Table of Contents

Executive Summary.....................................................................................................................................2
Best Eco-Accommodation Options..............................................................................................................3
Finca Luna Nueva....................................................................................................................................3
Arenal Observatory Lodge......................................................................................................................3
The Harmony Hotel.................................................................................................................................3
Best Transport Options................................................................................................................................4
Rental Cars..............................................................................................................................................4
Public Transport......................................................................................................................................4
Best Airports................................................................................................................................................4
San Jose International Airport..................................................................................................................5
Liberia International Airport....................................................................................................................5
Best Restaurants..........................................................................................................................................6
El Tigre Vestido Restaurant.....................................................................................................................6
El Búho Vegetariano................................................................................................................................6
El Mirador Restaurant.............................................................................................................................6
Best Attractive Activities and Sites..............................................................................................................7
Manuel Antonio National Park................................................................................................................7
Wildlife....................................................................................................................................................7
Braulio Carrillo National Park.................................................................................................................8
Factors that could affect Ecotourism...........................................................................................................8
Negative impacts.....................................................................................................................................8
Direct environmental impacts..................................................................................................................8
Environmental hazards............................................................................................................................9
Local people............................................................................................................................................9
Displacement of people...........................................................................................................................9
Threats to indigenous cultures...............................................................................................................10
Mismanagement....................................................................................................................................10
Partnerships with UNWTO........................................................................................................................10
The Four Different Budget Packages for The Eco-Conscious Traveller Are:.............................................11
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................12
References.................................................................................................................................................13
Executive Summary

Costa Rica is regularly singled out as one of the world’s greenest nations, thanks to its

environmental policies, responsible tourism projects, and initiatives to preserve its natural

habitats and wildlife. In fact, more than 26% of Costa Rica’s land area is designated as national

park, private reserve, or wildlife refuge. These protected lands shelter incredible natural

diversity, including an estimated 4% of the planet’s total land animal species.

Costa Rica has a lot to offer when it comes to its natural areas and ecotourism. When you choose

to travel sustainably, it is about more than a guilt-free vacation: you are supporting local

communities, helping fund land and animal protection, and investing in a better, greener future.

It starts with selecting your favourite eco-resorts in Costa Rica, sustainable accommodations that

promise an incredible and low-impact vacation. According to the International Ecotourism

Society ecotourism is defined as, “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the

environment, sustain the well-being of the local people, and involve interpretation and

education.” Goals of ecotourism include building cultural and environmental awareness, provide

positive results for the hosts and the tourists, and providing financial benefits with conservation.

Evidence suggests that the ecotourism industry has been expanding at a rapid rate in recent

decades. It is important to understand the positive and negative ecological impacts of the

industry as this rapid growth rate continues. Costa Rica has been selected as a focus country to

examine these impacts due to its strong reputation as an ecotourism destination. This report

proves to be significant because Costa Rica is a top ecotourism destination in the Western

hemisphere, and therefore provides us with a working framework of what ecotourism principles

are most valuable in ensuring sustainability.

Best Eco-Accommodation Options

Finca Luna Nueva

At Finca Luna Nueva, guests are encouraged to reconnect with nature by living the simple life.

On the Sacred Seed garden tour, guests can smell and taste the results of the biodynamic process

and learn about the healing properties of trees and plants on guided walks in the neighbouring

rainforest. Afterwards, wallow in the ozonated pool or solar-heated hot tub or salute the sun from

the yoga platform ensconced in jungle greenery before some fine organic dining.

Arenal Observatory Lodge

This is the closest you will get to a volcano summit—you are less than 2 miles away—although,

admittedly, northern Costa Rica’s Volcán Arenal has settled into a less-active phase these days.

With the best views of the volcano around, Arenal Observatory Lodge sits amid an 870-acre

private reserve perfect for nature walks. Plus, the folks here take active steps to protect the

environment and participate in local community projects.

The Harmony Hotel

Green goes chic at this holistic retreat on the north Pacific coast. The majority of guests come to

Harmony for the yoga—one complimentary class is included in your stay—and the spa

treatments. Smaller rooms surround a garden; larger duplex bungalows scatter down toward the

beach. All are splendid and serene. The restaurant’s menu abounds with health-conscious

options, and even the desserts manage to strike a pose between decadent and wholesome.
Best Transport Options

Rental Cars

The best way for most visitors to get around in Costa Rica is with a rental car. Typically, tourists

do not leave the pavement, and driving by yourself is flexible, easy, and often the cheapest

option. A few remoter destinations may require an SUV and a sense of adventure and a few are

only accessible by air or water.

