Declaration Of
Sustainability

Declaration of Sustainability

Iguana Tours is a company committed to customer satisfaction and excellence in the tourism. We are comprised of staff with shared values a culture of leadership and active participation in promoting conservation and protection of our natural, cultural and social environments.
  • Our Mission

    We want our tourists as customers enter and leave as friends, delighted by the natural and human wonders of our County.  In harmony and development of both our ecosystems and our community served by the Family of Iguana Tours.  Our family at Iguana Tours works in harmony to develop both our ecosystem as well as our community.

    Our Vision

    To maintain leadership as specialists in Manuel Antonio and do our best to achieve complete customer satisfaction, projects that expand our vision, and social commitment.

    Let us show you our country -

    Just let us know when.

  • Our Values

    The values on which our company is founded are:

    I: Integrity

    T: Tenacity

    G: Generosity

    O: Order

    U: Uniqueness

    U: Unitity

    A: Love

    R: Respect

    N: Naturalism

    S: Solidarity

    A: Kindness

    Ethic Code

    1. Environmental Protection.
    Titi and Iguana sustainable effortsOur activities depend on the environment. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of the environment, which not only means avoiding pollution and not feeding the wild animals but also securing the cooperation of our customers through educational talks, and awareness that the company promotes through the general staff, in order to achieve compliance with all sustainability requirements.

    2. Notice irregular situations.
    All workers are required to give prompt notice of any irregular, abnormal or counterproductive acts of which they have knowledge of and take action to achieve the necessary corrective measures.

    3. Safety and Health Standards.
    All workers shall comply with the health and safety regulations and procedures established by the company, authorities, or government regulators.

    4. Respect for Culture and Idiosyncrasy to the people we visit.
    We respect and participate in the protection of towns that we visit. These are towns that remain most deeply rooted in Costa Rican customs, we respect the cultural and social manifestations. Leading by example, protecting all cultural activity or other and showing to our customers through our staff.

    5. Courtesy and Non-fraternization with customers.
    Being courteous, treating customers well and with respect are prerequisites to accomplish our work. However, not to exceed customers' confidence. Thus, the relationship with the client must be unique and only of a professional nature.

    6. Punctuality and Compliance.
    Punctuality is essential to the daily work of Iguana Tours to insure that operations are effective and efficient. Each staff member should arrive promptly to the position held. If for some reason the staff member is unavailable or late, he or she needs to notify Iguana Tours of their reason for delay. Unexcused tardiest and / or excessive tardiest will not be tolerated.

    7. Abandonment of Labor.
    No employee should leave their job before their departure time, without a prior authorization permit. The employee will be given disciplinary sanction, which could include dismissal.

    8. Commitment to Excellence and Discipline.
    The company expects and requires each assignment with excellence and discipline.

    9. Risk and Accident Situations.
    Safety and care of employees is in vital importance to our partners and customers.
    If on employee becomes aware of any situation that might affect the safety of customers or their fellow collaborators, it is the employees duty to remedy that situation immediately and inform the administration. Occupational accident: The employee shall report occupational accidents immediately, so that the company can provide the necessary support and process the documentation required to refer the employee to the National Insurance Institute.

    10. Conduct and Ethics Education.
    Improper conduct is prohibited, this include vulgar or disrespectful acts by all partners against our customers or among themselves. If these rules are breached, corrective measures will be taken.

    11. Use of the Property.
    It is completely forbidden to use Iguana Tours property for personal use, or lend, transfer or dispose in any form of machinery, equipment, materials, tools or any other property of the company, including the facilities of the offices, kitchen or workshop, without permission of the administration.

    12. Misuse of Property.
    Dishonesty, forgery or misappropriation of property, either from the company, a partner supplier, or customer will not be tolerated. If this type of misconduct occurs disciplinary measures will be applied according to the seriousness of the actions.

