MORAVIA, COSTA RICA- Costa Rica Sunsets has become one of the most successful local travel agencies despite the poor economy, but its owner, Victor Campos, decided success just was not enough. He decided the company should also take steps to preserve the environment that has been responsible for that success.
The country is home to more than 10,000 species of plants and more than 36,000 species of animals, reptiles and insects. Costa Rica has eight wildlife refuges, nine forest reserves, seven wildlife sanctuaries, 26 protected forests, 20 national parks and one national archeological monument. Its mountains are home to several live volcanoes that can be visited, or vacationers can hike through some of its rainforests on the way to a beach.
Costa Rica Sunsets offers vacations that cater to the most adventurous, or those that simply want to relax and take in the beauty of the countryside.
For the adventurous, there are off-roading opportunities with or without a guide, or the chance to hike through the rainforest jungle. If you prefer your vacation without so much adventure, imagine sitting on one of the many beaches and spotting a howler monkey in a tree eating fruit or a beautiful macaw flying overhead.
The country’s surrounding ocean also provides opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching, sport fishing, surfing and windsurfing. Other activities include sky trams, rappelling down waterfalls, horseback riding, kayaking, visiting hot springs and walking along hanging bridges. Canopy tours transport visitors from tree to tree via steel cables, educating them on the area’s diverse plants and animals.
Of course, with so much tourism dependent on the country’s ecology, maintaining and preserving that ecosystem is not only the right thing to do, it makes good business sense. That’s why Costa Rica Sunsets has decided to promote environmental preservation and make its operations as environmentally friendly as possible. To that end, Campos made the decision to have his company partner only with those hotels, tour operators and transport companies that meet or exceed those standards.
For example, the Spring Resort and Spa in the Arenal area preserves wildlife and soon plans to have that preservation on display for visitors. Guests at the Si Como No Hotel in the Manuel Antonio region can take the Carara Biological Reserve Jungle River Cruise and the Island Estuary Boat trip. The Rafiki Safari Lodge, also in the Manuel Antonio area, is spread over nearly 850 acres of lush jungle and is a combination luxury tent camp and conservation project.
Costa Rica leads the way in conservation efforts among Central American countries and as such has many environmental conservation organizations striving to protect the ecology. To aid in this effort, Costa Rica Sunsets will be donating part of its earnings directly to conservation groups within the country.
To be part of the conservational efforts in Costa Rica, read the procedures at: http://www.sunsetscostarica.com/blog/265/volunteers-in-costa-rica/