Time to Give Back to the Community in Costa Rica
We believe in giving back to the people and organizations that have helped foster our success. Throughout the years, we have attempted to maintain a balance between organizations that focus on assisting people, wildlife, and nature when selecting our partners and causes.
Over the past 10 years, Costa Rican Vacations and The Namu Travel Group (our umbrella brand) have continued to up our game. We always want to go above and beyond where we already are, not only expanding the depth of our own contributions but also opening opportunities for our staff, clients, and business partners to collaborate either directly or indirectly to benefit Costa Rican communities. We see some gaps in the country, and we want to become the bridge that helps cover them.
Here are a few of the nonprofits we sponsor:
Tacos4Ticos
This is Costa Rica Vacation’s own nonprofit organization, and our most direct effort to contribute to our community. Founded in 2014, it came together when two of our employees, Adam Baker and our then co-owner Richad Bexon, started donating their time each week in coaching at-risk youth with the Educación Plus Foundation. After less than a year of coaching, they saw the opportunity to get our traveling guests involved. By asking our clients to bring sporting donations into Costa Rica with them, we are able to collect them and donate across our now expanded network of schools. This strategy has had a remarkable impact. As of 2026, Tacos4Ticos has been able to provide well over 2,000 pairs of football boots at over 20 separate schools across seven different regions of Costa Rica, helping more than 2,500 kids to date.
Currently, our main work consists in collecting and distributing essential soccer gear to underprivileged youth soccer leagues year-round. We also continue to host events involving local Costa Rican Vacations staff with the students of the academies. The name of our organization references soccer cleats (tacos), but donations include anything from shin guards to training jerseys. In addition, some of our staff volunteer as soccer coaches every week. We also aid in collecting and distributing school supplies to facilitate the kids’ education outside of the field. At times, some of our volunteers have even mentored students in their last year of high school as they prepare for university.
Our affiliation with the Educación Plus Foundation is essential in giving us access to the students most in need. This local charity works to get kids off the streets from the poorer areas around San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica. The Foundation organizes sports programs, festive celebrations, weekly school tutoring, and more. Our efforts provide children with the opportunity to play and make friends in a safe environment where they learn about camaraderie and teamwork.
Tacos4Ticos has also participated in programs and campaigns by other organizations, lending both a hand and expertise in organizing, collecting, and distributing donations for children in other areas of the country. Costa Rican culture deeply values its children, investing in their education and health as much as possible. We are happy to contribute and continue to expand our reach.
There are ways our clients can help from outside the country. If you would like more information, please contact us at Tacos4Ticos.
A Reel Difference
In 2020, when Costa Rica had to close its borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, coastal communities that depend largely on tourism were seriously affected. A Reel Difference was co-started by Justin DeBoom—one of our former Sales Managers and fishing specialists—to lend a hand to the community where he lives and the waters he fishes in. As part of NOW Costa Rica, A Reel Difference has for years now donated food to the various communities that need it most. Fish is one of their main products, but they also include other groceries and household goods.
Costa Rican Vacations has further collaborated by spreading the word, collecting donations, and dropping them off in the places they are needed. Our clients who go on fishing trips can donate their fish to the foundation if they want to contribute. It would not exist without our customers' support.
Find more information at the Reel Difference website.
Manos Abiertas (Open Arms)
If you ever start to lose faith in humanity, you need to pay a visit to the incredible facilities of this organization. Manos Abiertas is a nonprofit institution dedicated to caring for and treating children, adolescents, and adults with physical and mental ailments. They help people with chronic illnesses, cerebral paralysis, cancer, AIDS, and other terminal conditions. But unfortunately, all patients are highly impoverished or are in a state of abandonment.
This group of incredible individuals takes care of the beautiful humans who are too great a burden for even the Costa Rican public hospitals. What was once a very humble facility has, through generous donors from around the world, grown into a full-scale hospital that gives quality medical care, attention, and love to those who would otherwise be forgotten.
Along with a financial contribution on behalf of the company, our staff donates time, clothing, and other needed materials several times each year.
Visit the Manos Abiertas Facebook page for more information.
Want to Participate?
Do you also believe in social responsibility? Then, maybe you should consider becoming part of our team! See what jobs are available.
If you want to donate to our cases, reach out to [email protected] and we'll be happy to talk with you.
