About Costa Rica
Central America’s Jewel
Costa Rica is an oasis of calm and an ecotourism heaven, making it one of the best places to experience the tropics with minimal impact. The country is only 20,000 square miles (about the size of West Virginia), yet holds a huge diversity of flora and fauna.
Known for its progressive and independent thinking, Costa Rica abolished its military in 1948, allowing the country to spend more money on its infrastructure and education than its neighbors.
Costa Rica also holds an enlightened approach to conservation and has protected more than 25% of its land in National Parks, wildlife refuges and private reserves. Animals here include playful monkeys, languid sloths, crocodiles, countless lizards, poison-dart frogs and a mind-boggling assortment of exotic birds, insects, and butterflies. Endangered sea turtles nest on both coasts and cloud forests protect elusive birds and jungle cats.
Beautiful beaches, rainforests, cloud forests, volcanoes, rivers and lakes lend ample adventure to thrill seekers. Then again, if you have some serious chilling to do, you can always lounge in a hammock and enjoy the pure life, or pura vida – a national expression and unofficial motto – that sums up the desire to live the best, most hassle-free existence.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
— Maya Angelou