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 colorfully 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.

And if nature draws naturalists, so it attracts those seeking soft adventure, whether white water rafting, biking, hiking, scuba diving or canoeing. Surfing and windsurfing are world-class, as also sport fishing for marlin, sailfish, or tarpon. Golfing is taking off. And Costa Rica is a great place for loafing around leisurely in a rented car, exploring side roads and stopping when the right inn comes along. 

You will find here all the necessary infrastructure for a good holiday. Costa Rica has a great range of places to stay to appeal to most tastes, from all-inclusive resorts and international chain hotels to boutique lodges and eco-lodges hidden away in reserves. 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.