Horizontes Nature Tours – Costa Rica

15 April 2009
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“We inspire the enjoyment, fulfillment, and personal discovery of our guests through responsibly designed and operated travel programs that provide meaningful experiences with the nature and people of Costa Rica”

Since 1984, Costa Rica-based Horizontes Nature Tours has led many thousands of travelers to the country's most beautiful and biodiversity-rich destinations, all in the name of conservation. A pioneer in nature travel, Horizontes has helped create an incentive for the protection of Costa Rica's landmark national park system by encouraging small groups of travelers to visit these wild lands. Over the year's Horizontes has instituted a number of initiatives aimed at "greening" its own business and the industry. The company's philanthropic efforts have extended to community development and park projects that include the funding of national park rangers to prevent poaching, and the support of trail building, research stations, and conservation organizations.

Horizontes Style:

At Horizontes we believe that bigger does not always mean better, especially when traveling to places of great biodiversity. The best way to see our country is in small groups accompanied by an excellent naturalist.  We also believe that the best hotels are small with local flavor that meet international standards of quality. Through our strong partnerships built since we began in 1984, we can provide unmatched personalized service in line with the highest standards for sustainable practices.

Certified Quality:

Horizontes is the only tour operator in Costa Rica with the highest 5-leaf certification for sustainable tourism with our country’s CST program. Our certification comes with ongoing commitment to evaluate our own operations and those of our suppliers, in order to guarantee the utmost safety, security and quality of experience to our guests. To provide a seamless tour, Horizontes reconfirms its reservations three times before arrival, so guests can rest easy knowing all is taken care of.  Not one area of the country, not one hotel or other service is included in a Horizontes itinerary unless someone from our staff has inspected it first hand. Our full-time research department keeps us up to date with new hotels, restaurants, private reserves, tours and other services that have proliferated as a result of the recent growth in tourism to Costa Rica.

Unique and Responsible Itineraries:

When traveling with Horizontes, you can visit national parks and private reserves teeming with biodiversity, have a peek at rural living in agricultural valleys and rural hamlets, enjoy active tours on whitewater rivers, mangrove estuaries, rain-forested waterways and refreshing waterfalls, and observe wildlife on land and along our coasts. While traveling, rest assured that your trip has been designed responsibly and includes every opportunity for you to discover the essence of our beautiful country.

Focus on Nature, Adventure and Culture:

Our guides provide a unique interpretation of the natural places you visit and share a unique local perspective on Costa Rica’s past, present and future.

Bonded and Insured:

We carry the maximum possible umbrella liability insurance in Costa Rica for $2 million.

Responsible Travel:

Through the years we have made many contributions to protect our wild lands, made possible through our partnerships. Horizontes has donated $20,000 to protect jaguars in Corcovado National Park and gave $10,000 toward a reforestation project connecting Corcovado and La Amistad Biosphere Reserve.  We have dedicated our resources to an awareness campaign on sustainable practices held for our suppliers through a program with the New York-based Rainforest Alliance. On 2006, we became the first and only tour operator to earn the highest 5-leaf rating with our region’s Certification in Sustainable Tourism (CST)

Airport Meet and Greet:

To start the trip off on the right foot, we greet your travelers inside the airport and provide instruction on how to maneuver and who to look for once past Customs. Our airport staff receives guests under the brand of our wholesalers, with signage at the airport and on vehicles.

Flexibility:

Since we develop all tailor made programs, we have operations and logistical knowledge of the entire country. Anywhere your clients want to go, we can advise of the best way to get there, as well as the right places to stay, according to their needs.

Leadership:

For 25 years we have been working towards excellence in all levels of customer service in support of our partners’ constant drive to enhance their personalized services. Wholesalers can count on our deep interest in supporting your efforts to make Costa Rica the most highly sought after destinations in Latin America.

Good company:

Horizontes is proud to partner with some of the most prestigious tour operators in the US and UK, which demands constant innovation in our field.

Partner Training:

Yearly visits to your office for staff training and new product development. We are also interested in receiving your staff on annual FAM trips, giving them first hand knowledge that they can pass on to potential guests.

New Challenge:

On 2008, following the path of sustainability and Social Corporate Responsibility, Tamara and Margarita sold their company to their managers, finding a financing tool based on an MBO program (Managers Buy Out).  This way, the philosophical frame of the company will remain intact and all their ongoing sustainability programs will be reinforced, developed and renewed!  The new owners of Horizontes are Will Aiello-GM, Federico Calderón-Finance, Patricia Forero-R&D and Luigi Quesada-Commercial.

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