Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [6]
Protect the Environment
One of the simplest things you can do before going to Costa Rica is learning about the country’s major conservation and environmental issues (see the Environment chapter, Click here, for more information). While traveling in Costa Rica, don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially since the best source of information about an area is usually a local.
Here is a useful list of author-tested tips:
Fill up your bottle from a rainwater-collection system, and purify natural water sources while hiking. Reuse plastic bottles.
When you arrive in a new town, ask around to see if there are any recycling programs. If a system is in place, spread awareness among your fellow travelers.
While walking along a beach or a trail, pick up any garbage you see. Your actions might inspire another person to do the same.
Stick to the trails as this reduces the erosion caused by human transit. Likewise, don’t damage plants, and always observe wildlife from a distance.
Always follow the basic snorkel and scuba guidelines, keep garbage out of the water, and remember not to eat or purchase endangered or undersized seafood.
Feeding the animals interferes with their natural diets and makes them susceptible to bacteria transferred by humans or pesticides contained within fruit.
When in doubt, remember that common sense and awareness are always your best guides, regardless of where you are in the world.
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Stimulate Local Economies
One of the most immediate benefits of tourism is a strong financial boost to the local economy. Keep this in mind if the opportunity arises to spend money at a locally run business or vendor.
Enjoy the creativity of a local artisan. If you spot a piece on display that catches your eye, buy it instead of saying you’ll come back later. In all cases, you’ll be surprised how far your colones can stretch.
If purchased directly from the source, arts and crafts generate income from the ground up and encourage communities to maintain their traditional practices. Spend your money where it counts and help ensure a culture’s future.
In Costa Rica, there are also a number of cooperatives that purchase indigenous crafts from villages around the country, sell them at a premium, and return the profits to the artisan. An excellent example of this commendable practice is Galería Namu (Click here) in San José, which is regarded as the premier indigenous art boutique in the country.
A great way of stimulating local economies in a sustainable manner is to frequent businesses that are dedicated to these aims. See boxed text for more information on various aspects of ecofriendly businesses. For a list of ecofriendly businesses in Costa Rica, see the GreenDex.
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Give Back a Little
Costa Rica is justifiably famous as a leading ‘voluntourism’ destination, particularly because there is a wide range of programs on offer. Depending on your particular needs and interests, you can choose a program in a variety of fields ranging from environmental conservation to community action. For a list of volunteer programs in Costa Rica, Click here.
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TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN
Wild animals, active volcanoes, rainforests, beaches – what kid wouldn’t love Costa Rica? Parents are guaranteed a good time as well, and will definitely appreciate the country’s myriad adventure possibilities as well as a culture that dotes on children. We have authored segments of this guidebook with the needs of little ones in mind, so look for special kid-focused headings.
TOP FIVE WAYS TO SAVE THE RAINFOREST
Plant a tree At Selva Bananito Lodge (Click here) on the Caribbean coast, you can help reforest a former banana plantation while learning about the conservation philosophy from the lodge’s conscientious owners, the Stein family.
Drink organic, shade-grown coffee Organic coffee-growing avoids the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, minimizing their impact on flora and fauna. Shade-grown coffee ensures the survival