Located in the Central America between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica packs an amazingly diverse ecosystem into a tiny 51, 120km(19, 739 sq miles) of land. The small democratic country covers only 0.03 % of the surface of the globe, and shelters 5% of the existing biodiversity in the entire world. Around 2 million of Costa Rica’s 4.8 million people live in the capital of San Jose. At one point in time, 75% of Costa Rica was forest, until economic expansion and the demand for tropical hardwoods in the 1960s and 70s resulted in massive deforestation of the region.

Today, roughly 27 % of the country is composed of conservation and natural protected territories, and is one of the world’s prime ecotourism areas. The country is shaped by rugged highlands, high mountain ranges such as Mount Chirripo which has a variety of climates and vegetation zones, the Caribbean Coast which is hot and humid, rain forest in west, and the much drier Pacific Coast. Many of the country’s habitats are interconnected in what is termed Life Zones, with several different types of forests and aqua habitats.

Costa Rica is rich in natural diversity and wildlife, with a variety of plant and animal life. Several species of trees and plants, mammals, insects, amphibians, reptiles, and birds spread across Costa Rica. Noteworthy is some 1,200 species of orchids, and many hardwood trees, such as rosewood and teak that can be found in the country. While most visitors hope to spot a jaguar on their trip, sightings of a squirrel monkey or a quetzal bird are much more likely. Still, sloths, tapirs, lizards, crocodiles, manatees, dolphins, humpback whales, and butterflies are some of the many creatures of Costa Rica.

Tourism is a fast growing economic sector in Costa Rica. Several specific attractions draw visitors every year to the country. The Monteverde Butterfly Garden is considered the original and best butterfly garden in Monteverde that features some 30 different species of butterflies. Monteverde’s Selvatura Hummingbird Garden supports 14 species of colorful birds. Poas Volcano National Park is one of the most spectacular sites, and holds the largest and most active volcanoes in the entire country. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a unique and beautiful scenic attraction that one can experience walking the trails filled with the sounds of birds and insects. Costa Rica is a magical place that reminds us that some natural resources should be protected and enjoyed.

Sizes 18x24" and larger are available without the zipline character.

This is a digitally colored map designed by Lisa Middleton.

All sizes are approximate.