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The small Central American country of Costa Rica is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and shares borders with Panama to the south and Nicaragua to the north. Costa Rica has set many precedents by abolishing its army in the 1940s, setting aside vast tracts of land for national parks and wildlife preserves; it is foremost in its progress toward human development and has become known as the ‘greenest’ country on the planet.

This tropical paradise has become a major destination for fishermen, scuba divers, surfers, adventurers and its fairyland atmosphere draws honeymooners and romantics. The land rises from the crystal clear ocean waters and white sand beaches into forested mountains cut with rivers and streams, placid pools with cascading waterfalls, lakes and an abundance of active volcanoes. The lush jungle is host to a wide variety of wildlife including jaguars, ocelots, primates, reptiles and a stunning abundance of brilliantly colored bird life.

The Pacific coast is the most developed and offers excellent accommodations at luxurious resorts, historical hotels, beachfront condos and quaint bungalows. Tour operators are plentiful offering the visitor excursions into the interior by four-wheel drive vehicle, ATVs and horseback. Zip line tours of the jungle canopy are a favorite of all and trips to smoke belching volcanoes take the traveler back in time.

Costa Rica is well known as a world-class fishing destination and the inland lakes, rivers and streams have wild populations of rainbow trout, tarpon and tilapia. The coastal waters are a deep sea fisherman’s delight with great angling for sailfish, marlin, dorado and tuna. Wave riders come from far and wide to challenge the numerous beach, reef, river and shore breaks and scuba divers and snorkelers are overwhelmed by the plethora of marine life at the offshore islands, seamounts and reefs.