Costa Rica Eco-Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Do, and How to Travel Responsibly

Costa Rica isn’t just a destination — it’s the blueprint for what eco-tourism can be. This small Central American country protects over 25% of its land, generates nearly 100% of its electricity from renewables, and has doubled its forest cover in the last 30 years. Whether you’re chasing howler monkeys in Monteverde or surfing in Santa Teresa, here’s how to experience Costa Rica the sustainable way.

Best Eco-Friendly Regions

Monteverde Cloud Forest

The crown jewel of Costa Rican eco-tourism. This misty highland reserve is home to over 400 bird species, including the resplendent quetzal. Walk suspended bridges through the canopy, take a night tour to spot tree frogs and sleeping toucans, or zip-line above the forest floor. The entire Monteverde community was built around conservation — the Quakers who founded it in the 1950s were pacifists seeking a peaceful, nature-connected life.

Stay: Hotel Belmar (carbon-neutral, farm-to-table restaurant) or Monteverde Lodge & Gardens

Don’t miss: Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve — less crowded than Monteverde Reserve with equally stunning biodiversity

Osa Peninsula & Corcovado National Park

National Geographic called Corcovado “the most biologically intense place on Earth.” This remote peninsula on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast holds 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity in just 164 square miles. Tapirs, scarlet macaws, all four Costa Rican monkey species, and even jaguars roam these primary rainforests. Access is limited and guided — exactly how it should be.

Stay: Lapa Rios Lodge (see our eco-lodge guide) or Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge

Don’t miss: Drake Bay as a base — small town, big adventure, minimal footprint

Tortuguero

Accessible only by boat or small plane, Tortuguero is where green sea turtles nest between July and October. The village has no roads — just canals, boats, and rainforest. Join a guided night patrol to watch turtles lay eggs on the beach, or explore the canals by kayak spotting caimans, river otters, and Jesus Christ lizards (yes, the ones that walk on water).

Stay: Tortuga Lodge or Evergreen Lodge

Don’t miss: The Sea Turtle Conservancy visitor center — they’ve been protecting these beaches since 1959

Nicoya Peninsula

One of the world’s five Blue Zones (where people live longest), Nicoya combines wellness culture with incredible Pacific coastline. Surf towns like Nosara and Santa Teresa have strong sustainability communities, organic restaurants, and yoga retreats. The area is also home to Ostional Wildlife Refuge, where olive ridley sea turtles arrive by the hundreds of thousands during mass nesting events.

Stay: The Harmony Hotel (Nosara) — carbon-neutral, no single-use plastics

Getting Around Sustainably

Public buses: Costa Rica’s bus network reaches almost everywhere and costs $2-15 per trip. Slow but authentic — you’ll share the ride with locals, chickens, and the occasional surfboard.

Shared shuttles: Services like Interbus and Ride CR run fixed routes between tourist destinations. More comfortable than public buses, cheaper than private transfers, and you split the carbon footprint.

Rent an EV: Costa Rica is rapidly expanding EV infrastructure. Companies like Poás Rent a Car offer electric vehicles, and charging stations are popping up along major routes.

Responsible Wildlife Encounters

Costa Rica banned zoos and hunting, but not all wildlife tourism is equal. Follow these rules:

• Never touch or feed wildlife — especially monkeys and sloths
• Keep 2+ meters distance from all animals
• Hire certified naturalist guides — they know where to look without disturbing habitats
• Skip selfie attractions — if you can hold a sloth or parrot, it’s not ethical
• Report violations to SINAC (Costa Rica’s conservation authority)

What to Pack for Costa Rica

Costa Rica is tropical, humid, and rainy (especially May-November). Essentials include:

• Reef-safe sunscreen (required near marine areas)
• Quick-dry clothing and rain jacket
• Reusable water bottle (tap water is safe in most areas)
• Binoculars for birdwatching
• Waterproof bag for electronics

See our full sustainable packing list for detailed recommendations.

Budget Breakdown

Costa Rica isn’t the cheapest Central American country, but sustainable travel here doesn’t have to break the bank:

• Budget: $50-80/day (hostels, buses, local food)
• Mid-range: $100-200/day (eco-lodges, shuttles, guided tours)
• Luxury eco: $300-600/day (premium lodges, private guides, domestic flights)

Check our budget travel tips for ways to stretch your colones further.

When to Visit

Dry season (December-April): Peak season, higher prices, guaranteed sunshine. Book well ahead for popular eco-lodges.

Green season (May-November): Lower prices, fewer tourists, lush landscapes. Rain usually falls in afternoon bursts, leaving mornings clear. This is when sea turtles nest and whale sharks visit. Our recommendation? Go green season.

Costa Rica proves that a country can build its economy around nature rather than against it. Travel here, spend wisely, and you’re directly funding the conservation model the rest of the world needs to follow.