Why Costa Rica is the most eco-friendly place to visit

Costa Rica is full of beautiful beaches, tasty food, adorable animals and the happiest people in the world. But being a global leader for eco-tourism, it also knows the importance of looking after the environment. So much so, they received the 2019 Champions of the Earth award and the 2021 Earthshot Prize award – the latter was for reviving its rainforests and doubling the total amount of trees. Here’s a deeper look at what a trip to Costa Rica is about when it comes to sustainability...

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With over 95,000 registered species of animals and plants, accounting for 6.5% of the world’s wildlife, Costa Rica has the densest biodiversity in the world. In addition to being the home of so many varied animals, including over 52 species of hummingbird, it also has a huge sanctuary scene.

It’s also no surprise that animal conservation is big in Costa Rica. Throughout the year, the country’s coast becomes the nesting home to four different species of turtle – the leatherback, green, hawksbill and olive ridley. The people of Costa Rica work tirelessly to ensure that the beaches provide a haven for mama turtles and their nests. And then, when the time finally comes to hatch, the baby turtles can head off to the sea to start their new lives. The country’s jungles, meanwhile, are home to the likes of panthers and sloths.

And it’s not just the animals that contribute to this beautiful nation’s biodiversity. The country is divided into eight biological reserves, 32 natural parks and a series of protected parks – all containing Costa Rican wildlife for you to admire. And perhaps best of all, they’ve got bright-green rainforests for you to experience it all first-hand. Hike one of the many trails or take to the skies by zip-lining through the treetops – the choice is yours.

Find out more about the best things to do in Costa Rica.

At TUI, we’re passionate about limiting the negative effect our holidays have on the earth. It’s why we employ local people in our hotels, fly our customers to destinations in one of Europe’s most carbon-efficient airlines and ensure food served in our hotels is locally sourced. Eco-tourism is a huge part of making this happen, immersing visitors in the destination and educating them about the country and the environmental impact they have. It can involve anything from putting money back into the local economy by buying hand-made souvenirs at a market, to learning more about the wildlife and how to protect it.

Costa Rica has followed this way of thinking for nearly 20 years. Since 1997, the country has worked hand in hand with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) to develop a model for how destinations can roll out more planet-friendly practices. The GSTC also has its own criteria for hotels, which is focused on more sustainable management, environmental protection, supporting local communities and promoting cultural heritage. Lots of hotels across Costa Rica have been certified by The Costa Rica Tourism Board for meeting strict standards of sustainability. By staying in one of these certified hotels, you can expect efficient water and energy systems, single-use-plastic alternatives and much more.

If you’re after more from your holiday than just a fly-and-flop break, our Grand Tour of Costa Rica showcases the very best of the country. You’ll get the chance to learn about volcanoes and hot springs, see some of Costa Rica’s endangered wildlife up close, and also stay in one of the country’s famous eco-lodges – Laguna Lodge Tortuguero, which is nestled among wetlands, rivers and forests.

Find out more about our Costa Rica tours.