Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/141144
NICARAGUA Caribbean Sea Los Chiles Gu te as ac . an Mts Santa Rosa N. P. Cano Negro Nature Reserve Liberia Barra del Colorado Nature Reserve COSTA RIC A GUANACASTE Playa Tamarindo Tortuguero National Park ARENAL MONTEVERDE Puntarenas Nicoya Peninsula Puerto Limón San Jose LIMÓN Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve Jacó Gulf of Nicoya Amistad P.I. Quepos Ta lam Manuel Antonio Mt anca s. e PUNTARENAS PANAMA PACIFIC OCEAN Corcovado National Park Dulce Gulf COSTA RICA Set between the beauty of the Caribbean Sea and the allure of the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is a destination of endless possibilities. In a country that's small and easily navigated, there's an astounding diversity of geography with five distinct eco-systems. It's a land of luxuriant rainforests and mighty volcanoes, of natural hot springs and shimmering oceans, of colonial charm and captivating nightlife. On the beaches of Costa Rica, you can choose between alabaster white and volcanic black sand. You'll dive amidst a vast array of marine life, sport fish for big game like marlin or tuna, and enjoy some of the best surfing in the world. Nature thrives in its pristine state, with more than 20 natural parks and eight biological reserves. Exploring these ecological wonders is a delight for the senses. Watch as exotic birds take wing in all their multicolored glory. Follow the scent of orchids growing wild in the lush and magnificent cloud forests. Hear the call of the howler monkey as it lazily swings across the verdant canopy. For the adventuresome, there's hiking around the majestic Arenal Volcano as it bubbles in a regular fiery splendor. For the wildlife lover, there's Tortuguero National Park, where the sea turtle slowly makes its way to the sea. For the sporty, there are the beckoning waters of the Pacific and the Caribbean, where surfing, fishing and snorkeling fill sun-drenched days. Costa Rica's capital, San Jose, is far and away its biggest, most populous city, surrounded by majestic mountains. It's a metropolis in the middle of an untouched wilderness, embracing modernity and nurturing nature. The city of San Jose also offers a bevy of cultural experiences that include a variety of museums, restaurants, botanical gardens and butterfly farms. The ultimate delight of Costa Rica is its people, who will make you feel at home on your journey. Warm and gracious, they unveil a captivating culture of music, art, crafts and cuisine that will enchant, entertain and enliven you. 10 Costa Rica