| If you are ever fortunate enough to visit Costa | | | | waterfalls, and volcanoes along with collections of |
| Rica, one of the smallest, but undoubtedly one of | | | | ancient relics from pre-Columbian days and plenty |
| the most beautiful countries in all of the world, be | | | | of flora and fauna. |
| sure to take along a camera and plenty of | | | | Located in the central Pacific region is Manuel |
| batteries and film to capture the unforgettable | | | | Antonio National Park, one of the most popular in |
| sights and scenery. | | | | all of the country. This park is open from |
| La Finca de Mariposas - The Butterfly Farm | | | | Tuesdays through Sundays and features activities |
| At La Finca de Mariposas, a netted butterfly | | | | like hiking, walking, swimming, picnicking, and |
| garden housing up to 45 species of over 500 | | | | observing creatures like anteaters, eagles, ocelots, |
| butterflies, you will be delighted at the sights that | | | | and pelicans. |
| await. At the farm, which first opened as a tourist | | | | Another popular tourist attraction in Costa Rica is |
| attraction in 1990, colors seem to appear from | | | | Tortuguero (turtle catcher, in English) National |
| out of nowhere while iridescent jewels take flight | | | | Park, open every day from 8am to 4pm, and |
| all around you. | | | | home to animals including sloths and monkeys, |
| After making your way through the garden, head | | | | birds like the toucan, and aquatic creatures such |
| over to the laboratory where you will see both | | | | as the manatee and giant sea turtle. |
| larva and pupae being nurtured to maturation. Pay | | | | On the Caribbean coast lies Cahuita National Park, |
| a visit to the farm's gift shop and stop in The | | | | a preserve founded in 1982 that is open every |
| Blue Crowned Motmot Restaurant, which was | | | | day of the week. Bring your snorkeling gear to |
| named after a native bird, for a bite to eat | | | | Cahuita and head to the sandy, white beaches |
| before heading off to the next exciting adventure. | | | | before exploring beneath the surface of the |
| The National Parks of Costa Rica | | | | crystal clear waters. |
| Costa Rica's national parks and wildlife refuges are | | | | Nearly all of Costa Rica's national parks will have |
| divided into 11 different regions covering one | | | | at least a few trails that are maintained on a |
| fourth of the country's total area. For the past 50 | | | | regular basis, save for the rainy season when |
| years now, Costa Rica has taken an active role | | | | mud and muck are inevitable. If you aren't familiar |
| as a country to protect wildlife and become a | | | | with an area, by all means hire an experienced |
| leader in the world of ecotourism. | | | | travel guide or enlist the services of a park |
| The national parks of Costa Rica are tucked | | | | ranger before attempting to hike or explore on |
| away in the rainforests, the cloud forests, in both | | | | your own. |
| the lowlands and the highlands with something | | | | Parks like Corcovado or Santa Rosa have |
| interesting to see anywhere you look. Explore just | | | | excellent trails and if you visit during the rainy |
| one or two of the many parks and you'll see | | | | season, chances are you'll see fewer people and |
| things like canals, caves, lagoons, lakes, rivers, | | | | more wildlife. |