We label trips from Locally Operated Companies to signify that they may be part of a larger organization headquartered elsewhere.

Trips from Locally-Operated Companies | Yugen Earthside

The "Locally Operated" tag represents partners who employ locals to design and run the tours, but the company is not registered to pay taxes in the destination country.

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Yugen Earthside connects mindful travelers to responsible package trips around the world. CARBON REMOVALS INCLUDED WITH EACH BOOKING!

Connecting mindful travelers to responsible experiences around the world.

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

We proudly partner with wanderwell, a B-Corp-certified travel insurance agency and 1% for the Planet member.

Request a FREE quote for Trip Protection or Travel Medical coverage.

Discover self-guided, privately-guided, & small group tours around the world. Our sustainable adventures are customizable, and include carbon removals with each booking!

Trips | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Discover naturally green Costa Rica, driving through a famous coffee region, to the Arenal Volcano, & to the picturesque coast. Carbon removals included!

[8 days] Naturally Green: Costa Rica Coffee to Coast | Yugen Earthside

Discover the naturally green country of Costa Rica on this self-drive trip through a famous coffee region, to the Arenal Volcano, and to the picturesque coast.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica’s vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking natural wonders with this Naturally Green itinerary. Dive deep into the heart of this eco-friendly paradise as you explore lush rainforests, savor authentic local flavors, and connect with rich traditions that make Costa Rica truly unique.

From immersive cultural experiences like a coffee tour and a cooking class, to adventures in pristine, protected environments, this itinerary promises a harmonious blend of sustainability and discovery, leaving you inspired by nature and the warmth of Costa Rican hospitality.

Join an immersive coffee tour in Naranjo, one of Costa Rica’s finest coffee regions.

Savor Costa Rica’s culinary heritage with a hands-on cooking class.

Experience the authentic rural traditions and lifestyle of local organic farmers in the lush Arenal region.

Glide through Arenal’s waterways on a serene Safari Boat tour surrounded by stunning wildlife.

Explore the beauty of Nosara with an eco-friendly River E-Boat tour through pristine landscapes.

Observe Costa Rica’s stunning landscapes from above during a flight from Nosara to San José.

This itinerary allows you to have an incredible journey through Costa Rica, offering the perfect balance of culture, nature, and sustainability. You will enjoy excursions guided by expert locals who share their deep knowledge of the country's traditions and ecosystems. You will have your own rental car to drive to each main stop and explore areas on your own in the free time between planned excursions.

You'll rejuvenate with two-to-three night stays in carefully selected accommodations throughout Naranjo, Arenal, and Nosara. Our accommodation selections prioritize sustainable practices, ensuring a responsible and eco-friendly experience.

From discovering Costa Rica’s rich coffee heritage to savoring its culinary delights and observing its wildlife from two different relaxing boat tours, every aspect of the trip is designed to immerse you in the authentic beauty and culture of this vibrant destination.

This journey promises not only unforgettable adventures but also a meaningful connection with Costa Rica's natural and cultural treasures.

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.

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.

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.

Meet & Greet at SJO International Airport

7 nights lodging (2 nights in a lodge; 3 nights in a resort; 2 nights in a boutique hotel)

D2 Coffee Tour (Shared Half-Day Experience) - Without Transportation

D2 Cooking Class (Shared Half-Day Experience) - Without Transportation

D4 Arenal Vida Campesina Tour (Shared Half-Day Experience)

D5 Peñas Blancas Safari Boat Tour (Shared Half-Day Experience)

D7 River E-Boat Tour (Shared Half-Day Experience)

Private Transfer: Nosara Hotel to Airstrip

Domestic Flight: Nosara to San Jose - Stop over Liberia

Private Transfer: San Jose Domestic Terminal to SJO Intl Airport

This trip requires a rental car and rental car insurance. Pricing for the car and insurance are upon request and will be added to the listed trip price. You're also welcome to book your rental car on your own.

High Season: Nov. 1, 2024 - April 30, 2025

Mid Season: July 1 - Aug. 31, 2025; Nov. 1-30, 2025

Low Season: May 1 - June 30, 2025; Sep. 1 - Oct. 31, 2025

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.

This itinerary has been carefully designed to minimize its environmental impact by prioritizing eco-friendly accommodations and activities.

Each hotel selected is committed to sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting local conservation projects.

Activities are chosen with respect for Costa Rica's natural ecosystems, ensuring wildlife and habitats are preserved for future generations.

Guests will have the opportunity to connect with local communities through authentic experiences, such as learning about traditional farming techniques and Costa Rican culinary traditions.

The trip supports small, family-owned businesses and local artisans, ensuring that tourism directly benefits the communities visited.

Travelers can actively engage in cultural exchanges, deepening their understanding of Costa Rica's heritage while fostering meaningful connections.

This trip emphasizes responsible travel by partnering with locally owned accommodations and tours, directly supporting the local economy.

Sustainable tourism initiatives included in the itinerary create jobs and provide income for rural communities, helping to promote equitable economic growth.

By participating in this journey, guests contribute to a tourism model that reinvests in the regions they visit, ensuring long-term benefits for both residents and the environment.

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.

Naturally Green: Costa Rica Coffee to Coast

Locally Operated

Naturally Green: Costa Rica Coffee to Coast

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