Nature
Did you know Costa Rica is home to 6% of the world’s biodiversity, protected across an extensive network of national parks, wildlife refuges, biological reserves and marine sanctuaries that together safeguard more than a quarter of the country?
This commitment to conservation allows travelers to experience an extraordinary range of ecosystems in a compact territory.
You can guide nature‑focused clients to cloud forests like Monteverde and Los Quetzales National Park, where more than 900 bird species live or migrate through, including the famed resplendent quetzal and millions of nocturnal migrants that funnel across the country each year.
Along the Caribbean canals of Tortuguero, the wetlands of Caño Negro and the lowland rivers of Sarapiquí, travelers can explore rainforest environments by boat, spotting iguanas, crocodiles, herons and other riverbank species in their natural habitat.
Costa Rica’s coasts provide equally spectacular wildlife events.
Protected beaches in Tortuguero, Ostional and Gandoca‑Manzanillo host sea turtle nesting throughout the year, from the massive arribadas of Olive Ridley turtles to Leatherbacks, Greens, Hawksbills and Loggerheads returning season after season.
Marine biodiversity expands further offshore, where the nutrient‑rich Pacific supports seasonal humpback whale migration in Guanacaste, dolphin activity along the Nicoya Peninsula, and dramatic ray and shark encounters in marine reserves. For divers, Caño Island offers pristine underwater scenery, while the remote UNESCO‑listed Cocos Island stands as one of the world’s most exceptional pelagic sanctuaries, home to hammerheads, manta rays and vibrant deep‑sea life.
Across the country, protected areas such as Rincón de la Vieja, Braulio Carrillo and the pioneering Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve highlight the diversity of Costa Rica’s tropical dry forests, rainforests, mangroves and volcanic corridors. Seasonal events—such as frog choruses during the rains or synchronized reproductive cycles of squirrel monkeys—add unique layers to wildlife observation.
With well‑marked trails, hanging bridges, certified naturalist guides and short travel distances between ecosystems, Costa Rica offers a reliable and enriching ecotourism product, positioning the destination as a global leader in conservation‑driven travel and a top choice for clients seeking immersive, nature‑centered experiences rooted in pura vida.