Friendly, peaceful and progressive, "the Rich Coast" is one of the world's top eco-tourism destinations. With almost a quarter of the country either a national park or a protected area, opportunities to explore natural wonders are abundant. See big cats in Corcovado National Park, monkeys and turtles in Tortuguero or oodles of orchids in Monteverde Cloud Forest. Central America's most visited nation also offers great surfing, amazing beaches at Tamarindo and the spectacularly active Arenal volcano.