Green Travel Destinations: Latin America

As global warming, pollution, and overexertion of non-reusable resources run rampant throughout every region of the world, it is no surprise that green traveling has taken over the tourism industry. With multiple eco-friendly destinations and trips available on every continent, green travelers can find themselves in beautiful locations, enjoying both the scenery and interaction with locals of the area, while limiting their effect on the regions ecology. Latin America, despite its political troubles, has managed to keep a large portion of their ecology and environment intact, boasting both beautiful landscapes and exciting extracurricular activities.

Working hard to preserve their environment and country, Belize is a wonderful eco-tourism destination, and sports the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere directly off their coast. Many tourists spend their time on the beaches and offshore cayes, watching whales and other marine animals in their natural habitation. Travel further inland, and be amazed by the Maya Mountains, which still contains ruins from the ancient Mayan civilization. Archeologists around the world have researched and excavated areas of the Mayan ruins, and still do so to this day. Other green activities include biking, hiking, and cave tubing, all of which leave no environmental footprint while still allowing tourist to enjoy the sights and interaction with locals.

Costa Rica is another safe country for green travelers, as they are one of the few countries in the region not gruesomely impacted by political struggle and social unrest. Home to a luscious and lavish rain forest, Costa Rica has one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, and offers plenty of excitement for green traveling. Besides being beautiful, the rain forest is also home to many eccentric and unique animals, common only to Costa Rica. The beaches are very eco-friendly, as quite a few tourist find themselves in awe, watching both whales and dolphins swim around directly off the coast. There are multiple eco-resorts and green hotels for lodging, so simply take your pick, and enjoy the natural beauty around you.

Though there are other green travel spots throughout Latin America, due to the economical, social, and political unrest in the region, I would advise being very careful when traveling to these areas. Both Belize and Costa Rica offer wonderful green travel destinations and activities, and are excellent countries to exhibit the beauty and wonder of Latin America. Next time you and your family are arguing about vacation spots, think green and check out what Latin America has to offer.