Sustainable tourism in Costa Rica

Sustainable Hotel in Costa Rica
Responsible travel in Costa Rica
Wildlife conservation in Costa Rica
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

All Year Round

Visit our YourTube Channel, and discover what Caño Negro Refuge can offer you every days of the year.

Sustainable tourism in Costa Rica

“ Sustainable tourism in Costa Rica is a significant aspect of the country's tourism industry. Costa Rica is known for its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development, making it a popular destination for eco-tourists and nature lovers.”

Costa Rica is a world leader in sustainable tourism. The country has a long history of environmental protection and has committed to becoming carbon neutral in the short period. Costa Rica is also home to a wide variety of ecosystems, including wetlands, rainforests, cloud forests, mangroves, and coral reefs. This biodiversity makes Costa Rica a popular destination for tourists who are interested in nature and ecotourism. Birdwatching in Costa Rica become very popular because of a high concentration of bird species in a very small country.

Here are some key points about sustainable tourism in Costa Rica:

Conservation Efforts:

The Costa Rican government and local communities have implemented various initiatives to protect the country’s rich biodiversity and natural resources. Around 26% of Costa Rica’s territory is designated as protected areas, including national parks, biological reserves, and wildlife refuges.

Following the same line, Hotel de Campo Caño Negro has been developed over a property of 5 hectares, of which 2 of them are forest, 1 hectare is a botanical garden, and the rest is agroforestry.

Ecotourism Focus:

Costa Rica has positioned itself as a leading destination for ecotourism. Many accommodations, tour operators, and attractions in the country follow sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy, managing waste effectively, and supporting local communities.

At Hotel de Campo Caño Negro we are not the exception. We try to follow as much as possible sustainable practices for all services, including lodging, restaurant and boat tours.

Carbon Neutrality:

In 2007, Costa Rica announced its goal of becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral country by 2021. This commitment has driven various sustainable practices in the tourism industry, including promoting reforestation projects and reducing carbon emissions from accommodations.

At Hotel de Campo Caño Negro we lower the emission as much as possible.
With 5 hectares of forest and agroforestry, we compensate for the carbon emissions. Also, we have the advantage that Costa Rica’s electricity is 95% product of renewable sources.

Community Involvement:

Sustainable tourism in Costa Rica often involves local communities. Community-based tourism initiatives allow visitors to immerse themselves in local culture, stay with host families, and participate in activities that generate income for the community. This approach helps empower residents and ensures that tourism benefits are shared more equitably.

At Hotel de Campo Caño Negro we employ only local people.

Adventure Tourism:

Costa Rica is also known for adventure tourism, which includes activities like ziplining, whitewater rafting, hiking, and wildlife watching. Sustainable tourism practices are applied to these activities to minimize negative impacts on the environment and communities.

howler monkey costa rica
spider monkey costa rica cano negro

“ Overall, sustainable tourism in Costa Rica aims to protect its natural resources, promote conservation efforts, and create positive social and economic impacts for local communities. The country's commitment to sustainability has made it a role model in the global tourism industry.”

Here are some ways to experience sustainable tourism in Costa Rica:

Stay in a sustainable hotel or eco-lodge:

Hotel de Campo Caño Negro is committed to sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy, conserving water and energy, and reducing waste. Hotel de Campo Caño Negro is developed inside a private protected area and is surrounded by the National Wildlife Refuge of Caño Negro.

Take sustainable tours and activities:

Hotel de Campo Caño Negro offers boat tours at the National Wildlife Refuge of Caño Negro. Our local guides are instructed to make these tours sustainably, avoiding a close approach to the wildlife, and respecting the space of nature.

Respect the environment and wildlife:

It is important to be respectful of the environment and wildlife when visiting Costa Rica. This means disposing of trash properly, not feeding wild animals, and staying on designated trails. Keep your distance from the wildlife both for the safety of the animals and for your safety.

