The reason why so many visitors decide to see Costa Rica is not casualty, our small Central American country is an isthmus where life seems to have created its roots. Our territory covers only 0.03% of the world surface, it is home of about 6% of all world biodiversity.

You will find that above all the abundant attractions the country offers, the kindness of our people, our natural beauty, the conservation efforts and our rich biodiversity will make your visit unforgettable, 221 mammal species, 830 bird species, 150 amphibians 215 reptiles and 1.080 salt and freshwater fishes, 10.000 species of plants has been recorded in the country, where about 1600 of this plants are orchids.

The protected areas contains active volcanoes, thermal springs, mangroves, forest reserves, national parks covering an area of 1.256.690 hectares (more than 3 million acres), all the conservation areas found in Costa Rica is were the nature-loving tourists, naturalists and researchers find Costa Rica a friendly and interesting country to visit many times.

MOST INTERESTING ATTRACTIONS

BEACHES:

The North Pacific Coast: Tamarindo, Flamingo, Conchal, Nosara, Tambor are just a few of the beaches you can visit, many important hotels are located here, with fishing and diving activities, certainly attracts many visitors there.

The Central Pacific Coast Important tourist centers with many activities like island cruises, rafting, canopy, it is very common to see many drivers traveling to Jaco, Esterillos, Hermosa, Barranca Beach to ride the waves, most of them looking for the "large left side wave".

The South Pacific Coast For those visitors that like to experience the most abundant life present there, Dominical Beach, Uvita, Hermosa, Sierpe and Golfito are just some of the sandy beaches south of San José. The Corcovado National Park is one of the most vivid parks there is as you can take a boat from Sierpe and make your way for a one day or longer excursion.

The Caribbean Coast: The Tortuguero National Park with an area of 52.266 hectares, hosts 7 species of turtles many of them endangered as well as the scarce Indian Manatee (Seacow). The Cahuita National Park with miles of coconut trees, calm and clear waters will invite to spot the howler monkey whose call can be heard miles away, the crab-eating raccoons and white nosed coatis. The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife refuge home of the Tapir and crocodiles and has been included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International importance.

ECOTURISM:

Costa Rica network of 20 National Parks, eight biological reservations and a number of protected areas captivates nature lovers of all ages. From horse back riding adventures, hiking, guided tours, bird observation are among the preferred activities for those concerned with the conservation efforts the country makes every day.

SPORTS AND ADVENTURE:

Costa Rica is a land of volcanoes, jungles, cloud forests, pristine waters and it is hard to decide what to do as many activities can be done in one particular day, from tree canopy, rafting, bungee jumping and more relaxed activities like just watching the Arenal Volcano's permanent flow of molten rock and emissions from the Tabacon Hot Springs.