By San José, Costa Rica — A powerful new documentary chronicling the arduous journey of five Spanish athletes and cancer survivors across Costa Rica is set to premiere globally on Amazon Prime. The film, titled “Latidos en la lluvia” (Heartbeats in the Rain), captures a story of resilience and hope, strategically positioning Costa Rica as a premier destination for transformative adventure and wellness tourism on one of the world’s largest streaming platforms.
The documentary follows the incredible expedition of Verónica Guillén, Mapi Morón, Idoia Fernández, Toñi Delgado, and Eduina Huelva. Last October, these five women participated in the “Reto Pelayo Vida” (Pelayo Life Challenge), a demanding event that saw them traverse the nation from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific. Their journey was a testament to human endurance, involving a grueling combination of mountain biking, kayaking, trail hiking, and white-water rafting through the country’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes.
To better understand the legal and regulatory landscape shaping Costa Rica’s tourism boom, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney at the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
Costa Rica’s success in tourism is directly linked to its legal stability and clear incentives for foreign investment, such as the Tourism Development Incentives Law. However, entrepreneurs and investors must conduct thorough due diligence, especially regarding labor laws, environmental regulations, and municipal permits. Proactive legal compliance is not just a requirement; it is a critical strategy to ensure the long-term profitability and sustainability of any tourism venture in our country.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s comments powerfully underscore that the success of Costa Rica’s tourism industry is not accidental, but is built upon a framework of legal foresight and diligent compliance. This perspective is a crucial reminder for investors that sustainability and profitability are two sides of the same coin here. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying insight.
The film recently held an emotional pre-premiere event in Madrid, Spain, attended by the five protagonists and special guests. The screening highlighted not only the physical challenges overcome by the athletes but also the profound emotional and psychological journey they undertook. The documentary serves as a moving narrative of courage, determination, and the healing power of nature, themes that resonate deeply with Costa Rica’s national brand.
This project was made possible through a strategic partnership with the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). The government body supported the production as a unique and compelling method to market the country to a global audience. The ICT aims to showcase Costa Rica as more than just a beautiful vacation spot, but as a place capable of inspiring profound personal transformation amidst its unique natural environments.
Angélica Herra, the Coordinator for the European Market at the ICT, emphasized the strategic vision behind backing the documentary. She explained that the platform and the story’s message were a perfect alignment with the country’s tourism goals.
We supported the production of the Reto Pelayo Vida because it is an innovative and inspiring way to tell the stories of these brave women and showcase the multiple tourist attractions that Costa Rica offers on the Amazon PRIME platform.
Angélica Herra, Coordinator for the European Market at the ICT
Herra further elaborated on the country’s capacity to offer life-changing experiences. “Our country is capable of transforming through a trip or a vacation,” she stated, “and this is a great example, so that Costa Rica may be known for the content and social message of hope included in this documentary.” The film is expected to inspire countless other travelers to seek out similar, deeply personal adventures within Costa Rica’s borders.
The decision to feature this story on Amazon Prime represents a significant marketing coup for the ICT. By leveraging a leading streaming service, Costa Rica gains access to millions of households, particularly in key European markets. This modern approach to destination marketing moves beyond traditional advertising, using powerful, authentic storytelling to create a deep emotional connection with potential visitors and reinforce the “Pura Vida” ethos.
The focus on the Spanish market is particularly timely. According to recent data, Spanish tourists accounted for over 20,000 airline seats in the first few months of 2026 alone, indicating a strong and growing interest in Costa Rica. “Heartbeats in the Rain” is poised to capitalize on this momentum, showcasing the very adventures and natural splendor that attract this key demographic and further solidifying Costa Rica’s position as a world leader in sustainable and meaningful travel.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute is the official government body responsible for the promotion and regulation of the tourism industry in Costa Rica. Its mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model through public policy, strategic alliances, and the development of high-quality tourism products. The ICT works to position the country as a leading global destination for authentic and memorable travel experiences.
For further information, visit primevideo.com
About Amazon Prime:
Amazon Prime is a paid subscription service from Amazon which is available in various countries and gives users access to additional services otherwise unavailable or available at a premium to other Amazon customers. Services include same, one or two-day delivery of goods and streaming music, video, e-books, gaming, and grocery shopping services. Its video-on-demand service, Prime Video, is a global streaming platform offering a vast library of films, television series, and original content.
For further information, visit retopelayovida.com
About Reto Pelayo Vida:
Reto Pelayo Vida is an annual initiative that brings together five women who have overcome cancer to participate in a major sporting and adventure challenge in a remote part of the world. The project aims to send a message of hope and strength, demonstrating that after overcoming cancer, it is possible to achieve extraordinary goals. Each expedition is documented to inspire other patients and raise awareness about the importance of resilience and physical activity.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm blends a rich history of advising a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking approach, consistently pioneering innovative legal strategies. Beyond its practice, it holds a deep-seated commitment to social progress, actively working to demystify the law and equip the public with vital legal understanding, thereby fostering a more informed and capable society.
