Rainforest Stream, Costa Rica
My First View of Costa Rica, courtesy David Thompson
 
 Rainforest Meets Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica, courtesy Casa Ramon
Playa Herradura, Central Pacific, Costa Rica, courtesy David Thompson
Rice Field in Quepos, Costa Rica, courtesy David Thompson
Rice Field in Quepos, courtesy David Thompson
Whales Tail, South Pacific, Costa Rica, courtesy Casa Ramon
Central Valley Landscape, Costa Rica
Osa Peninsula Sunset, Costa Rica
Biodiversity & National Parks - Blue Jean Frog - Arturo Sotillo

In Costa Rica, more than 27% of the nation’s territory falls within the ‘Protected Areas System,’ providing a sanctuary for the greatest density of flora and fauna species in the world. Known as the greenest country on earth, Costa Rica is home to more than 800 species of birds and an immense variety of plant and animal life. While the country has only about 0.1% of the world's landmass, it contains 5% of the world's biodiversity, with the highest concentration in protected areas such as the Corcovado National Park, identified by National Geographic as the world’s most biologically diverse spot on the planet. And in Monteverde alone, 2000 plant species exist, including numerous orchids. Most national parks and biological reserves offer nature trails and observation points for hikers and birdwatchers, and naturalists are available in some parks to act as tour guides. Alternatively, nature in all its splendor can be savored on zip-lines, canopy-level platforms, hanging bridges, kayaks or horsebacks.

Gallery

Biodiversity & National Parks - Tucan in MalPais - Arturo Sotillo
Biodiversity & National Parks - Courtesy Marc Lewkowitz
Biodiversity & National Parks - Courtesy Arturo Sotillo
Biodiversity & National Parks - yellow tree frog
Biodiversity & National Parks - hummingbird
Biodiversity & National Parks - white face monkey
Biodiversity & National Parks - clear wing butterfly
Biodiversity & National Parks - Costa Rican crab
Biodiversity & National Parks - short nose vine snake
Biodiversity & National Parks - heron
Biodiversity & National Parks - wild fruit
Biodiversity & National Parks - egret