Costa Rica’s first Black agency group is expanding experiences that will allow visitors to experience Afro-Costa Rican culture if they don’t have much time.
Soul Life Travel has a six-day trip to Puerto Viejo, which the founder says is the perfect introduction to Afro-Latin culture along the Caribbean Coast.
“A lot of our other tours allow people to go to different places, but with this one, it’s perfect if you don’t have a lot of time, but you want to see the Caribbean side,” Johnson says. “This is a great way to stay put in one area all while being around the beautiful culture of the Afro-Costa Rican people.”
Johnson’s Puerto Viejo experience is all about immersing yourself in the Afro-Costa Rican culture.
The itinerary includes an Afro-Caribbean farm-to-table experience, indigenous chocolate making, and a waterfall hike. If you’re looking for some adventure, you’ll have that, too, with a full day at Cahuita National Park, the chance to snorkel, and an optional visit to Punta Uva for a kayaking excursion.
And if you’re looking for rest and relaxation, she has time carved out for that, too. A day at the beach to explore the beaches along the coast is also on the itinerary.
“This is one of our most popular tours, especially for people who don’t realize there is a Black culture here,” says Johnson.
About Soul Life Travel
Johnson was inspired to create Soul Life Travel, in part, after noticing a lack of representation. She says many other tour groups often leave out the Afro-Costa Rican experience.
She was also inspired by her upbringing and the lack of knowledge ofAfro-Latino culture.
“I am Afro Latina. My mother is considered mestiza, and my dad is African American,” she says, “Growing up in the states, I was surrounded by a lot of Dominicans and Puerto Ricans, and I felt my family was one of the few families that knew about Afro-Costa Rican culture. People knew about so many places in Latin America, but many people didn’t know about the Afro-Latino culture in Costa Rica.”
Her goal is to bring people together for culture, wellness, and adventure in Costa Rica’s most unique location.
