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This paper explores the role of tourism as a tool for sustainable development. It focuses on a rural area in Southern Costa Rica that encompasses the Las Nubes Biological Reserve, Los Cusingos Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, the biological corridor within the watershed located between the two reserves and the surrounding region. It is argued that a unique model for sustainable tourism does not exist as such, but that similar sets of principles exist for each successful example of sustainable tourism and that each particular destination should accommodate these principles according to its unique features. Thus, this paper describes the region of study, presents the research methodology and results obtained from an informal survey. In the interviews stakeholders revealed their degree of interest to integrate tourism as an alternative activity to support the conservation of the natural environments and their resources. It is further argued that meeting tourists ’ preferences plays a critical role for the sustainability of destinations; the results of a survey carried out in Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve are presented as a comparative model to be followed in terms of visitors’ satisfaction. The principal conclusion is that sustainable tourism in the region has potential to improve the economic well-being of local communities while supporting the conservation of biodiversity and other ecosystem functions. 3 Acknowledgements This journey of an incredible adventure has finally come to an end … in it, many people have guided and accompanied me in many special ways… It would be impossible to mention them all, but I am particularly thankful to the following: Mami: Por rescatarme y apoyarme durante todo el camin