As we round out our countdown of world ecotourism hot spots, we reflect on how the final five destinations do exceptional work in the realm of economic empowerment for local people, reverence for native culture and environmental conservation.

As the hallmarks of responsible ecotourism, these principles ensure that tourism has a minimal impact on the indigenous populace and their natural environs. The places that follow are leaders in this regard. They also provide tourists with some of the most awesome natural destinations in the world, a fact we certainly took into consideration.

5. Kenya

Although political turmoil and allegations of widespread corruption have hurt ecotourism in Kenya of late, the country still merits inclusion as a pioneer in the field. The Laikipia Plateau, a semi-arid wilderness in the central part of the country, is ground zero for ecotourism innovation in Africa. The Il’ Ngwesi tribe in the area works hand in hand with local officials, tour operators and government to lure in conscious tourism to witness land regeneration and elephant and black rhino repopulation efforts.

For many outsiders, the vision of Africa they conjure is in fact a vision of Kenya. Without a doubt, the diverse wildlife and natural splendour of the country has been instrumental in the develoment of ecotourism to begin with. Kenya, long romanticized in literature and film, offers visitors sights unadultered and unparalleled. Whether immersed in wild elephant research with scientists, observing the behavioral patterns of lions or on safari to collect data on medical plants, Kenya offers a variety of rich ecotourism options.

4. Borneo

Borneo is a wild, wild place. A sense of primal unpredictability and unique ecology draws ecotourists, scientists and researchers alike. New animal species are still being discovered on this Malaysian island, which should give one a pretty clear picture of how untouched the environment is by human intervention.

From Mount Kinabalu – no peak in Southeast Asia is higher – to dense rainforest trails, Borneo packs a lot of ecotourism choices in one island. The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is a popular destination, as are the virtually endless mangrove wetlands, with all the requisite lush flora and exotic fauna they offer. The Sukau Rainforest Lodge is where many ecotourists choose to spend the night. The resort is a model of self-reliance and has won awards as a result. Sukau runs on rainwater and solar power and integrates beautifully within the environment, with observation decks for wildlife viewers, electric motorboats and a 1,500 foot boardwalk from which visitors can monitor Borneo’s elephants.

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3. Hawaii

The second non-continental U.S. state makes an appearance on our list and deservedly so. Hawaii is a hub of ecotourist activity and state efforts to organize, modernize and promote the industry have been superlative. To explore the islands of Hawaii is to become one with a lush, rich and diverse environment in total isolation from the rest of the world. Visitors can also commune with unique Polynesian history. The Big Island of Hawaii and Kaua’i contain many archaeological digs whose purpose is to gain more insight into pre-colonial heritage. Ancient temples blend in with the volcanic landscape and offer a myriad of ways to spend your ecotourism time here.

The State Parks of Hawaii are legendary and offer hundreds of miles of trails to hike, in addition to other pursuits for those who want to handglide or kayak, for example. In terms of natural beauty, one has only to imagine what millions of years of island isolation has done in terms of flora and fauna diversity in Hawaii. There are 1,400 native species of plants alone, many on near-inaccessible mountain cliffs – a source of excitement for any novice botanist on an ecotour. Bird watchers are equally at home in Hawaii, with dozens of endemic species to the islands. If whales and seals are more your bag, many of Hawaii’s ecotourism efforts centre on these popular acquatic mammals.

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2. Costa Rica

When Costa Rica made a commitment to ecotourism, it made headlines around the world and in many ways, made the industry. Other nations have since run with the ball and taken the lead but Costa Rica still has a reputation as a leader in the field of responsible preservationist ecotourism. We suppose that when blessed with magnificent geography, vistas and hyper-exotic wildlife, it makes sense to undertake the efforts that Costa Rica has in order to divert tourism back to where it belongs.

Christopher Columbus was not cavalier when he gave this small parcel of land in Central America the name Costa Rica, or “Rich Coast”. The country contains no less than four benign volcanic mountains, fertile rainforests whose expanses disappear into fog and cloud, miles of beach devoid of corruption and thermal hot springs. With so much in such a compact swath of land, the choices can bewilder. Ecotourism advocates will love Costa Rica’s nature preserves, of which there are many. From these jungle abodes, one can witness the fantastic array of wildlife inherent in the country. For adventurers who want to work up a sweat and commune with nature at the same time, Costa Rica is a virtual Mecca for scuba divers, rock climbers and whitewater rafters.

Plan your next trip to Costa Rica.

1. Ecuador

When one country contains both Amazon rainforest and the Galapagos Islands, well, it just isn’t fair. Because of these two geographical gifts and more, Ecuador wins the title of best ecotourism destination. Charles Darwin knew it back in the day when he made the Galapagos the central focus of his innovative and historical research on evolution. The islands have since become the first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Darwin fanatics who want to see what all his excitement was over can visit the islands today, where innovative ecotourism efforts have visitors commune with scientists and animals alike and as a result, maintain the pristine beauty of the Galapagos.

Of course, Ecuador is home to a portion of the Amazon rainforest as well. As a result, the country is a dream for ecotourists. Imagine that in the same nation one can converse with researchers about the Galapagos tortoise and then a few days later, be under a rainforest canopy in a native jungle lodge. Ecuador has done a remarkable job in recent years to organize and promote sustainable tourism within the confines of the rainforest ecology. From river tours to jungle stays to specific rainforest forays for bird watchers, the country is awash with ecotourism opportunity. The recent development of cooperation between indigenous people and tour operators has had a huge impact and offers ecotourists a unique chance to live with locals whose lives intertwine with the natural cycle of the rainforest. As a result, outsiders gain brilliant insight into what life has been like in this exotic and wild part of the world for thousands of years.