11 TOP ecotourism destinations

In this article we will tell you what ecotourism is, what its main advantages are and why it is becoming more and more popular among travelers. You will also learn about the most beautiful and the best ecotourism destinations.

Ecotourism: what is it

Ecotourism or green tourism is a way to relax without damaging the environment. Ecotourism examples are hiking, ecological modes of transport such as paddle boats and bicycles. What are other advantages? ? They are: promotion of outdoor recreation, learning the native land culture, support of environmental activities, environmental education.

Types of ecotourism:

• scientific — for educational purposes;
• active — hiking, biking, mountain climbing;
• historical — acquaintance with ethnicity and culture;
• a trip to nature reserves (parks, nature reserves);
• Agritourism — focused on the means to preserve the land.

Green Tourism: Top 11 Best Places in the World

1. National Parks of Kenya, Africa

The state is located in East Africa, on the equator, and is washed by the Indian Ocean. Ecotourism in locations is coordinated by Ecotourism Kenya, which protects the unique nature of the country. There are more than 60 national parks and nature reserves, which are home to many animals, birds and sea creatures.

One of these parks is a 10-minute drive from the center of the capital, Nairobi. Here you can go on eco-safari with local guides and observe wildebeest, zebras, rhinoceros, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards and lions in their natural environment. Live views from the Discovery Channel at real top ecotourism destinations!

The most favorable season is from July to September, these months are dry and comfortable to visit ecotourism places.

It takes half an hour to get from the airport to Nairobi Park. You can book this tour with one of the local companies that will organize your trip, book a hotel in advance, and even pick you up right at the airport.

2. Brevard, USA.

The city is located in the western part of North Carolina, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is surrounded by national public lands, adjacent to national forests and canyon park. Tours follow elaborately designed hiking and biking trails. There are so many waterfalls, French Broad-one of the oldest rivers in the world, and the largest rock monolith, Looking Glass, just east of the Mississippi — one of the best ecotourism destinations.

Brevard has implemented waste reduction, energy saving, and forest infrastructure improvement and maintenance.

It takes about 7 hours by bus to get from the state capital to Brevard.

3. Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, sustainability and green tourism have been a priority since the 1960s. 99% of electricity is generated from renewable sources, but authorities aim to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050.

A quarter of Costa Rica consists of protected rainforests, so there are great ecotourism examples. Seeing iguanas, parrots, monkeys, orchids and bromeliads is just a small part of what you can do in Costa Rica.

Would you like to see hatched turtles? It's possible in Autumn l by the banks of the Tortuguero River, near the national park. You can stay overnight at Tortuga Lodge & Gardens. You can also take rainforest tours or participate in tree planting.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest, located in the Tilaran Mountain Range, is one of the longest and most spectacular canopy tours in the world. Here you can walk over hanging bridges right above the treetops and low-flying clouds! Local guides accompany tourists and tell about the jungle and its inhabitants. The forest is inhabited by 425 species of birds, 120 species of mammals, 60 species of amphibians, and 101 species of reptiles. During the walk you will see an incredible number of the most unusual butterflies.

The best time to travel in this country is from December to April, these months are not so hot and there is no rain.

It takes about 8 hours by bus to get here from the capital's Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO).

You can find ecohotels all over the country. And to book your room online, use Yesim's advantageous mobile Internet service

4. The island of Alonissos, Greece

The island is part of the Northern Sporades Archipelago in the Aegean Sea and is part of the Alonissos Natural Marine Park. What awaits you there? Pine forests, dizzying cliffs, beaches, an abundance of fragrant flowers and herbs, olive groves, strawberry trees and stone oaks. Its limestone caves are inhabited by white-bellied monk seals. This species is in danger of disappearing, so you can only meet the local seals as volunteers for their rescue and rehabilitation.

There is also the first underwater museum in Greece. Excursions take place near the site of the shipwreck of the 5th century B.C. near the island of Peristera. There are dozens of hiking trails through the rocky, lush green landscape on Alonissos.

The season lasts from May to October, but note that in July and August it will be very hot there.

You can get here by ferry from Volos or Thessaloniki.

Read also: What you can and can't take on the plane

5. Copenhagen, Denmark

Green tourism in Europe is primarily Copenhagen in Denmark. This city ranks first in clean air and has a special approach to environmental sustainability. Innovative and sustainable solutions for environmental protection have been used here for many years.

Along the city's waterfront, there are harbors with clean, safe water. Here you have an opportunity to see the sights on a GoBoat, which is solar-powered.

There is also a factory that converts waste into heat and electricity to supply about 60,000 families and heat 120,000 homes. In addition, this power plant makes its way to become the most popular park in the city ! An artificial ski slope was built right on the roof of the plant, and the world's tallest rock climbing wall was built on top of it. So now these best ecotourism destinations are also a public playground for outdoor activities.

Summer is the best time to go to the seaside, to the lakes, as well as for bicycle trips.

Copenhagen city center is easy to get to, even from the most remote urban districts, by public transport or bicycle.

