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Yugen Earthside connects mindful travelers to responsible package trips around the world. CARBON REMOVALS INCLUDED WITH EACH BOOKING!

Connecting mindful travelers to responsible experiences around the world.

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

We proudly partner with wanderwell, a B-Corp-certified travel insurance agency and 1% for the Planet member.

Request a FREE quote for Trip Protection or Travel Medical coverage.

Discover self-guided, privately-guided, & small group tours around the world. Our sustainable adventures are customizable, and include carbon removals with each booking!

Trips | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Discover self-guided tours and choose your own departure date to enjoy autonomous sustainable adventures solo, with a partner, or a group of friends. Customization possible!

Self-Guided Tours | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Self-Guided Trips: Convenient + Autonomous

If you consider yourself an independent traveler, but you'd appreciate the convenience of having somebody else plan everything out for you... self-guided trips are the ticket!

A local expert handles all of the pre-departure planning, organization, and booking minutiae. You'll have complete autonomy during your trip, and while you won't have a third-party guide physically present, you will have trip support (in English!) just a phone call away.

Choose between 4 'Dive & Stay' packages in the Galapagos Islands, perfect for certified divers looking to combine land & water experiences. Carbon removals included!

[7-10 days] Scuba 'Dive & Stay' Certification Package - Galapagos Islands

Choose between four 'Dive & Stay' packages in the Galapagos Islands, perfect for Open Water Certified divers looking to combine land and water experiences.

When not visiting beautiful dive sites, you'll experience iconic land-based excursions around the Galapagos Islands or have free time to relax, all while basing your stay in a cozy, locally-owned guest house nearby.

These Dive & Stay packages are at a 5-star PADI dive resort on Santa Cruz Island. Airport transfers from Baltra and dive equipment are included!

4-9 open water scuba dives, depending on package

Be on the lookout for: reef fish, sharks, turtles, sea lions, rays, barracudas, eels, invertebrates, and more

Free time to explore Tortuga Bay, Las Grietas, & Puerto Ayora

Dive sites depend on the day of the week.

Tuesday: Gordon Rocks (only for divers with 25+ dives)

Wednesday: North Mosquera / Seymour Channel

Saturday: Seymour Northeast / Seymour Channel

Sunday: Punta Carrion / Gordon Rocks (only for divers with 25+ dives)

Here is what to expect at each dive site:

Location: South of Santa Cruz Island, 3 possible dive sites: Punta Cormorant, Champion, and Enderby; it is 1 hour and a half away from our base.

Site Conditions: Depth of 18m. Normally the sites do not present strong currents. Reef dives where corals and sponges can be found.

Activity: Cleaning station, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, red-lipped batfish, turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, barracudas, and various invertebrates.

(Min. experience to participate: 25 logged dives or the previous evaluation of our dive guides at another site.)

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, 2 dive sites located 30 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: This rock formation is a world-renowned site. It is only for intermediate and advanced divers due to the strong currents and surges.

Activity: Hammerhead shark, cleaning station, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef shark, mobulas (devil rays), turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, and various invertebrates.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island between North Seymour Island and Baltra Island. This is an islet that emerges from the sea (sand bar), one dive site located 25 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz island).

Site Conditions: Normally there are no strong currents and a sandy bottom around 10 meters with garden eels and pelagic species. North Mosquera presents a sandy rock area that connects with Seymour Channel, where reef fishes and sharks rest.

Activity: Hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, black tip reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, barracudas, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, mobulas (devil rays), Galápagos eels, and various invertebrates.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, 2 dive sites located 25 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: For all levels of divers, although sometimes there can be strong currents, platform reefs with a diversity of fish species, sandy bottom with a 10m reef where there are a lot of reef sharks, and a fish cleaning station.

Activity: Cleaning station, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white/ black tip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, mobulas (devil rays), turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, and various invertebrates.

Location: Located east of Santiago Island, a small Island with the famous Bartholomew pinnacle, dive sites are located 1.5 hours from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: No strong currents to expect. A platform is found at approximately 10 meters of depth where a variety of reef fishes rest. On the edge of this platform, there are underwater cliffs that start at a depth of about 15 meters with good probabilities to observe pelagic species.

