The Best Destinations for Ecotourism in Latin America

Latin America is one of the top 10 ecotourism destinations in the world. That’s because many countries are trailblazing their ways to being hubs of innovation for ecotourism companies and are highly coveted by the slow traveler. 

Let’s discover how you can participate in ecotourism in Latin America!

Mexico is bursting with color and life. And that’s no exception when it comes to one of the best places for ecotourism in Mexico: the Riviera Maya. From mysterious cenotes to the impressive ruins of Mayan temples, the balance between manmade wonders and natural landscapes creates an exotic oasis of beauty and calm. And you can support it all by participating in local ecotourism activities.

The Riviera Maya is home to an ecotourism park called Xcaret, which runs numerous conservation activities. The price of your admission supports their many conservation efforts, including growing native plants used to reforest green areas, animal breeding programs to help maintain local fauna populations, and three tree rescue and relocation projects. Inside the park, you can visit their sea turtles, which Xcaret protects via their Sea Turtle Conservation Program. A visit to Xcaret is a great way to help support and learn about conservation, all while having loads of fun!

After a long day at this eco tourist park, explorers can wind down for a relaxing stay at the connected, all-inclusive luxury hotel: Occidental at Xcaret Destination. 

Other parts of the Mexican Caribbean coastline are also teeming with wildlife, making it a hotspot for ecotourism and conservation projects. The Palancar Reef is a great spot to volunteer to support marine conservation through the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program. If you’re a scuba diver, you can get coral conservation certified with one of their classes. The program will take you on dives and teach you how to restore coral in the reef. 

When looking for themed ecotourism in Latin America, Guatemala is a perfect for a unique getaway. Nature is never far away, even when you’re in Guatemala City. That’s right, the capital city itself is home to majestic volcanoes, all of which are active and occasionally spurt out lava. And when you stay at the Barceló Guatemala City hotel, you’re just a short drive from this natural wonder. So, dust off your hiking boots and set out for an ecotourism day in Guatemala at Pacaya Volcano National Park. Before you get to the gate to pay your entrance fee, inquire about opportunities to participate in a reforestation activity. Local non-profit organizations offer one-day opportunities to help reforest the park.

Calling all coffee lovers! In the UNESCO World Heritage town of Antigua, you can support local, fair trade farmers by going on an eco-friendly coffee excursion through Antigua’s vast coffee plantations. Contact one of many local farmers and book a private tour. Learn about how coffee is cultivated fairly, from bean to brew, and support local farmers as you learn.

Costa Rica has been championing ecotourism in Latin America for decades, long before it became a trending topic. Its expansive wilderness of untouched rainforest are major attractions for animal and nature lovers aiming to partake in ecotourism in Costa Rica.

There’s an endless list of ecotourism activities in Costa Rica to discover. A great spot to start is by exploring the Arenal Volcano National Park. Here, your entrance fee is used to conserve and protect the 16 reserves between the Tilarán and Guanacaste mountain ranges. That means that your visit positively impacts local conservation activities.

After all your ecotourism exploring, kick back your feet at the adults only, all-inclusive Occidental Papagayo hotel. Here, you will not be short of ways to appreciate the magic of nature in while enjoying Costa Rican ecotourism. 

While natural tourism in Nicaragua tends to be overshadowed by its neighboring countries, it’s certainly a destination to add to your plans for ecotourism in Latin America. Nicaragua used to be kept secret by backpackers and digital nomads. But now, more and more people are discovering the ecotourism activities available in Nicaragua and the warm hospitality of the locals.

Start your ecotourism journey by trekking through fields of petrified lava in the Mombacho Volcano National Park. Don’t stop until you reach the very edge of this dormant volcano’s crater – and be sure not to fall in! While you’re there, make sure you visit one of the park’s organic coffee farms. Support local, ecotourism-friendly farmers by buying some coffee to take home with you.

And don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a bit of cultural tourism in Latin America by visiting Granada, Nicaragua’s oldest city. Keep on the ecotourism path by biking (instead of driving) through its old, romantic streets. Soak up the Spanish colonial architecture. Support locals financially by choosing to eat a locally-sourced meal at a family-owned restaurant. Shop at the local market in support of local artisans instead of in bigger chain shops. Spending your money wisely, and locally, is a big part of ecotourism.

At the end of a long day of enjoying Nicaragua in all its ecotourism glory, kick up your feet at the only all-inclusive hotel in Nicaragua: Barceló Montelimar. 

There’s nothing quite like Caribbean for ecotourism. White sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, delicious food, and plenty of ecotourism good-doing activities to choose from.

The best place to start for any ecotourism junkie is in Punta Cana. The Grupo Puntacana Foundation is a non-profit that improves the well-being of Punta Cana inhabitants and promotes innovative solutions for the region’s ecosystem. As an ecotourist, you can support their initiatives in numerous ways. Choose to support local companies that are members of its Zero Waste program. Participate as a long or short term volunteer for their programs focused on healthcare, education, marine health, reforestation, or sports. Visit its Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Preserve: The entry fees are used to maintain and conserve the park and its many other programs.

If you’re up for a day trip, visit Jarabacoa, which is considered one of the main ecotourism hubs in the Dominican Republic. Located in the center of the country, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy mountaineering, rafting, rappelling, canyoneering, paragliding, and more… Nicknamed the “Dominican Alps,” don’t miss out of the country’s tallest mountain peaks, longest rivers, the most breathtaking waterfalls around. In true ecotourism spirit, don’t forget to give back to the city of Jarabacoa before you head out. Check local non-profit listings and join in on a reforestation event, visit a local environmental school, or tour a local, Fair Trade farm.

For a real green travel experience, it’s worth looking into ways to offset your carbon footprint during your ecotourism trip to Latin America, as well as making sure to stay away from single use plastics and non-eco-friendly toiletries at your hotels. Pack your own toiletries from larger bottles at home, purchase reef-friendly sunscreen, and do your part however you can. The good news is that you’re already on the right track. Ecotourism is the best kind of tourism you can partake in on your way through Latin America.