Ecotourism pioneer, lush home of tropical rainforests, phenomenal biodiversity, incomparable volcanic vistas and pristine Pacific and Caribbean shores, Costa Rica has become a supreme travel destination. A veritable tourism dynamo in a matter of decades, the complete transformation of the country from wild backwater to hospitable nature preserve, with one-fourth of the country under protection, has been a wonderful lesson for the rest of Central America and indeed, the world.

For exotic flora, wildlife, forest canopy tours and watersports, Costa Rica is without peer. Far more than a generic all-inclusive beach destination, unlike the vast majority of the region, the country of national parks and biological reserves offers endless appeal beyond the usual sand and surf. Here then, are the top 7 natural wonders of Costa Rica, as determined by citizens of the nation in a 2007 newspaper poll.

7. Monteverde Reserve

The sheer beauty of some world wonders are often inversely proportionate to their ease of access. Certainly, that is the case with the cloud forests of Monteverde. About 70,000 people visit the private nature reserve set up in 1972 to walk dense trails replete with wild orchids, migratory birds, marsupials, felines, wild pigs, deer and tapir. Intrepid visitors to the region can camp in the park, although reservations book fast.

6. Po?s Volcano

A vast world record stratovolcano with two crater lakes, constant geyser eruptions and exotic cloud forest birds. Sounds like a natural wonder indeed. Po?s Volcano is simply without parallel in the world and as such, is a frequent and ongoing subject of study with the international scientific community. It also makes one unforgettable side trip if you happen to be in Costa Rica on vacation.

5. Tortuguero Canals

Another elusive but terrific wonder in Costa Rica, Tortuguero National Park is reachable only by air and sea. Despite that, only two other parks receive more visitors. The reason is fairly simple to decipher. The canals, or lagoon and swamp habitats of Tortuguero close to the Caribbean coast, provide a precious home to a wide variety of incredible wildlife. Manatees, caimans, howler monkeys, sloths, lizards, toucans and much, much, much more just happen to be everywhere.

4. Light Blue River

Set deep within Tenorio Volcano National Park, amid four active peaks and two craters, the magical Rio Celeste, or Light Blue River, is a special sight to behold. The river shines a deep azure as a result of sulphur and calcium carbonate rain from the volcanic mountains. A network of thermal waters, falls and geysers draw many visitors to the park every year as well.

3. Chirripo Mountain

With an altitude of 3,820 metres, Chirripo Mountain is the top of the world in Costa Rica. No surprise, the peak is within a national park of the same name. The phenomenal height of the summit provides Chirripo with a veritable sky island climate and ecosystem. As a result, the mountain is home to a great array of endemic plant and animal life, despite damage done by recent forest fires.

2. Arenal Volcano

Arenal is the most active volcano in a country full of them and as a result, has a special place in the hearts and minds of native Costa Ricans. Known to be testy, eruptions as recently as 1968 killed 87 people and affected over 200 square kilometres of land. Still, with great danger comes great beauty and Arenal, along with Lake Arenal, are prime tourist attractions as a result.

1. Cocos Island,/a>hotel rates in spectacular Costa Rica.

The only UNESCO World Heritage Site on the list, Cocos Island National Park is not a slam dunk to reach but again, rewards those who can afford the trip with delicate and indelible beauty. More than 500 kilometres off the Pacific coast of mainland Costa Rica, the singularly exotic nature of the island’s ecology and climate makes it dissimilar from any other in the world. A prodigious array of endemic flora, marine and land fauna, incredible for such a small tract of land, draws scores of ecotourists and unfortunately, poachers as well.

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