Sustainable Travel Guide: Costa Rica

This travel guide focuses on sustainable travel in Costa Rica, a booming tourist destination in Central America. Starting with the key sustainability pillars, this guide outlines Costa Rica’s environmental, economic, and sociocultural background to provide important context for any future visitor. Lastly, we equip travelers with dos and don'ts, responsible travel activities, and other tips to ensure an unforgettable and sustainable experience in Costa Rica.

Sustainable Travel in Costa Rica: Key Sustainability Pillars

Environmental

Despite Costa Rica being a bit smaller than the US state of West Virginia, it is recognized as a world leader in environmental sustainability. This commitment is deeply connected to its extraordinary natural landscapes. Pristine beaches, towering volcanoes, lush cloud forests, and sprawling rainforests make Costa Rica a dream destination for travelers seeking both adventure and a connection with nature.

The country is bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, offering over 800 miles of coastline and a diverse variety of marine ecosystems. The Pacific Coast is popular for visitors seeking golden beaches, surfing, mangrove forests, and dramatic sunsets. In contrast, the smaller, less-visited Caribbean Coast offers a slower pace, vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture, and rare wildlife experiences such as observing sea turtle nesting.

Inland, Costa Rica’s rugged mountains form part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a chain of more than 450 volcanoes created by centuries of tectonic movement. Today, the country is home to five active volcanoes, including the iconic Arenal Volcano - a must-visit for many. These volcanic soils make the land exceptionally fertile, resulting in dense forests and bountiful agricultural regions that lend themselves to agrotourism visits to sustainable and organic farms.

The cloud forests and rainforests are popular draws and continuously entice travelers. Cloud forests are cool, wet habitats constantly shrouded in clouds and found higher up in the mountains, the most popular being the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Rainforests are hot, humid environments with heavy rainfall. Combined, these forests provide an ideal home for monkeys, sloths, toucans, tree frogs, and many other species.

Whether you’re hiking through volcanic craters, gliding along mangrove waterways, or spotting hummingbirds in a cloud forest, Costa Rica offers a special glimpse into a broad spectrum of biodiversity (you can find nearly six percent of the world's biodiversity here). The country has therefore earned its recognition as a key destination for ecotourism.

Economic

Costa Rica is one of the most stable countries in Central America, with democratic political stability, no military force, and sustained economic growth. Historically, the country’s economy was built almost entirely on agriculture, namely bananas and coffee; however, Costa Rica has diversified in recent years. Nowadays, the economy also thrives in medical device manufacturing, tourism, and real estate.   

Tourism has become a significant contributor to Costa Rica’s economy, generating 8.2% of the country's GDP and 8.8% of its jobs. In 2024, 2.6 million tourists visited Costa Rica, contributing roughly $5.434 billion to the economy and fueling local businesses. Many travelers are drawn by Costa Rica’s world-renowned eco-tourism and sustainability efforts, making their visits both memorable and impactful.

Despite these successes, Costa Rica still faces its challenges. Around 20% of the population still lives in poverty, and rising costs affect daily life. Yet, the country continues to invest 5.3% of its GDP into the public healthcare system and education, resulting in Costa Rica having one of the highest standards of living in Central America.

Sociocultural

“Pura Vida,” Costa Rica’s unofficial national slogan, has become an iconic expression that perfectly summarizes the Costa Rican, or Tico, outlook on life. Directly translated as “pure life”, the phrase is used as a friendly greeting, in community celebrations, and as a reminder to live life to the fullest. This positive approach to life helps Costa Rica consistently rank as one of the top happiest countries in the world, and a place where travelers will find a warm welcome and encouragement to embrace the pura vida lifestyle!

The Costa Rican population is a unique blend of European, Indigenous, and Afro-Caribbean heritage. There are eight recognized Indigenous peoples, including the Bribri, Boruca, and Cabécar. Spain colonized the country in the 1500s, leaving a significant influence on the culture, from Spanish-inspired dishes like gallo pinto to traditional dances such as salsa. Seeking out indigenous communities and authentic experiences can be a meaningful addition to your travel plans.

