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Answering the call to pack your bags and go on an adventure is easy. Yet more and more travelers are becoming aware of their own impact – both on the environment and the local community – when they travel. Finding the perfect balance between eco-conscious and sustainable travel without sacrificing those once-in-a-lifetime experiences and comforts can be challenging. Fortunately, there are many in the industry who are already putting eco-luxury into practice, like our local partner Costa Rican Trails. Located in one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, Costa Rican Trails curates bespoke experiences, from exquisite culinary delights to thrilling adventures, with conservation in mind. Whether you are longing to hike to one of the country’s volcanoes or relax on the beaches, you can have peace of mind knowing your travels will be low-impact while remaining luxurious.
It’s no surprise that the best way to experience and be immersed in a destination is with the help and knowledge of the locals. Costa Rican Trails fully embraces their country’s mantra of “Pura Vida” (Pure Life) by partnering with local communities to give travelers authentic moments that capture the country’s true essence. Their close connections with our advisors allow them to plan those unforgettable exExplore the magical rainforests of Corcovado National Park with an expert Naturalist Guide leading the way. Sail along Papagayo Gulf with a local captain taking you to their favorite snorkeling and kayaking spots. Get your adrenaline going with world-class river rafting down the Pacuare River led by a local professional. For the more laidback travelers, let local guides show you the way to a natural spa where you can soak in Rio Perdido’s warm, healing waters and pamper your skin with volcanic mineral mud. However you wish to spend your getaway, Costa Rican Trails’ team of experts allows you to embrace the vibrant culture in harmony with the natural landscape.
Trying the local cuisine is one of the best parts of travel, and Costa Rican Trails is revamping what farm-to-table means by leaning into the idea of giving guests nourishment for their taste buds along with nourishment for the soul. Working hands-on with local families near La Fortuna, Costa Rican Trails welcomes you to a regional farm where your host will guide you through their gardens, plucking the needed produce for the future meal. Put your chef’s hat on and join the local farmer as their sou chef as they whip up one of their family recipes from the ingredients gathered. With the meal cooked, settle down at the table and bond over the rich flavors of your dish while exchanging stories with your hosts. You have the choice to head into the rainforest to learn to make tortillas from scratch and gain the secret recipe of “chilera” from local Doña Mara. Or visit the private ranch of a local chef where you can choose between a San Carleño-style barbecue or a brunch with Coats-Rican flare. Perhaps you wish to celebrate a special occasion with a luxury picnic by the Burro River. The possibilities (and cuisine) are endless.
Beyond enjoying the natural landscapes, Costa Rica is the perfect destination for adventure enthusiast and thrill seekers alike. With 27 national parks, 13 forest reserves, and 8 biological reserves, there is an activity for every type of traveler, and our advisors love planning experiences garnered to your interests that you may not have heard about. Partnering with Costa Rican Trails gives them the ability to gain exclusive access and remain in-the-know on a location. Meaning you can enjoy every activity from ziplining, hiking, horseback riding, river rafting, and even volcano trekking that is uniquely curated to your level of comfort and preference. For water enthusiasts, head down to the beach to catch a wave with fellow surfers, snorkel the coral reefs, take a boat out for sport fishing, or go scuba diving.
Within the small nation, 5% of the entire planet’s biodiversity resides in its forest, oceans, and mountains, reflecting the ‘Why’ behind Costa Rican Trails’ emphasis on sustainable tourism. Yet they do not just say they create eco-conscious experiences; they live it out by harnessing Costa Rica’s ecological wonders to create harmonious bespoke excursions. Listen to the melodies of the rainforest at an eco-lodge nestled in the jungles. Hike through a sanctuary in Puerto Viejo to see the rare Great Green Macaw in its natural habitat and learn about the country’s reintroduction efforts for this colorful bird. Depending on the time of year, you can head to the southern coast for an ocean safari and see the annual migration of hundreds of Pacific Humpback Whales with a local marine biologist. Or stay on the beach and experience the wonder of sea turtles hatching and migrating to the ocean.
When it comes to accommodations, it isn’t simply a place to rest and unwind after a long day, but should be a reflection of the culture, nature, and essence of your destination. Costa Rican Trails works hand-in-hand with five-star properties across the country using their “Philosophy of Place” to ensure every property is soulfully-designed, sustainably-ran, and welcomes guests with warmth and hospitality. The high standards they have for any of the properties they add to their recommendations ensures you and your fellow travelers receive the highest quality of comfort, service, and sense of belonging. This could mean enjoying your morning coffee on a treetop balcony while monkeys swing overhead. Or taking a swim in your private infinity pool with a volcano as a backdrop. From eco-lodges to grand haciendas to private villas, there is a special property for all travelers and every occasion. If Costa Rica is on your bucket list or you are looking for an eco-conscious destination to travel to next, let one of our advisors plan a tailor-made trip combining their expertise with 5-star partners like Costa Rican Trails.