Costa Rica, known for its exemplary environmental policies, took a decisive turn in the 1970s and 1980s by choosing to preserve its natural resources and biodiversity, at a time when deforestation was growing exponentially. These efforts attracted numerous NGOs committed to managing these protected areas and advancing the concept of sustainability, thereby enabling the country to maintain this vision over the long term. Over the years, nature reserves and national parks have been established one after another, andtoday they protect approximately 25% of the country’s territory.
Driven by a shared goal—to preserve the environment while respecting local communities as part of a sustainable growth strategy—NGOs in Costa Rica and the tourism sector have joined forces to offer travelers responsible travel experiences in Costa Rica. Although the countryhas now become a global leader in sustainable tourism, it continues to face challenges. That is why it is essential that we continue this commitment together.
A simple act of giving—often unnoticedbut powerful—helps support conservation, reforestation, and humanitarian aid projects. In this way , every traveler becomes an agent of positive change in the country they visit, while contributing to its future . Making a donation during your trip with Terra Caribea means not only discovering a magnificent country, but also making a tangible impact by supporting projects that preserve the environment and strengthen local communities.
Travel Responsibly with Terra Caribea
Supporting an NGO in Costa Rica—whether through volunteer work or a donation—allows you to do your part to contribute to a sustainable economy by directly supporting projects that conserve local ecosystems andimprove the living conditions of the local population.
Traveling responsibly with Terra Caribea means choosing tourism that respects the environment and local communities. Our itineraries highlight partnerships with Costa Rican families, local foundations, animal shelters, and nature reserves.
Finally, since June 2024, Terra Caribea has been running a donation campaign that automatically includes a $10 donation per traveler to a local nonprofit. The organization chosen for 2024–2025 is Raising Coral, which is dedicated to the preservation of coral reefs, thereby reinforcing the company’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility. This choice was made through a participatory process involving both the company’s team and its network to ensure that it reflects shared values. This initiative allows customers to actively contribute to the protection of localecosystems through their trip to Costa Rica.
Experience with a nonprofit organization in Costa Rica
Terra Caribea enhances your experience by offering you the opportunity to participate in unique activities organized by Costa Rican NGOs during your travels. The goal is to immerse yourself in local communitiesand gain insight into their current and future projects.
For food lovers, enjoy a friendly get-together with the African-American women of Puerto Viejo through the ATEC association . You’ll be welcomed to share in culinary traditions during a traditional cooking class where you can discover Costa Rican and Caribbean culture.
Let yourself be swept away by the beauty of the Pacific Ocean with Raising Corals, an organization dedicated to restoring Costa Rican reefs. Go diving for a unique experience that will give you the opportunity to see firsthand the positive and lasting impact of this initiative.
To immerse yourself in the indigenous culture, you can go and meet the Borucas. Together with the So Cagru association , we’ve created an unforgettable experience that lets you discover the daily life, history, and culture of this indigenous people. You’ll have the chance to participate in demonstrations of traditional arts such as weaving and painting.
For wildlife lovers, we can arrange a visit to the Jaguar Rescue Center, which rehabilitates and cares for injured wild animals so they can be released back into the wild. The goal is to observe a wide variety of wildanimals ,such as monkeys, sloths, big cats, reptiles, birds, and more.
Finally, the Cloudbridge Nature Reserve is a true paradise for nature lovers. This organization, dedicated to preserving the cloud forest of the Chirripo Valley, raises visitors’ awareness of the inestimable value of this unique ecosystem through tours that foster environmental awareness and a sense of wonder for nature.
Organizations throughout Costa Rica
For travelers who care deeply about giving back—and who want to leave a meaningful mark on their trip—here is a selection of local NGOs that would be happy to receive your donation. Feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to put you in touch!
Environment and reforestation:
- Talamanca Caribbean Biological Corridor
- Costa Rica Por Siempre
- Ecology Project International (EPI)
- Enviajarme
- Monteverde Community Fund
- Corcovado Foundation
- Neotropica Foundation
- FUNDECOR
- Futuro Nativo
- Green Wolf
- Monteverde Institute (MVI)
- Osa Conservation
- Cloudbridge Reserve
Animal Protection:
Marine Conservation:
- FAICO (Friends of Cocos Island)
- LAST (Latin American Sea Turtle)
- Mareblu
- Marviva
- Raising Corals
Indigenous Communities:
- Talamanca Women’s Association (ACOMUITA)
- So Cagru
Rural communities:
- APPTA
- ANAI Association
- Association for the Development and Conservation of Carbón Dos (ASODEC)
- ATEC
- Amor y Esperanza Foundation
Social Solidarity:
By making a donation to NGOs in Costa Rica—such as Terra Caribea’s partner organizations—you can be sure to maximize your positive impact in the country, which is also a wonderful way to leave your mark. You can also choose to bring items from France (school supplies, clothing, etc.), which we’ll then collect and distribute to the appropriate NGOs.
This simple gesture helps support conservation, reforestation, and social solidarity projects. By doing so, every traveler becomes an agent of positive change in the country they’re visiting!
The Terra Caribea Team
