We at Travel Pioneers don’t just deliver curated experiences in foreign countries. We weave tales where each player’s part is valued for its unique contribution and impact.

From the luxury accommodations and tour providers we work with to the staff and local communities that support each destination—we all contribute to delivering unforgettable holidays.

First and foremost, all our eco-destinations and their lodges, boutique hotels, and resorts are rigorously vetted for the caliber of their accommodations, commitment to sustainable practices, and delivery of authentic experiences for our guests.

Our mandate is to promote industry providers who share our values and vision: to protect, preserve, and promote our natural and cultural resources for the benefit of current and future generations.

 

Sharing the best of Costa Rica with our guests

Costa Rica's eco-destinations are brimming with natural and cultural treasures. Dozens of national parks and wildlife refuges, a vibrant multicultural population, and a strong commitment to sustainability and renewable energy make it one of the most exciting eco-destinations to explore.

When you visit Costa Rica with Travel Pioneers, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the best of what the country offers. Our customized journeys feature authentic, eye-opening, and memorable experiences for all ages.

The following destinations and tours are a few examples of what guests of Travel Pioneers will encounter.

The Best Costa Rica National Parks

With such geographical diversity—from mountains, rainforests, mangroves, and volcanoes to canyons, cloud forests, fjords, and miles upon miles of beautiful beaches—it’s no wonder Costa Rica is packed with national parks.

Among some of our favorites are:

Tortuguero National Park: A vast network of natural waterways, canals, and rivers intersect dense tropical rainforests on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast. Here, visitors explore the pristine wilderness by boat, the only means of transportation.  Nesting sea turtles, exotic wildlife, hundreds of bird species, and dense tropical foliage make Tortuguero National Park one of the world’s most fascinating regions to visit.

Corcovado National Park: Hailed one of the most biodiverse places on Earth by National Geographic, Corcovado is Costa Rica’s largest and most ecologically pristine national park. In addition to all six of the country’s wild felines, Baird’s tapir, peccaries, and Dantas, the park harbors tens of thousands of unique animals, reptiles, birds, and insect species in addition to beautiful beaches and rainforest-clad peaks.

Arenal Volcano National Park: Home to the iconic Arenal Volcano and its perfect steam-puffing cone, this park is a visitor favorite.  Located in the north-central highlands, Arenal National Park is not only super-accessible with a network of hiking trails and fascinating flora and fauna, but it’s also the source of mineral-rich hot springs (and, consequently, hot springs resorts)—an eco-adventurer’s playground.

Eco-destinations serving up authentic cultural encounters

Böëna’s Pacuare Lodge: A pioneer of sustainable luxury eco-tourism, Pacuare Lodge has won several awards for its unparalleled guest experiences. Nestled in the mountainous heartland of the indigenous Cabecar people, the lodge is reached by rafting the Pacuare River, one of the world’s most scenic rivers. Guests are invited to learn more about the region’s original residents through several immersive experiences. Among them is the Ditsö Cultural Experience: here, guests meet and interact with Cabecar indigenous artisans and learn about their way of life, culture, art, and gastronomy, together with an indigenous cultural guide.

 

Hacienda AltaGracia: Hailed among the top 50 resorts of the world, this idyllic mountain-based eco-resort seamlessly fuses unbridled nature with top-of-the-line sustainable luxury. The resort-sponsored Trapiche Nery experience offers guests the chance to spend time with Don Nery and his wife, Doña Yamileth, at their home and farm and learn about their local way of life while extracting sugarcane from the farm trapiche and mastering the technique of homemade tortillas.

San Jose City Tour and Traditional Mask Making: A Travel Pioneers favorite. Upon arrival in Costa Rica, we urge visitors to explore the country’s capital to take in the city’s cultural landmarks and heritage, including the abolishment of the nation’s standing army and commitment to peace, education, and free healthcare. Visitors also delve into the country’s fascinating folklore, with roots in the local Indigenous, colonial Spanish, and mestizo past, at a traditional Masquerade Mask-making center in the suburb of Escazu.

Discover Costa Rica’s mighty commitment to sustainability.

The world is changing, and sustainability has never been so important for our collective wellbeing. Costa Rica is heralded as a world leader for its sustainable practices, conservation, and commitment to renewable energy.

With Travel Pioneers, visitors will experience applied sustainability through fun, immersive, and life-changing experiences at our world-renowned eco-destinations.

Isla Chiquita’s Kayaking Eco-Expedition: Isla Chiquita’s luxurious eco-glamping retreat is situated on a tropical island in the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Nicoya. During the outing, visitors kayak through peaceful mangrove forests, secluded coves, and remote bays teeming with marine life and bioluminescence while learning about marine conservation, helping to eliminate floating debris, and collecting mangrove seeds for the lodge’s Mangrove Restoration Program.

Lapa Rios & El Silencio Lodge Plant a Tree Programs: Both of these exquisite eco-lodges—one on the beautifully rugged coast of the Osa Peninsula and the other in the steep mountainous cloudforest of Bajos del Toro in the central lowlands—boast several conservation- and sustainability-oriented activities. For example, their plant-a-tree programs invite guests to learn about fragile rainforest ecosystems and to participate in their restoration and protection while enjoying the serene environment and wildlife sightings.

Reef Restoration: On the northwest Pacific Coast, coral restoration experience gives visitors the opportunity to participate in the country’s marine restoration efforts by planting new species of coral in offshore gardens. Snorkeling the warm, transparent waters is also a great way to see marine life, including sea turtles, mantas, dolphins, and myriad fish species.

With Travel Pioneers, guests are transported into the very heart and soul of the countries they visit. Our top eco-destinations and the hotels and experiences we promote are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.