Sustainable Travel in Latin America Made Easy

Sustainable Travel in Latin America Made Easy

Picture it: the vibrant green of a Costa Rican rainforest, the ancient stones of a city high in the Andes, the crystal-clear water of a Mexican cenote.
Latin America’s beauty is the stuff of legend. But what if you could do more than just take it all in? With a handful of easy choices, you can help protect these places for the next traveler and make your own trip even richer. Sustainable travel isn’t about giving things up; it’s about connecting more deeply with the cultures and landscapes that drew you here in the first place.

Pack Smart: Reduce Waste with Simple Swaps

Your impact starts before you even leave home. With a few smart swaps in your suitcase, you can cut down on waste and free up space for souvenirs you’ll actually want to bring back.
Swap out liquid toiletries for solid bars. A shampoo or conditioner bar works just as well as the bottled kind, but without the plastic waste. You’ll keep extra bottles out of local landfills, save space in your bag, and never have to worry about leaks. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.
If you’re snorkeling over a coral reef or swimming in a cenote, the sunscreen you use really matters. Many big-name brands contain chemicals that can harm marine life. To help keep these underwater worlds healthy, look for reef-safe sunscreen. Just check the label for ingredients like non-nano zinc oxide. It’s a simple way to protect both your skin and the places you visit.

Your Sustainable Packing Checklist:

  • Solid shampoo/conditioner bar
  • Reusable water bottle (a filter is a bonus!)
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Foldable tote bag for shopping

Where You Sleep Matters: A Simple Guide to Choosing Sustainable Stays

You’ll see plenty of hotels calling themselves “eco-friendly” or “green.” Some truly are, but others just use the label as a marketing hook. If a hotel only asks you to reuse your towel, that’s a start, but it doesn’t mean they’re really committed to sustainability. Start by familiarizing yourself with sustainable tourism. Knowing what to look for helps make sure your travel dollars support places that genuinely care for their environment and community.
Real sustainability goes beyond skipping a laundry cycle. Look for places that take real action: maybe they offer water refill stations for your bottle, or they hire staff from the local village, or source food from nearby farms. These are the kinds of details that show a hotel is part of the community, not just passing through.
If you want a quick shortcut, check for official certifications. A seal from a group like the Rainforest Alliance means someone has already done the homework for you, making sure the business meets high standards for the environment and the community. It’s an easy way to know your stay is making a difference.
Where you choose to stay is one of the most powerful decisions you can make as a traveler. It’s a chance to invest directly in the people and places that make Latin America unforgettable.

Eat and Shop Like a Local: The Easiest Way to Support Real Communities

Every meal and every purchase shapes your trip and your impact. Spending your money at locally owned spots is the best way to experience real culture and support the people who bring it to life.
Eat at a big international chain or shop at an airport store, and most of your money leaves the country. But grab lunch at a family-run comedor in Mexico or pick up a handmade textile from a market in Peru, and your money stays local. It helps families pay for school, supports other small businesses, and strengthens the whole community.
Hunting down these authentic spots is half the fun. Skip the polished tourist hubs and wander a block or two off the main square. Look for restaurants with hand-painted signs and menus, often called sodas in Costa Rica, where locals gather for lunch. When you’re shopping, check out cooperative markets where you can meet the person who wove your blanket or carved your new favorite souvenir.
This way of traveling isn’t just good for the local economy. It makes your trip better, too. You’ll find tastier meals, more memorable souvenirs, and a real connection to the places you’ve come so far to experience.

Explore Responsibly: Protecting Wildlife and Ancient Wonders

Catching sight of a sloth in the Costa Rican canopy or a toucan in flight is the kind of travel memory that sticks with you. The golden rule: watch from a distance. Getting too close or offering food, even fruit, can make animals sick and dependent on people. The best wildlife encounters are the ones where the animals don’t even notice you’re there. Your camera’s zoom is your best friend.
The same respect for space goes for ancient sites. Places like Machu Picchu or Tikal weren’t built for thousands of visitors a day, and heavy foot traffic can wear down the very stones you came to see. To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting in the late afternoon after the tour groups have left. You’ll get better photos and a deeper sense of the site’s history.
Whether you’re hiking in the rainforest or exploring ancient ruins, the simplest way to protect these places is to stick to marked trails and go with certified guides. That way, you won’t accidentally harm a rare plant or a centuries-old stone.

Your Small Steps, Their Big Future

Responsible travel isn’t about big, dramatic gestures. It’s about a series of small, simple choices, like packing a reusable bottle or picking a local spot for dinner, that add up to a real impact.
The goal isn’t perfection, but progress. These habits help ensure the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes you came to see remain here for the next traveler. You’re not just a tourist. You’re a guest. And with a few thoughtful choices, you can be a great one.

