🌿 What is ecotourism and where to go for nature without harm

The eco-friendly trend has reached travel too. More and more people are choosing routes that leave nature exactly as it was before they arrived.

Below, we'll break down what ecotourism is, what formats it includes, how it's verified against certain principles, and which countries to visit for nature. You can plan the eight destinations below on your own.

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What ecotourism is and how it emerged

💡 In short:

Ecotourism means trips to untouched nature that preserve it for local residents and future generations.
Some parks admit tourists on a daily quota basis and only with a guide, so plan your route in advance.

The concept of "ecotourism" emerged in the second half of the last century. Mexican ecologist Hector Ceballos-Lascurain proposed the concept of traveling to wild nature at an international conference. Later, the term spread around the world and became established in sustainable development documents.

Such a trip should help protect nature and generate income for local residents, not just for the operator.

Today, eco-travel has become part of the global sustainable development agenda. Travelers seek out remote corners, leave fewer traces, and treat species diversity with greater care.

Ecotourism is most common in regions with rich plant, animal, and cultural heritage. Such trips always include an educational element: you learn something from locals and bring that knowledge home.

For advocates of an eco-friendly lifestyle, this is a logical vacation format. The goal is simple: do no harm to nature so that its heritage passes to future generations. In practice, this means that in Costa Rica and Chile, protected areas cover a significant share of the country, and there you have a chance to see rare species in their natural environment.

What forms of ecotourism exist

There are many classifications, but the core formats repeat across all of them. Below are six options you can assemble yourself or find through an operator.

Safari

Safari today has become observation rather than hunting. Travelers book safari tours to see animals in their natural habitat, walk ecological trails, and take photos as keepsakes. There are dedicated photo safaris for those who primarily want a great shot. Look for such programs in national parks and large reserves.

African buffalo in the grass of a nature reserve

Ethnographic tours

Ethno tours immerse you in the way of life of a specific region. You live alongside locals, get to know their customs and traditions, and discover places ordinary tourists don't reach. This format is especially interesting in Peru and Kenya, where strong local cultures have been preserved.

Woman and child by a hut in the mountains of Peru

Agritourism

Agritourism is a trip to a farm or rural region. You take part in the life of the operation: planting crops, harvesting, caring for animals. This exchange supports rural areas and gives local residents additional income. Ask where your participation fee goes.

Rural landscape with an olive tree and fields

Eco-volunteering

Eco-volunteers travel to developing regions to help with their labor and better understand local life. Program participants support the area's economy, and in return they study the culture, daily life, and traditions. Look for programs in advance: spots fill up quickly during the season.

Wildlife and plant observation

You can observe more than just birds, although birdwatching has built the largest communities. Your list can include butterflies, rare flowers, and individual trees. For good results, research the season and activity times of species in advance, otherwise you'll come back without any shots. Bring binoculars and warm clothing for dawn.

Panorama of a nature reserve with ponds and reeds

Eco-trekking

This includes all active outdoor formats: hiking, rock climbing, mountain ascents, kayaking. If you've already tried these, you have reason to consider yourself part of the ecotourism community. Some operators give a share of profits to local communities, so ask about this before booking.

Colorful kayaks on the shore of a turquoise lake from above

Principles of responsible ecotourism

Any trip with the "eco" prefix should follow several rules. Check how many boxes you already have ticked:

minimal physical and social impact on natural sites;
environmental awareness and respect for the region's culture;
vivid experiences for the travelers themselves without harm to the place;
support for local residents and respect for their rights, traditions, and beliefs;
benefits for locals from travelers and from the companies that organize tours;
economic sustainability of the specific region.

1. Costa Rica: parks instead of beaches

Waterfall in a dense tropical forest above a rocky stream

Costa Rica is small in area, but it preserves a notable share of the world's plant and animal diversity. Most of the country is covered by tropical forests, and national parks and reserves are managed by a single state service, SINAC (Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación).

The country suits both kayaking enthusiasts and those who want to walk through tropical thickets on foot.

Who it's for: for those who want to see tropical forest without crowds and are willing to walk.
The catch: Corcovado admits visitors on a daily quota basis and only with a guide, so get your ticket in advance.
Hotels: Hotels in Costa Rica on Trip.com.

2. Iceland: geothermal springs

Blue Lagoon geothermal pool in Iceland with steam

Iceland has joined the list of popular destinations in recent years, and the authorities have gotten serious about responsible tourism. Geothermal sources are used here to heat homes and water, so the country's heat is almost entirely independent of fossil fuels.

Start with the Blue Lagoon resort: the warm mineral water and surrounding lava fields give you a clear sense of the local geology. Arrive either early in the morning or in the evening to avoid standing in line.

Hotels: Hotels in Iceland on Trip.com.

3. Brazil: the Amazon rainforest

Sunset over a river and the Amazon rainforest

Brazil's natural heritage is among the richest in the world, and the main reason is the Amazon rainforest. Scientists still haven't described all the inhabitants of these forests, so a trip here feels like an expedition.

Plan your route with a local operator and guide: navigating the Amazon on your own is difficult and unsafe. In return, you'll have a chance to see the river, flooded forests, and wildlife in their natural habitat.

The catch: without a guide and a boat, reaching remote parts of the forest is nearly impossible.
Hotels: Hotels in Brazil on Trip.com.

