Do you care about the effects your travels have on the places you go? Love animals and also the colour green? Do you want stunning natural environments to still be around for generations to come?
If you answered yes to all of the above, then Costa Rica is for you!
Ecotourism in Costa Rica
Over a quarter of this green nation’s land is dedicated to wildlife reserves, national parks and protected areas, an impressive feat for any country. Couple that with the highest density of animal and plant species on the planet and you’ve got one heck of an enviro-experience!
Costa Rica’s ecotourism industry is now a lucrative and environmentally sound industry. The local communities are heavily involved in the tourism, promotion and protection of their national parks and benefit from the popularity of Costa Rica as a tourist destination. Responsible tourism in the nation has also helped to ensure that many of the rare and endangered species living there have a chance. Conservation efforts across Costa Rica, as well as responsible and environmentally minded travellers, will ensure that Costa Rica’s stunning natural assets will still be around well into the future!
Things to do in Costa Rica
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that most of the activities worth doing in Costa Rica and nature related. That doesn’t mean you’ll be doing the same things the whole time you’re there. Unless you want to. There are hundreds of exciting, relaxing, beautiful and adrenalin pumping experiences to do all across the country.
Look for Wildlife in the Manuel Antonio National Park
Heading out into the jungle with a guide, binoculars and a camera with a good zoom is a must when visiting Costa Rica. And Manuel Antonio National Park has to be one of the best places to do just that! Spot playful monkeys and sleeping sloths hanging from branches. Be amazed as your guide points out hidden animals that you never would have seen on your own. Swim in the warm, turquoise waters of the small beaches hidden throughout the park. Just have an all-round amazing time exploring one of the best national parks in Costa Rica!
Volunteer with Animals
Although you shouldn’t be picking up or playing with the wildlife you can still have meaningful interactions with them. The best way to do this is by volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary or program. There are plenty of opportunities to work with animals across Costa Rica.
In Moctezuma, you can help with conservation efforts to protect endangered sea turtle species. Patrol beaches, build protective infrastructure and work directly with the turtles (babies and adults) on this rewarding adventure.
Discover Arenal Volcano National Park
Explore the National Park surrounding one of the most active volcanoes in recent history! Arenal volcano looms over the national park where you will find the stunning Lake Arenal. Also hidden away at the base of the volcano are relaxing thermal springs. Here you can relax the day away and indulge yourself with a little spa treatment before visiting the thundering La Fortuna Waterfall for a dip in paradise!
Tortuguero National Park Walks and Boat Tours
Only accessible by boat or plane the Tortuguero National Park is one of Costa Rica’s greatest ecotourist destinations. Located on the Caribbean coast this stunning protected area is home to 11 different ecosystems from swamps to arid plains. The winding and complex system of rivers and creeks throughout the Tortuguero National Park make it perfect for exploration by boat. You can get up close to a variety of animals that you would otherwise be unlikely to even see. The national park is also the breeding place for a number of sea turtle species. At night, only with a guide, you can even watch the mother turtles come ashore and lay their eggs!
Zip-Line in Monte Verde Cloud Forest
Imagine yourself soaring above the treetops, wind in your hair, the calls of wild animals below! Zip-lining through the jungle is one of the most exciting ways to experience the Monte Verde Cloud Forest! You can also explore the treetops on the suspension bridges throughout. Or for an adventure closer to the ground you can take one of the many hiking trails. The forest is home to an incredible array of biodiversity! With over 100 mammal special, 400 bird species and 120 reptilian species you’ll be sure to spot something rustling in the trees.
Snorkel or Scuba at Caño Island
Just off the coast of the Osa Peninsular lies the tropical paradise Caño Island. The island and its surrounding waters became a biological reserve in 1978, and are a popular spot for divers and snorkelers. The warm waters are home to a wide array of coral and marine life including, eels, sharks, sea turtles and whales during the winter months. Considered one of the best scuba spots in the world conservation efforts are helping to ensure that it remains that way for many years to come!
There is so much more to do and see in this incredible country, but that should be enough to get you started. To learn more about Costa Rica or book your own eco-tour book your next adventure there with Bamba. To discover more of the great escapes for adventure lovers check out our 10 Best Natural Escapes.
What do you love most about Costa Rica? Let us know in the comment section below or tag us @bambaexperience or #bambaexperience on your best travel photos to be featured on out blog and social media.