Eat local food:

In Italy, this concept is well-known as “Chilometro Zero”, or in English “zero kilometres”. With the goal of improving the local economy, to maintaining local culture, for many years Italy adopted this concept. Definitely, this is the best way to support the local community. At the restaurant of Hotel de Campo Caño Negro we serve fresh food only. Most of the products we serve come from our farm. At Hotel de Campo we produce fresh milk and cheese, as well as other dairy products. From the chickens, you will eat only fresh eggs at breakfast. The meat served at the restaurant comes from our lambs, rusters and pork production, which are 100% free of hormones and antibiotics.

cow

Hotel de Campo: a Sustainable Hotel in Costa Rica at the Wildlife Refuge of Caño Negro

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel de Campo, offers 16 comfortable rooms, with a private bathroom, A/C, safe box, ceiling fan, surrounded by our botanical tropical garden.

SWIMMING POOL & AMENITIES

When the afternoon is hot, relax at the pool. Always surrounded by the tropical botanical garden, birds, and monkey.

RESTAURANT & BAR

You can choose from a large variety of typical and Italian dishes. We purchase most of the organic ingredients from local farmers in order to support the local economy. 

Info and Reservation Request

Hotel de Campo, Caño Negro

Visit our YourTube Channel, and discover what Caño Negro Refuge can offer you every days of the year.

Sustainable Hotel in Costa Rica

Hotel de Campo Caño Negro

We are living in one of the most beautiful Wildlife refuges in Costa Rica is a tremendous gift that we deeply appreciate. The serene ambience, the exhilarating environment, the rich biodiversity, and the stunning surroundings make this place truly remarkable. However, as we delve deeper into understanding and immersing ourselves in this environment, we recognize its inherent fragility and our responsibility to preserve it

juvenile bare throated tiger heron costa rica

As residents of the Natural Wildlife Refuge of Caño Negro, we eagerly embrace our role in this ongoing journey towards sustainability. Every step we take, every action we choose, is done to safeguard the beauty and integrity of this place we call home. We are delighted to see the positive effects of our sustainable practices and encourage you to join us in living sustainably to enjoy the rewards.

Together, let us cherish and protect this precious environment, ensuring that future generations can also revel in its splendour. By embracing sustainability, we can forge a harmonious coexistence with nature and create a legacy that resonates with the beauty and resilience of Costa Rica’s wetlands.

Guidelines for Hotel de Campo Caño Negro

Environmental

• Promote responsible waste management practices to prevent pollution of water, air, and soil.
• Encourage the optimization of water and energy usage through conservation efforts and the adoption of alternative technologies.
• Uphold the protection, respect, and promotion of wildlife habitats and species.
• Maintain gardens and structures free of agrochemicals or other harmful chemical substances that can pose risks to human and wildlife health.
• Foster the use of organic fertilizers and sustainable, natural methods for enriching soils.
• Share knowledge and experiences about environmental issues with visitors, neighbours, suppliers, and hotel staff.

Supply

• Educate and motivate our suppliers to engage in environmental and social improvement programs.
• Support local production.
• Minimize waste by prioritizing products that are reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable.
• Give preference to fresh, natural, and organic products.

Social

• creating job opportunities and fostering professional development through training for the community.
• We actively encourage our guests to engage in the recreational and cultural activities available in our community.
• We proudly support various programs related to sports, culture, education, health, and security in our community.
• Upholding the values of respecting traditional and existing living cultures is essential in the environment where we operate. We also encourage both our customers and staff to promote and respect our shared origins.

Wildlife conservation and animal welfaire

Full Day Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Boat Tour

Our resort is seamlessly integrated into the verdant landscape of Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. We hold immense reverence for our surroundings and have implemented measures to ensure the preservation of the environment and wildlife that envelop Hotel de Campo Caño Negro. Listed below are some of the initiatives we have undertaken to achieve this objective:

Flora and Fauna:

Our botanical gardens showcase a diverse collection of plants and trees, including a significant number of indigenous species. This promotes the natural habitats of various animals such as monkeys, birds, insects, amphibians, and mammals.

Environmentally-friendly Practices

We do not use any kind of pesticide, and we exclusively utilize organic fertilizers in our garden. To accurately classify our trees, each one is tagged for proper taxonomic identification.

Respectful Wildlife Interaction

We strictly prohibit the feeding of animals and wildlife in our vicinity as it can disrupt their natural habits and compromise their health. If any injured animal is discovered, we offer our assistance based on expert assessment

Wildlife-conscious Lighting

The installation of garden lights was thoughtfully executed to consider the presence of wildlife residing within our property. We aim to minimize any disturbances caused by artificial illumination.

