Wild heart of Costa Rica holiday

Planet

COSTA RICA: A Destination Committed to Conservation
Costa Rica is widely recognised as a global leader in environmental sustainability and responsible tourism. With over 6 per cent of the world's biodiversity contained within its borders, the country hosts one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. What makes Costa Rica particularly special is not only its natural treasures, but also its legislative commitment to protecting them.
The country is pioneering in its approach to environmental conservation. Costa Rica established the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) programme in 1997, making it one of the first nations to create a comprehensive certification system for tourism businesses. The CST measures 152 sustainability factors across four key areas: biological and physical surroundings, physical environment management, customer service, and socio-economic impacts. This certification has become a global model for sustainable tourism practices and is recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
Environmentally, Costa Rica has reversed deforestation, a rare feat for any tropical nation, increasing forest cover from 21 per cent in 1987 to over 60 per cent today. Over 25 per cent of the national territory is protected within national parks, biological reserves and wildlife refuges under the National System of Conservation Areas. Furthermore, Costa Rica generates the vast majority of its electricity from renewable sources, setting a global standard for clean energy production.
The country's legal framework reflects this commitment. The Biodiversity Law (1998) integrates protection of biological resources with participatory governance. The Forest Law (Law No. 7575) governs conservation and sustainable forest management. Through its innovative Payment for Environmental Services (PES) programme, Costa Rica has avoided the emission of 165.9 million tonnes of carbon between 1999 and 2015. In recognition of its decades-long commitment to environmental protection and climate action, Costa Rica was awarded the United Nations Environment Programme's Champions of the Earth Award for policy leadership.
With a target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 through its National Decarbonisation Plan, Costa Rica continues to set ambitious goals for environmental stewardship. This trip allows you to explore a destination where conservation is a fundamental principle guiding tourism and economic growth.

PLANET

CARBON REDUCTION
Human-Powered Activities
A substantial portion of this Costa Rica adventure utilises human-powered transport. At Playa Nicuesa Lodge, guests have unlimited access to kayaking and self-guided activities using kayaks and snorkelling equipment. The Rio Esquinas Mangrove Jungle River Tour offers kayaking options as an alternative to motorised boat transport. Hiking features prominently throughout the itinerary: guests explore the pristine cloudforests of San Gerardo de Dota on foot, undertake nature walks at Arenal Hanging Bridges Park (three kilometres of trails), hike to rainforest waterfalls at Playa Nicuesa, and walk through Arenal National Park's observation bays. Over four days of the trip actively incorporate walking and hiking as the primary mode of exploration.

Sustainable Accommodation Choices
All accommodations on this itinerary have been selected for their environmental credentials. Playa Nicuesa Lodge operates as an eco-lodge located within a private nature preserve on the Osa Peninsula, one of the world's most biodiverse regions. The lodge offers unlimited self-guided hiking on preserve trails, demonstrating its commitment to conservation. Lost Iguana Resort & Spa in Arenal is positioned within a nature-rich setting, offering activities centred on the national park and natural environment. Chayote Lodge in Naranjo sits within the coffee plantation region, allowing guests to experience sustainable agricultural practices.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Nature-Focused Activities and Expert Guides
This itinerary is structured entirely around nature observation and wildlife appreciation, with all activities led by expert naturalist guides. At San Gerardo de Dota, morning quetzal walks and birdwatching excursions at Trogon Lodge are conducted by knowledgeable local guides who share detailed information about the region's more than 170 bird species. The resplendent quetzal, considered one of the most beautiful bird species in the Americas, is a flagship species for cloud forest conservation.
At Playa Nicuesa Lodge, guests choose from guided eco-sport activities including guided rainforest waterfall hikes and guided tours of mangrove ecosystems. The night hike provides insight into nocturnal wildlife behaviour. Arenal activities include boat tours along Lake Arenal's forested shores specifically designed to spot wildlife, as well as the Arenal Hanging Bridges Park nature walk, located within a bird migration corridor between North and South America. This positioning makes it ideal for observing migratory bird species and understanding ecosystem connectivity.

Protected Areas and Conservation Entry Fees
The itinerary includes entry into several key protected areas, with fees supporting conservation. Arenal Volcano National Park entrance fee is included in the Arenal Volcano by the Lake activity. Arenal Hanging Bridges Park entrance fee is included in that excursion. These protected areas are part of Costa Rica's National System of Conservation Areas, which encompasses 25 per cent of the nation's territory and represents one of the world's most advanced protected area systems.
Playa Nicuesa Lodge is situated on the Osa Peninsula, adjacent to Corcovado National Park, described as 'the most biologically intense place on earth' with thirteen separate ecosystems, nearly one hundred tree species and almost four hundred bird species. The lodge's private nature preserve and the activities it offers contribute directly to the protection of this irreplaceable ecosystem.

Biodiversity and Habitat Restoration
The destinations visited represent some of Costa Rica's most significant biodiversity hotspots. The cloudforests of San Gerardo de Dota support species found nowhere else on earth. The rainforests of the Osa Peninsula form part of the Pacific lowland rainforest, now the last remaining example of its kind of sustainable size in Central America. Lake Arenal and its forested shoreline provide critical habitat for numerous bird species and terrestrial wildlife.
Costa Rica's Payment for Environmental Services (PES) programme, the innovative scheme that inspired similar programmes globally, has enabled habitat restoration across the country through forest regeneration. The forests surrounding this itinerary's key destinations, including those around Arenal and the Osa Peninsula, have benefited from these conservation initiatives.

People

PEOPLE

LOCAL ECONOMY
All accommodations selected for this itinerary are locally owned and/or managed properties. None are international chains. Casa 41 in San Jose is a boutique property; Playa Nicuesa Lodge on the Osa Peninsula is an independently operated eco-lodge serving as a community-focused enterprise.

All naturalist guides conducting wildlife and nature activities are hired locally, ensuring that expertise about regional ecosystems remains within the community and that guide income benefits local families. The Arenal Volcano by the Lake activity includes a visit to a local family business where traditional food and drinks are served, directly supporting small-scale local enterprises.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Employment and Staff Welfare
All accommodation providers and activity operators used on this itinerary employ staff from Costa Rica, with the majority from local communities near each destination. Naturalist guides are sourced locally from the regions where activities take place, ensuring that knowledge of local ecosystems supports local livelihoods. Staff employed across these operations are paid in accordance with Costa Rican minimum wage standards and employment laws.

Accessibility and Inclusivity
This is an active holiday, however activities and excursions can be adapted to suit ages and fitness levels.
Costa Rica is widely recognised for its progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights, offering legal protection. It is known as one of the most welcoming destinations in Central America for LGBTQ+ travellers. All accommodations and operators selected have demonstrated commitment to inclusive and welcoming hospitality.

Indigenous Communities and Local Knowledge
Costa Rica's commitment to indigenous peoples is reflected in its Biodiversity Law and its recognition of indigenous territories within the National System of Conservation Areas. The naturalist guides employed throughout this itinerary often include indigenous knowledge holders and representatives of local communities who maintain traditional understanding of regional ecosystems and wildlife behaviour.

Conclusion
This Costa Rica itinerary exemplifies responsible travel practices aligned with Responsible Travel's commitment to 'Making a Difference'. By choosing this holiday, you support environmental conservation, local economic development, community employment and sustainable tourism practices. Your journey through Costa Rica's protected areas and with locally owned operators directly contributes to the preservation of one of the world's most biodiverse and conservation-forward destinations.