Costa Rica beautiful land

Costa Rica is, by its very name and nature, a “rich coast.” This Central American country has so much to offer the visitor, whether for a honeymoon, Eco-adventure, backpacking or family vacation. When translated to English, the name literally means “rich coast” and this description couldn't be more apt for this lush and beautiful land.

To the east, Costa Rica borders on the Caribbean Sea and on its western side, the Pacific Ocean. Nicaragua is up on Costa Rica’s north border and Panama is located south to south east of the country. This Central American location puts Costa Rica very close to the equator, offering a year-around balmy and tropical climate.

The country is home to an amazingly wide range of animals and plants, and despite the fact that Costa Rica’s landmass is relatively small, the country is a welcoming home to around five percent of the world’s biodiversity. Around 25 percent of Costa Rica consists of national parks and other protected regions. Of interest to note, with various efforts made by the government, the country has gone from having the worst rates of deforestation back around the 1970s and 1980s, to achieving almost zero deforestation by 2005. This is no mean feat indeed.

The country’s latest ambitious aim is to become the first “carbon neutral” developing country in the world. Whether this is actually possible or not, Costa Rica aims to achieve a “zero output” carbon dioxide status by 2021.

Costa Rica has several excellent national parks, worth visiting for their biodiversity, but particular mention should be made of the Corcovado National Park (pictured above). Visitors here will enjoy viewing a wide range of biodiversity, including the iconic big cats of the Central American nation, along with tapirs and all the four Costa Rican monkey species along with that gorgeous, palm-lined sandy beach.

For those fond of bird watching, the country boasts more than 840 species of the feathered variety. A mixture of the North and South American species, this includes the more popular birds like the Keel-Billed Toucan, Resplendent Quetzal (what a lovely name) and the gorgeous Scarlet Macaw, among many others.

Hikers are spoiled for choice in Costa Rica with several beautiful locations to explore, including the Poás Volcano National Park. This park covers approximately 65 square kilometers (16,000 acres), and rises to a height of 2,700 meters (8,900 feet) and the more adventurous can head up to the very edge of the crater with the help of several clearly-marked trails.

Those who love the beach and beautiful, unspoiled nature should also visit Cocos Island. This secluded and lovely spot is an offshore national park. While visits tend to a limited, and tourists need permission from the island’s rangers to actually be there, it is well worth the effort, as sea turtles live a safe and happy life here. Regrettably is it not possible to stay overnight, and removal of any flora, fauna or other items from the island is prohibited.

For anyone planning an Eco-tourism vacation and a stay in beautiful, unspoiled nature, Costa Rica is the perfect destination. A video guide is included above and can also be viewed here.

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