As we dive into the second part of our guide to traveling sustainably in Costa Rica in 2025, it’s time to explore even more practical tips that will enhance your eco-friendly adventure. From water and energy conservation to engaging with local communities through conservation projects, these next set of recommendations will help you further minimize your environmental impact while fully immersing yourself in Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond just protecting its rainforests and beaches—it’s about how every visitor can contribute to preserving the country’s incredible biodiversity and supporting local communities. Whether you’re traveling to remote destinations, participating in marine conservation efforts, or simply practicing mindful water usage, these actions play a crucial role in shaping the future of eco-tourism.

In Part 2, we’ll cover six more essential tips, from reducing water consumption to making responsible choices when it comes to energy use, marine tourism, and wildlife protection. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make your 2025 Costa Rica trip one that leaves a lasting positive impact, not only on the environment but also on the people and wildlife that make this country so unique.

Respect Wildlife and Natural Habitats

Costa Rica is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, with rainforests, beaches, and wetlands that serve as habitats for countless species of animals, from jaguars to sea turtles. When visiting Costa Rica, it’s important to remember that you’re a guest in these natural habitats, and respecting the wildlife that calls this country home is crucial to preserving its ecosystems. In 2025, Costa Rica’s national parks and reserves continue to be protected, and as a responsible traveler, you can play a key role in ensuring that future generations will also have the opportunity to witness the country’s remarkable wildlife.

One of the most important things you can do is to observe wildlife from a safe distance. Whether you’re bird-watching in Monteverde or taking a boat tour in Tortuguero, always use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to observe animals without disturbing them. Avoid approaching, feeding, or touching wildlife, as these interactions can disrupt their natural behaviors and put both you and the animals at risk. Wildlife tourism is one of the main draws of Costa Rica, but it must be done responsibly to ensure minimal impact on the animals.

When hiking in Costa Rica’s national parks, it’s essential to stay on designated trails. Straying off the path can cause unintentional damage to fragile ecosystems, disrupt animal habitats, and lead to soil erosion. Many of the plants and animals in Costa Rica are endemic and can be highly sensitive to disturbances. By sticking to the marked trails, you’ll minimize your footprint while still getting to experience the beauty of the country’s diverse landscapes.

For travelers interested in marine life, it’s equally important to be mindful of your interactions with Costa Rica’s oceans and rivers. When snorkeling, diving, or kayaking, never touch or disturb coral reefs or marine life. Coral reefs, in particular, are incredibly fragile and can be easily damaged by careless behavior. Additionally, when booking marine tours, choose companies that prioritize sustainable marine tourism and adhere to environmental guidelines, like those partnered with Green Circle Experience. These operators are committed to protecting marine ecosystems while offering responsible and educational wildlife experiences.

Finally, nighttime wildlife tours have become increasingly popular in Costa Rica, especially for viewing nocturnal species like frogs, owls, and bats. If you choose to go on a night tour, make sure the guide uses low-impact lighting to avoid blinding or disturbing the animals. Green Circle Experience offers eco-friendly wildlife tours that use red or green lights, which are less disruptive to animals’ natural behavior.

Respecting wildlife and their habitats is not just about following park rules—it’s about fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for Costa Rica’s incredible ecosystems. By taking steps to protect the animals and environments you visit, you contribute to the country’s efforts to preserve its biodiversity for years to come.

Support Local Businesses and Artisans

One of the most impactful ways to contribute to sustainable tourism in Costa Rica is by supporting local businesses and artisans. By purchasing goods and services from small, locally owned shops, you’re not only taking home authentic and unique souvenirs but also helping to preserve the cultural heritage and traditions of the country. Supporting local artisans ensures that your travel dollars directly benefit the people who work hard to create these products and keeps their crafts alive for future generations.

A great way to do this is through Paradise Products Costa Rica (paradiseproductscr.com), a company dedicated to fair trade. Paradise Products Costa Rica works with over 250 producers across the country, offering a wide selection of more than 1,500 products that range from handmade crafts and artisanal goods to organic foods and sustainable clothing. What makes this initiative particularly powerful is that up to 80% of the revenue from every sale goes directly to the producers, ensuring that local artisans and farmers receive fair compensation for their work.