Public Transport

Public Transport is cheap in price and convenient but lack some of the flexibility and freedom

that comes with having your own wheels. Public buses are the transportation of choice for budget

conscious backpackers on extended trips but typically eat up too much vacation time for

travellers with only a week or two to explore. Somewhat surprisingly the bus can also be more

expensive in some cases. Depending on destinations, budget, group size and length of vacation

travellers also often take advantage of private transport, tourist mini-buses, public transportation,

small planes, boats, a ferry, or taxis.

Best Airports

When you fly into Costa Rica, you have two choices for where you land: the Juan Santamaria

International Airport in San Jose or the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia. While

both are a hub for lodging, transportation, and local activities, they are in different geographical

locations. When choosing which airport to fly to, there are a few things you should consider.

First and foremost, think about where you want to visit and spend most of your time. If you are

planning on creating an itinerary and sticking to it, you will need to simply see which airport

meets your geographic needs.

San Jose International Airport

I recommend using San Jose International Airport if your trip is going to take you to La Fortuna

(Arenal Volcano), Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero or Puerto Viejo as well as any destination on the

Osa Peninsula, as this airport offers easier access to these areas. You can also use the domestic

airlines to travel to more remote parts of Costa Rica. Although both airports (San Jose Intl &

Liberia Intl Airport) have domestic flights, San Jose Intl (SJO) is the hub, and it is much easier,

cheaper & faster to travel from with domestic airlines. So, if you are visiting the Caribbean,

Pacific beaches in the south or the Central Valley, this is your hub.

Liberia International Airport

I recommend using the Liberia International Airport if your trip is going to take you to any of

Guanacaste's beautiful areas like Tamarindo beach or the Nicoya Peninsula, as this airport offers

easier access to these areas. You can use either airport if your final destination is Monteverde,

though I hear travellers say that they prefer to fly into Liberia.

The Liberia airport will give you easier access to the sunny northwest Pacific beaches, as well as

some of the national parks of the Guanacaste region and other popular spots like Playas del

Coco, Papagayo and Samara.

No matter what you plan to do when you visit Costa Rica, or which airport you land at, you are

going to have an amazing adventure during your stay. From white water rafting to surfing to zip-

lining, stick around on my site to find out all the activities you can plan and all the places you

can stay in Costa Rica.

Best Restaurants

El Tigre Vestido Restaurant

El Tigre Vesido Restaurant is part of the eco-friendly green hotel Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee

Plantation Resort, which has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the “Unique

Lodges of the World.” El Tigre Vestido’s chef collects the freshest and finest ingredients from the

organic garden, orchards, and working farm on the Finca Rosa Blanca property. It is a truly farm-

to-table experience.

El Búho Vegetariano

El Búho Vegetariano is a deletable vegetarian restaurant in the capital city of San Jose that is

dedicated to sourcing, preparing, and serving satisfying meals that are also eco-friendly. Their

fresh and organic ingredients are locally grown by Costa Rican farmers. Their menu changes

based on seasonal ingredients, but features an exciting variety of salads, cold pastas, and

homemade tortilla dishes, and there is always a special soup, plate, and drink of the day.

El Mirador Restaurant

El Mirador is one of two restaurants at the beachfront and rainforest resort Arenas Del Mar in

Manuel Antonio and has been awarded the Certificate of Sustainable Tourism. The view of the

beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park from this exquisite eco-friendly restaurant was listed

in 1000 Places to See Before You Die. The menu features locally inspired dishes made with

sustainably sourced ingredients.

