The Ecotourism unit was created under the premise that one way to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity is through nature-based tourism or ecotourism. In fact, this activity is one of the pillars of Costa Rica’s social and economic development.

Through this work unit, INBio uses its scientific and technical knowledge of biodiversity to advise and train NGOs, state institutions and private companies in the sustainable development of tourism strategies and products associated with nature. INBio also seeks to add value to biodiversity within protected wild lands, so that visitors understand the value of their resources and the residents of local communities benefit economically.