The Terra Caribea Team: Specialists
in travel to Costa Rica

I’m Costa Rican, proudly from the Los Santos region—a central part of the country that produces the best Tarrazú coffee—and one of the first “Tico” travel designers at the agency, and I’m pretty proud of it! I could describe myself as a “former” French teacher who has discovered a new passion for the world of tourism. Still in love with the French language and travel, I’ve finally managed to live up to Saint-Exupéry’s quote:“Make your life a dream, and a dream a reality.” A Local’s Top Tip Pack a nice picnic and enjoy a beautiful sunset up in the hills, on the road to Irazú Volcano, near the Sanatorio Durán in Cartago. Don’t forget a warm sweater—it’ll get really cold! That’s right, Costa Rica has its cool spots too. Favorite Spot A hike through the rainforest to finally discover the striking contrast of the Rio Celeste’s intensely colored water, a natural phenomenon caused by volcanic activity at Tenorio. A Dish The “queso pinto” from the Zapote farmers’ market. It’s the traditional Costa Rican breakfast, gallo pinto, all melted together with Turrialba cheese. A truly indulgent treat. Wow (what impresses you most about your country) What impresses me most about my little country is the variety of landscapes and biodiversity that the whole world dreams of. And the fact that you can go from the mountains to the rainforest or the beach in just a few hours. Costa Rica, wow! ...esteban@terra-caribea.com

« Our life is a constant journey, from birth to death. The scenery changes, people change, needs change, but the train keeps moving. Life is the train; it’s not the station » — Paulo Coelho After studying tourism management, I decided fairly quickly to set off for new horizons. The past few years have been punctuated by trips to the four corners of the world, but I’ve also settled in countries that were previously unfamiliar to me. That’s how I ended up living in Vietnam for a year, where I worked at a local travel agency—a wonderful first experience in this industry that I’m passionate about. Back in France for two years, I worked at a travel agency in Alsace, helping travelers discover this beautiful French region. In the meantime, I decided to visit Costa Rica, a country that had always drawn me in… What a revelation! Everything is beautiful—I’ll definitely be back. Then, life took its course, and here I am back in Southeast Asia, in Cambodia, where I’ll spend three wonderful years—first working at a local agency, then at an international school (pandemic—time to reinvent myself!). Then I felt the urge for a change of scenery, to discover another part of the world, and that wild desire to return to that little country full of promise—Costa Rica—but this time to settle there. And here I am, delighted and right where I belong, after already having had many wonderful experiences around the world. A Local’s Insider Tip Go to the market on the weekend, buy all kinds of fruits and vegetables, and grab a gallo pinto (traditional breakfast). For me, the market is the best way to immerse yourself in a country’s culture. Everything is there: the language, the smells, the colors, the ingredients that make up the typical dishes, the smiles of the Costa Ricans… Pura Vida, in short! When I go to the market, I always head to the same stalls to buy my fruits, vegetables, fish… I build relationships with the vendors, I improve my Spanish through conversations that get a little longer with each visit, and very soon I’ll blend into the crowd—because that’s it, I’ll be part of the scenery! Favorite Spot My favorite thing about Costa Rica is its diversity! The mountains surrounding the capital, San José, on my way to work; the warmth of the gentle Caribbean mornings in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca while out for a jog; the coolness of the mountains in the Poás Volcano region during a hike; the birdsong in the Palo Verde Nature Reserve; the breathtaking view of the Arenal Volcano from the suspension bridges, the coolness of the water in the Rio Celeste while swimming, the sunsets in peaceful Samara… A Dish Since I have to choose, I’d say chifrijo. Mix rice and red beans—staple ingredients in Costa Rica—with a sauce unique to this dish, add a slice of avocado and some chicharrón (crispy pork rinds), and top it all off with corn tortillas, and you’ll get this flavorful dish that’ll really fill you up!   Wow (what impresses you most about your country) Its incredible wildlife! Almost every trip around the country offers its share of surprises in terms of the animals you encounter. It’s not uncommon to see a sloth crossing the road (at its own pace); you can hear the cries of howler monkeys that seem close by but actually come from far away; you look up and might spot a pair of scarlet macaws flying together; on a boat ride, you see iguanas that have made their homes in the trees and crocodiles on the banks—and “oh,” a toucan over there in the tree! ...camille@terra-caribea.com

I’m the accounting manager at Terra Caribea. A proud Costa Rican, I was born and raised in the province of Puntarenas, in the canton of Esparza. I love adventures and going to the beach. A Great Tip As a Tica, I recommend visiting a traditional soda and trying the local specialties. AFavoriteSpot My favorite place is the Caribbean because of its beautiful beaches. A Favorite Dish I couldn’t pick just one favorite dish, but at Christmas I really enjoy eating tamales with agua dulce. Wow (what impresses you most about your country) All the nature and the “pura vida” of the Ticos. ...contabilidad@terra-caribea.com

