Costa Rica classic self drive vacation

Planet

As an in depth specialist tour operator to Costa Rica responsible tourism is at the very heart of what we do. To us, this means much more than a simple donation to a charity for each client. We try to build long and constructive involvements with local guides, lodges and hotels, in the course of which we, and our clients, can make lasting wide-ranging contributions to the wonderful places and people we engage with. In this itinerary we use several hotels and lodges that fit with this philosophy perfectly:

Studio Boutique Hotel in San Jose has achieved the highest 'elite' level Tourism Sustainability Certification (CST) from the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT). Examples of their sustainable practices include a water conservation program which uses treated waste water to irrigate the hotel property during Costa Rica's dry season, solar powered energy, energy saving LED lightbulbs throughout the hotel and a comprehensive waste management program including recycling.

Lomas del Volcan hotel in Arenal has implemented programs to maximise water and energy efficiency to reduce waste in their daily operations. They also sort and manage solid waste. The hotel is also part of the "Ruta Eléctrica La Fortuna" (La Fortuna Electric Route), an initiative to promote the use of electric vehicles by offering charging points at their facilities and supporting sustainable mobility.

Trapp Family Lodge in Monteverde is also committed to sustainable practices including energy and water management with water saving devices in shower and faucets, solar powered energy and LED lightbulbs, vermicomposting, biodegradable cleaning products. The hotel also supports health, sports, environmental and cultural initiatives in local communities. They are active members of the Monteverde Environmental Education Commission (CEAM) and the Monteverde Accessible Tourism Commission. They are also part of the Monteverde Sustainable Alliance (H4).

We were the first tour operator in the UK to form a partnership with the Rainforest Alliance to work towards the implementation of best management practices in sustainable tourism. In real terms this means that we are working with hotels who are making a positive impact on their local community – socially, environmentally and economically.

We are committed to promoting vacations that reduce the operational carbon emissions of our trips. No internal flights are included in this itinerary, travel is by road.

This itinerary visits the Monteverde Reserve and the Manuel Antonio National Park, as well as smaller private nature reserves - the entrance fees to these sites goes toward the conservation of these protected areas.

People

We use local guides in all of our destinations. It is our experience that with the right approach, local guides with their superior local knowledge are best qualified for the job, and are the best champions of their local communities. It is also a fantastic way of helping communities to survive and flourish when gifted people are able to work locally instead of having to leave for the cities to find work.

In Costa Rica we use local ground handlers - this means that all the operational costs go directly into the local economy and helps to improve employment opportunities in remote regions. By incorporating locally owned hotels, restaurants and the services of guides and drivers into our itineraries, we ensure that money you spend on your trip goes directly into the local economy and local communities benefit from tourism.