The Call That Started It All
Tucker’s journey began with an unexpected phone call. At the time, she was the owner of Cameron Balloons in Michigan. On the other end of the line was Luis Diego Escalante, Costa Rica’s Minister of Foreign Trade and a close advisor to then-president Oscar Arias. Luis had seen a photograph of a hot air balloon at a Burger King headquarters in Miami and was eager to bring one to Costa Rica. Intrigued by his enthusiasm and the country’s budding allure, Tucker agreed to meet him.
Little did she know, this meeting would lead to her first visit to Costa Rica, a whirlwind trip that included flying over the Central Valley and the Pacific coast, all the while scouting potential balloon launch and landing sites. Despite her initial skepticism about the terrain—thick forests, mountains, and narrow valleys—Tucker’s curiosity was piqued.
The Birth of Serendipity Adventures
After that initial trip, Tucker and Luis Diego formed a partnership to bring hot air ballooning to Costa Rica. They were soon joined by Roberto Cooper, a coffee magnate with a passion for flying. Together, they launched the country’s first-ever hot air balloon, a Costa Rican flag-themed marvel sponsored by American Airlines.
While ballooning was the catalyst, Tucker’s vision for adventure travel went far beyond the skies. She saw the potential for immersive, tailored experiences that connected travelers with Costa Rica’s breathtaking landscapes and rich culture. The name “Serendipity Adventures” emerged from her favorite word, which perfectly encapsulated the spirit of discovery and unexpected joy that defined the company’s ethos.
Serendipity Adventures didn’t stop at ballooning. The team’s love for exploration soon led them to rafting on the pristine rivers of Turrialba, where Tucker met Seth O’Neill, a rafting guide whose expertise added a new dimension to their offerings. Over time, the company expanded to include hiking, biking, horseback riding, and other custom activities, all designed to immerse travelers in Costa Rica’s natural beauty and vibrant culture.
Despite the logistical challenges—including navigating power lines during balloon flights and transporting rafts across the country—Tucker and her team forged ahead. Their innovative approach and commitment to authentic experiences quickly set Serendipity Adventures apart as pioneers in Costa Rica’s nascent tourism industry.
A Legacy of Adventure Travel
Tucker’s journey is filled with stories of surprise encounters, daring exploits, and lifelong friendships. From landing a hot air balloon in the grounds of a castle in Italy to forging connections with Costa Rican families who opened their land for adventures, the company’s history is a testament to the power of curiosity and collaboration.
Today, Serendipity Adventures continues to uphold Tucker’s legacy, offering personalized, off-the-beaten-path experiences that capture the essence of Costa Rica. Although our ballooning days are behind us (for now!), the company remains a trailblazer in adventure travel, inspiring travelers to embrace the unexpected and discover the magic of serendipity.