    13. Vocabulary and Service.
    Bans the use of profanity, offensive or arrogant language in front of customers, other employees, suppliers, or anyone else. This type of behavior will be punished.

    14. Fights or threats.
    Fights, bullying, teasing and threats among employees, suppliers or customers are strictly prohibited. The assault or physical injury to another person, including influencing others to ward inappropriate actions, sleight of hand or unruly behavior is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action, which may include dismissal.

    15. The Carrying of weapons within and outside the company.
    It is forbidden to carry any weapons within the business areas and areas of tourist visitation, unless it is a requirement of the post or it was authorized in writing by the company,  as well as whether the person has a legal bearing a weapon approved by a competent court.

    16. Drug and Alcohol Use.
    Possession, distribution, trafficking, use and consumption of illicit substances inside and outside the company is prohibited.
    It is forbidden to eat, possess or be under the influence of any kind of drug and / or alcohol on the premises of the company and the tours, during or outside working hours. The violation of this rule shall be punished as indicated by our laws.

    17. Personal presentation, neatness and decency.
    It is essential that during their working hours, all employees are properly washed, shaved, and well-presented and they wear respective uniform. As a rule, we do not allow the use of a beard or long hair for men. Extreme hair colors are not generally allowed .Remember that customers expect a good deal; friendliness, courtesy, care and certainly a cleanly personal appearance of all our associates.

    18. About Phone Calls.
    There shall be no private use of company phones to make or receive personal calls, except in the case of an emergency, in which case you must obtain permission to use the phone.  It is forbidden to activate and use a cell phone for personal purposes within the company premises or while attending a tour, provided it is in their working time. In times of rest or lunch, employee may use their phones without restriction.

    19. Sexual Harassment
    By law, our country prohibits sexual harassment. It requires employees to learn and participate in workshops for information and reporting on such cases.

    20. Prostitution and Child Exploitation.
    Under the current legislation of our country, sexual exploitation and child prostitution are criminal offenses punishable by imprisonment for violators. It is our duty to report any operating business of child prostitution participating in such acts. Such will be grounds for immediate dismissal without liability for the employer because it is a very serious fault, as well as the possibility of further action taken by court for the discovery of the participation of an employee of Iguana Tours, in such illegal activities.

    21. Enforcement and compliance of the Rules.
    All employees must abide by the working procedures, operating under verbal and written instructions. These rules are given to be used by and benefit all involved in Iguana Tours.

  • Sustainability Policies

    This policy involves all of the company’s employees, without concern for their place in the company’s hierarchy or the specifics of their job. This policy also includes the suppliers, clients¸ community, and any person related to the activities developed by the company.

    Objectives:

    1. To promote the development and growth of the company, by committing to the protection of the environment, understanding the natural resources being used and the cultures of the people visited.
    2. To educate the visitors on environmental as well as cultural topics pertaining to the areas served by the company.
    3. To have employees who are conscious of sustainability. This will be done through education and consistent updates with new information regarding sustainability for both medium as well as long term effects.
    4. To design socio-cultural policies of operation which promote the rational and sustainable use of our natural resources.
    5. To promote the fulfillment of effective legislation applicable to our activities, in all areas.

    General Policy

    Iguana Tours is a company that aims for satisfaction and excellence in tourism. The company has diverse personnel with shared values in leadership, environmental conservation, and environmental as well as cultural protection.

    Specific policies:

    1. We declare our commitment to avoiding all types of extraction or product commercialization of flora and fauna, which is forbidden by law.
    2. All employees will be trained in the company’s policies of sustainability. Training will be provided for new as well as seasoned employees on the companies operative as well as administrative tasks. This will be done in order to insure a positive performance from all employees.
    3. The company will design an annual plan of qualification for its employees. This plan will have an emphasis on subjects that will help the employees better serve the clients, legislation applicable to the company, current trends in tourism, accommodating individuals with disabilities, respect for the cultures in the towns visited by the company, information of interest pertaining to the clients' countries of origin, and any other information that will aid in the satisfaction of the clients. This will be done within the frame of environmental education as well as the protection of the socio-cultural manifestations affecting the cultures visited.
    4. We will defend and protect our children and adolescents against any and all sexual operations and prostitution. We will denounce any illegal activity that we know of, and will educate our employees, suppliers and clients with respect to this subject.
    5. We will create a healthy work atmosphere free of illegal drugs. Our activities are family oriented and therefore we will denounce any illegal activity of which we have knowledge, including the consumption and/or commercialization of illegal substances, to the appropriate authorities.
    6. As a company whose guided tours visit many places of interest, we will select these places based on their conditions of sustainability such as their programs of conservation and their plans to protect the species of flora and fauna. This is done so that we may give our visitors the complete Costa Rican experience.
    7. Our guides will have all certificates required by law. We will maintain these certifications by updating the guides in different technical subjects including the use of equipment, emergency techniques, information on the zones that our clients will visit, legal subjects, as well as any other information of relevance to the company as it continues with its sustainable approach to tourism.
    8. For each of the activities geared toward tourism, the company will offer promotions to native Costa Ricans. This preferential treatment will be done with the aim to educate and involve them in the conservation efforts taking place in our areas of operation.
    9. We will give preference to local suppliers of biodegradable, re-usable, and organic products that do not contain harmful pollutants or ingredients that are harmful to either human health or the environment. We will give preference to suppliers who have the ISO certification.
    10. Each activity geared toward tourists will have an operational manual. This will include the technical aspects of the tour, the ratio of guides to tourists as well as whether or not the guide will require assistance with the group. In all cases we will work with small groups in order to avoid having a negative effect on the environment or the visited areas.
    Iguana Tours and Titi Conservation Alliance 11. All of our land as well as aquatic vehicles are equipped to handle tourist activities. They will be registered and maintained according to the law. The clients will be included under the company’s insurance policy when using the vehicles appropriately.
    12. The equipment used in tourist related activities will have a check list relating to the basic condition and security of the vehicle. Employees must check to assure the condition of the vehicle based on this as well as the vehicles design.
    13. To reduce, reuse, and recycle.
    In the office we will re-use paper products in order to avoid unnecessary costs whenever possible. We will take advantage of computer-based technology when dealing with shipments as well as international communication. We will separate all of our recycling products into paper and organic plastics. We will place reminders around our facilities to encourage tourists to recycle so as not to contaminate the areas that we visit. We will use ASOPROQUEPOS, an organized group that organizes recycling in the community, as a means for recycling.
    14. We support conservation initiatives. We support activities related to the Titi Monkey conservation as well as the conservation of other animals who require our efforts in order to strive and reproduce within our area through our affiliation with ASCOMOTI.
    15. We will not feed any of the animals. In addition, we will explain the many reasons for not feeding the animals to our clients.
    16. We are in favor of the conservation of the archaeological and cultural patrimony. Therefore we will avoid and denounce any activity that leads toward the extinction or commercialization of archaeological and cultural articles of which we have knowledge.
    17. We fulfill all effective legislation including law 7600, on the equality of opportunities for people with disability. We will not discriminate in the hiring of personnel. We will offer equal opportunities to all candidates who meet the required conditions for the position.
    18. We are a company of social responsibility. We will try to offer access to all workers and clients in according to law 7600. We will offer accessible vehicles as well as activities, making each activity attractive to interested clients.

