This dazzling guidebook, written by Central America travel expert Christopher P. Baker, covers all the main cities, towns, and regions of Costa Rica, helping travelers negotiate one of the world's leading destinations for eco-travel. Travel tips for San Jose, Nicoya, and Guanacaste are all fully revised and updated for this latest edition. The book outlines detailed city walks and regional drives, complete with maps and reservation information. Also included are features on geography (life in the lowland rain forest and volcanoes); Costa Rica's diversity of wildlife (butterflies, marine turtles, and snakes); and adventure activities (white-water rafting and sportfishing). This small country is a wildlife lovers' and birders' paradise- there are more than 50 species of hummingbirds native to Costa Rica, and approximately 10 percent of the world's butterflies breed here. The country is surrounded by more than 800 miles of coastline, stretching along the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The only country in Central America with no standing army, Costa Rica enjoys continuing stability after a century of almost uninterrupted democratic government. The National Geographic Traveler guidebooks are aimed at readers who value experiential travel. Each provides inspiring photography, insider tips, and expert advice for a more authentic, enriching experience of the destination at hand. These books serve a readership of active, discerning travelers, supplying information, historical context, and cultural interpretation not available on the Internet.