Our Pick For The Best Places For Ecotourism in the world

When we think of traveling, it is easy to think of the insta-perfect location with exotic views and sights to see. However, reducing the impact of your travel must be of equal importance. Indeed, it is to be well aware of your carbon footprint and how you can minimize the effects to help make your trip green and sustainable while still enjoyable.

It is true that over the years, people have become much more concerned with their impact on the environment, mainly due to the hits of past events. Hence, the popularity of green travel and ecotourism in the world has shot up as travelers seek destinations that benefit both the environment and the local communities.

Indeed, exploring the best ecotourism places will help the environment and give you a sense of fulfillment and enjoyment. This is the chance to come close to untouched nature and be there in the moment. Herewith, if you are up for such ecotourism destinations around the globe, do stick with us.

Overview of Ecotourism

Do you agree that “ecotourism” and “green travel” have been thrown around quite often? Yes, you do hear it a lot more often than you used to in the past days. But what exactly does this term mean, why do you think it is this important, and where can you find these ecotourism destinations worldwide?

Well, learn all those attributes right here!

Ecotourism, Its Importance, And Destination

In simple words, ecotourism is an opportunity to enjoy untouched nature without leaving any of your trails behind. It is responsible travel that not only gives you complete joy but also conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of the local people.

And as a traveler following the vision of ecotourism, you are called the green traveler. Green travelers are mindful of their actions in the environment and see the world through the lens of sustainability.

Having said all of those, it must have also been somewhat clear why ecotourism is essential for everyone. Traveling is fantastic, witnessing a culture you have never experienced before and standing on land you have never gone to.

One of the reasons why ecotourism is essential is simply cause we would love the upcoming generations to feel and see the exact thing we do now. It is the conservation of environmental resources for a longer timeframe.

Altogether, ecotourism is not about visiting a trendy destination at all. Ecotourism destinations often tend to be tourist hotspots, but travel is limited. Overall, if you are hooked on the concept of ecotourism, below are some of the ecotourism places in the world you should visit.

Costa Rica

As a fun fact, Costa Rica is known as the world’s best ecotourism destination. They are one of the first countries to promote responsible travel and the first carbon-neutral country.

Rio Aguajitas, Costa Rica
Rio Aguajitas, Costa Rica (Source – Flickr)

Costa Rica is a tropical destination and boasts rainforests, cloud forests, countless beaches, volcanoes, and mountains. At the same time, they also have 26 National Parks, 58 wildlife refuges, 32 protected zones, 15 wetland areas, 11 forest reserves, and eight biological reserves.

Yes, 26% of their total land is covered with the conserved areas, and among them all, Corcovado National Park is the base for ecotourism.

Some of the activities you may enjoy while in Costa Rice are below.

  • Go whale watching in Costa Rican waters.
  • Enjoy volcano hopping.
  • Visit the coffee plantation area.
  • Scuba dive on Caño Island.

Iceland

One of the dream destinations for most travelers, Iceland is famous for its volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields. Not to mention, they are also home to the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis.

Additionally, Iceland is also known for its abundance of geothermal energy. Often this gives them the natural hot springs and spas like the Blue Lagoon. Thingvellir National Park, Vatnajökull National Park, and Skaftafell National Park are some of its top ecotourism locations.

Some of the activities you may enjoy while in Iceland are as below.

  • Glacier walks and walks around lava fields with a local in the Westman Islands.
  • Horse riding in Stora Asgeirsa, Hestaland, and Skeiðvellir.
  • Visit the Blue Lagoon.
  • Snorkel between two continents, the American and Eurasian.
  • Paddle around Stokkseyri.
  • Bike in the Icelandic mountains.

Kenya

Indeed, Kenya is one of Africa’s most prominent examples of ecotourism. It is also one of the world’s wonders, where wildlife thrives and roams in freedom. This nation is home to 55 national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries.

