Travel Green List 2024: Sustainable travel destinations in Latin America

Costa Rica

This recognised leader in sustainability and ecotourism makes its second appearance on our Green List this year. Home to over 5% of the world’s biodiversity, it continues to push new ways of protecting these species.

In 2023, researchers counted 2,121 scarlet macaws in La Cangreja National Park – a promising rise from 978 in 2020. Though this spectacular bird is not endangered, conservation authorities say that efforts to help the macaw indirectly protect numerous other species sharing the same habitat.

Over the next three years, Costa Rica will invest $4.5 million (around £3.6 million) in improving infrastructure and tourism facilities at seven of the most visited national parks – including new trails, conservation initiatives, improved visitor centres and the promotion of sustainable tourism practices.

In late 2023, the maximum stay for visitors on the tourist visa waiver scheme doubled to 180 days – boosting Costa Rica’s appeal to digital nomads, retirees and those looking to experience truly slow travel.