The Best 5 Destinations for Ecotourism

Ecotourism is a form of tourism that has become increasingly popular. National Geographic magazine recently selected the best ecotourism destinations. If you like nature and want to help preserve the environment, here are five destinations you should keep in mind for your next vacation. Semi-natural areas and relatively undisturbed nature are what eco-tourists look for during their holidays. If you´re one of them or you are simply interested in visiting a place that’s practicing ecotourism, here are five destinations you will want to check out.

 Chapada Diamantina – Morro do Pai Inácio – Palmeiras (BA). Foto: João Ramos – Bahiatursa

Sweden

The forests of Sweden are a perfect destination for nature lovers. In UrNatur you can spend a few days walking on trails where you’ll only hear the sounds of birds and the rustle of leaves. There are also wooden houses where you can get a bite to eat and a drink. UrNatur is located just 2 hours from Gothenburg or 2.5 hours from Stockholm. So if you fancy getting out of the hustle and bustle for a few hours to drive along beautiful roads and enjoy the tranquility of being in a forest in the middle of nowhere, Urnatur is a great option.

 

Norway

Continuing with Scandinavia, one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world is made up by the fjords of Sweden’s neighbor,Norway. Strict environmental standards have made the preservation of this natural landscape, which is home to wildlife such as eagles, seabirds, porpoises and seals, possible. Especially memorable are the views from the top of the mountain when you look down into the valleys. It’s a bit far from Oslo, so it’s better to find accommodations in Stavanger, from which you’ll travel about 2 to 3 hours. A fjord cruise is something that anyone interested in ecotourism should experience for him or herself.

 

Kenya

In Kenya you can enjoy nature completely. Here you will find mountains, flora, fauna, forests, deserts and beaches. You can take a safari in the savannah, explore the forest and its vegetation or even climb a great number of mountains, including the Aberdare, Chyulu, Cherangani, Ngong or Namanga. Starting in Nairobi, you can hire guides to help you discover one of the most spectacular views you will ever see. Come enjoy the wild side of nature in this fast developing country, before tourism changes everything.

 

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a favorite destination for eco-tourists. Here one can enjoy a great biodiversity – breathtaking views of waterfalls, lush forests and bodies of both fresh and salt water as well as a variety of wildlife, especially reptiles and amphibians and spectacular flora. From the capital San José, you can reach all of this in only a few hours.

Brazil

We have left the best for last, as Brazil is most certainly a paradise for eco-tourists. Its lakes, Amazon forests, flora and fauna make this South American country a complete package for eco-tourists. In addition, the country’s national parks and natural parks are marvelous, and you won’t want to miss the Chapada Diamantina or the Abrolhos, where you can snorkel alongside whales and other marine life.