The Best of Costa Rica - Costa Rica Nature - Costa Rica ecotourism, the best way to preserve the biological diversity of our country

Ecotourism (also known as ecological tourism) is responsible travel to fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas that strives to be low impact and (often) small scale. It purports to educate the traveller; provide funds for ecological conservation directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities; and foster respect for different cultures and for human rights. Ecotourism is held as important by those who participate in it so that future generations may experience aspects of the environment relatively untouched by human intervention.

Ecotourism may appeal to ecologically and socially conscious individuals.Generally it focuses on volunteering, personal growth and environmental responsibility. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora,fauna and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. One of the goals of ecotourism is to offer tourists insight into the impact of human beings on the environment, and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats.

Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of water conservation, recycling, and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities

Ecotourism is a form of tourism that involves traveling to tranquil and unpolluted natural areas. According to the definition and principles of ecotourism established by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) in 1990, ecotourism is "Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." (TIES, 1990). Martha Honey, expands on the TIES definition by describing the seven characteristics of ecotourism, which are:

such as:

Costa Rica is working to promote ecotourism, you can visit a national park or a private reserve, a tropical rainforest, cloud forest, dry forest, can observe birds, alligators, and monkeys in the wetlands and dive or snorkel in coral reefs, with the possibility to see dolphins, sharks, clown fish, sea cucumbers, fish balloons, etc ... You can visit the Cerro Chirripo (our highest mountain) with 3820 meters above sea level, or explore the shores of the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, watching the turtles nesting, observing whales and dolphins. It is also possible for tourists to visit and stay in rural communities (community-based tourism), observing or participating in daily chores and exploring natural areas. In Costa Rica you can find ecotourism for all tastes and budgets.

We recommend you two lodges which practice sustainability, and work to help communities around them, protecting the environment and nature.
In both of them you can enjoy jungle walks, flora and fauna observation, secluded beaches, spectacular views and a splendid nature: La Cusinga Ecolodge in Bahia Ballena and Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge in Puerto Jimenez.

We visited both lodges, checked their sustainability policies and we highly recommend  them as an example of ecotourism in Costa Rica, our travel agency promotes the reforestation program of Preserve Planet, and remember that all the practices wich take care of the nature  are a benefit for us and for future generations.

 (Reference: Wikipedia)

back to top