About Rodrigo Santamaria

A Costa Rica Travel Agent Who Plans With Purpose, Passion & Local Insight

Hi, I’m Rodrigo Santamaria—the founder of Explore Tikizia, a nature lover, certified tour guide, and Costa Rica travel agent with over 15 years of experience helping travelers plan meaningful trips.

My path began as a travel agent at agencies like Swiss Travel, then as a concierge in top San José hotels helping guests with reservations and recommendations.

Later, I guided travelers across the country—from solo hikers to 50-person bus tours. Today, I combine all that experience to help you plan smarter, explore deeper, and travel confidently through Costa Rica.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management and a certification as a naturalist tour guide from INBioparque. I’ve also spent 10 years working for Amadeus, one of the world’s leading travel tech companies, which taught me how global platforms like Expedia really work behind the scenes.

Life in Costa Rica

I live in San Ramón de Alajuela with my wife Ligia and our two adventurous boys. Ligia is also part of Explore Tikizia—supporting clients and creating content (though she prefers to stay behind the scenes). Together, we enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring Costa Rica’s hidden gems as a family.

What I Stand For as a Costa Rica Travel Agent

I believe travel planning should be honest, personal, and stress-free. That’s why I always aim to:

  • Be honest and clear with recommendations
  • Make travelers feel safe and welcome
  • Empower you with the right info—not overwhelm you
  • Help you experience the real Costa Rica—from local festivals to quiet trails

Why I Created Explore Tikizia

Explore Tikizia exists to support travelers like you—especially those looking for more than just the typical resort experience.

As a Costa Rica travel agent, I use this platform to offer:

  • Free travel tips via our blog
  • 1:1 consulting calls for travelers who want trusted advice
  • Destination guides (like Chirripó and more coming soon)
  • Full itinerary planning services for those who want everything done for them

Whether you’re planning your first visit or your third, my mission is to help you explore Costa Rica with confidence, clarity, and curiosity.

What’s Next

In addition to consulting calls, I’m working on launching:

  • Travel Guides tailored for hikers and nature lovers
  • A Premium Itinerary Planning Service for travelers who want a full plan created by my team—ideal for families, first-timers, or busy professionals

Let’s Connect

Thanks for being here and learning more about who I am.

If you’re looking for a Costa Rica travel agent who will guide you with honesty, passion, and experience—I’d be honored to be part of your journey.

📩 Book a 1:1 travel consultation call
📷 Follow along on Instagram
🌿 Read my latest [blog posts]
📥 Get my free Costa Rica Packing List when you subscribe

¡Pura vida!

— Rodrigo