Costa Rica, the Greenest Country in the World
Costa Rica is the greenest country in the world. So if you are planning a trip and feeling “green”, Costa Rica is your destination. This country pioneered ecotourism and during the last 3 decades has focused in protecting and preserving its biodiversity. Half of this Central American country is considered a protected area. Seventeen national parks, seven biological reserves and several wildlife refuges are waiting for you. For its dimension, you can have breakfast in the Caribbean and enjoy dinner in the Pacific.
Manuel Antonio National Park
It is a small biological island located in the Pacific coast, South of Quepos, 82 Miles from San Jose. It has a vast flora and fauna: 352 species of birds, 109 species of mammals, a diverse marine fauna and 346 species of flora. This National Park is one of the most beautiful in the country, receiving the biggest number of national and international visitors. You may be asking: How do I get there? By plane: Sansa and Nature Air, by bus: departing from the Coca Cola terminal three times a day or renting a car: driving 3 hours and a half approximately.
Arenal Volcano
It is Costa Rica’s most active volcano. Located in Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal, it is approximately 7.000 years old. Legend goes Maleku Indians said the God of Fire lived inside. Los Ahogados, Costa Rica Volcano, Río Frío Volcano, Arenal Mountain, Pan de Azúcar Mountain, Los Canastes Volcano or Pelón Volcano, are among the different names it has been called throughout the years. Currently, it is named Arenal Volcano because lava deposited at the base of the cone has a sandy appearance.
Tortuguero National Park
It is located in the Caribbean coast of the country’s Northeast region. It was declared a national park in 1970 because green turtles, an extinct species, lay their eggs in this area from March to the middle of October. The best way towatchthem is far from the edge, on boat or canoe, not to bother the turtles. Tortuguero is also a reserve for 60 species of mammals, 300 species of birds and 170 species of reptiles and amphibians.