Ecotourism examples: What it is and where to go?

Travel has never been more accessible than it is in 2025. Jump on a plane, take a cab, and get that shot of a world-renowned landmark. It’s a brilliant upside to globalization, but it often comes at a cost to local environments, communities, and cultures. 

Ecotourism is a way to combat this by uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel all in one. But what is ecotourism, exactly? And what are the best ecotourism examples from around the world? 

Let’s look at some inspiring destinations for sustainable travel, and learn how you can stay connected during your trip without the need for a disposable plastic SIM card.

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What is ecotourism? 

Ecotourism is the act of responsible and sustainable travel with the goal of preserving the local environment, which includes the local communities, flora and fauna, wildlife, and cultural heritage. 

In the exact words of the International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism is the “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.”

There are several core ecotourism principles to follow as a guide, staff, or guest. These include the need to:

• Reduce the physical, social, behavioral, and psychological impact for travelers.
• Create and manage low-impact facilities.
• Connect with the culture and spiritual beliefs of indigenous cultures.
• Teach and build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
• Raise awareness about environmental and social issues.

Pros and cons of ecotourism

One of the main goals of ecotourism is to benefit both local communities and the environment while providing unique experiences and education to tourists.

However, no form of tourism is perfect, meaning that ecotourism activities can have both positive and negative impacts, like the following:

Best ecotourism examples from around the world

Ecotourism examples can be found in almost every corner of the globe in 2025, but six countries stand out for delivering unmissable, high-impact solutions.

Let’s see which countries are the best global examples of ecotourism, and what they are doing to support sustainable travel:

What’s Iceland doing to support ecotourism?

Iceland receives over 2.3 million tourists every year, and a large segment of these take place in ecotourism initiatives – either purposefully or not! 

On a wide scale, Iceland has committed to greener initiatives by becoming one of the largest producers of green energy per capita.

The government works hard to keep the carbon emissions as close to zero as possible. It makes the most of the natural landscape by generating 66% of the nation’s energy through geothermal energy. 

This has helped to both build new accommodation without detriment to the surrounding environment, and create a more sustainable mindset for locals and visitors.

Sustainable activities in Iceland

Iceland is an ideal place to practice ecotourism thanks to its unique natural environments and sustainable local initiatives. Here are some ideas for your trip:

• Hiking the Golden Circle: Among the best places to visit in Iceland is the Golden Circle, which will take you through the Thingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir before you head back to Reykjavik, where awareness about environmental and social issues are also part of the trip.
• Stay in geothermal-powered hotels: Relax in your warm hotel room, which is warmed by the flowing lava rivers underneath the Icelandic surface through renewable energy sources.
• Rent a bike: To reduce your carbon footprint during your trip, go for a ride in the greenest areas of Iceland, like the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
• Visit geothermal lagoons: Thanks to the volcanic activity, geothermal lagoons are extremely common, making the Blue Lagoon the top place to visit, and are also becoming low-impact facilities to manage.
• Explore the local culture: Talk with locals to learn more about their culture and visit historical Viking sites.

What’s Colombia doing to support ecotourism?

Colombia started changing its tourism policy in 2021, with an active drive to promote sustainable tourism.

Since then, the country has been improving in areas like recycling in tourism activities, expanding protected areas inside national parks to protect endangered species and ecosystems, and promoting ecotourism as a sustainable development strategy. It has also officially proclaimed Colombia the country of birds.

The government is also developing ecotourism strategies for isolated regions, like the Sierra de Perija or Serrania de las Quincas, to create a sustainable income for local communities.

Sustainable activities in Colombia

Colombia’s biodiversity is unique. You can move from the beach in Barranquilla to the snowy mountains in Huila, experiencing completely different environments from one to the next, and everything in between.