Promoting Conservation:

Our excursion options include visits to local conservation areas, encouraging our guests to actively support the preservation of these vital ecosystems.

pacific screech owl costa rica eyes

Is time to Travel to Costa Rica
Is time to visit caño negro wildlife refuge

Looking for a full package?

With Hotel de Campo you can enjoy a Wonderfull vacation in Costa Rica at the National Refuge of Caño Negro, choosing between 6+ packages. Or customize your own.

Made for birdwatcher & photographer

We prepare 4 packages from 1 to 4 nights, with up to 15 hrs of private birding and photography tours. You can customize these vacation packages.

Made for nature lover

We prepare 3 vacations packages from 1 to 3 nights, that include up to 5 hrs of boat tours in Caño Negro. These packages don’t include private trips, but you can upgrade it.

Stay at one of the best birding lodges in costa rica

And choose one of our
Best Sold Vacation Packages
made for Birdwatchers & Photographers

#1 Best Agami Heron Birding Costa Rica Vacation Package is our #1 sold package. It is fit for any birdwatcher and/or photographer that has a short time during their vacation in Costa Rica. This affordable vacation package at Hotel de Campo, located just in front of the lagoon of the National Wildlife Refuge of Caño Negro, you will have up to 8 hours of tours for birding in Costa Rica, or taking the best shot of your vacations.

This prime vacation package for your vacation in Costa Rica is directly offered by Hotel de Campo. After many years of experience, we design this package. Eventually, it becomes the first choice for those tourists that love birding and photography but also like some free time for themself. The more time you spend on a boat tour at Caño Negro Refuge, the more chances you have to spot the bird that you are looking for, or to take the best shot of your vacation.

You are visit Costa Rica in a run, and you want to squeeze the juice of Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. As fast as the Bat falcon is, you can visit Caño Negro Refuge for 1 night, and enjoy up to 7 hours of birdwatching and photography in a private boat tour. The first boat tour is from 3 pm at the check-in date, and the second boat tour will be at 6 am of the check-out date.

This is our extended 1 Best Pinnated Bittern Birding Costa Rica Vacation Package. With this birding package, you can explore 2 hotpots: Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and Medio Queso. For the month of February to the end of April (approximately. It will depend on the water level) we can take a morning to visit Medio Queso, and look for the Pinnated Bittern, Least Bittern, Yellow-breasted crake, forktail flycatcher, sore. These are some birds that are more difficult to spot in Caño Negro, and easier in Medio Queso

A few tips for a great Vacation in Costa Rica

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT COSTA RICA?

The best time to have a Vacations in Costa Rica birdwatching ecotourismwill depend on the type of vacation you want.
For nature lovers that like an ecotour to see a little bit of everything, all year round is good. Nature is always there to amaze you. You will not be disappointed even on a rainy day.
For a birding tour, if you are interested in any kind of bird, year-round is fine. But if you have any special interest in some spices, it will be better to coordinate the best moment of the year.

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO VISIT IN COSTA RICA FOR BIRDWATCHING AND PHOTOGRAPHY?

One of the best places to visit in Costa Rica for a nature lover, or a more specialized birder and photographer is Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Here you can enjoy a special Vacations in Costa Rica birdwatching ecotourism.
This is an amazing refuge with a different scenario. We have a lagoons area, a river, and a mostly forest section.
This almost unique wetland, it allows you to enjoy the different panorama and also switching between animal species: birds, sloths, monkeys, caimans, iguana, and so on.

WHAT IS RAINY SEASON IN CAÑO NEGRO - COSTA RICA LIKE?

Rainy season in Caño Negro – Costa Rica is from the beginning of May to the end of November approximately. The season begins with very light rain, occasionally. It is difficult to find an all-day rainy situation. Probably, the rainiest period is around October and November. But even so, it probably won’t rain all day.
In any case, as our tours are private, we would organize with you the best moment of the day to go discover the refuge.

CAN I ENJOY AN ECOTOUR ON A RAINY DAY?

