Ecotourism emphasizes a minimal impact on the environment. It provides income that helps to both preserve protected areas as well as benefit local populations, by reducing their dependence on activities possibly harmful to natural habitats.

Fortunately, Costa Rica, the birthplace of ecotourism, is also the place where this activity has achieved the highest level of success. Costa Rica takes pride in the fact that every day tens of thousands of visitors experience the incredible variety of wildlife in this natural paradise.

Costa Rica, a small country, measuring 51.100 square kilometers, is replete with breathtaking landscapes and a variety of natural wealth. This small stretch of land, representing barely 0.3% of the earth's total surface area, houses 5% of the global biodiversity. Costa Rica is home to more bird species than the United States, as well as to a greater variety of butterflies than in all of Africa. These facts demonstrate why this Central American nation of 4 million inhabitants has received such considerable international recognition in the area of biodiversity.

Living in Costa Rica's diverse habitats and ecosystems are: 13 thousand plant species, 2,000 moth and 4,500 butterfly species, 163 varieties of amphibians, 220 types of reptiles, 1,600 species of fresh and salt water fish, and at least 870 types of birds.

The extensive landscape also boasts many different types of forests, including deciduous, mangrove swamps, rain forests, herbaceous ponds, cloud forests, moors, palm groves, oak woods, riparian forests, and swamp groves.

Among Costa Rica's environmental wonders are extensive volcanoes, several of which are active and produce relaxing thermal springs, and are some of Costa Rica's most popular attractions. There are deep caves to explore and pre-Columbian settlements, sites of many meso-American archaeological studies. These are all part of a vast system of 22 national parks, 10 wildlife refuges, 12 biological reserves, 8 forest reserves and 26 protected zones, covering 25% of the national territory.

The Costa Rican Government, in an effort to preserve the natural riches of this country, is currently implementing sustainable development policies that foster the adequate use of natural resources.

Whale Watching

Tweet Whales are frequently seen from the mid-Pacific coast down the length to the Peninsula de Osa. The most common species in this area are: humpbacks (Megaptera novaeangliae), sperm whales (Physeter catodon or Physeter macrocephalus), and pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) actually of the dolphin family. Humpbacks and sperm whales are seen in August and December. Pilot whales can be seen throughout the year since they tend to stay in tropical warm waters. Some biological stations, such as Marenco, are beginning identification of whales spotted in order to monitor their yearly appearances. High bluffs or lookout points are ideal, and binoculars are a must. Expeditions in search of mating whales depart from the coast. What to do? Be attentive and watch deeper waters rather than shorelines. Flocks of marine birds flying close to the ocean’s surface often herald the presence of both whales and dolphins. Pilot whales and sperm whales feed at considerable depths, preferring large deep-water squid and fish. But humpbacks, belonging to the baleen whales, feed on plankton and can be seen feeding on the surface as they emerge from the depths with a big splash. Some tours carry audio equipment that picks up the whale’s song, a treat not to be missed. An added measure? Cross your fingers.