In an effort to attract tourists to sun, sand and surf, countries such as Mexico and Jamaica licensed builders to change or exploit the natural environment to create resort areas. Slowly it became apparent to many that the costs of such developments – both environmental and social – could be higher than the benefits.

Eco or “green” tourism developed with the heightened environmental awareness of the 1960s and 70s. It is generally defined as low-impact activities in nature that help preserve and sustain the environment and benefit native people. The hope is that this type of tourism can prevent and even reverse environmental destruction. The tourist trade in Costa Rica, in a country described by one naturalist as “one big safari park,” is a test of that hope.

A Closer Look Travel specializes in “Travel that Gives Back” including Eco-Tourism and Community Travel that emphasizes the cultural and people-to-people connections.