Sustainable travel is a great way to build environmental and cultural awareness and provide direct financial support for natural and wildlife conservation. With such a global demand for environmental sustainability, it is vital that we begin to restructure the way in which we travel, from minimizing plastic use to investing in activities that promote conservation efforts and local communities!
Costa Rica
Costa Rica has unique and vast biodiversity that offers travelers a glimpse into different ecosystems with 26 national parks, 58 wildlife refuges, 32 protected zones, 15 wetland areas, 11 forest reserves, and eight biological reserves. They also offer sustainable volunteer programs!
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
This group of islands is both geographically remote and geologically unique. Galapagos archipelago was the first to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can follow Charles Darwin's footsteps and explore the unique wildlife that has historically changed the way in which understand evolution.
Puerto Rico
The island of Puerto Rico offers unique locations that are rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the national forest system, and it is considered the heart of the island. Puerto Rico is also home to a plethora of beaches, which are extremely famous for the snorkeling and scuba diving scene. This island has it all: a combination of rivers, beaches, indigenous caves, historical monuments, and exceptional nightlife!
Iceland
Iceland is one of the main ecotourism destinations and is widely known for its massive glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, lava fields, gushing geysers and geothermal lagoons. Unfortunately, the negative impacts of climate change are witnessed firsthand as the glaciers melt at an incredibly fast pace and make their way to the ocean. Although Iceland is famous for destinations such as the Blue Lagoon, Gullfoss, and Skógafoss, it is also highly recommended to visit the island's breathtaking glaciers before they are completely gone.
Panama
Panama is home to over 10,000 species, 1,500 types of tress, and miles of coral reef habitats, making it one of the top destinations for ecotourism. Although the country has a vast array of biodiversity and cultural richness to share with the world, tourism remains relatively new to the country. This means that, as a sustainable traveler, you would be able to contribute to their local economy and help propel their ecotourist mission!
