Is Costa Rica really as sustainable as its image suggests? The country’s reputation as an eco-paradise is well earned—but not every trip lives up to the promise.
Costa Rica has become almost synonymous with sustainability. For many travelers, that’s part of the draw: a country powered by renewable energy, rich in biodiversity, and known for its protected landscapes and “pura vida” ethos. And much of that reputation is well earned. But not every trip to Costa Rica is automatically sustainable.
Some hotels install bulk soap dispensers and skip daily towel service—while using massive amounts of water to maintain lush gardens in drought-prone regions.
In a country internationally respected for reversing deforestation and prioritizing the environment, travelers have more influence than they might realize. Where you stay—and where your money goes—can help support the work that makes Costa Rica’s green reputation real.
Here’s how to travel in a way that truly contributes to the places and people that make this country so remarkable:
How Costa Rica Leads on Sustainability
Costa Rica’s sustainability isn’t a marketing gimmick. It’s built into the country’s infrastructure, policies, and national identity.
In the 1980s, just 20% of the country was covered in forest. Today, that number has climbed to over 50%. The country generates 98% of its electricity from renewable sources. And Costa Rica hasn’t had a military since 1948—choosing instead to invest in public education and environmental protection.
You’ll find national parks, wildlife corridors, and marine reserves across the country, and more than 25% of its land is under some form of environmental protection. Even the school curriculum teaches biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability from an early age.
Costa Rica has done the hard work to lead on sustainability and eco-tourism in Central America—and that deserves recognition. If you want your trip to align with Costa Rica’s values, it’s worth doing a bit of research before you go. The choices you make along the way can help support the systems that make Costa Rica’s green model possible.
Not All Green Travel Is Created Equal
Some of the biggest names in hospitality have moved into Costa Rica’s coastline—especially in the dry northwest province of Guanacaste—bringing manicured lawns, golf courses, and expansive pools that strain local infrastructure.
Some resorts have even tried to limit public access to the beach, prompting frustration among nearby communities. When locals are pushing back, it’s worth asking whether the project is truly sustainable.
The problem isn’t just the scale of these developments—it’s the model. When luxury resorts fly in foreign management, import furnishings and food, and contribute little to local infrastructure, they start to feel more like self-contained bubbles than part of the local landscape.
Waldorf Astoria and Ritz-Carlton are the latest luxury brands expanding into Guanacaste, a region already under pressure from years of rapid development. These projects are framed as progress, but many Costa Ricans see a familiar pattern: large-scale resorts that stretch resources, restrict access to public land, and give little back to nearby communities.
Luxury and sustainability aren’t inherently at odds. A handful of high-end properties are proving that thoughtful design and local integration can deliver both. Working closely with nearby communities, minimizing resource use through smart design, and investing in conservation is a core part of their mission.
What Real Sustainability Looks Like in Costa Rica
Genuinely sustainable hotels tend to be transparent. They share how they manage water, source food, and support the local community.
Look for properties with CST certification from the Costa Rican Tourism Board. This five-leaf system evaluates real environmental and community impact—not just marketing claims.
Certified B Corporations are another strong indicator of accountability, though they’re harder to find in Costa Rica.
Pay attention to specific practices. Some hotels use solar panels to generate electricity, not just to heat water. Others recycle greywater or collect rain to irrigate their gardens—especially important in dry regions. Properties that take sustainability seriously often treat their own wastewater, compost food scraps, and use local materials in their construction. Those that are more deeply rooted in the community also tend to hire and train Costa Ricans in leadership roles.
A hotel doesn’t need to be rustic to be sustainable. But when luxury comes at the expense of water, energy, or community, a beautiful setting can hide a much heavier impact.
How to Travel More Responsibly in Costa Rica
Small choices add up. Here’s what to prioritize for a truly sustainable Costa Rican vacation:
- Book boutique or independently owned hotels with clear sustainability practices. We’re happy to recommend stunning, sustainable properties and locally owned restaurants tailored to your itinerary!
- Look for CST certification or properties that openly share how they manage water, energy, and waste
- Be mindful of water use
- Ask questions about how businesses support conservation and limit their footprint
- Support tours and experiences that contribute to local communities or protect natural resources. We’re proud to partner with locally owned operators who offer exceptional experiences rooted in deep, on-the-ground knowledge.
- Consider offsetting your flight
- When possible, support businesses that hire and train Costa Ricans in leadership roles
Need Help Planning Your Costa Rica Trip?
We take sustainability seriously—professionally and personally. We’ve stayed at every property we recommend, met the owners, and vetted every experience ourselves.
Some places are making thoughtful choices behind the scenes. Others sound good on paper but don’t follow through. We know the difference—and we’re here to help you choose a stay that reflects your values without sacrificing comfort.
Planning a trip? We’d be happy to help you make confident, informed choices.
Costa Rica is one of the few places where sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s embedded in daily life. That’s something worth protecting.
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