Costa Rica is not only a paradise for nature lovers, but one of the world’s most forward-thinking destinations when it comes to sustainability. With over 25% percent of its land protected, Costa Rica boasts a strong commitment to conservation. If you want to support the country’s efforts when you visit here, there are a variety of ways you can make an impact!
Here at Impactful Travel, we believe in not only creating unforgettable Costa Rica trips for you to enjoy, but also ensuring these excursions have a positive effect on the land and its people. We’ve created this comprehensive guide to traveling Costa Rica sustainably with tips from our local experts. Keep reading for our insights, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our Costa Rica custom trips!
Choose Sustainable Transport in Costa Rica
One of the biggest ways you can reduce your footprint in Costa Rica is by using transport sustainably. Where possible, we recommend you opt for shared shuttles or group transfers. The Costa Rican bus system is an affordable alternative, but can involve long waiting times and multiple connections.
Since many of the best parts of Costa Rica are in more remote areas, we recommend taking it slow and enjoying a longer trip to really limit your impact. Instead of rushing between destinations, extend your stay at each accommodation or region to truly explore, engage with communities, and reduce transport-related emissions.
Support Local Costa Rican Agriculture and Cuisine
Something that is often be overlooked during travel is the relationship between food and sustainability, especially if you’re on the move and craving a quick and familiar bite. It’s important to consider how even small choices about what and where we eat can have an impact. But engaging with Costa Rica’s agriculture and culinary scene is an excellent way of supporting the community and sustainable food growth.
By visiting local gastronomic farms, coffee or cacao plantations, or organic agricultural projects, you contribute directly to small-scale producers while learning how your food is grown. And when you taste fresh, local products, you won’t want to go back! During our Hidden Communities of Costa Rica Tour, you will even visit a banana farm that gives you a whole new appreciation for this common fruit.
When eating out, skip chain restaurants in favor of small, family-run sodas for an experience of Costa Rica’s traditional eateries. Ordering dishes like casado, olla de carne, Caribbean rice and beans, or freshly caught fish supports local economies and keeps culinary heritage alive.
For a deeper cultural experience, you can’t go wrong with a hands-on cooking class. In Cahuita, Impactful Travel teams up with Carleen, who welcomes you into her kitchen to teach you how to prepare a traditional Caribbean dish for an intimate and enlightening experience!
Staying at Eco-Conscious Accommodations in Costa Rica
While there may be plenty of hotels in Costa Rica that boast sustainability certifications, we recommend choosing not only more eco-friendly accommodation, but authentic accommodation. Choose eco-lodges, family-run guesthouses, or community lodges instead of large chains. Staying in locally owned accommodations not only supports the community but also offers a more immersive and enriching travel experience.
Before booking, take time to research the sustainability commitments of your accommodation. Look for certifications, waste reduction practices, connections with local communities, or environmental initiatives.
If you’re not sure where to start, the Impactful Travel team is here to help. We’ve already sourced a variety of homestays and sustainable lodges for our Costa Rica tour packages, so you can rest your head at night with the assurance that your stay makes a difference!
Engage in Community-Based Tourism in Costa Rica
When the Impactful team first started exploring Costa Rica, people would tell us that real, authentic community-based tourism doesn’t exist. But they were wrong. Engaging with local communities in a meaningful and ethical way is one of the most rewarding parts of traveling in Costa Rica: whether that’s by supporting local initiatives or spending time with a Costa Rican family.
Community-based tourism is one of the best ways you can experience Costa Rica sustainably. This approach puts you in direct engagement with local communities, allowing you to discover indigenous culture, local produce, and heritage as you enjoy everything from artisanal workshops to farm visits. You can learn more with our blog about Why Community-Based Tourism is the Future of Travel in Costa Rica!
Sustainable Travel Tips for Costa Rica
Sustainability goes beyond transport and accommodation to what you pack, what you buy, and how you engage with both people and wildlife. Below are a few more of our tips for traveling in Costa Rica:
- Think before you buy: When buying souvenirs, avoid mass-produced items and instead purchase directly from artisans. Choose handcrafted woodwork, woven baskets, pottery, textiles, or natural jewelry, and make sure to never buy items made from animal parts.
- Respect the wildlife: Costa Rica is famous for its biodiversity, but responsible wildlife viewing is essential. Try to avoid overtouristy areas where animals show unnatural behavior, such as Manuel Antonio or around La Fortuna. Keep a respectful distance to prevent stress or disease transmission, and do not feed wildlife or attempt to get close-up selfies, which can endanger both you and the animal. Read our Ethical Wildlife Tourism Guide for more.
- Be considerate of the local community: Cultural respect is equally important. Learn a few phrases in Spanish or even words in Bribri or Maleku if visiting indigenous communities. Always ask before taking photos of locals, especially children, and approach conversations with humility, curiosity, and open-mindedness.
- Pack smartly: Bring a reusable water bottle and a portable water filter to reduce plastic waste, especially in more remote areas. Reef-safe sunscreen is essential, but even eco-friendly sunscreens can harm marine life if overused. Wear long-sleeve clothing, hats, and rash guards instead for extra protection. For a more comprehensive list, read our blog about What to Pack for Your Trip to Costa Rica.
Make Your Costa Rica Journey Impactful with Us
Traveling sustainably in Costa Rica is about making conscious choices, connecting deeply with people and places, and leaving behind a positive impact. And if you choose to travel with Impactful, we’ve already done the legwork for you! Our Costa Rica trips have been carefully designed to provide you with an experience that’s as memorable as it is sustainable, while also giving you the freedom to customize it to your wishes. If you have any questions or if you’re ready to begin your journey, don’t hesitate to contact us.
