The temptations and appeals of the tiny nation of Costa Rica are so abundant that an estimated 40,000 North American citizens and an equal number of other nationals now call Costa Rica home, attracted by a quality of life among the highest in the Western Hemisphere.

For years travelers had neglected this exciting yet peaceful nation, primarily because of a muddled grasp of Central American geopolitics. While its neighbors have been racked by turmoil, Costa Rica has been blessed with a remarkable normalcy. Ticos — as the friendly, warmhearted Costa Ricans are known — pride themselves on having more teachers than police officers, an egalitarianism and strong commitment to peace and prosperity, and an education and social-welfare system that should be the envy of many developed nations.

Despite its diminutive size, Costa Rica proffers more beauty and adventure than any country on earth. The diversity of terrain — most of it supremely beautiful — is remarkable. Within a one-hour journey from San José, the capital city, the traveller can pass through any combination of Costa Rica's 12 distinct ecological systems. On the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, dozens of inviting beaches remain unspoiled by footprints, and in places offshore coral reefs open up a world more beautiful than a casket of gems.

Costa Rica’s varied ecosystems are a naturalist’s dream. Costa Rica’s wildlife loves to put on a song-and-dance and animals and birds are prolific and relatively easy to spot. That sudden flutter of blue is a giant morpho butterfly. That mournful two-note whistle is the quetzal, the tropical birder’s Holy Grail. The pristine forests and jungles are full of arboreal sounds; You can almost feel the vegetation growing around you.

Here, there is a sense of life at flood tide... ¡Pura vida!