This treasure trove of tropical flora and fauna is exemplified by the more than 9,000 different kinds of flowering plants, including 1,200 orchids. Approximately 850 species of birds have been identified here, which are more than are found in the United States and Canada combined. This country is also home for 205 species of mammals, 376 species of reptiles and amphibians and about 10 percent of the world's butterfly species. Although Costa Rica covers only .03% of the surface of the Earth, about 6% of the planet's plant and animal species can be found here.

Costa Rica has 20 national parks, 8 wildlife refuges, 1 national archaeological monument, 26 protected forest areas, 9 forest reserves, 7 wildlife sanctuaries, and a national forest. Protected areas total 1,077,308 hectares, or 21% of the national territory, which means Costa Rica has a larger percentage of its total surface area set aside in parks and preserves than any other country on earth. These protected areas are ideal for ecotourism, hiking, rafting, bird watching, camping, or just enjoying the numerous rivers, beaches, jungles, mountain forests, and other archaeological sites in the country.

Costa Rica is perfect for the nature lover and conservationist and because of the country's commitment to preservation to the environment, in 1992 Costa Rica was made the world headquarters of the 'Earth Council'.