A coast-to-coast Costa Rica journey in pictures
Costa Rica in true Pura Aventura style: a self-drive trip packed with days exploring with local guides, volcanic landscapes, wildlife, and a few well-earned moments of chilling out and enjoying the beauty of the surroundings.
Over 17 days, our travellers explored the country—waking up to howler monkeys in the jungle, paddling up remote rivers, tasting fresh cacao, spotting toucans and sloths, and snorkelling over coral reefs.
We’ve picked photos from their journey that capture the spirit of the trip—real moments, real places, not a single stock image in sight. If you're wondering what a coast-to-coast Costa Rica adventure looks like, start scrolling.
Along the river to Yorkin
The trip kicked off with an extraordinary journey via river, for a visit to Yorkín, a small village of about 300 habitants.
Yorkín is located in the Talamanca mountains, right on the border with Panama, in the heart of Bribri indigenous territory. Visiting entails a 45-minute canoe ride upriver—an unforgettable journey in itself.
The people live largely off the land, growing rice, corn, beans, yuca and ñampí, and raising chickens and pigs for their own use. They also farm organic banana and cacao to sell, with tourism and handmade crafts providing valuable extra income.
Learning indigenous techniques
Indigenous people played - and still play - a key role in shaping Costa Rica’s modern-day attitudes to environmental protection and small-scale agriculture.
During the visit travellers learnt about organic banana and cacao cultivation, were introduced to weaving methods, using palm leaves and enjoyed a traditional lunch, served in a calabash.
"The visit was hugely enjoyable, thought provoking and informative." - Sue & Tony
Time built in to enjoy the surroundings
After days filled with adventures a barefoot stroll at sunset is just the thing. Sand between your toes, the sea warm and glistening, and long stretches of quiet beach.
The Volcanic slopes of Turrialba
In 2016, Volcán Turrialba erupted, reshaping the land and forcing nearby communities to adapt. Our travellers hiked its slopes with a local guide whose family history is tied to the volcano. The walk offers more than views—it’s a personal insight into a changing landscape, and a way to support the local economy through brilliant guides with stories worth hearing.
Lunch at a dairy farm
The day ends with a relaxed family lunch at a local dairy farm. This experience is a million miles away from the overcrowded trails of the more famous Arenal Volano. Personal, meaningful, and barely another soul in sight.
Kayaking through a wildlife documentary
Paddling in Costa Rica means jungle on all sides, ears delighted by birdsong, and the occasional monkey swinging overhead. Our client captured this moment mid-kayak—surrounded by greenery so thick it almost swallows the river. A truly special paddle.
Can you even call it a trip if there’s no waterfall photo?
These photos only begin to scratch the surface, but they tell the story of a trip full of discovery, culture, and Pura Vida moments.
Ready to plan your own adventure? Let’s make it happen. Contact us today.
Emily Chapillon
After finishing University in Manchester, Emily set off on a backpacking trip to Mexico. The journey continued for longer than expected! After two years of living in Central and South America she developed a love for tourism that connects travellers to the people and places they visit. When she’s not obsessing over travel you will find her drawing, climbing in the local boulder gym or running up a mountain.
