Ecotourism is a term fraught with confusion and controversy, despite how mainstream the progressive form of travel has become around the world. Some for example, may consider themselves ecotourists if they merely strap on some snorkel gear or take a hike, literally. Not so however.
To be clear, ecotourism is low-impact travel to a fragile part of the world under official protection and under threat because of urban development, industry, pollution or a host of other factors. That hopefully clears up some of the confusion. The persistent controversy in the realm of ecological tourism however, has to do with accountable stewardship. Who monitors the impact of tourism to vulnerable areas? What benchmarks apply to ensure environmental safeguards are in place? Is there a universal standard for responsible ecotourism that officials can use from Australia to Costa Rica?
While in ideal form ecotourism strives to have minimal, if no impact, on the environment, the perfect solution has yet to be found. The relocation of native peoples, damage to local cultures and the incessant bane of corruption are all big concerns as well. In the meantime, here are eight cities that while not devoid of problems, offer some solid ecotourism bets.
New Zealand is on the forefront of ecotourism and Wellington, the beautiful capital of over 400,000 people, offers a lot for intrepid visitors to discover. The city is between the Cook Strait and Rimutaka Range and as a result, has vast swaths of pristine wilderness to explore. Conservation islands such as Kapiti, with a nature and marine reserve, lead the way.
The Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage city with more than one million inhabitants and a reputation as one of the best places to retire. What many forget however is that as the link between two continents, the dense skyline of Panama City is a stone’s throw from some of the most awesome biodiversity on the planet.
Mexico’s Jalisco province is home to spectacular landscapes, from the shores of the Pacific Ocean to the mountains of the native Huichol people. The place that gave us tequila and mariachi is therefore ripe for ecotourist adventure. The beautiful capital of Guadalajara is the suitable platform from which to explore the province.
A snug fit between ocean and mountains, with a dynamic cultural vibe and idyllic climate, makes the city of Cape Town one of the most complete in the world. The Cape Peninsula area is a boon for ecotourism, from the World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary to Table Mountain National Park.
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La Paz has to rank as one of the most unusual capitals in the world. With a record high altitude, the city was built into a river canyon in a valley of the Andes. The backdrop of the city is dramatic, to say the least. From spectacular Lake Titicaca to the UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Tiahuanacu, La Paz is a wonderful bet.
The main city in vast and desolate Far North Queensland is ideal for ecotourism. A great city in of itself, Cairns is home to 136,000 people and features none other than the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree National Park and Rainforest.
With the Galapagos Islands and Andes in relative proximity, the capital of Ecuador is a marvel. With massive Parque Metropolitano Guanguiltagua and a UNESCO World Heritage historic center that is without peer in Latin America, Quito is nice enough. But throw in myriad ecotourist options and the city is incomparable.
A former colonial city with 1.7 million people, Manaus has become popular in recent years strictly because of ecotourism. As the gateway to the vast, wild and delicate state of Amazonas in Brazil, the city is a major hub from which to explore the remote rainforest.
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