Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hanging bridge, Bosque Nuboso Monteverde
PHOTOGRAPH BY MIKAEL KVIST - WWW.PHOTORAMA.ME / GETTY IMAGES ©
Sustainable Travel
Presently, Costa Rica's visitors account for the largest sector of the national economy and
thus have unprecedented power to protect this country. How? By spending wisely, asking
probing questions about sustainability claims and simply avoiding businesses that threaten
Costa Rica's future.
In its purest form, sustainable tourism simply means striking the ideal balance between
the traveler and their surrounding environment. This often includes being conscientious
about energy and water consumption, and treading lightly on local environments and com-
munities. Sustainable tourism initiatives support their communities by hiring local people
for decent wages, furthering women's and civil rights and supporting local schools, artists
and food producers.
On the road, engage with the local economy as much as possible: for example, if a local
artisan's handiwork catches your eye, make the purchase - every dollar infuses the micro-
economy in the most direct (and rewarding) way.
