Originally discovered and named ‘Costa Rica’ by Christopher Columbus more than 600 years ago, Costa Rica is still being discovered every day by tourists from around the world. It is a tropical paradise with year-round great weather and a government committed to sustainable development. In fact, in 2008 a team of Columbia and Yale researchers found that of 149 different countries’ studied, Costa Rica was in the top 5 for environmental performance—-far above the United States, Canada, or any other country in the Western Hemisphere.

Costa Rica is a stable democracy and, along with Switzerland, only one of two countries in the world without a military. With two international airports and an ever-growing tourism infrastructure, it is a great place to visit. There are many things to do and see and the country is particularly famous for its flora and fauna.

Though folks from around the world enjoy Costa Rica tourism, 40% of its tourists come from the United States. That country’s economic problems have proven challenging to Costa Rica tourism, which has been struggling. But, of course, every challenge creates an opportunity and now may be exactly the time to travel Costa Rica. You will find cheap airfares and some terrific travel and accommodation bargains. The Costa Rica government is trying to stimulate tourism from the Costa Rica Institute of Tourism (ICT) website which contains discount coupons. Google ‘visitcostarica.com/crplus’ and look for yourself but remember: there are hundreds of hotels, spas, resorts, and other places that will also give you a discount—–but you need to ask!

Costa Rica is world famous for the diversity of its animals and plants. As small as it is, Costa Rica has set aside nearly 25% of the country for protected national park and wildlife sanctuaries. How small is it? Think tiny, but mighty: only the size of little West Virginia, it has more species of butterflies than in all of the countries on the African continent combined. It is birdwatchers’ nirvana with nearly as many different kinds of birds as in the entire continental United States and only about 100 fewer species than the entire continent of Europe. The diversity of life is simply staggering. Though it takes up only 1/10,000 of the earth’s land mass, nearly 1 of every 5 species of plant and animal on the face of the planet is found in Costa Rica!

You will also find some the world’s most famous volcanoes here. Arenal Volcano is a tourist hotspot, with resorts built around hot springs where you can loll in luxury, drink a margarita, and perhaps watch the fabulous eruptions of this volcano. There is also Irazu, just outside San Jose. Here, on the day in 1963 that John F. Kennedy visited Costa Rica, a monstruous eruption greeted the President—I like to think of it as a salute. And, only here on a clear day can you drive to the top of its summit, look into its crater, then look west and see the Pacific Ocean, or look east and see the Atlantic ocean. Or, look at both of them at the same time! This ain’t Dubuque!

Do not forget Costa Rica’s Seven Wonders, chosen by Ticos themselves. Two great volcanoes: mighty Arenal Volcano and spectacular Poas Volcano near San Jose International. World famous for its ecotourism is Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve with its great plant and animal diversity—including its spectacular orchids! Hop a boat for a get-away to magnificent Cocos Island (300 miles off the coast), described as the “most beautiful island in the world” by Jacques Cousteau, a famous pirate island with millions of dollars of still-missing buried treasure, and the best large animal diving anywhere. The tallest mountain in Central America is called Mount Chirripo where you will hike from tropical forests to glacial lakes. Unknown to most folks is the Rio Celeste (Celestial River) where the river changes, literally and almost magically, from crystal clear to sky-blue in front of your eyes. And, for real nature lovers, there is remote Tortuguero National Park along the Caribbean coast, the world’s largest protected area for green sea turtles and waters teeming with great sportfish.

No vacation is complete without visiting several of its simply amazing beaches. You are going to find nearly 800 miles of beaches: white sand beaches, brown sand beaches, black sand beaches, even coral beaches. Along two oceans. Dozens have been awarded the famed ‘Blue Flag’ certificates meaning they are the best of the best ecologically. The north Pacific coast is increasingly developed with great resorts, hotels, and golf courses. Meanwhile, the Caribbean coast remains far more undeveloped while maintaining its particular Caribbean flavor. There are very popular beaches (particularly over Easter and Christmas) and virtually deserted beaches. To go from one to another is often just a few minutes’ drive.

If you crave more than great mountains, tropical forests, 7 Wonders, miles of spectacular beaches, and volcanoes, here is a little more to do and attractions to see during the days: 1. Fish. Great marlin (I recently landed a 450 pounder before releasing it), 100-200 pound tarpon, sailfish, snook, and many more. 2. Bring your surfboard and surf world famous beaches or watch world-championship surfing contests. Or rent your board. 3. Kayak in extreme whitewater or raft in waters that will take your away your breath. Or take the kids for a leisurely raft on a tropical river. 4. Golf on great courses.5. Windsurf at wonderful Lake Arenal. 6. Bungee jump (for fools only) into deep canyons or at night. 7. Ecotour. 8. Zipline and Tarzan jump through tropical forests. 9. Become a bullfighter (but beware that only the bullfighters are allowed to be harmed—fortunately you can buy insurance). 10. Go horseback riding in the mountains and along the beaches. 11. Hang-glide. 12. Rappel waterfalls and canyons. 13. Take a train ride in a genuine Swiss train to a genuine Swiss mountain hotel and dine at a restaurant that rotates completely around to magnificent vistas. 14. Visit Corcovado National Park, the most biologically intense place on earth. 15. Scuba dive. Or snorkel. 16. Watch the whales in the world’s longest whale-watching season. 17. Tour coffee plantations and visit tropical gardens. 18. Hike, bike, rent motorcycles, ATVs. 18. Walk into the crater of an active volcano. 19. Visit a wildlife park filled with birds or another park with African animals. 20. Take a photography adventure tour. 21. Become a volunteer and take a volunteer vacation. And a lot more!

The capital is definitely worth a visit too. At night, San Jose and most of the beach communities provide lots of adult entertainment. Restaurants, theatres, cinemas, bars, nightclubs (many, very adult in tone and tenor), gambling, and beautiful women—what happens here, stays here. And for lesbians and gays, there are an increasing number of places to go and things to do as well.