Learn Spanish in Costa Rica

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION:

Our tours include in-country transportation with a semi-private shuttle service. Our partners are offsetting their entire annual carbon emissions produced by their transport units through supporting natural regeneration projects. Additionally they have established an extensive recycling program in collaboration with certified waste management suppliers. This program encompasses various facets including responsible disposal and recycling of materials such as glass, aluminium, paper, cardboard and plastic.
At the accommodation our emphasis lies in reducing water usage and controlling our output in organic, recyclables and ordinary wastes. We proudly implemented a single use plastic free campaign and are executing weekly beach clean-ups as well as environmental education programs. We are offering various workshops to local women and recycling groups in the Caribbean to explain about the importance of protection and also to implement solutions. We are collecting plastic bottle caps and recycling them in our own workshop into different objects. We then craft these into bracelets and keychains among others for the campaign to sell them to expand our impact, which encourages our suppliers to join whilst simultaneously reducing their carbon impact.
Since 2018 we are actively planting edible plants in our tropical garden like plantain, yuca, banana, herbs, cucumber, papaya, jackfruit and citrics among others that are also used by our kitchen team.
We have participated in trail maintenance and reforestation activities in several National Parks and biological reserves around the country. These promote a clean environment by the elaboration of signs and other campaigns.

EDUCATION AND WILDLIFE:

Visitors will participate actively in various recycling activities like weekly beach clean-ups, supporting local recycling facilities as well as our own workshops; for example, bottle caps get transformed into bracelets, key chains or our newest product being our recycled cool sunglasses!
This tour specifically offers exciting opportunities to learn about local conservation work whilst participating in our programs. Additionally there are visits to local communities on a chocolate tour or projects like nearby National Park Cahuita, Gandoca Manzanillo Reserve, the local Wildlife Rescue Centre or other protected areas where they make a direct contribution!
Our organization is running a permanent social club for the local youth where we teach them arts, languages, homework support and circus skills but also environmental education, so they become the guardians of this beautiful natural habitat that surrounds them.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY :

Enjoy a diverse cultural experience in a responsible manner by becoming a volunteer! Have a direct impact and hands on experiences whilst enjoying your vacation with us! Travel with low emission and your accommodation is certified for sustainable practices in terms of water usage and waste management.
We ensure that where possible our purchases are made locally, supporting small providers and also involve independent contractors (language teachers, surf teacher, taxi, tour guides, etc) Our local staff is hired according to legal requirements and above minimum wages and with all necessary insurance.
Every donation made on this program goes 100% to the local projects that you are visiting. You will be substantially supporting important conservation and educational work in the area. Through this itinerary you will have an impact on communities and programs directly and also actively support the local economy. We facilitate purchases of local crafts (masks, bags, jewellery, etc) and products (such as cacao, café) so you can support the local artisans directly.
This program is running all year round and it shows our visitors the great biodiversity of the country, interesting small scale projects and local conservation efforts. Your visit will give substantial support for community projects that open their doors to show us their way of sustainable living. They will invite you to share knowledge and give you a deeper understanding of their culture and environmental approach. We offer you to meet the local community and live within a different culture with likeminded people from around the world.


EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY:

All our tours include an introduction to local customs and emphasizing our respect for the local culture. At our organization we recognize the value of a diverse workforce, the focus on inclusive practices that are very important when it comes to staff as well as our visitors. Our organization is a large family environment that not only enhances employee satisfaction but also helps implement diversity initiatives, where we welcome an open dialog regarding barriers to inclusion and embracing diversity. This presents as a critical imperative for our business aiming to thrive in a globalized economy.