Bridging Worlds Through Ecotourism: My Journey in Costa Rica

Hi! My name is Cassie Williams, a senior at SUNY Cortland studying Tourism and Recreation and an intern with Experience Cortland. I’ve learned that tourism is far more than travel, it’s about connection, sustainability, and community. My recent study abroad trip to Costa Rica with GIVE Volunteers brought those ideas to life in ways I never could have imagined.

Costa Rica is a global leader in environmental sustainability, and it doesn’t take long to see why. From lush rainforests thriving with biodiversity to communities powered by renewable energy, sustainability here is a way of life, not a buzzword. 

Through GIVE Volunteers, I gained hands-on experience with permaculture, a regenerative approach to agriculture that works with nature rather than against it.

My group spent a couple days at Finca Las Hormigas, a permaculture farm located on Costa Rica's South Caribbean coast. We learned how locals design food plots to mimic natural ecosystems. The three ethics of the farm include Care for the Planet, Care for the People, and Fair Share.

Permaculture goes beyond farming and agriculture; it applies to social permaculture too. Social permaculture uses the same thoughtful, sustainable principles found in land-based permaculture but to strengthen human connections, community well-being, inclusivity and cooperation.

The lessons I learned on this farm reminded me that sustainable tourism depends on respecting the rhythms of both land and culture. And, how intentionally designed systems can support both people and the planet. It reminded me of the growing interest we’re seeing here in Cortland for farm-to-table dining, community gardens, and local agriculture, all practices that reflect the same sustainable values I experienced abroad.

A highlight of my experience was learning about banana and cacao plants and their deep cultural roots in Costa Rica. Bananas have long been central to the nation’s agriculture and economy, reflecting both the benefits and complexities of export farming in Latin America. 

Cacao, however, stood out to me even more because of the pride surrounding it, much like the dairy industry in Cortland County. With strong historical ties across Central America, cacao symbolizes tradition, heritage, and connection to the land. Seeing how deeply it’s respected as both a natural product and a cultural treasure showed me how food can embody history and identity. I even got to make my own chocolate!

“Pura Vida,” meaning “pure life,” is more than a greeting in Costa Rica, it’s a philosophy. It represents mindfulness, gratitude, and the joy of living sustainably and simply. Locals practice this daily, cherishing community ties and pride in their natural surroundings.

Immersing myself in this lifestyle was eye-opening. It reminded me that ecotourism doesn’t just protect the environment; it can also nurture mental well-being and cultural appreciation. This mindset is something I hope to carry back into my education, career, and community here in Cortland County. It's also something we can all practice here at home by appreciating our small-town charm, our parks and trails, and the sense of community that makes Cortland such a special place to live and visit.

A major part of our trip focused on community service, and one of the most memorable experiences was visiting the school in Gandoca. Our group taught English and assisted in building a garden for the school so that the children would have access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Being part of that project showed me how small actions can have a real and lasting impact on a community. I learned that when tourists and volunteers engage with communities in thoughtful ways, they can help create opportunities that continue long after the trip ends.

Gandoca also gave me a deeper understanding of how tourism changes over time. I learned that the village was once a much busier tourist destination because of its sea turtle population. As the turtles became less present, tourism in the area declined, deeply affecting the local economy and the people who depend on visitors for income.

This was an important reminder that tourism is deeply connected to wildlife and conservation, and that when natural attractions are lost, communities can feel the consequences in real and personal ways.

It was inspiring to see how thoughtful tourism initiatives can strengthen economies, preserve traditions, and foster global understanding. 

As I worked alongside locals, I saw that the best kind of tourism doesn’t just benefit travelers, it uplifts the communities we visit. That’s exactly the kind of tourism we work toward at Experience Cortland: travel that makes a difference, right down to the local level.

My experience in Costa Rica helped me realize how my education contributes to both global and local development. The skills I’m gaining, like cultural sensitivity, sustainability planning, and community engagement, aren’t just applicable abroad. They’re vital for building a stronger, more connected Cortland County.

Programs like the one I joined serve as a bridge, linking our small town roots with international perspectives. Through internships like mine with Experience Cortland, students discover insights that enhance local tourism, encourage regional collaboration, and demonstrate how a skilled tourism workforce benefits everyone.

Costa Rica taught me that sustainable tourism is about harmony between people, the planet, and purpose. Whether I’m helping promote agritourism events in Cortland County or planting trees in Costa Rica, the goal is the same: to celebrate culture, protect nature, and strengthen communities.

By studying and experiencing ecotourism firsthand, I’m gaining the skills to support sustainable growth here at home, showing how SUNY Cortland’s tourism students are becoming leaders in both the global and local tourism economy.

If you’re curious about ecotourism opportunities in our area, start locally. Visit a farm trail, volunteer at a community clean up, or support a nature based business. Every small step brings us a little closer to Pura Vida.

• Shop and eat at locally owned small businesses 
• Conserve water by taking shorter showers

• Stay in eco-friendly lodging

• Use public transportation, walk or bike or ride share when possible

• Have reusable items like a refillable water bottle and shopping bags

• Respect wildlife

• Avoid single-use plastics

• Travel slowly and spend more time in fewer places

• Learn local customs and culture

• Support community-based tourism

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