After six years in South America, I decided to venture a little further north, to Costa Rica, to experience « Pura Vida » for myself! Fresh out of college with a degree in journalism and communications, my desire to discover and experience Latin American culture drove me to take my first steps on the continent and pursue a career in tourism, with the goal of making travel my life’s calling. At that point, I decided to travel the world and see what life had to offer. What I didn’t see coming was that a six-month internship turned into an adventure lasting nearly six years… But then again, there’s a reason one of my favorite quotes is: “You have to let go of the life you’ve planned so you can live the life that’s waiting for you.”  A Great Plan Wake up early to the sound of birds singing (yes, even right in the heart of the capital) and head to the local market to buy fresh produce—and, most importantly, enjoy a delicious tortilla de queso con natilla! And to enjoy a beautiful sunset in the Central Valley, head to one of the many viewpoints around San José. A Favorite Spot Puerto Viejo, and everything that makes up its unique atmosphere: the jungle right by the beach, its reggae and calypso rhythms, its coconut-based dishes, its local crafts, the vibe of its residents, getting around by bike or by tuktuk… You just have to experience it to understand its essence. I never miss a chance to eat a delicious plate of Rice and Beans there—without it, the experience would be incomplete! A dish Back to Rice and Beans! A true culinary favorite in the country. But I also have to make room for the tortilla de queso con chicharrón from the local market in San José. Wow (what impresses you most about your country) For such a small country, there’s an incredible diversity of landscapes! Every trip is a true journey into nature. But above all, nature is everywhere—even near the capital—which lets you quickly escape the everyday without having to go very far. ...tiffany@terra-caribea.com

As a specialist in Central and South America, I’ve been passionate about this vibrant, colorful, multicultural, welcoming, and warm region since I was a child—a place where life moves to the rhythm of the sun, music, cultural festivals, and nature of incredible diversity. I finally settled in Costa Rica during the pandemic… and my heart stayed there. Since then, I’ve been exploring the country, meeting its people, trying out its experiences, and observing its realities on the ground—all so I can advise my travelers with sincerity and precision! This deep love for the country—which I’m committed to sharing with everyone—is, for me, the best guarantee of success in creating an authentic, cohesive trip that’s perfectly tailored to your desires! I’ll share practical advice, insider tips, and hidden local gems to ensure your stay is seamless, enriching, and true to the spirit of Pura Vida. Because a trip to Costa Rica is a one-of-a-kind experience, let me discover what makes your heart race… I’ll take care of organizing the trip of your dreams. A Local’s Insider Tip The magic of Costa Rica also lies in all the scenic viewpoints and miradors you’ll discover along the way, as well as the abundance of its local fruits! My best advice is not to overplan your itinerary, so you’ll have the freedom to take as many breaks as you need to enjoy the incredible scenery along the way: grab a good cup of coffee at a mirador, or pull over to the side of the road to buy fresh fruit directly from local farmers. Because here, memories are also made thanks to the surprises you’ll encounter along the way! Favorite Spot Undoubtedly the least touristy protected nature reserves! Barra Pacuare, in the northern Caribbean, with its beaches teeming with mother and baby turtles that you can explore alongside the reserve’s researchers—not to mention its Agami sanctuary. We can also mention the Curú Reserve, where I was surprised to spot a boa… and even baby whales! All these places, still unspoiled and less crowded, will amaze you with the richness of their biodiversity. A Dish As for me, I’m in heaven with the batidos (special mention for the pineapple and passion fruit ones)! These fresh juices, blended right in front of you and available everywhere, are, in my opinion, the best way to stay hydrated under the tropical sun while loading up on vitamins. You’ve absolutely got to try them! Wow (what impresses you most about your country) Without a doubt, the richness of its endemic wildlife, which you’ll see throughout your stay! The hummingbird that pays you a visit at breakfast, the curious little family of monkeys on the balcony, the toucans that come to nibble on almonds right above your lounge chair, or even the curious coatis and raccoons—who aren’t shy at all—that will come to share your picnic… Without even looking for them, animals are visible everywhere, and each region is teeming with its own local wildlife! Exploring a variety of ecosystems offers the best possible opportunity to discover all the colorful and fascinating wildlife the country has to offer. ...alicia@terra-caribea.com

« The real journey isn’t about seeking new landscapes, but about seeing with new eyes. » That’s exactly how I feel about Costa Rica: a country that reveals itself as much through its landscapes as through the emotions it evokes. With its ever-present nature, wildlife, and diverse atmospheres, every itinerary holds its own share of surprises. This is the vision I aim to convey through the trips I design: itineraries crafted to be seamless and balanced—with a steady pace but also moments to slow down and fully savor every instant. I listen to your preferences and take the time to understand your travel style so I can create an itinerary that truly reflects who you are, featuring authentic experiences and carefully selected destinations. My goal: to offer you a trip that’s easy to enjoy, rich in discoveries, and above all, filled with lasting memories. Pura Vida! A local’s insider tip Take your time on the road: stop at a mirador, taste some fresh fruit by the side of the road, or simply enjoy the scenery. Favorite spot I absolutely cherish those moments in the heart of nature, when you feel completely immersed. It’s perfect here for me because I’m completely surrounded by it! A dish “Patacones,” crispy fried slices of green plantain. They’re simple but irresistible—the secret is to eat them with guacamole; it’s delicious. It’s a snack you find everywhere in Costa Rica—I love it! Wow (what impresses you most about your country) The diversity of the landscapes and the richness of the wildlife, which you can see almost everywhere, often without even looking for it. ...ventas@terra-caribea.com