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Do you want to see the beautiful Mexican Caribbean? Perhaps watch whales in the Pacific near the wonderful Baja California peninsula? Or learn about the rich and varied culture of the country by visiting rural destinations and archaeological sites? Mexico has all this and much more to offer. Better yet, most of these places have sustainable accommodation options to suit the needs of every tourist.

Since 2005, the Rainforest Alliance has been promoting sustainable tourism in Mexico, primarily as an active member of the Mesoamerican Reef Tourism Initiative (MARTI). Also, there are now 81 tourism companies active in the Rainforest Alliance verification program in Mexico, ranging from small hotels to large resorts, mainly in Mexico City and the Mexican Caribbean. These companies recently received the S Distinction awarded by the Mexican Secretariat of Tourism (SECTUR) to companies committed to sustainability practices.

The Rainforest Alliance has been working with the AMResorts hotel chain to improve the sustainability performance of its hotels in Mexico. AMResorts has six luxury hotel brands with 32 properties in Mexico, Jamaica, Curacao, and the Dominican Republic that cater to all kinds of guests, from young families and newlyweds on honeymoons to adventure travelers.

Thanks to this collaboration, AMResorts has made impressive investments in a number of wildlife conservation programs and enterprises designed to benefit local communities. For example, Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa has released more than 300,000 sea turtle hatchlings through its Dreaming of Freedom habitat protection program. Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort & Spa provides space in its gift shop where the neighboring Maya community sells artisanal products such as jellies and honeys. At Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, staff are motivated to start their own businesses selling services to the resort, such as car washes, barber shops, and convenience stores.

More than 10,000 of AMResort's employees in Mexico are receiving online training in best management practices for sustainable tourism so that they themselves become agents of change in the hotels, as well as in their homes and communities. This training will be extended to other Mexican companies verified by the Rainforest Alliance.

The Rainforest Alliance is also working with the Mexican government's Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) to promote sustainable tourism practices among small and medium-sized ecotourism businesses, mainly in rural communities, which can apply for certification under their national standard. These small businesses are found throughout the country, from the Vizcaino Reserve in Baja California Sur to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve on the Yucatan Peninsula. All offer varied and invaluable natural and cultural wealth and are key to preserving traditional Mexican cultures and valuable ecosystems. Moreover, these small businesses are the main or only source of income for these communities and families.

To date, the Rainforest Alliance has assessed the sustainable performance of nearly 40 tourism businesses in 11 ecotourism circuits in Mexico, and has trained about 94 people from 35 companies on planning and sustainable management of their businesses and ecosystems. As a result, businesses not only improved their practices, but some of them also became Rainforest Alliance Verified^TM , which means that they met the Rainforest Alliance's standards for sustainable tourism businesses.

The next time you visit Mexico be sure to look for businesses – whether small rural inns, medium-size hotels, or luxury resorts – with the seal of the Mexican Ecotourism Standards, the S Distinction, or the Rainforest Alliance Verified^TM mark. We make it easy for you – you can find a list of them on SustainableTrip.org!

This entry was posted on September 18, 2013 at 3:26 PM and has received 1077 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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There are many reasons to visit Mexico: its beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Caribbean; on the other coast, the Pacific embellished each year with impressive gray whales; its towering mountains covered with green forests rich in biodiversity; the Aztec and Maya legacies that live on in wonderful archaeological ruins; the exquisite cuisine; and, last but not least, beautiful colonial cities and majestic haciendas, which have gained much fame among tourists.

Haciendas started to spring up in Mexico in the 17th century, mainly in eastern and southeastern Mexico: in Jalisco, Yucatan, Hidalgo, Campeche, Puebla and Tlaxcala. They started as strategic points for local and regional farm markets in areas that were rich in natural resources and had an available work force. These large, grand houses played a key role in the history and economy of Mexico during Spanish colonization as places where agribusiness was negotiated. Some specialized in producing livestock, sugar, cocoa, coffee, grains, agave or other crops.

Despite the passage of so many years, more than a hundred "hacienda farms" remain in operation in these regions, and many have even continued their agricultural activities, complete with the charm and traditions of rural Mexican life. Recently, in order to leverage their natural, historical, and cultural wealth, many owners of these colonial buildings have chosen to rehabilitate them and turn them into luxury hotels.

The haciendas have opened their doors to tourists interested in rural tourism, history, and reveling in splendid colonial architecture. Upon arriving at a farm, the visitor is greeted by a huge house with spacious gardens and terraces, pools, stone fountains, chapels and monasteries, and charming décor with antique details. Its corners are filled with stories of the past and impressive histories. If you look carefully, it is even possible to stay in homes where important conquerors and public figures of the era slept, such as Hernán Cortés, Emperor Maximilian, General Santa Ana, Pancho Villa, and Emiliano Zapata.

