People are starting to adopt a sustainable lifestyle, even when traveling! For that reason, sustainable travel and eco-friendly destinations are becoming hot topics. Travelers are looking for ethical, eco-friendly, and sustainable attractions that give no harm to nature and the environment. Therefore, in 2024, ecotourism will be a big deal. So, if you want to align with 2024’s travel trends, ecotourism or sustainable travel should be on your bucket list! We have compiled a list of 15 awesome ecotourism destinations you can check out for your next trip. So, pack your bags and start your eco-friendly adventure!
What is Ecotourism?
Ecotourism is a nature-based tourism that focuses on environmental sustainability and preservation. It is a great way to have a well-deserved holiday without damaging the environment. Ecotourism includes destinations and practices that focuses on sustainability, including conservation, waste reduction, and collaboration with local communities. Simply put, ecotourism is a ‘green’ tourism that does good for the nature.
Best Ecotourism Destinations for 2024 – Summary
- Costa Rica
- Borneo, Indonesia
- Puerto Princesa, the Philippines
- Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
- Chile
- Galapagos Island, Ecuador
- Great Barrier Reef, Australia
- Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
- Fogo Island, Canada
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Norway
- Sierra Nevada National Park, Spain
- Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
- Okavango Delta, Botswana
- Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the world’s leading ecotourism destination due to its strong commitment toward wildlife protection and conservation. This beautiful country really shows the world how to live peacefully with Mother Nature by establishing laws and regulations related to biodiversity. For that reason, the verdant country stays beautiful and pristine.
Exploring Costa Rica means spoiling yourself with extraordinary nature. There are plenty of lush jungles to explore, opulent beaches to see, and outstanding mountains to hike. Then, find exotic birds and endangered macaques roaming in lush conservation centers.
Borneo, Indonesia
Spoil the adventurer inside you by walking through Borneo’s lush and misty jungle. This second-largest island of Indonesia is home to the most fascinating wildlife on the planet. Although the island is clad with mines, metropolitan cities, and palm trees, nature is strictly protected.
Head to Tanjung Puting National Park, where you can see Bornean orangutans live happily in their natural habitat. The best way to get around the park is by staying on a boat for a few nights, as you will sail through the long Sekonyer River. Get a glimpse of orangutans carrying their young, proboscis monkeys hanging on trees, or colorful exotic birds flying along tints of green. As the sun goes down and the jungles turn pitch-black, you will sail between dots of lights that come from fireflies. In conclusion, Borneo is one of the best ecotourism destinations in the world.
Puerto Princesa, the Philippines
As we know, Puerto Princesa is a perfect description of a ‘tropical paradise.’ This Philippine jewel offers a pristine coastline, jungle-clad hills, and a jubilant tourism scene. Although Puerto Princesa is packed with resorts and tourist centers, its natural landscape is unforgettable. You will find untouched beaches and magnificent marine life in Puerto Princesa.
However, the main deal of the island is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. It features an underground river hidden beneath rocky caves and rugged stone structures. Hopping on a small boat and paddling through the turquoise waters is the best way to explore the national park. Besides its unique setting, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is also a sanctuary for endemic species, such as crab-eating monkeys.
Amazon Rainforest, South America
No sustainable travel bucket list would be complete without the world’s largest rainforest. Amazon Rainforest is our planet’s beating heart of biodiversity, where around 3 million species roam inside its misty canopies. From majestic jaguars to unbelievable dart-poison frogs, the wildlife in Amazon Rainforest will take your breath away. Besides that, Amazon Rainforest is also home to various communities and tribes. Therefore, a visit to Amazon Rainforest will remind us how important it is to preserve biodiversity and protect planet Earth.
Chile
Chile is one of the Latin American countries which has gained international recognition as an ecotourism destination. On the vast area of Chile lies a series of astonishing mountains, jaw-dropping lakes, and unbelievable scrub ecosystems. For that reason, Chile was recognized as one of the World’s Leading Nature Destinations in 2020. Places like Torres del Paine National Park, Huilo Huilo Waterfall, and La Campana National Park will give you an idea of how outstanding Chile’s nature is.
Besides awesome adventures in the outdoors, Chile offers interesting volunteering opportunities. There are lots of communities and villages that welcome travelers and volunteers, such as the Mapuche community. So, if you want to learn about Chile’s fascinating culture, live like the locals, or learn Spanish, volunteering will be a good idea.
Galapagos Island, Ecuador
Thanks to this pristine island, we have the opportunity to dive deeper into evolutionary biology. Thus, Galapagos Island inspired Darwin for his Theory of Evolution and plenty of other scientists to discover interesting things about endemic species. Galapagos Island is home to fascinating species, such as the giant Galapagos turtles and marine iguanas. Due to its notable wildlife, Galapagos Island is highly protected by the government of Ecuador. It stays untouched until today, preserving a magnificent life.
You can visit Galapagos Island and see the endemic species in their natural habitat. Even though it will be a short visit, your experience will be timeless! Thus, you can sail around the Galapagos archipelago and enjoy an ethereal nature. However, please be mindful of the environment. This includes choosing boat operators that leave no chemical residue and do not litter on the pristine island.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest reef area and one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The reef covers around 350,000 square kilometers of Queensland’s coastline. Moreover, it is home to thousands of aquatic species and marine animals. The Great Barrier Reef will leave you in awe whether you are a seasoned diver or a casual traveler. The spectacular reef is considered one of the best spots for diving and snorkeling.
Furthermore, the Great Barrier Reef displays an intriguing scene of how climate change affects biodiversity. You can find a lot of corals turning white due to ocean acidification and calcification. For that reason, conservation and sustainable travel have become popular in the Great Barrier Reef. Some eco-friendly activities you can do in the Great Barrier Reef are staying in green accommodations, going to coral reef farms, and visiting turtle conservation centers.
Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Get ready to be stunned by the unreal beauty of Mount Cook National Park. Snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, and magnificent glaciers make this national park unforgettable. Furthermore, the national park displays beauty in every season. During the summer, the landscape turns yellowish due to the sprouting grasslands. Meanwhile, the landscape turns into a pure-white winter wonderland during the winter.
Mount Cook National Park is a great place to escape your routine and reconnect with nature. You can do many outdoor activities, from camping to canoeing. Thus, the beauty of this national park will remind you to take care of nature, starting with small things like avoiding litter and being ethical to the wildlife.
Fogo Island, Canada
If you are looking for somewhere impressive for your first time staying at a sustainable accommodation, check out Fogo Island! This small rocky island is home to several top-rated sustainable accommodations. Even though they don’t appear lavish, the hotels and cottages offer a cozy experience. Also, of course, they are sustainable!
Besides its sustainable accommodation, Fogo Island is popular for its sustainable tourism. Travelers will stumble upon marine conservation projects, attractions offered by local communities, and untouched natural landscapes. Furthermore, Fogo Island is highly recommended if you love mingling with local communities and learning about their culture. You will be welcomed by the people warmly.
Gothenburg, Sweden
What is the most sustainable destination in the world? – You might ask. One of the answers will be Gothenburg, a city in Sweden. For years, the city has been awarded as the most sustainable and greenest city in the world. For that reason, sustainable practices are no stranger in the lovely city. You can find a lot of sustainability crumbs in Gothenburg, from locally-sourced food to fossil-free public transportation.
Visiting Gothenburg will be mind-blowing, especially for climate enthusiasts. The city adapts the ‘River City’ concept, which serves as an alternative to the impacts of climate change. Moreover, there are a lot of gorgeous green spaces for you to explore. Spend some delightful time skimming through antique and thrift stores, a sustainable way of shopping. Furthermore, you can find a few car-free islands, offering a sneak peek of a fossil-free future.
Norway
Located in the Northern part of the globe, Norway remained untouched. For that reason, the country has an outstanding nature. Norway is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on earth. Gigantic pale glaciers, unbelievable fjords, and magical Northern Lights are what Norway has to offer. Moreover, the country depicts a harmonious collaboration between industry and the environment. There are great sustainable practices in the country’s major industries.
Visiting Norway means spending a lot of time in nature. You can hike in the fjords, see majestic lakes, or go dog-sledding. Moreover, you can head to Norway’s iconic cities, such as Oslo and Bergen. Interestingly, the cities in Norway are considered the world’s most sustainable cities. So, you will get a whole package of sustainable travel experiences if you travel to Norway!
Sierra Nevada National Park, Spain
Looking for a beautiful ecotourism destination close to home? Then, check out Sierra Nevada National Park. This biggest national park in Spain boasts the country’s most wonderful natural landscape. Nestled in the Andalusia region, Sierra Nevada National Park offers a facade of alpine forests and towering mountains. Thus, it is home to fascinating fauna and flora, such as Iberian ibex and juniper plants.
The best thing to do in Sierra Nevada National Park is hiking. There are several summits you can check out if you are feeling adventurous. Besides that, you can go on slower and less adrenaline-rushing experiences, such as seeing local villages and sampling some Andalusia-style beers. Furthermore, in the winter, you can go for outdoor activities such as snowboarding and skiing.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Step into an enchanting wilderness in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Situated on the slopes of a misty mountain, Volcanoes National Park is home to mountain gorillas. It is one of the best places to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. You can enter the lush rainforest, go for a short hike, and see a family of mountain gorillas from a short distance.
Besides its magical gorilla experience, Rwanda is one of the countries that has made notable achievements in actualizing ecotourism. There are several eco-friendly initiatives in the country, such as banning plastic bags, establishing animal conservation laws, and building sustainable accommodations.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Witness a heart-stirring scene of wild animals gathering in these wetlands. The remote Okavango Delta offers a different scene from the safari we usually know. Rather than a golden savanna, Okavango Delta boasts 1,700 kilometers of a river with fertile vegetation and naturally-made mazes. Thus, this delta acts as an oasis for the animals in Botswana. So, an everyday scene in Okavango Delta will include a group of elephants drinking or some hippos taking a dip.
Due to its unique environment, Okavango Delta is declared one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. With its remarkable wildlife and impressive setting, a river safari tour through Okavango Delta will lead you to a memory of a lifetime.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
An ecotourism destination should remind us about how fascinating life on earth is. That’s why we put this classic African safari on the list! Serengeti National Park is one of the best places to see magnificent wildlife. It boasts various species, from the majestic lion to the graceful gazelle. Thus, it allows you to see the animals from a close distance. Of course, what’s better than seeing wild animals roaming around happily in their natural habitat?
Visiting Serengeti National Park means an awesome safari adventure. Hop on a jeep, then get ready to capture a magical scenery of African wildlife with your own eyes. You can also visit the park on special occasions, such as during the Great Migration. In that period, you can see millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles migrating from Tanzania to Kenya.
Sustainable travel is a big deal in 2024 as people start to set eyes on sustainability practices. It is a win-win solution for us, travelers, as we can both go on amazing trips and protect our beloved planets. Then, are you excited to travel to ecotourism destinations in 2024? Besides visiting ecotourism destinations, you can kickstart your sustainable travel journey by joining group trips.
Traveling in a group is more sustainable as you can reduce individual carbon emissions by sharing transportation, accommodation, and food. JoinMyTrip allows you to find awesome trips worldwide to start traveling sustainably. The trips are hosted by passionate travelers worldwide. And, of course, you can meet like-minded travel buddies during the trip. So, save a spot on our trip and travel the world with us!