Activity: White tip reef sharks, reef fishes, barracudas, turtles, mantas, mobulas (devil rays), sting rays, and various invertebrates.

Location: North-east of Santiago island near Bartholomew island. Dive sites are located 1.5 hours from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: Normally there are no strong currents at this site; this is partly a reef dive, partly a wall dive where the endemic black coral is found.

Activity: Cleaning station, sea horses, barracudas, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, various invertebrates. At surface intervals, penguins can be observed.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island between North Seymour Island and Baltra Island, this is an islet that emerges from the sea (sand bar), one dive site located 25 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: There are no strong currents; a big reef of 5 meters with an inclination ravine of m with black coral and mollusks invertebrates; there is also a submarine rift from 18 meters with pelagic species.

Activity: Hammerhead sharks, black tip reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, barracuda, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, mobulas (devil rays), Galápagos eels, and various invertebrates.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, an exposed rock, one dive site located 30 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: Moderate currents, rocky and sandy bottom. Here we find a small cave (this is NOT a cave dive) where white-tip reef sharks rest. Additionally, there is a pinnacle where we can find a diversity of rays, Galápagos sharks, turtles, coral reef fishes, barracudas, black coral walls, and various invertebrates.

Activity: Cleaning station, barracudas, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, turtles, reef fishes, mantas, sting rays, eagle rays, and various invertebrates.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, located 30 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of

Santa Cruz Island). Site Conditions: A bit more difficult in relation to Seymour Channel. Rocky bottom with small caves at 12m where you can find turtles or reef sharks resting; currents are possible (not too strong). The dive starts on the coast and then goes into the blue to watch bigger pelagics, at the end of the dive there is a platform where sea lions play with the flow, and a cleaning station.

Activity: Cleaning station, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, mobulas (devil rays), turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, and various invertebrates.

Site Conditions: For all levels of divers, although sometimes there can be strong currents, platform reefs with a diversity of fish species, sandy bottom with 10m reef where there a lot of reef sharks, and a fish cleaning station.

Location: Punta Carrion is located northeast of Santa Cruz Island.

Site conditions: Punta Carrión is a site with high ecological value due to the mangrove ecosystems that harbor an extensive variety of marine species and marine-coastal birds. This dive site offers ideal conditions for beginners and advanced divers as it has a protected area at the beginning of the dive with calm sea, and no currents at the sandy/rocky bottom full of marine life before reaching the gorge exposed to the currents. This outer side with its swell and currents ranging from moderate to strong offers favorable conditions for pelagic species.

Activity: The mangrove areas that offer protection to small fish allow this place to have a great variety of reef fish such as angelfish, butterfly fish, surgeonfish, grunts, snappers, damselfish, cod, scorpion fish, parrotfish, old Mexican, stonefish, hedgehog fish, trumpet fish, cornet fish, moray eels, tiger eels. Also, sea turtles can be spotted, as well as different species of rays such as skates, marbled rays, eagle rays, giltheads, mobulas (devil rays), and different species of sharks such as white tips, Galapagos sharks, hammerhead sharks, black tip sharks.

The climate of the Galapagos Islands is subtropical.

December to May: Warm season. Low 80°F/26°C – High 90°F/32°C, strong sun and rain alternately; warmer and calmer seas.

June to September: Cool season. Low 60°F/15°C – High 70°F/20°C, mornings are often misty; the drizzle ‘garua’ is common.

October to December: Dry season. Low 70°F/20°C – High 80°F/26°C, it's a good time to visit for mild weather conditions.

Below are specifics about the dive conditions:

January to June: 70°F/20°C – 80°F/26°C water temperature; southeast trade winds become weaker, and water coming from the Panama Basin brings warmer, calmer seas; sailing to any island/dive spot is easier.

July to December: 65°F/18°C – 75°F/23°C water temperature; the Humboldt Current typically brings choppy seas and strong surges making sailing times longer.

