Ethical Travel In Costa Rica

Right now, our media headlines are plagued with negative environmental stories. 

“Trump’s EPA aims to cut pollution rules”.

“More than 125 US environmental rules and policies were rolled back”.

“Government not taking climate seriously”.

However, there is one country that is doubling down on their pledge to the environment: Costa Rica. 

For decades, Costa Rica has been a leading country in ethical travel and ecotourism. 
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This blog will explore what ecotourism is, how to responsibly travel, and my work within the industry. 

Introduction

Overlooking Tortuguero National Park

The Costa Rican government has gone lengths in order to protect the abundant lands. 

So much so, approximately 33% of the country has been designated as National Parks and Wildlife Reserves. 

And rightly so. 

Costa Rica is home to approximately 5% of all plants and animals on our planet - a true biodiversity hotspot. 

And the government has decided to capitalise on the economic potential of its nature. 

Unlike many other countries, which exploit their natural resources, and sell off large areas of wilderness for economic gain, Costa Rica profiteers off their ecotourism sales.

According to the Costa Rican Tourism Board, tourism contributes to over 8% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In 2024, that equated to about $5 billion. 
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Sure, other countries are catching on to the ecotourism trend. But Costa Rica has been a trailblazer of ecotourism since the 1990’s.

What Is Ecotourism?

Traditional way of extracting sugar from sugarcane

Ecotourism, or ethical travel, is a form of sustainable travel that focuses on exploring natural areas while minimising environmental impact and supporting local communities.

The aim of ecotourism is to conserve the environment, benefit local populations, and promote cultural understanding through nature-based experiences.

Costa Rica has no shortage of pristine natural areas and local communities, making it a prime candidate for ecotourism. 

The purpose is to support conservation efforts in the region, supporting indigenous communities and observing wildlife respectfully. At Cecropia Travel, our brand values revolves around these core pillars.

In Costa Rica, some of the most popular ecotourism activities include wildlife watching, hiking & trekking, and cultural tourism.
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The money from ecotourism, in theory, gets channelled directly into ongoing projects for conserving and enhancing biodiversity. 

Responsible Travel in Costa Rica

Luxury ecolodge in the heart of the Osa Peninsula

At Cecropia Travel, we want all our guests to be responsible travellers when visiting Costa Rica. This means exploring the country in ways that protect its extraordinary biodiversity while supporting the communities who call it home.

One of the most effective ways to do this is by staying in ecolodges, which are designed to minimise environmental impact through renewable energy use, water conservation systems, and sustainable building materials. Oftentimes, profits are directly reinvested into local conservation projects.

At Cecropia Travel, we have partnered with a range of incredible ecolodges across Costa Rica - from humble wooden cabins, to award-winning luxury lodges - that cater to any budget. 

What's more, from these ecolodges, our guests can enjoy an array of meaningful natural experiences. From guided hikes and birdwatching, to active conservation in the field, you can become part of a positive change of new travellers. One of our favourite projects is working on releasing baby sea turtles back into the wild. 

Of course, this is a holiday after all, so we'll still look after your comfort and wellbeing - just at no cost to our environment. 

Supporting local businesses is another key part of responsible tourism, and goes hand-in-hand with staying in ecolodges. Use local guides, visit community farmers markets, and dine out in family-owned sodas (visit our guide to Tico spanish to learn more about sodas) to ensure that tourism income stays within the region and benefits residents directly. The team at Cecropia Travel will be on hand to help with any recommendations. 

Travellers can also contribute by purchasing locally made crafts rather than imported souvenirs, helping preserve traditional skills and cultural identity.

Conservation plays a central role in Costa Rica’s tourism philosophy. With over 30% of its land designated as National Parks and reserves, visitors are encouraged to respect wildlife, stay on designated trails, and avoid activities that exploit animals.

Which leads us on nicely to our next topic: rescue centres.

Ethical Tourism Within Costa Rica Rescue Centres

Rescuing parrots from the exotic pet trade

For many years, I worked with a range of rescued Costa Rican animals in a rehabilitation centre. 

Some animals were rescued from the illegal pet trade. Others had been brought into us after being attacked by dogs or hit by cars. The aim, where possible, was to rehabilitate and release these animals back into the wild.

But this isn't the case for all rescue centres. Some places are just after cash. 

One of the least ethical practices you'll see in "rescue centres" is the promotion of animal selfies. You may see some animals perform tricks. Or you are encouraged to feed the wildlife. 

This is still a common occurrence across the world. In Costa Rica, however, taking any selfie with animal, feeding them, or manipulating them in any way - either in a rescue centre or in the wild - is illegal and will result in a fine. 

It should go without saying, this is not responsible travel. This is exploitation for human enjoyment. 

Unbeknown to many, monkeys can be very aggressive. Some facilities issue a cocktail of drugs to sedate monkeys, allowing people the opportunity to get close. Some take more drastic measures, such as the removal of teeth, to prevent accidental human casualties. 

I've had the privilege of working with all 4 species of monkey in Costa Rica. I've seen the effects humans have had on monkeys. Rescue centres aim to mitigate the trauma these monkeys have gone through and, where possible, release them back into their natural habitat. 

Nature is part of the Costa Rican identity and plants and animals are a natural treasure to many Costa Ricans. Tourists to Costa Rica need to be mindful of this, and follow ethical guidelines to ensure minimal impact.

We've touched upon some of these, but to be clear:

• Avoid any establishments that allow you to take selfies or handle animals. Only trained professionals can do this. 
• You should also observe animals in a calm and respectful way, and at a safe distance. 
• Do not enter enclosures, do not try to touch animals through fences, or attract them with food. Many animals in rescue centres are being rehabilitated back into the wild. By interfering in this process, you could seriously jeopardize the reintroduction procedure. 

At the rescue centre I worked at, we work closely with the Costa Rican government, and their affiliated organization, Minae, that governs National Parks and wildlife resources. 

At Cecropia Travel, we partner with leading responsible experts in the field of conservation and animal husbandry. 

If you would like the opportunity to volunteer with animals, both in the wild or captive settings, our team would be more than happy to assist you with any of your travel planning. 

Final Thoughts ​

By making thoughtful choices about where to stay, what to buy, and how to interact with the environment, travellers can help protect fragile ecosystems such as cloud forests, mangroves, and coral reefs of Costa Rica.

​Responsible travel in Costa Rica allows visitors not only to enjoy its natural beauty, but also to actively support its long-term preservation.

Ecotourism works cohesively with ethical travel, inspiring travelers to be more responsible for their actions on the planet and uniting conservation projects and community outreach. 

The team at Cecropia Travel believes that ethical travel is the way forward, not only in Costa Rica, but for the world to follow suit.