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Costa Rica Ecoturism

There are currently 26 National Parks of Costa Rica, which are managed under the umbrella of SINAC (Sistema Nacional de Areas de Conservacion), a department of Costa Rica's Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE).

Costa Rica's progressive policies on environmental protection and sustainable ecotourism in the National Parks System have been lauded as a model for other countries. The rainforests, tropical forests, marine areas and wetlands of Costa Rica are the subject of many university and scientific organization studies. The enrichment of the world's knowledge of these important habitats is an invaluable contribution from the National Parks System of Costa Rica.

The Cordillera de Talamanca is home to an impressive collection of national parks and other preserved areas, including the La Amistad International Park, which extends into Panamá. On the southern Osa Peninsula is the internationally renowned Corcovado National Park, which preserves a remnant of sizeable lowland tropical rainforest that is unique in the world.

Some Links:

• INBiOparque
• Tierra Verde Adentures
• Interbus in Costa Rica
• Costa Rica Travel Store

Top Ecotourism Activities

For an excellent introduction to tropical ecosystems, walk with a naturalist guide in one of the public or private reserves. The guide knows where to look for the miniature orchid, the scarlet macaws, the three - toed sloth. He or she not only points out species but explains fascinating relationships among them. Leafcutting ants across the trail? Learn why they are called the gardeners of the insect world. A good guide makes all the difference. Some national parks and reserves offer guided walks; most private reserves have trained guides on staff.

Watch turtles lumber ashore to lay their eggs - six species nest in Costa Rica. Hot nesting spots are at Tortuguero, Playa Grande, Ostional, and Santa Rosa. Go with a guide and do not disturb the process. Notice that some hotels near areas where turtles nest minimize lights toward the beach that could keep female turtles from coming ashore. Ecotourism at work. If your timing is right, watch baby turtles emerge from the nest to make a run for the water.

Butterflies can brighten any day. Enjoy them in the wild, learn more about them at butterfly gardens located around the country. The gardens are one way that local people earn income from tourism - related activities that do not destroy the environment. Botanical gardens, aviaries, and snake exhibits offer other learning options.

Canopy tours give travelers a chance to see the upper level of the forest where life is unbelievably abundant. There's a tour for everyone. Some hoist you up to a platform, with little effort on your part, where you can observe flora and fauna at leisure. Others require hoisting yourself up. You can ride in a cablecar or walk along bridges through the treetops.

For a view from above, try a balloon ride, a nature flight in a small plane, or a tour in a ultralight. Back on the ground, you can go on horseback tours to spectacular waterfalls, or take a bicycle tour to top natural history destinations. Go underground for caving.

Both Caribbean and Pacific coasts offer snorkeling, diving, and surfing. Take to a kayak to enjoy both sea and coastline or to explore one of the country's beautiful rivers. White - water raft tours range from day trips to two - or - three remote lodges not accessible by road. Windsurfers head of Lake Arenal.

Nature's fiery side is protected in national parks around volcanoes such as Poás, Irazú, Rincón de la Vieja, and Arenal. Natural history tours to observe them can be arranged through agencies and hotels. Hot springs are attractions near Arenal and Rincón de la Vieja parks.

Costa Rica is a remarkable destination for natural history travelers. But remember that all tourism has an impact - be aware of your own, be responsible for your own. Be an ecotourist