World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica

November 10-19, 2014 (10 days)

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Renowned internationally as a model for sustainable development and frequently featured on Ethical Traveler’s annual Top 10 Best Ethical Destinations report, Costa Rica has been lauded as the birthplace of ecotourism. Join AltruVistas and Ethical Traveler on World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica*, a 10-day journey to explore Costa Rica’s abundant natural treasures and rich cultural heritage while meeting and speaking with government organizations, NGOs and locals to gain a first hand understanding of the economic importance and impact of tourism on this Central American nation that attracts 1.7 million tourists a year.

Home to about 5% of the existing biodiversity in the world and with nearly a quarter of the country reserved as natural protected territory, Costa Rica is celebrated as one of the oldest democracies in the Americas. Since gaining independence from Spain in 1821, the country has embraced progressive policies that champion social and economic development. Costa Rica abolished its military forces and reprioritized resources to health and education in 1949 and aims to be a carbon neutral country by 2021. In addition to the impact of tourism, World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica also explores the country’s other main commodities – coffee and banana – for a solid understanding of the economic benefits and challenges facing the country today.

Some highlights of World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica include speaking with representatives of the Ministry of Tourism to understand the impact of tourism on the country, meeting and visiting the Bribri indigenous tribe to learn about their culture; a guided hike in Tortuguero National Park, an important nesting site for the endangered green turtle; meet ACAPRO (Organic Producers Association of Peasants) representatives to understand sustainable development from this fair-trade association of producers, and many more opportunities to speak and engage with locals and NGOs chartering a sustainable future for Costa Rica. Rounding out our activities will be a stay at Casa Calateas, a community-owned eco lodge above the hills of Cahuita National Park with spectacular views of the Talamanca mountain range. Join us on this unforgettable journey as we discover Costa Rica’s natural treasures and learn about life in this dynamic country from its cultural mélange of indigenous peoples and descendants of European, Afro-Carribean and Asian immigrants.

Co-sponsored* by Ethical Traveler and AltruVistas, World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica, adheres to the highest responsible tourism practices and aims to support and economically benefit local communities we visit while concurrently promoting cross-cultural understanding between visitors and locals.

Tour Prices:

10-12 participants | $2610 per person
13-16 participants | $2410 per person

Single rooms are available for an additional $500. If you are a single traveler, we will try to match you with another solo traveler of the same sex for twin share accommodations.

Group Size:

10-16 participants

Register for tour:

Please download and complete AltruVistas’ booking form then return the completed registration form with your deposit to AltruVistas. If you have any questions about the tour or registration process, please contact Malia Everette.

For pictures of Ethical Traveler’s past Cuba trips, please visit our Facebook page.

*World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica itinerary was developed in collaboration by Ethical Traveler and AltruVistas. Tour registration and all trip logistics and facilitation are handled by AltruVistas.

Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control such as weather; road conditions; and flight, train and boat schedules.