  • Practical Tips for your stay in the country

    Welcome to Costa Rica, we hope you enjoy a pleasant and safe stay, which is why we offer you a set of advice that is important to keep in mind during your visit to our country. Geographic aspects: Costa Rica is located on the Central American isthmus, between latitudes 8 ° and 12 ° N, and longitudes 82 ° and 86 ° W. Bordered on the east by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean to the west, with a total extent of ​​1290 km on the coasts: 212 km on the Caribbean coast and 1 016 km on the Pacific coast. Costa Rica is a very mountainous country and most of the territory is formed by elevations between 900 and 1800 meters above sea level. There are three main mountain systems: the Guanacaste Volcanic Mountain Range, the Tilarán Mining Mountain Range, the Central Volcanic Mountain Range and the Talamanca Mountain Range. In the center of the country is the Great Central Valley, a kind of plateau characterized by its fertility and abundance of water sources, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, has a very pleasant climate. Here is located most of the country's population, approximately 60% of the inhabitants. The highest point in the country is the Chirripó hill at 3820 meters above sea level and is the fifth highest peak in Central America. The highest volcano is the Irazú volcano with 3432 meters above sea level.

    Security

    • Every foreing citizen needs a valid passport to enter Costa Rica and some nationalities need consular visas, so it is important to check before traveling.
    • Leave your jewelry, cash and credit cards stored in the safe in the hotel room; take only what is necessary when you walk around San José, and do not carry large amounts of cash. Remember that for security reasons, all ATMs in Costa Rica are closed after ten o'clock at night. Make a copy of your passport before leaving, so that you use the copy instead of the original. Do not leave keys or personal belongings in sight.
    • Many times the vehicles do not give way to other vehicles or pedestrians. Be careful when crossing the streets.
    • Know your destination and have a route planned for the journey.
    • Always be alert and awake in what is happening around you.
    • When you are checking in at the hotel reception, always be alert of people near you and your luggage.
    • On many beaches there are strong waves and currents that can be deadly, even for experienced swimmers.
    • When visiting volcanoes or national parks respect the safety distance of the red zone, this is a warning of danger. Otherwise, one is in danger of death.
    • You can find in Costa Rica almost in every corner free Internet, also many hotels offer the wireless connection service; after using the Internet you must delete all the temporary files you used in order to erase your personal information. Close all the applications and programs you used.
    • If you get lost, look for a public area, such as a gas station, to read your map or ask for directions.
    • If you use the ATM, make sure the area is well lit. Count your money inside your closed vehicle and with the windows closed.
    • If you need to exchange dollars, use only recognized banking agencies or exchange houses.
    • If you suspect that you are being chased, go to a nearby public place that is well lit and call the police.
    • If you have to carry a purse or shoulder bag with you, carry it in front of you near your body. Make sure it is completely closed.
    • If you are challenged by a hostile individual, DO NOT resist. Give the person what they are asking for, your belongings are not worth more than your life or a serious injury.

    In case you rent a car:

    • The condition of roads, traffic signals and road traffic in the country is poor. Avoid traveling at night for safety reasons.
    • Never leave the car parked unattended. If you have a breakdown you should be careful who offers help and get in touch with your car rental agency. If you decide to visit Costa Rica with a rental car, we recommend renting a mobile phone. All the major car rental companies have this service.
    • If you hit your vehicle behind, DO NOT stop on the road or lean to the side. Drive to the nearest public area and call for help from the police.
    • If a suspicious person approaches your vehicle while you are stopped in a red light or a STOP signal, play the horn.
    • Do not stop by any flashing light. An emergency vehicle or police vehicle has red or blue flashing lights.
    • If you are told that something is wrong with your vehicle, DO NOT stop immediately. Drive to the nearest gas station or other public place that is well lit.
    • Keep doors locked and windows up while driving, and when the vehicle is parked.
    • Valuable items should be carried in the trunk, or in the glove compartment (locked), or out of sight while driving or leaving the vehicle parked.
    • Check the interior of your vehicle and surroundings before entering your vehicle.
    • DO NOT pick up people on the road.
    • DO NOT leave the keys in your vehicle or the engine running while you are using the ATM.

    Appropriate clothing

    If you are thinking of making some trips or entering the wonders of our rainforests take into account this list of equipment you might need. This list is specialized and should be varied depending on the activities you wish to carry out during your trip. Please do not hesitate to specifically consult the list of equipment that suits your own trip.