The experience of staying at a hacienda includes a wide variety of entertainment activities related to rural life: horseback riding for several hours from one hacienda to another, visiting bull-fighting arenas and iconic local churches, practicing cattle herding, milking cows, taking classes for a famous sport called charro, horseback riding and lassoing, and of course, enjoying typical rural Mexican food.

But there are also options for adventure tourists or those seeking modern comfort and facilities. In the areas surrounding many haciendas, you can take tours on bicycles or all-terrain vehicles, go rappelling or zip-lining, or simply relax in modern spas that include traditional hot baths called temazcal.

Also, many haciendas are also located near pre-Columbian sites and indigenous communities where you can appreciate another rich historical, architectural, and cultural legacy of Mexico.

With such varied opportunities, it is no wonder why tourists are turning their gaze to the haciendas of Mexico. These sites have become preferred destinations for weddings, corporate events, and even sets for movies.

At SustainableTrip.org we have a superb list of Mexican haciendas that also offer a sustainable tourism experience. Get to know them all and decide which ones will be a part of your next vacation:

• Hacienda Puerta Campeche
• Hacienda Santa José
• Hacienda Santa Rosa
• Hacienda Temozón
• Hacienda Uayamón

This entry was posted on May 16, 2013 at 5:57 AM and has received 961 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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The city of Baños in the Tungurahua province of Ecuador has been declared the country's most accessible city and is promoted as an international tourist destination for tourists with disabilities. Alfonso Eliécer Morales is one of the people who have helped to make this possible.

Morales is an inspiring example of someone who has turned adversity into opportunity. Despite an accident that left him unable to walk since his youth, Morales has excelled as an athlete. He was on Ecuador's National Wheelchair Basketball Team in the 1989 Special Pan American Games and the National Team of Disabled Athletes in the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta. In 1995, he created and participated in the first tour of Ecuador in a wheelchair.

This fighter has lectured at nearly a dozen national and international events about disability and accessibility, particularly in the tourism industry. From 2005 to 2009, he served as a councilman for his community, during which he sought to promote sustainable rural tourism that is accessible to persons with disabilities. To this end, he opened Hostal Familiar Las Granadillas, a sustainable Rainforest Alliance Verified lodge that provides facilities for disabled tourists who enjoy adventure travel.

In this interview, Alfonso tells his story and the great work being done to promote the right of access and sustainable tourism.

Question: How did your accident occur?

Morales: I had an accident on the job 25 years ago, when I was almost 20 years old and working for a small construction company. I was driving a tractor when a nearby mountain collapsed and trapped me, fracturing a spinal vertebra.

Q: When did you decide to become an athlete?

M:During my childhood, I loved climbing trees, hiking to discover nature, and helping with daily tasks; I especially enjoyed being in the water and I excelled in swimming at my school. In 1990, three years after the accident and a painful rehabilitation process, I had finally gotten used to the wheelchair. So, I took part in and ended up winning the "Quito Latest News" track meet. This motivated me to participate in other national and international events. Sports helped me join in and overcome the constraints of my new lifestyle.

Q: Why did you decide to become a tourism entrepreneur?

M:Three years after the accident, I was feeling more independent in my daily life. I returned to my hometown of Iluchi, in Baños de Agua Santa, which has always been a popular tourist destination. My grandmother gave me a very nice, strategically located, and scenic piece of land in the community, and a few months later, a highway was built nearby. At that point I said, "This is where I will make my home and my lodge."

Q: How did you get the idea to build a hostel that is friendly for disabled people?

M: Here it is very hard to find lodging accessible to travelers with disabilities like mine--and those that do exist are four or five star hotels that are too costly for most of us. This motivated me to offer an alternative.

Q: How did your family and the community react to your plans?

M: Initially, they doubted that I could build this dream, mainly because of the financial investment that would be required. However, they knew it would be a success because of the setting, the landscape, and the location. We are in the countryside, but with only 20 minutes of walking we can get to and from the city. In the end, everyone helped me somehow.

Q: As a tourism entrepreneur pioneering this style of tourist lodging, what has your adventure been like?

M: It hasn't been easy. It was challenging to make contacts and publicize the community as a tourist destination – even though we are a tourist town, not all of its attractions have been well promoted. Gradually people have gotten to know us, and my own satisfied customers spread news about the project by word of mouth. It was also difficult to apply for one bank loan after another to complete the hostel. Fortunately, the project is seen as interesting and unique, and one with potential.

Q: What makes Hostal Familiar Las Granadillas special for the average tourist?

M: Our location is advantageous--we are in a rural area but very close to the city and surrounded by three tourist trails: Puente de San Francisco – Illuchi Alto – Las Antenas, Río Guambo – El Tablón – Montañita, and Illuchi Bajo – Puente de Sauces. We also have an exceptional view of the southern part of the city, Santa Rosa de Runtun mountain, the La Virgen waterfalls, the Mintza mountains, Tungurahua volcano with its occasional eruptions of ash or water vapor, the Pastaza River, the Callejón Andino Oriental (East Andes Alley), the mountains of Sauces, and the mountains of Pucara, among others.

