Posted on November 30th, 2011
Eco Tourism in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s Biodiversity
There is no other country that is blessed with a great biodiversity than Costa Rica. Despite the relatively small size of this Central American nation, it is home to quite a number of unique and diverse species of flora and fauna as well as a wide range of different animal creatures both marine and wildlife. This country is blessed with so much vegetation that it is considered as the ‘greenest’ in the world. Various national parks were created to preserve Costa Rica’s biodiversity and provide refuge for these different species. Its government makes sure that sustainable programs are being undertaken to develop new and effective ways to preserve and improve it’s rich biodiversity.
There are thousands of bird species found in Costa Rica. (Photo: www.steppesdiscovery.co.uk)
Costa Rica’s National Parks
Costa Rica has a huge selection of rainforests, marine parks or geological reserves, and even some indigenous reserves dedicated to the indigenous tribes who still live traditionally inside the jungle. Rainforests and cloud forests are protected due to the vulnerable ecosystems that have existed here for over thousands of years. Costa Rica’s national parks offer great eco-friendly experience and provides an education journey to all visitors regarding proper conservation of Mother Nature. There are a total of 26 different national parks, occupying almost a quarter of the country’s territory. They are all under the management of the umbrella organization of SINAC (Sistema Nacional de Areas de Conservacion) which is under the direct supervision of Costa Rica’s Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE).
Costa Rica Volcanoes
Costa Rica has a total of 14 recognized volcanoes, mostly active volcanoes. Visiting one or two of them can be a great way in studying geology, learning about the Earth’s power or can be a part of a unique vacation experience. The most famous among these volcanoes is the beautifully-shaped Arenal Volcano. You will find mountain rivers, springs and even hot springs next to the volcanoes, and there are many canopy and tram line tours offered to allow you get as close as possible to the craters. The National Reserves around the volcanoes have some of the most diverse ecosystems, and you can even visit some of the rarest cloud forests of Central America.
Arenal Volcano's stunning view during sunset. (Photo: www.arenal.net)
Costa Rica Eco Tourism Locations
You will find many eco-tourism offers in the Arenal and Guanacaste areas; the Central Highlands of the country, as well as the stunning mountain ranges of Talamanca, and the 3819 meter high Chirripo. There are hotels right in the middle of the rainforests that give its guests the ultimate nature experience. These are eco-lodges which are usually wood cabins perfect for those people who wants to get closer to the natural world. Arranged tours can include a trip to the deep luscious jungles where guests can enjoy bird watching, hiking, canopy tours or simply try to spot some of the unique creatures of Central America, like sloths, howler monkeys or macaws. Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most visited ecotourism locations.
Costa Rica Eco Lodges
The Arenal Volcano area and Manuel Antonio offer great accommodation options for the lovers of great outdoors. For diving and snorkeling, you might want to visit either Cahuita or the Tortuguero National Park, where you will see turtles, insects, birds, mammal and other marine creatures. Eco-lodges in Costa Rica come with comfortable, sustainable lodges, outdoor facilities, including private gardens and tours. Near the Corcovado National Park, next to the largest primary forest in Central America, there are plenty of eco-friendly accommodation options that are inside the stunning rainforests.
Experience peace and bliss in one of Costa Rica eco-lodges. (Photo: www.costa-rica-life.com)