    • Light sandals or shoes that dry quickly.
    • Hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes.
    • T-shirts easy to dry and wash. You can count on long sleeves to walk and protect from the sun and others for cool or cold afternoons.
    • Fleece or coat to protect from the cold. Yes, Costa Rica has cold parts in the mountains.
    • Waterproof poncho or jacket, or windbreaker
    • Lightweight pants, easy to wash and dry. Shorts are very cool, long pants protect from mosquitoes and cold.
    • Light socks and if they go to the cold, they are hot for cold nights.
    • Hat or cap for the sun. If you are going to make long walks, the colored scarves for the hair are very good to cover the nape of your neck or the ears from the sun.
    • In the case of the Chirripó or other cold mountain tours, a cold wool cap and gloves are recommended.
    • Remember to always carry clothes to walk around thinking that you are going to get wet and wear clothes after the tour or walk, so as not to return to the bus with wet clothes and avoid an unwelcome cold.

    Other necessary:

    • Blistick for the lips (protection for sun and wind)
    • Sunglasses
    • Bags with zipper
    • Sunscreen (minimum protection factor 40)
    • Flashlight, bulb or headlamp, not everywhere is electric light all night.
    • Extra batteries
    • Water bottle
    • Insect repellent
    • Duct tape or hardware tape for emergency repairs and for blisters on the feet
    • Moisturizing drinks. This list is designed taking into account all the activities we offer, remember that depending on your special activities, this will be the list of equipment.

    Health:

    There are no vaccines required to enter Costa Rica, however the following are recommended. Vaccine: Recommended for: Dosage: Hepatitis A

    • In case of emergency call 911 from any telephone.
    • Only pay the departure taxes at the airport, at the duly authorized places.
    • These taxes are $26 per person.
  • Place of Operation

    Atractive

    Excursion

    Size of groups and maximum of tours.

    Capacity

     

    10 Km North of Quepos

    Damas Island Tour

    By boat or kayak

    11 people boat + 1 guide

    10 people kayak + 1 guide + 1 assistance

    3 boat

    8 double kayaks

    2 singles

    Manuel Antonio National Park

    Walking and hiking Tour by the National  Park

     

    Hiking and Walking Tour

     

    10 people + 1 guide

     

     

    4 guide

    Savegre River

    Naranjo River

    White Water Rafting

    Tour in the White water rafting

    6 people + 1 guide

    4 people + 1 guide

    2 people  + 1 guide

     

    8 rafts

    6 rafts

    2 rafts

    Ocean Maracas Nahomi

    Kayak Tour

    Trip by kayak in the ocean

    7 people + 1 guide

    + 1 assistance

    8 doubles

    4 singles

    Pez Vela Marine

    Catamarán Cruise

    Trip by catamarán in the ocean

    50 people + 2 guide + 4 crew+ 1 captain + 1 assistance

    75 people

    Naranjito Town

    Horsebackriding

    Horseback riding by tocori waterfalls

    17 people + 2 guide

    19 horses

    Quepos, Boca Vieja y Wild Life Refuge

    Cultural and History Tour

    Cultural and history tour

    8 people + 1 guide

    1 Hiace for 12 people

  • Iguana Tours inform you

    • Following Costa Rican conservation laws, the extraction and captivity of wild life is punished with jail.
    • The protection of species required by law should be respected conserning both protected flora and fauna.
    • The artificial feeding of animals is prohibited on any type of excursion carried out by the company.
    • Our company respects the carrying capacity in all our activities.
    • All our land and water mobiles comply with the rules and regulations requested by our country.
    • The company is committed to protecting the environment, society and culture.
    • We will report any act that contaminates or damages our ecosystems.

    To learn more about our projects for the good, environmental, social and cultural of our country.


  • Downtown Quepos, in front of Pizza Hut.
    Quepos, Costa Rica.
  • Office Hours: Monday to Sunday 07:00 am until 08:00 pm.

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