Everyone deserves the chance to travel. Yet, all too often, seeing the world is a privilege reserved for the global elite. At Elevate Destinations, we’re on a mission to democratize tourism.
Our innovative Buy a Trip, Give a Trip model has traditionally focused on creating travel opportunities for local youth. However, this year’s excursion in Costa Rica takes a different approach. We believe that travel should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
Since our beginnings, giving back has been a core aspect of our brand. We are committed to making a positive impact on the communities and environments of the destinations we visit.
Here’s just one example of Buy a Trip, Give a Trip in action:
The Travelers:
On October 20th, 2024, an extraordinary group from Con Otros Ojos gathered at the Radisson Hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica. The group included six blind individuals, six sighted companions, and a guide, ready for an exciting day of white water rafting on the Sarapiquí River. From 33 to 55 years of age, they set out on a journey to challenge perceptions and show that adventure has no boundaries.
Before the trip, the leaders of Con Otros Ojos and Fundaprogreci met with the guide and staff of the tour company, the rafting company, and the hotel where they would have lunch. They attended a Zoom training session to discuss proper etiquette, set expectations, and review safety measures. This thoughtful preparation ensured everyone felt comfortable and ready for the excursion.
The Details:
The day started early as the group departed from the Radisson Hotel at 6:30 a.m. During the two-hour drive to Sarapiquí, icebreakers and introductions helped set a friendly tone for the day. The guide, Jossi, shared vivid descriptions and historical facts about passing landscapes, making the journey more engaging for everyone.
Upon arrival at Aventuras del Sarapiquí, everyone was warmly welcomed by Johanna Argüello, the manager. She introduced herself and her experienced rafting guides: Jaime, Adrián, and Junior. Adrián took special care in explaining the safety instructions, ensuring that everyone understood the commands and could follow the safety protocols while rafting.
The rafting experience was nothing short of exhilarating. Adrián expertly called out commands and counted paddling strokes, allowing for perfect coordination among all rafters. The guides and safety kayakers were attentive to the needs of their guests, assisting them in and out of the rafts and navigating obstacles.
A delightful mid-tour fruit stop provided a refreshing break, with another treat awaiting the tour’s end – a spread of fresh fruits, cookies, coffee, and juice that energized everyone after their time on the river.
After rafting, the group visited La Quinta, where owner Beatriz Gámez gave a unique garden tour. Focusing on textures, smells, and sounds, she created an immersive experience that allowed all participants to experience nature through multiple senses.
A buffet lunch followed, bringing everyone together to share stories and enjoy the local cuisine. On the return journey, the group made a special stop at Doña María’s place to collect the glass containers they had dropped off earlier in the day, now filled with delicious chorreadas to snack on.
As the day drew to a close and the group returned to San Jose, they were tired but elated. It was clear that this experience had changed the perspectives of everyone involved. Guide Jossi summed it up beautifully: “Thank you for allowing me to learn how to see with different eyes! This is my work, and I have done this tour a million times, but the way we did it today will live with me forever.”
This white water rafting excursion demonstrated that with the right attitude, preparation, and support, these experiences can be accessible to all.
The Impact:
For many of the blind participants, this experience sparked a passion they thought was lost. Karla, who had lost her sight just a year ago, expressed her joy: “I used to go rafting when I was able to see. I thought that after losing my eyesight, I would never be able to experience it again. I know now that nothing is off-limits for me!”
Surprisingly, it was the sighted participants who felt most inspired by the day. They were amazed by the blind persons’ eagerness for adventure and their light-hearted approach to their circumstances.
Unique Adventures took great care to minimize the environmental impact of the trip. They encouraged the use of refillable water bottles, avoided plastic containers, and offset the carbon footprint of land transportation. The excursion also supported small, family-owned businesses in the often-overlooked Sarapiquí community.
Insights from this Buy A Trip, Give A Trip:
During the training session, Con Otros Ojos and Fundaprogreci shared important notes about how to have respectful interactions with blind persons:
- The correct term in Spanish is “persona ciega” (blind person) rather than “no vidente” (non-seeing). This person-first language focuses on the individual rather than their disability.
- Instead of holding a blind person’s arm, it’s better to offer help and let them choose to take your arm or shoulder if they wish.
- Always announce your presence before touching a blind person to avoid startling them.
- It’s important to remember that blindness affects people differently. Some individuals lose their sight later in life and may still be adjusting. Don’t assume all blind people have excellent hearing, can read Braille, or instinctively know how to navigate the world.
- The blind participants were incredibly understanding of accidental slip-ups in language or behavior. They didn’t take offense at phrases like “look here” or “see this?”
- Perhaps most surprisingly, the staff and guides discovered their wonderful sense of humor. During the tour, they teased each other, saying things like “But look at me!” or “Don’t go out of my sight,” and so on.
One participant’s response particularly stood out. When asked if he was offended by the guide saying, “You will see how…”, he replied, “Will his words make me see more? Or less? No? Then they don’t affect me.”
Partner Organization:
Fundaprogreci (Fundación Progreso Personas Ciegas)
Fundaprogreci is a Costa Rican organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and ensuring the safety of individuals with visual impairments. The foundation has developed its mission through innovative initiatives like Con Otros Ojos and La Corazonada Visual.
Translated to “With Other Eyes,” Con Otros Ojos is an NGO that works with blind people of all ages and focuses primarily on the wellness and safety of people with visual impairments in Costa Rica.
This trip was made possible by the organization and facilitation of our friends and partners at Unique Adventures.
Read about other Buy A Trip, Give A Trip experiences.
