Central America Travel Deals Feature Ecotourism in Costa Rica and Mexico

Although Costa Rica is a relatively small country if you compare it to Mexico, it stands out from other Central American countries by emphasizing the ecotourism trend that it helped create and promote. Especially in this time of economic crisis, the whole idea behind ecotourism is to preserve natural resources while at the same time profiting from them, and giving back to the community. Costa Rica, receives over 1 million visitors per year and practically half of them (49%) come from The U. S, and with the depressed economy there, great deals on travel and eco-tours can be found in Costa Rica as well as Mexico.

Secluded, Los Chonchos Beach, Mexico - Jungle Trekking, Snorkeling, Whale Watching

Most people may not think of it this way, but Costa Rica’s “neighbor” to the north has always offered many eco-tourism attractions. From the Pacific to the Caribbean, Mexico offers unequaled natural beauty and great weather year round. Oliver Weickardt, of Vacaciónes Mexíco, reminds us, “Mexico is not just about sandy beaches, it has many other options to offer its visitors such as: beautiful architecture, mountains, biosphere reserves, and magical archaeology, including one of the 7 wonders of the world in Chichèn Itzà , located in the Yucatan peninsula. Sure, we have our big hotels on white sandy beaches, but if you’re looking for ecotourism, we have isolated beaches, and traveling now is a bargain.”

Tourists that like to stay in touch with nature and be environmentally conscious at the same time will find that Mexico is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world, gaining in popularity for ecotourism and adventure activities. The eco-traveler / tourist can experience activities and sports like surfing, kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, skydiving, mountain biking, rappelling, zip- lining, ballooning, snorkeling, and don’t  forget scuba diving,  especially if you practice it in the depths of the Sea of Cortés and the astonishing Mayan Riviera, where you can explore the second largest coral reef system in the world.

Despite all the bad publicity regarding the ongoing fight against drug cartels and organized crime, Mexico still remains one of the top tourist destinations of the world. In addition to ecotourism activities and locations, for the traditional beach aficionado, Mexico has it all – from the renowned hotels and new celebrity hot spots in Los Cabos to the white sand and turquoise waters of Cancun and the Mayan Riviera.

Like Mexico, Costa Rica has many natural attractions to offer its visitors, such as beaches, tropical rain forests, majestic volcanoes as well as a wide array of flora and fauna, canopy rides, white water rafting and bird watching. And, since Costa Rica relies heavily on US tourism, too, great travel discounts can be found in all areas, but increasingly more emphasis is being places on the preferred ecotourism sector to conserve its resources and beauty.

Turtle watching from Casa Oceano Villa on Tango Mar Beach & Private Nature Reserve, Costa Rica

Both Mexico and Costa Rica share the warmth and hospitality of their people.  Just like the Mexicans, “Ticos” are well known for being friendly and enjoying life as it is, particularly defined by the famous phrase “Pura Vida” which translated means “pure life”. So if you are tired of the modern world with its crowded theme parks and lined beaches, eco-tourism is the way to go! In Costa Rica, one example of blending luxurious accommodations with turtle watching tours is the Casa Oceano beach front vacation rental in the private nature reserve of Tango Mar Resort, offering 7 nights for the price of 5. In Mexico, the agency Villa Experience Mexico now offers travel specials of up to a 30% discount for Riviera Maya vacation rental villas. And the portal of “Vacaciones Mexico” offers up to a 30% discount for even the Easter week of 2011 on hotels in all Mexican beach destination. In short, there is nothing better than getting in touch with nature, having fun and challenging yourself to the more adventurous route, whether it be Tico style, or “south of the border, down Mexico way.”

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