The Humboldt Current, like the upwelling of the Cromwell Deep Current off the Galapagos Islands, makes the waters quite cold for divers. Thermoclines even colder than 65°F/18°C are possible. We provide 5 or 7mm wetsuits and have accessories such as hoods. If you are not used to cold seas, or if you feel cold easily, please feel free to bring an extra base layer.

All dive equipment, including towel service

Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins; if package includes snorkeling)

Snacks, lunches, & non-alcoholic beverages on full-day tours

Snacks & non-alcoholic beverages on half-day tours

Bilingual (EN/ES) naturalist guides for land and snorkel excursions

Dive & Stay Packages range from 7-10 days and combine dive days with land excursions. Custom packages can be designed.

Carbon removals are included with your booking.

The dive company is locally-owned, and cooperates with the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station to support their projects to protect the islands.


The accommodation is a locally-owned guest house implementing the following sustainability measures:

Everything used in the bathroom is biodegradable: liquid soap, shampoo, and bamboo bags for garbage cans.

There is a big hot water heater (instead of an instantaneous water heater).

All garbage is thrown away according to the recycling rules.

Scuba 'Dive & Stay' Package - Galapagos Islands

Enjoy an exciting, immersive, family-friendly adventure in Costa Rica, blending fun, education, and connection with nature & wildlife. Carbon removals included!

[10 days] Immersive Costa Rica Family Adventure | Yugen Earthside

Enjoy an exciting, immersive, and well-paced family-friendly adventure through Costa Rica, blending fun, education, and connection with nature and wildlife.

After spending one night in San Jose upon arrival, you'll spend two nights in Sarapiquí at a boutique hotel, three nights in Arenal in a 4* hotel, and three nights in Manuel Antonio at a 4* resort.

In Sarapiquí, you’ll explore the lush rainforest on a leisurely guided hike, and enjoy a peaceful floating safari on the Sarapiquí River, spotting exotic wildlife along the way. You'll also visit an organic farm to learn about sustainable agriculture and taste fresh, locally grown produce.

Next, head to Arenal Volcano for an adventurous tour of the Venado Caves, a hidden underground world of stalactites, stalagmites, and fascinating rock formations. Then, embark on a sloth-watching tour, perfect for families looking to spot these adorable creatures in their natural habitat!

End your journey on the stunning Pacific coast in the eco-haven area of Manuel Antonio. Walk through Manuel Antonio National Park, where monkeys, tropical birds, and breathtaking beaches create the perfect backdrop for exploration. Then, enjoy a picturesque catamaran tour and take the opportunity to snorkel mid-way through.

Come create lasting memories in Costa Rica!

Become acquainted with Costa Rica's rich biodiversity on a wondrously guided rainforest hike through Sarapiquí.

Glide along the Sarapiquí River on a peaceful floating safari tour, spotting tropical birds, monkeys, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Experience sustainable farming firsthand with an engaging Organic Farm Tour, learning about eco-friendly agriculture and tasting fresh local produce.

Venture into the depths of the Venado Caves near the Arenal Volcano, exploring an underground world filled with fascinating rock formations and hidden passages.

Slow down and connect with nature on a sloth-watching tour, where you’ll observe these charming creatures in their natural rainforest home.

Explore the diverse ecosystems and breathtaking coastal views of the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park, where lush forests meet the Pacific Ocean.

Sail along the stunning coastline on a catamaran, relaxing as you spot marine life like dolphins and sea turtles, and pausing to swim or snorkel in crystal-clear waters.

This itinerary offers an unforgettable family-friendly adventure through Costa Rica, perfectly blending wildlife exploration, outdoor adventure, and cultural immersion. With expert local guides leading the way, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich biodiversity and eco-friendly traditions.

Each tour is a guided experience that will take a half day. Only on Day 3 will you have two half-day tours, meaning most of the itinerary allows for free time each day for you to explore at your own pace. On days when you move from one accommodation to the next, no tours are planned, so you can comfortably complete the short drives, enjoying the scenery, stops, and towns along the way.

Aside from driving yourself to each main town, the rest of the transportation is taken care of for you.

You'll unwind with one-to-three-night stays in carefully selected accommodations across Alajuela, Sarapiquí, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio. Each stay prioritizes comfort and sustainability, ensuring a responsible and immersive experience in nature.