In addition, our facilities are spacious; we have gardens, aquariums, and a small collection of antiques. But what makes us stand out is the personal attention we give our visitors, whom we see as members of our family.

Q: What are the main attractions of the Iluchi community?

M: Besides all the natural attractions that I mentioned, this community is very safe and the people are very friendly and unique in their traditions and solidarity. Illuchi is also a leader in organic farming and it is very close to the city. It has all the basic services thanks to the hard work of our community leaders, and the access road is well maintained.

Q: Why did you decide to adopt sustainable tourism practices and what are your main efforts in this area?

M: I grew up in the countryside, so I identify with tranquility and the natural environment, and I am aware that I must be part of its conservation and cause minimal impact with my business. The training and ongoing support of Rainforest Alliance encouraged me to become aware and to make more of a commitment.

For example, the tables, furnishings, and planters are made of wood that was left over from the building of our house. The wood used in our fireplace is a (non-traditional) eucalyptus species, or wood recycled from the greenhouses or the river. We use energy-saving light bulbs and fill the aquariums with rainwater. We light fireplaces with grease and oils recycled from the cafeteria. We recycle organic waste, plastic, and glass and use recycled pots as lamps, vases and flowerpots. We deliver recyclables to underprivileged people in the community so they can sell them and in return, they help us for half a day doing gardening.

We also hire local staff and buy food produced in the area. Our successful incentive plan called "Sweets or Fruits for Bottles" invites children of the community to bring in plastic bottles and empty glass jars, and in return, we give them a fruit or candy. Students from the community are allowed to use our wireless internet connection free of charge. Finally, we provide free lodging to people who provide training to our community.

Q: What message do you convey to people with disabilities and their families through your lectures and projects?

M: I try to convey my experiences very humbly so that people going through a similar situation know that nothing is impossible despite the difficulties; anything is possible if we know how to dream and work with faith and love for ourselves and others. Family is very important in this process, but mostly it has to do with willpower.

As part of this work, I developed a recreational tourism and independent life training plan for people with disabilities and their families. The program lasts from one week to three months and consists of activities related to creating an independent life and a little training in sustainability. The goal is to create citizens who are free, capable, aware, and interactive.

Q: What future plans do you have for your company?

M:We have many plans, particularly for expanding our space, providing better service every day and improving our processes for sustainability and the quality of life of my staff and customers.

This entry was posted on January 22, 2013 at 4:05 PM and has received 1804 views. There are currently 3 comments. Print this entry.

Being a sustainable traveler doesn't mean that you need to worry about making reservations, finding transportation, and planning activities. As more and more travelers are concerned with reducing their impact on the environment and supporting the welfare of the local communities they visit, the number of tour operators that offer sustainable travel packages have also grown.

A responsible tour operator is one that seeks to establish a sustainable supply chain. What does that mean? It means that they work with accommodations, car rental and transportation companies, food services, and even destinations and activities that have been certified or verified by recognized sustainable tourism programs.

To prove that their supply chains are sustainable, tour operators themselves can also become certified or verified. For example, to earn a two-year Rainforest Alliance verification, in the first year, at least 30% of a tour operator's supply chain must be sustainable; in year two, at least 50% must be sustainable. Other certification programs have similar criteria.

When you are researching and getting quotes from responsible tour operators, be sure to ask if they only include sustainable companies in their itineraries, assuming that they are available in your chosen destination.

Another key feature of responsible tour operators is that they demonstrate their commitment with their own corporate sustainability practices. Like any company, they can improve their environmental and social footprints by reducing their consumption of water, energy and other resources, recycling, using clean technologies, hiring local staff, conserving biodiversity, respecting cultures while traveling, and promoting these practices and values among their employees and customers.

Ask tour operators about their sustainable practices and visit their websites to inquire about their sustainability policies. And, you can go even further to ensure that their commitments are real. We make it easy for you! Choose one of the fantastic tour operators that are listed in SustainableTrip.org. Every tour operator in our directory is certified or Rainforest Alliance verified, which means that they have undergone strict assessments confirming their compliance with the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, which are the minimum requirements that a company should meet to be sustainable.

The sustainable tourism boom has also prompted tour operators to demonstrate their collective responsibility by creating professional associations with the common goal of mitigating their impact and helping to conserve the ecosystems upon which the tourism industry depends, and to help provide sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Tour Operators Promoting Sustainability (TOPS) is a specialized global platform for tour operators that are working with the Rainforest Alliance to promote sustainable tourism in their respective markets. These entrepreneurs are helping to transform tourism business practices to make the industry environmentally and socially responsible, as well as profitable.

