It’s all PURA VIDA with COSTA RICA

How to make your trip to Costa Rica even wilder? By taking the ‘Pura Vida Pledge’ – a four-step plan for a more sustainable, rewarding adventure. And it starts with you...

1. GO ECO

There’s a phrase in Costa Rica that you’ll hear wherever you go: Pura Vida, or ‘pure life.’

It’s a greeting, a philosophy, a positive mindset – if you’ve got Pura Vida, you’ll find the best in everything. Not that you have to look far: Costa Rica is rich in diverse experiences, wildlife and landscapes – from the misty heights of its cloud forests, to the pristine beaches where sea turtles nest.

But the Pura Vida Pledge is all about sustainability, too. For visitors, that means exploring the country with the lightest of footprints – doing your bit to protect this winsome, wild land.

The first step? Stay in an eco-lodge, preferably one with a Certificate of Sustainable Tourism (for more details, see puravidapledge.co.uk): these accommodations exist in harmony with nature, and offer low-impact adventures galore.

In Corcovado National Park, Lapa Rios lodge (laparios.com) is surrounded by primary forest, with waterfall hikes, birdwatching and whalewatching right on its doorstep.

At Hotel Capitán Suizo (hotelcapitansuizo.com) – in Tamarindo – you can spy macaws, snorkel and watch whales; meanwhile the awardwinning eco-lodge Rio Tropicales (riostropicales.com) in Limon is perfect for white water rafting on the nearby Pacuare River.

2. BE CARBONCONSCIOUS

Thanks to Costa Rica’s many geothermal, hydroelectric and wind resources, 90% of the country’s supply is renewable, and it aims to become carbonneutral by 2050. This progressive approach to tackling climate change has made it a real world leader: in 2019, Costa Rica received the ‘Champion of the Earth’ award, the United Nations’ highest environmental accolade.

Here, you’ll find that travel and sustainability really do go hand-in-hand – and there are plentiful ways to protect the environment while you get around. If you’re hiring a car, opt for an electric or hybrid vehicle; or, if your itinerary allows, take public transport instead (the bus network is efficient and cheap).

Your eco-lodge will advise you on everything from recycling to supporting local charities – and by showing interest in their eco-initiatives, you’ll encourage them to try even more. So, if you’re keen to check out the solar panels, rainwater management or kitchen garden – just ask.

3. VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME

Whether it’s for a few days, a fortnight or even a couple of months, volunteering can make a real difference. With options to spend time reforesting mangroves, relocating turtles and helping with education in communities, among many others, you’re bound to be able to find a programme that suits your skills and interests.

Las Pumas Rescue Centre (centrorescatelaspumas.org) offers one of the country’s most rewarding volunteering programmes for wildlife enthusiasts in the country. Located just outside Cañas, the centre rescues and rehabilitates animals, providing care in their natural habitats. As the name suggests, you’ll see puma here along with other big cats including jaguar and ocelot. Other wildlife in the centre’s care are monkeys, deer, otters, macaws and toucans.

The centre offers volunteering positions for people interested in learning about the conservation of wildlife – and in particular, wild cats – for a minimum stay of one and a half months. There’s never more than eight volunteers at the centre at one time, so you need to be prepared to get your hands dirty.

4. SIMPLE IDEAS – BIG IMPACT

As every responsible traveller knows, even the smallest things can leave a lasting impression – whether that’s stocking up on biodegradable shower gel, or opting for mineral-based sunscreen to protect the coral reefs. But don’t lose sight of the bigger picture, either: by booking with responsible businesses, your money will directly help to support Costa Rica’s unique landscapes, communities and wildlife. It can make a huge difference, so do your research thoroughly.

If you’re booking via a tour operator, quiz them on their eco-credentials beforehand (they should be able to provide you with solid statistics or industry awards); if you’re travelling independently, seek out the top eco-lodges and the most informed local guides.

On visitcostarica.com, you’ll find lots of useful resources, such as contact details for accredited guides, a wildlifewatching calendar, and tips for hiking trips, car rentals and more. There’s even a directory of sustainably-focused travel companies, covering everything from dolphin-watching tours to paragliding flights.

With a little bit of planning, some mindful packing, and a whole lot of Pura Vida – you’re all set for an incredible trip.