What are Ecotourists?
Ecotourists are those who love to travel and explore different destinations while also being conscious about their impact on the environment. These types of adventurers are often searching for new and unique places to explore that offer them a chance to see amazing natural scenery while also getting in some good exercise.
Ecotourism is a rapidly growing industry, and there are many different destinations around the world that ecotourists love to visit. Here are five of the best places for ecotourism:
- The Amazon Rainforest
- Costa Rica
- The Galapagos Islands
- The Great Barrier Reef
- Masai Mara
The Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most popular ecotourist destinations in the world. And it’s easy to see why – this rainforest is home to an incredible array of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on earth. That’s major! Ecotourists can explore this epic rainforest by foot, by boat, or even by taking a canopy tour.
The Amazon Rainforest is MASSIVE, clocking in at over five million square kilometers. It spans across nine different countries, including Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. Some of the most notable ecotourist attractions in the Amazon Rainforest include the Manu National Park, in Peru, which is home to over 1,000 bird species; the Yasuni National Park, in Ecuador, which is home to some of the world’s rarest animals; the Tambopata National Reserve, in Peru, which is one of the best places to see monkeys; and the Anavilhanas National Park, in Brazil, which is home to the world’s largest archipelago of freshwater islands.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is another top destination for ecotourists. This small Central American country is home to some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. Yesterday, I actually wrote a blog post about what I believe to be the coolest rainforest in Costa Rica.
Ecotourists can visit rainforests, cloud forests, mangrove forests, and more, in Costa Rica. But… What is a “cloud forest”?
A cloud forest is a tropical forest that is found at high altitudes – usually above 1,000 meters. These forests are typically characterized by cooler temperatures and… you guessed it… clouds! Cool, huh?
Some of the best ecotourist destinations in Costa Rica include the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, which is home to over 2,500 plant species and 100 mammal species; the Corcovado National Park, which is one of the best places in the world to see wild cats; and the Braulio Carrillo National Park, which is home to an incredible array of bird species.
Also, if you’re interested in visiting the most awesome rainforest in Costa Rica, then click the link below:
Ecotourism in Costa Rica is really nice because the country has made a huge effort to make its ecotourism industry sustainable. So, not only will you have an amazing time exploring all of the different ecosystems that Costa Rica has to offer, but you can also feel good knowing that your tourism dollars are supporting a sustainable industry.
This is important because, as ecotourism grows, it’s important to make sure that it is done in a way that it does not have a negative impact on the environment.
The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are another top ecotourism destination. These volcanic islands, located off the coast of Ecuador, are home to an amazing array of unique wildlife – from giant tortoises to iguanas to blue-footed boobies.
The Galapagos Islands are also home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Wolf Volcano. This volcano’s most recent eruption was previously in 2015, but after 7 quiet years, Wolf Volcano erupted on January 7th, 2022. 12,444 feet above sea level, a cloud of a mixture of gas and ash rose from the eruption.
Some of the best ecotourist destinations in the Galapagos Islands include Isabela Island, which is home to the giant tortoises and marine iguanas mentioned earlier; Fernandina Island, which is home to the world’s largest colony of marine iguanas; and Española Island, which is home to the world’s largest colony of blue-footed boobies, which again, was mentioned earlier.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the best places in the world for ecotourism. This reef, located off the coast of Australia, is the largest coral reef in the world. It’s also home to an incredible array of plant and animal life – including over 1,500 fish species, 400 coral species, and 30 whale and dolphin species.
The Great Barrier Reef is a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, and swimming, however, ecotourists can also enjoy this reef from the comfort of a glass-bottomed boat. These boats are specially designed to protect the reef from damage.
Some of the best ecotourist destinations on the Great Barrier Reef include the Whitsunday Islands, which are home to white sand beaches and turquoise waters; the Ribbon Reefs, which are home to an incredible array of coral species; and the Cod Hole, which is one of the best places in the world to see Potato Cod, a species of fish that can grow up to 1.8 meters in length.
Masai Mara
Masai Mara is one of the best places in the world for ecotourism. This reserve, located in Kenya, is home to an incredible array of wildlife – including lions, elephants, leopards, and cheetahs. These animals are often seen on safari tours, which are popular among ecotourists.
Masai Mara is also home to the annual wildebeest migration. This phenomenon occurs when over 1.5 million animals – including wildebeest, zebra, and antelope – migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Masai Mara in Kenya in search of food and water.
Some of the best ecotourist destinations in Masai Mara include the Mara Triangle, which is home to the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo); the Musiara Swamp, which is a popular destination for birdwatching; and the Maasai Village, which is a traditional village that offers visitors a glimpse into the life of the Maasai people.
Final Thoughts…
Ecotourists love these 5 places because of the amazing scenery and the opportunity to see unique wildlife. These destinations offer ecotourists the chance to experience nature in a way that is not possible in many other places in the world. So, if you’re looking for an amazing ecotourism destination, be sure to check out one of these five places.
Until next time…
