Although Costa Rica has been a victim of severe deforestation, the government has set aside 19 percent of its land for national parks and reserves—a greater percentage than any other country in the world.  

One-tenth of the world's bird species inhabit Costa Rica. The Buffon's Macaw is just one of 850 avian creatures known to frequent this Central-American haven. More than 600 are resident species; the rest visit in the winter.  

Early carts used for transporting coffee were simply plain wooden wagons. But at the height of the coffee boom, a cart maker's wife livened up her husband's wheels with some paint and starburst designs and a tradition was born.  

Costa Rica's tropical rainforests are home to some of the toughest plants and animals. While gentle giants like the T-rex couldn't handle the heat, more than 950 species of beetle have been discovered in just one species of tropical tree.  

The sign in Poas Volcano National Park reads: 'El Volcan Poas se encuentra en actividad, usted ingnesa al Parque Nacional bajo su propio riesgo.' Below, the ominous translation: 'Poas Volcano is in activity/ You enter under your own risk.'  

Spider monkeys, which roam Costa Rica in bands of 30 to 40, rarely descend from the highest canopies of the tropical forests. Lucky hikers may catch a glimpse of the fast animal as it swings from tree to tree using its arms, feet, and tail.  

Exotic wildlife rules this playground. Despite their natural splendor, some of Costa Rica's beaches—which extend for miles—have remained virtually undiscovered by humans.