Costa Rica is known for its wildlife and diversity. There are more than 6% of all known species in this small but extremely diverse country and Costa Rica covers only 0.03% of the world’s surface, according the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT). This is one of the major reasons why Costa Rica, located in Central America, was put on the travellers map. It is truly a nature lovers' paradise.

The National Park and Reserve system is also a working model for the rest of the world, making up over 25% of the total land mass. There are approximately 32 national parks, 51 wildlife refuges, 13 forest reserves and 8 biological reserves in total. Many of these reserves are exclusively for the wildlife and some research. However most every national park does let visitors in certain areas to view the beautiful flora and fauna. For this reason Costa Ricans have developed the appreciation their flora and fauna, unlike many other Latin American countries where the people abuse their land and forests.

Hummingbird. Enlarge image

One of the ways Costa Ricans have dealt with sustaining eco-tourism is to become guides and naturalists instead of tearing down their forest for a quick buck. The amount of good trained guides is unbelievable and if you plan on hiking in one of the many forests we do suggest you get a local guide. They know their land and you will see much more wildlife and learn much more about the plant life. Good guides will not only show and tell you more than you could have possibly seen on your own, but will leave you wondering about life on our beautiful planet. They also protect you from the many dangers of the forest, like getting lost and poisonous animals and plants.