Costa Rica wildlife & wilderness tour

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Accommodations on our trip use renewable energy and take steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

On nights one and seven, guests will stay at Finca Rosa Blanca, an organic coffee farm and
luxury inn set in the lush coffee highlands near San José and the SJO airport. This accommodation scored a 5 out of 5 ranking from the “Blue Ecological Flag”, a country-wide program that assesses businesses based on their work to mitigate, reduce, and reverse climate change. It holds an elite-level sustainable certification under Costa Rica’s Certification for Sustainable Tourist (CST) program, which ranks businesses according to the degree their operations integrate sustainability. It uses solar-powered electricity and solar-heated water while also actively trying to limit its demand for water and electricity. Finca Rosa Blanca has planted more than 5,000 native trees, contributing to its plan of regeneration.

On nights two and three, guests stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge, located within the Arenal Volcano National Park that borders the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The lodge sustainably maintains its property of 270 acres in reforestation with pine and eucalyptus. Other sustainable practices include using natural and biodegradable products to sustain its gardens, utilizing wastewater treatment plants to prevent contamination of the environment, hang-drying linens instead of using the dryer when possible, using refillable containers for toiletries, and choosing biodegradable cleaning products. It continually promotes energy and water-saving practices to its staff and guests.

On nights four to six, guests stay at Corcovado Wilderness Lodge. This property is a 189-acre private reserve surrounded by the Corcovado National Park. The lodge is a certified Sustainable Lodging provider under Costa Rica’s Certification for Sustainable Tourist (CST) program, which ranks businesses according to the degree their operations integrate sustainability. The lodge uses alternative energy to fuel its property and dedicates efforts to waste management and recycling. It also partners with foundations that support tree planting in deforested areas, cleanup efforts for beaches, and programs that empower and provide for local adolescents.

To reduce carbon emissions, we also use human-powered transport during some of our activities.

On day three, we explore by foot to view a waterfall and explore the rainforests near the lodge. After, we hike to the 1968 lava fields to a viewpoint close to the Arenal Volcano followed by a guided night hike. On day five, we explore Corcovado National Park on foot in search of wildlife and learn about the conservation initiatives and research of the park. On day six, guests can explore the nearby waters of Caño Island while snorkeling near coral reefs.

Most food on this tour is locally sourced and seasonal. Our welcome dinner occurs at farm-to-table restaurant, El Tigre Vestido. The certified organic form does not use agrochemicals, pesticides, herbicides or fungicides, instead using fertilizer produced by its own worms. All organic waste the restaurant produces is used in its organic waste composting process. All ingredients in its menu are sourced from its organic farms.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

We work with local partners who are like family to us. Our partners are stewards of the land and cultural guardians who are part of the local fabric of each location that we visit.

Our guides have spent years learning about their environment and the animals living in it. Our guides bring unparalleled passion for their land and for passing along knowledge to our guests.

Our company is committed to contributing to local economies and supporting small businesses as part of our sustainability practices. Many of our activities involve small businesses such as our visit to La Fortuna to enjoy local artisan shops and to learn about the local history and culture of the area. We will also embark on a walking tour of a rural community and a small farm before meeting the family of Don Coco and Doña Katherine, who show us what local life is like and share food prepared over a crackling wood stove. We also visit Café Rosa Blanca and tour its organic coffee plantation, learning about the local coffee-making processes and allowing guests to purchase coffee to bring home as gifts.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

During this tour, in the Arenal Volcano National Park areas and Osa Peninsula, tours will be given by local guides.

Throughout the journey, we will stop at different women-owned family businesses, like Fogon de Chela.