Costa Rica is high on the list for nature lovers and beach bums, and for good reason. The small country is just about the size of West Virginia, but its different regions boast an array of opportunities to hike and trek, view wildlife, snorkel, visit coffee plantations, or just lay back and embrace the “pura vida” (pura life) as the locals do. Costa Rica is often named as one of the happiest nations in the world, as well as one of the most environmentally friendly which will make it appeal to travelers interested in ecolodges, nature and wildlife.
Costa Rica possesses the greatest density of species to be found on earth and has dedicated about 25% of its land to conservation areas and national parks where species like sloths and monkeys can be seen in their natural habitats. The beaches, with their turquoise blue waters and divine sunsets, are second to none.