Costa Rica

Costa Rica attracts more than one million tourists each year, drawn by its natural beauty and diversity. Costa Rica covers only 0.03 percent of the surface of the planet but it has about 6 percent of the world's biodiversity. Visitors encounter seas, beaches, rivers, mountains, and an abundance of flora and fauna. Twelve major life zones provide habitat for over 10,000 kinds of flowering plants, 850 bird species, 3,000 butterfly species, and 209 species of mammals. Volcanoes, rainforests, cloud forests, lowland jungles, the Pacific coastline, and tranquil Caribbean beaches stretch across seven provinces. Thirty percent of the land is protected by national and private reserves, which harbour more than five percent of the world's plant and animal species.

The Caribbean region of Costa Rica is noted for its variety of aquatic ecosystems and its beautiful white and black sand beaches, providing a picturesque setting for activities such as sport-fishing, snorkeling, and sun-bathing. The Pacific coast boasts some of Costa Rica's most famous beaches for surfing.

Costa Rica boasts 20 national parks, 8 biological reserves, and a wealth of other protected areas to enchant those who marvel at the wonders of nature. It draws eco tourists from around the globe. Activities include horse-back riding, hiking mountainous paths in the cloud forests, and guided bird-watching tours.

Ticos, as the people of Costa Rica are known, are famous for being hospitable, and are quite happy to live up to their reputation. They seem to be well aware that their country is a special place, and they go out of their way to accommodate their visitors, pointing them in the right direction when they get lost, explaining things that might seem foreign to a foreigner, and helping make their stay as enjoyable as possible.