Nature Galore

THE COSTA RICAN TERRITORY IS HOME TO NO LESS THAN 5% OF ALL BIODIVERSITY WORLDWIDE. THEREFORE, IT’S A SPECIAL DESTINATION FOR THOSE WHO LOVE NATURE TOURISM

Costa Rica is said to be a country where it is possible to visit, in a single day, the natural treasure of the Pacific coast and the exuberance of the Atlantic coast. It is indeed a special destination for those who love nature tourism. In a territory of barely 51,000 km2 (only 0.03% of the planet's surface), no less than 5% of the world's biodiversity thrives there. It is therefore the country with the highest biodiversity gauge per square kilometer.

Quetzals, toucans, deer, sloths and anteaters, monkeys, pizotes and a great variety of tropical flowers are just some of the charms Costa Rica has to offer. The luckiest ones will be able to make out jaguars, ocelots and pumas. In addition, the protected areas are home to about 13,000 species of plants, more than 2,000 day and 4,500 night butterflies, over 160 amphibians, more than 220 reptiles, about 1,600 freshwater and saltwater fish, and over 800 birds.

ADVENTURE IN THE VOLCANOES

Not only because there are eleven volcanoes in such a narrow territory, but because some of them are perfectly explorable, Costa Rica boasts special conditions to venture into discovery.

The crater of the jaw-dropping Poás volcano ranks as one of the largest in the world, with a huge pit of nearly 2 km in diameter and 300 m deep. Likewise, to the south of the Guanacaste mountain range, the Rincon de la Vieja volcano stands out, where you can also

Costa Rica is the country with the highest biodiversity index per square kilometer of territory

find the areas known as Las Pailas and Las Hornillas.

For the daring-do, Costa Rica reserves the Talamanca mountain range, where the Chirripó hill is perched on, the country's highest mountain. From the top of it, at 3,820 meters high, tourists can observe both oceans when weather conditions permit so.

FLORA AND WILDLIFE SAFE HAVENS

In this Central American country, the forests vary in their classification: it is possible to explore dry or deciduous woods as well as tropical evergreen forests, mangroves, swamps, beaches and moors with scarce vegetation. What's more, there are about 350 wetlands in Costa Rica, of which 11

Costa Rican protected areas are home to about 13,000 plant species, more than 2,000 daytime and 4,500 nighttime butterflies, more than 160 amphibians, over 220 reptiles, about 1,600 freshwater and saltwater fish, and more than 800 birds

have been identified as world-class Ramsar Sites.

These circumstances have conditioned the creation of a wide National System of Conservation Areas, made up of 28 natural parks, 8 biological reserves, 71 wildlife safe havens, 31 protected zones, as well as an array of protected areas that enthrall lovers of ecotourism-oriented activities.

Costa Rica is one of the few places on the planet where you can take a closer look at nesting turtles. Tortuguero, Playa Grande, Tamarindo, Ostional and Playa Nancite are all beaches where you can witness this fascinating natural process. However, it is in the Pacific Northwest region where the most important conservation area in the American Pacific for the nesting of the endangered leatherback turtle is located.

The country also boasts three natural places that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites: -"The Reserves of the Talamanca Mountain - Range - La Amistad International Park -"Isla del Coco National Park -"Guanacaste Conservation Area

FROM THE HEIGHTS

For those who'd like taking a walk in the heights of the rainforest, there are several options in Costa Rica to choose from. The cable car or aerial tram is known as the voyage on an air gondola, passing by trails where you can make out a great diversity of plant species and wildlife.

Hundred-year-old trees, a 12-meter high waterfall and panoramic views of the ocean are part of these open gondola trips with a guide on board. The abrupt topography of the forest prompted the cabin to be lifted off the forest floor at a height of 40 meters over the valley. ●

The shapes, colors, sounds and scents that abound in the Costa Rican rainforest are amazing.

The impressive Irazú Volcano is perched on the national park named after it.

You feast eyes on lovely landscapes when you stay near the shore.

Costa Rica is among the world's top destinations among bird watchers.