The 5 Best Ecotourism Destinations in Latin America 

Many travelers need to be made aware of the amount of carbon footprint they leave behind while exploring new cultures and countries. However, the world is now looking for eco-friendly alternatives to reduce the negative impact of travel on the environment.

Latin America has become a popular destination for sustainable tourism, offering beautiful, environmentally friendly locations. We will explore ecotourism efforts in Latin America and share some of the sustainable experiences you can have when you travel there.

What is ecotourism, and why should you participate in it?

Sustainable tourism, also known as ecotourism, is gaining popularity as the future of travel. It has become a trend among travelers when selecting their next destination.

Ecotourism minimizes environmental, social, and economic impacts while providing positive solutions for local communities and travelers. Ecotourism destinations are the future of travel. Central and South America is home to many incredible natural wonders on every world traveler’s list. The ecotourism destinations in this region are an excellent choice for those who care about environmental protection and value sustainable travel.

As responsible travelers, we can quickly shift towards a more conscious way of visiting new places. Make sure to add these sustainable destinations to your list and experience the beauty of nature without harming the environment and local communities.

Ecotourism Desinations in Latin America

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a highly sought-after travel destination for many international travelers looking to visit Central America. It is a country that takes great pride in being a sustainable travel destination. Costa Rica allows tourists to partake in many ecotourism activities, whether exploring the lush green rainforests, sightseeing volcanos, or riding the waves on their white sand beaches. 

While visiting, enjoy the natural environment and allow yourself a little pampering by the wonderful Tabacon and Baldi Hot Springs near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Being in the untouched nature and eating farm-to-table meals will help you self-reflect and find a new version of yourself. It is a pura vida lifestyle, after all. 

Colombia 

The first country on your sustainable travel list in South America should be Colombia. Colombia is considered a country with high biodiversity. It is one of many Latin American countries that has become a prevalent choice among travelers.

For nature lovers, there are a few national parks to visit. One of the most notable is Tayrona National Park. Tayrona National Park is located closer to the Caribbean coast. You can hike, ride horseback, and enjoy beach activities like diving and snorkeling there. 

Colombia’s ecosystem is fantastic; you can enjoy dense rainforest hiking routes and white sandy beaches. Last but not least, it provides competition for Peru’s unparalleled Machu Picchu.

Peru

While on the subject of Machu Picchu, also known as The Lost City, we list Peru next. This is known as the iconic citadel of the Incas. As a tourist attraction, it allows about 2000 tourists to visit it daily. 

When you are making a sustainable travel itinerary for Peru, make sure to include the rainforest areas in the Peruvian Amazon jungle (they are the most extensive protected rainforest areas), the Manu Biosphere Reserve, the Tambopata National Reserve, and the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. These increase the value of ecotourism in Peru. You will also have a chance to visit traditional communities and come a step closer to endemic wildlife.

Ecuador

This country is considered one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. Ecuador has much to offer as a staple of ecotourism in Latin America. The natural wonders of this country begin with impressive landscapes and volcanoes and continue with the Galapagos islands. 

You have probably heard of the Galapagos Islands before – they are not only a protected national park, but since 1968, they have presented an accurate ecotourism model. If you visit the archipelago, you will witness some of the most unique wildlife on the planet. Sounds exciting.

Chile

The chili-like country has so much to offer you will stay longer than expected! This narrow piece of land boasts some unique natural and man-made marvels. As one of Latin America’s best destinations for ecotourism, it paves the way for some fantastic sights.

There are so many opportunities to experience local culture. Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, is best known for the Moai; these statues date back to 1100 AD. They come with a lot of mysticism about the indigenous people who lived there and why they erected them. In 1995, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) placed Rapa Nui on The World Heritage List and created a program to train local communities to implement sustainable ecotourism. 

A few worthy spots to add to your list include the Atacama Desert (one of the driest deserts in the world), located in the north of Chile; the Andes Mountains are to be included, too, as they span the Chilean border; and lastly, the utmost southern part of the country is home to the most amazing Torres Del Paine National Park. Here, you can witness some almost impossible sights – breathtaking mountain ranges, glaciers, lakes, and ice fields. 

Consider this overview the perfect guide for your next trip. Give yourself time to organize the details, visit cultural sites, and immerse yourself in this new way of traveling. As you can see, ecotourism in Latin America has developed to offer a new way of vacationing. Experience an eco-friendly adventure that’s anything but mundane. Sustainable travel is the new way to explore without sacrificing excitement. Apply some sustainable practices to your travel experience, and remember, your impact counts.

Want to discover more about some tropical destinations? Check out our other posts for some travel inspiration.