in collaboration with local communities to integrate the tourism experience with the conservation of wild fungi.
According to Luis Francisco Ledezma, founder of Funga Conservation, “Costa Rica is traditionally something of a ‘mycophobic’ country. In other words, up to now, we’ve been afraid and averse to mushrooms, and even unaware of the diversity of the wild fungi all around us. Our objective is to start changing that mindset, little by little. For instance, we are working to rescue the knowledge of the indigenous people of Costa Rica, while bringing the public closer to this fascinating kingdom, about which we have so much to learn, and yet without which life itself would not be possible.”
The Fungi Trail has been conferred Costa Rica’s official country brand, Essential Costa Rica, as it appeals to the core values of sustainability, innovation, social progress and association with the essence of the destination.
The fungi season is during the rainy season, when Costa Rica’s traditional tourism offerings tend to decrease, making this a unique opportunity for domestic and international tourists.
The "Fungi Trail" schedule is as follows:
- Bosque del Niño (June 25): This day-long trail walk takes participants to a Central American oak forest so they can discover the specific fungi associated with these trees.
- La Selva Biological Station (August 20-21): This experience focuses on searching for fungi that host insects and spiders, and seize control of their nervous system.
- The Fungi Festival, Bijagua, Upala (August 27-28): The event is free and open to the public. Participants can document the fungi of Bijagua hand-in-hand with the local communities.
- Monteverde (October 15-16): Participants can search for bioluminescent and cloudforest fungi.
- Villas Mastatal Eco Lodge and La Cangreja National Park (November 12-13): This tour focuses on the benefits of fungi for agricultural forestry systems, and searching for bioluminescent fungi.
- Cerro Las Vueltas (December 10-11): This “micogastronomic” experience focuses on the rare delights of edible fungi.
For more information, visit www.oropopoexperience.com
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