Costa Rica

Costa Rica (meaning "rich coast") was named by Christopher Columbus in 1502 on his fourth voyage to the New World.  In many ways, the country is rich.  It is the premier eco-tourism destination in Central America with beautiful shores on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, mystical cloud forests including its most famous - Monteverde and Arenal - one of the most active volcanoes in the world, with eruptions every five to ten minutes.

Those interested in culture will not be disappointed and the capital city of San José contains a number of important landmarks, including the Banco Nacional building, Plaza de la Cultura, some cathedrals, and the Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica. Wildlife lovers can go on turtle tours, see dolphins, whales, or take a canopy tour through some of the most biologically diverse forests teeming with 900 recorded species of birds, four species of monkeys and much more! From active pursuits, including trekking and top windsurfing sites to more scenic endeavors, including wildlife watching tours and botanical gardens, this country packs in a lot of punch.