What are travelers looking for today when choosing an experience in Costa Rica?
Throughout my career in tourism and sales, I have had the privilege of getting to know Costa Rica in depth, as well as other destinations around the world. This journey has allowed me to clearly understand one thing: today’s travelers are looking for much more than an activity. They seek well-designed, authentic experiences that connect them with the destination and align with values such as sustainability, innovation, and respect for the environment.
From this perspective, and after years of listening to our clients, observing trends, and experiencing tourism from within, a very personal recommendation was born: Xplora Experiences, our new brand of 100% electric tourism experiences, created to transform the way Costa Rica is explored.
Xplora offers electric bicycles, electric ATVs, and electric jet skis, combining adventure, exploration, and excitement under a new approach: silent, clean, and respectful of the environment, without compromising the level of experience today’s traveler expects. This project is the result of two years of planning, testing, and careful development, and today we are proud to offer it as an exclusive experience for ST Costa Rica DMC clients.
From an initial idea to a vision-driven project
Xplora Experiences began with a simple yet ambitious question:
How can we continue offering adventure and discovery without compromising the natural environment that makes our destination unique?
Over time, this question evolved into a solid project designed to respond to a new way of traveling. From the very beginning, the objective was clear: to create memorable experiences with high operational standards, integrating clean technology, responsible management, and a genuine connection with nature.
This approach allowed us to build a coherent proposal where excitement and environmental awareness coexist naturally, without compromise.
The project began in Guanacaste, within Reserva Conchal, home to The Westin Reserva Conchal and W Costa Rica. This is a privileged location not only for its natural beauty, but also for the environmental value of its reserve, its diverse ecosystems, and its strong commitment to conservation.
Reserva Conchal: a strategic partner in sustainability
Xplora Experiences would not be possible without the strategic alliance with Reserva Conchal, a property recognized for its real and structured commitment to sustainability. Its approach is based on environmental programs, active biodiversity conservation, and responsible land management.
From a technical and operational standpoint, we worked closely together to design routes and experiences from the ground up, integrating existing trails, conservation areas, and natural landscapes, always ensuring minimal impact and high value for the visitor. This collaboration was key to developing a product aligned with international standards and a clear long-term vision.
The experiences, from my perspective
One of our main objectives was to create experiences that allow guests to enjoy the destination without long transfers, offering well-structured and accessible activities for both hotel guests and property owners.
How can guests enjoy more of the destination without complications or long transfers?
We wanted each experience to feel like a natural extension of the stay at Reserva Conchal, maintaining operational flow, safety, and flawless execution. At the same time, we aimed to provide property owners with a reliable platform to book and enjoy activities within their own environment.
This is how a carefully and progressively developed portfolio was created.
Electric bicycles represent one of the most balanced ways to explore the property. We designed two main routes: Pizote Trail and Iguana Trail, both set within natural trails, ideal for wildlife observation, scenic views, and an active yet accessible experience. Additionally, the free-rental option allows guests to explore Reserva Conchal at their own pace, comfortably and sustainably.
Electric ATVs have been one of the project’s greatest successes. They preserve the sense of adventure of a 4×4 while eliminating noise and significantly reducing environmental impact. With them, we developed experiences such as Beach Explorer, which visits nearby beaches including Puerto Viejo, Playa Real, Bahía de los Piratas, Playa Roble, Playa Pedregosa, and Playa Minas, combining scenic routes, snorkeling, and coastal exploration.
We also created Adventure Drivers, a route that connects Playa Minas with the mountain trails of Reserva Conchal via Cangrejo Trail, offering a complete experience that blends beach, forest, and panoramic viewpoints.
One of the experiences that best represents the spirit of Xplora is Eco Off Road, an experience focused on conservation, recycling, agriculture, and clean energy. It allows guests to learn firsthand about Reserva Conchal’s environmental initiatives and demonstrates that tourism can be an active part of the solution.
Innovation applied to the sea
The introduction of electric jet skis, the first in Costa Rica, marked a key milestone in the development of Xplora Experiences. Operating with no noise or emissions, this technology allowed us to rethink the way the ocean is experienced, prioritizing safety, fluidity, and respect for the marine environment.
Navigating the Pacific under these conditions enables a more natural connection with the landscape, free from noise interference or unnecessary disruption. With this approach, we developed three distinct experiences:
ATV + JET | Earth & Water, an integrated experience connecting trails, viewpoints, and beaches with smooth coastal navigation.
Salty Riders, a fully maritime exploration experience focused on wildlife observation and snorkeling stops.
Jet Ski Rent (30 / 60 minutes), a self-guided option within Conchal Bay, allowing guests to explore at their own pace.
This portfolio reflects our commitment to responsible innovation, where technology, experience, and sustainability are integrated in a coherent and thoughtful way.
A project built from the ground up
Creating Xplora Experiences required designing routes, trails, and operations from scratch, working hand in hand with technical teams and experts. Every decision was made seeking a balance between experience, safety, operational efficiency, and environmental respect.
More than a tour company, Xplora Experiences is a platform for innovation, focused on the physical and emotional well-being of its participants and on proving that sustainability can go hand in hand with memorable experiences.
My team and I share a single mission: to offer the very best of Costa Rica through authentic, responsible, and carefully designed experiences.
Xplora Experiences is the reflection of that vision, and I am convinced it will become part of the most valuable memories of those who visit us.
