From Monteverde to the World – Our Journey to CST Elite

At Ocotea Tours & Transfers, we’ve always believed that we should leave a place better than we found it. That’s why the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) isn’t just a badge for us; it’s a framework that shapes the way we work every single day.

Sustainability, our local community, and environmental stewardship guide everything from how we maintain our fleet to the way we select our partners and design our tours.

What is Costa Rica’s CST Program?

Costa Rica’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program was launched in 1997 by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) to make the concept of sustainable tourism real, and to position Costa Rica as a global leader in responsible travel. The program encourages the country’s tourism businesses to operate in ways that balance environmental protection, cultural heritage, community well-being, and long-term economic success.

Today, CST is internationally recognized and fully aligned with Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards, making it one of the most credible and respected certifications in the industry. Businesses are evaluated through a rigorous audit that looks at four key areas:

• Business Management: How we integrate sustainability into our overall operations.
• Social, Economic & Cultural Impact: How we support and promote community well-being, cultural traditions, and local economies.
• Environmental Impact: How we minimize our footprint, protect natural resources, and contribute to conservation.
• Specific Indicators: Additional criteria tailored to our type of service – in our case, our tours and transportation.

In the past, the CST used a “leaf” rating system (one through five) to indicate performance. Today, it awards two distinct levels:

• Basic – Meets 100% of the mandatory criteria in every area of evaluation, demonstrating solid foundational sustainability practices.
• Elite – Builds on Basic certification by meeting additional “improvement and continuity” measures and achieving exceptional “external impact” results — proving that sustainability is not only part of the business model, but an ongoing and measurable commitment.

Earning CST Elite is a significant achievement. It requires documented proof, year after year, that sustainability is woven into daily operations and actively benefits the environment, community, and economy.

Our Journey to CST Elite

Our CST journey began years ago. In 2016, we proudly achieved four leaves under the old CST system, maintaining that status again in 2018.

Then, in 2022, after a reassessment under the updated system, we were rated at the Basic level. That moment could have discouraged us, but instead, it pushed us to dig even deeper, evaluate our operations, and focus on measurable changes.

Those changes worked. After an October 2024 evaluation, on February 27, 2025, the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) awarded us the CST Elite Level distinction during the National Sustainable Tourism Meeting. That same day, we also received formal recognition for upholding the Code of Conduct for the protection of children and adolescents in tourism – a cause that is deeply important to us.

As our General Manager, Karen, explains:

“At Ocotea Tours & Transfers, we take deliberate action to amplify tourism’s positive impacts on the environment, society, local culture, and the business community. Implementing the CST has provided ongoing motivation and training for our suppliers, team members, and clients, resulting in best practices that improve the quality of life for our local community and strengthen our commitment to conserving Monteverde’s biodiversity… We have now proudly achieved the Elite level – a milestone that inspires us to keep advancing our sustainability every day.”

Beyond Costa Rica – The SICCS Seal

Our commitment doesn’t stop at the national level. In May 2025, we were also recognized with the SICCS (Central American Integrated Quality and Sustainability System) seal – fully homologated with the CST standard.

This certification supports regional cooperation for sustainable tourism and promotes teamwork, continuous improvement, and environmental harmony across Central America.

For us, though, it’s more than a certificate: It’s a shared commitment with our neighbors – a recognition that our region’s natural wonders and cultural richness are interconnected, and that protecting them requires collaboration.

How We Put CST Into Action

At Ocotea Tours & Transfers, CST principles aren’t abstract ideals – they’re visible in the details of our daily operations:

• Respect for the Environment: Our fleet follows strict maintenance for fuel efficiency, and routes are planned to reduce unnecessary driving. On tours, we follow “leave no trace” practices, and we encourage guests to bring reusable bottles rather than buying single-use plastic.
• Local Knowledge & Guides: Our guides are Monteverde locals who share facts, but also stories from their own lives, family histories, and deep connection to the land.
• Community Partnerships: We collaborate with area farms, artisans, and conservation projects so that your tourism dollars stay here in Monteverde, supporting livelihoods and reinforcing our local economy.
• Continuous Improvement: From reducing waste in our operations to supporting biodiversity monitoring programs, we revisit our sustainability goals every year with measurable action plans.

Notably, the CST is not a one-time award, but an ongoing journey toward regeneration. We look forward to re-earning our Elite status, every time, because for us, this is a deeply held personal value and the North Star in our moral compass. 

Why It Matters in Monteverde

We operate in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Monteverde’s cloud forests filter and store life-giving water. Wildlife depends on connected habitats. And our small community relies on balanced, responsible tourism.

The CST and SICCS frameworks help ensure that when we take you into the forest, along scenic backroads, or between destinations, we’re contributing to that balance rather than disturbing it. Every traveler we welcome – you, included! – has a role in protecting this environment, and we take pride in making that role easy, enjoyable, and meaningful.

How You Can Be Part of It

When you travel with Ocotea Tours & Transfers, you’re already making a positive impact. But you can extend that even further by:

• Bringing a reusable water bottle.
• Choosing tours that support conservation and cultural heritage.
• Supporting local businesses during your stay.

Small choices add up. Every time a traveler skips a plastic bottle, purchases directly from an artisan, or learns about a conservation project, it helps ensure Monteverde remains as breathtaking for future visitors as it is today.

A Shared Responsibility

For us, sustainability is woven into every route we drive, every story we tell, and every decision we make. Achieving CST Elite and earning the SICCS seal are two important milestones for Ocotea Tours & Transfers. 

They’re also reminders that we’ve already made significant achievements – and that those we’ve reached, we’re doing well – but that the journey never ends: It’s about how you get there, the people you meet along the way, and what you choose to leave behind; for the land, for the community, and for the future.