People know about the significance of ecotourism worldwide and how it contributes to saving the environment and the local culture of a place. Ecotourism is a key tourism component in Costa Rica, and it is not an early concept. In Costa Rica, ecotourism started in the early 1990s, and since then, it has become a prime example of ecotourism. This country is a developing nation that has considered ecotourism for travel trends, which draws flocks of tourists to visit these exciting locations around the country. Costa Rica is the pioneer of tourism, and this country is known for being one of the few nations that offers authentic ecotourism with its top destinations. In this article, we will explore the Top ecotourism destinations in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica has many ecotourism destinations, such as 26 national parks, 58 wildlife refuges, 32 protected zones, 15 wetlands areas, and 11 forests with eight biological reserves. There are just too many options, and choosing the top ones is tough, but we have mentioned some of the top destinations in this list that will allow you to have the ultimate ecotourism experience in Costa Rica.
Arenal Volcano National Park is one of those destinations in Costa Rica that deserves to be at the top of the list of ecotourism in Costa Rica. Walk through the hiking trails that go through the forest to the base of the volcano in a zigzag pattern. Tourists can explore through the protected national and its 13 hanging bridges, while the more adventurous souls can go to the canopy through a zip wire. Rafting, mountain biking, and canyoning are some of the few activities you can do in this area. Go to the biologically diverse rainforest without leaving a carbon footprint, and every visit tourists pay to this place contributes to protecting it.
Corcovado National Park is spread over 43,000 hectares of land on the remote Osa Peninsula. It is known as the crown jewel of Costa Rica's national park system. This national park protects the large remaining spread of a primary rainforest on Central America's Pacific Coast, which takes up to 40% of the Osa Peninsula and contains more than 250,000 species. This place is home to some of the best eco-friendly accommodations, lodging, and staying, and tourists can also explore various ecotourism regions here, such as rainforests, rivers, lagoons, swamps, beaches, and marshes. This park is also home to an endless amount of wildlife that includes over 400 species of birds and more than 100 species of amphibians and mammals.
The list of top ecotourism destinations in Costa Rica is incomplete without the Cano Island. This place is located just nine miles from the Pacific Coast and Corcovado National Park, and this biological reserve is spread across two square miles and protects numerous species in this area. Tourists can explore the sea world by snorkeling and scuba diving, where explorers can see the underwater world with the large schools of barracuda, jacks, manta rays, and sharks. However, visitors have to get permits from the ranger stations, and this rule is made to limit the number of people on the island and also provide economic benefits for the protected reserves. Apart from the reserve, you can explore the beaches and admire the stunning view of the Pacific Ocean and all the animals and birds on the island.
Tortuguero National Park frames the northern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and protects one of the last large areas of tropical rainforest in Central America. Excellent lodgings and various eco-friendly lodgings are provided here, while guides who are experts in nature can take you on foot exploration. Tourists can also explore the waterways by boat through the thick jungle; guides will teach you about your surroundings and environment. Several animals take advantage of the park's protected status. The slow-flowing rivers are home to caimans and otters, and on the trees, you will spot monkeys and birds of different species, such as toucans and eight different species of parrots. If you come between June and November, then you might be able to watch green turtles arriving on the shores to lay their eggs.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a perfect model of sustainable development and ecotourism. It is the most coveted region in Costa Rica, covering 26,000 acres of land. Located in the north of Puntarenas province, this zone is packed with diverse flora and fauna. This cloud forest is located 5,249 feet above sea level and is home to an incredible two-and-a-half percent of the world's biodiversity in eight different biological zones. If luck is in your favor, you will spot toucanets, pumas, monkeys, red-eyed frogs, Jaguars, and many more animals. Visitors can explore the forest on foot through the hiking trails that go through the trees or hop on a canopy to get a bird's eye view on a zip line or skywalk through the series of bridges.
When the topic is ecotourism, the traveler thinks of exploring eco-friendly vehicles and avoiding using plastic bottles, but there are more ways to reduce carbon footprints. This will reduce the carbon footprint and also enable you to explore without compromising the fun of exploration. Here are some of the eco-friendly activities you can do in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is a perfect example of a country that allows tourism and manages ecotourism simultaneously. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations, and those who want to contribute something to the environment and this constantly growing interest among tourists is what benefits Costa Rica economically and environmentally.