Rancho Margot
Owned by the local Sotheim family, Rancho Margot is a sparkling example of sustainable tourism and self-sufficient development in the region. The Sotheims have tirelessly strived to go beyond standard sustainable practices and spearheaded several conservation projects in the area along with an arrangement with Monteverde Conservation League for creating the Rancho Margot Ranger Station within the Children’s Eternal Forest. Seductively located on the shores of Lake Arenal and the Cano Negro River Valley, and encircled by a lush rainforest, this thoroughbred eco-lodge is also hailed for its wide assortment of education, wellness and adventure activities. The owners are constantly doing their bit for sharing their vast knowledge on sustainability and eco-conservation with visitors through countless creative and educational environmental programs. Apart from being a working ranch, this quaint countryside charm sporting property also features a full working dairy farm, a tiny pig farm, an organic vegetable/fruit garden, a medicinal plant area and a chicken farm. Rancho Margot is also involved in Animal rescue and reintegration with an on-site center dedicated to the cause. This unassuming holiday retreat with a heart trims the more extravagant frills offered by other eco-resorts, while concentrating on offering its guests an intimate, family style environment and an unadulterated natural experience.
Read MoreLa Selva
| Location: Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí Price: $84-$250/night Features: rainforest, biodiversity, river, waterfalls, nature trails |
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Introduction
La Selva enjoys the distinction of being one of the foremost private protected regions of the country, and has been consistently serving as a torchbearer destination for encouraging environmental education, research, sustainability and eco-tourism in Costa Rica. Nestled in the Caribbean foothills, the lush natural reserve plays home to over 1500 species of plant, 350 varieties of trees and 440 types of birds, among several other rare wildlife treasures. It also functions as one of the most significant sites for researching the bio-diverse tropical rainforest ecosystem and has been responsible for the publication of over 2,600 articles, scientific thesis and books on the subject of forest dynamics and bio-diversity trends.
Read MoreThe Best Ecolodges & Wilderness Resorts
The term “ecotourism” is now ubiquitous within the travel industry, particularly in Costa Rica. Ecolodge options in Costa Rica range from tent camps with no electricity, cold-water showers, and communal buffet-style meals to some of the most luxurious accommodations in the country. Generally, outstanding ecolodges and wilderness resorts are set apart by an ongoing commitment (financial or otherwise) to minimizing their effect on surrounding ecosystems and to supporting both conservation efforts and the residents of local communities. They should also be able to provide naturalist guides and plentiful information. All of the following do.