Costa Rica has tremendous appeal because it is small, is still off the beaten track of mass tourism, and yet contains something for many differing interests. For naturalists, soft adventurers, golfers, fishermen, sportsmen, honeymooners, and those simply seeking leisurely sightseeing or rest, there is plenty to do. And the great thing is, you can mix and match these, as you like, because distances are relatively small.
Its incredibly rich biodiversity can be readily sampled in one trip. The scenery constantly changes. The volcanoes, lakes, Pacific and Caribbean oceans, rainforests and mountains each have their own environment and character. In the same day you can visit an active volcano, shop in the capital, and be on a near-empty Pacific or Caribbean beach in the evening.

Animal life, often hard to spot unless accompanied by a guide, is colourfully tropical and highly diverse. This little country has more butterflies than the whole of Africa. It has a highly developed network of national parks, praised internationally, each one quite different.

The Costa Rican people ("ticos") are sincerely welcoming. And if the roads at times are uncomfortably pot-holed, the abiding impression is that this is a delightful and still genuine country where one can have an exotic and exciting holiday without constantly bumping into a horde of other tourists.