| The beautiful and exotic country of | | | | else in the world has so many habitats |
| Costa Rica sits in between Panama and | | | | been squeezed into one small place. Home |
| Nicaragua in the heart of Central | | | | to over 10% of the world's butterfly |
| America. Just over 19,700 sq miles in | | | | species, Costa Rica is also the habitat |
| area, this tiny nation has the | | | | of more than 850 species of birds, |
| distinction of being called 'one of the | | | | endemic and migratory. The marine |
| most biodiverse places on earth' by the | | | | ecosystem here is unlike any in the |
| National Geographic magazine. | | | | world, with an array of marine mammals |
| Encompassing just 0.1% of the planet's | | | | from various kinds of whales to Olive |
| surface, which is roughly smaller than | | | | Ridley sea turtles to the rare and |
| the state of West Virginia, Costa Rica | | | | endangered West Indian manatee found |
| is home to over 5% of the world's | | | | here. |
| biodiversity. Another unknown fact about | | | | For those who are looking for some |
| this tiny country is that in terms of | | | | excitement and adventure, head on to the |
| species per 10,000 sq km, Costa Rica | | | | surf points of Witches Rock along the |
| sits atop the list with 615 wildlife | | | | Guanacaste shoreline or the superb Salsa |
| species. | | | | Brava near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on |
| One of the most peaceful and politically | | | | the Caribbean Coast. If you prefer |
| stable countries in the Americas with no | | | | staying on land, then a hike to the |
| standing army, Costa Rica is a nature | | | | summit of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano |
| wonderland for those who are looking for | | | | offers some fabulous views of the |
| fun and excitement. The ideal place if | | | | surrounding region. Traverse through the |
| one just wants to relax on the beach and | | | | Parque Nacional Corcovado, one of the |
| chill or explore the crater of a dormant | | | | most lush and secluded national parks in |
| volcano; Costa Rica is the place to be! | | | | the country or river raft down the |
| Now among the premier destinations in | | | | famous Rio Savegre, considered among the |
| the world for nature lovers and | | | | cleanest rivers in Central America. If |
| adventure enthusiasts alike, there is | | | | you enjoy heights then a canopy tour |
| never a dull moment here with so much to | | | | offers a unique way to view the gorgeous |
| do and even more to discover. | | | | rainforests below, while rappeling down |
| Hike your way through some of the | | | | waterfalls is the latest adventure craze |
| densest and remote rainforests known to | | | | to hit Costa Rica. |
| man; get some up close views of an | | | | Map out a luxury holiday or backpack |
| active volcano; surf some of the most | | | | exciting adventure vacation here, but |
| amazing waves in the world; encounter | | | | don't fool yourself into thinking that |
| the most exotic flora and fauna; scuba | | | | you can explore this tiny Latin American |
| dive with dolphins, turtles and whales; | | | | country within a week. The landscape |
| zip high across jungles for fascinating | | | | here can often be quite treacherous |
| canopy tours; and trek across some of | | | | especially during the rainy season, |
| the most beautiful landscapes into a | | | | therefore a map is a great way to chart |
| whole new world, amid the stunning cloud | | | | out your way across the country, if you |
| forests that sit high atop the | | | | are not using a tour or travel guide. To |
| mountains. | | | | have a great holiday, make sure your |
| With such amazing beauty it is no wonder | | | | maps are up to date and carefully plan |
| then that Costa Rica has a rich | | | | your trip with the help of a reputed |
| ecological diversity, because nowhere | | | | guidebook or travel website. |