The Tour Operators' Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Development (TOI) is another example. This community was developed with support from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and it is committed to implementing joint activities and disseminating methods and practices that will make sustainable development a foundation of the tourism industry.

So, if on your next vacation, you'd like a tour operator to do the planning for you, be sure to visit the list of tour operators on SustainableTrip.org and rest assured that they are all doing the right thing to conserve the environment and support local communities!

This entry was posted on August 21, 2012 at 11:27 AM and has received 1183 views. There are currently 1 comments. Print this entry.

This month's Making a Difference award winner is Ecolodge San Luis, an ecotourism initiative run by and located on the University of Georgia's (UGA) Costa Rica campus. The hotel provides travelers with a unique base for exploring the Monteverde region of Costa Rica, immersing them in a community of enthusiastic campus staff, researchers, fellow travelers, and students. We spoke with Quint Newcomer and Fabricio Camacho, respectively the Director and General Manager of UGA Costa Rica, to find out more about this sustainable rainforest lodge.

Q. Is Ecolodge San Luis a good place for travelers who are interested in exploring and learning about nature?

A: Ecolodge San Luis is an outstanding place for travelers interested in an educational, nature-based experience in Costa Rica. Our campus is adjacent to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the most important protected forest areas in the country because of its high levels of biodiversity, especially of birds and orchids.

We also maintain our own protected forest reserve as part of the 155-acre campus. We offer guided natural history walks on our forest trails (day and night), birding tours and a monthly bird count activity, and presentations about medicinal plants in the campus' San Luis Botanical Garden. We also have our own tree nursery and carbon-offset program, and offer visitors the opportunity to help plant these trees during the planting season. UGA-Costa Rica also hosts many researchers who are happy to talk to our guests about their work.

Q. What kinds of wildlife can guests expect to see at your lodge?

A. Guests can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, in large part because the ecolodge is nestled into part of UGA-Costa Rica's forest reserve. It is very common to see white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus) in the trees just off the balconies, and to hear the long-tailed manakins (Chiroxiphia linearis), calling out for a mate. Agoutis (Dasyprocta punctata) and coatimundi (Nasua narica) frequently cross our trails. Night hikes may reveal kinkajous (Potus flavus) and olingos (Bassaricyon gabbii). In addition, blue morpho butterflies (Morpho peleides limpida) and hummingbirds such as the violet sabrewing (Campylopterus hemileucurus) abound.

UGA-Costa Rica's bird list includes nearly 250 bird species, including permanent residents as well as altitudinal and latitudinal migrants. One interesting fact about the local avifauna is that there are certain species of Atlantic slope birds, such as the crimson collared tanager (Ramphocelus sanguinolentus) that are regularly seen on the UGA property, even though we are located on the Pacific slope. This is because there is a mountain pass that allows these species to come across the continental divide and become established in the upper part of the valley.

The diversity of butterflies at the UGA-Costa Rica campus is still unknown -- to date, more than 150 species have been collected and can be observed in our on-site collection.

There are 109 bat species in Costa Rica. This diversity represents just over half the country's 216 mammal species, and about 12% of the world's bat species. At least 25 species of bats are known to exist at the UGA-Costa Rica Campus.

There are nearly 400 species of amphibians and reptiles in Costa Rica. As with other groups of organisms, this high species diversity is due in part to the great variety of ecosystems. In San Luis, there are 15 known species of amphibians and 43 species of reptiles.

In the town of San Luis, 131 tree species have been recorded and 31 orchid species have been identified -- compare that to 50 orchid species in the entire state of Georgia!

Q. What can your guests do to learn about local culture and customs?

A. We offer a variety of activities in the San Luis Valley, including sustainable agriculture and coffee tours on neighboring farms, cooking lessons at a local home, dance lessons and sometimes all-community dances, soccer games in the local community, fresh tilapia dinners at a local restaurant, and more. You can even catch your own fish for dinner if you'd like! Homestays in the local community can be arranged with at least one month prior notice. UGA-Costa Rica's gift shop also sells goods primarily made by artisans in the local community.

Q. Why is sustainability so important for your hotel and what noteworthy sustainable initiatives are you carrying out?

A. As noted environmentalist David Orr said, sustainability is about "how to make decent communities in which people grow to be responsible citizens and whole people." UGA-Costa Rica is part of the fabric of the community of San Luis de Monteverde. It is our responsibility to act, as a business and as employees representing this business, in the most responsible way possible--toward our fellow community members, toward our environment, and to those who come from other places to spend time with us. UGA-Costa Rica is an endorser of the Earth Charter, and strives to embody its 16 principles for sustainability.

The mission of UGA-Costa Rica is to advance our understanding--through instruction, research, and outreach--of the interconnected nature of human and environmental systems and particularly the concepts of socio-cultural, ecological, and economic sustainability. Sustainability is imbedded in our mission and is the core operating principle of our operation. UGA-Costa Rica produces an annual sustainability report, which can be downloaded from our website, that chronicles our journey toward sustainability.

