Costa Rica coast to coast hike, bike & kayak vacation

Planet

As part of our 'Making it More Meaningful Sustainable Travel Policy' we aim to record and reduce our operational carbon emissions for this trip. We’ve crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of the Costa Rica Coast to Coast trip. What’s the number?
It works out on average at 147kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, leaders, crew and office operations.

The only thing not included is travel to Costa Rica. Given that our travelers come different parts of the world for this adventure we have no way of reliably knowing their travel plans therefore we’re unable to include an individual number in the figure on display here.

CARBON REDUCTION
We are committed to providing trips that reduce the operational carbon emissions of the journey. Please see how we are doing this below:

- This is predominantly a human-powered trip covering 250kms by bike, foot, raft and kayak across Costa Rica over 8 days
- We use local services. We engage locally owned and operated businesses, thereby supporting local people and avoiding the use of long, carbon-intensive supply chains
- We use local transport where safe, reliable and feasible, and when this is not feasible, we use private, locally owned transport suitable for the group size to reduce fuel usage per traveler;
- The eco-camp used at El Nido del Tigre was built in harmony between rainforest and tourism. Local people were employed with the building of this campsite and are still employed there today. The camp uses solar power lighting.
- Vegetarian and vegan food is available for each day of the trip. Snacks are predominantly of fresh locally sourced fruit.

ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE
We care deeply about traveling in a way to minimise and mitigate our negative impacts on Costa Rica’s natural environment and by being an active positive contributor to the local communities and natural heritage that we’re so fortunate to visit. Some of the positive features embedded in our Costa Rica Coast to Coast Adventure are:
- Issue all our travelers with a free Water-to-Go bottle to eliminate our single use plastic footprint in such a pristine wilderness environment
- Minimise plastic waste wherever possible
- Operate with a 'pack in, pack out' ethos with this trip. By minimising waste generation and practising responsible waste management
- Operate a ‘leave no trace’ ethos – take only memories, leave only footprints
- All entrance fees to National Parks are included in your trip. These fees go towards the conservation of these areas
- Our local guides are expert nature guides and extremely passionate about sharing their local wildlife and environmental knowledge with you
- We believe wildlife should be wild, and nature should be natural and have such created our Animal Protection Policy which is part of our Travelife Partner Sustainable Tourism Award. We also provide our travelers with top tips on responsible travel including how to avoid illegal souvenirs.

We also support Cool Earth, a non-profit organisation that works alongside rainforest communities to halt deforestation and its impact on climate change. Cool Earth puts local people back in control, giving them the resources they need to keep their forest intact. It is an approach that research proves to be the most effective way of keeping rainforest standing. It is also an approach that is transforming the lives of some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable communities.

This partnership means that just by joining this trip, you will not only have an incredible experience but you can do so by knowing you are actively supporting rainforest communities across the globe.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY
We are inherently a responsible travel operator. Small group sizes allow us to visit a destination and local communities, not invade, and to be welcomed back time and time again. We pride ourselves on this commitment.

Small groups only. We focus on small groups with low guide ratio as we value the personal relationships highly. You’ll not only witness extraordinary landscapes on this expedition, but also forge long-lasting friendships and gain a profound understanding of the culture and people of the destinations you explore.

We believe travel must benefit local communities and this is a key part of our Costa Rica Coast to Coast journey.

- All bar one accommodation places are locally owned
- There is the option for a local family homestay in Jiménez
- You will be accompanied by experienced local guides and drivers throughout your adventure
- Visit coffee plantations in Tarrazu
- Always the option to stop and visit local cafes and shops enroute
- All meals are provided by local cafes and restaurants.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
Our local guides are at the center of this trip and come from Costa Rica. We believe that local guides are the key to unlocking the true essence of a destination. The deep-rooted understanding of the terrain, culture, wildlife and hidden gems allow us to curate unforgettable journeys that go beyond the ordinary. When you embark on this trip, you won’t just be shown around — you’ll be guided by experienced locals who are passionate about sharing their rich knowledge and love for their homeland. 100% of our local guides are from Costa Rica.

Rest assured, our commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism extends to our partnership with local communities. By engaging local guides, we provide economic opportunities that support the welfare of the regions we visit, ensuring a positive impact on both the environment and the people who call Costa Rica home. Embrace the transformative power of connecting with locals on your adventure.

Our Costa Rican adventure is more than just a multi-activity trip. It’s the basis where two groups of people become one and human interaction is at its most powerful.
When we traverse, the entire group – you as a participant, the energetic & passionate local guides - are one team. Together we trek the landscapes of some of the most incredible landscapes & environments, making a powerful difference to each other’s experience.

To you as a traveler – you receive the support, care, insight into local life & culture, wildlife and professional guidance of your local crew.

And to the local crew – they have the opportunity of training & employment, career progression, above minimum wage payment, human interaction and developing language skills.

Together we learn and appreciate each other’s backgrounds, culture and way of life.

Through our Travelife Partner Sustainable Tourism Award we have a Guide Protection Policy in place and also facilitiate more women being involved in this trip. We ensure we are not taking part in any activities or using suppliers/services that discriminate against, exploit or traffic women and/or minority groups. Rest assured, we do not employ children, nor do we use suppliers or patron places that allow children to perform work that is illegal or likely to jeopardise the child’s health, safety or morals. We put in place strong measures to ensure that our suppliers, travelers and partners are not involved in the exploitation of children, including training relevant employees/leaders on child protection and raising awareness among our adventurers on how to report incidents of child exploitation

Our Costa Rica Coast to Coast Adventure is an LGBTQ+ friendly journey, embodying inclusivity, safety, and a celebration of diversity at its core. With a commitment to creating welcoming spaces, the adventure ensures that every traveler, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels respected and valued. Safety, both physical and emotional for all our travelers, is prioritised in our pre-travel 'Essential Info' document outlining our 'Trip Rules' and guidelines for 'Traveling in a group', alongside fostering connections among our travelers.