T H E T E A M
At Cecropia Travel, our team specialises in sustainable travel in Costa Rica. Our trips are designed around wildlife, conservation, and authentic experiences. Founded by a zoologist with years of field experience in Costa Rica, we create expert-led journeys that go far beyond traditional travel.
Jack EmeryZoologist & Founder
Resident zoologist and wildlife expert, Jack has lived in Costa Rica for over 6 years.
He carried out research on sea turtles & became the manager of a renowned rescue centre, where he worked with sloths. His love for nature inspired him to launch a travel platform that showcases authentic Costa Rica - with an emphasis on conservation, sustainability and wellness. |
Leon VargasCosta Rica Specalist
Costa Rica runs through Leon's veins.
Born in Alajuela, Leon spent much of his childhood travelling across Costa Rica, where he developed his love for La Fortuna and Guanacaste. Today, Leon is based on the golden shores of Samara - surrounded by ocean and nature. |
Allan MoralesICT-Certified Driver & Specalist
A Costa Rica National, Allan was born in San Carlos, Alajuela. From an early age, Allan had a keen passion for travel - both throughout Costa Rica and further afield. For Allan, no other country comes close to Costa Rica. He wants to share his passion with guests to showcase outstanding nature and landscapes.
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What Makes Cecropia Travel Different?
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At Cecropia Travel, we believe travel should go beyond simply visiting a destination.
Founded by a zoologist, who spent years working in wildlife conservation in Costa Rica, Cecropia Travel was created to offer something different from traditional tour operators. Instead of pre-packaged itineraries and crowded tourist routes, we design expert-led, tailor-made journeys that connect travellers with Costa Rica’s extraordinary wildlife, landscapes, and culture. Our trips are built on three simple principles: |
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Expert KnowledgeEvery journey is designed with first-hand field experience and local insight. Working alongside Costa Rican guides, naturalists, and conservation partners, we create itineraries that reveal the country in a deeper and more meaningful way.
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Wildlife Experiences With IntegrityCosta Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. We focus on responsible wildlife encounters in protected areas and natural habitats, always prioritising conservation and ethical travel practices.
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Truly Tailor-made TravelWith Cecropia Travel, no two trips are the same. Every trip we design is built from the ground up around your interests - whether that’s wildlife, conservation, adventure, or simply experiencing Costa Rica at your own pace.
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OUR STORY: FROM CONSERVATION TO TRAVEL
The Meaning Of Cecropia
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Cecropia Travel takes its name from the Cecropia tree, a keystone species found throughout the tropics and an enduring symbol of our roots in conservation. Our founder, Jack, worked at a wildlife rescue centre in Costa Rica, rehabilitating animals affected by deforestation, the exotic pet trade, and human-wildlife conflict.
Among the most frequent rescues were sloths - whose favourite were the leaves of the Cecropia tree. Collecting fresh Cecropia leaves each day and watching rescued sloths return to health left a lasting impression on Jack. Cecropia Travel was born as a tribute to those experiences, grounded in genuine conservation work and a deep understanding of Costa Rica’s wildlife. Today, that same care and expertise shapes every tailor-made journey we design. |
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The Beginnings Of Cecropia Travel
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In 2019, Jack arrived in Costa Rica with a zoology degree and a desire to work in sea turtle conservation. Time spent on remote beaches - under firefly-lit forests and bioluminescent skies - offered a rare glimpse into Costa Rica at its most untouched.
Later, whilst working at a wildlife rescue centre, Jack recognised that the worlds of conservation and luxury travel hadn't been remained very much apart from one another. Travellers stuck to a few tourist hotspots and completely missed out on the real Costa Rica. Five years on, Cecropia Travel was founded to change that - creating bespoke, tailor-made journeys through Costa Rica, balancing exceptional comfort with genuine conservation and sustainability. |
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Who We've Partnered With
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Conservation sits at the heart of everything we do. That’s why Cecropia Travel works exclusively with carefully selected partners across Costa Rica who share our commitment to sustainability and responsible travel.
From ethical coffee producers to organisations actively protecting Costa Rica’s wildlife, each partner is chosen for their integrity, expertise, and long-term contribution to a more sustainable future. |
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