Leave your worries at home, it's time for a relaxing spa vacation! There's no need to stress about your impact on the environment if you choose to book with a sustainable spa and wellness resort--while you're working on a happier and healthier you, you'll be contributing to a happier and healthier planet! Keep reading to learn about some of the amazing AND sustainable resort spas in Latin America and the Caribbean:

Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort, Costa Rica Named by Condé Nast as the "Most Excellent Spa Hotel" of Mexico and Central America in 2011, Tabacón is consistently recognized as one of the best spas in the world. This five-star hotel is located in northern Costa Rica, at the foot of the majestic Arenal volcano and in the heart of the rainforest. Enjoy your spa treatments in open air bungalows surrounded by pools and waterfalls formed by natural hot springs from the volcano. Tabacón is carbon neutral and certified by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute's Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program, Sustainable Travel International's (STI) Sustainable Tourism Education Program, and the Leading Hotels of the World's Luxury Eco Certification Standards (LECS).
Couples Tower Isle, Jamaica Couples Tower Isle is an adults-only resort in Jamaica, honored as the best hotel spa in the Caribbean by Travel+Leisure magazine and one of the top Caribbean all-inclusive resorts by Trip Advisor's Travelers' Choice Awards. The resort underwent a major renovation in 2009, reopening with a total of 226 rooms, a dive pool, and ten spa treatment rooms. The colorful and minimalist pastel décor, three swimming pools, Jacuzzis, and a private island for au naturel sunbathing make Couples Tower Isle a paradise of relaxation. As the name suggests, all the services and activities are tailored for couples. Couples Tower Isle has achieved a "Gold" level certification from EarthCheck.
Lodge at Chaa Creek & The Macal River Camp, Belize Chaa Creek is located on a huge 365-acre (148-hectare) private nature reserve, nestled in the rainforest in the foothills of the misty Maya Mountains. Choose from 23 eco-chic cottages, villas, and suites at Chaa Creek or, for those seeking more rustic accommodations, there are also 10 wooden cabins near the Macal River. Chaa Creek's spa uses natural, herb-based treatments such as mineral rich mud treatments, herbal wraps, and locally-sourced botanicals. Travel + Leisure magazine named it as one of the Top Hotel Spas in Latin America in 2011. Chaa Creek is certified as sustainable by Green Globe International.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Peru Nestled in 12 acres of private gardens at the foot of the mountains that surround the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, Inkaterra offers an atmosphere of refinement and luxury within a rustic Andean village. Stay in one of their elegant white casitas or more opulent villas, designed with inspiration from traditional Andean culture. The UNU Spa at Inkaterra uses local botanical extracts and incorporates elements of traditional Andean mysticism for a unique experience. Inkaterra is Rainforest Alliance Verified.
Luna Runtun, the Adventure SPA, Ecuador Situated on a 63-acre (25.5-hectare) property within Sangay National Park, Luna Runtun is a refreshing change of pace from the sleek, modern spa resorts you often find in the Caribbean. This "adventure" spa resort combines ecotourism activities and beautiful mountain landscapes with a unique "Volcanic SPA." The spa uses fresh plants and fruits, employed for their natural healing properties and grown in the hotel's 300-acre (121-hectare) garden, as well as mineral water and ashes from the nearby and very active Tungurahua volcano. Guests can enjoy watching Tungurahua shower the skies with spectacular shows of fire and lava from the safety of the spa. Luna Runtun is certified by Smart Voyager and has created the Tungurahua Volcano Foundation, which oversees a number of environmental and community projects.

This entry was posted on April 5, 2012 at 10:18 AM and has received 484 views. There are currently 1 comments. Print this entry.

The holidays are over and the winter blues have set in. It's time to get away! As you start to plan your vacation, do you consider how much good your trip could do for others? Some of the world's most breathtaking destinations are now being managed sustainably, which means that in addition to benefiting your own mental health, your next trip could also benefit the environment and local communities. Here are 10 reasons to travel sustainably:

1. Make a Difference One of the world's largest industries, tourism employs more than 235 million people and generates 9.2 percent of the global GDP. The choices made by travelers like you can enormously impact community-run businesses, local cultures and biodiversity. Your decisions will have consequences, for better or worse, so why not choose better? Visit our tourism business database to find responsible hotels and tour operators.

