Environment/Nature Conservation

Welcome to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is located in the time zone UTC − 6h. Costa Rica keeps the same time offset all days of the year, so it does not have daylight saving time.

Costa Rica is one of the most important and diverse eco-tourism destinations in Central America. About 5% of the world’s biodiversity can be found here. Environmental protection and nature conservation is already being promoted and has been implemented in many areas of the country. Over 25% of its 51'100 km² (19'730 mi²) total land area is under protection and is monitored and administered by the state. An additional 5% are private protection and reforestation projects that operate with the state’s support.

The Tourism Board ICT pursues a certification program (CST) which assesses the commitment in the areas of environmental protection, nature and cultural conservation as well as sustainability of tourism companies. ARA Tours has received the maximum award of 5 green leaves since 2015 and is permanently working on maintaining this high standard and from 2021 the category “Elite”.

Therefore, we would like to give you a few pieces of advice on how to preserve the unique nature of this beautiful country and also to protect the environment during your stay.

Respect Nature

- Follow the instructions of the park rangers.
- Refrain from smoking in nature.
- Do not leave the designated hiking trails.
- Do not talk too loudly. This makes it easier to spot wild animals.
- Do not use the flash on your camera when taking pictures of animals.
- Do not touch or feed wild animals.
- Do not touch plants as they might be poisonous.
- Do not take plants, rocks or corals with you.
- ARA Tours is part of the #Stopanimalselfies Campaign, so we ask you to reject practices such as taking a selfie hugging or holding an animal, as this promotes their exploitation and inappropriate management.

En route and in your hotel

- Avoid plastic packaging, bringing it is completely prohibited in national parks.
- Prefer local products.
- Separate your rubbish during your travels.
- Use water and energy consciously.
- Reuse towels in your hotel.
- Turn off the light, fan, and the air-conditioning when leaving your room.
- Follow the eco-tips in each hotel.
- If you visit a buffet restaurant, try to serve yourself what you are going to eat, this avoids food waste.

Drive responsibly

- Keep the speed limit.
- Start your car only when you are really ready to go.
- Use the air-conditioning as little as possible.

Cultural Heritage

- We safeguard our cultural heritage such as: indigenous cultures, sacred sites and cultural expressions, which are part of our idiosyncrasy, so we ask you to respect and protect them during your visit.
- When buying a souvenir, make sure that it is not of dubious origin, such as historical or archaeological artifacts, as these are part of Costa Rica’s historical heritage.

Back Home

- Find ways to act more eco-friendly in your home.
- Look for ecological projects in your area and support these.
- Inspire other people to think and act green.