Venture along the Caribbean Coast and you will experience a whole different side of Costa Rica. This region showcases its Afro-Caribbean roots in both its cuisine and music. Local dishes feature coconut, plantains, and fresh seafood, offering flavors different from the inland and Pacific regions. Music is vibrant, with reggae, calypso, and traditional drums featured in beachside gatherings, daily life, and festivals - which can be a particularly fun time to visit the country!
Indigenous communities across Costa Rica work to preserve their languages, rituals, and cultural practices through education and social programs; however, they continue to face challenges. From territorial rights to self-determination, notable tensions have increased around international migration and increased tourism. Travelers can support these communities by engaging respectfully with local cultural experiences, buying traditional crafts, or participating in guided tours led by community members.

Everything Else

Healthcare

Before traveling to Costa Rica, ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all international travelers be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. 

Additionally, depending on your travel itinerary and activities, vaccines for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and malaria may be recommended. Zika is also widespread in Costa Rica, so you may want to travel elsewhere if pregnant. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider at least a month before your trip to determine which vaccinations are appropriate for you.

If you require medical attention during your visit, travelers should consult private hospitals and clinics, most of which are found in major urban areas, and often offer services in English. Travelling with insurance is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself while travelling abroad, so consider coverage in addition to vaccinations. 

Safety

Costa Rica is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. However, as with any international travel, it's important to exercise caution. The U.S. Department of State advises travelers to "exercise increased caution" in Costa Rica due to crime, including petty theft and occasional violent incidents. It's recommended to avoid isolated areas, especially at night, and to be vigilant in crowded, touristy places.

As mentioned earlier, this is a land of adventure, and any water activities, bungee jumping, scuba diving, or canopy touring should be done with increased caution and support from a local guide. Riptides are strong in Costa Rica, so be sure to follow local signs and advice to stay safe while swimming. 
Costa Rica is located in a hot spot of tectonic activity, so natural disasters are bound to occur. Hurricane season takes place from June to November, so travelling outside of this period is generally safer. Other natural disasters to be mindful of include earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and volcanic activity. Keep an eye on weather warnings before and during your stay, and follow a Costa Rican news source for real-time information.

Seasonal

Costa Rica experiences two main seasons:

Dry Season (December–April): This is the most popular time to visit, characterized by sunny days and minimal rainfall. It's ideal for beach activities, hiking, and exploring national parks. Be sure to make reservations well in advance to get ahead of the crowds. 
Green Season (May–November): Also known as the rainy season (and possible hurricane season), this period sees afternoon showers, especially in the central and Pacific regions. Peak rainy season falls around September, so visiting around May or June is ideal for those looking to travel during the shoulder season.

Holidays

Costa Rica observes many national holidays and hosts festivals that celebrate its rich culture and history. One of the most important events is Independence Day on September 15th, marking Costa Rica’s sovereignty from Spain in 1821. The celebrations begin a few days before with the Antorchas de la Independencia (Torch Parade), where a torch is carried through Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and ending in Costa Rica. On the day itself, parades, school events, and cultural performances take place across the country. You’ll find faroles (handmade lanterns) and plenty of Casados, the popular dish containing rice, beans, and plantains, at most Independence Day events. 

For religious celebrations, Semana Santa (Holy Week, March/April) follows the Easter calendar and is observed with processions, family gatherings, and religious ceremonies throughout the country. Likewise, Virgin of Los Angeles Day on August 2nd brings thousands of pilgrims to Cartago in honor of Costa Rica’s patron saint.

Costa Rica also hosts vibrant cultural festivals, such as the Carnaval de Limón in October, which showcases Afro-Caribbean heritage through music, dance, and street parades. At the end of the year, the Festival of Lights, or the Festival de la Luz, lights up San José with illuminated floats, fireworks, and performances, marking the start of the holiday season. Another unique festival is the Fiesta de los Diablitos, celebrated by the Boruca Indigenous community at the end of December, which reenacts the resistance against Spanish colonization with colorful costumes and traditional rituals.