2. Conserve Natural Environments When you follow designated trails, respect local rules about interacting with nature, and pay entrance fees to parks and protected sites, you help conserve the beautiful environments that you've traveled all that way to visit.

3. Protect Wildlife By participating in bird-watching expeditions and forest hikes, you send the message that those species and their habitats are worth protecting. On the flip side, refrain from buying clothing or other products derived from protected or endangered wildlife since those purchases encourage harmful practices.

4. Reduce Consumption & Waste Sustainable tourism companies--like those on SustainableTrip.org --are smart about managing their waste and reducing their consumption of resources such as water and energy. By choosing sustainable hotels and tour operators, you voice your support for responsible business. Visit our Making A Difference page to see a list of companies that have made an exceptional effort to incorporate sustainable business practices.

5. Support Local Economies Choosing a sustainable tourism business keeps money in the community -- these companies rely on local suppliers for goods and services, hire staff from neighboring towns and support community conservation, development, and education efforts.

6. We're In This Together People who operate sustainable businesses understand that well-trained, justly compensated staff members are loyal to their employer and often help improve a company's efficiency. Well-treated employees also provide excellent service, which is a key component of a great travel experience.

7. Preserve the Past Your visits to historic and cultural sites help maintain these local treasures by giving the local community a reason--and the means--to protect them. Plus, learning about new cultures is a great way to discover new things about yourself.

8. Get the Inside Scoop Who knows more about a place than the locals? Whether it's through home stays, tips on the most scenic hikes and best regional dishes, or insights into cultural traditions, interacting with locals will only enhance your vacation experience.

9. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Traveling by car, plane or train produces greenhouse gas emissions, which lead to climate change. But by choosing sustainable travel providers, you are supporting businesses that make an ongoing effort to mitigate these impacts. And if you also purchase carbon offsets, you're really thinking ahead to a greener tomorrow. Here are some tips for how to reduce your vacation's carbon footprint.

10. Look to the Future So you're on your trip and you're having a great time. Don't you want the option of returning to that destination in the future? By supporting sustainable tourism businesses, you help ensure the long-term conservation of some of the world's most spectacular places.

Here are some practical tips for planning your next sustainable vacation. Visit the nonprofit Local Travel Movement to share your stories about past trips.

This entry was posted on January 27, 2012 at 2:11 PM and has received 517 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

Unless you're traveling on foot, tourism inevitably has an impact on the environment. Though cars, buses, trains, and planes have made leaps and bounds in recent years in terms of mitigating environmental impact, they still use gasoline and yes, often release harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This has led some to call for people to stop traveling altogether and to ask, "What's the point of sustainable tourism, when any kind of travel is still bad for the environment?" We'll attempt to answer this question and leave it to you to decide whether sustainable travel does more harm or more good.

900 million people travel each year, making tourism a major global industry and an important source of income for many countries and communities, many of which are located in extremely biodiverse and fragile areas. Some communities that once turned to poaching or cutting down trees in order to support themselves have realized that they can earn a more sustainable living by conserving their natural surroundings and promoting their communities as a sustainable tourism destination.

However, not all tourism businesses support local communities. This is why sustainable tourism is so important: because it ensures that travelers' money goes to businesses that have made a commitment to supporting local communities and protecting the environment. There are sustainable hotels and tour operators of virtually every type and price range; it just takes a bit of research to find them. The SustainableTrip.org directory is a great tool to help travelers find sustainable businesses in Latin America and the Caribbean. To be listed on the site, businesses must be: 1) certified by an independent, third-party sustainable tourism certification program or 2) verified by the Rainforest Alliance. In countries where a certification program is not available or the Rainforest Alliance is not currently working, we accept recommendations from reputable organizations. These guidelines ensure that all businesses listed on SustainableTrip.org have met rigorous environmental, social, and economic standards and travelers can rest assured that they are truly "green."

