Green World Adventures (GWA) began in 2008 as a shared dream between two young professionals eager to show the world the beauty of Costa Rica. With nothing but passion and a clear vision, we decided to take the leap and create a company that offered a unique travel experience, centred on the rich culture, diverse nature, and the warmth of the Costa Rican people. Despite the challenges of starting a business with no financial backing, we were determined to make it happen. Our approach was simple: offer travellers an authentic, personalized journey deeply connected to the essence of the country. From the beginning, our mission was to make Costa Rica the destination of choice for those seeking an unforgettable, genuine experience.
In early 2009, we faced a difficult situation as the global financial crisis of 2008 had a significant impact on the tourism sector. The consequences of this economic slowdown were clearly visible in Costa Rica through at least 2010. However, rather than being discouraged, we chose to stay optimistic and focus on what made Costa Rica unique. We promoted a different kind of tourism, one that celebrated local communities, personalized tours, and the opportunity for travelers to truly connect with the country. Despite the recession, our approach resonated with both private clients and companies seeking a more meaningful and personal travel experience. Thanks to this, we began to build a small financial base that allowed us to serve more tourists. With the money saved in the first two years, we were finally able to create our first website in 2010, which became an essential tool to showcase the exceptional experiences we offered.
As the company grew, so did our vision. We knew that Costa Rica had much more to offer beyond its stunning beaches and national parks. It was a country rich in culture, adventure, and sustainable practices, and we wanted to share that with the world. In 2013, we decided to embark on our first market research trip to the United States. We reached out to various companies through emails and phone calls, often sending multiple messages before securing meetings. It wasn’t easy, but we were determined. We had a clear message: Costa Rica was not just another tropical destination; it was a place that could offer a completely personalized and sustainable travel experience. This “door-to-door” approach eventually paid off, and we began to build lasting relationships with international travel agents.
Over the years, we remained committed to sustainability, and this dedication became a core value of our company. In 2014, we were awarded the prestigious Sustainable Tourism Certificate by the Costa Rican Tourism Board, a recognition for businesses that apply responsible practices in managing the country’s natural and cultural resources. We received the ELITE AWARD, the highest level of recognition within the program, which validated the years of effort dedicated to ensuring our operations were environmentally and socially responsible.
Our commitment to offering unique travel experiences led us to explore new markets. In 2016, we decided to focus on Europe, believing that travellers from this region would be drawn to the natural beauty, adventure opportunities, and ecotourism credentials of Costa Rica. That same year, we also joined the Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA), with the goal of offering a fresh approach to student travel, one that emphasized both education and sustainability. This opened new avenues for growth, and we expanded our services beyond Costa Rica, adding Nicaragua and Panama as new destinations in 2017.
To keep up with the growth of our company, we restructured our operations in 2018, dividing the company into three specialized areas: GWA Classic Trips, Student Trips, and Luxury Tours. This allowed us to offer an even more personalized service, ensuring that each traveller received the best possible experience tailored to their needs. As the company grew exponentially, we took steps to ensure that we could continue to meet the demand from our clients. We appointed two key team members, Luis Diego and Alberto, to manage business from the Americas and Europe, respectively. Their attendance at major trade events like the SYTA Summit in the U.S. and the WTM in London helped expand our network and presence in the global tourism industry.
Despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, we stood firm. While many businesses closed, GWA never shut its doors. Instead, we focused on strengthening our team, improving our processes, and training ourselves to be more efficient. The pandemic was a difficult time for the tourism industry, but we knew that when tourism resumed, we would be ready. We emerged from the crisis stronger and better prepared to offer exceptional travel experiences, ensuring that we could provide our clients with the best possible service.
In 2022 and 2023, we made a significant investment in our website, redesigning it to better reflect our values and the incredible experiences we offer. These improvements allowed us to continue showcasing the rich diversity and unique experiences available in Costa Rica. We also continued to expand our team, which grew to more than 20 dedicated professionals, each focused on creating unforgettable travel experiences. With this strong foundation, we were ready to face the future and continue delivering exceptional trips to travellers from all over the world.
Today, looking back, Green World Adventures has come a long way from its humble beginnings. What started as a dream in 2008 has grown into a thriving company, globally recognized for its commitment to sustainability, quality, and personalized travel. Now, we are proud to offer tailor-made travel experiences that combine adventure, education, and luxury, ensuring that each traveller fulfils the dream of an extraordinary vacation. Whether exploring the hidden gems of Costa Rica or embarking on an educational journey through Central America, we are here to make your trip extraordinary. If you want to learn more about us, be part of our story, or experience the true Costa Rica, don’t hesitate to contact us. It’s always a pleasure to help you create the trip of a lifetime.
Alberto Molina
Co-Founder
Email: alberto@gwacr.com
Telephone number: CR: (506) 4600 – 0330
USA: +1 (833) 242 0200
Main website: https://www.greenworldadventures.com/
Facebook: Green World Adventures
Instagram: @Greenworld_adventures
YouTube: Green World Adventures Costa Rica
Main website: https://www.greenworldadventures.com/
