Tales From the Road: What We’ve Learned So Far in 2025

At Pura Aventura, we’re usually the ones behind the scenes — stitching together the threads of an unforgettable journey for our community of travellers. But this spring and summer, the tables turned: we hit the road ourselves.

From sipping iced cortados suggested by locals in Catalonia, to sharing moments with a family whose lives were upended by a volcano, to toe tapping through live music — our team has been walking, tasting, listening, and learning along the way. So, we thought — why not share what we’ve discovered with our brilliant Pura community?

Below are some reflections from Zoe, Liri, and Emily — full of post-trip thoughts, tips, and charming cultural insights to spark your next adventure. Whether you’ve been considering a slow-travel escape, craving a deeper cultural experience (with plenty of new flavours to try), or just need a peaceful break in nature, we’ve got stories to fuel your wanderlust.

Butterfly Clouds, Iced Cortados & Coastal Snorkels

Girona, Garrotxa & Costa Brava with Zoe

What surprised you most when walking?

On my walk from Girona to Madremanya, I was utterly astonished by the sheer abundance of Provence orange tip butterflies! They were everywhere along the hiking route, turning the peaceful Catalan trails into a living, fluttering tapestry of summer.

Something you learnt from experiencing Catalonia yourself?

Order “cortado con hielo.” One day, I sat with some locals for lunch at a tiny café, and although I needed my daily caffeine fix, I couldn't think of anything worse than a hot coffee on a 33-degree day. The local people that I was with ordered rounds of 'cortado con hielo', and my life changed for the better in an instant.

A standout moment?

We happened to end up in Begur for the Dia de San Juan (Night of Fire). As we headed out to dinner through the narrow-cobbled streets, we heard drums getting louder and louder and, before we knew it, we had inadvertently joined the parade with masses of other dancing spectators!

Do you have any tips for packing?

Pack a snorkel. Seriously. There are countless coves along the Costa Brava worth diving into.

Who is this trip for?

I'd recommend this trip to absolutely everyone! Michelin star restaurants, medieval villages, volcanic forests, and a coastline that is made for postcards. Just bring good walking shoes — and your appetite.

If the sound of sunny strolls, chatting with locals and sipping your own cortado con hielo sounds tempting, have a look at our Girona, Garrotxa & Costa Brava trip below.

View trip

Volcanoes, Toucans & Ticos

Caribbean to Pacific: Costa Rica with Emily

Which local could you not stop talking about to the team?

Yami was our chef during our time in the Central Valley region. She has an infectious smile. Sharing breakfast with Yami wasn’t just about the food — though her tortillas de queso and Gallo Pinto were unforgettable — it was about connection. In the kitchen, stories flowed: traditions, dreams, and the realities of life in Costa Rica. She spoke warmly of quinceañeras (15th birthday parties), family roles, and her own hope to one day see Guatemala, despite never having left her home country. Her cooking made us feel instantly at home — but it was her openness and warmth that made the experience truly special.

Lesson of the trip: Travel is a privilege — and the greatest souvenirs are the stories shared by those who host you.

You've visited lots of volcanoes in Central America — why was your volcano experience in Costa Rica unique?

Unlike any other volcano tour I’ve done; this wasn’t just about the landscape — it was about the people who live and work at the volcano every day. From café manager Lizbeth’s two-hour walk across hilly terrain to work each day, to our guide Daniel’s childhood stories on the trail, to the farmer, Domingo, inviting us into the potato fields, and finally, lunch with the cheese-making sisters who’ve rebuilt their lives since the eruption — it was raw, rooted, and deeply personal. The volcano was the backdrop. The people made it unforgettable. We didn’t just hike up and down we create a connection to the place and its people.

Any advice for friends and family wanting to visit Costa Rica?

Don’t skip the guided hikes, especially in Corcovado National Park. Having a knowledgeable local guide completely transformed the experience for me. Instead of just admiring the rainforest, we understood its history, ecosystems, and the species intertwined within it. Our guide brought the forest to life through stories, science, and personal connection. I learnt more in one morning than I have on hundreds of hikes elsewhere. Start your trip with a guide — it will make the rest of your adventures even richer.

If you would like to experience this incredible country yourself then view our Costa Rica trips and get planning.

View Costa Rica trips

Dinner with a Soundtrack & Soulful Forests

Walks, Villages and Flavours of Aracena with Liri

Did you have any memorable experiences with our hosts?

My experience of “Cenando Canciones” (dining songs) at a small hotel in Aracena was an unforgettable fusion of live music and gastronomy. During my stay in Aracena on Friday evening the local hosts served a delicious dinner accompanied by live singing and piano playing. It is something I will never forget, thank you to Cristina!

Which cultural activities did you enjoy?

I met passionate cheesemakers, ham-curers, and winemakers who are deeply committed to preserving their traditions. One of the most memorable experiences was visiting a ham production site, where we were taken through every step of the process. We started by seeing the small-scale, sustainable farms where the famous Iberian pigs are raised—grazing freely on acorns in open pastures. From there, we followed the journey of the ham through salting, resting, drying, and aging. Witnessing the time, care, and knowledge involved gave me a deep appreciation for the food and the culture behind it.

Traveling this way—immersing myself in the stories, skills, and heritage of the people who live there—made me feel a genuine connection to the place. It’s very different from just buying souvenirs or snapping photos. These experiences helped me understand where food comes from and why it matters, not just as nourishment, but as a living part of a region’s identity.

We know that you love hiking, how were the walking trails in Aracena?

I loved solo walking through the forest. Just me, the trees, the scent of wild herbs, and birdsong. It was peaceful and grounding, and it made me understand the place in a completely different way. And then, arriving at the end to a soulful, unforgettable lunch at Arrieros Restaurant felt like the perfect reward. The balance of a long walk with a delicious meal waiting for you is exactly what I wanted.

If you’re thinking of visiting Aracena, I’d say: absolutely go. But take your time. Walk it. Taste it. Let it unfold.

Have you thought about visiting Andalucia? View our trips with the link below:

Trip to Aracena

Our Travel Takeaways

We’ve noticed some clear travel patterns from our recent time on the road:

Travel serendipity is King:

Some planning is essential, but it's the unexpected moments that become the stories we tell after the trip. Like Emily stumbling upon a tiny library box filled with trail books while hiking through La Garrotxa, or Zoe unexpectedly joining a vibrant street celebration—travel is full of joyful surprises that stay with us long after we return.

Seasonality matters:

Whether it’s butterfly season in June or seeing the colours of wildflower bloom in Catalonia late spring, tuning into the natural calendar adds richness to the travel experience.

Hyperlocal immersion:

From cooking traditional Costa Rican Gallo Pinto breakfasts with our hosts to meeting local cheesemakers, as travellers, we seek deeper connections—not just broader experiences.

Slow & thoughtful will shape the future of a positive travel industry:

Walking, learning, tasting, reflecting. Our team came back more inspired than ever by the power of travelling largely on foot, with purpose.

What about you?

Have you had any beautiful, bumpy, unexpected travel moments this year?

Tried any new local drinks? Had a particularly special interaction with locals?

The Pura team would love to hear your stories — tag us on Instagram @pura_aventura_uk with #ForTheJoyOfTravel