In 2013, two Young entrepreneurs from the South Pacific region of Costa Rica, very passionate about costarican culture and traditions decided to start with Turismo Cultural to complement and vary the gap of ecotourist activities of Bahia Ballena, taking as an advantage the unexplored rich biodiversity of rural cultural tourism the South region with the main purpose of rescuing the history and culture of the area. Giving the visitor the opportunity of obtaining a direct cultural interchange between community members and environmental projects with the help of five partners and about 20 hosting families.
Our mission is to create links with community partners and local farmers, focused on sustainability while rescuing cultural values of local communities through developing unique ecotourism experiences.
Noilyn Ramirez Arias
Noilyn is a nature lover. She’s been an advocate for the environment for as long as she can remember, always in awe and dedicated to protecting the natural resources that make up her beautiful country. Noilyn will be the first person to get communication with you for the planning and logistics of all experiences and tours. She is a rural tourism developer and has worked as a volunteer for more than 20 years in different projects from the local community level and outside the country. Founding partner of Fundación Somos based in Bahía Ballena and member of the board of directors of the Uvita Community Emergency Committee. Noilyn will transmit you the love for Costa Rican traditions and good typical food.
Wayner Vazquez
Wayne is a devoted adventurer. Regardless of where he’s living, he’s always actively involved with the community and conjuring up new ways of doing things. He always has a smile on his face and is ready to lend a helping hand. As a certified guide by the National Tourism Institute (Instituto Nacional de Turismo), Wayne is the one who will lead you to every corner of our community, ensuring you have a memorable time learning about the culture, history, and magic of this natural paradise. As a life-long explorer, Wayne is always prepared with a machete, many stories and all the information about nature to share.
Causes we support
- Conservation of local culture
- Marine conservation
- Environmental education
- Wildlife protection
- Development of entrepreneurial ideas
- Youth empowerment
Community Partners
Don Guelo y Doña Yety
“Don Guelo and Doña Yety” (Miguel and Lidieth), as they are known in the community, arrived in the Bahía Ballena area when there were no roads, electricity or potable water. Don Miguel keeps the traditional agricultural techniques and Doña Lidieth prepares some authentic homemade and healthy delicacies, taking advantage of all the fresh products from the farm. Almost 80% of their farm has been reforested. As part of their community support they are hosting in their property the tree nursery Semilla de Ballena from the reforestation project of Geoporter organization. Enjoy a cafecito with them and listening to the stories,challenges and adventures are an invaluable experience.
Don Ademar y Doña Mauren
With an entrepreneur and innovative energy don Ademar and doña Mauren are an example of the traditional family system that distinguish Costa Rican culture. Their concern to have a healthy and good quality of life took them to start an organic farming project 23 years ago. At the beginning it was just a family project and over the years they turned it into their sustainable business. They currently have the only one organic product store in the community. Don Ademar and Doña Mauren have lived in Uvita for 10 years. As part of their family traditions they have decided to install a Trapiche (sugar mill) on their property, now it is part of the fun staff you can find in their tour. Both are active members of ASOTURISTICA, an association that seeks to support and diversify tourist activities in the area.
David Santillán
David worked as a dental technician in the capital of Costa Rica, 22 years ago he arrived in Uvita and fell in love with the waves and the pura vida of the coast. He learned from his new neighbors to take advantage of all the resources from nature and the beach. This is how he became an expert in the use of coconut. Part of his project is to maintain an active reforestation in the area to prevent erosion. David is also a founder member of ASOCOCO.
Don Gallo y Doña Haydeé
Long life farmers, Antonio (Gallo) and doña Haydeé have maintained a quiet life in the lands of San Isidro del General. Small-scale coffee producers and other organic products such as cocoa and bananas. Antonio is a lover of ranchera music, popular dance and horses. Doña Haydeé loves to collect plants, and to chat while sharing one of her delicious dishes. Both have taught their family of 7 children respect for the land and nature.
International Partners
- Central College
- Global Leadership Adventure
- Stanford University
- Ohio Wesleyan University
- Discover Corps
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
- Syattcle.org
- French Broad River Academy
- All-abroad.org
- Workingabroad.com
- Mejdi Tours
- Rolling Routes
In country Partners
- Bodhi Surf School and Yoga
- Hotel Kura Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Birding
- Sierpe Azul Tours
- Ballena Jorobada Tours
- Costa Rica Decouverte
- Horizontes Nature Tours
- Fundación United
- World College
- Tropical Rivers and Adventure Tours
- Ballena Aventuras
Want to be a commercial partner with groups of volunteers and excursions? Contact us at info@turismoculturalcostarica.com
Want to travel safely and privately with your family, learning and enjoying at the same time? Contact us at info@turismoculturalcostarica.com