Travel is also just as (if not more) beneficial for the traveler--it broadens your horizons by giving you the opportunity to learn about new cultures, meet people whose lives are entirely different from your own, and explore nature in all of its diverse splendor. In addition, people who get to discover and enjoy nature firsthand are far more likely to feel passionate about protecting it. Similarly, those who experience other cultures are more likely to be open-minded and tolerant as well as conscientious when it comes to their purchasing choices. For example, someone who spends time with a small forestry community in the Amazon is more likely to buy sustainable wood products from a company that treats its workers fairly and protects the ecosystem from which their product is derived.

While we can learn about other countries on the internet and in the classroom, it doesn't have the same effect as first-hand experiences. In fact, many believe that travel is vital for cross-cultural understanding and peace. We posted an entry a while back that explains more on how cultural travel can be a force for good in the world.

Have we convinced you that sustainable tourism is a positive thing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

This entry was posted on January 12, 2012 at 10:46 AM and has received 1591 views. There are currently 3 comments. Print this entry.

Have you ever heard the term "green hotel"? How about "sustainable resort" or "eco-friendly tours"? The green travel market can be difficult to navigate with so many of these terms being thrown around. Businesses sometimes use these terms to make themselves seem more attractive to the growing audience of conscientious travelers, when they might not actually have any environmentally or socially responsible policies in place. Here, we hope to shed some light on what these terms really mean.

Going further than "green"

What does "green" really mean? Usually, nothing! Unfortunately, the word "green" has been used so often and loosely in recent years that it has become diluted. Some have used the term "greenwashing" to describe a PR tactic in which a business deceptively promotes the perception that their policies are environmentally friendly. The term was first coined by researchers in the 1980s in a study that described the hotel industry's practice of placing green placards in each room that encouraged guests to reuse their towels. The study found that the hotels ultimately made little to no effort to actually conserve resources or reduce waste; they just wanted to appear green in order to increase profits.

To be clear, not every hotel that uses the word "green" is automatically guilty of greenwashing--the responsible traveler just has to dig a little deeper, and SustainableTrip.org is here to help. So go further than green! Most environmentally-friendly hotels have information on their website about their "green" initiatives, so you can easily learn about the concrete measures they are taking to conserve natural resources, protect plants and wildlife, and contribute to the well-being of local communities.

Putting the "eco" in ecotourism

Ecotourism is defined by the International Ecotourism Society as: "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people." The key principles of ecotourism include minimizing impact, protecting biodiversity, building environmental awareness, and respecting local culture. Typically, the primary attractions for ecotourists are flora, fauna, and cultural heritage.

Sustainable tourism: the total package

Sustainable tourism businesses support the environmental conservation, social development, and economic health of the areas in which they work. Sustainable tourism and ecotourism are similar concepts and share many of the same principles, but sustainable tourism is broader; it covers all types of travel and destinations, from luxury to backpacking, and bustling cities to remote rainforests. Examples of sustainable business practices include conserving water and energy, supporting community conservation projects, recycling and treating wastes, hiring staff from the local community, paying them just wages and providing training, and sourcing locally-produced products for restaurants and gift shops. Sustainable tourism businesses take concrete actions to enhance the well-being of local communities and make positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage.

What's a traveler to do?

Even though "sustainable tourism" and "ecotourism" are more meaningful terms than "green tourism," the responsible traveler shouldn't just take these claims at face value. No matter what a hotel or tour operator says about their green credentials, always investigate further. Be sure to ask, "What is this business doing to preserve the environment and support the local community?" If you want to be one hundred percent sure that a tourism business is doing what it claims, opt for those that have been certified or verified for sustainability by an independent, third-party organization.

If you're heading to Latin America or the Caribbean and looking for a sustainable hotel or tour operator, we've already done the legwork for you. All of the businesses featured on SustainableTrip.org have been thoroughly vetted to ensure that they are truly sustainable--and each business has a "Making a Difference" section on their profile so you can read all about their sustainability initiatives.

We hope you found this information useful! Do you have your own thoughts on green, eco-, or sustainable tourism? Share them with us in the comments!

This entry was posted on December 7, 2011 at 2:44 PM and has received 1196 views. There are currently 4 comments. Print this entry.

