Say Costa Rica and people think tropical paradise. This slow-paced and serene oasis, though small in size draws over 2 million visitors every year. Although representing .25% of the world’s landmass, 5% of the world’s biodiversity inhabits this small, but naturally forceful Central American country. Incredibly, 500,000 species of wildlife and plant life co-exist across a mere 51,000 square kilometers of space. That’s an average of 235 plant species, 17 bird species and 4.5 mammal species per 1,000 square kilometers. Representing one of the most ecologically progressive nations in the world, the Costa Rican government has placed development restrictions on nearly 25% of its land. Translation: access to a natural authenticity that includes lush mountain ranges, active volcanoes, cloud forests, rain forests, dry forests, lakes, rivers and two lengthy coastlines along the Pacific and Caribbean.

The climate in Costa Rica is tropical and the weather is typically pleasant and agreeable year round. The dry season lasts from December to April and the rainy season extends from May to November. During the rainy season the mornings are generally sunny while it rains a bit in the afternoon, but not always. The average year around temperature is 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The coasts, however, are a bit hotter, but not unbearably so.