Costa Rica photography tour

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Although our trip goes from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific and from North to South, we have taken great care to refrain from using any form of air transport. The vehicles we use are at most five years old and fuel efficient. We are travelling as a small group and sharing one-vehicle lessons on the impact of CO2 on the environment over individual trips.

Our accommodation choices are targeted to those properties that have been influential and natural leaders in ecotourism before it was considered a legislative topic. They use local staff and often prefer to use local produce providers rather than ‘grow your own’ methods, as not only does the money go directly back into the community, but the families who are farming the produce have been doing it for years and have generations of ‘know how’ behind them!

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

In Arenal, our preferred lodge is an eco-resort; Rancho Margot is a burgeoning regenerative community. Their operations are designed to promote biodiversity and sequester carbon emissions. True to their earth-first process, our pools are cleaned gradually using as few chemicals as possible, and a combination of solar and in-country gas heats the water.

Another chosen accommodation, La Cusinga’s history began around 1971 when owner John Tresemer came down to Costa Rica as a young sociologist student—finding that the deeply-rooted, agriculturally based community set in the still virgin jungles of the south-pacific represented much of what was lacking in an increasingly modernized American society.Since the lodge opened in 1996, this family operation has developed into a sustainable business model, finding financial viability by combining local stewardship of the local ecosystems with a deep understanding of the need for continued human development among his staff and the community.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Our accommodation choice, Savegre, provides guided tours for visitors. They hire people from the area who grow up in the area and know much information on the local wildlife and plants. This provides locals with a job at a very decent wage.

Ecotourism has brought thousands of tourists worldwide to Savegre to learn how to conserve the environment and see nature and the forests first-hand. The increase in tourists has helped the community significantly. It has brought monetary benefits that the locals may have only had with ecotourism.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Our partners in Costa Rica are leading specialists in travel for those who require assistance when travelling and are constantly breaking boundaries with innovative ideas to help those who need to be assisted when travelling. They are keen to make sure no experience is unmanageable.The Joelette is a one-wheeled chair used for taking people with reduced mobility trekking and hiking. With the help of 2 guides, the chair can navigate any kind of terrain, even the most difficult ones. It allows people (adults and children) with disabilities to enjoy activities and places that are not accessible. The Joelette chair is inclusive and fun!

We only work with Costa Ricans in Costa Rica as we know that they know their country better than anybody, and their drivers and guides form part of the community.