Certification in Sustainable Tourism The Certification in Sustainable Tourism Program (CST) is a product of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). CST was designed to differentiate tourism sector businesses based on the degree to which they comply with a sustainable model of natural, cultural and social resource management. CST is regulated by the Costa Rican National Accreditation Commission and consists of a scale of 5 "levels" of sustainable tourism achievement. As of November 20, 2006, Costa Rica Rios is awaiting final inspection for certification.

As the leading adventure vacation provider in Turrialba:

Costa Rica Rios will strive to be a successful example of sustainable tourism in the Turrialba region. Operations and activities at our lodging facilities and tour destinations will ensure that minimal negative impacts are made to the natural and surrounding environment. Sustainable education and awareness will drive our employees and guests to utilize and promote practices in their own lives and communities.

Information We Provide

• Books on local customs, culture, and natural areas of Costa Rica.
• A bulletin listing upcoming local events and festivals. Please see a guide or manager for specific details and directions.
• A copy of our complete sustainability manual.
• A suggestion box for your comments.
• A sample menu of Costa Rican dishes served at our bed & breakfast; our Chef, Flor, uses local and organic ingredients in her entrée selections.
• Information on foreign policies, practices, and advise on possible disease and illness contractions.

How You Can Contribute During Your Stay

• If you view any acts of polluting near the premises or on tour, please advise a guide or manager.
• Please do not remove any plants or animals from the lodge, camp, or natural lands visited. In addition, please do not feed wild animals.
• Refrain from buying souvenirs that are harmful to the environment and its inhabitants. These items include: shells, coral, turtle shells, and animal skins.
• Please observe our quiet hours (9:00pm - 8:00am) and limit loud noises at the camp and lodge during the day to mitigate disturbances to nature.
• In an effort to conserve water and energy, please consider the following:
• Turn off lights and equipment when not in use.
• The washer and dryer are free for guest use. Use the shortest cycle and proper load setting. Weather permitting, drying lines and clothes pins are provided, but in the case of rain, low heat dryer settings are preferred.
• We provide you the option to forgo daily washing of linens and sheets. Please refer to the sign in the bathroom if you do not want your linens or towels washed everyday.
• Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the lodge except in the back patio.
• To minimize waste, recycling bins are located in the dining room area.
• We support a local orphanage; please let us know if you would like to visit or make a donation.
• We guarantee that our staff strives to adhere to the initiatives and practices listed in our sustainability manual. If you find any discrepancies between written policies and daily operations, please fill out a comment card in the lobby and place it in the suggestion envelope by the bulletin board. If you provide contact information, we will follow up as the problem is resolved.
• Your privacy and confidentiality is important to us; personal information will not be shared without your permission.

Before You Leave

• Prior to your departure, please fill out the trip review and let us know your opinions on our journey to a sustainable future. Responses are shared on a bi-annual basis with the Sustainable Tourism Certification Commission and Ministry of Tourism. Costa Rica Rios will make this available to you prior to your departure.