4. Peru: the Andes and indigenous traditions

Panorama of Puno and Lake Titicaca in the Andes

Peru is on the list of popular ecotourism destinations not only because of Machu Picchu. The country has preserved mountain landscapes, part of the Amazon rainforest, and the legacy of the Inca civilization.

Ethno-tours focus on indigenous traditions and Inca daily life. People come to Huascarán National Park in the Cordillera Blanca to see the spectacled bear and the Andean condor. Both species are considered vulnerable. Before heading into the mountains, acclimatize in Huaraz.

Hotels: Hotels in Peru on Trip.com.

5. Chile: Patagonia and protected areas

Panorama of the Patagonian steppe and hills under clouds

Chile offers one of the largest selections of protected areas in South America. It has 41 national parks, 46 national reserves, and 18 natural monuments, with 21.3% of the country's mainland under protection (as of 09/2026, Sernatur).

The choice of routes here is genuinely wide: from the Huilo Huilo reserve to Torres del Paine National Park. Chile also works well for volunteer programs, and you can brush up on your conversational Spanish along the way.

Hotels: Hotels in Chile on Trip.com.

6. Slovenia: forests and Lake Bled

Aerial view of Lake Bled with island and church

Slovenia is compact, but forests cover 58% of its territory, making it third in the EU by this measure after Sweden and Finland (as of 09/2026, Slovenia Forest Service).

Tourists hike through these forests and head to Lake Bled with its island in the middle. The country has everything you need for camping and glamping, and eco-labels on accommodations and products help you choose responsible options.

Hotels: Hotels in Slovenia on Trip.com.

7. Palau: diving and the Palau Pledge

Aerial view of the lush green islands of Palau in turquoise water

The island nation of Palau suits those who want to dive in warm water and see reefs without the crowds. Local forests and beaches round out the picture, and divers have a separate reason to come here.

In 2017, Palau became the first country in the world to change its immigration rules for the environment: on arrival, you sign the Palau Pledge right in your passport (as of 09/2026, palaupledge.com). The authorities also launched a points system in a mobile app for purchases and habits that benefit nature.

Hotels: Hotels in Palau on Trip.com.

8. Kenya: safari and the plastic ban

Breakfast in the savanna after a hot air balloon flight, Maasai Mara

Kenya is one of the best ecotourism options in Africa. The country is home to the nonprofit organization Ecotourism Kenya. The government banned plastic bags to protect national parks and biodiversity.

Tourists come here for safaris and wildlife watching, and also for eco-volunteering programs: there are almost always openings in the country. Remember the park rule: you take your trash with you.

Hotels: Hotels in Kenya on Trip.com.

Tips: how to make your trip eco-friendly

A few recommendations will help make any trip more eco-friendly, even if you're not going on a safari tour or an Amazon cruise.

Research everything in advance. Ask the operator what kind of transport you'll be using: helicopters and motorboats scare animals and pollute the air.
Care about wildlife. If you want to see dolphins, choose a sanctuary rather than a dolphinarium where animals perform like entertainers.
Pick up your trash. If there are no bins nearby, collect waste in a separate bag and leave it at the nearest collection point.
Choose low-footprint transport: a bike, train, or bus instead of a short flight. Train and bus tickets on Trip.com.
Buy souvenirs from local artisans and look for items at thrift stores and vintage markets.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How is ecotourism different from a regular nature getaway?

Ecotourism adds three conditions to a trip: minimal harm to the place, support for local people, and an educational element. You don't just visit nature, you pay for it to be preserved. A regular vacation doesn't imply such commitments.

Do I need a guide in national parks?

In some parks, a guide is mandatory. In Costa Rica, you won't be allowed into Corcovado without a guide, and in the Amazon it's hard to navigate on your own. In European parks, buying a ticket online is usually enough. Check the rules of a specific park before your trip.

How much does an eco-trip cost?

The price depends on the country, season, and format. A safari tour and eco-volunteering work differently: in the first case you pay for a program, in the second you often get accommodation and meals in exchange for work. Compare operator terms and choose programs with a transparent breakdown of costs.

Is this kind of travel suitable for a trip with kids?

Yes, if the route is designed for a child's pace. Short trails, wildlife watching, and farms with animals work well for families. In tropical parks with high humidity and in the highlands of Peru, choose easy routes and plan rest days.

Where do I find accommodation and tours for an eco-trip?

Compare accommodation on Trip.com, and look for excursions and guided programs on GetYourGuide. Pay attention to eco-certification for hotels, as in Slovenia. It's better to book eco-accommodation in advance: there are fewer spots in cabins and glamping sites than in regular hotels.

In short: what to book

If you have a week and want to see nature without the crowds, choose a destination based on your goal:

Want tropics and kayaks: Costa Rica.
Want geothermal springs and lava fields: Iceland.
Want the Amazon: Brazil or Peru.
Want Patagonia and as many parks as possible: Chile.
Want forests, hikes, and Lake Bled: Slovenia.
Want diving and reefs: Palau.
Want safari and eco-volunteering programs: Kenya.

Compare hotels on Trip.com, and look for excursions and guided tours on GetYourGuide.

Ecotourism: formats, rules and 8 destinations for a responsible trip