Best Attractive Activities and Sites

Costa Rica's strikingly diverse terrain – lush forests, wildlife reserves, and tropical beaches –

offers a little something for every traveller. Beach lovers staying along the Pacific Coast should

head to Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula's palm-fringed coastline for sun and surf. Nature-

seekers staying in the Northern Plains or along the Caribbean coast should pay a visit to Puerto

Viejo de Talamanca before venturing inland to zip line above Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

and hike Arenal Volcano. Whether you seek sun, nature or adventure, there is much to discover

in this paradise. Other popular activities may include ziplining, sunset sailing, snorkelling and

scuba diving, boating in the gulf of Papagayo, ATV, surfing, Canyoning (waterfall rappelling),

Trying a Copo/Churchhill and local parties in the neighbourhood.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio Park and the surrounding area are known for beautiful beaches, lush forest, and

diverse wildlife that inhabits the area. As soon as you venture into the park, you will have no

trouble finding iridescent butterflies and colourful birds flitting about. Howler monkeys, squirrel

monkeys, sloths, and the hard-to-miss capuchins can be seen from the trails. Most of the action

in town is centred around the beautiful oceanfront beach, where noon time soccer matches break

out, and surfers enjoy the usually gentle waves.

Wildlife

Costa Rica is one of those rare countries where the wildlife alone can be worth the trip. What the

country may lack in cultural attractions, it more than makes up for with interesting and prevalent

wildlife experiences. You rarely need to search out animals. Monkeys make regular appearances

around the towns, scarlet macaws soar through the skies, and toucans’ rustle in the branches
nearby. Opportunities to see wildlife are not limited to any one area but visiting the parks or

taking organized tours with knowledgeable guides will improve the chances of seeing some of

the more elusive species.

Braulio Carrillo National Park

Braulio Carrillo National Park, a 30-minute drive from bustling San Jose, encompasses rugged

mountains, waterfalls, canyons, dormant volcanoes, and virgin rainforest. The park's proximity to

the country's main gateway means it is an easy way to see some of Costa Rica's unique plants

and wildlife. Many different habitats exist in the park due to the variety in elevation, which

ranges from the top of the Barva Volcano (2,906 meters) to less than 50 meters in the Caribbean

lowlands. The park is home to mammals such as jaguars, pumas, tapirs, sloths, and monkeys, but

easier to see and hear are several species of birds including the Quetzal (national bird), toucans,

and eagles.

Factors that could affect Ecotourism.

Negative impacts

There are many ways in which tourism can have a negative impact on a community or

environment. As the tourist come to visit the cities and attractive sites of Costa Rica, for their

accommodation more hotels are being constructed, leaving the wildlife vulnerable. Moreover, it

possesses threat to local communities due to labour exploitation.

Direct environmental impacts

Money spent directly in the local economy helps give financial value to rainforest preservation.

The government and local communities can see the importance of ensuring the rainforest is

unspoiled. Most tourists are willing to pay for conservation through donations, park entrance fees
and tips for guides. Ecotourism can reduce the need to hunt animals for income. With

ecotourism, income is earned from preserving the rainforest - deforestation is discouraged, as it

is detrimental to income from tourists. Money from tourists goes back into the conservation of

the area.

Environmental hazards

Ecotourism is now a large industry and there are not enough regulations to control how it is

operated. The destruction of local resources to make room for ecotourism is a problem, e.g., trees

felled to make lodges for tourists. Natural resources are destroyed to make souvenirs. Rare

species are hunted down to use as tourist attractions. Destruction of natural features, e.g.,

overused tracks lead to soil erosion and damage to vegetation. There is a real danger of some

areas becoming overused. Tourist hotels sometimes dump waste into rivers causing water

pollution.

Local people

Locals can be exploited in various ways, such as using them for cheap labor. Local tribes lose

their traditional way of life as they become accustomed to 'Western' cultures. Some locals/tribes

are used as attractions to enable tourists to get traditional photos of native people. Many

companies who run ecotourism trips profit most, while local people earn very little money.

Infrastructure is often only beneficial to tourists, e.g., airports as local people cannot afford to use

it.

Displacement of people

Tourism development has caused many communities to be forcibly displaced. Indigenous

groups, people living in informal settlements, or who lack official title deeds to their lands are
particularly vulnerable to displacement or loss of access to lands and waters essential for their

livelihoods. This often happens with little or no warning, compensation, or alternative provision.

Governments and private companies have forced many tribal peoples from their ancestral lands

to make way for national parks and ‘eco-tourism’. Fishing communities are removed from their

coastal villages and blocked from accessing the sea as hotels are built and beaches are privatized,

destroying livelihoods and traditional ways of life. Informal settlements are bulldozed under

beautification projects in the lead up to major international sporting events.

