Looking for a more responsible vacation? Look no further. Peninsula Papagayo has been paving the way for responsible tourism since the 1980s, and continues to be at the forefront of the movement today. Here at Papagayo luxury, we’re keen to constantly enhance your eco-sustainable travel experience – whether it’s through our luxury vacation rentals, transfers or itineraries. As we focus on investing in the local environment and people we encounter together, we’re always looking for new ways to appreciate and restore this beautiful region so that it can continue to be savored and enjoyed by many generations to come.
As part of our Going Green series, we’re taking a closer look at how our dedicated concierge team can help you in planning activities that are better for the planet. When it comes to designing excursions, many of our providers go beyond the activities to show you how to care for and preserve the nature and culture that you’re exploring during your stay. Sometimes this takes the form of a conversation or insight from our collaborators. Other times, it’s shown practically through tangible experiences that are woven into your experience. We’ve rounded up some of the most common initiatives that we’re actively putting into practice with our providers – read on for more details.
Reusable essentials
Many resorts and activity providers are getting on board with recycling waste at their facilities, but reducing the amount of waste produced in the first instance could have a significantly bigger positive impact on the local environment. That’s why you’ll be offered the use of aluminum water bottles during your activities. Aluminum contains over 3 times the amount of recycled content compared to their plastic and glass counterparts, and their lightweight construction also means that they produce less carbon emissions when being transported. Plus, they’ve been proven to maintain your drink’s temperature for longer – ideal when you want to take a refreshing sip of water or soda while you’re on your adventure.
Reduced emissions
Fuel additives are used on our excursion vehicles to reduce emissions to the environment. By doing so, we’re able to improve fuel economy by up to 20%, boost performance and prolong the engine life. Overall, this ensures greater efficiency and reduce the impact of each journey made.
What’s more, where possible, our providers encourage their staff to work from home. This means that we’re only making the journeys that are truly necessary, as well as maximizing the time taken to plan unforgettable experiences for you.
Recycling as standard
As much as we try to reduce the amount of waste produced, some will always be inevitable. We take great care to ensure that all recoverable waste from our activities is recycled, as well as any generated in the office. Not only does this help to conserve resources by reducing the need for mining raw materials, but it also saves energy through the manufacturing process and reduces the need for perfectly good materials to be sent to landfill.
Supporting local businesses
Sustainable business isn’t just about protecting the local environment (although that is important!). It’s also about investing in the people that live and work in the local area. 95% of the providers that we use are Costa Rican, who in turn collaborate with other small businesses and suppliers in Guanacaste. Not only does this boost the resources in the region, but it also makes sure that you’re getting the most authentic experiences possible during your stay with us.
Protecting wildlife
Our providers also support a range of wildlife preservation initiatives, such as the Tapir Protection Program in the Bijagua area. These programs aim to evaluate the impact of threats (such as deforestation, poaching, wildfires and agriculture) on the local wildlife population, as well as devising strategies to support in mitigating those threats. Our partners are also proactive in working with conservation organizations to identify new ways to conserve the remaining habitat for endangered species. Through this process, scientific findings are then applied to other animal populations, fueling environmental education, capacity building and new eco-tourism activities that can make a tangible difference in Guanacaste.
Let our expert concierge team support you in creating the perfect itinerary for your party, catering to your needs while respecting sustainable practices across the board. Simply contact our team to get started.
