Ethical Travel & Volunteering

 Tourism is a major part of Costa Rica’s economy and one of the main reasons the country can devote land and resources to conservation. Park entrance fees, guided tours, and spending in communities provide the funding that helps protect forests, beaches, and wildlife. This connection between visitors and conservation is part of what makes Costa Rica’s approach unique.

At the same time, tourism brings challenges. Popular sites can become overcrowded, leaving trails and nesting beaches under strain. Waste, noise, and careless wildlife interactions can erode the very resources travelers come to see. Decisions as simple as staying in locally owned lodging or choosing small-group tours can tip the balance toward positive outcomes for both ecosystems and people.

Ethical travel means being aware of these trade-offs. It is less about rules and more about thoughtful choices: supporting local businesses, following guidelines in protected areas, and selecting projects or tours that put conservation and community first. With this approach, travelers can enjoy Costa Rica while also helping sustain the places and people that make it special.

 Costa Ricans are known for their hospitality, but respect from visitors goes a long way toward building positive connections. Simple habits matter: greeting people with a friendly buenos días, asking before photographing individuals or private spaces, and dressing appropriately in churches or rural communities. These gestures may seem small, but they reflect an understanding that travelers are guests in someone else’s home.

Supporting local livelihoods is one of the clearest ways travelers can make a positive impact. Eating at sodas, shopping at community ferias, and purchasing handmade crafts keep money in the community and directly benefit families. Costa Rica also has a Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program that recognizes businesses following environmental and social best practices. Choosing certified or clearly community-led options adds accountability to your spending.

Volunteering or “helping” without considering the community’s perspective can sometimes cause harm. Projects staged only for tourist participation — for example, a short-term activity with no ongoing benefit — are often called “voluntourism.” Ethical travel means looking for opportunities that respond to real community needs, are led by local organizations, and build skills or resources that remain long after the visitor leaves.

 Costa Rica is home to remarkable biodiversity, and much of it thrives in habitats that are easily disturbed. Following Leave No Trace principles helps minimize impact: stay on marked trails to prevent erosion, carry out all trash, and keep noise levels low. On beaches, avoid setting up near turtle nesting zones, and in forests, resist the urge to collect natural items as souvenirs. These small decisions help maintain ecosystems for both wildlife and future visitors.

Wildlife encounters are often highlights of a trip, but they come with responsibility. Feeding monkeys, chasing birds for a photo, or using flash around nesting turtles can disrupt natural behaviors and even endanger animals. A good guideline is to watch quietly from a distance and let trained guides set the pace. Ethical wildlife watching means leaving animals unaware — or at least undisturbed — by your presence.

Daily habits also add up. Plastic waste is one of the biggest threats to Costa Rica’s rivers and coasts. Travelers can help by carrying reusable bottles and bags, choosing mineral-based reef-safe sunscreen, and conserving water and electricity in hotels. Turning off lights and air conditioning when not in use may seem minor, but in remote areas these choices directly support community resources.

Volunteering in Costa Rica can be a rewarding way to support conservation or community initiatives, but only when done responsibly. Strong programs are locally led and designed to meet long-term needs rather than short-term appearances. A good sign is when projects provide training, follow clear safety guidelines, and place volunteers in roles that support — not replace — local expertise and employment.

It is also important to recognize the costs organizations take on when hosting volunteers. Staff time, supervision, and equipment are often stretched thin, and unprepared volunteers can become more of a burden than a benefit. Responsible programs will be transparent about these realities, and volunteers should come ready to listen, follow direction, and work within the systems already in place.

Many organizations ask participants to contribute financially or fundraise in addition to their on-site work. These contributions help cover housing, supplies, and project expenses that make volunteer participation possible. Viewing fundraising as part of volunteering — not separate from it — helps ensure the project remains sustainable and that future groups can continue to benefit from the effort.

Not every opportunity marketed to travelers is designed with community or conservation in mind. Some programs exist mainly to create a “feel-good” experience for visitors, with little consideration of local priorities. A red flag is when a volunteer role is vague, staged for photos, or offered without proper orientation. Sustainable programs are different: they respond to community requests, provide training, and have clear goals that remain long after volunteers leave.

Community and school projects can be especially meaningful, but they can also reveal common pitfalls. When volunteers arrive without a clear role, or when their presence disrupts classroom routines, the effort can create more work for teachers than support. Hosting volunteers also requires staff time, supervision, and materials — costs that may strain limited budgets if not acknowledged. Responsible organizations are upfront about these realities, and ethical travelers should be prepared to contribute financially or fundraise in addition to their time.

Wildlife sanctuaries and animal encounters deserve similar caution. Some facilities allow tourists to handle or pose with wild animals, practices that may stress the animals and violate conservation guidelines. Feeding monkeys, holding sloths, or using flash around turtles are warning signs of programs prioritizing entertainment over welfare. Ethical sanctuaries limit human contact, focus on rehabilitation and release when possible, and provide transparent information about animal care. If an activity seems designed mainly for tourist photos, it is worth reconsidering.