November 11, 2011 marked the day when the New 7 Wonders of Nature were finally announced after a four-year voting period. The list features the most impressive natural spots on Earth according to millions of voters all over the world. The winners of the provisional count (the final count will be announced in early 2012) are:

1. The Amazon 2. Halong Bay 3. Iguazu Falls 4. Jeju Island 5. Komodo 6. Puerto Princesa Underground River 7. Table Mountain

The SustainableTrip.org team is so excited that the Amazon topped the list! It's such a significant place--not only is it one of the world's most biodiverse regions, it also produces 20 percent of the Earth's oxygen, earning it the nickname the "lungs" of our planet.

Here we share a selection of sustainable hotels in Peru and Ecuador where you can enjoy the beauty of the Amazon rainforest while also supporting its preservation.

Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve, Ecuador

Kapawi Ecolodge is located near the junction of the Pastaza and Capahuari Rivers, close to the national border with Peru. This exclusive, sustainable ecolodge was built with local materials and traditional techniques using low-impact, environmentally-friendly technologies. The lodge belongs to the local indigenous Achuar people and offers many comforts, as well as a boutique with handcrafts made by the Achuar. Highlights include a wide spectrum of wildlife, and many places where you can observe diverse flora and fauna, such as balconies, hammocks and lounge chairs.

Sani Lodge, Ecuador

Sani Lodge is very unique–not only is it fully owned and operated by the indigenous Kichwa Sani Island community, it also manages and protects the largest expanse of tropical moist forest in all of Ecuador. With black caimans that can reach 16 feet (5 meters), rare and threatened "chorongo" monkeys, 550 bird species, 13 species of primates, and more than 100 species of amphibians, Sani Lodge offers a wide array of wildlife watching opportunities.

Manatee Amazon Explorer, Ecuador

The Manatee Amazon Explorer is an exclusive floating hotel in the Ecuadorian Amazon, offering guided excursions and four, five, and eight-day cruises that visit indigenous communities and explore rivers where you can discover unique plants and animals. The friendly staff, excellent nature guides, and brilliant natural surroundings make this trip unforgettable.

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, Peru

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica is a comfortable, elegant retreat located by the Madre de Dios River in the Tambopata National Reserve, a region widely known as Peru's biodiversity capital. Visitors can enjoy a range of land and river tours as well as easy access to a 29,650-acre (12,000-hectare) private rainforest reserve. As part of the Peruvian research organization Inkaterra, which has more than 35 years of experience in sustainable tourism, environmental and social preservation are a key aspect of this hotel.

Wasai Tambopata Lodge, Peru

This lodge is located in the heart of the Amazon, on the banks of the Tambopata River in the Tambopata Candamo National Reserve, a place of abundant natural beauty. Surrounded by primary rainforest, there are 12 miles (20 km) of trails through private and protected areas of forest that host a great variety of birds, mammals, and amphibians. Other exciting attractions in the region include the local community of Baltimore, the El Gato Waterfalls, the Bahuaja Sonene National Park with a spectacular parrot clay lick, and the majestic Lake Sandoval, where families of otters live.

For more information on sustainable travel, visit SustainableTrip's sustainable tourism section, or the Country Walkers website, an initiative that released a beautiful guide to community-based tourism in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

We hope that we've inspired you to visit this unique part of the world, where the most rare and awe-inspiring plant and wildlife species still thrive!

This entry was posted on November 23, 2011 at 5:30 PM and has received 665 views. There are currently 3 comments. Print this entry.

Your travel choices make a difference, now more than ever before. Tourism is one of the largest industries in the world, employing more than 235 million people worldwide and generating some 9.2 percent of the global GDP. Whether it's booking a sustainable hotel or supporting locally-owned businesses, making sustainable choices will contribute to the well-being of communities and foster the long-term health of our planet.

How so, you ask? For one, sustainable hotels and tour operators, like the ones listed on SustainableTrip.org, have made a demonstrated commitment to protecting the local natural environment. That means implementing sustainable policies related to energy and water consumption, preservation of wildlife, reforestation of the surrounding area, and more. Sustainable tourism businesses also take an active role in supporting their communities through hiring local people and providing them with training, decent wages, and employee benefits, as well as supporting or spearheading initiatives with local schools, artisans, farmers, women's groups, and more.