Even in bigger cities, there are sustainable initiatives to promote ecotourism. Let’s see what you can do:

• Take a bike tour through Bogota: If you want to feel the fresh air during the day in Bogota, biking tours around the historical center and other parts of the city are a great option to promote sustainability through exercise and tourism.
• Hiking in Páramo de Guerrero: Two hours from Bogota, you can reach Páramo de Guerrero, a destination where you can connect with nature, learn about the environmental issues in the region, and support the region’s sustainability.
• Visit Los Nevados National Natural Park: Prepare for an adventure on the highest mountains in Colombia while learning about the culture and spiritual beliefs the indigenous communities relate the mountains to.
• Connect with the local culture in the Andean and Amazonian regions: Don’t miss your chance to learn about the local and indigenous culture in Colombia, especially in the mountain and Amazonian regions, where myths and legends told by locals will help you understand the importance of these regions.
• Watch a sky full of stars in Tatacoa: The Tatacoa desert is a great example when talking about low-impact facilities, as glamping sites are becoming more common in the region, and at night, the lack of pollution will give you a night to remember.

What are the Galapagos Islands doing to support ecotourism?

It’s impossible to talk about ecotourism without adding the Galapagos Islands – one of the most iconic islands in the world. The 13 islands are a preserved environment where the Ecuador government and the Galapagos National Park administration work year-round to ensure this region remains a top destination for eco-travelers.

97% of the region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning some areas are human impact-free. 

It’s important to note that an entry fee of $200 USD for adults and $100 for children is required to support conservation efforts, help local communities, and ensure sustainable tourism practices.

Sustainable activities in the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos is one of the best-preserved regions in the world. Basically, all the activities you do here are related to ecotourism.

Here’s a list of what you can do on the islands:

• Wildlife spotting: This includes both land and marine creatures. Watching the unique species like the giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and flightless cormorants is part of the activities you can do here while learning about the importance of these creatures to the region.
• Bird watching: These islands are home to endemic species, like the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos mockingbird, red- and blue-footed bobbies, and Galapagos penguins, so don’t miss your chance to watch them from a safe distance.
• Kayaking: In selected areas, you go for a kayaking adventure on some of the cleanest waters in the world, where environmental respect is a top priority for attendees.
• Snorkeling: Thanks to professional guides, you can take a closer look at the marine wildlife in selected snorkeling areas while learning about the creatures and their importance to the Galapagos.
• Hiking and walking: Visiting the Galapagos Islands involves hiking and walking while learning about the local flora and fauna and sustainable initiatives in the region.

What’s Peru doing to support ecotourism?

Peru is moving towards improving ecotourism in the country through different measures. 

The government has been working on creating new protected areas, like the Manu National Park or the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, to protect endangered species and its vast natural ecosystem.

Peru is also working on other ecotourism sustainable strategies, like developing eco-lodges and green hotels, improving reseeding programs in the rainforests, switching to eco-friendly transportation to reduce its carbon footprint, and creating sustainable trekking routes to preserve the country’s natural and cultural heritage.

Sustainable activities in Peru

Peru is an open book for ecotourism activities. Thanks to its ancient cultures, diverse natural ecosystems, and preserved ruins, there is plenty to explore – and preserve – in the country.

Some of the best ecotourism activities include: 

• Hiking in Ancash: The region of Ancash is home to some of the tallest mountains in Peru, with places like Laguna 69 being the most beautiful to visit and to learn about how ancient civilizations believed these mountains were gods.
• Learning ancient civilizations: Peru was home to several ancient civilizations, like the Inca Empire, the Moche, and the Chincha. Their ruins are now go-to sites where visitors can learn about history and how sustainable activities, like not damaging ruins, recycling, and working to prevent climate change, can help to keep these in a proper state.
• Visit the Amazonia region: This region is great for walking, hiking, learning about the endemic fauna, and connecting with locals to learn about myths, legends, and how they preserve their cultural heritage.
• Watch the Nazca Lines: One of the most mysterious sites in Peru, the Nazca Lines are home to one of the most preserved areas in the country. You can watch them from a safe distance to learn about the myths behind their creation and how they impacted ancient Peruvian culture.
• Visit local museums in Lima and Cusco: The Huaca Pullana Museum, Tipon, Pachacamac, and Cha Chan are great places to watch ancient structures and learn about their importance in the pre-Hispanic era.

