The name "Costa Rica" literally means "rich coast" in Spanish. This marvelous country has shown the rest of the world that peace is the greatest treasure of all. The only country in the Western Hemisphere without an army, Costa Rica has been called the ' Switzerland of the Americas ' for its visionary belief that weapons and war are not the answer. 
As the meeting place of North and South America, Costa Rica has over 6% of the entire Earth's plants and animals on a landmass that is less than 0.01% of the planet's surface, making it the most bio-diverse place on Earth. Thankfully, these natural treasures are protected in national parks, reserves and refuges accounting for 26% of Costa Rica's territory.  In addition to incredible flora and fauna, Costa Rica has 13 different microclimates and a short drive will take you from a misty cloud forest to hot dry plains to lush rainforests. Picturesque mountains, volcanoes, amazing rain forests, cloud forests, jungles, magnificent beaches, mangroves and islands are all here for you to enjoy. Whether your passion is exploring a remote jungle or just relaxing on the beach, Costa Rica fits the bill perfectly. It's undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and fascinating places in the world.