Costa Rica lies in the heart of Central America and although it measures only 51, 1000 square kilometres (slightly larger than Switzerland), it is surrounded by two expanses of sea - the Caribbean and the Pacific giving a wide variety of marine life.   Costa Rica is a small, democratic and peaceful country and since abolishing the armed forces in 1949, the government has devoted a large percentage of its resources to education, health and conservation.

Currently one quarter of the country is protected by national parks, biological reserves and wildlife refuges.  With more than 850 species of bird, including the Resplendent quetzal, 1,200 types of orchids and 250 mammals, Costa Rica is a unique, natural world unparalleled in its concentration of the world’s  biodiversity. The country is dominated by four major mountain ranges, all of which are volcanic in origin and which together form a continental divide that runs down its middle housing many volcanoes, some of which are still active today.

The visitor will have plenty to see from tropical rainforests to freshwater wetlands and coral reefs. From monkeys, toucans, hummingbirds, red-eyed tree frogs, sloths, iguanas and ocelots to hot springs and pristine beaches there is always lots to do. Activities range from white water river rafting and trekking to canopy tours on suspension bridges strung out across the rainforest allowing you to view the rainforest from the top. For the more adventurous, there are zip wire tours which hook you onto a steel cable between trees whilst you literally "fly" from canopy to canopy, a truly exhilarating experience!