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Costa Rica is one of the most diverse areas on the planet. Habitats range from rainforests and beaches to mangrove swamps and volcanoes. It is also packed with a variety of wildlife such as the jaguar and tapir, which is protected by the national conservation system which is widely regarded as a model for its kind. It has become one of the worlds prime ecotourism destinations.
Bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, Costa Rica is a well known ecotourism destination.
Eco-tourism is growing in economic importance. Visitors are attracted by the tropical forests with abundant flora and fauna, including 1,000 species of orchid and 850 species of birds such as macaws and toucans. The Costa Rica coast with swamps and sandy beaches is also a big draw.
Costa Rica is home to a rich variety of plants and animals. Costa Rica has no military or navy, but an abundance of wildlife; it has been said that the soldiers are the leaf cutter ants, the pilots are the macaws and the navy ships are the whales. Over 40% of Costa Rica is composed of protected forests and reserves.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve hosts 2,000 plant species including numerous orchids. Over 400 types of bird can be found here, as well as over 100 species of mammal.
Tortuguero National Park is home to the Spider, Howler and White Faced monkeys, the Three-toed sloth, 320 species of birds (including eight species of parrots), and a variety of reptiles.
Find an eco tour in Costa Rica. A list of eco tour operators, travel agents and accommodation providers either based in or that can organise trips to Costa Rica. Each listing includes a full page description so click for more information.
Yarok Green Tours
Ecotourism operator allowing nature lovers to experience the wide biodiversity that can be found in Costa Rica. Offers a wide variety of eco tours to Costa Rica.
Pacuare Eco Lodge
The Pacuare Lodge is a jungle hideaway located on the banks of Costa Rica’s most scenic river where we have combined superb guest comfort with exceptional practices in sustainability and ecotourism.
Travel agents that can arrange tailor made eco holidays to Costa Rica:
Delfin Amor EcoLodge
Wild Dolphin and Whale Encounters combined with Rainforest tours in Drake Bay, Costa Rica
Adventure Life Journeys
Rich local culture, landscapes & small group travel. Explore South & Central America and Antarctica through thoughtful itineraries designed to step lightly and give back to local communities.
Gecko's Adventures
Small groups, great prices… Gecko's offers the value and freedom of backpacking, without the hassles. Your local leader will take you off the beaten track, but you won't miss out on the famous sites! 181 adventures across 50 countries.
i-to-i Meaningful Travel
i-to-i is the world leader in ethical volunteer and gap year travel. We send 5,000 people a year to work with 500 important community development, teaching, and conservation projects in over 30 countries across 5 continents.
Terra Incognita ECOTOURS
Resplendent Quetzals, Howler monkeys, Toucans, and the unmistakable call of the Bellbird, the sights and sounds of this trip will not soon be forgotten. White-water rafting on the Sarapiqui, take a dip in the thermal pools near the fiery-topped Arenal Volcano and enjoy cocktails as we watch fiery lava tumble down the slopes of the volcano. Travel on horseback through the rainforest and explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest. We end our adventure in the exclusive Villa Caletas overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Nicoya Peninsula.
Amerika Venture
Ecotourism, documentary production, scientific & study travel, adventure group tours throughout the Americas. Experts in thematic group travel, adventure & ecotourism in Canada and Latin America.
Ecocircuitos Panama
Since 1999 EcoCircuitos, S.A., has been a local leader in small-group, adventure travel in the Republic of Panama. We offer packages including birding, hiking the national parks, indigenous encounters, diving and more. Customized packages for individuals, seniors, families and couples.
A Closer Look Travel
Specializes in booking eco travel, community (real cultural connection) travel and volunteer travel. We have one of the largest databases (about 3,300) of worldwide sustainable travel opportunities in the US.
Explore Worldwide
Explore pioneers small, group adventure holidays around the world. Explore’s responsible tourism policy is the cornerstone of the company’s approach to tour operating.
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Below you can find a collection of resources related to ecotourism issues in Costa Rica.
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Information from wikitravel.org*
Travellers in Costa Rica should exercise caution. Robbery at knife point is not uncommon. Women should never travel alone, and neither should men for that matter. There is no army in this country and the police have been known to be corrupt. Traffic in Costa Rica is dangerous, so be careful. Pedestrians in general do not have the right of way. Roads in rural areas may also tend to have many potholes. Driving at night is not recommended. Costa Rica does not have a welfare system, you work or you starve. Hungry people will do desperate things for money.The emergency number in Costa Rica is 911.Like any other tourist destination, watch out for pickpockets. Purse snatchings, armed robberies and car-jackings have been on the rise lately. Stay alert and protect your valuables at all times, especially in the San Jose area. "Smash and grabs" of car windows are very common all over the country so do not leave valuables in your vehicle. Another common robbery scheme includes slashing your tires, then when you stop to fix the flat, one or two "friendly" people stop to help and instead grab what valuables they can. If you are motioned to pull over by anyone, do not do so until you are at a well-lit place.
Information from wikitravel.org*
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* ecotourdirectory.com is not responsible for the travel advice and travel with respect sections on this page. We would strongly advise that before traveling to Costa Rica you consult your countries embassy for the lastest guidance.