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If you’re interested in fair trade and are looking for an opportunity to meet the people behind the products then this is the holiday for you. Global adventures start with a local perspective – that's our philosophy. We focus on creating the most enjoyable holiday for our customers while benefiting the local people, economy and respecting the environment.
With the focus on fair trade, we learn about the production of fair trade coffee at UCA San Ramon, a group member of CECOCAFEN who have been partners with Cafedirect since 2001 and also visit farms producing fair trade sugar and pineapples. Focussing good treatment of their workers and using natural resources without harming the environment, these projects will give us a great introduction to the concepts of fair trade.
Our local partner was formed by two dual Costa Rican-US citizens in response to the demand of numerous friends and colleagues for tours in Costa Rica that are based on a clear understanding of the local culture as well as the needs and interests of responsible tourists. Their work is fully integrated in rural development, rural business organisation and women’s health. This tour is a great combination of this culture, politics and fair trade along with enjoying the stunning scenery and wildlife of these Central American countries.
Spending time in carefully selected accommodation and restaurants we make sure that the local communities benefit directly. The range of accommodation on this trip is designed to give you a sense of the history and culture of the area as well as the modern way of life. By collaborating with locally based people when visiting different areas we are able to contribute to the regional economy. You will also enjoy some meal times with the farmer’s you visit.
We provide guests with Travellers’ Codes to encourage the reduction of water usage, systems for collecting, recycling or safe disposal of litter and relevant suggestions to minimise damage to the environment, wildlife and marine ecosystems. All our holidays have a maximum group size of 12 to 14 people minimizing both the social and environmental impact. There is also the option to carbon-offset your flights.
Voted one of the Best Tour Operators in two categories in the Guardian / Observer Travel Awards 2010.
Voted in February 2010, by The Guardian newspapers list of experts as one of the top 75 outstanding green travel companies in the Guardian Green Travel List 2010. In 2011 the public and a panel of experts chose the tours to be featured as one of the top sustainable holidays in the Guardian's Green Travel List 2011.
Winner of the Guardian Observer Award for Best Small Short Break Tour Operator, runner up in the Online Booking Award and Best Small Tour Operator award 2011.
Fair trade is at the heart of how this tour company operates, their principles include paying a fair price for services and developing long term relationships with their partners. These enlightening trips create real connections between travellers and the communities they visit. Guests get to see how certain products are made, who grows the coffee they drink or weaves the basket that sits on their mantelpiece, and the producers really enjoy seeing the people who buy their wares and how valued their products are. All tours are set up in conjunction with local guides who really know how to best showcase their country.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
