The rural tourism industry in Costa Rica is in the rise as foreigners are asking for more options to enjoy rural and community activities, and also because of a higher number of foreign university students and volunteers of international organizations visiting the country.

Over 200 small and medium size enterprises benefit from the growth of this industry. At the end of 2015 the number of foreigners that arrived to the country with the purpose of enjoying cultural or rural tourism represented an 18.6% of the total number of visitors, which translates into almost 485 thousand visitors that opted for tours in faraway communities.

Rural tourism activities involve: organic agriculture, walks and hikes, ecological refugees, gastronomy, masquerades, horseback riding, hanging bridges, coffee farms, visits to indigenous territories, waterfalls, and different forms of experiencing the local culture and traditions.

The advantage of rural tourism is that it can be offered almost everywhere in the country, according to Rodolfo Lizano, director of Development and Planning of the Costa Rica Tourism Board.

The business model that prevails is that of family businesses or groups of entrepreneurs that provide the tourist with experiences within the community that are sustainable and involve a cultural factor.

Some of the companies involved in the rural community tourism program reach sales of close to $750,000.00 USD a year.

There are more than 80 rural tourism agencies that offer rural community products and tours, and offer specially designed packages for foreigners, this agencies create alliances with small businesses, a relationship that benefits both parties, giving the operators more alternatives to offer and allowing the small businesses to attract more clients.

Back in 2011 there were only 21 certified businesses involved in this form of tourism, and the number has now grown to over 200.

The certification of the small and medium size business with the Costa Rica Tourism Board gives them several benefits, among them the possibility of receiving assessment and having a presence in different fairs.