About us

Our Story

Urritrek was born with the Camino de Costa Rica in late 2018 when the first trekkers were invited to complete the route as it is today. Juancho, one of Urritrek's founders, decided to participate in the construction of this "crazy idea," as it was considered at the time, of crossing Costa Rica from coast to coast. The name "Urri" emerged during the first trek. In Cabécar, "Urri" means "Giant Anteater." This name came from a joking conversation with one of the indigenous guides, as Juancho is a big and burly man like a bear. When asked how to say "bear" in Cabécar, the guide responded that they didn't have an exact word, but the closest was "Urri."

A year later, when the project was formalized, this name was chosen for three reasons:

1. The connection with the Cabécar people.
2. It is an extinct animal in the country, reminding us that even though Costa Rica is a conservation country, the line between preservation and extinction is very thin.
3. The anteater is rarely used as a logo, unlike more common animals such as sloths or toucans.

After conducting several tours informally, Juancho and Andrés, the founders, decided to be the first to legalize guiding on the Camino, becoming the only and first formal company of the Camino de Costa Rica, linked to the ICT and with certified guides.

By 2021, as the number of trekkers increased, they decided to hire their first local guide to help with operations, as well as their friend Marjorie, who, with her experience on the Camino de Santiago, helped shape the current Camino.

From the beginning, Juancho and Andrés have worked on the construction of the Camino, both in exploration and in promoting and preserving its values. They have always been committed to working with communities, ensuring that their guides come from the communities along the Camino, and helping the indigenous community of Tsiobata by donating the first campsite in the village.

Thanks to this joint effort, we have been featured in National Geographic, Lonely Planet, New York Times, Travel and Leisure, Outdoors, and other international tourism magazines and newspapers. We are supported by the friendship and quality of service that characterizes Costa Ricans, bringing progress to each of the different communities.

By 2024, Urritrek generates over 100 indirect jobs, 12 direct jobs, and has helped more than 500 trekkers safely complete the Camino de Costa Rica in its various modalities.

Vision

Our vision is for Urritrek Costa Rica to provide outdoor experiences that change and enrich the lives of those who want to make hiking their passion.

Mission

Our mission is to revitalize the lives of hiking enthusiasts through life-changing experiences provided in a healthy, safe outdoor environment that enriches and supports rural communities.

What We Want

• Educate and engage people in long-distance hiking activities.
• Provide opportunities for people of various nationalities to enjoy the experiences that Costa Rica's nature has to offer.
• Collaborate with community projects that promote the development of rural tourism.
• Design rewarding, revitalizing, encouraging, and camaraderie-building experiences for our clients.
• Provide demonstrative experiences related to rural work and agriculture in Costa Rica.