Tourism in Costa Rica causes problems with in the habitats of animals and plants living there. Because of tourism half of Costa Rica's monkey population is gone. And rain forests are growing smaller.

Despite its reputation as an eco-paradise, tourism in Costa Rica has several significant negatives, primarily revolving around "economic leakage" and environmental degradation. A large portion of tourism revenue often flows back to foreign-owned hotel chains and developers rather than staying in local communities. This "greenwashing" can lead to habitat fragmentation, where luxury resorts are built in sensitive corridors, displacing local wildlife like monkeys and sloths. Socially, the influx of wealthy tourists has caused "inflationary pressure" on land and food prices, making it difficult for locals to afford housing in their own coastal towns. There is also a notable "hire-and-fire" culture in the hospitality sector, where workers are employed during the high season and promptly laid off during the rainy season. Furthermore, the massive demand for water by large resorts can strain local aquifers, leading to water shortages in nearby villages during the dry months.