With more than a quarter of Costa Rica’s total land area comprised of national parks, biological reserves, and wildlife refuges, it’s no surprise then that this country’s greatest national treasure is its plethora of natural diversity. Home to some of the most colorful and exotic flora and fauna on Earth, and one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, this tiny Central American country is home to approximately 10,000 species of plants and trees!

Lush and verdant year-round, Costa Rica is a fantastic place to visit for the avid nature lover. The rainforests here are some of the most pristine and isolated on the planet, and host game to an incredibly diverse mix of insects, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and birds. Among the most productive ecosystems in the world, Costa Rica’s forests have created truly unique habitats that each have their own microclimate. One day you can be canoeing through the watery forest of Tortuguero National Park, and another day you can be hiking through beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park with its magnificent beaches. Visit Corcovado National Park to glimpse the last remaining expanse of primary tropical lowland rainforests or tour the Monteverde Cloud Forest for a completely different hiking experience.

Most of Costa Rica’s forests can be classified primarily into three groups: tropical rainforests, cloud forests, and modern dry forests. And while tropical rainforests are the most common habitat, Costa Rica’s cloud forests are a magnificent sight to behold. Tropical rainforests can be found in the southwest of the country as well as in the Atlantic lowlands, with towering trees and trailing vines that create a magical, subdued atmosphere. Receiving high annual rainfall, these dense forests are characterized by a wealth of plant and animal life.