In addition to our carbon offset program, we have education outreach programs with local schools and other community members, on-site organic agriculture and local food purchasing policies, use of biodigesters to treat waste water and generate energy, medicinal plants that we provide to members of the local community for their own home gardens, water quality monitoring within the Bellbird Biological Corridor, service-learning coursework that supports sustainable development initiatives within the community, use of biodegradable "green" cleaning products and other green purchasing policies, water and energy savings measures, participation in Costa Rica's Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program, and much more.

Q. What advantages come from being part of a university campus?

A. The Ecolodge San Luis is the 12-room hotel facility at the UGA-Costa Rica campus. Guests have the opportunity to engage with the students, faculty, and researchers and be a part of the dynamic atmosphere present at UGA-Costa Rica. For tourists to Costa Rica, and for Costa Rican tourists traveling within their country, staying at the Ecolodge San Luis offers the opportunity to engage in educational, nature-based activities in a "living classroom" setting.

Because UGA-Costa Rica's academic programs offer courses spanning over 30 disciplines, guests may also have the opportunity to watch Latin American movies, observe distant constellations in an astronomy lab, or learn watercolor painting techniques. As we are located just a few kilometers from Monteverde, guests can also take advantage of many of the activities available in the Monteverde region, while staying in a place that is far removed from the typical tourist atmosphere.

Q. Of all of the hotels in the Monteverde area, what makes Ecolodge San Luis special?

A. Many of the advantages of being a part of a university campus and our deep commitment to sustainability are the same reasons that Ecolodge San Luis is a special place to stay in comparison to other hotels in the Monteverde area. It's not for everyone – rooms don't have telephones, television, or internet, and UGA-Costa Rica does not have a menu to select from for meals (all meals are served family style, and selection rotates daily) or serve alcoholic beverages, although you may bring your own as long as it's kept in your room at the Ecolodge and not brought into the main campus area. However, for those searching for an immersion in nature and culture and don't mind being slightly off-the-beaten-path, Ecolodge San Luis offers a very special experience for travelers young and old.

This entry was posted on May 29, 2012 at 11:04 PM and has received 1967 views. There are currently 1 comments. Print this entry.

Visiting Costa Rica´s Southern Pacific region feels like  a new world; bountiful nature  and vibrant shades of green provide a welcome boost of fresh air and rejuvenation. A surprising range of biodiversity can still be found here. National Geographic has called it "one of the most biologically intense places on earth".

Costa Ballena – The Doorway to the South

The Costa Ballena, or "whale coast" is located at the northern end of this beautiful part of Costa Rica. Its captivating coastline includes beaches such as Playa Dominical, Playa Uvita, and Playa Tortuga, which offer various water sports such as snorkeling, kayaking, diving, surfing, and scuba diving. The Terraba-Sierpe River is home to one of Costa Rica's largest mangroves. Marino Ballena National Park features the Pacific Coast's largest coral reef and is visited each year by various species of whales and dolphins, including the majestic humpback whale.

La Cusinga Ecolodge

Tucked away in a 600-acre private rainforest reserve, La Cusinga is nestled in the hills and overlooks the jungle and ocean. Its ten rustic cabins have an environmentally-friendly design and its open-air restaurant provides fresh foods from the hotel's own farm. The lodge's active environmental and social efforts include reforestation projects, environmental education in local schools, and much more.

Hotel Villas Río Mar

Located on the banks of the Barú River just 2,624 feet (800 meters) from the beach, Hotel Villas Río Mar is  walking distance from the popular Dominical village and beach, which is popular for its excellent surf. The hotel incorporates its natural surroundings and boasts large gardens. Regular clean-up campaigns on the beach, waste separation, and the use of solar panels to heat water are part of the environmental preservation activities undertaken by hotel, whereas social activities include participation in various community development committees and cooperation with local institutions such as schools, police, and religious organizations.

Mar y Selva Ecolodge

Facing the beautiful Marino Ballena National Park, Mar y Selva Ecolodge is located only 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) from the beach and offers numerous activities such as swimming in the semi-Olympic pool, indulging in a massage, and listening to the sounds of nature from the terraces.  The more adventurous can rent mountain bikes or kayaks and explore the surroundings, Nearby activities include horseback riding, canopy tours, hiking, bird-watching, and much more. The ecolodge's dedication to preserving the natural and social environment is reflected in its waste management, energy conservation, support of a local school, and donations to various causes,

Bodhi Surf School

Located in the authentic and beautiful town of Uvita, Bodhi Surf School combines inner and outer wellness with its surf lessons as well as surf and yoga packages. A personalized surfing experience that teaches how to connect with nature is enhanced by the opportunity to increase inner awareness through yoga, and social awareness through participating in community projects. The school incorporates conservation in its business practices and cooperates with a wide variety of local community and international programs.

