Costa Rica
Find your Sanctuary!
Select Latin America
Select Latin America began as Galapagos Adventure Tours in 1985, the first UK company to specialize in the Galapagos Islands, the Andes and Amazon rainforest. Founded by author and photographer David Horwell, who lived and worked as a naturalist guide in the late 1970’s. Re-branded as Select Latin America in 2003, to encompass travel to the wild places of Central and South America, plus Antarctica. Select Latin America are based in central London and have been trading for 35 years and remains a small specialist tour company.
We offer expertly guided wildlife & cultural trips, from mid to high-end. Boasting specialist knowledge and meticulous planning, we give informed advice to help plan the adventure of a lifetime. We work with partners that have a responsible attitude to staff and the environment. We recommend small boutique hotels or eco-lodges with local ambience. Select Latin America has over 35 years’ experience.
Why Select Latin America
Our clients love the memorable journeys we create for them. We always take the time to find out how each trip has gone when they return. Our client testimonials frequently say it was the ‘best trip’ they have been on.
Our high-quality guides are locals with experience and expert knowledge. We pick them carefully and we think that someone who is born & bred in the area is better equipped to give you an authentic experience.
Our travel consultants have been to all the destinations we offer and more. They will give sensible customized advice, based on your interests, for your proposed trip.
Our Pura Vida Pledge
We work with the LATA foundation and support sustainable travel and projects. Our suppliers are Certified for Sustainable Tourism, this analyses efficiency, quality, environmental impact and client satisfaction. They have achieved CSA ‘elite’ level that shows our operation supports the local culture and benefits the community. The mission is both to make responsible use of resources and promote conservation. We employ local guides and choose CST certified lodges that protect the habitat. Our local operation has also achieved Carbon Neutral Certification. It makes sense for us to look after this area for our future clients.
Select Latin America's top tips for Costa Rica
Try a traditional breakfast of gallo pinto: Breakfast of eggs, pastries, cheese, corn tortillas, sour cream, fried plantains, sausage is topped with Gallo Pinto – meaning coloured rooster – rice and beans. The final touch is spicy Lizano sauce.
Birding paradise: Costa Rica is megadiverse. The variety of habitats is reflected in the flora and fauna. Over 900 species are birds and spotting these tropical wonders can be done all year.
Getting around: Journeys by vehicle take 2-5 hours. Once out of San Jose the traffic is quiet. Self-driving is quite manageable and safe. For those with less time there are efficient domestic flights.
White-water rafting grades: Rapids have 6 classes: I and II easy, III intermediate, upping the excitement. IV is advanced only. V for experts and VI extreme. Use a licensed operator and listen to their safety advice.
Travel with Select Latin America
Jungles, volcanoes and beaches
A magical 12-day coast-to-coast tour through Costa Rica’s natural highlights. Enjoy Costa Rica’s spectacular mountain scenery and incredible coastlines from Caribbean to Pacific. Admire turtles, electric-blue butterflies and toucans at Tortuguero National Park, the lava flows of Arenal Volcano and spot the legendary Quetzal in Monteverde’s cloud forests. Activities include bird and wildlife-watching, bathing in thermal springs, hiking trails, zip-lining through the canopy and snorkelling. This itinerary includes a selection of Costa Rica’s habitats, ending with down-time for relaxation on the Guanacaste beaches. Throughout the trip expert local guides will help identify what you see and be on hand when needed but giving you time to relax and enjoy some wonderful places on your own.
Costa Rica Adrenaline
Costa Rica is a paradise for active adventures in spectacular scenery. The country thrives on nature and a wide range of high-adrenalin experiences. With a variety of landscapes from rainforest, volcanoes to jungle and incredible beaches this trip takes you to the heart of Costa Rica’s natural world. On this 12-day Active Costa Rica trip, white-water raft down some of Costa Rica’s most exciting rapids, zip-line through tropical rainforest and rappel down the Sarapiqui river canyon. The trip is non-stop adventure with plenty of options like horse-riding the slopes of Volcano Ricon de la Vieja. or enjoy birds-eye views on suspended canopy walkways through the jungle. Take time out to relax in thermal springs, or chill-out on the beaches of Guanacaste. Even there you can partake water sports like surfing, snorkelling or scuba diving. Suitably relaxed return to San Jose for a night before returning home.
Sanctuary social