Costa Rica is a year-round destination, with each season offering unique experiences depending on what you seek—whether it's sun-soaked beaches or lush rainforests in their full vibrant glory.

This is considered the high season for tourism in Costa Rica, especially on the Pacific coast. Expect sunny, warm weather, perfect for beach activities and outdoor adventures. It’s the ideal time to explore national parks, visit volcanic regions, and enjoy the wildlife in its dry-season habitats. The Central Valley and most coastal areas experience pleasant temperatures, though some areas like the Caribbean may still see occasional rainfall.

During the rainy season, Costa Rica turns lush and green, which is why it’s often called the Green Season. Although rains are more frequent in the afternoon and evening, mornings are typically clear and perfect for outdoor activities. The green season is an excellent time for those looking to experience Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity, as this period marks the peak of plant growth and animal activity. The Caribbean coast tends to receive rain throughout the year but remains fairly pleasant. Additionally, fewer tourists mean more relaxed travel conditions.

Private Guided Transfer from SJO Intl Airport to Hotel

9 nights lodging (1 night in a boutique hotel; 2 nights in a lodge; 3 nights in a 4* hotel; 3 nights in a 4* resort)

D2: Rainforest Hike Tour (Shared Half-Day Experience)

D3: Natural History River Safari (Shared Half-Day Experience)

D3: Organic Farm Tour (Shared Half-Day Experience)

D5: Venado Caves Tour (Shared Half-Day Experience)

D6: Sloth Watching Walk Tour (Shared Half-Day Experience)

D8: Manuel Antonio National Park Tour (Shared Half-Day Experience)

D9: Catamaran Adventure Tour (Shared Half-Day Experience)

This trip requires a rental car and rental car insurance. Pricing for the car and insurance are upon request and will be added to the listed trip price. You're also welcome to book your rental car on your own.

High Season: Nov. 1, 2024 - April 30, 2025

Mid Season: July 1 - Aug. 31, 2025; Nov. 1-30, 2025

Low Season: May 1 - June 30, 2025; Sep. 1 - Oct. 31, 2025

Since 1972, we have been committed to positioning Costa Rica as a sustainable tourism destination. Through partnerships with government institutions and organizations, we've implemented initiatives that protect the environment, support local communities, and promote responsible travel practices.

Our approach includes collaborating with eco-certified accommodations, supporting conservation projects, and integrating carbon offset programs to reduce our environmental impact. We also work closely with local communities, reinvesting in their economies and fostering cultural preservation. Some of our company-wide initiatives include:

Actively collaborating with local projects that protect national parks, reserves, and biological corridors throughout Costa Rica.

Organizing a volunteer trash collection program.

Supporting food banks in San José and Guanacaste.

Educating employees, travelers, and business partners on sustainability and conservation to encourage responsible practices.

Adhering to Fair Trade practices for all collaborators and partners, from tour guides to small-scale farmers, to foster ethical economic development.

Promoting tourism dispersal and economic support in rural areas by focusing on less-visited regions, reducing the strain on popular destinations, and promoting inclusivity.

As we move forward, we remain dedicated to creating meaningful travel experiences while ensuring the preservation of Costa Rica's natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

We are proud to hold certifications such as the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST), awarded by the Costa Rican Tourism Board, which reflects our dedication to environmental conservation and response tourism.

This itinerary is designed to provide an enriching experience for families while fostering a deep appreciation for Costa Rica’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Each accommodation is carefully selected for its commitment to sustainability, offering eco-friendly amenities, nature-based learning experiences, and locally sourced meals that introduce families to authentic Costa Rican flavors.

Activities are chosen to inspire curiosity and connection with nature, from guided wildlife explorations to sustainable farming tours, ensuring that children and adults alike gain a deeper understanding of how to live harmoniously with the environment and support local communities.

Throughout this journey, your family will have the chance to explore lush forests, observe local wildlife, and engage in sustainable activities that benefit the environment and local communities.

You'll discover the diverse species that inhabit the area and learn about efforts to preserve ecosystems, from cultivating native plants to protecting endangered animals. Along the way, you’ll enjoy local refreshments and experiences that connect you to the culture and traditions of Costa Rica.