Osa Peninsula - the Tranquil South

The perfect starting point for the Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay, is located in between this area's two main attractions. The first is Corcovado National Park, one of the only untouched costal rainforests in the world. The park's wide variety of ecosystems hosts an astonishing range of wildlife such as scarlet macaws, jaguars, pumas, the harpy eagle, and other endangered species. Besides being one of the country's most exciting scuba diving spots, Caño Island Reserve is home to mysterious pre-Colombian stone spheres, all of which are hand-carved . Some researchers believe that the indigenous population made these spheres to represent the Earth and the cosmos, whereas others claim they served as ancient navigational markers.

The Golfo Dulce Reserve and Piedras Blancas National Park conclude the southern area of Costa Rica, and together with Corcovado National Park they form a biological corridor that connects multiple wildlife refuges. The secluded beaches and bays along Golfo Dulce provide calm waters for peaceful swimming and unique opportunities to spot rare and endangered wildlife.

Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge This lodge is the perfect starting point to explore Corcovado and Caño Island. Not only is it located in impressive natural surroundings, it has also been awarded the highest level of certification from the national Certification for Sustainable Tourism program (CST). Some of Casa Corcovado´s conservation activities include recycling, the use of alternative energy sources, and active community involvement. Its bungalows are designed in an eco-friendly way and nestled into the lush natural surroundings to ensure optimal privacy.

Lapa Ríos Ecolodge

Lapa Rios Ecolodge is a unique ecolodge designed in harmony with the surrounding forest and beach environment, overlooking the pristine point where the Golfo Dulce meets the wild Pacific Ocean. Lapa Rios has won worldwide awards for social and environmental excellence; guests  support rainforest conservation and help the lodge provide direct employment and income to more than 50 families in the area. Moreover, the lodge protects and preserves 1,000 acres (40 hectares) of primary and secondary rainforest in the Lapa Rios private reserve.  It also engages with the local community by providing education and job training, and educates guests about rainforest conservation and the local culture.

Playa Nicuesa Lodge

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is located on a 165-acre (67 hectare) private preserve. Reachable only by boat, the lodge has been uniquely designed to enable an intimate encounter with pristine nature, while at the same ensuring its preservation. With the ocean in its front yard and thousands of acres of tropical rainforest in its backyard, beach, nature, and adventure activities abound and provide the basis for plentiful educational opportunities.

Golfo Dulce Lodge

The Golfo Dulce Lodge is a private nature reserve protecting approximately 750 acres (300 hectares) of tropical lowland primary rainforest and secondary forest. This remote, certified eco-lodge is only accessible by boat and thus enables an incomparable natural experience. The lodge's conservation efforts are nearly as plentiful as the wildlife in the surrounding area, and include the eco-friendly construction of the lodge, staff education on sustainability topics, regular beach clean-ups, and much more.

This entry was posted on October 18, 2011 at 1:06 PM and has received 1285 views. There are currently 2 comments. Print this entry.

There are only a few places in the world that offer an exciting mix of ancient and modern cultures with an incredible diversity of natural resources like Guatemala.  Here we feature some of the most beautiful cultural and natural attractions the country has to offer.

Antigua is a beautiful colonial city with cobblestone streets, colorful houses, interesting museums, colonial churches, and an active nightlife. There are also many tour operators in the city that offer activities like hiking, mountain biking, and most excitingly, tours to climb one of the nearby volcanoes.  Chichicastenango is home to an indigenous market where you can immerse yourself in the local culture, find authentic crafts, and improve your bargaining skills.  After wandering the busy markets all day long, the nearby Lake Atitlan offers a welcome rest, providing picturesque views of the tranquil lake ringed by three different volcanoes. One of the most famous highlights in Guatemala is the ancient site of Tikal, home to spectacularly well-preserved Mayan ruins. The surrounding rainforests of the Maya Biosphere Reserve are teeming with exotic wildlife such as jaguars, scarlet macaws, monkeys, and more.  The nearby colorful village of Flores offers a Caribbean climate and atmosphere; for an even deeper immersion in the Caribbean culture, the town of Livingston can be reached on a beautiful boat trip across the Rio Dulce.

Sustainable tourism has recently gained importance in Guatemala, and the Rainforest Alliance has been working with partners like the GREAT Green Deal program, the Guatemala Tourism Board (INGUAT), the Chamber of Tourism, the Universidad del Istmo, and the Guatemalan Exporter's Association to promote Guatemala as a sustainable tourism destination, train business owners in best management practices, and promote sustainable hotels and tour operators to travelers. On September 28^th, the Rainforest Alliance will launch the Tour Operators Promoting Sustainability, or TOPS, a network of Rainforest Alliance Verified tour operators from Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.

As a result of all of this hard work, we are excited to feature 16 Rainforest Alliance Verified and 12 GREAT Green Deal certified businesses in SustainableTrip.org.

