Costa Rica may be a small country, but it’s packed with more biodiversity per square kilometre than almost anywhere else on Earth – with 5% of all species living on just 0.03% of the world’s land mass. Lush jungles, volcanoes, cloud forests, and mangrove swamps create a haven for wildlife and draw nature lovers from around the globe.
But with tourism on the rise, how has Costa Rica managed to protect these delicate ecosystems while welcoming millions of visitors each year? The answer lies in its pioneering approach to sustainable tourism — and why it’s become a global model for responsible travel.
As this industry grows, it is important to preserve the country’s natural resources, not only to ensure Costa Rica retains its reputation as a world-class destination for nature tourism, but also in order to protect the delicate ecosystems that could so easily be overwhelmed by an influx of visitors and the infrastructure that comes with them. At Not in the Guidebooks we specifically create itineraries to be sustainable, check out our eco holidays in Costa Rica.
This is where sustainable tourism comes into play. In this blog post, we’ll touch on what sustainable tourism is and take a closer look at how it is being implemented in Costa Rica.
What is Sustainable Tourism?
Sustainable tourism is about minimizing the negative impact of travel while maximizing the benefits for local people and the environment. It aims to protect natural and cultural heritage, reduce environmental damage, and ensure that tourism contributes to long-term wellbeing, not just short-term gain.
Costa Rica embraces this model by weaving sustainability into the fabric of its tourism industry, from national policies to community-led initiatives. At Not in the Guidebooks we do everything we can to ensure our trips have a positive impact on the communities we visit, and Costa Rica makes that goal a much easier reality.
How is Sustainable Tourism Implemented in Costa Rica?
Protection of Natural Resources
Costa Rica has taken extraordinary steps to preserve its unique ecosystems. Over 25% of the country’s land is designated as protected, including:
- 28 national parks
- 58 wildlife refuges
- 11 forest reserves
- 8 biological reserves
- 15 wetland and mangrove reserves
This level of protection means places like Corcovado, Manuel Antonio, and Tortuguero National Parks remain some of the most biodiverse spots on the planet, safeguarded from overdevelopment.
These protected areas not only conserve wildlife but also allow for eco-tourism experiences that directly fund conservation efforts. It’s a win-win: travellers get unforgettable encounters with nature, and Costa Rica keeps its wild beauty intact.
Costa Rica Coast to Coast
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- From Caribbean canals to Pacific shores
- Volcanoes, cloud forests & wildlife
- Meet locals through food & culture
- Beach time and outdoor adventure
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Active Costa Rica
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- Brave ziplining and hanging bridges in Monteverde
- Swim in the Montezuma Waterfalls
- Animal night tour in Valle Escondido
- Learn to surf on Playa Hermosa’s beach
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Off the Beaten Track in Costa Rica
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- Boat trip from Monkey Point to search for dolphins
- Pacuare Biological Reserve and Sea Turtle Conservation
- Visit a coffee plantation and cook with a local family
- Discover Irazú Volcanic National Park
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Ultimate Costa Rica
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Discover mighty volcanos, lush cloud forest, incredible wildlife, stunning beaches, local hidden gems and quirky cultura..
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- Sail to Caño Island for amazing snorkelling
- Guided boat tour in the mangroves of the Sierpe River
- Relax on the beach in Manuel Antonio
- Visit Cloudmaker Nature Reserve
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Support for Local Communities
One of the core principles of sustainable tourism is ensuring that local communities benefit. In Costa Rica, many eco-tourism initiatives work hand-in-hand with residents, helping traditional industries thrive through tourism.
Take coffee farming, for example. Instead of abandoning their practices, local growers now run tours that share their craft with travellers. It provides authentic cultural experiences and brings in a valuable new income stream.
The same is true for small-scale fishing communities and artisan villages. By giving these traditions a sustainable business model, tourism helps preserve cultural heritage and protect locals from being priced out of their way of life. (You can read more about how you can better support local communities here)
Use of Renewable Energy
Costa Rica has made a strong commitment to using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal power. This helps reduce the country’s carbon footprint and support sustainable tourism.
In fact, in 2020 an incredible 99.78% of the power generated in the country came from renewable sources. With an abundance of waterfalls and rivers and thanks to it’s relatively high volcanic activity, Costa Rica can produce upwards of 85% of its energy from hydroelectric and geothermal power alone, with the rest coming from wind and solar farms.
All this means that hotels, restaurants and other amenities developed to accommodate tourists have a minimal impact on the environment, drastically reducing the impact of tourism on the overall carbon footprint in the country.
Promotion of Responsible Travel
The Costa Rican government and tourism industry are working together to promote responsible travel practices, such as reducing plastic waste and encouraging sustainable transportation options like bike rentals and electric vehicles. In fact, by 2035, it is the aim of the tourist board that all vehicles in the country will be electric.
The government has taken a firm stand on pushing sustainable tourism, and by passing laws on deforestation and in designating 26% of the land as protected, they have made the first key steps to ensuring the natural environment remains untouched.
As well as this, the government has overseen the development of the ICT, the government agency in charge of promoting sustainability in the country, and also the country’s tourist board. This means that sustainability and travel are inextricably linked in Costa Rica, and all marketing and messaging when it comes to promoting the country as a tourist destination is centred around responsible travel.
This, in turn, attracts visitors with an interest in travelling sustainably, and helps educate travellers about the virtues and benefits of responsible travel for locals, travellers, and the environment.
Costa Rica is a leader in sustainable tourism, and its efforts to preserve the country’s natural resources and support local communities are commendable. By choosing sustainable tourism options, travellers can help protect the environment and preserve the unique beauty of Costa Rica for future generations. At Not In The Guidebooks, we are always working on making our own offerings more sustainable, whilst educating our travellers on how they can travel more responsibly. Take a look at our sustainability commitments to see how we’re working to improve the travel industry.
20/12/2024 
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