TMR Unplugged: Real Talk…. With Avanti Destinations’ Manuel
As we wrap up 2025, we’re unplugging once again to connect with an industry expert for tours. We got to sit down with Avanti Destinations’ Guide and Driver for Panorama Tours, Manuel Cordero. He shared with us why he loves this industry as well as common pitfalls he sees travelers make. Let’s unplug with Manuel:
What inspired you to work in the travel industry?
Back in the 90s, Tourism was the new growing industry in Costa Rica with a bright future. I wanted to show the wonders that Costa Rica has to offer to our visitors.
What is your favorite travel related book or movie?
The favorite travel movie is “The Pocket List” with Morgan Freeman
What’s a hidden gem or underrated experience you recommend to visitors?
In my opinion, we have two hidden gems in Costa Rica: first, the Corcovado National Park, because it offers an incredible biodiversity in a small territory, but especially the chances to see wildlife are much higher than in other places in the country. Then San Gerardo de Dota -a cloud forest- and Sarapiqui – a transitional rainforest to cloud forest- are special destinations for birdwatching.
What is your favorite destination?
My favorite destination is La Fortuna de San Carlos and its surroundings, where the Arenal volcano is located, because there are many outdoor activities for families, couples, and groups.
What part of your job makes you smile the most?
At the end of the clients’ vacations. The clients say how wonderful their vacation was, with big smiles on their faces, and when they say goodbye to you, you feel how satisfied they are with their stay in Costa Rica. All these make me smile.
What is your favorite restaurant or food item/drink on the menu?
The favorite meal for me -which I recommend to clients- is the typical dish we call “Casado”, made of Rice, beans, Fried plantain, vegetables, salad, and meat.
What is your favorite childhood memory from a vacation that you took?
My favorite childhood memory from a vacation was visiting my relatives in Guanacaste, in the north pacific, and visiting different beaches in the area.
What was your proudest guest interaction experience?
The proudest guest interaction was when I helped different clients who had health issues, such as broken arms, torn ankles, and I assisted or took them to the clinic or a hospital, and the clients felt relieved in a foreign country.
What’s your dream travel destination, and why?
I dream of traveling to Rome to visit the Vatican and historical monuments such as the Colosseum.
What’s a common mistake that travelers make, and how can they avoid it?
A common mistake that travelers make while traveling in Costa Rica is to trust anyone or being too naïve about what they say to you. My recommendation is to check with different people or sources to see if what you are planning to do is the best option or the right thing.
