Costa Rica active adventure

Planet

Carbon reduction

By travelling in a small group led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.During the trip, we travel responsibly using appropriate methods of transport; therefore, depending on group size, a minibus/coach will be used.
Our local operator has been recognised by the Costa Rican Tourism Board for their sustainable tourism practices and dedication to improving sustainability standards. This means that efforts are made to rationally use water and electricity, provide adequate waste management, and positively impact communities, among many other actions.
Most of the accommodation and restaurants we visit on this trip use locally sourced food such as fruit which is always sourced locally and abundant.
Vegetarian options are available if notice is given, which includes a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and rice.


Environment and wildlife

Our local operator cares about our impact on the destination and is very involved in supporting community projects, which is why we carry out several actions. For instance:
Celebrating International Tourism Day 2019 by cleaning a beach at Guacalillo, recollecting 330lb (150kg) of waste.
Collecting plastic lids and donating them to Fundaciσn Proparques to develop walkways to improve accessibility for people with mobility problems in protected wild areas of the country.
Forming an alliance with the Recycling Program of the Municipality of San Josι, since May 2015 until December 2020, that led to recycling 43 tons of recoverable resources. During the covid pandemic, staff continued with the recycling process from their homes, collecting and recycling items including paper, cardboard, plastics and lids, batteries, and electronic devices, among others.

Our local operator has a policy that requests suppliers to comply with the minimum conditions of animal welfare.
Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable. We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for reusable bottles.

People

Local economy

The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food and supporting other local enterprises.
We use fairly small, family-run and locally staffed establishments, which ensures we are benefiting local communities.
Our local guides are careful to explain that any souvenirs made from animal parts, shells or local hardwoods should not be purchased.
This is a small-group tour, meaning we have a low impact on the environments and communities we visit and can ensure we do not disrupt or lead to the displacement of local people.
Purchasing souvenirs from local artists to promote local benefits.
Holding beach days for older adults living in care homes.
Our local operator continuously develops activities for the benefit of their staff, through its human resources department and the Brigada Pintando Sonrisas. Different activities are carried out, such as More 4 You, which has the purpose of creating strategic alliances that promote health among collaborators. In addition, the New Work project is responsible for promoting healthy spaces that promote the work environment of the staff.
The local staff is given the option of free therapy with BetterHelp, the largest provider of online therapy in the world.
In 2017, we introduced the Inspiration Project, where we’ve worked with our partners to take more than 6,000 children in 30 countries on a day of adventure and exploration. Each inspirational day out is designed to introduce young minds to the wonders of our world and their place in it. From visiting cultural heritage sites to natural wonders, each trip has been packed with firsts – their first time leaving their own village, their first time seeing the sea, their first time visiting a busy city. We continue to operate these days out to inspire children to protect and preserve the world as they grow up.