In Depth

Pura Vida! (Pure Life!) is Costa Rica's unofficial national slogan, and in many ways it defines the country. You'll hear it exclaimed, proclaimed, and simply stated by Ticos from all walks of life, from children to octogenarians. It can be used as a cheer after your favorite soccer team scores a goal, or as a descriptive response when some one asks you, "How are you? (¿Como estas?)." It is symbolic of the easygoing and gentle nature of this country's people, politics, and personality.

Costa Rica itself is a mostly rural country with vast areas of protected tropical forests. It is one of the biologically richest places on earth, with a wealth of flora and fauna that attracts and captivates biologists, photographers, ecotourists, and casual visitors alike.

Often called the "Switzerland of Central America," Costa Rica is, and historically has been, a sea of tranquillity in a region that has been troubled by turmoil for centuries. For over 100 years, it has enjoyed a stable democracy and a relatively high standard of living for Latin America. The literacy rate is high, as are medical standards and facilities. Perhaps most significant, at least for proud and peace-loving Costa Ricans, is that this country does not have an army.

Where There Is a Tico, There Is Freedom -- In 1989, on a visit to Costa Rica, Uruguayan President Julio María Sanguinetti famously declared: "Donde hay un costarricense, esté donde esté, hay libertad," which is roughly translated in the title above.

Personally, I get a kick out of the version co-opted by a local condiment company in their advertising campaign, which states, "Where there is a Tico, there is Salsa Lizano." I find it to be equally true.

Costa Rican Wildlife

For such a small country, Costa Rica is incredibly rich in biodiversity. With just .01% of the earth's landmass, Costa Rica is home to some 5% of its biodiversity. Whether you come to Costa Rica to check 100 or so species off your lifetime list, or just to check out of the rat race for a week or so, you'll be surrounded by a rich and varied collection of flora and fauna. This information is meant to be a selective introduction to some of what you might see.

In many instances, the prime viewing recommendations should be taken with a firm dose of reality. Most casual visitors and even many dedicated naturalists will never see a wildcat or kinkajou. However, anyone working with a good guide should be able to see a broad selection of Costa Rica's impressive flora and fauna.

There are scores of good field guides out there; two of the best general guides are The Field Guide to the Wildlife of Costa Rica, by Carrol Henderson (University of Texas Press, 2002), and Costa Rica: Traveller's Wildlife Guides, by Les Beletsky (Interlink Books, 2004). Bird-watchers will want to pick up one or both of the following two books: A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica, by F. Gary Stiles and Alexander Skutch (Cornell University Press, 1989) and Birds of Costa Rica, by Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean (Cornell University Press, 2007). Other specialized guides to mammals, reptiles, insects, flora, and more are also available. In Costa Rica, Seventh Street Books, on Calle 7 between avenidas 1 and Central in San José (tel. 2256-8251) always has a great selection.