Biodiversity & National Parks - Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, more than 27% of the nation’s territory falls within the ‘Protected Areas System,’ providing a sanctuary for the greatest density of flora and fauna species in the world. Known as the greenest country on earth, Costa Rica is home to more than 800 species of birds and an immense variety of plant and animal life. While the country has only about 0.1% of the world's landmass, it contains 5% of the world's biodiversity, with the highest concentration in protected areas such as the Corcovado National Park, identified by National Geographic as the world’s most biologically diverse spot on the planet. And in Monteverde alone, 2000 plant species exist, including numerous orchids. Most national parks and biological reserves offer nature trails and observation points for hikers and birdwatchers, and naturalists are available in some parks to act as tour guides. Alternatively, nature in all its splendor can be savored on zip-lines, canopy-level platforms, hanging bridges, kayaks or horsebacks.