We specialize in eco-conscious boutique adventures

Friends on a Mission

Co-Founder Fiorella Miranda

I am Fiorella Miranda Carranza, the Co-Founder of our company. Since birth, I have been destined to be a traveler and adventure seeker. Growing up as the daughter of an avid surfer, my childhood was filled with exciting surfing trips across my beautiful native country, Costa Rica.

Driven by my passion for travel, culture, and adventure, I chose to study Business Administration in Tourism. I wanted to share my love for exploring new places with the world. Over the past 25 years, I have gained extensive experience in travel planning, hospitality, event planning, sales, and marketing within the tourism industry. I pursued an MBA in Marketing to further enhance my knowledge, allowing me to apply my skills in various professional roles.

I strongly believe that one can truly grow as a person through travel. It provides access to the world, opens hearts and minds to different cultures and ways of life, and expands awareness. This belief has shaped my perspective and fuels my desire to create unforgettable experiences for our clients.

During my free time, you will often find me cooking with my kids or busy planning our next family adventure. Spending quality time with my loved ones and instilling in them the same love for adventure and amazing experiences brings me immense joy.

As Fio, a nickname I adore, I am committed to making a positive impact through travel and creating lifelong memories.

Co-Founder Grettel Calderon

Passion for travel ignited my journey during a life-changing internship, setting the stage for a lifelong affair with the industry. Guided by the mentorship of two revered leaders, one in Costa Rica and another in the United States, Fiorella and I, dear friends for over two decades, embarked on a thrilling new chapter: the creation of Green Planet Expeditions.

Our mission at Green Planet Expeditions is to provide tailored, transformative travel experiences primarily in the Americas and Antarctica (for now!). Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of curating award-winning trips, some even recognized by National Geographic Traveler. For 11 years, I meticulously designed custom itineraries and managed operations for prestigious travel agencies catering to discerning explorers. Over the last 15 years, I’ve also created personalized experiences for a sophisticated clientele seeking exclusivity in their travels.

Beyond my professional world, I cherish life’s simple pleasures. As the sun rises, you’ll often find me embarking on invigorating bike rides, accompanied by my spirited beagle companion, Enzo. I also take great joy in exchanging heartfelt letters with friends across the globe and exploring the scenic trails of my hometown, Escazu, hand in hand with close friends.

In the confines of my kitchen, I skillfully recreate culinary delights from various corners of the world, infusing each dish with a harmonious blend of flavors that transport me back to cherished destinations. As I continue to weave the threads of my remarkable journey, I extend an invitation for you to join me on this extraordinary path of conscious exploration.

Who We Are

Green Planet Expeditions is a team of passionate explorers committed to providing memorable travel experiences. With a small yet dedicated group, we take pride in carefully curating customized itineraries that cater to your interests.

As an adventure travel company, we pride ourselves on being your all-in-one solution. Our offerings stand out through comprehensive packages that cover every facet of your adventure, setting us apart from fragmented piece-meal options. With us, you’ll experience seamless planning, hassle-free bookings, and a complete adventure experience that leaves no detail behind. Your journey begins here, and we’re dedicated to making it extraordinary from start to finish.

Our knowledgeable professional guides accompany you on every journey, ensuring an enriching experience in natural history, birdwatching, wildlife exploration, photography, and cultural tours. Whether seeking family-friendly adventures, active expeditions, luxurious escapes, or indulgent gastronomic experiences, our diverse range of offerings has something for everyone.

With over 46 years of combined experience, our co-founders, Fiorella and Grettel, personally oversee every aspect of your trip, ensuring a tailored and perfect journey. As a boutique travel company, we prioritize personalized service, paying meticulous attention to detail and customizing every element of your travel experience to match your unique preferences. Expect a level of care and attention that sets us apart from the rest.

Indulge your wanderlust with us, as we offer an unparalleled fusion of expertise, responsible tourism, and the creation of unique moments. We are excited to embark on this journey with you, confident that together we will continue to reach new heights of excellence.

Mission & Vision

Mission

At Green Planet Expeditions, our mission is to meticulously craft exceptional journeys for discerning adventurers, cherishing the individuality of each traveler, and championing sustainable, responsible tourism. We believe that every expedition can be a unique and unforgettable adventure. When approached with sincerity and an unwavering dedication to authenticity, it has the power to etch an indelible mark on both your heart and the world we call home. A journey marked by ethical exploration and compassionate engagement with the remarkable people and places we encounter at our destinations is a celebration of the intrinsic beauty of our planet and deepens our understanding of the cultural heritage of our global community.

