The sandy shores of Manuel Antonio beach lead into the dense rainforest that covers much of Costa Rica
If the best things come in small packages, this could explain why Costa Rica (which translates as ‘Rich Coast’) has so many surprises within its modest parameters. Flanked by the Caribbean Sea and the South Pacific, it has a population of just 4.5 million people and covers only 0.1 per cent of the world’s landmass, yet it proudly showcases around five per cent of the world’s biodiversity – a huge figure. Tis is because approximately a quarter of its terrain is environmentally protected, earning it the accolade of eco- and adventure-tourism capital of the Americas.
Costa Rica’s official motto is‘pura vida’, or ‘pure life’, referring to a way of living that refects the laid back and optimistic spirit of the locals. Wherever you go, you’ll hear people call this phrase to one another.