Masai Mara, Kenya
Masai Mara, Kenya (Source – Wikimedia Commons)

Indeed, these reserves that were open to the public attracted loads of tourists, gradually increasing poaching. Hence, the government stopped illegal poaching and banned single-use plastics and plastic bags. Indeed, they have the strictest ban on plastics while supporting sustainable tourism.

Some of the activities you may enjoy while in Kenya are as below.

  • Go for a safari in the Great Rift Valley.
  • Enjoy horseback or safari in Chyulu Hills.
  • Explore that land of Maasai Mara.
  • Visit the Meru National Park.

Bhutan

One of the most expensive travel and yet one of the most sustainable travel, Bhutan is an ecotourism destination. Since 1991, they have been imposing a daily Sustainable Development Fee of $200 per day. All this collected money goes to reduce the possible carbon footprints of travelers.

In 2017, they were the first nation to be carbon negative. All in all, they are also involved with an ecotourism project – ‘the homestay program.’

Some of the activities you may enjoy while in Bhutan are as below.

  • Hike To This Heavenly Place, Trashiyangtse.
  • Bird watching in Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Jigme Dorji National Park, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Adjoining India’s World Heritage, and Thrumshingla National Park.
  • Enjoy hot springs at Gasa Tshachu, Dhur Tshachu, Chuboog Tshachu, and Duenmang Tshachu.
  • Try archery at Changlimithang Archery Ground.
  • Explore the Bhutanese cultures through Bhutan Postal Museum, Royal Heritage Museum, and National Handicraft Emporium.

Chile

Chile is known as the World’s Leading Nature Destination and is indeed an incredible destination. They have unique places and are home to 41 National Parks, 45 Reserves, and 17 Natural Monuments.

Tapati Festival, Chile
Tapati Festival, Chile (Source – Flickr)

The brand’s founder, North Face, has made a massive contribution to this deal as they made the most significant land donation in world history. Regarding its natural beauty, Chile is best known for its jagged granite peaks, lakes in startling shades of turquoise and jade-green, and glaciers.

Some of the activities you may enjoy while in Chile are as below.

  • Enjoy amazing views of the Pacific sea waters and wildlife from Pan de Azucar National Park.
  • Hike along the palm tree forests in La Campana National Park.
  • Explore the lava rivers of the Osorno and the Monte Tronador volcano at Vicente Perez Rosales National Park.
  • Experience the native wildlife at Torres del Paine National Park.
  • Witness the Tapati Festival.
  • Try landscape photography at the glaciers of Patagonia and Antarctica.
  • Go for rafting trips on the rapids of the Maipo River or skiing in the Navarro Valley.

How To Travel Responsibly?

Although the primary concern of starting green travel is primarily in the hands of the government, every individual traveler also does play a part in this situation. Travelers must make active choices to travel responsibly without harming others for their fun.

  • Minimize your plastic waste during travel, as most places do not have recycling options. One of the ways you can reduce your waste is to pack water and food in reusable containers.
  • Respect the environment – stay on paths, don’t leave rubbish, and avoid touching wildlife.
  • You can opt for an eco-friendly mode of transportation to reduce your carbon footprint. You can book flights or trips with low carbon footprints or even walk, bike, use public transportation, or take electric trains.
  • As you are adventurous with your destination, try being adventurous with the foods. Try local cuisines on any chance you get.
  • Go for ecotours where you can visit remote villages, interact with the locals, and enjoy.
  • Stay at local and eco-friendly accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is ecotourism important?

Ecotourism is responsible travel that enhances residents’ quality of life while helping to preserve the environment. It is more crucial than ever to encourage sustainability as the number of tourists grows.

Why choose ecotourism?

Ecotourism operations promote environmentally friendly travel that minimizes adverse environmental effects while benefiting local communities, culture, and legacy. It is not motivated by financial benefits but by teaching tourists how to travel sustainably. In sensitive areas, offering lodging that limits mass tourism assures that the asset’s natural regeneration rate is not harmed and that the resource will last for a long time.

Post Navigation

Get your free Travel guide to Nepal!

Now booking open for Fixed Departures in 2023

Get your free Travel guide to Nepal!

Now booking open for Fixed Departures in 2023