YES. Rain is part of the ecosystem, and finally, birds and mammal are not very worried about that.
In any case, we do offer private tours and specially organized based on your interest. So, when you arrive at Hotel de Campo, we will organize the best moment to go explore the refuge.

IS COSTA RICA SAFE FOR SOLO FEMALE TRAVELERS?

Costa Rica is a safe country and is a great place for solo travelers, especially when you are very into nature. This because you will explore no crowded places.
In any case, as everywhere around the world, be organized, choose your destination carefully, and be safe.
About Caño Negro, we can ensure you it is an excellent destination for solo female.

IS CAÑO NEGRO - COSTA RICA SAFE FOR FAMILIES?

Yes! Caño Negro and Costa Rica in general are great destinations for family vacations. Caño Negro is a very quiet place, very safe. It is a safe place to discover nature. Also, for families, our tours are always private. So, you will enjoy it for sure.
For a family vacation, we offer rooms with up to 3 beds (2 doubles and 1 single bed) and joined rooms. So, you will never be apart, but with privacy.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP IN COSTA RICA?

TIP in Costa Rica is only included in the bar and restaurant bill. For any other products and services, it is not included.
I consider that TIP is a personal choice, based on the kind of service you receive.

WHAT IS THE CURRENCY OF COSTA RICA?

The currency of Costa Rica is the colon, colones plural.

DOES COSTA RICA TAKE USD?

USD is accepted in Costa Rica when it comes to tourism. The current exchange rate is around 650 colones to $1 but it changes daily. Google’s change is quite accurate.

WHAT DO I NEED TO PACK FOR CAÑO NEGRO - COSTA RICA?

For an ecotour vacation, I do recommend bringing clothes that dry fast and wick away moisture, good walking shoes, lots of sunscreen and mosquito repellent, sunglasses, a hat, a microfiber towel, an insulated water bottle.
If you’re visiting in the rainy season, then we recommend bringing a waterproof rain jacket and a waterproof backpack or rain cover

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO REALLY ENJOY AN ECOTOUR IN COSTA RICA - CAÑO NEGRO?

A very good pair of binoculars. And if you are a photographer a lens at least 400mm.
Why? Because only caimans you can see really close. Everything else is far away.

WHAT KIND OF SHOES SHOULD I BRING TO CAÑO NEGRO - COSTA RICA TO REALLY ENJOY ECOTOURS AND/OR A BIRDWATCHING TOUR?

For the rainy season, a waterproof hiking shoe. Also, and especially for wetland places and rainforest, a good pair of rubber boots. This is what local use. They protect you very well from rain and mud. And also, they dry up very fast.
During the dry season, very comfortable hiking shoes, always waterproof.

DO I NEED A 4×4 TO DRIVE TO CAÑO NEGRO OR AROUND COSTA RICA?

It will depend on where you are going. For most touristic destinations and the cities, there are paved roads, but also in ugly conditions and a 4×4 can more comfortable. Even so, a regular is ok.
Driving to Caño Negro from the north (Los Chiles) the road is paved. But between Caño Negro and Upala, you will find 25 km of dirt road.
But other remote and rural parts of the country do and these are Osa Peninsula, Nicoya Peninsula, and the Costa Ballena

DO I NEED A GPS TO DRIVE IN COSTA RICA?

Not really. Costa Rica as only a few main roads, and normally to arrive at some destination, you will not have more than 1 or 2 options. Instead of a GPS, I will use Waze, or Google Maps (not so accurate as Waze).
I am sure, that everybody can share with you their location with Whatsapp and Waze.

HOW BAD ARE THE MOSQUITOES IN COSTA RICA?

We do have mosquitos, everywhere. How many? It depends where you go and the season. It is a tropical country.
My best recommendation: electric burner for mosquitos. As you arrive in Costa Rica, go to a supermarket and purchase an electric burner for mosquitos. It is the best solution to clean your room and sleep well everywhere. And you will find spare all-round in Costa Rica. You can find that use plaquette, or with liquid. I do prefer to travel around with plaquette. Repellent, always.

WHERE CAN I SEE SLOTHS IN COSTA RICA?

Of course in Caño Negro you can see sloths. Inclusive, in our private forest sometimes you can find them.