We are proud to announce that Javier Echecopar, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Journey Costa Rica, has earned a coveted spot on the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists list for 2025!
This recognition places him among the world’s most esteemed travel experts, marking his debut on this celebrated roster of industry leaders.
A Distinction in Luxury Travel
Year after year, Condé Nast Traveler recognizes a select group of travel specialists—visionaries who not only possess deep knowledge of their destinations but also have the local connections, creativity, and refined taste to craft truly exceptional experiences.
For discerning travelers, this list serves as a gateway to bespoke journeys that go beyond the beaten path, revealing the most unique and authentic sides of each landing place.
So, what does it take to earn a place among these top-tier specialists? For Javier, it’s about ‘rewilding’ the Costa Rican travel landscape—uncovering hidden destinations, curating boutique lodges, and crafting one-of-a-kind experiences that have never been done before.
Expert-Led Travel in Costa Rica
Javier brings over 15 years of experience in luxury adventure travel. Before co-founding Journey Costa Rica, he led his own photography-focused travel company in Chile and spent 11 years at Abercrombie & Kent, holding key positions in both New York and Chile. His global perspective and deep-rooted passion for sustainable, high-touch travel define his approach.
“Costa Rica is a small destination with immense potential. It is a country that offers a model for sustainability and well-being that could be replicated widely. At Journey Costa Rica, we aim to be radically sustainable in how we approach travel while offering high-touch, creative journeys for the most discerning travelers.”
The Journey Costa Rica Factor
A defining element of luxury travel is the ability to see a destination through a different lens—one that only true experts can offer. When asked what sets him apart from other travel specialists, Javier’s response was simple yet compelling:
“Based right here in Costa Rica, I bring insider access to places and experiences that most travelers can only dream of. Picture soaring above rainforests on a private helicopter tour, savoring an intimate dinner deep in the jungle with an Indigenous community, or relaxing on a pristine hidden beach arranged just for you.”
At Journey Costa Rica, every experience is curated with precision, tailoring each journey to the traveler’s vision.
For the adventurous spirit, this might mean embarking on “micro-expeditions”—heli-hiking to remote peaks, stargazing from a private yacht, or participating in hands-on conservation projects. For those in search of serenity, it could be an indulgent stay in a world-class boutique hotel, a private villa tucked into the rainforest, or an immersive wellness retreat designed for complete relaxation. You name it. We make it happen.
Redefining Costa Rica’s Adventure Landscape
Luxury travel is often defined by exclusivity, personalization, and seamless execution—but at Journey Costa Rica, it goes one step further. Here, adventure isn’t just about exploring breathtaking landscapes; it’s about reimagining what’s possible…even if that means crossing the conventional boundaries to come up with unexplored escapes.
When asked about one of his all-time favorite travel experiences, Javier shared a truly remarkable story:
“Recently, we operated a honeymoon involving 20 helicopter flights to remote locations—some so untouched that we created landing spots just to access them. Instead of planning a trip chronologically, we built a playground of on-demand adventures throughout the country. We rented villas, chartered yachts, had helicopters and all-terrain vehicles on standby, and coordinated world-class chefs and event planners—all ready to create experiences based on our clients’ whims. The logistics were extraordinarily complex, but it pushed the boundaries of luxury, shifting from buying experiences to expressing freedom.”
This philosophy—where adventure meets spontaneity and indulgence—defines Journey Costa Rica’s approach to travel. It’s not just about visiting a destination; it’s about interacting with it in ways that feel personal, immersive, and life changing.
A Dream Team of Travel Experts
The accolades don’t stop there. Journey Costa Rica is part of a larger family of award-winning travel experts.
Zachary Rabinor, Founder and CEO of Journey Mexico, has once again been recognized on the Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists list—his 15th consecutive year receiving this honor.
Mikael Castro, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Journey Brazil, has also secured a spot on the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists list, cementing his status as a leader in Brazilian luxury travel.
Be Among the Coveted Few
Our Journey experts are redefining luxury travel—now it’s your turn to experience it. Browse our curated itineraries and connect with our travel planning team to start mapping your next adventure in Costa Rica.
