Costa Rica luxury nature holiday

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, wildlife 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 lodges that fit with this philosophy perfectly:

El Silencio Lodge, Bajos del Toro features an array of sustainable programs and initiatives. 95% of the staff at the lodge are from the local area. They source as many good and services from the local community in Bajos del Toro as possible. Local traditions are also showcased through authentic experiences, such as making tortillas by hand in Bajos del Toro and learning traditional oxcart painting techniques, fostering deeper cultural connections between travellers and the local community. The lodge has achieved the highest 'elite' level Tourism Sustainability Certification (CST) from the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT). A key milestone in the lodge conservation efforts is the confirmed presence of the Cinchona Plantation Treefrog, a species listed as endangered by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) on the lodge property. They also safeguard native stingless bees — such as the Picusaro and Jicote Barcino — which play a vital role in pollination and ecosystem health.

Sustainability has been at the core of Lapa Rios's ethos since its inception in 1993, and a commitment to sustainability guides every aspect of their operation. They respect local wildlife and ecosystems, use renewable materials for construction, and prioritize locally-sourced biodegradable products and organic foods. Their team comprises exclusively local staff whom they educate alongside their community and guests about environmental and cultural matters. A one-time $25 per guest Lapa Rios Lodge Conservation Fee is put towards programs which help to protect and preserve the surrounding natural environment and support the local community.

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.

People

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

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.