Here we feature three fun and beautiful hotels that meet the Rainforest Alliance's strict standards for sustainability:

Hotel Villa Colonial

Located in the picturesque center of Antigua along a traditional cobblestone street, this colonial-style hotel offers 54 beautiful rooms and is highly committed to sustainability. Cornerstones of the hotel's sustainability approach are socially responsible environmental conservation, promoting the development of local communities, and supporting local cultures.

Porta Hotel del Lago

Asmember of the Porta Hotels chain, this hotel is located on the beautiful Lake Atitlan and framed by the three impressive volcanoes. The local community is very much involved in and supported by the hotel as it promotes local handicrafts, businesses and services, hiring and training of local staff, fostering understanding and respect for indigenous cultures and customs, and promoting visits to local tourism sites and communities.

Takalik Maya Lodge

This former coffee farm was converted into a hotel to support the 22 families that live and work on the farm. In the process, 25 acres (10 hectares) of forest were dedicated as a private natural reserve. Meanwhile, 29 local residents are employed at the hotel and benefit from a higher standard of living. The hotel moreover promotes tours to the Takalik Abaj Archeological National Park and is a member of the Latin American Community Tourism Network.

This entry was posted on September 13, 2011 at 10:05 AM and has received 1164 views. There are currently 4 comments. Print this entry.

When you think back to your last vacation, do you remember what it was that made you pick that specific destination? Chances are that the prospect of warm, sunny weather, or maybe snowy landscapes played a major part in your decision. Tourism is more dependent on an intact environment and climate than any other industry. Tropical beaches, lush rainforests, snow-filled mountain vistas, and other natural environments are key motivators for vacation choices.

What happens when weather conditions start changing, and all that attracted you to your favorite places is now beginning to disappear? This is an extreme scenario of course, yet the probability of global warming affecting the tourism industry is growing by the day. However, the good news is that by becoming more aware and making even small adjustments to the way we travel, we can all contribute to the preservation of the travel destinations that have left an impression on us. Below, we share a number of tips that might seem like small actions, but their effects can add up to make a big impact:

Travel Tip #1: Planning your Trip

When planning your trip, be sure to choose accommodations that are committed to social- and environmental conservation. The most effective way to find hotels that have a demonstrated commitment to sustainability is to look for those that have third-party sustainable tourism certifications, like those we feature in SustainableTrip.org. Our recent blog post provides a good overview of the most prevalent certification programs in the Americas.

Travel Tip #2: Reduce Travel Emissions

The most damaging and carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) emitting part of your vacation is usually the flight. Reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from your trip is one of the most important ways to help prevent global warming on your vacation; we encourage you to offset your CO₂ emissions with one of many available carbon neutralization programs, such as:

CarbonFund.org - This website offers a carbon calculator to help you determine the carbon emissions of your flight. To offset these emissions, CarbonFund offers reforestation, conservation, renewable energy, as well as energy efficiency projects.

MyClimate.org - This organization also offers a carbon calculator for carbon emissions and a wide variety of projects, distributed over the entire world, focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency and reduction of methane emissions.

Once you arrive at your destination, why not rent a hybrid car, or use public transportation? Another great way to travel shorter distances is to rent a bicycle or simply walk; you will be surprised at how much deeper you will be able to immerse yourself in the local culture ...besides, they're great exercise and then you can enjoy even more delicious local cuisine afterwards!

Travel Tip #3: Reduce your Impact at your Destination

Having traveled to your destination with a reduced carbon footprint, you can further reduce your CO₂ emissions by making small changes in your travel behavior:

Buy local

Another way you get to know the local culture, enjoy new experiences, and even save money is buying and use local products, since shipping food and other products is a huge contribution to global carbon emissions. Opting for locally-owned restaurants, bars, and hotels is often a rewarding choice, not only in terms of financial and CO₂ savings, but especially because of the unforgettable experiences you gain.

Low-Impact Recreation

Most destinations you visit will offer a rich natural and cultural environment. While enjoying these, we encourage you to do so in a low-impact way. For instance, choose kayaking, snorkeling, or surfing instead of speed-boating or jet-skiing. Ski or sled down the mountain instead of renting a snowmobile. Walk and bike instead of renting a scooter. These small changes can greatly reduce your emissions.

Reduce your Water Consumption

In many tropical countries, water is as precious as gold, as its supply is limited, especially during specific times of the year. You can make a huge difference by taking shorter showers and turning off the water when you are not using it (e.g. while brushing your teeth). Another easy way is to reuse your sheets and towels.

Conserving Electricity

One of the easiest ways to make a difference! Be sure to turn off and unplug electrical appliances after using them, turn down your air-conditioning (if available), and be sure to turn off the lights when leaving your hotel room.

