Discover Yorkin
Yorkín Cultural Experience
Get ready for a full-day adventure deep in the Talamanca mountains, right on the border with Panama. You’ll be picked up at your hotel or Airbnb around 7:30 a.m. and driven about 45 minutes to the start of the Yorkín River. From there, we travel upriver in a traditional dugout canoe carved from a single cedar tree — surrounded by incredible views of the jungle, mountains, and the river that divides Costa Rica and Panama.
When you arrive in the remote Bribri village of Yorkín, far from cars and modern infrastructure, you’ll step into a way of life that’s been preserved for generations. You’ll learn directly from the community about their culture, spirituality, and deep connection to nature. You’ll see how they turn cacao into chocolate, try your hand with a bow and arrow, walk through their farms to learn about the medicinal plants they use, and enjoy a typical Bribri lunch prepared by local families.
This is an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience — not a wildlife tour, but a rare opportunity to connect with the land and people in one of the most untouched parts of Costa Rica.
After all the activities, we’ll take the boat back downriver and drive you back to your hotel by mid-afternoon.
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Departure/Return Location
Downtown Puerto Viejo or your hotel, Airbnb -
Departure Time
Please be ready by 7:15 AM for a departure at 7:30 AM -
Return Time
Approximately 4:30 PM -
Dress Code
Bring comfortable hiking clothes and shoes. A change of clothes can be useful but not necessary. -
Included
GuideMealsTransport -
Not Included
Accommodation
Tour Plan
Yorkin
You’ll be picked up from your hotel or Airbnb and driven about 45 minutes to the start of the Yorkín River. There, you’ll board a traditional dugout canoe, carved from a single cedar tree, and travel upriver through stunning scenery along the Costa Rica–Panama border, deep in the Talamanca mountains.
Once you arrive in the Bribri village of Yorkín, the experience begins. You'll learn directly from local families about their culture, beliefs, and sustainable way of life. You’ll:
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Discover how they make chocolate from cacao — and try it yourself
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Practice shooting a traditional bow and arrow
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Walk through the village and nearby farms to learn about the medicinal plants they use
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Share a typical Bribri lunch prepared by the community
After the visit, you'll take the canoe back down the river, where your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.