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This might be the most beautiful volcano photo we've ever seen! Concepción Volcano is one of the two volcanoes that form Ometepe Island, a popular ecotourist destination in Nicaragua. Hikers can explore the rich forests of its lower reaches, while the more adventurous can complete the 10-hour ascent to the summit and earn a spectacular 360 degree view that allows you to see both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.

This entry was posted on May 24, 2013 at 10:02 AM and has received 92 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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The travel off-season (or "low season") typically coincides with summer and fall in the United States and Europe. Savvy travelers know that traveling during this time of the year usually means lower prices and fewer crowds, particularly in warm weather destinations like Latin America and the Caribbean. This is especially convenient for family vacations, as you don't have to worry about the kids missing any school. Many airlines, tour operators, large hotels, and small lodges offer significant discounts for off-season travelers, some with rates that are half the price compared to the high season! Read on for country-specific tips for off-season travel, including sustainable hotels with discounted rates.*

Mexico

If you're heading to the famed Riviera Maya, you'll find cheaper rates from May after the spring break rush though early December before the holidays, and the beaches of this popular tourist destination will be considerably less crowded. The restaurants and shops of Cancun and Playa del Carmen will also be cheaper, as will tours to nearby attractions like the Maya ruins of Tulum.

Note that late summer typically coincides with Mexico's rainy season. Depending on the year and your particular destination, this could mean anything from an hour of moderate rain in the afternoon to a hurricane passing through -- so be sure to do your research and be aware of the risks before booking your trip.

A few sustainable accommodations to consider:

• Hotel Rosewood Mayakoba is a gorgeous all-inclusive resort on the beach in Playa del Carmen. Rates start at $475/night in the low season (compared to $750/night in the high season).
• Hotel Barceló Costa Cancún is a Mediterranean-style all-inclusive resort in Cancun. Rates start at $157/night for a double room in the low season (compared to $340/night in the high season).

Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, May through November is considered the rainy season. The air is still warm even if it's raining, so most tours will run regardless of the weather. Less customers means you'll get more personalized attention during activities such as zip lining and kayaking. There will be fewer people at the beach and everything from hotels to restaurants will be cheaper.

The low season is also a great time of year for wildlife watching. Flocks of migratory birds pass through in autumn along their journey south for the winter. If you want to see sea turtles, peak nesting season is in April and May for leatherbacks and August and September for green turtles on the Caribbean coast, and in August to November for olive ridleys on the Pacific coast. Peak season for humpback whale watching is from August through October on the Pacific coast. Keep in mind that the whale watching tours themselves will be more expensive during their peak season, but you can still find cheaper prices for accommodations, amenities, and other activities in the area.

A few sustainable accommodations in Costa Rica:

• La Laguna del Lagarto Lodge is a rainforest ecolodge in northern Costa Rica. Double rooms are $40/night from May to October (compared to $72/night in the high season).
• L'Acqua Viva Resort & Spa is a high-end hotel in Playa Nosara, on the north Pacific coast near prime olive ridley turtle nesting sites. Deluxe rooms are $199/night from May to November (compared to $240/night during peak season).
• Lapa Ríos is a luxury ecolodge on the Osa Peninsula near humpback whale calving areas. Single rooms are $350/night from May to October (compared to $510/night in the high season).
• Esquinas Rainforest Lodge is a rainforest ecolodge in Piedras Blancas National Park in southern Costa Rica. Single rooms are $100/night from May to June and $139/night from July to October (compared to $161/night in the high season).

Belize

Belize's rainy season is from May to November and is generally characterized by a passing afternoon shower. Average rainfall is significantly higher in the south. Hurricane season is from August to October, so be sure to keep your eye on weather news if you're planning on benefiting from the steep drop in prices during those months.

Some sustainable accommodations in Belize:

• San Ignacio Resort Hotel is in the Cayo district of Belize on the western bank of the Macal River. Single rooms are $144/night from May to November (compared to $168/night in the high season).
• Black Orchid Resort is on the banks of the wildlife-rich Old River. Double rooms are $115/night from July to November (compared to $140/night in the high season).
• Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort is a beautifully constructed high-end hotel on the central coast. Double beachfront rooms are $251/night from June to mid-December (compared to $398/night in the high season).

Caribbean

The low season in the Caribbean is roughly from mid-April to mid-December but price drops vary greatly depending on the island and even the individual hotel. The beaches will be far less crowded even though the weather is still hot and sunny. Hurricane season peaks in August to October, so check weather forecasts before you choose your dates. In some areas where visitation drops sharply, restaurants and other businesses will close for the season and hotels will offer fewer amenities. Be sure to ask what will be available during your stay before you book!

