Costa Rica has long been a pioneer in eco-tourism, inviting travelers to experience rainforests, volcanoes, and pristine beaches in ways that protect nature rather than harm it. For many visitors, the chance to enjoy this natural beauty comes with a desire to leave the smallest footprint possible. The good news is that traveling sustainably in Costa Rica is easier than you think.
Here are some simple and meaningful ways to make your trip greener while still enjoying every adventure.
Choose Eco-Friendly Transportation
Public buses in Costa Rica are reliable in specific touristic routes and budget-friendly, and they keep fewer cars on the road. If you rent a vehicle, opt for a fuel-efficient model or a hybrid. In areas like Guanacaste, where towns and beaches are close together, consider walking, biking, or taking local shuttles instead of driving everywhere. These small choices reduce emissions and let you experience daily life more authentically.
Stay in Sustainable Lodges and Hotels
Costa Rica is famous for eco-lodges that blend into the landscape. Look for places certified by the CST (Certification for Sustainable Tourism) program. These accommodations often use solar energy, recycle water, and source food locally. By staying in them, you directly support businesses that care for the environment and the community.
Support Local Communities
Shopping at artisan markets, eating at family-owned sodas, and booking tours with local guides all ensure your money stays in the community. This not only strengthens the local economy but also gives you a more authentic connection to Costa Rican culture.
At Blue Valley Chocolate in Guanacaste, for example, every tour supports local farmers and artisans while giving you the chance to taste cacao in its purest form. Choosing experiences like this creates impact beyond your own memories.
Respect Wildlife and Natural Spaces
Costa Rica is home to incredible wildlife, from sloths and monkeys to sea turtles. Enjoy these encounters responsibly. Keep a respectful distance, never feed wild animals, and follow the guidance of certified naturalist guides. On beaches, avoid leaving lights on at night during turtle nesting season, as it can confuse hatchlings.
When hiking, stick to marked trails to avoid damaging sensitive ecosystems. A single step off-path may harm plants or disturb nesting areas.
Reduce Plastic Use
While Costa Rica is moving toward eliminating single-use plastics, travelers can help by bringing reusable water bottles, bags, and straws. Many hotels and restaurants provide water refill stations. Carrying your own bottle not only reduces waste but also keeps you hydrated in the tropical heat.
Slow Down and Travel Mindfully
Sustainable travel is not just about what you avoid—it is also about how you experience. Instead of rushing through a packed itinerary, spend more time in fewer places. Walk the beaches at sunrise, sip fresh cacao slowly, or take part in a community workshop. Traveling mindfully helps you connect with the land and leaves less impact on the environment.
Offset Your Carbon Footprint
If you go to Costa Rica, consider to offset your carbon emissions by supporting reforestation projects. Costa Rica has ambitious goals for carbon neutrality and already protects about a quarter of its land as national parks and reserves. By contributing to these efforts, you play a role in preserving the ecosystems you came to enjoy.
When you travel sustainably in Costa Rica that does not mean you will give up comfort or adventure. It means you will make thoughtful choices that honor the people, the wildlife, and the land that make our country so extraordinary.
From the moment you choose eco-lodges to savor a bean-to-bar chocolate tour at Blue Valley, every decision can be both enjoyable and impactful. When you travel with care, you not only create better memories for yourself but also help ensure that Costa Rica’s beauty will remain for generations to come.