To further illustrate the importance of sustainable travel, the Rainforest Alliance has created a fun and interesting interactive tool called the "SmartLodge" that demonstrates how sustainable tourism can help benefit local communities and the environment. Click to check out the virtual SmartLodge now:

This entry was posted on October 31, 2011 at 9:42 AM and has received 819 views. There are currently 1 comments. Print this entry.

Wednesday, September 28th marked a special day for the Rainforest Alliance. In the beautiful, colonial town of Antigua, Guatemala, the new TOPS initiative was launched. TOPS stands for Tour Operators Promoting Sustainability and unites Rainforest Alliance Verified^TM inbound tour operators in Latin America and the Caribbean with international outbound tour operators, creating a global network that aims to promote and support sustainable tourism practices.

The event brought together tour operators and Rainforest Alliance staff members from all over the world. Inspiring speeches were given by Rainforest Alliance President Tensie Whelan (you can watch below) and sustainable tourism vice president Ronald Sanabria and presentations were given by marketing and sustainable tourism experts. The entire event was covered live on Twitter (posts can be viewed at #TOPS).

"The long-term aim is to help the industry become socially and environmentally responsible as well as profitable, encouraging tourism practices that protect ecosystems, and improve the lives of individuals and communities," explained Ronald Sanabria.

Presentation held by the Vice President of Sustainable Tourism,  Ronald Sanabria.

To become a TOPS member, interested tour operators must comply with the following conditions:

Inbound operators:

- Apply for Rainforest Alliance verification
- Comply with at least 50 percent of the program's requirements
- Commit to reaching a minimum of 70 percent compliance by the following year.

Outbound operators:

- Sign a memorandum of understanding with the Rainforest Alliance
- At least 30 percent of their suppliers must be sustainable
- That figure must increase to a minimum of 50 percent by the following year.

Tour operators joined from Latin America, Europe and the United States.More information on benefits and entry requirements can be found in the official press release.

Launched one day after World Tourism Day, this network marks another significant step forward in uniting the industry to promote a more sustainable way of traveling.

This entry was posted on September 30, 2011 at 5:51 PM and has received 182 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

Mexico offers a range of experiences that is as large as its geographical size. Driving through vast deserts for hours, sipping cocktails by the beach, visiting authentic and colorful markets, strolling through colonial towns, and exploring Mayan ruins are all possible in this spectacular country. Mexico features a total of 31 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or those deemed by UNESCO to be of special cultural or physical significance. Here, we feature five of these amazing sites - if you are headed to Mexico, we highly recommend fitting at least one of them into your trip

1. Historic Centre of Mexico City 

Declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, the "Centro Histórico" of Mexico City hosts a myriad of treasures. Built on the ruins of the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, its entire history from the construction of the pre-Hispanic city in 1525, through the country's independence from Spain is reflected in 1,550 historically important buildings. Its collection of archaeological sites and colonial and contemporary buildings include the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, pre-Hispanic ruins of the Templo Mayor (Great Temple), and the Palace of Fine Arts. A variety of famous museums such as the National Museum of Anthropology, the National Art Museum, the Casa Azul of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and the Museum of Modern Art round out the cultural riches of the country's capital city.

Palacio de Bellas Artes (17/02/2007) © Esparta / Esparta.

2. Historic Fortified Town of Campeche

Declared a World Heritage Site in 2002, Campeche combines history and culture with exuberant vegetation. This colonial harbor town served as a starting point for several major expeditions. Its historic center is still surrounded by intact walls that were commonly used in  the 17^th and 18^th century to protect cities and towns against invading pirates.

Hacienda Puerta Campeche

This hotel used to be one of the haciendas, beautifully designed by famous European architects, for a flourishing sisal industry in the Yucatán Peninsula in the 1920s. By the 1990s, the magnificent sisal haciendas lay abandoned, and Puerta Campeche is bringing back to life not only this and other former sisal haciendas, it is also committed to the socially and environmentally sustainable development of rural Maya communities.  The Hacienda is certified by the Earthcheck program.