Some sustainable accommodations in the Caribbean:

• Hotel Mocking Bird Hill is a luxury boutique hotel in Port Antonio, Jamaica. A garden view room is $230/night from May to December (compared to $345/night in the high season).
• Sea-U Guest House is a charming bed & breakfast in the small village of Bathsheba on Barbados. Studio apartment-style accommodations cost $144/night from mid-April through October (compared to $184/night in the high season).

* All listed rates in USD and current as of May 2013.

This entry was posted on May 22, 2013 at 10:42 AM and has received 218 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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Would you like to visit some of Costa Rica's most popular eco-attractions? The Rainforest Alliance's annual "Picture Our Planet" photo contest gives you the chance to win a trip for two to Arenal Volcano, the famous Monteverde cloud forest, and the stunning beaches of Manuel Antonio.

Search through all of your travel photos and submit your best under any of these categories: iconic destinations, forests, water, wildlife, people and culture, or adventure tourism.

Don't miss the chance to visit Costa Rica and enjoy its lush forests, beautiful lagoons, hot springs, breathtaking cliffs, and white sand beaches. To submit your photos and to get more information, visit the Rainforest Alliance photo contest page. All photos must be submitted before June 30, so start digging through your photo archives!.

This entry was posted on May 17, 2013 at 3:41 PM and has received 171 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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There are many reasons to visit Mexico: its beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Caribbean; on the other coast, the Pacific embellished each year with impressive gray whales; its towering mountains covered with green forests rich in biodiversity; the Aztec and Maya legacies that live on in wonderful archaeological ruins; the exquisite cuisine; and, last but not least, beautiful colonial cities and majestic haciendas, which have gained much fame among tourists.

Haciendas started to spring up in Mexico in the 17th century, mainly in eastern and southeastern Mexico: in Jalisco, Yucatan, Hidalgo, Campeche, Puebla and Tlaxcala. They started as strategic points for local and regional farm markets in areas that were rich in natural resources and had an available work force. These large, grand houses played a key role in the history and economy of Mexico during Spanish colonization as places where agribusiness was negotiated. Some specialized in producing livestock, sugar, cocoa, coffee, grains, agave or other crops.

Despite the passage of so many years, more than a hundred "hacienda farms" remain in operation in these regions, and many have even continued their agricultural activities, complete with the charm and traditions of rural Mexican life. Recently, in order to leverage their natural, historical, and cultural wealth, many owners of these colonial buildings have chosen to rehabilitate them and turn them into luxury hotels.

The haciendas have opened their doors to tourists interested in rural tourism, history, and reveling in splendid colonial architecture. Upon arriving at a farm, the visitor is greeted by a huge house with spacious gardens and terraces, pools, stone fountains, chapels and monasteries, and charming décor with antique details. Its corners are filled with stories of the past and impressive histories. If you look carefully, it is even possible to stay in homes where important conquerors and public figures of the era slept, such as Hernán Cortés, Emperor Maximilian, General Santa Ana, Pancho Villa, and Emiliano Zapata.

The experience of staying at a hacienda includes a wide variety of entertainment activities related to rural life: horseback riding for several hours from one hacienda to another, visiting bull-fighting arenas and iconic local churches, practicing cattle herding, milking cows, taking classes for a famous sport called charro, horseback riding and lassoing, and of course, enjoying typical rural Mexican food.

But there are also options for adventure tourists or those seeking modern comfort and facilities. In the areas surrounding many haciendas, you can take tours on bicycles or all-terrain vehicles, go rappelling or zip-lining, or simply relax in modern spas that include traditional hot baths called temazcal.

Also, many haciendas are also located near pre-Columbian sites and indigenous communities where you can appreciate another rich historical, architectural, and cultural legacy of Mexico.

With such varied opportunities, it is no wonder why tourists are turning their gaze to the haciendas of Mexico. These sites have become preferred destinations for weddings, corporate events, and even sets for movies.

At SustainableTrip.org we have a superb list of Mexican haciendas that also offer a sustainable tourism experience. Get to know them all and decide which ones will be a part of your next vacation:

• Hacienda Puerta Campeche
• Hacienda Santa José
• Hacienda Santa Rosa
• Hacienda Temozón
• Hacienda Uayamón

This entry was posted on May 16, 2013 at 5:57 AM and has received 457 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

High in the Isabelia Mountain Range in northern Nicaragua, there is a tropical cloud forest whose giant oak and fern trees date back to Jurassic times. These ancient trees provide shelter for a multitude of rare and exotic wildlife, including golden-winged warblers, pumas, and mountain lions. As World Migratory Bird Day approaches this weekend, we are celebrating this bountiful region as a haven for thousands of migratory birds that arrive each winter to escape colder northern climates.