Threats to indigenous cultures

Indigenous peoples are finding that tourism is far from a straightforward issue. The tourism

industry, especially ecotourism, is arguably the prime force today threatening indigenous

homelands and cultures. Its track record of exploitation, dislocation and desecration is well

documented. In practice, many ecotours perpetuate the exact opposite: they deny support to local

people and also create a culture that fetishizes them.

Mismanagement

The mismanagement of a country’s wildlife, resources or natural wonders is also a big problem.

Many countries have looked the other way in regard to preserving their natural environments in

order to make way for the economic benefits of tourism. As a result, these environmental

landmarks either become destroyed or extinct all together. Because tourism has the potential to

bring in so much wealth to impoverished countries, it is not uncommon for local governments to

ignore what needs to be done to protect the environment and instead manages them for economic

gain rather than environmental preservation.

Partnerships with UNWTO

The United Nations in Costa Rica established a strategic alliance with the Government to jointly

lead the process of advancing the National Pact. Providing technical support to the SDG

Secretariat, the UN has been closely working with the statistical commission designated to

identify national indicators and targets to measure progress towards the achievement of the

SDGs. As part of the observance of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for

Development, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which is leading the campaign, has

named Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solís Rivera as Special Ambassador of this

important global action. The initiatives developed by Costa Rica in the field of sustainable

tourism as well as its international positioning and momentum in this field are some of the

factors behind the designation.

The Four Different Budget Packages for The Eco-Conscious Traveller Are:

Up to $1,000 CAD
This budget package involves the basic necessities a person might need while their journey. That

includes, economy class air travel, economy class accommodation, normal public transportation,

local cuisine, activities such as yoga on Uvita Beach, and local site seeing. This package consists

of 3 days and 2 nights.

$1,000 to $3,000 CAD

This budget package offers better travel experience a person need to enjoy their journey. That

includes, economy class air travel, 3-star accommodation, private transportation, traditional

breakfasts and lunches, and local cuisine, activities such as scuba diving and surfing, and local

site seeing. This package consists of 5 days and 4 nights.

$3,000 to $5,000 CAD
This budget package offers luxury travel experience full of excitement and entertainment a

person needs to refresh their mind while travelling. That includes, business class air travel, 5-star

accommodation, private rental cars for transportation, traditional breakfasts, lunches, and dinners

at fancy restaurants, activities such as visit to national parks, lava volcanos, fishing, and canopy

ziplines. This package consists of 7 days and 6 nights.

$5,000 or more CAD

This budget package offers luxurious trip experience full of pleasure and activities a person

needs to enjoy the holidays. That includes, business class air travel, 5-star accommodation,

private rental cars for transportation, traditional luxury breakfasts, lunches, and dinners at fancy

restaurants, activities such as visit to wildlife safaris, guided ATVs, wales, and dolphins watching

tour from Ovita island, visit to national parks, lava volcanos, fishing, and canopy ziplines. This

package consists of 10 days and 9 nights.

Conclusion

Costa Rica is one of most highly valued tourist destinations in this planet. This small piece of

land includes all of the necessary components to satisfy the taste of thousands of travellers

visiting each year. Ecotourism is increasingly being employed by developing countries to

increase their share in the global tourism business while preserving their natural resources.

However, the environmental impacts of ecotourism, as well as increased tourism in general, are

poorly understood. Ecotourism represents a positive alternative to traditional forms of land use,

but in order for it to have the maximum benefits for those involved management must strike a

delicate balance between development and conservation. The goal of this report was to better

understand the positive and negative impacts of the ecotourism industry in Costa Rica. It clearly
indicates that ecotourism is a more environmentally friendly use of natural resources than, say,

logging or industrial development. There are, however, other questions to be considered. The

presence of tourists in some of these delicate ecosystems can often do more harm than good, and

overdevelopment in the name of tourism is too often the case. Ecotourism is most beneficial to

the local populations and the ecosystems when there is good management with a clear vision of

environmental stewardship in place. Future research should be conducted to better understand

the ecotourism industry in Costa Rica and the interrelation among cultural/ social,

environmental, economic, and political structures.

References
Parker, J. (2018, January 31). Hotels and Restaurants in Costa Rica That Are Leading the Way in
Sustainability. Retrieved from https://theculturetrip.com/central-america/costa-
rica/articles/hotels-restaurants-costa-rica-leading-way-sustainability/

Law, L. (2020). 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Costa Rica | PlanetWare. Retrieved from
https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/costa-rica-crc.htm