Sustainable Travel in Costa Rica: Do’s and Don’ts

What to do in Costa Rica:

• Stay vigilant in tourist hotspots. Major cities experience most petty theft; keep an eye on your belongings on buses, attractions, hotel lobbies, and restaurants. 
• Carry your passport with you, specifically proof of your entry stamp into Costa Rica. Make copies of your travel documents for extra security. 
• Follow local weather and safety advisories when partaking in adventure activities, including swimming, rafting, or bungee jumping. 
• Consult your doctor before travelling, and when in doubt, bring insect repellent. 
• Boil drinking water, use a water filter, or bring a filtration water bottle to avoid water-borne diseases.
• Pack proper sun protection, including reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. 
• Remain a safe distance from animals, do not touch or feed them, and respect the “Stop Animal Selfie” movement. 
• Book accommodations, tour operators, and transportation with a CST (Certification for Sustainable Tourism) to ensure they follow sustainable practices.
• Dress modestly when visiting religious areas.  
• Obtain a park permit when visiting national parks. 
• In case of a natural disaster, know your evacuation routes, identify your local shelter, and keep your passport in a waterproof location.
• Join in conservation efforts, whether it be through reforestation, sea turtle conservation, or wildlife monitoring. 
• If flying domestically within Costa Rica, consider Aerocaribe, Costa Rica’s carbon-neutral airline. 
• Ensure souvenirs are handmade and bought directly from the workshop. Many markets sell imported goods rather than locally made pieces.
• Embrace the Pura Vida!

What NOT to do in Costa Rica:

• Don’t swim alone or outside of marked areas; riptides cause numerous deaths each year.  
• Don’t camp or sleep overnight on beaches. 
• Never leave drinks unattended, as there have been increased incidents of drink spiking. 
• Avoid public displays of affection, especially in same-sex relationships. Although legal, they may not always be socially accepted in certain areas.
• Don’t forget to leave a tip - 10% is standard. 
• Do not purchase any souvenirs made from tortoise shell, fur, leather, or coral. 
• Do not wander off trail - stay on marked paths while hiking or taking day trips, and always leave no trace. 
• Avoid single-use plastics as much as possible and participate in Costa Rica’s sustainability movement.

Sustainable Travel Activities in Costa Rica

Visit the volcanoes

The emblematic volcanoes of Costa Rica are a main draw for many visitors, with the symmetrical Arenal Volcano being the most widely recognized. Due to Costa Rica’s location along the Ring of Fire, it boasts dozens of volcanoes, six of which are active. The conical Arenal is one such active volcano, though it’s currently in a ‘resting’ phase, with its last notable eruption in 2010.

Volcanic areas attract onlookers curious to see the natural spectacle, and to meander the surrounding areas, which often include hot springs and bountiful farms and agricultural areas due to particularly fertile soil.

Volcano tourism in Costa Rica is generally safe, though the National Emergency Commission monitors the volcanoes and issues warnings and alerts as needed.

This tour combines the best of Rainforests, Volcanoes, & Beaches – you’ll walk along hanging bridges through a rainforest with an iconic view of the Arenal Volcano and have a day at your leisure to visit the namesake national park, hot springs, or other nearby attractions.

Take a sustainable agriculture tour 

Costa Rica’s agricultural landscapes offer more than just beautiful vistas - they’re also a chance to connect with indigenous communities and learn more about local daily life. Agritourism experiences in the coffee regions and going on organic farm tours invite travelers to explore how food is grown and harvested, all while supporting ethical farming practices. Many farms highlight regenerative agriculture and implement farming techniques that are deeply connected to Costa Rican heritage.

For coffee lovers and foodies, this Coffee to Coast self-drive tour hits the mark. You’ll visit an authentic coffee plantation in the lush Naranjo region, roll up your sleeves at a hands-on cooking class in a local home, and cultivate traditional sugarcane, coffee, and banana alongside rural families. The community-centric journey also includes a serene safari boat outing and time spent rejuvenating in eco-friendly lodgings.

Hike in a cloud forest 

Costa Rica’s cloud forests are remarkable, lush places where orchids, mosses, and ferns thrive under dense canopies. High-altitude regions like Monteverde and Santa Elena are biodiversity hotspots, home to over 2,500 plant species, hundreds of bird species, and a variety of amphibians and mammals.

Hiking in these tropical rainforests is a sustainable way to experience Costa Rica’s breathtaking beauty and biodiversity, with the added bonus that many tours emphasize conservation education. Guided walks along misty trails often include visits to private reserves and community-led conservation projects.

