Sustainable Essence of Costa Rica

Discover Costa Rica’s sustainable essence on an eco-friendly journey featuring local traditions, Indigenous culture, and breathtaking biodiversity.

Begin your adventure in Sarapiquí, exploring its rich biodiversity and embracing its peaceful atmosphere. Then, in Maquenque, enjoy a serene safari raft float and a nocturnal rainforest walk.

Next, head to Arenal to visit the Maleku Indigenous Reserve, where you'll immerse yourself in Indigenous culture, language, traditions, and sustainable practices.

In Monteverde, walk among the treetops on the Sky Walk hanging bridges for stunning views of the mystical cloud forest, followed by a hands-on experience of traditional farming with the Trapiche Tour, featuring sugarcane, coffee, and cacao production.

Finally, in Carara, discover sustainable living on a private eco-tour, learning about permaculture, conservation, and eco-friendly practices.

This trip beautifully combines sustainability, cultural heritage, and adventure, offering a deep connection to Costa Rica’s people, nature, and conservation efforts.

• Enjoy the serene, lush natural beauty of Sarapiquí.
• Glide along the Maquenque River on a peaceful safari float by raft.
• Venture into the rainforest on an exhilarating night walk tour.
• Connect with indigenous culture during your visit to the Maleku Reserve.
• Walk above the treetops in Monteverde on the Sky Walk hanging bridges.
• Spot a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats on the river safari, in the rainforest, and in the cloud forest.
• Discover sustainable farming practices while learning about the process of sugarcane, coffee, and cacao production.
• Explore the ecosystems of Carara on a private sustainable living tour, delving into conservation efforts and eco-friendly practices that help preserve the region’s unique biodiversity.

Over nearly two weeks, you'll spend:

• one night at a 4* hotel in San Jose upon arrival
• two nights in Sarapiquí at a 3* eco-lodge
• two nights in Boca Tapada (the gateway to the Maquenque Wildlife Refuge) in a 3* eco-lodge
• two nights in Arenal at a 4* hotel
• two nights in Monteverde at a 3* lodge
• two nights in Carara in a 3* eco-lodge
• one final night at a 4* hotel in San José before departure

This itinerary offers an immersive journey through Costa Rica, seamlessly blending sustainability, culture, and nature. From wildlife encounters to cultural experiences, each activity is designed to provide a deeper understanding of the country’s biodiversity and eco-friendly traditions.

Each tour is a guided experience lasting approximately half a day. Only on Days 5 & 9 will you have two half-day tours, ensuring that most of the itinerary allows for free time to explore at your own pace. On days when you transition between accommodations, no tours are scheduled, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed drive, take in scenic landscapes, and make spontaneous stops in charming towns along the way.

In Sarapiquí, both days are meant for relaxation, with no scheduled activities. You can take this time to unwind, enjoy the pool, and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings of the property, connecting with nature at your own pace. You can schedule activities directly through the hotel if you want, with extra charge as these activities are not included in the program.

You'll unwind with one-to-two-night stays in carefully selected accommodations across San Jose, Sarapiquí, Boca Tapada, Arenal, Monteverde, and Carara. Each stay prioritizes comfort and sustainability, ensuring a responsible and immersive experience in nature.

Costa Rica is a year-round destination, with each season offering unique experiences depending on what you seek—whether it's sun-soaked beaches or lush rainforests in their full vibrant glory.

Dry Season (December to April):

This is considered the high season for tourism in Costa Rica, especially on the Pacific coast. Expect sunny, warm weather, perfect for beach activities and outdoor adventures. It’s the ideal time to explore national parks, visit volcanic regions, and enjoy the wildlife in its dry-season habitats. The Central Valley and most coastal areas experience pleasant temperatures, though some areas like the Caribbean may still see occasional rainfall.

Green Season (May to November):

During the rainy season, Costa Rica turns lush and green, which is why it’s often called the Green Season. Although rains are more frequent in the afternoon and evening, mornings are typically clear and perfect for outdoor activities. The green season is an excellent time for those looking to experience Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity, as this period marks the peak of plant growth and animal activity. The Caribbean coast tends to receive rain throughout the year but remains fairly pleasant. Additionally, fewer tourists mean more relaxed travel conditions.

Since 1972, we have been committed to positioning Costa Rica as a sustainable tourism destination. Through partnerships with government institutions and organizations, we've implemented initiatives that protect the environment, support local communities, and promote responsible travel practices.

