COSTA RICA (Central America)

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Known for its spectacular natural beauty and biodiversity, Costa Rica boasts over 15 different ecosystems with dramatic changes in landscapes, climate and nature. Magnificent beaches stretch for miles along an unspoilt coastline; high on the mountains, cool and pristine cloud forests are alive with mysterious sounds and below splendid tropical rain forests are packed with life.

The country is famous for its progressive approach to conservation and is the prime eco-tourism destination in Central America due to its wealth of protected areas. Over 25 percent of the country is protected, spread between 75 different national parks, wildlife refuges and biological reserves.

In such a small geographical area it is surprising how much there is to see and do. There are activities to suit all travellers and any mood, from action to relaxation. These include surfing, snorkelling and sunbathing, horse riding, hiking and wildlife-spotting, deep sea fishing or river cruises. One can also simply enjoy a soak in the hot springs.

Travellers are also drawn to the country because of the endearing Tico hospitality. Costa Ricans are known for their incredible gregariousness and delightful ability to pamper guests - whether pointing out the right direction or cooking a typical authentic meal, they will be full of smiles and warmth. All this together with easy accessibility and an efficient infrastructure makes Costa Rica the jewel of Central America and a gem of a vacation destination.

By rights Costa Rica - bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south - should, like its Central American neighbours, be war-torn and ravaged by years of economic strife. In short, the last place you'd think of taking a holiday. The truth is, it's quite the opposite. Costa Rica has enjoyed more than 50 years of stable democracy. And by a strange quirk of fate the country has also avoided many of the natural disasters that have wreaked havoc in other parts of the region.

Maybe it's thanks to their good fortune, maybe not, but the Costa Rican character is also particularly friendly. Locals are noticeably warm and generous to tourists, almost without exception.

But peace, stability and its friendly people are not this country's only well-kept secrets. Costa Rica, still relatively unexplored by the European tourist, is home to some of the most amazing wildlife on the planet.

With more than 850 species of birds, a quarter of the world's known butterflies and an unusually varied array of mammals including jaguars, anteaters, armadillos, coatis and four types of monkeys it's hard not to be enchanted by the country's natural beauty.

Costa Rica's geography ranges from tropical rainforests (such as Corcovado National Park) and eerie cloudforests (such as Monteverde and Santa Elena) to mangrove swamps, lush banana plantations, stunning beaches and mountains overlooking mile upon mile of pristine natural scenery.

There are also 60 volcanoes - one of which, Arenal, is among the most active in the world and an experience not to be missed.

Whether it's bathing in a natural pool at the base of a waterfall, cantering along a deserted beach, listening to the mesmerising sounds of the jungle or just lying back and gazing at the brilliantly bright stars in the night sky, Costa Rica will leave you feeling privileged to have come so close to nature at its most unspoilt.