When you buy from Paradise Products Costa Rica, you’re not only getting high-quality, eco-friendly products, but you’re also contributing to the livelihoods of local communities. Whether it’s beautifully crafted wooden souvenirs, vibrant textiles, or Costa Rica’s world-renowned fair-trade coffee, every purchase helps support sustainable practices and economic development in rural areas. Paradise Products Costa Rica also offers eco-friendly, handmade items that align with the country’s commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Beyond simply buying souvenirs, supporting local businesses means participating in community-based tourism, where travelers can stay in locally owned eco-lodges, eat at family-run restaurants, and engage with local artisans through workshops and tours. This type of tourism allows visitors to experience the true heart of Costa Rican culture, while also providing direct economic support to the people who live there. For example, you could visit traditional markets to buy handmade goods, take a tour of local farms, or learn how to craft something yourself during a workshop with an artisan.

To ensure you’re buying ethically sourced products, always ask about the production process and seek out businesses that prioritize fair-trade practices. In Costa Rica, many small businesses take pride in their sustainable methods, using locally sourced materials and environmentally friendly practices. By making informed purchasing decisions, you can be confident that your souvenirs are not only high-quality but also contribute to a positive social and environmental impact.

Supporting local businesses and artisans while traveling in Costa Rica is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the culture and make a meaningful contribution to the country’s economy. By choosing fair-trade, handmade, and sustainable products from companies like Paradise Products Costa Rica, you help keep the local traditions alive and ensure that the benefits of tourism reach the people who need it most.

Choose Eco-Friendly Restaurants and Dining

One of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling through Costa Rica is experiencing the country’s rich culinary traditions while supporting sustainable dining practices. In 2025, more restaurants are embracing eco-friendly approaches, prioritizing organic ingredients, permaculture techniques, and locally sourced produce. By choosing these restaurants, you’re not only enjoying delicious meals but also contributing to a more sustainable food system that reduces food miles, supports local farmers, and minimizes environmental impact.

A prime example of this commitment to sustainability is Rancho Margot, an eco-lodge and farm in the Arenal region that operates entirely off the grid. Rancho Margot uses permaculture principles to grow a variety of organic fruits and vegetables on-site, ensuring that every meal served is not only fresh but also free from pesticides and chemicals. Guests can even take tours of the farm to learn how permaculture is applied to create a self-sustaining ecosystem, where food production works in harmony with nature. Every meal at Rancho Margot supports their mission of living sustainably and leaving no negative impact on the environment.

Another excellent destination for eco-conscious travelers is Valle Escondido Nature Reserve and Retreat Center, located in the Monteverde region. Valle Escondido’s restaurant sources organic ingredients from its own permaculture farm and nearby local farms, ensuring that every dish is as fresh and sustainable as possible. Their commitment to farm-to-table dining goes beyond just food—they also practice responsible water and waste management, further reducing their environmental footprint. Dining at Valle Escondido not only provides you with delicious meals but also supports their broader conservation and sustainability efforts.

For those seeking fine dining with a commitment to sustainability, the Restaurant of Hotel Grano de Oro in San José is a must-visit. This restaurant blends traditional Costa Rican flavors with international cuisine, all while maintaining a focus on sourcing local, organic ingredients. Hotel Grano de Oro is also involved in several social and environmental projects, making it a great choice for travelers who want to enjoy an upscale dining experience that aligns with their eco-friendly values.

In addition to these standout options, Costa Rica is home to many small, family-run restaurants that prioritize sustainability. Whether it’s through sourcing organic produce from nearby farms or using compostable packaging, many restaurants are doing their part to reduce waste and promote sustainable dining. When dining out, look for restaurants that advertise their commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and organic farming practices, as these choices reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting food over long distances.

