the team
WHY CHOOSE US
Values in action
Viva Adventures is a boutique travel agency; proudly owned and operated by a crew of independent, international, travel-obsessed women. We have been in this industry for more decades than we would care to admit, but we still love it with a deep passion and are stoked to be able to share our favorite places in the world with our lovely clients.
We believe in authentic travel — by engaging in meaningful experiences abroad — something can be opened up and awakened within us. This energy and slew of new experiences has the ability to make us better, more connected, and more empathetic human beings.
Our trips are customizable, but are known to include: connection to local people & culture, meaningful & adventurous experiences in nature, opportunities to view beautiful historical or natural sights, and of course, delicious food & drink.
When you plan a trip with us, you are supporting:
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Small business owners
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Responsible, mindful travel
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Rural community tourism
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The path less traveled
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Health & longevity
Founder
Tara
Tara has lived in Costa Rica since 2015, and has called Central America home since 2010. She brings her experience working in the tourism industry in the United States, her community-minded spirit, and her love of travel and connecting over meaningful travel experiences to every trip she designs. When she is not out guiding a trip or scouting for the next best place, you can find Tara at the gym, surfing, bodysurfing, open water swimming, hanging with her pals, or planning her next adventure.
Travel Consultant
Adrianne
Adrianne is a fun-loving & adventurous travel consultant who has lived and worked in Costa Rica since 2011. A former travel business owner herself, Adrianne has plenty of experience in sustainability & responsible tourism. She speaks fluent Spanish & proficient French, excels in logistical organization, & understands the intricacies of the tourism industry in Latin America. She loves cooking, reading, & surfing!
Marketing & Design
luz
Luz is a Peruvian creative designer & marketing strategist based in Costa Rica who likes to create coherent brand experiences to help businesses build better relations with their stakeholders. Her background in communications, journalism, and media studies gives her a perfect blend of these passions. She currently works with clients in the USA, Perú, and Costa Rica.
Real people, real history
Tara Tiedemann launched Viva Adventures in 2012 after two years with the U.S. Peace Corps in Guatemala volunteering in Sustainable Community Tourism. During her service, family and friends traveled to visit her and they all were amazed at the richness of the experience they felt when they traveled to new places outside the realm of a Google search. Tara took them to places only discovered after living and working in the region.
The idea for a business was born after such positive feedback. Tara made business cards and started traveling around Central America on a shoestring budget via the local buses with just a small backpack and surfboard. Her goal was to see as many places as possible and check out a variety of hotels and activities first hand so that she could design packages so that other people could enjoy such an experience, but in a more comfortable manner.
Over a decade later and after a ton of adventures with amazing folks from around the world, the company is both thriving and growing both in terms of size and impact.
