Strengthening Our Team: Meet Irene & Alessia
As we continue crafting custom journeys through Costa Rica and Panama, we’re thrilled to welcome two new team members bringing fresh energy and a true passion for luxury travel.
Irene Gago and Alessia Contolini are here to help shape even more meaningful experiences.
We sat down with them to hear about their love for travel — and what they’re most excited to bring to Costa Rican Trails.
Meet:
Irene Gago
Experience + Product Development Manager
What made you say ‘yes’ to Costa Rican Trails?
For me, travel has always been about more than just seeing new places—it’s about making meaningful connections and discovering the stories, people, and traditions that give a place its soul. I see it as a kind of pilgrimage: a journey toward healing, inspiration, and deeper connection with the world around us. That’s exactly what drew me to Costa Rican Trails. The company shares that same philosophy—crafting experiences that go beyond the surface to celebrate Costa Rica’s breathtaking natural beauty, its vibrant culture, and the incredible communities that bring it all to life.
My passion for this kind of travel began during childhood vacations spent visiting relatives in quiet rural towns. It was there that I learned to appreciate nature, tradition, and the richness of a slower,
simpler way of life. Through my work, I strive to offer travelers that same sense of presence and wonder—experiences that nourish the spirit, evoke a sense of well-being and warmth, and linger long after the journey ends.
What’s your secret to creating incredible moments for guests?
When designing new travel experiences, I’m always drawn to the hidden corners—those quiet, untouched places where life slows down and stories run deep. I also look for families and charismatic hosts who have something truly special to share; the kind of people who don’t just
open their doors—they open their hearts and can offer a glimpse into their way of life, their culture, and the soul of the land they call home. It’s about homemade meals, lingering over sobremesa with local families in cozy dining spaces, where smiles come easily and dances feel natural. It’s the long conversations on a porch, the small everyday moments that capture the heart of a place. I try to design every detail with care and intention, so travelers walk away with something real—experiences that feel personal, rooted in authenticity, and stay with you long after you’ve left.
Can you tell us about something new you’re working on that has you fired up?
Right now, I’m developing immersive travel experiences in two of Costa Rica’s most culturally rich regions: Guanacaste and the Caribbean Coast. Each has its own unique rhythm, traditions, and stories to share.
In Guanacaste, known for its strong cowboy heritage and sabanero (ranching) culture, visitors can connect with families who carry on generations-old customs—from traditional cooking over wood-fired stoves to folk music and dances that celebrate the region’s deep-rooted identity. The pace is slow, the smiles are genuine, and the spirit of hospitality runs deep.
On the Caribbean Coast, where Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous influences blend beautifully, the vibe is warm, colorful, and full of life. Here, I’m working with local families and some recognized musicians to create experiences where guests can learn to cook with coconut milk and fresh spices, dance to the rhythms of calypso, and listen to stories passed down through generations in English-based Creole.
What excites me most about these projects is that they go far beyond typical sightseeing. They’re about meaningful cultural exchange—giving visitors the chance to form real connections, experience daily life, and leave with a deeper understanding of the people and places that make Costa Rica so wonderful.
In your eyes, what turns a trip into a story someone tells for years?
The most memorable trips aren’t about checking sights off a list—they’re about connection. They open your heart, shift your perspective, and invite you into something real. In Costa Rica, it’s not the postcard-perfect views that stay with you—it’s the warmth of a conversation with a local, the quiet magic of a hidden waterfall, or the way time seems to slow down just enough for you to breathe.
When travelers leave feeling more connected to themselves and to the people they’ve met, that’s when the trip becomes a story they’ll tell for years. I want visitors to leave Costa Rica feeling like they’ve experienced something that touched their soul, something that changed them for the better.
How do you balance wow-factor with care for the place and people?
For me, the real “wow” comes from immersing yourself in the essence of a place—its land, its culture, and its people. I believe you can create truly unforgettable experiences without compromising the integrity of the destination or its communities. That’s why I prioritize working with local families and small businesses to craft moments that feel both luxurious and deeply rooted—like gathering around a table to share traditional recipes and stories passed down through generations. These experiences celebrate culture, create meaningful connections, while supporting local families.
If you could whisper one thing into every travel advisor’s ear about Costa Rica, what would it be?
Costa Rica is a place that thrives on spontaneity and heartfelt connections. It’s not just about seeing the sights; it’s about opening your heart to the people and the moments around you. I wish more travel advisors understood that Costa Rica isn’t a destination where you can plan every detail to the minute. The weather changes quickly, the landscapes shift, and what makes this place truly magical is its unpredictability. Encourage your clients to let go of expectations and immerse themselves in the experience, because it’s through that openness that they’ll connect with the true essence of Costa Rica. When guests arrive with an open heart, free of expectations, they are much more likely to have an experience that touches them deeply.
Meet:
Alessia Contolini
Commercial Department
What inspired you to join Costa Rican Trails? Was there a particular moment, conversation, or aspect of the company’s vision that made you think, “This is where I want to be”?
Tourism has always been on my radar, probably because I’ve always loved to travel myself. I see it as such a vibrant and dynamic industry, especially here in Costa Rica, where we’re incredibly lucky to live in a country that’s so rich in natural beauty and experiences. Coming from an economics background, it wasn’t necessarily the most linear path into tourism, but I’ve always been drawn to the idea of sharing Costa Rica with the world and contributing to creating unforgettable experiences for people. What made me feel confident that this was the right place for me was Costa Rican Trails’ reputation. It’s one of the most respected travel agencies in the country, and I knew that if I wanted to grow and learn in this industry, this was the team to be part of.
You’re stepping into a pivotal role in the commercial team—how do you see your influence shaping the next chapter of Costa Rican Trails, particularly in the luxury travel space?
Luxury travel today is about going beyond the expected, and I’d love to help us identify ways to create more personalized, meaningful moments that truly differentiate us. Whether it’s suggesting new ideas for signature experiences, or helping build stronger relationships with service providers, I hope to support the team in keeping our offerings innovative and thoughtful. Right now, I see this role as a huge learning opportunity, and I feel lucky to be surrounded by such experienced colleagues. My goal is to keep learning, stay curious, and contribute in ways that help Costa Rican Trails continue to lead in the luxury space.
From your perspective, what shifts or emerging trends in global travel excite you the most right now? And how do you think Costa Rican Trails is uniquely positioned to ride these waves?
Something I find really exciting is the growing interest in wellness travel. More and more people are choosing to spend their vacation time reconnecting with nature, their health, and themselves—instead of just “disconnecting.” I think that’s such a beautiful trend, and Costa Rica is the perfect destination for it. Another trend I care deeply about is sustainability. I believe travel should always give something back, whether to the local communities or to the environment. Costa Rican Trails has a strong foundation to lead in this space thanks to its responsible practices and deep local knowledge.
Since joining, what’s one insight or discovery about Costa Rica’s travel landscape that’s really surprised or impressed you?
What’s impressed me the most so far is the variety and quality of luxury experiences available in Costa Rica and how many of them I had no idea existed. Even being Costa Rican, I’ve been surprised by just how much is out there, from boutique hotels to unique, personalized activities. It’s made me realize how much potential the country has in the high-end travel space. And honestly, I know I’ve only scratched the surface. I’m still new in the role, and I’m sure I’ll keep uncovering more as I go deeper into the job and the industry.
