Costa Rica: Discovering hidden gems with Raleigh International

Costa Rica, with its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and diverse wildlife, is a dream destination for many travellers. Yet amidst the popular tourist spots lies the true Costa Rica not many get to experience, with dense jungles, rugged terrain, and incredible local communities. Here’s why a Raleigh Expedition can help you explore the road (or Expedition!) less travelled:

1. Experience authentic Costa Rican culture

One of the most rewarding aspects of venturing off the beaten path is the opportunity to connect with local communities in a meaningful way. A Raleigh Costa Rica Expedition is located in Turrialba, in the Cartago province. Raleigh takes you to remote villages, where you can engage with rural communities. As part of your Expedition, you’ll get the chance to make an impact in community-led projects. For example, you could get involved with the Sharabata community, who live in the remote region of Alto de Chirripó. Here, Venturers build infrastructure for remote schools to allow more students better access to educational facilities.

2. Travel off the beaten path on Adventure Leadership Trek!

A Raleigh Expedition Trek takes you on a variety of stunning, unfrequented routes that tourists don’t have access to. Costa Rica has a hugely diverse landscape, with plenty of its own hidden treasures. You’ll be trekking up to 260km, from rainforests, to volcanoes, and beautiful coastal regions. During an Adventure Leadership Trek you are guided by Raleigh staff through untouched sights. No matter what trekking experience you have, everyone starts and finishes trek together – come rain or shine! Sharing these incredible viewpoints with like-minded Venturers will be some of the most memorable and defining moments of your Expedition.

3. Revel in responsible travel 

As caretakers of our planet, it’s important to tread lightly, always protecting our surroundings. Leaving no trace, supporting locally-owned businesses, and following sustainable tourism guidelines is crucial in preserving Costa Rica’s hidden gems for future generations.

Our Expeditions are rooted in principles of sustainability and environmental conservation. It allows Venturer and Venturer Managers to actively contribute to the conservation and preservation of natural ecosystems. Environmental projects include doing trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and enhancing the biodiversity of the area. Every action taken during the expedition is a step towards safeguarding the planet for future generations.

4. Discover untouched natural beauty

While popular tourist destinations offer breath-taking landscapes, there’s something truly special about discovering hidden gems that have remained untouched by mass tourism. From glistening waterfalls to secluded beaches, the Costa Rica explored on a Raleigh Expedition unveils sights you can’t quite put into words. In fact, these natural treasures are protected by the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), preserving a total of 25% of the national territory.

5. Make unique memories that last a lifetime

We live in a society of short-lived experiences and social media influence. That’s why the memories and experiences created during a Raleigh Expedition in Costa Rica are so unique. The people you meet, and the places you visit are so different to the ‘traditional’ tourist holiday. These one-of-a-kind experiences will shape your future, and ignite a passion for exploration and impact. From forging lifelong friendships with fellow Venturers to becoming an extension of a local community. Every moment is etched into you, serving as a testament to the transformative power of travelling off the beaten track.

Experiencing the Costa Rica that no one else sees is all about embracing the unknown, creating lifelong connections, and discovering the true essence of Pura Vida – the pure life. Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime and unveil the hidden treasures of Costa Rica?