Sole Naranjo
Hola! I´m Sole, 100% Costa Rican, and deeply in love with my country and it´s people.
I grew up in San José, the capital, where I studied Natural Resources Management and Environmental Education, then found a way to combine them with the travel industry.
Following my passion, I moved to Guanacaste and created Unique Adventures: an inbound travel agency based on sustainable tourism. While living in Playas del Coco, and together with my husband, Diego, I co-founded a few other companies to provide great 5-star services in Villa experiences, transportation, paddle boarding and boat expeditions.
I LOVE traveling… Alaska to Patagonia, Egypt, Tanzania or South Africa; China, and many European cities are just some of the amazing destinations I have had the fortune to explore. However, the more I travel, the more I value the little piece of land that connects both Americas and I get to call home.
I prefer outdoor activities and enjoy staying very active in my local community… and there is nothing like a walk on the beach with my dog, Ica, and exploring the world through the eyes of my 5-year old daughter, Alexa.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Costa Rica is my country of expertise. Having worked in the industry for over 20 years, knowing the staff, managers, owners, and neighbors of many different properties and projects, allows me to create unique experiences and to hand-pick the best destinations and flavors, based on our travelers profile and expectations. Outdoor and community-related activities are my favorite!"
How did you get involved in travel?
"Since my early years as a “tree-hugger”, I was able to witness how ecotourism serves as a great tool for conservation. The way to lead local communities and visitors into reducing their pressure to our protected areas, was creating a spot for them to be part of it… and seeking balance. And that is why this industry never gets boring, cause there are challenges every day and room for improvement at every corner…"
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"It was a long time ago, my first time in Africa… first, I never expected to travel so far by myself in my twenties, and was convinced that exotic & far-away destinations were reserved for wealthy and retired people. That, and the following trips proved me wrong. Having a specialist based in Tanzania arranging my travels, based on my budget and expectations was key… and to be enjoying the stars in the Ngorongoro ring, around the camp bonfire, sharing pictures and stories about that days´s sights while learning a Swahili song… not only was an unforgettable experience but also triggered the desire to keep exploring the world and to find unique ways to share my piece of Earth."