3. Pre-Hispanic City of Chichén Itzá, Yucatán

Declared a World Heritage Site in 1988, this is one of the most famous Mayan ruins in the world and one of the most important examples of Mayan-Toltec civilizations. Buildings such as the El Caracol Great Ball Court, Temple of Kukulkan, El Castillo, and Temple of the Warriors are counted among the masterpieces of Mesoamerican architecture. Moreover this pre-Hispanic city was voted one of the seven new wonders of the world.

Lodge at Chichen Itzá

This beautiful lodge is located in the heart of the Chichen Itzá archeological area. The lodge even features a direct entrance to this fascinating pre-Hispanic city. Its cabins were built in a traditional Maya style, adhering to ecological criteria such as using tropical woods, marble, and palm fronds, yet all cabins are equipped with modern-day conveniences. This Rainforest Alliance Verified lodge serves as a forum for expression and interpretation of Maya traditions, uses, and customs. Located on 62 acres (25 hectares) with beautiful subtropical gardens, it is hard not to be relaxed and inspired after a visit here.

4. Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

Meaning "Origin of the Sky" in Mayan, Sian Ka'an was established as a World Heritage Site in 1986.  Located on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, this beautiful reserve is a nature lover's paradise – it contains tropical forest, mangroves and a section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.  Local tour operators offer kayak trips through ancient Mayan lagoons that served as trade routes, excellent opportunities to observe the more than 300 bird species that live in the reserve.   A total of 103 mammal species have been found here, including jaguar, puma, ocelot, tapir, manatees, spider and howler monkeys, deer, anteaters and more. Four species of endangered sea turtles - green, hawksbill, loggerhead, and leatherback- nest on the reserve's beautiful beaches.

Papaya Playa

Located in Tulum, a charming town just north of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Papaya Playa lies on a spectacular white sand beach. The hotel enhances its beautiful natural surroundings to create an atmosphere for guests to relax their minds and bodies. Moreover, the hotel helps preserve native plants, carries out reforestation projects, and protects sea turtles that nest in the area. It also participates in local community programs and supports organizations such as the local Red Cross.

5. Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque

Palenque is one of the most impressive ancient Mayan sites. Located in the lush green jungle of the Lacandon forest in the state of Chiapas, this site boasts well-crafted architecture and beautiful sculptural art. From 600 to 900 A.D. when at its peak, the site's influence extended over what are today the states of Chiapas and Tabasco.Its most famous buildings are The Palace and the Temple of Inscriptions.

Centro Ecoturístico Las Guacamayas (Las Guacamayas Ecotourist Center)

Named for the endangered scarlet macaw, the community-run Las Guacamayas Ecotourist Center hosts a macaw breeding program, an orchid garden, and a wildlife reserve. The community has also set aside 3,615 acres (1,463 hectares) of forest as a private protected area.

This entry was posted on September 22, 2011 at 12:49 PM and has received 429 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

Autumn has arrived in the northern hemisphere! You might still be in denial (I know I am) but colder weather is just around the corner--which means it's time to start planning your tropical getaway! Nothing alleviates the pain of getting through those chilly fall and winter months like the promise of an upcoming vacation, full of warm sunshine and sand between your toes.

A beach vacation can rejuvenate you inside and out, leaving you feeling refreshed and relaxed for weeks even after you return to the real world--but is your relaxation at the expense of the coastal ecosystems you're enjoying? Despite some travelers' best intentions, tourism activities have been known to have a negative effect on the environment. So, a beach vacation is good for the body and soul--but is it good for the beach as well?

If you are a sustainable traveler, the answer is--YES! The hotels, tour operators, and other tourism businesses on SustainableTrip.org have all made a demonstrated commitment to actively protect the ecosystems in which they are located. So if you support one of these sustainable businesses, your trip will actually help conserve the world's beaches and oceans as well as the birds, turtles, and other wildlife species that depend on it. Here are some of our favorite sustainable beach destinations:

