TOURISM/ECO-TOUR SURVEY TRIP

Registration Form (PDF file)

Background
Eco-tourism can be a powerful force for sustainable development in strugglling countries. It can provide income and independence for local people and unique and authentic experiences for travellers. However, there is a responsibility on the part of both tour operators and travellers to make sure that the impact on the land is minimal and that local people benefit. Those involved in the tourism industry have a responsibility to understand these issues and be able to judge whether an operation meets basic sustainable criteria. What is sustainable eco-tourism and how can we measure the level of sustainability of any operation?

Trip details
10 nights
Date: TBA
Cost: $1995CAD (including airfare from Toronto)
Medium fitness required

Eligibility
For tourism students and those interested in becoming a tour operator.

The journey is:
This tour is one of discovery! Costa Rica has a wide range of eco-tour operations that makes it a wonderful laboratory for learning. We’ll stay at community-based eco-tour facilities, explore pristine jungle, visit a steamy volcano, experience a canopy skywalk and surf at a beautiful private beach. We work only with local non-profit organizations that promote responsible eco-tourism and community well-being. Along the way we’ll visit a variety of sites that claim to be sustainable and eco-friendly. We’ll learn to search beneath the surface and discover those that truly are.

Itinerary

Day one
We’ll be met at the airport in San Jose by our guide and taken to our hotel where we’ll get acquainted with each other and learn a little more about the trip. We’ll spend the evening exploring the downtown area in San Jose.

Days two to five
We’ll travel to a beautiful lodge near the Monteverde Cloud forest reserve. We’ll stay here for three nights and explore a variety of eco-tour operations in an area regarded as the heart of eco-tourism in Costa Rica.

Activities
  • Hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest.
  • Experience a “Skywalk” canopy adventure.
  • Visit several hotels.
  • Visit a butterfly garden and a women’s craft project.
  • Enjoy local cuisine.
  • Discuss tourism issues.


Days five to eight
We’ll travel to a co-operative community on the southern Pacific coast and stay in a traditional thatched-roof lodge operated by community members. Eco-tourism has become an important source of income for this agricultural community. We’ll stay here three nights and continue our exploration of a variety of eco-tour operations in the area.

Activities

  • We’ll learn the history of the community from some of the elders and tour their facilities, including their palm plantation and animal rehabilitation project.
  • Hike and swim at a beautiful local waterfall.
  • Visit a number of local hotels.
  • Visit Manuel Antonio National Park, renowned for its wildlife and watch the sunset from its beautiful beach.
  • Enjoy southern Pacific coast cuisine.

Days eight to eleven
Our final destination is an exquisite nature retreat perched on a ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This site has a strong environmental focus. It’s situated on the edge of Ballena National Park, the only marine park in the country and the breeding ground for Humpback whales. The owner, who was largely responsible for the park designation, has created a stunning property. The buildings are handcrafted from materials on-site. Solar panels and a small hydro unit provide electricity and much of the food is organically grown on the property.

Activities

  • Supervised swimming and surfing on the beautiful private beach.
  • Hikes in the primary coastal rainforest on the property.
  • Participate in an exciting jungle night hike.
  • Spend time together reflecting on our collective experience and sharing thoughts regarding the role of eco-tourism and the evaluation of eco-tour operations.


Day eleven
Depart for home.

Registration Form (PDF file)