About Diego

Native Tico

I was born in San Jose and grew up in the beautiful province of Guanacaste, located on the north pacific coast. From the time I was a baby, my family traveled Costa Rica extensively. Together, we discovered the most scenic viewpoints, the most exotic wildlife, and the unique cultures of various regions.

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High school was a great experience. I enjoyed meeting so many students from other villages throughout Nicoya. Working with such a broad variety of people with diverse backgrounds and personalities taught me to appreciate the differences that make life so enjoyable. Later, while living in the Central Valley, Alajuela and the capital city, I focused on learning Costa Rican history and English in order to become an effective guide in this magnificent country.

My first experiences in tourism began in 1998. As I observed large tour operators driving tourists like cattle, following strict itineraries and schedules, I knew there was a better way. Sometimes simply waiting 5 more minutes for the clouds to clear would provide a spectacular view of the volcano. Stopping to see a rare quetzal or an ox-drawn milk cart could make the difference between a hum-drum day and a truly memorable experience. I decided to create a different kind of tour company. People coming to a country as beautiful as Costa Rica deserve to enjoy it at their own pace.

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My greatest satisfaction comes from clients that are thrilled by their experiences in Costa Rica. I work hard to understand their personal preferences, and to design customized tours that will exceed their expectations. If client preferences change along the way, we happily make immediate adjustments. We can see or do anything the client would like to do. I will gladly offer recommendations based on extensive research and personal experiences. I know the geography, the hotels, the restaurants, and the attractions. And the journeys can be even more enjoyable than the destinations. There is always time for a special picture of a mother sloth with her baby, or spectacular volcanic eruption.

Luis Diego Araya G.
luis@ticorides.com
( 506 ) 8827 7227