From Cloud Forests to Pristine Beaches, Costa Rica Offers a Natural Setting for All Tastes.

Costa Rica is a well know destination today for tourists, and the development of Eco-tourism has brought about a new vacation trend that attracts a certain kind of people, the kind of people that this country needs.

A couple of decades ago, Costa Rica was very different from what it looks like now; Tamarindo had about three hotels and more than basic camping. Manuel Antonio had two hotels. Pollution and dirty beaches were unknown, deforestation had started, mostly for clearing cattle pastures, but unfortunately nobody really knew and everywhere was so green there seemed to be little cause for concern. For those looking for a little comfort however, it was hard to find outside of the capital. Most hotels were quite basic, offering no luxuries such as air conditioning, nice bedding or bathroom equipment, no TV, no fancy food, etc. It was pure Eco-tourism for the very reason that there was no capacity for large developments and nothing to appreciate but nature.

Today the economy of the country relies mainly on tourism, however with it has brought massive destruction, pollution, Costa Rica sex tourism, deforestation and species in danger of extinction.

The new emerging Eco-tourism intends to use tourism revenue to benefit the local ecology and communities while allowing tourists to appreciate the amazing biodiversity and culture that the country offers. It is good that tourists now can enjoy higher standards and some degree of comfort and luxury while experiencing one of the wonders of the world. Even small hotels have gone on programs to improve their standards. However it all goes to pieces if something is not done to protect the flora and fauna of this little paradise.

Combining tourism and ecology is possible, as long as everyone agrees and understands what it entails. One definition of Ecotourism is “the practice of low-impact, educational, ecologically and culturally sensitive travel that benefits local communities and host countries”.

All in all it means that everyone benefits while no damage is done, and this is what is happening in this country. Lush tropical forests, gorgeous beaches, volcanoes, traversed by canopy tours, white water rafting, surfing, horse riding and trekking coexist with fine dinning and living in luxury with spas, and yoga facilities, etc. All this awaits after you experience the warm friendly welcome of the Ticos! Where else can all this come in a package? There is only one place and this is Costa Rica.

The variety of its mini ecosystems doesn’t stop to surprise visitors; in the city one moment, to the jungle 20 minutes later. Watching the sunrise on the Caribbean, enjoying the Sunset on the Pacific. Going from a pristine white beach to the tropical rain forest to the tundra of the mountains. Only one small country can offer so much, and those who can appreciate it will be received with the warmest and most satisfactory welcome. And it goes without saying; try the coffee, and the famous rice and beans. Enjoy a cocktail with Costa Rica’s national liquor “guaro” or the infamous Imperial beer while relaxing and enjoying a glorious sunset. Save yourself enough time to take a stroll down the pedestrian parkway of the capital city of San Jose and grab a coffee while you sit in a plaza watching the people stream by.

Taking a vacation to Costa Rica is the holiday of a lifetime, and you can have all this and leave no mark, so that no monkey, no macaws or jaguar will know that you were here! It is just a matter of doing your research and selecting tour agencies and hotels that openly support their environs. The good thing is that eco-tourism is a trend that’s here to stay, so your search should not take too much time!

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Filed under: Travel on October 31st, 2008