	Hotel and Club Punta Leona, Costa Rica Hotel and Club Punta Leona is located where the tropical rainforest meets three famous beaches: Playa Limoncito, Playa Mantas, and Playa Blanca. Playa Blanca is considered a marine marshland, one of the most important and richest ecosystems on the planet. Punta Leona's private rainforest reserve is home to a vast array of beautiful wildlife, including white-faced monkeys, kinkajous, anteaters, and more than 330 species of birds. Activities include golfing at the nearby championship golf course, sport fishing, visiting the onsite butterfly garden, or picturesque horseback rides on the beach.
	Sea-U Guest House, Barbados This charming bed & breakfast on the east coast of Barbados is truly an escape from the world, far from the large, posh resorts on the southern part of the island. Stay in rustic and comfortable accommodations in one of the two wooden chattel houses. The hotel is just a short walk from the Soup Bowl, the world-famous surfing beach that hosts international surfing championships each November. Guest can also visit the Andromeda Botanical Gardens, which has a large collection of tropical plants from the Caribbean and every continent of the world. The onsite restaurant offers authentic Bajan dining, including tasty vegetarian options.
	Punta Teonoste Nature Lodges & Beach Spa, Nicaragua Punta Teonoste is located on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, nestled between the quaint fishing village of El Astillero and Popoyo, Nicaragua's premier surf break. Stay in one of 16 private bungalows designed in an eco-conscious fashion using renewable local materials and incorporating the techniques of local artisans. Visit the nearby Chacocente Wildlife Refuge, the largest tropical dry forest reserve in the country, and see sea turtle nesting sites and hatchling events. There is a large swimming pool, gym, and spa onsite.
	Hotel Casa Velas, Mexico Hotel Casa Velas is an adults-only, all-inclusive luxury resort in Puerto Vallarta with award-winning services and amenities that will satisfy even the most seasoned and sophisticated traveler. This world-class resort was recognized as one of the best hotels in the world by the 2011 Trip Advisor Travelers' Choice Awards in three categories: Luxury, Relaxation/Spa, and Romantic Hotels. Eighty suites decorated in the traditional Mexican style boast impressive views as well as private immersion pools and Jacuzzis. Guests can participate in tons of outdoor activities including swimming with dolphins, whale-watching, scuba diving, and eco-tours. Onsite activities include golfing, yoga and pilates classes, spa treatments, wine tastings, tequila tastings, and cooking classes.
	Cabinas Las Olas, Costa Rica Cabinas Las Olas is a surfer's paradise on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, offering easy access to half a dozen or more surf spots, including point breaks, beach breaks, and reef breaks. In addition to services for surfers of all levels (from first-timers to seasoned vets), other activities include snorkeling, fishing, diving, kayaking, horseback riding, hiking, and yoga. The hotel is located between an estuary and a mangrove reserve, so guests are uniquely positioned to see all kinds of wildlife, including monkeys, raccoons, anteater bears, iguanas, and an enormous variety of birds. Stay in one of 10 spacious cabins with private bathrooms and terraces with hammocks.
	Mantaraya Lodge, Ecuador Mantaraya Lodge, designed in a colorful Mediterranean architectural style, is located in Machalilla National Park in Ecuador's Manabí province. The nearby Isla de Plata has a unique ecosystem that resembles the Galapagos Islands, and is a perfect place for snorkeling and diving. From June to September, Machalilla's waters are a breeding ground for humpback whales, and the hotel offers daily whale watching tours for guests to have the once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing these breathtaking creatures.
	SEE Turtles Costa Rica & SEE Turtles Mexico This program is great for those who want to go one step further and actively participate in wildlife conservation during their travels. Did you know that all seven species of sea turtles are currently listed as threatened or endangered? SEE Turtles has programs in Baja California Sur, Mexico and several locations in Costa Rica where travelers and volunteers can get up close and personal with these majestic creatures while contributing to important conservation efforts in key habitat areas. This one's a win-win, because these areas also happen to be some of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Their packages include lodging, activities, transportation, and more.

This is just a small sample of the beach destinations that are in our database; to see them all, click here.

Check out our other Top Sustainable Destinations lists:

Top Sustainable Hotels under $50 per Night

Top 5 Destinations to Discover Indigenous Communities

Top Family-Friendly Sustainable Vacation Destinations

Top 5 Sustainable Luxury Destinations

This entry was posted on September 15, 2011 at 10:02 AM and has received 1244 views. There are currently 4 comments. Print this entry.

