# How we choose places

> We list places that protect Costa Rica's nature, wildlife or communities and that travellers can visit or support, checked against their own websites and public sources. Nobody pays to be listed.

Source: https://pura-verde.com/how-we-choose-places/
Last checked: 2026-10-30

## What goes on the map

We list places that do something good for Costa Rica and that a traveller can visit, stay at or support: eco-lodges, national parks and reserves, wildlife rescue centres, sea turtle projects, eco-villages, gardens, farms, green restaurants, markets, indigenous community projects and more.

## How we check them

Each place is checked against its own website and social pages, official registers such as the national parks service (SINAC) and the national sustainable tourism certification (CST), and other public sources. We place each pin as close to the public entrance as we can. When we only know the area or the town, the pin sits there until we can confirm a better spot.

Some places are open to visitors every day, some only by appointment, and some, such as wildlife rescue centres that are still caring for animals, have limited visits. Always check the place's own website before you go.

## What we don't do

We never take payment to list or rank a place. Big chain hotels can appear on the map when they hold a sustainability certification, but we don't feature them.

## Corrections

Places open, close and change every season. If something here is out of date, or you know a place that belongs on the map, we'd like to hear about it.