Ecotourism in Costa Rica
A pioneer of ecotourism, Costa Rica draws many tourists to its extensive series of national parks and other protected areas. In the Pacific, beaches and water activities stand out, while in the Caribbean the focus is on Tortuguero.
Volcanoes and hot springs are other attractions that make Costa Rica a unique, world-famous destination.
Adventure, walks through protected areas and wildlife observation are the favorite activities of visitors, according to the Costa Rican Association of Tourism Operators (ACOT), an entity that brings together the receiving agencies.
Renewable energy
Costa Rica is one of highest contries in environmental protection around the world. Costa Rica began reversing deforestation in the 1990s, and they are moving towards using only renewable energy.
How was ecotourism born?
In the early 1980s, scientists from around the world began to highlight the importance of preserving the richness of natural spaces with the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly tourism.
Thus, after hard work, the World Tourism Organization held the World Ecotourism Summit in Quebec, Canada in May 2002. The result of this Summit was a document that we know as the Quebec Declaration, which defines the principles of ecotourism or sustainable tourism:
- The conservation of cultural and natural heritage.
- It is aimed at small groups and independent travelers.
- It takes into account local communities, both rural and indigenous, and contributes to their well-being.
- It is a viable development alternative.
- It covers a wide range of activities.
How was ecotourism born in Costa Rica?
All of this has its origin in a progressive awareness about the privileged nature of the country and its value as an economic asset. Little by little, Costa Rica’s nascent tourism industry will take shape in the first decades of the last century.
Costa Rica Turism Statistics
Costa Rica is the most-visited nation in the Central American region, with aproxmimate 3 million foreign visitors every year, the tourism sector was responsible for 5.8% of the country’s GDP. The highest number of tourists come from the United States, with 1,000,000 visitors, followed by Europe with around 500.000 arrivals. Once tourists arrive in the country, 22% go to Tamarindo, 18% go to Arenal, 17% pass through Liberia (where the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport is located), 16% go to San José, the country’s capital (passing through Juan Santamaría International Airport), while 18% choose Manuel Antonio and 7% Monteverde.
Where to do ecotourism in Costa Rica?
Arenal
Hot Springs
Hike to Arenal Volcano National Park
Canopy
Hanging bridges
Rafting
Bird watching
Metropolitan Area
City tour
Coffee tour
Poás volcano and La Paz waterfall
Guanacaste
Water activities
Canopy
Sunset Cruises
Hiking
Visit to Palo Verde
Manuel Antonio
Mangrove tour
Visit to the national park
Bird watching
Monteverde
Canopy
Hanging bridges
Butterfly House
Visit to the reserve
Tortuguero
Canal tour
Turtle watching when in season
Bird watching