Sustainability efforts in Costa Rica regenerate and rejuvenate. Various hotels and inns throughout the country offer visitors the opportunity to experience ecological tourism in a breathtaking natural environment. (PRNewsfoto/Costa Rica Tourism Board)

Would you like to plan a life-changing trip, which will enhance personal enrichment? Do you need a travel experience that will shift perspectives of the world and the self? One popular trend is transformational travel, the key to meaningful interactions, immersive encounters and genuine communion with nature and culture.

If you are interested in this type of adventure, rural tourism in Costa Rica offer travelers an intimate glimpse into the country’s cultural heritage and communities. Itineraries include visits to local farms, tasting traditional dishes in the warm company of Costa Rican families, hiking into the unspoiled natural landscapes and more. The benefits of rural tourism reach far beyond strengthening the economy; they help develop local communities, create unforgettable memories and enhance the Costa Rican identity—for both visitors and Ticos, alike.

Sustainability efforts regenerate and rejuvenate: Various hotels and inns offer visitors the opportunity to experience ecological tourism in a breathtaking natural environment. Many lodging options have undertaken ecological strategies with the ultimate intention of regenerating the land. Throughout the country, guests can participate in activities such as hiking, bird watching, historical and cultural tours. Additionally, many of the local organizations offer culinary tours, which provide a 360 view of sustainable farming and food production—the essence of organic farm-to-table. These activities provide visitors the perfect opportunity to taste a variety of fresh locally produced ingredients, which are the bedrock of Costa Rican cuisine.

Agriculture tours preserve and cultivate: Various eco-lodges blend agriculture, education and tourism by offering adventure and ranch tours, hiking trails and botanical gardens. Community farms and resorts are self-sustaining and have been reforesting the formerly barren land into an area rich in biodiversity, while preserving the essence of the Costa Rican rural heritage. There are also educational centers and models for sustainable farmers and gardeners. Objectives include motivating visitors from around the world to cultivate and harvest organically and sustainably.

Conservation expeditions educate and illuminate: Travelers can experience guided nature, conservation and cultural expeditions. Outdoor activities such as swimming beneath a waterfall and organic fishing, all the while enjoying appearances by local wildlife help visitors forget all about cosmopolitan living. Cultural touches include tours of an authentic sugarcane mill and learning about coffee and citrus production, two crucial commodities that form the backbone of the Costa Rican economy.

Travelers who choose rural tourism positively impact the quality of life for Ticos. In economic terms, travelers help create new employment opportunities for women and youth, by diversifying income-generation sources. Culturally, visitors who participate in rural tourism aid in the ongoing preservation of the local Costa Rican identity and culture. In regards to the environment, rural tourism participation helps to increase awareness for sustainable use of natural resources.

For explorers who want to be physically and spiritually changed during transformational travelCosta Rica is a destination to achieve this personal enrichment. For more information on Costa Rica, visit www.visitcostarica.com

By Andrea Hammer

Andrea Karen Hammer is the founder, director and owner of Artsphoria Publishing, Media Group & Shop (https://www.artsphoria.org): Artsphoria International Magazine (https://www.artsphoria.com); Artsphoria Movie Reviews & Film Forum (https://www.artsphoria.us); Artsphoria: Arts, Business & Technology Center (https://www.artsphoria.biz); Artsphoria Event Advertising & Reporting (https://www.artsphoria.info); Artsphoria: Food for the Soul (https://artsphoria.live); Artsphoria Animation & Imagination World (https://www.artsphoria.net) and Artsphoria Shop (https://www.artsphoriashop.com). She is a freelance writer who has published articles in international publications.

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