With Costa Rica holding 6% of the world’s biodiversity, they carry a significant responsibility to care for it. As a developing country without oil reserves or an abundance of raw materials to lean on economically, they have had to look at what else they have to offer. That answer was ecotourism, turning their natural environment into the country’s biggest advantage. Personally, I don’t believe that commercializing nature is the most beneficial way to conserve it, but Costa Rica has to make the most of what their place in the world has given them.

Much of the country’s tourist attractions are centered on sustainability and the nature Costa Rica has to offer, and they also fund conservation efforts through pineapple and coffee exports. This commitment to going green extends beyond tourist attractions to businesses across the country as well. It is a conscious effort being made at every level to work with nature, not against it. Attractions like La Fortuna Waterfall, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and guided hikes through the rainforest to spot wildlife put the natural environment at the center of the visitor experience. Rather than building around nature, the tourism here is built on it. When tourism takes a dip during the rainy season, businesses find ways to incentivize visitors rather than lose out. For example, Arenal Ziplining told us about a deal they offer where customers get free entrance to La Fortuna Waterfall when they zip line with them, giving tourists more value without cutting into their own margins. Because Costa Rica’s economy depends so heavily on ecotourism, they have gotten creative about keeping visitors coming even in the slower season.