Ecotourism in Costa Rica

Tourism to Costa Rica is still increasing and that is not surprising, for this country leaves nothing to be desired for even the most demanding tourist: beautiful beaches, mountains, primeval forests, temperatures from cold to warm, a briljant nature with an enormous number of birdspecies. In Costa Rica more birdspecies can be found than in the USA and Canada together. Furthermore Costa Rica has a stable government and a friendly population.

The increase of tourism however brings along the danger of destroying the natural and cultural history.

That’s why La Vida Activa endorses ecotourism.

It is known, that ecotourism means: “Responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people”(The Ecotourism Society)

Responsible travel is characterized by visitors having the motive to understand the cultural and natural history of the environment.

In 1990 was founded the Talamanca Association for Ecotourism and Conservation, ATEC (Asociación Talamanquena de Ecoturismo y Conservación), an organization with the intention to make a stand for the rights of the original inhabitants, the Indians, living in Talamanca in the East of Costa Rica.

ATEC promotes socially responsible ecotourism:

- Enjoy, appreciate, and learn about aspects of tropical ecology.

- Meet local people and learn from their traditional knowledge, cultures and lifestyles.

- Contribute to sustainable economic development and the expansion of social and educational opportunities for local residents.

- Become more knowledgeable about the social causes of environmental degradation and more committed to living in environmentally responsible ways in both host and home contries.