Costa Rica self drive vacation

Planet and people

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, guest houses, 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, employing local guides and bringing long-term benefits to the local community. We are 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.

Outlined below are hotels we use that employ sustainable tourism methods.

Arenal Observatory Lodge is located within the Arenal Conservation Area, a zone of primary or unaltered forests with uncontaminated rivers and streams. They try to maintain their surroundings and they are careful with their business operating practices. They watch out for cases of environmental alteration and contamination, they promote the efficient use of resources, they reduce the generation of wastes through recycling, and they use proper wastewater management. The hotel also helps the community indirectly by creating jobs (98% of the workers are local people).

Si Como No is a unique blend of the country's incredible bio-diversity and the deeply-rooted cultural values of the Costa Rican people. For the original construction of the hotel, provisions were made to keep the ecosystem as undisturbed as possible - amazingly, only one tree was intentionally removed. Great care was taken to ensure that habitat was protected, including animal corridors, to assure the least impact on flora and fauna. The same strict standards applied for the development of the adjacent Butterfly Botanical Gardens and the Crocodile Lagoons. Si Como No uses well water for gardening and maintenance, Bio-digesters for sewage, a gray water plant for laundry, biodegradable products for housekeeping and city water for guest and employee usage. A Bocashi compost program utilizes waste from food preparation, and the hotel donates all glass, plastic and aluminium products to a local women's auxiliary in Quepos (ASOMUFAQ) each month. Si Como No utilises solar panels to heat water along with back up "on demand" instant gas water heaters. Double insulated windows and ceilings, plus natural canopy shade factors help reduce energy demands and maintain natural comfort values for the hotel guests and employees.

On this trip you will have the opportunity to visit the National Parks of Arenal, Carara, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio. The entrance fees contribute to the conservation of these protected areas.