Why not also change some of your habits back home? You can also look into new and different ways to make your next vacation even more environmentally-friendly. Visit our "sustainable tourism" page for more tips, and share your ideas in the "comments" section below:

This entry was posted on August 29, 2011 at 5:36 PM and has received 1828 views. There are currently 2 comments. Print this entry.

In order to enjoy a truly sustainable vacation, the accommodation you choose is crucial. Confronted with a myriad of different resorts, hotels, bed and breakfasts claiming to be committed to environmental and socio-cultural conservation, it can be very confusing to know which ones really are taking steps to conserve natural resources and support their local communities. There is an easy solution – choose hotels that participate in a sustainable tourism certification program, like those we feature in SustainableTrip.org.

Certification programs audit hotels – some also audit tour operators, restaurants, transportation companies, and tourist attractions - using an extensive set of environmental, social and economic criteria – those that meet a minimum level of compliance with these criteria become verified or certified and earn the right to use the certification company's logo, making them easy to identify.  On SustainableTrip.org's business profiles, we feature information about which sustainable tourism program each business participates in on the right-hand side of the page.

Below is a list of the major sustainable tourism certification programs currently working in the Americas:

Global Sustainable Tourism Council

 
In recent years, a multitude of certification programs have appeared, again raising the question, "How do I know which one is legitimate?" The recently founded Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) provides some guidance through the jungle of certification programs. This international initiative, comprised of renowned sustainability experts, has created a set of minimum sustainability criteria which certification programs must comply with in order to eventually obtain GSTC accreditation. It is however important to remember that GSTC is not a program which certifies sustainable tourism businesses, but rather a "certifier of certifers" – it accredits certification programs to ensure that their criteria meet identified baseline standards.

Rainforest Alliance Verification^TM

The Rainforest Alliance Verification program closely follows the GSTC's criteria and was among its founding members. It is often asked why the Rainforest Alliance does not certify, but rather verifies tourism businesses. Since there are already a number of high-quality certification programs, verification is an effective way to evaluate and improve businesses' commitment to sustainability, measuring their progress and helping to prepare them to become certified.

Once a business is Rainforest Alliance Verified, it needs to become certified within two years by a certification program that belongs to the Sustainable Tourism Certification Network of the Americas (STCNA), a network  of certification programs, public and private entities that promote certification and other environmental, tourism-related and academic organizations, all aiming to share information, reach out to other relevant programs, identify training needs and define a progressive market strategy. Below is an overview of the STCNA members:

Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) – Costa Rica

CST was launched in 1997 and it currently provides certification services to hotels and tour operators.  It seeks to categorize and certify each tourism company according to the degree to which its operations comply to a model of sustainability. To this effect, four fundamental aspects are evaluated:

• Physical-biological parameters
• Infrastructure and services
• External clients
• Socio-economic environment

Green Globe - Global 

Green Globe is the worldwide benchmarking and certification program which facilitates sustainable travel and tourism for consumers, companies, and communities. It is based on Agenda 21 and principles for Sustainable Development endorsed by 182 governments at the United Nations Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992. There are four Green Globe Standards - The Company Standard; the Standard for Communities; the International Ecotourism Standard;  and  the Design and Construct Standard.

Green Seal – United States 

Green Seal  is  a non-profit organization  founded  in 1989, with  a mission dedicated  to safeguarding  the environment and  transforming  the market place by promoting the manufacture, purchase and use of environmentally responsible products and services.

Green Deal – Guatemala 

Green Deal provides certifications for: hotels, resorts & spas, eco-lodges & rural-lodges, restaurants, tour operators, transportation business and community based tourism projects. Our evaluation tools are based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, and our prices are suited for small and medium sized enterprises.

Mexican Regulation NMX-AA-133-SCFI-2006 - Mexico 

The purpose of the Ecotourism certification through the Mexican Regulation NMX-AA-133-SCFI-2006 is to consolidate tourism products that incorporate optimal sustainable performance to achieve environmental, social and economical benefits, and at the same time become more competitive in the tourism industry.

Smart Voyager - Ecuador 

The Smart  Voyager program was  created by the conservation organization Conservación  y Desarrollo (C&D) in 1998 and was launched to the public in 2000. The program aims to minimize the environmental impacts from tourism, especially in fragile ecosystems such as the Galapagos Islands.

Sustainable Tourism Eco-Certification Program (STEP) – United States 

STEP is the world's first comprehensive, global sustainable tourism eco-certification program offered by a non-profit organization, which is aligned with the minimum baseline Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria and impending global accreditation. STEP is designed to be user-friendly, educational in nature, practical as a measurement and management tool, and applicable to tourism businesses of all sizes, including newcomers to sustainability, those wanting to improve their existing approach, and businesses that have long-standing sustainability programs. Companies in all sectors of the travel and tourism industry and communities can be eco-certified through STEP.

This entry was posted on July 26, 2011 at 6:46 PM and has received 1037 views. There are currently 1 comments. Print this entry.