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More than just a nature vacation, ecotourism is an approach to vacationing that, while often misunderstood, is beneficial to both society and the environment when practiced correctly. The Ecotourism Society defines it as “responsible travel to natural areas [that] conserves the environment and improves the welfare of the local people.”
Ecotourism has grown rapidly since the 1980s as awareness of humans’ impact on the environment has grown. For many destinations, such as Costa Rica, Nepal, Kenya and Antarctica, ecotourism is not merely a socially conscious fad, but a major industry driving local economies.
In South America, a myriad of options for ecotourism exist in the Andes, the Amazon or the Galapagos Islands. Watching gorillas in Uganda or birds in Kenya, exploring the snow leopard’s environment in India or swimming with humpback whales in Tonga are all intriguing ecotourism choices. Just be sure to find a responsible tour operator or guide.
Featured Ecotourism Destinations
Articles on Ecotourism
Ecotourism
Eco Vacation Trend: Farm Stay Vacations
by Nicole Fancher September 17, 2008Farm stays are a growing trend: feed chickens, milk cows and get back to the quiet life on your next family vacation.
Ecotourism
It’s Easy Being Green on Your San Francisco Vacation
by Nicole Fancher September 5, 2008The city teems with eco-friendly hotels, restaurants, spas and shops. Find out where right here.
Offbeat Travel
Copán: Easy Indiana Jones Adventure
by Jill K. Robinson August 7, 2008Family-friendly exploration is easy and affordable in Copán, Honduras, from gazing at Mayan ruins to getting up close with tropical birds.
Travel News
Save Gas: Find Your Ideal Walking Destination
by Donna M. Airoldi July 27, 2008New service Walk Score helps people find the most walkable cities in the United States, saving them the cost of rental cars and high gas prices.
Costa Rica’s Tortuguero Is Turtle Heaven
Tortuguero, on the Atlantic side of Costa Rica, provides a wealth of opportunities to see a variety of sea turtles and other jungle life. »
Into the Wild in Costa Rica
From scarlet macaws to leatherback turtles, Costa Rica’s unique biodiversity is a world all its own. »
Chilling Out in Costa Rica
I came face-to-face with a poisonous snake during my visit to Costa Rica and was nearly attacked by a monkey, but I'd return in a heartbeat. »
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