ABSTRACT
Costa Rica is sometimes called the Switzerland of Central America – it has the region’s longest history of political stability, its soundest economy and highest standard of living. During the past decades, it has also become somewhat of a Mecca for ecotourists – with a well-deserved reputation. The country can boast more than a quarter of its territory as protected national park and forest reserve, and is justly proud of its enlightened environmental policy. Most of these conservation areas are easily accessible, and provide some of the continent’s best chances of encountering a bewildering array of exotic (and occasionally endangered) plant and animal species. For added variety, you can make trips to active volcanoes and hot springs, and then, of course, there isn’t just one ‘rich coast’ to see (here, decidedly, ends the Swiss comparison). Both Costa Rica’s Caribbean and Pacific shores are lined with beautiful beaches (turtle-nesting included).
