The afternoon light filters through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the muddy trail. A guide pauses to point out a troop of spider monkeys swinging overhead. For the group following him, the path ahead holds a question that arises with every footstep: how to keep this wild place exactly as it was found.
Costa Rica has long drawn travelers who prize its biodiversity. From the misty Monteverde cloud forest to the volcanic ridges of Arenal, the country’s protected areas cover more than a quarter of the landmass. But with increasing numbers comes pressure. Data from the Costa Rican Tourism Board indicates that annual visitor arrivals surpassed three million in recent years, placing strain on both infrastructure and ecosystems.
The idea of a clean adventure here is not merely about leaving no litter behind. Many accommodations have adopted rigorous sustainability certifications