By choosing eco-friendly restaurants like Rancho Margot, Valle Escondido, and Hotel Grano de Oro, you can enjoy Costa Rica’s diverse cuisine while supporting sustainable agriculture and local communities. These establishments are helping to reshape the country’s dining landscape, proving that sustainability and exceptional food can go hand in hand.

Offset Your Carbon Footprint

While traveling is an enriching experience, it often comes with an environmental cost in the form of carbon emissions, especially when flying or using traditional transportation methods. One effective way to minimize your impact while exploring Costa Rica is by offsetting your carbon footprint. This involves calculating the emissions generated by your trip and taking action to compensate for those emissions through initiatives such as reforestation projects, renewable energy investments, or conservation efforts.

Costa Rica’s dedication to sustainability makes it a prime destination for eco-conscious travelers looking to offset their carbon footprint. The country’s electricity matrix is one of the greenest in the world, with over 98% of its energy generated from renewable sources such as hydroelectric, wind, and geothermal power. This commitment to clean energy makes Costa Rica a leader in environmental responsibility and offers travelers a unique opportunity to reduce their impact by supporting a country that prioritizes sustainability.

When visiting Costa Rica, one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by choosing 100% electric transportation options, like those offered by Green Circle Experience. Green Circle Experience’s fleet of electric vehicles allows you to explore Costa Rica’s stunning landscapes without contributing to pollution or relying on fossil fuels. Whether you’re navigating the lush rainforests or the scenic coastlines, traveling in an electric vehicle ensures that your journey is not only comfortable and convenient but also environmentally friendly. By choosing electric transport, you’re actively reducing your carbon emissions while experiencing Costa Rica’s beauty in a responsible way.

Beyond using electric vehicles, you can also take part in Costa Rica’s many carbon offset programs. The country offers numerous opportunities to support reforestation projects, where trees are planted to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Several national parks and conservation areas, such as Monteverde and Osa Peninsula, actively engage in reforestation efforts, and by contributing to these initiatives, travelers can help offset the emissions generated by their travel.

To further reduce your carbon footprint, consider other sustainable travel choices, such as flying less frequently or opting for eco-friendly accommodations like Green Circle’s ecolodges, which are powered by renewable energy sources. Many eco-lodges and tour operators in Costa Rica also offer programs where a portion of your booking fee is dedicated to carbon offset initiatives, making it easy for travelers to contribute to environmental conservation without much extra effort.

By choosing electric transportation, staying in sustainable accommodations, and participating in carbon offset programs, you can significantly reduce your travel-related emissions and leave a positive impact on Costa Rica’s environment. This approach not only aligns with the country’s environmental goals but also allows you to enjoy your travels with the knowledge that you’re helping to protect the planet.

Traveling through Costa Rica in 2025 offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s breathtaking natural beauty while contributing to its ongoing commitment to sustainability. From eco-friendly accommodations and electric vehicles to supporting local businesses and engaging in conservation efforts, every choice you make as a traveler can have a positive impact on both the environment and the local communities.

By following these 25 tips—ranging from staying in Green Circle’s ecolodges and using their 100% electric vehicles to choosing locally sourced, eco-friendly dining options and participating in carbon offset programs—you can ensure that your trip to Costa Rica is not only unforgettable but also aligned with the country’s values of environmental protection and sustainability. Costa Rica’s renewable energy initiatives and commitment to conservation make it a world leader in eco-tourism, and by adopting sustainable travel practices, you become part of that success story.

As you explore Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems, whether hiking through its national parks, supporting local artisans like those at Paradise Products Costa Rica, or enjoying farm-to-table meals, you’ll experience firsthand how sustainability can enhance your travel experience. Your mindful decisions will help preserve this incredible destination for future generations, ensuring that Costa Rica remains a vibrant haven for biodiversity and responsible tourism.

The future of travel is sustainable, and Costa Rica is leading the way. By embracing these eco-conscious practices, you can make your journey one that not only enriches your life but also leaves a lasting, positive legacy on the planet.