Our approach includes collaborating with eco-certified accommodations, supporting conservation projects, and integrating carbon offset programs to reduce our environmental impact. We also work closely with local communities, reinvesting in their economies and fostering cultural preservation. Some of our company-wide initiatives include:

• Actively collaborating with local projects that protect national parks, reserves, and biological corridors throughout Costa Rica.
• Organizing a volunteer trash collection program.
• Supporting food banks in San José and Guanacaste.
• Educating employees, travelers, and business partners on sustainability and conservation to encourage responsible practices.
• Adhering to Fair Trade practices for all collaborators and partners, from tour guides to small-scale farmers, to foster ethical economic development.
• Promoting tourism dispersal and economic support in rural areas by focusing on less-visited regions, reducing the strain on popular destinations, and promoting inclusivity.

As we move forward, we remain dedicated to creating meaningful travel experiences while ensuring the preservation of Costa Rica's natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

We are proud to hold certifications such as the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST), awarded by the Costa Rican Tourism Board, which reflects our dedication to environmental conservation and response tourism.

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Environmental Initiatives

• Each selected hotel follows responsible tourism practices, such as reducing waste, implementing water and energy conservation measures, and actively supporting local conservation initiatives. Many of these eco-lodges are integrated into their natural surroundings, using sustainable architecture and low-impact designs to protect biodiversity.
• Every experience on this journey has been carefully chosen to respect Costa Rica’s natural ecosystems. Whether it’s a wildlife-friendly safari float, a cultural visit to the Maleku Indigenous Reserve, or a sustainable living tour, these activities are designed to minimize disturbance to the environment while providing meaningful interactions with nature and local communities.
• This itinerary encourages responsible travel by engaging with initiatives that protect Costa Rica’s biodiversity. From learning about indigenous traditions to visiting sustainable farms and conservation projects, travelers contribute to local economies while helping to preserve the country’s rich natural heritage for future generations.

Community Support

• Guests will have the opportunity to connect with local communities through immersive activities, such as visiting the Maleku Indigenous Reserve, where they can learn about ancestral traditions, language, and craftsmanship. Additionally, experiences like the Trapiche Tour offer insights into traditional farming techniques, including sugarcane processing, coffee production, and Costa Rican culinary traditions.
• This journey supports community-led initiatives that promote economic and social well-being. By visiting cooperatives, sustainable farms, and conservation projects, travelers help reinforce locally driven efforts to preserve cultural heritage and protect the environment. These experiences ensure that tourism benefits not just businesses but also the wider community.
• Travelers can actively engage in cultural exchanges, deepening their understanding of Costa Rica's heritage while fostering meaningful connections. Visits to indigenous communities, sustainable farms, and conservation projects provide opportunities to learn from locals, hear their stories, and gain firsthand experience in their day-to-day lives, creating a more enriching and responsible travel experience.

Economic Initiatives

• This trip emphasizes responsible travel by partnering with locally owned accommodations, tour operators, and dining establishments, ensuring that tourism revenue directly benefits the communities visited. By staying in eco-lodges and engaging with small, family-run businesses, travelers help sustain local livelihoods while experiencing authentic Costa Rican hospitality.
• Sustainable tourism initiatives included in the itinerary play a vital role in creating jobs and generating income for rural communities. From local guides and artisans to organic farmers and conservationists, this journey helps promote equitable economic growth, empowering communities to thrive while preserving their cultural and natural heritage.
• By participating in this journey, guests contribute to a tourism model that reinvests in the regions they visit. A portion of the revenue supports local conservation projects, community programs, and sustainability efforts, ensuring long-term benefits for both residents and the environment. This approach fosters a balanced and responsible tourism experience that leaves a positive impact beyond the trip itself.

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.

We are dedicated to ensuring that tourists visit a healthy and safe country. Costa Rica, with its exemplary national health system and status as one of the safest countries in the region, provides a secure environment for our visitors. Our Sustainability Handbook seeks to ensure the safety of the services customers receive. These guidelines include the selection of responsible suppliers and support for strategies that promote a safe destination, different policies that cover visitors, and participation in initiatives such as the Tourism Safety Committee of the National Chamber of Tourism.

We also provide advice for travelers upon arrival in the form of a Welcome Letter that includes Responsible Tips to Become a Sustainable Traveler.