It offers the opportunity to access without barriers the essence of the Costa Rican rural life, and to explore natural landscapes and the least visited natural areas, hand in hand with excellent hosts, while learning from the traditions and way of life of the local population. The community-based rural tourism initiatives are run by community associations that own private ecological reserves, or are close to areas of environmental and cultural interest.

These communities offer new experiences, combining tourism services such as accommodation, excursions and handicrafts, with the incredible natural landscapes y and the lively campesino, indigenous or Afro-Caribbean cultures of their community. This allow our visitors to discover the real Costa Rica, benefit and share with communities involved in the conservation of the natural resources.

ACTUAR and COOPRENA, as the most important Community-based Rural Tourism Associations and Cooperatives, both comprise more than 50 community-based rural tourism projects, a varied number of rustic accommodations and agro tourism activities throughout Costa Rica. Travel Excellence is now combining even up-scale and adventure journeys with theses fascinating services. Some of the ACTUAR members are as follows:

El Encanto de la Piedra Blanca: Located in the beautiful mountains of Escazu, only 15 minutes driving distance from the capital, this community offers unique tours to explore the local culture and enjoy nature. San Antonio de Escazu is a traditional Costa Rican town, with sugarcane mills, and adobe-style houses. Ox-carts are still used by many!

Casa de Mujeres: This lodge is located in Yorkin, a small town in the Talamanca-Bribri indigenous territory, accessible on a dug out canoe through the spectacular Yorkin River. You will learn about the Bribrí culture, while being in close contact with a natural paradise.

Los Campesinos: The people of the Quebrada Arroyo community are the guardians of Los Campesinos Reserve, in the basin of the Savegre River. Walk over the longest canopy walkway in the region, crossing over a wonderful waterfall surrounded by an impressive natural beauty.

Montaña Verde: Visitors have the opportunity to learn how the locals of Montaña Verde live in harmony with the surrounding environment and explore the forested slopes. Enjoy nature, learn about the conservation efforts of this very interesting association and take part in the sustainable production activities.

Please let us know if you would like to receive detailed information about these and the rest of the members.

Costa Rica has many different institutes where people can learn Spanish. For those interested in a good learning program, this country offers many alternatives for people of all ages and budgets.

The academic program:

• Either four or five and a half hours of Spanish classes daily.
• Small groups (maximum 4 students per group).
• Director's weekly grammar lectures.
• Saturday morning tutorials.
• Highly experienced language instructors.
• Daily contract with bilingual program coordinators.
• Program supervised by professional linguist.
• Weekly instructor changes and ongoing evaluation of progress.
• Reference library and video room.
• Daily breakfast and lunch with staff.

Housing and support services:

• Airport pickup and return.
• Three housing options: host family, on-campus lodge or on-campus family suites.
• Introduction to host family accompanied by member.
• Daily transportation to and from campus.
• Child care and special children's programs.

Surfers love Costa Rica! From anywhere in the country, the warm surf is only a few hours away. There are river-mouth breaks, beach breaks, reefs and, the experts say, one of the longest left hand curls in the world. Almost constant, manageable wave action means no long waits to hop on your board.

There are lodges catering to surfers, 4-wheel-drive vehicles to access the most remote beaches - even charter airplanes to accommodate your board.

No wonder the surf magazines are targeting Costa Rica as a world surfing hot spot.

Meticulously crafted on acres of gently rolling terrain, our golf courses offer a spectacular collection of golf holes unique in character and strategy. Exceptionally playable for the beginning golfer, with plenty of interest and challenge for the expert player, Costa Rica's golf courses offer the optimum golfing experience for every skill level.

With breathtaking views of the Central Valley surrounded by mountains and volcanoes... an ANAGOLF Tournament is one recreational experience you will always remember!

Costa Rica Golf Courses

• Cariari Country Club
• Reserva Conchal Golf Course
• Tango Mar Country Club
• Los Sueños Marriott Resort
• Los Reyes Country Club
• Valle del Sol
• Hacienda Pinilla
• Four Seasons