These activities also support nearby communities by promoting responsible tourism that creates jobs and funds environmental conservation projects. Whether it’s through sustainable farming, wildlife protection, or preserving national parks, your family’s participation helps ensure the long-term health of both the natural surroundings and the local people. By engaging with these experiences, you’ll be contributing directly to the preservation of Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and supporting the communities working hard to protect it.

This trip is all about giving back to the places you visit. By staying at locally owned accommodations and taking part in community-run tours, your family is helping support the local economy directly.

The activities you’ll enjoy are part of a sustainable tourism effort that creates jobs and provides income to rural communities, helping them thrive and grow.

By joining this journey, your family is playing a role in a tourism model that reinvests in the areas you explore, making sure that both the local people and the environment continue to benefit for years to come.

We are dedicated to ensuring that tourists visit a healthy and safe country. Costa Rica, with its exemplary national health system and status as one of the safest countries in the region, provides a secure environment for our visitors. Our Sustainability Handbook seeks to ensure the safety of the services customers receive. These guidelines include the selection of responsible suppliers and support for strategies that promote a safe destination, different policies that cover visitors, and participation in initiatives such as the Tourism Safety Committee of the National Chamber of Tourism.

We also provide advice for travelers upon arrival in the form of a Welcome Letter that includes Responsible Tips to Become a Sustainable Traveler.

Discover Costa Rica’s sustainable essence on an eco-friendly journey featuring local traditions, Indigenous culture, & breathtaking biodiversity. Carbon removals included!

[13 days] Sustainable Essence of Costa Rica | Yugen Earthside

Discover Costa Rica’s sustainable essence on an eco-friendly journey featuring local traditions, Indigenous culture, and breathtaking biodiversity.

Begin your adventure in Sarapiquí, exploring its rich biodiversity and embracing its peaceful atmosphere. Then, in Maquenque, enjoy a serene safari raft float and a nocturnal rainforest walk.

Next, head to Arenal to visit the Maleku Indigenous Reserve, where you'll immerse yourself in Indigenous culture, language, traditions, and sustainable practices.

In Monteverde, walk among the treetops on the Sky Walk hanging bridges for stunning views of the mystical cloud forest, followed by a hands-on experience of traditional farming with the Trapiche Tour, featuring sugarcane, coffee, and cacao production.

Finally, in Carara, discover sustainable living on a private eco-tour, learning about permaculture, conservation, and eco-friendly practices.

This trip beautifully combines sustainability, cultural heritage, and adventure, offering a deep connection to Costa Rica’s people, nature, and conservation efforts.

Enjoy the serene, lush natural beauty of Sarapiquí.

Glide along the Maquenque River on a peaceful safari float by raft.

Venture into the rainforest on an exhilarating night walk tour.

Connect with indigenous culture during your visit to the Maleku Reserve.

Walk above the treetops in Monteverde on the Sky Walk hanging bridges.

Spot a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats on the river safari, in the rainforest, and in the cloud forest.

Discover sustainable farming practices while learning about the process of sugarcane, coffee, and cacao production.

Explore the ecosystems of Carara on a private sustainable living tour, delving into conservation efforts and eco-friendly practices that help preserve the region’s unique biodiversity.

one night at a 4* hotel in San Jose upon arrival

two nights in Sarapiquí at a 3* eco-lodge

two nights in Boca Tapada (the gateway to the Maquenque Wildlife Refuge) in a 3* eco-lodge

one final night at a 4* hotel in San José before departure

This itinerary offers an immersive journey through Costa Rica, seamlessly blending sustainability, culture, and nature. From wildlife encounters to cultural experiences, each activity is designed to provide a deeper understanding of the country’s biodiversity and eco-friendly traditions.

Each tour is a guided experience lasting approximately half a day. Only on Days 5 & 9 will you have two half-day tours, ensuring that most of the itinerary allows for free time to explore at your own pace. On days when you transition between accommodations, no tours are scheduled, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed drive, take in scenic landscapes, and make spontaneous stops in charming towns along the way.