Stay in touch with family and friends all around the world! With Yesim mobile Internet you won't need to look for a Wi-Fi hotspot or buy a local SIM card.

6. Moorea, French Polynesia

The picturesque island, washed by the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, is located 17 km from Tahiti. Waterfalls, magnificent lagoons and enchanting tropical landscapes are your permanent companions here. Visit the Fare Nature eco-museum to learn more about the local culture and rich biodiversity. To get the most vivid impression, tourists are offered to go canoeing, visit pineapple plantations, climb mountains and attend an ethnographic show in a local village.

It's also home to Coral Gardeners, an organization that saves endangered coral reefs. And ecotourism companies run dolphin and humpback whale watching tours in lagoons and in the open ocean.

Come at any time of year, the average annual temperature here is +26 °C.

You can get from Tahiti to Moorea in half an hour by plane or by speedboat or ferry.

7. Koczewsko, Slovenia

Almost 60% of the territory of this ecotourism country is occupied by forests and 30% is agricultural land, so rural green tourism is developed here. Among the places for ecological tourism is a thriving sector of bee tourism and vineyards. You can stay at one of the tourist farms, such as Megušar and Urška Tourist Farm, which serve dishes made of fruits and vegetables they grow. What is there to do? You can communicate with locals, taste the products from the farm and help with farming.

Ride the 290-kilometer Juliana Loop bicycle route in the Julian Alps to immerse yourself in the charm of the surrounding nature and enjoy the local scenery.

Koczewsko is one of the regions of the country included in a UNESCO World Heritage List. Here you can walk inside a huge forest area and even meet different kinds of animals. If you want to take a picture of a brown bear, you have to go on the tour with a guide. The most patient and attentive ones can also spot a deer, a lynx, a roe deer, a fox, a wild boar or a wolf. Do not miss the opportunity to visit Lake Kochevie.

The best time to travel is late August and early September.

This region has a convenient location. From Ljubljana, you can get there in 1-1.5 hours.

Read also: Mobile Internet in Europe: how to choose and connect the best option

8. Vanatori-Neamt, Romania

Another ecotourism location is the Vanatori-Nyamt Nature Park. What's interesting here? Bisons roaming freely through the forest, traces of the prehistoric culture Cucuteni, an ancient salt water spring over 8000 years old, medieval monuments, monastic villages in the area called "Romanian Athos".

Almost 3,000 species of flora and fauna can be seen on the territory of the park, from the mountains to the hills and plains.

The best time to travel to Romania is from late April to early July and from late August to late October. The temperature is mild and pleasant during these months.

Share your experiences and promote ecotourism on social networks! By installing the Yesim app, you will be able to use mobile Internet on favorable conditions even in the most exotic country.

9. Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

A place that deserves the attention of ecotourists is the Bay of Plenty. It stretches 125 km along the coastline and includes 2 marine reserves, 24 coastal islands, the Virinaki Reserve te Poi-a-Tane and wonderful beaches. Activities include incredible views of sea volcanoes, visits to geothermal active sources and boiling mud pools in volcanic folds, swimming with dolphins and seals, and walks in the rainforest. Tourism in this Bay Area aims at long-term sustainability and restoring the environment.

It's best to come here in December and January — it's summer in New Zealand in these months.

10. Yasuni National Park, Ecuador

This is another country that is on the list of the best ecotourism destinations in the world. The focus is on Yasuni National Park, which is a biosphere reserve. The area has solar panels, as well as waste sorting and used water purification programs are implemented there. The park is inhabited by 600 bird species, 173 mammal species, 120 reptile species, 150 amphibian species, over 1 million insect species, 250 fish species, it also has 2000 species of trees and plants.

Here you can go to see the cliffs rich in clay, clay is eaten by flocks of jungle birds to make up for the deficiency of microelements. Walk over the hinge bridges to enjoy the views of the Amazon and its biodiversity. Go canoeing or kayaking on the calm waters of the Napo River. Taste the local delicacies.

The suitable season for travel is from June to November.

It is better to get from the capital (Quito) to Coca, the tourist center of Yasuni by bus. The trip takes about 9 hours. To get from Coca to the park takes 1.5 hours by car or 2 hours by river.

11. Port Douglas, Australia

There are several popular ecotourism destinations: Lord Howe Island, Townsville, and Port Douglas. The city of Port Douglas is home to Daintree National Park. This is the only place in the world where there are 2 Natural World Heritage sites nearby :a reef and a rainforest. This forest is 125 million years old. The park stretches from the Great Barrier Reef, the largest reef system, to the forest along the Daintree River.

The local vegetation is fascinating: giant trees entwined with lianas, palms, orchids, and ferns. In the thickets of the forest you can see possums, glowing green frogs, and marsupial cats. It's also home to unique creatures like southern cassowaries and combed crocodiles.

The best time to travel is from May to October.

Port Douglas is an hour's drive from the city of Cairns, which has an international airport.

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