to Costa Rica… Welcome National Parks, Biological & Wildlife Reserves and Protected Areas Highlands: 1 Braulio Carrillo National Park 2 Arenal National Park 3 Monteverde Biological Reserve Caribbean Coast: 4 Tortugero National Park 5 Cahuita National Park Pacific Coast: 6 Guanacaste National Park 7 Rincon de la Vieja National Park 8 Las Baulas Protected Area (turtle nesting beach) 9 Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge 10 Carara Biological Reserve 11 Manuel Antonio National Park 12 Corcovado National Park COSTA RICA COSTA PAGE San Jose Hotels & Activities 6 F riendly, peaceful Costa Rica has an immense range of climates, Xandari Plantation & Peace Lodge 7 flora and fauna of particular interest to naturalists from around La Selva Verde & Pacuare Lodge 8, 9 the world. In 1948 Costa Rica voted to abolish its army and today proudly spends 60% of its budget on social services. It boasts a Caribbean Coast high level of sanitation and education, and is one of the most Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo/Punta Cocles 9, 10 literate nations on earth. Highlands of Costa Rica Deeply committed to ecology, Costa Rica has set aside nearly 30% Arenal 11-13 of its land as national parks or as private reserves. It has long, Monteverde 14, 15 sandy beaches on both coasts which are ideal for an active or relaxing vacation. Costa Rica is an excellent family destination. Pacific Coast Once you have savored the misty mountains, tropical rainforests, Northern Pacific: Tamarindo & Papagayo 16, 17 and warm, friendly “Ticos,” you will wonder why you stayed away Central Pacific: Jaco, Esterillos, Herradura 18 so long! Southern Pacific: Quepos/Manuel Antonio 19, 20 Osa Peninsula: Lapa Rios & Casa Corcovado 21 Suggested Itineraries 22-25 4.