Vision

Inspired by our shared commitment to Conscious Travel, we envision a global community of travelers who are not merely spectators but active participants in the mission of environmental conservation and cultural preservation. With your help, we can transform destinations into living examples of sustainable practices, preserving their natural beauty and cultural heritage for generations to come.

Booking Steps

1. Choose Your Destination
Explore the possibilities and select your dream destination. If you’re uncertain, call us for personalized ideas, or check out our pre-designed itineraries for inspiration. Remember, nothing is fixed; we can tailor any of them to suit your preferences and travel style.

2. Tailored to your preferences
Struggling to plan your perfect trip? Contact us by phone or use our online form to share your travel preferences. We’ll create an initial itinerary for you and offer free customization. If substantial revisions are needed for a third version, a $250 planning fee deposit may be required, which will be applied to the trip cost upon confirmation.

3. Seal the deal and prepare
When you’re 100% satisfied with your trip details, secure it with a 30% deposit. We can also assist with insurance and flights to ensure a seamless, unforgettable experience.

4. Pre-departure, E-Packet and Surprise Gift
For first-time travelers, upon receiving your deposit, you’ll get a Predeparture e-packet with your itinerary and invoice, plus a thoughtful gift. For repeat travelers, enjoy loyalty program discounts on future journeys.

5. Seamless final preparations
Final payment due 60 days before departure. A month before your journey, you’ll get a final E-Packet with important contact info, including 24/7 WhatsApp support and details for dinner reservations or other needs.

6. Ensuring a Memorable Journey
We will be with you every step of the way, monitoring your entire journey until you return home. If anything requires attention during your adventure, we’ll promptly follow up to ensure your expedition is extraordinary.

7. Get travel insurance (mandatory)
As part of our commitment to your safety, travel insurance is mandatory for all Green Planet Expeditions participants. Please ensure that you purchase travel insurance promptly after booking your trip to potentially qualify for additional bonus coverages. We recommend obtaining insurance within 15 days of booking to cover all aspects of your journey effectively.

Experience travel without worries, as we dedicate ourselves to creating your perfect trip, so you can savor every moment of your unforgettable expedition.

Are You A DIY Traveler?

When you select our professional travel company, you open the door to a multitude of extraordinary advantages that transcend traditional arrangements. Beyond the typical flights and accommodations, we are masters of idea generation, crafting truly unique and innovative experiences tailored precisely to your preferences. Moreover, by leveraging our strong relationships with suppliers, we can often secure special rates and exclusive offers, allowing us to pass on cost savings to you. Release yourself from the burdensome task of planning, as we meticulously attend to every detail, alleviating the inherent stress that arises from orchestration.

One of the key benefits of entrusting your travel plans to us is that in the unlikely event of a hiccup, you won’t have to spend your precious vacation time trying to rectify the situation. With us, you can enjoy peace of mind and focus on making the most of your well-deserved vacation, knowing that our expertise is at your service.

Repeat Traveler Benefits

As a valued traveler who continues to explore the world with us, we deeply appreciate your loyalty. As part of the esteemed community of Green Planet Expeditions, you’ll unlock a range of exclusive rewards:

First trip: Travel gift

Second and Third trips: 5% alumni discount

Fourth and Fifth trips: 6% alumni discount

Seventh trip and future trips: 7% alumni discount

Please be aware that certain terms and conditions are applicable. Kindly note that benefits and discounts are provided on a per-person basis and are not transferable to households. These benefits are exclusively available to guests paying full price. It is important to note that the discounts offered do not apply to national park permits, cruise portions of itineraries, founders-led trips, some domestic flights depending on the destination or special conservation/fundraising trips.

All benefits are applied at the time of booking only. Please note that multiple benefits and promotions cannot be combined, except for our referral program, we are happy to apply the $250 referral fee plus the alumni discount.

It is worth mentioning that project donations and referral bonuses are deducted from the total amount before alumni discounts, or any other discounts are applied. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to these terms and conditions.

Why Private Guides

Is a Private Guide really worth considering? Absolutely!!!

Deciding whether to include a private naturalist guide during your vacation is a matter of personal preference and compatibility.

For numerous travelers, the presence of a knowledgeable guide can significantly enhance the success of their trip, making it an invaluable component.

Walking in the forest with our naturalist guide is like a captivating masterpiece. The guide’s storytelling skill brings humor, tragedy, and suspense, creating unforgettable memories. But there are many other reasons why private guides are of utmost importance:

Safety and security: Enjoy thrilling outdoor activities with peace of mind. Our expert guides ensure your safety, so you can fully embrace the moment and create lasting memories.

