About

Discover the Real Caribbean, with People Who Live It

Hola, I’m Roberto — founder of Caribe Sur, along with my good friend Esteban, who also leads most of our tours as our main guide. We started this business together in 2017, driven by a shared passion for helping people and sharing the beauty, complexity, and culture of our home: Puerto Viejo and the Talamanca region.

I studied ecotourism at the University of Costa Rica and have always been passionate about nature, history, geography, and how responsible travel can support communities and the environment. Esteban brings deep local knowledge, incredible energy, and a natural talent for connecting with people from around the world.

My roots run deep here. My mom is from Gandoca, and my dad, a biologist, moved to Talamanca in the 1970s to dedicate his life to Asociación ANAI — a nonprofit focused on sustainable development in the region. I grew up between San José and Puerto Viejo, spending weekends exploring the jungle and learning about the region’s ecosystems, cultures, and challenges. After university, I moved to Puerto Viejo full-time to build a business that reflects my values — and that’s how Caribe Sur was born.

Our Mission

At Caribe Sur, our mission is to share our knowledge and love for Puerto Viejo and Talamanca through immersive, locally guided tours that celebrate nature, culture, and community. We believe in creating real connections—with the land, the wildlife, and the people—while promoting responsible tourism that gives back to the place we call home.

We’re also here to help travelers before and during their visit, offering honest, local advice to make their experience in the Caribbean as meaningful and smooth as possible.

Why Choose Caribe Sur

We don’t just show you the Caribbean coast — we help you connect with it.
Here’s what sets us apart:

• Locally rooted – We’re 100% local and deeply connected to the communities and ecosystems we explore.
• Off-the-beaten-path – From hidden waterfalls to Bribri villages, we take you places most tourists never see.
• Something for everyone – From family-friendly wildlife tours to adventurous jungle hikes, we have options for all travelers.
• Personal support – We’re here to help you plan your trip and offer honest advice — even for tours we don’t operate ourselves.
• Bilingual, personable guides – Our small team speaks English and Spanish, and we treat you like a friend, not a transaction.

Our Values

At Caribe Sur, we believe tourism can be a powerful tool for good. These values guide everything we do:

• Local knowledge – Our guides are from here, and they’ll help you understand the real story behind what you see.
• Sustainability – We keep group sizes small, respect wildlife, and avoid mass-tourism hotspots.
• Community support – We collaborate with local families, indigenous guides, and small businesses.
• Personalized service – Every traveler gets individual attention — before, during, and after the tour.
• Authentic experiences – We prioritize quality over quantity and offer real connections, not cookie-cutter packages.
• Education and storytelling – We help you learn, feel, and reflect — not just take photos and move on.
• Comfort and safety – Reliable transportation, quality gear, and bilingual guides ensure a smooth experience.
• Adventure with purpose – Whether you’re kayaking mangroves or hiking the jungle, it’s always done with intention.

What We Want You to Feel

After a tour with Caribe Sur, we want you to feel:

• Genuinely welcomed
• More connected to nature and culture
• Safe and supported
• Inspired by the stories and reality of the region
• Part of something meaningful, not mass-produced