Twenty years ago, as forests in the region were being destroyed to be replaced by coffee plantations, two people decided to save this important region. Lili Chavarría, an avid bird lover and ornithologist, and her husband Georges Duriaux, an organic coffee farmer, bought the 260-acre (120-hectare) tract of land from Lili's brother and named it the El Jaguar Private Wildlife Reserve and Organic Farm. Their vision was to create a model of sustainability based on three principles: environmental protection, sustainable production, and social responsibility.

Today, they welcome tourists and researchers to stay at their Rainforest Alliance Verified ecolodge and experience the beautiful flora and fauna that abounds in El Jaguar. Visitors have a choice of staying in one of the two-bedroom cabins or one-bedroom bungalows, or in the biological station with bunk beds. All of the accommodations have hot water and are powered by solar energy.

Visitors can see take tours of Georges and Lili's family-run sustainable coffee farm that produces high quality coffee using environmentally-friendly methods that enhances habitat for wildlife. You'll be able to check out the trees that coffee beans come from--they might look different than you'd expect! Their farm has been certified for sustainability by the Rainforest Alliance and their product was the first coffee selected by Whole Foods Market to receive the Authentic Food Artisan seal. The farm was also designated an "Important Bird Area" by the bird conservation organization BirdLife International.

El Jaguar is home to an abundance of biodiversity, including hundreds of birds, mammals, butterflies, orchids, bromeliads, and dragonflies. Researchers have catalogued all of the species they've come across in El Jaguar – which includes 285 bird species alone -- and the entire list is available on El Jaguar's website. The sheer size of the list gives you an idea of what a biologically rich area this really is! The nearby Lake Apanás is also a wonderful location for bird watching and boat tours.

For a cultural experience, travelers can visit the workshops of the black pottery artisans in Las Cureñas or make the 10-mile hike the picturesque town of San Rafael del Norte.

Georges and Lili were honored by the Rainforest Alliance as stewards of the forest for their work actively safeguarding the "lungs of our planet."

"We realized that in order to conserve our land, we needed to earn income from it," explains Georges. "I had experience with organic coffee production... [and] my wife is fascinated by ornithology and has always been a nature lover. So everything fell into place."

This entry was posted on May 10, 2013 at 11:38 AM and has received 1050 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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From the balconies of Hotel Plaza Colón in Granada, Nicaragua, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or glass of wine while you take a look into the past with a charming view of the Central Park and the Cathedral of Granada.

Granada is a colorful and lively colonial city that was established in 1524 and still has a rich Spanish heritage, seen in its old and elegant architecture.

In Granada you can also enjoy the Lake Nicaragua, one of the largest and most scenic lakes in the world.

This entry was posted on May 3, 2013 at 2:51 PM and has received 238 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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On the famous Lake Atitlán, known as the "mirror of the sky," is the Jardines del Lago Hotel and Convention Center. Each year, thousands of tourists visit this destination in Guatemala to enjoy its unmatched scenic beauty, rich nature and a mystical world, filled with the Maya traditions that have survived in the indigenous communities of the peoples that live around the lake.

Jardines del Lago Hotel is this month's winner of our recognition for Making a Difference. This hotel, verified by the Rainforest Alliance and certified by Great Green Deal , stands out for its strong commitment to conserving the environment and supporting local communities.

Heymi Patricia Ajcalón, the hotel's assistant for development and sustainability, tells us about the sustainability initiatives conducted by the hotel.

Question: How long ago did the Jardines del Lago Hotel and Convention Center decide to implement sustainable tourism practices and why?

Ajcalón: In February 2009, we realized that we should implement sustainable actions due to the nature of our tourism activities and the environmental importance of our location.

Q: What noteworthy sustainable initiatives are you carrying out?

A: We take measures to save electricity and lower water consumption. For example, there are energy-saving lighting systems in all hotel facilities and solar heaters for the showers. We've installed alternative ventilation systems so we can limit the use of air conditioning, and we are reusing the water treated within the hotel to irrigate the gardens.

We use biodegradable products and buy products in bulk to reduce the amount of waste generated. All of our organic wastes are converted to compost that we use as organic fertilizer in the gardens, while all inorganic wastes are sent to the municipality's collection center. We also use efficient vehicles to reduce our CO2 emissions.

On the social side, we provide all legal benefits to our employees plus additional benefits offered by the hotel owner, and we support the socio-cultural events held by the surrounding communities.

Q: What additional support do you offer to local communities?

