Travel is about discovering new places and meeting new people. In Camino Travel we urge our passengers to be responsible visitors and act accordingly. When visiting Costa Rica, a traveler should be concerned about the protection and preservation of places, national parks, reserves, and culture. And we truly believe each visit can, and should be, of mutual benefit for Costa Ricans and our guests.
So here you find a list about how to be a responsible tourist in Costa Rica:
Before you travel
- Read as much as possible about our country. The more you know the easier it will be for us to help you get to see what you want to see
- Ask us all the questions that come to mind! Remember that the silliest of questions is the one that is never asked.
- Learn a few words of Spanish and a bit of our customs when greeting and meeting new people.
Meeting local people
- Remember that you are a guest. Be open and respect our way of living. Learn and experience.(Costa Ricans may never tell you when they felt aggravated by disrespectful behavior. In general for Costa Ricans, is better to be at peace than to be right).
- Be extra careful when visiting holy places like churches. Be aware of how you dress according to local customs.
- Always show respect for elderly people regardless status and work.
- Show respect for beggars and think twice before you give anything to children. You may reassure them to continue begging.
- Ask before taking pictures of people and do not disturb if the situation does not allow.
- Be polite and do not provoke.
- Be careful where you smoke and drink alcohol. Smoking is forbidden in all restaurants, bars and national parks and wilderness areas in Costa Rica. Alcohol can be risky if taken without control.
Be careful with use of resources
- Water shortages are common in many places (Specially in the sunny season) so it is advisable to shower instead of bathing.
- Do not let the tap water run unnecessarily while brushing your teeth etc.
- Do not use more towels then necessary.
- Turn off lamps and other electrical equipment when they are not in use.
- Remember hotels are under severe control on their sustainable practices (CST), therefore light bulbs may be dim.
- Buy a reusable bottle of water for the whole trip and re-fill it in hotels and tour areas.
Experience new food
- Try local dishes in local restaurants.
- Try not to eat all your meals at one place – but spread your money and increase your experience by trying out different restaurants.
- Buy local food and contribute to local economic growth.
Support excursions that contribute to the local community
- Our tours and activities are, mostly all, guaranteed to have sustainable practices. If you do anything on your own, make sure that the service provider is safe and carries a sustainable operation.
Be a conscious shopper
- Do not buy products made of endangered species or plants. Cultural heritage or rainforests woods are not souvenirs! Neither are shells or corals! Do not purchase such items or take “trophies” from places you are visiting. You can usually buy copies in the souvenir shop.
- Bargaining is not part of the Costa Rican culture. Please pay a fair price that both parties are happy about.
- Buy locally produced goods and services and take an interest in where the items are being produced.
- Never buy drugs – you may end up spending years in prison, or worse in some places.
Be careful with your surroundings
- Leave wildflowers and plants alone and enjoy them in their natural environment.
- Respect wild animals and keep your distance for your own safety and to not disturb them. Don’t feed wild animals or cause unnecessary noise.
- Do not litter outdoors or in the street. If there is no bin – take your trash with you.