As always, stay on designated trails, leave no trace, and bring water with you. 

On this Sustainable Essence tour, you’ll get to explore Costa Rica’s Monteverde cloud forest and the Sarapiquí rainforest, ideal for travelers eager to experience these habitats in the daytime, at night, from the ground, and from the tree tops.

Explore the marine life

Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts are home to some of the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems. From vibrant coral reefs to serene mangrove estuaries, the country's waters are filled with life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish. Snorkeling or scuba diving here offers the chance to explore these colorful underwater worlds and learn more about these aquatic environments. 

For those seeking a unique and sustainable adventure, this tour featuring Niche Eco Experiences explores the lesser-visited national parks and marine reserves of Costa Rica. Highlights include a magical bioluminescent tour on a secluded island, snorkeling with a local expert, and a boat tour gliding through the Caño Negro wetlands.

Wildlife spotting

Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to see iconic tropical species in their natural habitats. From turtles, frogs, and crocodiles in the water, to jaguars, and iguanas on the forest floor, to sloths and monkeys high in the trees, it's a delight being in the presence of so many different animals.

On any tour involving wildlife, be sure to keep a safe distance from the animals, never feed or touch them, and follow any specific advice your guide shares. Remember—you are in these creatures’ home, and respecting their space ensures your safety and theirs.

A standout experience for animal-loving families is our Immersive Costa Rica Family Adventure. This 10-day tour explores several regions, including Sarapiquí, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio. Highlights include rainforest hikes, river safaris, and sloth-watching tours, all led by fellow animal-loving expert local guides.

Birdwatching  

Travelers will marvel at Costa Rica’s varied habitats, each home to a completely different set of bird species and over 900 avian species in total (more than in the US and Canada combined). This makes the country an absolute dream destination for birders.

On a birdwatching tour, you’ll be on the lookout for toucans, quetzals, scarlet macaws - and the list goes on. Birdwatching here is not only a peaceful and immersive way to experience nature, but it’s also a low-impact activity that supports conservation efforts and sustainable tourism initiatives. Whether peering through binoculars in the wetlands or the cloud forest, birdwatching here is sure to be a unique and memorable experience.

Birding with a local expert guide will help you spot rare species and gain a deeper understanding of these winged creatures. Choosing certified sustainable birdwatching experiences ensures your visit benefits local communities and protects natural habitats. Look for operators with a Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) to confirm they are truly a sustainable choice. 
For an in-depth and guided birdwatching experience, consider this 14-day Birdwatching tour through some of Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems and keep an eye out for endemic and migratory species. It’s perfect for anyone looking to connect with nature while minimizing their environmental impact.

Costa Rica as a Sustainable Destination

Costa Rica is widely regarded as one of the most sustainable destinations in the world, thanks to decades of investment in conservation and eco-tourism. This small Central American country protects more than 25% of its land through national parks and reserves, and became “the first tropical country in the world to have reversed deforestation.” Costa Rica's extensive conservation efforts aim to protect its ecosystems, and the many species that live within them, for future generations.

The country has also set ambitious sustainability goals, including plans to become carbon neutral, and was an early adopter of renewable energy: nearly 100% of Costa Rica’s electricity already comes from renewable sources. Eco-certifications like the CST were created to encourage hotels, tour operators, and destinations to adopt environmentally responsible practices, making it easier for travelers to choose businesses that actively support sustainability.

While Costa Rica is an inspiration, there are still areas for improvement. The rise in tourism has created challenges around overcrowding in popular destinations, waste management, and infrastructure. Still, this sustainable paradise destination has proven that a country can balance prioritizing nature while welcoming visitors. 

Keeping Costa Rica the eco-haven that it is also relies on travelers making conscientious choices. From visiting lesser-known regions or during the off-season, to choosing locally owned accommodations,  to reducing single-use plastics, supporting conservation projects, and respecting wildlife and local communities, each action contributes to maintaining Costa Rica’s sustainable reputation.
One way to simplify the guesswork is, of course, to book a package tour from a CST-certified company that is fully aligned with providing responsible experiences to mindful travelers. Our locally-owned partner does just that. Check out all of our Costa Rica trips here, and come experience the pura vida for yourself!

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