(2min read)

My Costa Rica experience started with a job at Costa Rica Outward Bound. I provided sales and social media marketing expertise, along with the occasion surf lesson. After over a year working at Outward Bound, my time had come to explore new opportunities.

I was approached by some incredible colleagues with an interest in starting an outdoor adventure company. These colleagues turned out to be two of the most experienced outdoor leaders at the organization – Felipe Lopez & Carlos Granados. One of the goals of the company would be to employ the Lopez family (18 children), an incredible family that has lived in the rainforest of Costa Rica for 20+ years.

My drive in ‘Fuego Azul’ through ‘Cerro de la Muerte’ or ‘Mountain of Death’ awarded one of the most liberating feelings I’ve experienced. My mini ‘mini van’ cruised up the mountain as semi-trucks and speed demon motorists passed me by. I didn’t mind. Matter of fact, I didn’t even care one of my headlights wasn’t working (I happened to be driving at night).

This was the start of something new. The start of creating a new company that would ultimately become Autentico Adventures.

Our rented four bedroom house just outside of San Isidro de General would be our office and place to live. Hand made desks courtesy of Felipe and wallpaper of farm animals made for the perfect office setting.
We worked hard.

We made brochures. We spoke with hotels. Hostals. Agencies. Our first trips began to come in, after all, it was Summer (in the US) and tourism was increasing. We had our first river trip. Then second. After a few months, we had local banks, supermarkets, and others rafting with us. The business was moving forward.

Fast forward three and 1/2 years and you’ll find AutenticoAdventures.com – a professional and highly regarded outdoor adventure company located in Costa Rica. Autentico Adventures works with some of the most reputable tour agencies in the world, and is partnered with excellent universities and international outdoor education programs.

We are continuing to grow, create, learn, and explore Costa Rica with incredible people. Carlos Granados and Felipe Lopez are great guys and great business partners.

Always go for that decision you know is right for you, believe in the potential of your passion for creating, and disregard theoretical future outcomes based on the norms of society.

Pura vida,

Greg