Ecotourism Program

The mission of the Ecotourism Program is to help visitors maximize their enjoyment of the natural and cultural attractions available in the Área de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) while minimizing any impact on the protected areas. The Ecotourism Program strives to promote the non-destructive use of Costa Rica's incredible natural resources by awakening within the visitors an appreciation of the natural environment through the interpretation of the wonders of the ecosystems of the ACG.

Objectives of the Ecotourism Program

Enable visitors to interact with the biodiversity of the ACG's various ecosystems.
Provide information and natural history interpretation to facilitate the appreciation of the varied attractions available.
Monitor and organize the use of tourist sites to minimize visitor impact and provide the best experience possible for tourists visiting the ACG.
Search for income generating opportunities to help maintain the financial sustainability of the ACG.

Primary functions of the Ecotourism Program

Visitor service: Assist visitors as they explore tourist sites in the ACG.

Information and interpretation: Provide information to visitors about the ACG and interpretation of its natural and cultural sites through brochures and signs.

The Ecotourism Program organizes cultural activities such as the celebration of the Battle of Santa Rosa on March 20th and the "sabanero" or cowboy day.Planning and organization: Analyze available tourist sites to optimize the use of their attractions and services by visitors while adhering to the conservation priorities of the protected area. Se analizan los sitios turísticos para determinar el estado de sus atractivos y servicios y se determinan su potencialidad y su organización en una oferta de un producto turístico acorde con los propósitos de conservación del área protegida.

Biological research stations: Provide services to visiting researchers in ACG's different ecosystems.

The Ecotourism Program has a general administrative structure organized into working groups based on specific objectives and proposed goals as shown in the following flow chart.

Ecotourism Program Organization Flow Chart, ACG