Growing Vacation Rental Market Encourages Ecotourism
A recent survey conducted by Costa Rican Vacations revealed that more than eighty percent of their clients visit Costa Rica to get closer to nature and appreciate pura vida.

"Pura Vida" is Costa Rica's country motto, meaning pure life.

The growing vacation market in Costa Rica encourages ecotourism and enables tourists to encounter wildlife in its natural habitat for a truly unique, environmentally-friendly travel experience.
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Ecotourism, which actually means ecological tourism, was developed in the 1980's and has grown in popularity since the United Nations celebrated the "International Year of Ecotourism" in 2002. The International Ecotourism Society formally defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people."

Ecotourism gives travelers the opportunity to appreciate exotic wildlife found in various ecosystems without disrupting the balance of nature. Such tourism increases international understanding of different cultures and countries while building the economy of those nations.

At the Third International Conference of Ecotourism in November, 2006, Costa Rica was recognized as one of the world leaders in ecotourism.

There are over 850 species of birds, 13,000 plant species, 209 mammal species, 220 reptile species, 163 reptile species and 365,000 arthropod species found in Costa Rica today. Travelers can explore wetlands, aquatic habitats, dry forests, rain forests, mangroves and mountains to see monkeys, crocodiles and toucans up close.

Costa Rica is also home to 26 national parks and 8 natural reserves. When all national parks, wildlife refuges, biological reserves, forest reserves and other protected areas are considered, more than 27 percent of Costa Rica's natural habitat is protected by the government.

Because there is such a wonderful opportunity to appreciate nature in its raw form in Costa Rica, the U.S. State Department reports that the number of tourists visiting has increased by at least 6 percent annually over the past several years. Despite an increasing number of visitors to the country each year, Costa Rica travel remains environmentally sensitive.

Martha Honey, a former resident of Costa Rica and the author of Ecotourism and Sustainable Development: Who Owns Paradise, says that, "They do ecotourism very well in Costa Rica."

Costa Rica ecotourism vacations are the perfect choice for many Americans looking to escape the harried pace of everyday life and feel the relaxing pleasure of coastal paradise. Whether savvy travelers are looking for the adventure of a lifetime or a romantic Costa Rica honeymoon, the wonder of nature, scintillating culture and lovely tropical beaches are delightful. More than one million Americans are expected to visit Costa Rica next year because it is highly regarded, attainable and rewarding.

Leisure is only a few mouse clicks away for hard-working vacationers who want treat themselves to an indulgent vacation in enchanting Costa Rica. To join the eighty percent of people looking to experience nature up close, simply go online.