The world is seeing a boom in environmentally-friendly travel. With the help of LitterBins we’ve put together a list of 10 eco-toursim destinations to explore this winter
If you’re after a trip that’s low on environmental impact and high on adventure then eco-tourism is for you. This type of travelling is all about visiting new places without causing any harm to the existing ecosystem or culture. It’s the perfect type of tourism. With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of eco-toursim destinations that have been selected based on:
- Expert advice
- Seasonality
- Distinctive ecosystems
- Natural resources
- Biodiversity
- Local commitment to maintaining the beauty and integrity of these places through sustainable tourism
Costa Rica
With its spectacular natural beauty and incredible array of wildlife, Costa Rica has developed into one of the world’s most successful eco-tourism destinations and is frequently praised for its conservational efforts. Whether watching wild monkeys and sloths swinging through the rainforests, climbing volcanoes, swimming with sea turtles or simply relaxing on one of the countless pristine beaches, Costa Rica is sure to provide that fix of life-changing experiences.
Galapagos Islands
These idyllic volcanic islands are completely cut off from the rest of the world and are home to unique and often bizarre species of plants and animals, many of which can’t be found anywhere else on earth. Approximately 90% of the Islands are designated national parks, contributing to the protection of their fragile ecosystem and natural beauty.
Borneo, Malaysia
Borneo is Asia’s largest island and is fast becoming a leading destination with travellers who want to discover unusual wildlife and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. Grab your binoculars and keep your eyes peeled for the extremely rare Pygmy Asian Elephant and Sunda Clouded Leopard, or traverse the rainforests and mountains in search of Bornean Orangutangs. Dine with the indigenous Dayak people and discover their ancient traditions and cultures.
Peru
Peru is a land of dramatic landscapes and fascinating culture, including the Norte Chico and Incan Empire. The “lost city” of Machu Picchu is a must for all adventure and eco-travellers, as is the country’s portion of the Amazon rain forest, which covers almost three quarters of the country’s total surface. Visitors are also treated to some 25,000 different plant species, 30% of which are native, as well as an extraordinary stretch of the Amazon River that’s home to unique animals such as the pink dolphin, giant river otter, piranha, Amazonian manatee, and the infamous anaconda.
Patagonia
Patagonia is a surreal collision of glaciers, lakes and snowcapped mountains. Explore the Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO world biosphere reserve known as one of the most unspoiled places on earth, and choose one of the many multi-day treks to experience the awesome power of Mother Nature.
Bhutan
Located on the southern slopes of the Himalayas, Bhutan is a tiny land-locked kingdom and is one of the least visited places on the planet. Bordered by the Tibetan region of China in the north and India in the south, it is listed as one of the top 10 global biodiversity hotspots. Visit the Wangchuck Centennial National Park in northern Bhutan and discover the country’s largest conservation area, as well as the Eastern Himalayan conservation complex, which is home to snow leopards and Himalayan wolves.
Slovenia
Slovenia is one of finest alpine eco-tourism destinations in Europe. It’s been controlled by communist Yugoslavia since World War II, meaning it remained relatively undiscovered until the 1990s. As well as its cultural charms, Slovenia also borders the Italian Alps and offers some of the most spectacular mountain hiking in Europe.
Botswana and Zambia
Botswana and Zambia are renowned for their wildlife-watching opportunities and combine to make southern Africa’s most popular safari destinations. Botswana is home to most of the world’s San (Bushmen) population and the Tsodilo Hills UNESCO World Heritage site is considered sacred. Inhabited for at least 100,000 years, these ancient hills are decorated with intricate rock paintings, whilst the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is home to diverse wildlife and the country’s last remaining Bushmen. Zambia is also home to the world’s largest waterfall, the wild Zambezi River.
New Zealand
New Zealand offers a huge variety of dramatic landscapes ranging from giant glaciers and picturesque fjords to rugged mountains and subtropical forests. Get your walking boots on and discover the endless volcanic plateaus or take to the high seas and watch whales, dolphins and seals showing off their acrobatic skills as they propel themselves out of the water with graceful
Vietnam
As well as its extraordinarily colourful history, Vietnam is home to endless expanses of idyllic beaches, protected national parks, snaking Deltas, coral reef ecosystems and Tam Giang-Cau Hai Lagoon – one of the biggest lagoons in the world. Needless to say, Vietnam has enormous potential for eco-tourism.
If you want t learn more about eco-tourism read our article on ‘The Rise of Eco-Tourism’