The firm commitment taken by Costa Rica to preserve its natural resources has allowed it to become a real ecological Eden, favoring the resurgence of endangered species and the appearance of totally new life forms. On a first trip through the dozens of national parks and other nature reserves, you will encounter animals that until then you didn’t even imagine existed.

The Certificate of Sustainable Tourism (CST), created by the Costa Rican National Tourism office in 1998, enforces its firm will to fight for sustainable tourism. Through the CST program, tourists are ensured that the services they enjoy during their visit are provided by companies who prioritize their environment and community’s preservation.

Preserve the environment

The CST covers different fields of the Costa Rican tourism sector: biological and physical impact, services and infrastructure, social, cultural and economical impact, and relations with international clients. Together, these efforts help to make tourism environmentally friendly through decreased consumption and support to local communities.

Ensuring our environment’s protection considers waste management and the preservation of fauna and flora foremost in daily activities. Costa Rica’s CST program activities abide by extremely strict guidelines that aim at appeasing the visitors’ ecological conscience during their stay.

Limited footprint

Companies participating in the CST program also guarantee a minimal ecological footprint (infrastructures and services) with regards to energy and water consumption, pesticide-free ingredients, and maintenance products free of harmful chemicals. Such actions help to preserve the environment and some of our planet’s most precious natural resources.

Next page >