Costa Rica is located close to the Equator in Central America. This priveleged location contributes to an amazingly biodiverse ecosystem. The country is a melting pot of wildlife from both North and South America. Also contributing to the biodiversity is the drastic contrasts in elavation due to mountain ranges that rise sharply from sea level to well over 3,000 meters. Costa Rica is home to at least 12 life and climate zones including tropical rainforests and cloud forests. The country is also home to an astounding 5% of the world's species of wildlife.

Costa Rica is home to an amazing variety of wildlife. The country is home to over 200 species of mammals, 850 species of birds, 150 species of amphibians, 200 reptile species, and over 35,000 species of insects! Costa Rica is also home to over 9,000 species of plants. This includes over 900 species of trees and 1,500 species of orchids.

Some of the best places to view wildlife include:

Cahuita National Park
Cano Negro Wildlige Refuge
Corcovado National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manzanillo National Park
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Palo Verde Wildlife Refuge
Ostional Wildlife Refuge - Turtles
Tortuguero National Park - Turtles
La Amistad International Park