Embracing Privacy with Intuitive Expertise: We value privacy. Our experienced guides understand its importance, whether for couples seeking romance or family bonding, creating an environment for cherished connections and unforgettable experiences.

Enhance Your Journey: With a private guide, you immerse yourself in the destination’s natural wonders as they reveal hidden gems, secret trails, and secluded spots for unique experiences beyond the ordinary.

Expert Insights: You also benefit from a naturalist guide’s extensive knowledge of the destination’s natural history, wildlife, and ecosystems. Their captivating commentary and storytelling deepen your understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

Personalized Adventures: They tailor the experience to your preferences, adjusting the pace, focusing on your interests, and ensuring a personalized adventure. We balance personalized attention and open communication, letting travelers actively shape their own memorable journeys.

Cultural Connections: Gain profound insights into local communities, culture, and traditions while embracing authenticity to foster a deeper connection with the destination.

Environmental Stewardship: Engage in responsible travel, supporting local initiatives, and developing environmental stewardship under the guidance of your naturalist guide.

Note: Private naturalist guides offer unparalleled expertise, even though their services may come at a premium cost. Their in-depth knowledge and unique insights create an enriching and transformative travel experience. Feel free to contact us via email, phone, or video for any questions or requests!

Conversation & Community Engagement

Green Planet's Passport to Adventure

When I was 14, I still hadn’t seen the ocean. Living just two hours away from the coast, it might sound surprising, but as one of seven siblings in a tight-knit, low-income family, opportunities for exploration were a luxury we couldn’t often afford. But that all changed one bright day when my classmate’s parents invited me on a day trip to the beach.

I remember the excitement that welled up inside me as we journeyed towards the coast. The closer we got, the louder the waves seemed to call my name. When I finally laid eyes on the vast, shimmering expanse of the ocean, I was in awe. The sound of crashing waves, the feel of sand between my toes, and the salty breeze were all new sensations that left an indelible mark on my heart.

That day, my life was touched by the beauty and wonder of the ocean. It was as if a whole new world had opened up before me, and I knew at that moment that I wanted to share such experiences with others.

Now, many years later, as part of Green Planet Expeditions, I’m committed to giving back and providing similar opportunities for kids who, like me, might not have had the chance to explore their own country. That’s why we’ve created the ‘Green Planet’s Passport to Adventure’ program.

As part of ‘Green Planet’s Passport to Adventure,’ we extend an invitation to travelers to join us on this impactful journey. For each adult contribution of $50 (with the option for kids to participate), Green Planet Expeditions generously adds 50% more to the total. As we accumulate the necessary funds, we strategically organize day trips, turning the dreams of children into reality by taking them to destinations they’ve only imagined. This initiative aims to craft life-changing experiences for the little ones, fostering a sense of wonder and discovery.

These trips open doors to new worlds for these young minds, sparking their curiosity, nurturing their sense of wonder, and igniting a passion for exploration. It’s about providing them with opportunities that go beyond their everyday lives, broadening their horizons, and giving them a taste of the beauty, their own country has to offer.

Your contribution can make a difference in a child’s life, just as my first beach trip changed mine. Together, we can turn dreams into reality, one destination at a time. Join us in ‘Green Planet’s Passport to Adventure,’ and let’s help these young hearts discover the wonders that await them.

Offsetting Carbon Emissions: Green Planet Expeditions' Ongoing Commitment to Regenerative Ecotourism

When you book through Green Planet Expeditions, you contribute to mitigating carbon emissions with the ICT (Tourism Bureau)-Fonafifo Alliance. Through this initiative, you have the chance to offset the carbon emissions associated with your travel. By doing so, you play a crucial role in supporting environmental conservation efforts and promoting sustainable practices in the destinations we explore.

Travel activities, especially flights, generate greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. The alliance, formed by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) and the National Forest Financing Fund (Fonafifo), provides a platform to measure and offset the carbon footprint of your trips. Fonafifo, with over 20 years of experience in carbon markets, generates carbon credits through registered forest projects. The online compensation process they provide involves selecting routes, calculating emissions, and securely purchasing carbon credits at $7.5 each. Once we do the calculations, we add it to your invoice and travelers receive a Certificate of Purchase. Fonafifo reports the annual offsets to the Climate Change Department.

We believe that every traveler can be a force for positive change. Your participation in this initiative aligns with our vision of regenerative tourism, where each journey leaves a lasting, positive impact on communities and ecosystems.

Thank you for joining us on this meaningful journey towards a greener, more sustainable future.