Travel Responsibly

Recommendations for Sustainable Tourism and Environmental Protection

Costa Rica has long made environmental protection one of its highest priorities. With extraordinary biodiversity and natural beauty, the country has developed conservation and sustainable tourism programs to preserve its ecosystems, promote efficient resource use, and strengthen rural and local communities. As visitors, your actions matter. Every choice you make can help protect this paradise for future generations.

Responsible Practices During Your Stay

Save energy and water:

Turn off lights, electronics, and air conditioning when leaving your room. Close the tap while soaping or brushing your teeth, and take short showers.
Recycle and reduce waste:

Recycling is widely practiced in Costa Rica. Respect local systems and help us protect the environment.
Use reusable bottles:

Tap water is safe to drink in Costa Rica. Carrying a reusable bottle reduces single-use plastic waste.
Choose consciously:

Select products that are reusable, biodegradable, or recyclable and designed with minimal packaging
Dispose of waste responsibly:

Littering carries high fines and harms the environment. Always use designated bins or ask your guide for the best way to dispose of items.
Respect local culture:

Observe and appreciate Costa Rican traditions, lifestyles, and diversity with openness and respect.

Protecting Nature and Wildlife

Respect protected areas:

Follow rules and maintain cleanliness in national parks, beaches, and natural sites.
Do not feed animals:

Feeding wildlife alters their behavior and harms ecosystems.
Avoid selfies or direct contact with wild animals:

Human manipulation of wildlife, whether in captivity or in nature, is harmful and unsafe.
Do not extract plants, animals, sand, or seashells:

This is prohibited under Costa Rica’s Wildlife Conservation Law (No. 7317).
Do not buy products made from endangered species or cultural heritage artifacts:

Protected under the National Archaeological Heritage Law (No. 6703).

Social Responsibility

Protect children and adolescents:

Costa Rica does not tolerate commercial sexual exploitation, harassment, or abuse of minors. These crimes are punishable by imprisonment. Report suspicious activities to the anonymous line 800-8000-645 or dial 911.

Choose certified sustainable businesses:

Prefer hotels, tours, and operators with CST or other recognized certifications, ensuring your trip supports responsible practices.

Travel mindfully:

Limit noise pollution, respect community spaces, and engage with locals in ways that foster dignity and mutual benefit

Support local artisans:

Choose locally made products to contribute to the socioeconomic development of the communities you visit.

Visiting Cultural Heritage Communities

We believe that true luxury is found in connection with nature, with people, and with traditions that have stood the test of time. When visiting indigenous communities or those with distinctive cultural identities, we encourage travelers to approach each encounter with respect and genuine curiosity.

Honor their way of life:

Each community has its own language, customs, and traditions. Approach them with openness, learn from them, and respect their identity.
Value cultural expressions:

Masks, dances, crafts, and rituals are part of their heritage. Support artisans by purchasing their creations, ask about their meaning, but avoid imitating these expressions that belong to them.
Celebrate diversity:

Discover cultures different from your own without judgment. Every encounter is an opportunity to expand your perspective.
Seek guidance:

When in doubt, consult your guide. They will help you navigate cultural nuances with sensitivity.
Leave no trace:

Avoid single-use plastics and take your waste with you. Our transport units and partner hotels ensure proper treatment, protecting both communities and the environment.

By following these principles, every visit becomes more than a journey; it becomes a shared act of preservation and respect, ensuring that the communities we encounter benefit from tourism while their heritage remains intact.