Around the world, the economy is struggling and people everywhere are tightening their belts when it comes to spending money, including on vacations. When your focus is on saving, making sustainable travel choices might not be high on your list of priorities – but good news! Sustainable hotels are not any more expensive than other hotels. Many are extremely affordable, and can even end up saving you money. These days, sustainable hotels really run the gamut in terms of price range. Our job at SustainableTrip.org is to make it easy for you to find sustainable lodging that fits into your budget and your interests. Here's our list of Top Sustainable Hotels Under $50 per Night:

Pantaví Inn, Ecuador

Pantaví Inn is a charming country lodge where guests have a window into the culture of a rural Ecuadorian village. You can venture to several nearby attractions, including the famous thermal springs of Chachimbiro, the Cotacachi-Cayapas Nature Reserve, the El Angel Ecological Reserve, the Golondrinas cloud forests, and several ancient archaeological sites. This hotel is perfect for nature enthusiasts and those who want an authentic experience of rural Ecuadorian culture.

Rates: Starting at $32* per night per person

Selva Negra Ecolodge and Coffee Estate, Nicaragua

Selva Negra is an ecolodge, organic farm, and bird-friendly coffee estate in the highlands of northern Nicaragua. The property protects more than 247 acres (100 hectares) of cloud and rainforest, and is part of the Cerro Arenal Natural Reserve. The estate is on the famous Nicaraguan Ruta de Café (Coffee Route) where you can experience first-hand the process of producing organic coffee, from bean to cup. Other activities include wildlife hikes, horseback riding, and bird watching. Accommodation options include youth hostel rooms, hotel rooms, chalets, and bungalows.

Rates: Hotel rooms starting at $45 per night per person

Hotel Maya Internacional, Guatemala

This hotel is located on the shores of Lake Pétén Itzá with views of the beautiful Flores Island. The lake is surrounded by a rainforest teeming with wildlife including jaguars, monkeys, parrots, and toucans. The onsite restaurant offers local fare, international cuisine, and live marimba music on Sundays. There is also a gym and a pool. Visitors can visit Tikal National Park to see the famous ancient Mayan ruins, or Flores Island to buy handicrafts and experience great restaurants and nightlife.

Rates: Starting at $26 in the low season and $50 in the high season.

La Laguna del Lagarto Lodge, Costa Rica

This jungle hideaway is in the northern region of Costa Rica, just a few miles south of the Nicaraguan border. The lodge is surrounded by 1,250 acres (500 hectares) of virgin tropical rainforest full of amazing plants and wildlife including monkeys, poison dart frogs, and more than 350 bird species, including the great green macaw. Guests can also visit small tropical farms nearby, where local people harvest pineapples and yucca, among other things.

Rates: Starting at $36 in the low season and $45 in the high season

Sachatamia Lodge, Ecuador

This lodge is located on a private ecological reserve in northern Ecuador that contains 300 acres (120 hectares) of subtropical rainforest and several rivers perfect for swimming, canoeing, rafting, tubing, and visits to waterfalls. Guests are completely immersed in some of the world's most diverse flora and fauna and have access to some of the best bird watching in the world. Enjoy rustic, elegant, and inviting accommodations, as well as a pool and Jacuzzi. Choose from rooms in the main building or outer cabins.

Rates: Starting at $30.50 per night per person

Hostal y Restaurante Barca de Oro, Nicaragua

Barca de Oro is located on a pristine beach in a small fishing village on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. Visitors can venture to the nearby Isla Juan Venado Nature Reserve and explore a pristine mangrove ecosystem. The onsite restaurant offers guests fresh seafood, including lobster and shrimp caught daily. Situated just 12 miles (20 km) from the historic city of León, this hotel is perfect for travelers who want to visit the city but stay in a more tranquil and comfortable setting.

Rates: Starting at $10 per night per person

* All prices are in US dollars.

This is just a small sample of the hotels under $50 that are in our database; to see them all, visit our Search for a Trip page and pick your price range on the left-hand side.

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Check out our other Top Sustainable Destinations lists:

In Search of Authentic Experience: Top 5 Destinations to Discover Indigenous Communities

Top Family-Friendly Sustainable Vacation Destinations

Sustainable travel myth: "It's just for backpackers." Our Top 5 Sustainable Luxury Destinations

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