Costa Rica is a Central American country bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south-east. It has both Pacific and Caribbean coasts. About a quarter of the population lives in the capital, San José.
This small country (about the size of Wales) is renowned amongst naturalists for its rich variety of flora and fauna. Despite covering only 0.1% of the world’s landmass, it contains about 5% of global biodiversity.
Featured Tours to Costa Rica
Our Costa Rica Specialist Recommends
“If birds are your focus, I'd recommend our 16-day bird watching tour to Costa Rica, which visits a cross section of Costa Rica's habitats and altitudes. It's possible to see over 30 species of hummingbird, Scarlet Macaws flying to their night-time roosts, and arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal. We also offer an 11-day holiday which combines birdwatching in the highlands of the Talamanca Mountains with a visit to the lowland rainforests of Tortuguero National Park, while our Best of Southern Costa Rica holiday explores the little-known, but superb, Corcovado National Park in the south, one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet.”
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
What’s special about Costa Rica’s wildlife?
For such a small country, Costa Rica is home to a remarkable abundance and variety of wildlife. Here are just a few of the highlights:
- One of the world’s great birding destinations.
- The Resplendent Quetzal is arguably the planet’s most beautiful bird.
- Other birds including Keel-billed Toucan, Blue-crowned Motmot and a dazzling variety of hummingbirds.
- Four species of primate, including Mantled Howler & Central American Squirrel Monkey.
- Other exciting mammals such as Hoffmann’s Two-toed Sloth, Baird’s Tapir, Northern Tamandua & Collared Peccary.
- Four species of nesting sea turtles amongst a plethora of fascinating reptiles & amphibians.
