There’s something undeniably magical about southern Costa Rica — a lush, unhurried corner of the world where the jungle stretches its emerald limbs all the way to the tide, and the air carries the scent of salt, soil, and blooming heliconias. Traveling here stirs a sense of wonder, but it also calls for awareness. After all, this is not only a place of raw beauty, but of fragile ecosystems and age-old traditions that beg to be honored, not disturbed.
If you’re a nature lover dreaming of toucans overhead and the rhythmic lull of ocean waves at nightfall, there’s no better place. But with great beauty comes great responsibility. Here are some thoughtful, eco-friendly travel tips to help you tread lightly and savor southern Costa Rica in a way that leaves it just as wild and wonderful for those who come after.
Choose Lodging That Loves the Land
Where you rest your head matters. In Ojochal, Uvita, and the surrounding regions, eco-lodges aren’t just a trend — they’re a philosophy. Look for places that run on solar power, recycle grey water, and work closely with the local community. The best ones will tell you not just what they offer, but why — repurposing rainwater, growing organic gardens, giving back to schools or wildlife rescue centers.
Take Villa Mango, for instance. Nestled between sea and sky, this idyllic retreat isn’t just a postcard-perfect escape; it’s also a living, breathing example of sustainable living. Minimal single-use plastics, biodegradable toiletries, locally sourced breakfasts — they’ve thought about it so you don’t have to.
Support Local, Always
Eco-travel is as much about people as it is about nature. One of the most authentic ways to reduce your footprint is by intentionally supporting local artisans, farmers, and guides. Skip the imported snacks and head to the feria (local market) in Uvita on Saturdays — where your pineapple hasn’t flown over from anywhere but was probably plucked from a tree just a few kilometers away.
Similarly, when booking tours, opt for small-scale, community-run operators. Whether it’s kayaking through the mangroves or hiking into the cloud-draped Copey de Dota reserve, local guides offer not just knowledge, but stories — the kind you won’t find in any glossy brochure.
Travel Slow, Travel Light
In a world always encouraged to go faster, southern Costa Rica invites you to slow down. And the environment hopes you’ll accept that invitation. Traveling slowly — by foot, on bike, or via shared transportation — isn’t just better for your carbon conscience, it’s also more immersive.
Uvita and its surroundings lend themselves beautifully to this pace. From your base, you can often walk to waterfalls, beaches, and forest trails. Trust me: taking five extra minutes to wind along a jungle path often leads to surprise encounters — a capuchin monkey leaping overhead, a blue morpho butterfly dancing somewhere near your shoulder.
Pack with Purpose
Your suitcase can be a silent activist. Packing eco-friendly means more than bringing your reusable water bottle (though, yes, please do!). It’s about thinking ahead:
- Solid toiletries: Shampoo and conditioner bars keep plastics out of the waste stream.
- Reef-safe sunscreen: Protect both your skin and the delicate marine ecosystems, especially in places like Marino Ballena National Park.
- Neutral-colored clothing: Helps you blend in during wildlife observation, reducing the disturbance.
- A reusable bag: Perfect for market hauls or beach gear without resorting to single-use plastics.
And while we’re here — leave the drones, loud Bluetooth speakers, and flashy outfits at home. Nature doesn’t need a soundtrack or a highlight reel — it just wants your full attention.
Respect the Wildlife (No, Really)
You’ll see plenty — sloths dangling from almond trees, scarlet macaws slicing through the sky, maybe even a tapir ambling through a reserve if you’re patient. But remember: observe, don’t intrude. That selfie with a howler monkey might look cute, but encouraging close contact disrupts feeding patterns and can even lead to animal displacement or aggression.
Stick to designated paths, whisper instead of shout, and if you’re tempted to feed a coati your banana — resist. Wild animals thrive without our intervention. Let your camera lens be your souvenir and leave everything else exactly where you found it.
Be Water-Wise
This might surprise you, given the abundance of waterfalls and the deep emerald rivers curling through the hills — but clean water is still a finite resource in many rural parts of Costa Rica. Especially in the dry season, households and small hotels sometimes rely on collected rainwater or have limited access.
Simple habits make a difference here: turn off taps while brushing your teeth, take shorter showers, and report any leaks you might spot. The jungle may seem infinite, but its resources are not.
Offset — But Don’t Forget to Act
Yes, air travel has a carbon cost. And yes, offsetting your flight emissions through verified sustainability programs is a step in the right direction. But more importantly, let this trip change you. Let it remind you what’s at stake, and inspire choices beyond your passport stamps — eating less meat, using less plastic, advocating for conservation in your own backyard.
Each footprint here feels a little deeper in the moist tropical soil — so why not make it a positive one?
A Few Off-the-Beaten-Path Eco Experiences
Beyond the classic whale watching and jungle hikes, here are a few lesser-known, low-impact activities that invite a deeper connection:
- Permaculture tours in Ojochal — walk through lush self-sustaining gardens, and learn how banana circles, compost toilets, and polycultures nurture both land and community.
- Cacao ceremonies with local healers — far from tourist spectacle, these heart-opening rituals are steeped in ancestral knowledge and respect for the plant allies of Central America.
- Tree-planting mornings — Many conservation organizations (like ASANA or Geoporter) welcome travelers looking to give back, one sapling at a time.
Some of the richest travel memories are the ones rooted in giving back and learning something new.
Savor Nature with All Your Senses — But Leave No Trace
It’s tempting, I know. A shell shaped like a heart. An orchid petal on the forest floor. A stone smoothed by the sea. But every object plays a part in its ecosystem. By resisting the instinct to take a little token, you’re participating in a larger promise: to witness beauty without owning it, and to belong to the rhythm of a place without altering its beat.
Instead, bring a notebook. Draw, journal, write a poem. Let the rainforest live on in your senses rather than on your bookshelf.
Final Thoughts
Being an eco-traveler doesn’t require perfection, just intention. And in southern Costa Rica — where the howlers announce the dawn and bioluminescence whispers secrets into the waves — the rewards of conscious travel are immense. You’ll never listen to rain on a tin roof the same way again. You’ll find joy not just in the landscapes, but in the quiet knowledge that you’ve shared in their care.
So come — barefoot, curious, respectful. The jungle is waiting, not just to be seen, but to be understood. And she remembers those who tread softly.