What’s New Zealand doing to support ecotourism?

From recovering endangered species like the New Zealand fairy tern to the Maui dolphin the beloved kiwi bird, the New Zealand government is working hard to ensure its survivability over time; protecting the Maori culture is another top priority, with local guides helping visitors connect with the traditions of this indigenous culture.

New Zealand is also moving towards using more renewable energy, which will help ecotourism in the long run with low-impact facilities and teach visitors how to support these activities.

Sustainable activities in New Zealand

Activities in New Zealand vary based on where you’re traveling, as the northern and southern regions are extremely different.

• Hike on the Tongariro National Park: The Tongariro National Park, where you can hike while watching the snowy mountains from afar while learning how to protect local wildlife, the importance of these sites to the Maori culture, and how to reduce the carbon footprint in the country.
• Dive into glacier-feed lakes in Southern New Zealand: After a long hike inside national parks, diving into these lakes while learning how to protect them is a must-try.
• Learn about the Maori culture: The Maori culture is an important part of New Zealand history, so don’t miss your chance to connect with locals to learn how they’ve been trying to preserve it and the challenges they’ve faced.
• Visit the Bay of Islands: Whether you’re up for a diving adventure or want a whale-watching tour while learning how you can help preserve them, the Bay of Islands is a great spot to visit.
• Visit the Hot Water Beach natural spa: On the Hot Water Beach, you can enjoy the beautiful landscape while relaxing in the hot springs, meaning you’ll spend a day in a natural spa while learning how low-impact tourism can help preserve areas like this.

What’s Costa Rica doing to support ecotourism?

Costa Rica is a perfect destination for ecotourism, and its government has made significant improvements to make this happen.

From 1983 to 2021, Costa Rica’s forest coverage increased from 26% to 51%, creating more protected areas that now serve as ideal locations for ecotourism.

However, this is only a small part of Costa Rica’s efforts to support ecotourism. Over 98% of the country’s energy comes from renewable sources, fighting deforestation and involving locals to improve their living conditions.

Sustainable activities in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, you decide what sustainable activities you’re up for. Let’s break down some of the activities every ecotourist has to include on their list:

• Visit the beautiful beaches: Looking for a day in a combination of white and black sand beaches? Visiting Cahuita and Puerto Viejo is your go-to, where you’ll also enjoy diverse water activities while learning how to preserve the endemic species in these beaches.
• Explore the volcanic landscapes: The Arenal Volcano is by far the most important volcano on the island. Surrounded by a green-vivid forest, it’s an ideal destination for hiking, camping, and learning how to preserve the endemic species from the region.
• Learn about local culture: The Maleku Indigenous Reserve and the Guayabo National Monument are great places to visit to learn more about the Huetar, Bribri, and Maleku people and how to preserve the national cloud forests.
• Visit national parks: Manuel Antonio National Park and Corcovado National Park should be your first options. These parks with low-impact facilities offer hiking trails, animal sanctuaries, guided tours, and relaxing on clear-water rivers.

Explore the best ecotourism examples without leaving a trace

If you’re traveling to ecotourism sites, you should ensure you do your part in preserving nature. One way to do so is to ditch plastic SIM cards.

You’ll need an internet connection when traveling, and an eSIM is your best ally. You don’t have to throw the plastic SIM later on, reducing the environmental impact, and you still get a top-tier, local internet connection.

With Holafly Connect, you’ll get an eSIM that works in over 170 destinations, helping you travel and reducing the negative impacts of using plastic. But that’s not all, as you’ll get the following benefits for $64.90 a month:

• Unlimited data in every destination
• Unlimited data sharing
• 24/7 customer support in different languages
• Unlimited monthly renewal
• Up to 5G connectivity with local networks

So, prepare your packing list considering where you’re going and what activities you’re doing, and remember to be a responsible traveler.

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An eSIM is fully digital and leaves no negative trace in the environment. Get yours today.

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Julio Osuna

English Content Writer

I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.

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