The tiny village of Yorkín, an indigenous Bríbrí community in Costa Rica, is a special find for travelers — gentle hospitality, tranquil days, and the beauty and bounty of the rainforest.
The villagers now live a mix of traditional lifestyle with some modern conveniences, but have no cars, fish with bows and arrows they make, construct and travel in dugout canoes, grow & process cacao (chocolate), make jewelry, carvings and basketry from native plants, and host visitors.
One night in November of 2008, a 90-foot wall of water crashed down the river beside the village.
Their crops, boats, the gathering house, guest accommodations, clinic, toilets and several other buildings were swept away or severely damaged.
The community was initially at a complete loss; their livelihood and means of daily subsistence were gone.
But they are rebuilding: this year’s crops are producing, the gathering house & kitchen, sanitary facilities and guest accommodations are now at a point where travelers can come stay and even help with the reconstruction if they choose.
About the flood & help to the Yorkín community, on
Facebook Causes, in Spanish.
Connect with
Actuar, a Costa Rican travel agency specializing in rural people-oriented experiences, about visiting Yorkín:
Actuar's Yorkín trips, in Spanish.Actuar's Yorkín trips, in English.