A: We provide cash or in-kind donations and we often allow community members to use our facilities at no cost for social and cultural activities. We also buy natural shampoo and soap for our guests from the women's organization in the department of Solola. In addition, we communicate our sustainability initiatives to primary and secondary schools and universities, provide a space for learning, and give lectures on sustainability.

Q: Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful sites in Guatemala, but it has also suffered from pollution and the negative impact of tourism. How does your hotel take care of this lake and the wildlife that depends on it?

A: We conducted a lake cleanup rally with the collaboration of the company's entire staff, and we participate in other initiatives organized by the Municipal Environmental Commission of Panajachel.

Q: How can your guests get involved with your sustainability activities?

A: In all of our hotel facilities, we post informational signs to raise awareness among guests and visitors about saving water and electricity. We also have a Ten Card inside the rooms that tells guests to place it on the sheets and towels they want to have washed and replaced, which helps us save water and detergent.

The hotel's corridors have marked bins so that everyone can help with sorting wastes. We also invite guests to respect the cultures and customs of the communities near the Lake Atitlan watershed and to not introduce exotic species at any site they visit.

Q: Why is the Jardines del Lago Hotel and Convention Center so special compared to other hotels in the area?

A: We stand out for our sustainability activities and our perseverance for continuing improvement. In addition, our facilities and grounds are unique; no other hotel can offer the panorama that you will enjoy from our rooms and gardens.

This entry was posted on May 1, 2013 at 11:32 AM and has received 188 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

How would you like to meet a whale? Gray whales are naturally inquisitive and friendly creatures and will often approach boats of whale watchers to say hello! They make one of the most impressive migrations of any mammal, traveling about 10,000 miles each year between summer feeding grounds and winter breeding areas, like this one in Baja California Sur, Mexico. This photo was taken on a tour with Casa Mexicana de la Ballena Gris in the Ojo de Liebre Lagoon, an important habitat for seals, sea lions, and sea turtles as well as gray and blue whales.

This entry was posted on April 26, 2013 at 1:05 PM and has received 443 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

Staying at a sustainable hotel is a great way to minimize the impact of your vacation – but what about when you leave your hotel? The businesses you support, attractions you see, transportation you use, and virtually everything else you do will all have some effect on the environment and local community. The only way to be sure of your impact would be if the entire destination was sustainable. Sound impossible? Thanks to the work of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), sustainable destinations are now on the horizon.

The GSTC created the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, which are a set of widely used standards that hotels and tour operators must reach in order to be considered sustainable. More recently, in addition to targeting individual tourism businesses, the GSTC has turned their attention to creating a set of criteria that encompass destinations as a whole.

According to the GSTC website, "Destination stewardship is a process by which local communities, governmental agencies, NGOs, and the tourism industry take a multi-stakeholder approach to maintaining the cultural, environmental, economic, and aesthetic integrity of their country, region, or town." In other words, destinations are best protected when all of these groups – private citizens, government, and businesses – work together in a coordinated effort to protect their home. All destinations are different, so the criteria are meant to be a set of minimum standards that each destination should add to or adjust based on its unique needs. The goal of the criteria is to maximize social, economic, and environmental benefits for host communities.

Overseeing this process will be a "tourism management organization," or a group responsible for a coordinated approach to implementing sustainability. This will mostly likely be formed by a government agency and/or non-profit organization. This group would be responsible for establishing and implementing an overarching sustainable tourism strategy that considers environmental, economic, social, health, and safety issues, and was developed with public participation. Climate change adaptation, equal access for people with disabilities, and prevention of sexual exploitation are some key aspects of the destinations criteria.

Last year, the GSTC released a set of draft criteria for sustainable destinations based on input from experts around the globe. All interested persons and organizations were able to comment and suggest improvements during the public consultation phase, which ended last month.

Now, some early adopters have been selected to test and provide feedback on the destinations criteria. Most recently added were the Cusco-Sacred Valley-Machu Picchu corridor in Peru and the shores of Lake Llanquihue, Puerto Varas, and Frutillar in the lakes region of Chile. These destinations were specifically chosen because of their demonstrated interest and commitment to sustainable practices. But it is the GSTC's hope (and ours!) that this is the next step toward a world in which sustainable tourism--and sustainable destinations--are the norm.

This entry was posted on April 25, 2013 at 2:38 PM and has received 966 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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Chiloé Island in southern Chile has a tourist attraction that many consider surreal: a sunken forest of dead trees. In 1960, a strong earthquake caused a tsunami that flooded the valley Chepu, leaving behind hundreds of dead trees.

Today you can tour the Chepu River wetlands in a kayak. This photograph from Chepu Adventures Ecolodge shows a dawn excursion amid the the famous dead trunks.

This entry was posted on April 19, 2013 at 2:24 PM and has received 621 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.