In Sarapiquí, both days are meant for relaxation, with no scheduled activities. You can take this time to unwind, enjoy the pool, and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings of the property, connecting with nature at your own pace. You can schedule activities directly through the hotel if you want, with extra charge as these activities are not included in the program.

You'll unwind with one-to-two-night stays in carefully selected accommodations across San Jose, Sarapiquí, Boca Tapada, Arenal, Monteverde, and Carara. Each stay prioritizes comfort and sustainability, ensuring a responsible and immersive experience in nature.

Meet & Greet at SJO International Airport

12 nights lodging (1 night in a hotel 4* San Jose; 2 nights in a 3* eco-lodge in Sarapiqui; 2 nights in a 3* eco-lodge in Boca Tapada, 2 nights in a 4* hotel in Arenal, 2 nights in a 3* lodge in Monteverde, 2 nights in a 3* eco-lodge in Carara, 1 night in a 4* hotel in San Jose)

D5: Safari Float By Raft Tour (Shared Half-Day Experience)

D5: Night Walk Tour (Shared Half-Day Experience)

D7: Maleku Reserve Tour (Shared Full-Day Experience)

D9: Sky Walk Tour (Shared Half-Day Experience)

D9: Trapiche Tour (Shared Half-Day Experience)

D11: Sustainable Living Tour (Private Half-Day Experience)

Each selected hotel follows responsible tourism practices, such as reducing waste, implementing water and energy conservation measures, and actively supporting local conservation initiatives. Many of these eco-lodges are integrated into their natural surroundings, using sustainable architecture and low-impact designs to protect biodiversity.

Every experience on this journey has been carefully chosen to respect Costa Rica’s natural ecosystems. Whether it’s a wildlife-friendly safari float, a cultural visit to the Maleku Indigenous Reserve, or a sustainable living tour, these activities are designed to minimize disturbance to the environment while providing meaningful interactions with nature and local communities.

This itinerary encourages responsible travel by engaging with initiatives that protect Costa Rica’s biodiversity. From learning about indigenous traditions to visiting sustainable farms and conservation projects, travelers contribute to local economies while helping to preserve the country’s rich natural heritage for future generations.

Guests will have the opportunity to connect with local communities through immersive activities, such as visiting the Maleku Indigenous Reserve, where they can learn about ancestral traditions, language, and craftsmanship. Additionally, experiences like the Trapiche Tour offer insights into traditional farming techniques, including sugarcane processing, coffee production, and Costa Rican culinary traditions.

This journey supports community-led initiatives that promote economic and social well-being. By visiting cooperatives, sustainable farms, and conservation projects, travelers help reinforce locally driven efforts to preserve cultural heritage and protect the environment. These experiences ensure that tourism benefits not just businesses but also the wider community.

Travelers can actively engage in cultural exchanges, deepening their understanding of Costa Rica's heritage while fostering meaningful connections. Visits to indigenous communities, sustainable farms, and conservation projects provide opportunities to learn from locals, hear their stories, and gain firsthand experience in their day-to-day lives, creating a more enriching and responsible travel experience.

This trip emphasizes responsible travel by partnering with locally owned accommodations, tour operators, and dining establishments, ensuring that tourism revenue directly benefits the communities visited. By staying in eco-lodges and engaging with small, family-run businesses, travelers help sustain local livelihoods while experiencing authentic Costa Rican hospitality.

Sustainable tourism initiatives included in the itinerary play a vital role in creating jobs and generating income for rural communities. From local guides and artisans to organic farmers and conservationists, this journey helps promote equitable economic growth, empowering communities to thrive while preserving their cultural and natural heritage.

By participating in this journey, guests contribute to a tourism model that reinvests in the regions they visit. A portion of the revenue supports local conservation projects, community programs, and sustainability efforts, ensuring long-term benefits for both residents and the environment. This approach fosters a balanced and responsible tourism experience that leaves a positive impact beyond the trip itself.

Explore Costa Rica’s hidden gems through niche eco experiences as you visit rainforests, coral reefs, wetlands, and a secluded island. Carbon removals included!

