Sri Lanka, an island steeped in beauty and history, has long captivated travelers with its palm-fringed beaches, lush landscapes, ancient monuments, and the warmth of its people. Yet, despite all its wonders, I always felt something was missing—a way for people to truly connect with the island’s spirit, its hidden treasures, and its resilient communities.

My love for trails and the transformative power of walking in nature has deep roots in my childhood, thanks to my family, the Cunat Arias family, who instilled in me from a young age a deep appreciation for connecting with the outdoors. I grew up exploring the mountains of the Sierra de Madrid, accompanied by the unconditional support and inspiration of my family. It was on those walks that I learned walking is not just a physical act; it is a way to reflect, to find clarity, and to build connections. Those lessons from my youth have stayed with me throughout my life and are what led me to dream of the impact a trail could have in Sri Lanka.

As someone who walked the Camino de Santiago years ago, I saw how a long-distance trail could transform not only how we explore a destination but also how we feel about it. When I moved to Sri Lanka two decades ago, I began dreaming of a trail that could weave together this island’s stunning central highlands, its tea plantations, villages, forests, and people into one cohesive journey. But turning that vision into reality wasn’t easy. It took me over 10 years to explore and map the thousands of trail options crisscrossing tea plantations, to determine which route would be most suitable. This process involved endless walks, studying maps, talking to local communities, and understanding the nuances of each region. Finally, after years of work, The Pekoe Trail was born.

This 300km trail is more than just a route through Sri Lanka’s breathtaking tea country—it is a gateway to its soul. It passes through 2 provinces, 25 towns, 80 villages, 24 tea plantations, 8 railway stations, 10 forest reserves, and even a leopard corridor. But what makes it truly special is its ability to take travelers far beyond the well-trodden tourist paths. Whether walking a single stage or the entire trail, hikers discover places and stories that might otherwise remain hidden, creating a deeply personal connection with Sri Lanka.

The Pekoe Trail also serves a critical purpose: to support the Ceylon Tea industry at a pivotal moment in its history. For decades, Ceylon Tea has been one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic exports, but economic challenges, shifting global markets, and struggles within plantation communities have put this unique heritage at risk. Through the trail, we aim to tell the story of tea in a way that connects travelers to life on the plantations, the hard work behind each tea leaf, and the extraordinary history of an industry that has defined this island. Every step a traveler takes on the Pekoe Trail is an opportunity to generate income and visibility for these communities, helping revitalize the sector while promoting responsible tourism.

The Pekoe Trail was born during a tumultuous time. As the world recalibrated after the pandemic, Sri Lanka faced an unprecedented economic and political crisis. The trail became a beacon of hope. While power cuts stretched for hours, fuel supplies dwindled, and protests filled the streets, we introduced a product that met the moment: a sustainable, low-impact way to explore, an invitation to slow down, and an opportunity to uplift remote communities.

Even as grim headlines about Sri Lanka dominated global news, the trail told a different story. It represented resilience, innovation, and the promise of a better future. Media attention—from features in the international media from Conde Nast Traveler to the New York Times and many others, to awards like “Best Experience 2024 Worldwide for National Geographic” to “Best Wider World Tourism Project” by the British Guild of Travel Writers—showcased Sri Lanka in a new light, inspiring travelers and restoring faith in the country as a destination.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the trail has been seeing how it empowers the communities it touches. Many villages along the trail were designed during colonial times to be isolated, with lives centered solely around tea plucking. The Pekoe Trail has changed that narrative. Local men and women, drawing on their everyday knowledge, have become trail guides, sharing their understanding of tea, plantation culture, and the flora and fauna of the region.

I will never forget a call from a guide after we conducted a health and safety training program for the trail. He told me that five of the seven women trained were already leading clients on the trail. One of them, while guiding her group, encountered her grandparents working in the tea fields. Their pride and joy were overwhelming as they saw their granddaughter hosting foreign hikers and representing her community with such confidence and grace. These moments show that the trail isn’t just about walking—it’s about changing lives, creating new opportunities, and rewriting narratives.

At its core, The Pekoe Trail isn’t just a journey through Sri Lanka’s landscapes—it’s a journey inward. Inspired by the principles of Zen, the trail invites hikers to embrace mindfulness with every step. Walking the trail means slowing down, attuning to the rhythm of nature, and immersing oneself in the present moment. Whether you’re listening to the wind in the forests, watching the sun dip behind tea-covered hills, or sharing a smile with a local villager, the trail offers a rare opportunity to reconnect—with the land, with others, and with yourself. It is this harmony between adventure and stillness, exploration and reflection, that makes The Pekoe Trail not just a path but an experience that lingers long after the journey ends.

With the right support, The Pekoe Trail will continue to transform lives, protect landscapes, and share Sri Lanka’s magic with the world. Together, we can ensure its legacy as a beacon of sustainable, meaningful travel for generations to come.