Costa Rica is the home of the Ticos, as the friendly and well educated citizens are affectionately called, but there is more to this small nation than the people. For the past 30 years, Costa Rica has been recognized world wide for it's respect and dedication to the conservation and protection of nature by protecting over 30% of its land mass. A rich environment is home to hundreds of orchid species, plus a very large and diversified number of birds, reptiles and mammals that makes this a haven for the nature lover. From its beginnings as an ecological destination, the development of infrastructure and the arrival of major hotels has made of Costa Rica a terrific sun and sand destination too. Easy to reach, lots of things to do and some of the nicest people makes of this small country a giant to be discovered.