Plant-Based Insect Repellents, Gentler on People and Places

Insects are part of life in many parts of Latin America, from rainforest lodges to coastal evenings and jungle hikes. Choosing plant-based, DEET-free insect repellents helps protect you without introducing harsh chemicals into sensitive ecosystems. These options are effective in humid environments, safer around water and wildlife, and more comfortable for daily use.

Murphy’s Outdoors Mosquito & Tick Bug Repellent Spray
Plant-based, DEET-free repellent suitable for both skin and gear. Effective for rainforest hikes, outdoor dinners, and high-humidity regions.
https://www.murphysnaturals.com/products/mosquito-tick-repellent-spray

Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Balm
A compact balm for targeted protection on wrists, ankles, and neck. Easy to carry and ideal for evenings or short outings.
https://www.murphysnaturals.com/products/mosquito-repellent-balm

All Good DEET-Free Bug Spray
A reef-conscious, plant-based spray designed to minimize environmental impact while still providing reliable protection.
https://allgoodproducts.com

Badger Anti-Bug Shake and Spray
Made with organic essential oils and free from synthetic chemicals. A good choice for travelers spending time near water or sensitive habitats.
https://badgerbalm.com

Dry Bags for Gear Protection

Latin America’s climate often includes humidity, sudden rain, boat transfers, and water-based activities like snorkeling or cenote swims. A waterproof dry bag protects electronics, clothing, and documents while reducing the need for disposable plastic bags. One durable dry bag can replace countless single-use plastic sacks over the course of a trip.

Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag 10L
Lightweight and durable, ideal for keeping essentials dry during wet days or boat excursions.
https://seatosummit.com/products/lightweight-dry-bag

Cascadia Board Co 20L Waterproof Dry Bag
A versatile mid-size option for day trips, beach outings, and guided tours.
https://www.cascadiaboardco.com/products/waterproof-dry-bag

Woods Lightweight Waterproof Dry Bag 20L
A practical, budget-friendly option for travel days, water activities, and packing protection.
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/woods-lightweight-waterproof-dry-bag-20-l-0765646p.html

Solid Shampoo and Conditioner Bars: Plastic-Free & TSA-Friendly

Liquid toiletries are a major source of plastic waste, especially in regions with limited recycling infrastructure. Solid shampoo and conditioner bars eliminate plastic bottles, last longer than liquid products, and travel easily without spills. They are a simple swap that reduces waste before you even arrive.

Ethique Solid Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Long-lasting bars with compostable packaging and a wide range of formulas.
https://ethique.com

HiBAR Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Ergonomic shape designed for easy use, making them especially travel-friendly.
https://hellohibar.com

Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Solid Shampoo
A good option for sensitive scalps, offering gentle cleansing without plastic packaging.
https://briogeohair.com

Reusable Water Bottles with Built-In Filters

Single-use plastic bottles are one of the most common sources of waste in popular travel destinations. Reusable water bottles help reduce plastic consumption while keeping you hydrated on long travel days. Bottles with built-in filters add an extra layer of confidence in areas where tap water isn’t potable.

Grayl GeoPress Water Purifier Bottle
Filters viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, making it especially useful for travel in remote or developing areas.
https://grayl.com

LifeStraw Go Series Filter Bottle
Lightweight and convenient for day tours, hikes, and sightseeing.
https://lifestraw.com

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle
Best used with hotel refill stations; keeps water cold for hours in warm climates.
https://www.hydroflask.com

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Many marine environments in Latin America are fragile and increasingly protected. Mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreens help prevent damage to coral reefs and freshwater ecosystems while still offering reliable sun protection. These sunscreens are often required or strongly encouraged in places like cenotes, marine reserves, and national parks.

Stream2Sea Mineral Sunscreen
Designed specifically with marine environments in mind and tested for reef safety.
https://stream2sea.com

Raw Elements Reef Safe Sunscreen
Packaged in plastic-free tins and easy to travel with.
https://rawelementsusa.com

ThinkSport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
A widely available, family-friendly mineral sunscreen option.
https://gothinksport.com

Packable Tote Bags, for Markets & Everday Shopping

Many local markets and small shops do not provide bags, or rely on single-use plastic. A lightweight, packable tote makes it easy to shop locally while cutting down on plastic waste and supporting small businesses.

Baggu Standard Reusable Bag
Durable, lightweight, and folds down small enough to carry daily.
https://baggu.com

Flip and Tumble 24/7 Bag
Extremely compact yet strong, ideal for travel days and spontaneous stops.
https://flipandtumble.com

Compact Daypacks Made from Recycled Materials

A lightweight daypack is useful for excursions, hikes, and city exploring. Choosing packs made from recycled or repurposed materials helps reduce demand for new plastics while supporting brands committed to ethical production.

Patagonia Atom Sling or Daypack
Durable, repairable, and produced with strong environmental standards.
https://www.patagonia.com

Cotopaxi Luzon Pack
Made from repurposed materials, each pack is unique and lightweight.
https://www.cotopaxi.com

Where will your next adventure take you?

Let's Plan Your Escape