Eco-tourism

Costa Rica is the world's number one eco-tourism destination, and it's no wonder. With hundreds of species of birds, thousands of species of plants and tens of thousands of species of insects in some of the world's best protected environments, Costa Rica is almost a world unto itself.

Ideally, eco-tourism serves to inform visitors about natural ecosystems while limiting the amount of damage to them and protecting the environment whenever possible. Eco-tourism can be like tourism anywhere, and depends upon your conscientious actions to limit damage to the environment.

Not all claims to be ecological or environmentally friendly can be accepted at face value. Ask questions about any product or service before you commit. Are local people being employed? Are they being displaced from traditional ways? Are resources being utilized in a sustainable manner?

Never buy products made from an endangered plant or animal. Leave the environment exactly as you found it. When visiting a park or preserve use the "pack-it-in/pack-it-out" philosophy. Keep nothing from the sea unless you plan to eat it. Never accept an "eco-tourism" label without closer examination.