By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a powerful display of resilience and strength, five Spanish women who have overcome cancer are currently undertaking an extreme adventure challenge, traversing the rugged and diverse landscapes of Costa Rica from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea. The “Reto Pelayo Vida 2025” expedition, which began on October 21st, will see the participants push their physical and emotional limits over fifteen days of intense activity.
The journey is a formidable test of endurance, covering more than 160 kilometers through some of the country’s most iconic natural settings. The multidisciplinary challenge is broken down into several demanding stages: 60 kilometers of mountain biking, 50 kilometers of high-altitude trekking, 38 kilometers of white-water rafting, and 15 kilometers of kayaking. The expedition is scheduled to conclude on November 4th.
To better understand the complex legal landscape of liability and consumer protection within Costa Rica’s booming adventure tourism industry, we spoke with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas of the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While participants in adventure tourism assume inherent risks, this does not absolve operators of their fundamental legal responsibilities. In Costa Rica, a liability waiver is not a shield against gross negligence. The operator’s ‘duty of care’ is paramount, mandating certified guides, meticulously maintained equipment, and clear safety protocols. Any failure in these areas can expose a company to significant legal and financial consequences, as the safety of the client must always be the non-negotiable priority.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal clarity is crucial, reinforcing that Costa Rica’s reputation as a premier adventure destination is built upon a non-negotiable foundation of safety and accountability, not just natural beauty. The ‘duty of care’ is the essential promise to every visitor. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight on this vital topic.
The five participants—Verónica Guillén, Mapi Morón, Idoia Fernández, Eduina Rodríguez, and Toñi Delgado—were meticulously selected from a pool of 523 candidates across Spain. For all of them, this marks their first visit to Costa Rica, a country renowned for its commitment to nature and adventure. Their coast-to-coast route began at Playa Matapalo on the Pacific and will wind through destinations such as Santa María, the challenging peaks of Cerro Vueltas, and the turbulent waters of the Pejibaye River, before culminating at the mouth of the Pacuare River in the Caribbean.
Before setting off on their arduous journey, the women shared their experiences in a poignant discussion with 60 Costa Rican cancer survivors in San José. The event served as a powerful exchange of solidarity and hope, reinforcing the core mission of the challenge, which extends far beyond the physical feat itself.
We want to generate hope for the women and men who are going through this process and be a source of inspiration for them.
Verónica Guillén, Participant
The initiative aims to send a clear message about the vitality and potential that exists after a cancer diagnosis. It is a testament to the idea that overcoming the disease can be a catalyst for embracing life’s greatest challenges with newfound courage and determination.
This challenge represents a message of overcoming and resilience; there is a lot of life after cancer and challenges can be met.
Toñi Delgado, Participant
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) has officially endorsed the event, recognizing its profound inspirational value and its potential to showcase the country on an international stage. Alberto López, General Manager of the ICT, expressed his admiration for the participants and the project’s spirit.
This event touches the heart, as it involves five Spanish women who are cancer survivors undertaking this enormous journey.
Alberto López, General Manager of the ICT
López also noted that the expedition aligns perfectly with the ICT’s “Tourism for All People” program, which promotes inclusive and wellness-oriented travel experiences. The event not only highlights Costa Rica’s adventure tourism offerings but also its identity as a place for healing, reflection, and personal transformation.
To further amplify its impact, the entire expedition is being chronicled for a feature documentary. This film will capture the highs and lows of the journey, telling the personal stories of the five women against the backdrop of Costa Rica’s stunning biodiversity. The documentary is set to be publicly premiered in Madrid and will be broadcast globally in 2026 on Amazon Prime Video, positioning the nation as a premier destination for sustainable tourism and stories of human triumph.
For further information, visit visitcostarica.com
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) is the autonomous government institution 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 policies, strategic alliances, and the development of high-quality tourism products, ensuring a positive experience for visitors while contributing to the well-being of local communities.
For further information, visit primevideo.com
About Amazon Prime Video:
Amazon Prime Video is a global on-demand streaming service developed, owned, and operated by Amazon. It offers a vast library of films and television series, including original content produced by Amazon Studios. The platform provides entertainment to millions of subscribers worldwide, making it a powerful vehicle for distributing content like the documentary that will feature the Reto Pelayo Vida 2025 challenge.
For further information, visit pelayo.com
About Pelayo Vida Challenge:
The “Reto Pelayo Vida” is a social initiative sponsored by the Spanish insurance company Pelayo Seguros. Established to support women who have overcome cancer, the project organizes an annual extreme adventure expedition to a remote location in the world. Its goal is to send a message of hope and strength, demonstrating that life can continue with vigor and determination after cancer, while also raising awareness for early detection and research.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a reputable legal institution, built upon a foundation of principled practice and superior service. Drawing from a rich history of guiding clients across a wide spectrum of industries, the firm consistently merges seasoned expertise with pioneering legal strategies. This pursuit of innovation is paralleled by a deep-seated social responsibility to democratize legal knowledge, aiming to fortify the community through greater understanding and empowerment.