[15 days] Costa Rica's Hidden Gems & Niche Eco Experiences | Yugen Earthside

Explore Costa Rica’s hidden gems through niche nature and wildlife eco experiences as you visit rainforests, coral reefs, wetlands, and a secluded island.

This 15-day itinerary invites you to explore Costa Rica through an authentic and immersive journey that highlights environmental sustainability and local culture. From snorkeling vibrant coral reefs in a lesser-visited national park, to exploring wetlands still undiscovered by the masses, to enjoying a niche bioluminescent tour on a secluded island, each experience is designed to foster deeper connections with  the country’s nature and ecosystems. Don't worry - you'll also experience the classic Arenal Volcano, glamping, and eco retreats that Costa Rica is known for!

In addition to the focus on nature and wildlife, you'll have lovely cultural interactions as well. Enjoy Puerto Viejo with its Afro-Carribean roots, the town of Naranjo - including a local market visit, and an optional cultural workshop in Caño Negro.

Start in San José, Costa Rica’s lively capital, where you can soak in the country’s culture, history, and urban charm before venturing into nature.

Head to Puerto Viejo de Limón, where Caribbean rhythms, Afro-Costa Rican culture, and coastal rainforest create a laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere rich in biodiversity.

Continue to Sarapiquí, a peaceful region known for its rivers and rainforests, offering close encounters with wildlife and authentic rural life.

Explore Caño Negro, one of the country’s most important wetlands, where a remote boat safari reveals rare bird species and untouched ecosystems.

Immerse yourself in Arenal, connect with Indigenous heritage at the Maleku Reserve, and witness the region’s volcanic landscapes while embracing sustainable tourism practices.

Travel to Isla Chiquita, a unique glamping experience on the Gulf of Nicoya, blending island adventure with comfort and ocean conservation.

Conclude in Naranjo, where coffee-covered hills and local traditions showcase Costa Rica’s agricultural roots and community-based tourism.

Hike through the lush trails of Cahuita National Park and snorkel its vibrant coral reef in Puerto Viejo de Limón.

Experience the rainforest after dark on a guided night walk in Sarapiquí, where nocturnal wildlife comes alive.

Have the opportunity to glide through the wetlands of Caño Negro on a scenic boat tour or enjoy a meaningful cultural encounter with an Indigenous family in the area.

Hike near the Arenal Volcano and unwind in nearby Eco Termales hot springs, surrounded by lush tropical landscapes.

Witness the magical glow of bioluminescence on a nighttime tour in Isla Chiquita, a one-of-a-kind island experience.

Explore the coffee-covered hills of Naranjo, visiting local plantations and the charming town.

Go on a short hike to see the impressive Toro Waterfall.

two nights in Puerto Viejo de Limon at a Boutique Hotel

two nights in Caño Negro at a Glamping Hotel

Self-Guided

Self-Guided Trips: Convenient + Autonomous

Scuba 'Dive & Stay' Package - Galapagos Islands

Immersive Costa Rica Family Adventure

Sustainable Essence of Costa Rica

Costa Rica's Hidden Gems & Niche Eco Experiences

Birdwatching through Costa Rica's Diverse Ecosystems

Naturally Green: Costa Rica Coffee to Coast

Hiking in the Luberon National Park

Sustainable Scuba 'Dive & Stay' Package - Egypt

Kenyan Coast for Ocean Lovers

Scotland by Train

Sustainable Highlights from South to North

Drift Down the Danube Delta by Motorboat

Cheetah Conservation in the Cape Winelands

Carpathian Mountains & Castles

Discovering Transylvania’s Heritage by Bike

Camino: Easy Coastal Walk from Porto

South Africa Cape to Coast Self-Drive

Camino: Luxury Coastal Walk from Porto

Walking Tour: Portugal's Costa Verde

Hiking from the Hilltop Villages to the French Riviera

Hiking the Wine Trails of Provence

Walking Tour: Heart & Soul of Douro Valley

Walking Tour: Douro & the Côa Valley

Camino: Cycling the Portuguese Coastal Way

Cycling Tour: Alto Minho to Porto

Walking Tour: On the Other Side of Douro

Hiking in the Southern French Alps

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