In spite of its small size, Costa Rica features greater biodiversity than Europe or North America. This is due to a number of factors, including the country's location between North and South America, enabling plants and animals from both continents and the Caribbean islands to establish themselves there, and the nation's ecological policy, which has protected a significant percentage of its natural territory.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is located in Puntarenas Province, and is one of the most popular areas for wildlife viewing in the country. Mist shrouded trees laden with vines and mosses stretch into a thick forest canopy covering thousands of acres, perpetually blanketed by clouds. The area is home to more than 100 species of mammals, 120 species of reptiles and amphibians, and over 2500 species of plants. Flower lovers will find over 420 different kinds of orchids, and exotic creatures roam the lush forest, including jaguars, pumas, monkeys, ocelots, and the rare resplendent quetzal.

One of the best ways to really explore the forest is to take a skywalk or canopy tour, where visitors can view the forest and its inhabitants from a series of bridges and cables that offer a bird's eye view of the reserve below. This activity is not for the weak at heart, but is well worth it, and definitely an experience to remember. A bird lover's paradise, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a wonderful place for bird watching, especially between the months of February and May, when many birds nest and migrate to the reserve. Home of the ornate quetzals, plus a number of hummingbird species, early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to see these beautiful creatures. The quetzal is one of the most prized species for bird watchers who come to Costa Rica, with tail plumes up to 24 inches long. The bird's coloring is truly amazing, a vivid green that bursts into flame in direct sunlight, changing from emerald, to golden, to iridescent green.

Of course Monteverde is not the only place in Costa Rica to experience the wonders of the wild. The country is blessed with numerous national parks, wildlife reserves, and protected areas, all very welcoming to visitors and full of incredible wildlife. Tortuguero National Park is located 82 km west of Puerto Limon, and has many coastal beaches for nesting turtles, and is a great place to spot manatees. Canals through the rain forest support vast numbers of birds and butterflies, and monkeys, sloths, anteaters, and over 60 species of amphibians can be seen here.

Just slightly to the north, Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge lies between Tortuguero and the Nicaraguan border, and covers over 92,000 hectares. Largely formed by the San Juan River, the refuge is home to a wide range of birds, monkeys and sloths, and offers excellent sport-fishing.

Across to the west, 36 km north of Liberia, is Guanacaste National Park. The park was created in 1989 to connect neighboring Santa Rosa National Park with the high elevation cloud forest of the Orosi and Cacao volcanoes, and across the continental divide to the Caribbean rainforest of Northern Costa Rica. The hope is that together these two parks protect enough land to ensure sufficiently large habitats for wide-ranging species such as jaguars and mountain lions, while simultaneously creating a biological corridor for birds and insects to make local seasonal migrations between the dry forest and the evergreen cloud and rain forests. Visitors can see over 300 different bird species, 5000 types of butterflies and moths, and 3000 species of epiphytes, and take advantage of three biological stations that offer trails.

Meanwhile Corcovado National Park is located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, on the southwest side of the Osa Peninsula. Corcovado is the last significant virgin rain forest in Central America, and is home to a wide range of endangered species such as the jaguar, tapir, poison dart frogs and puma. It also boasts a magnificent collection of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and butterflies.

For any nature lover fortunate enough to visit Costa Rica, there is a huge variety of animal and plant life to be found within each and every national park, wildlife refuge or protected area. Regardless of the region, visitors will be amazed and delighted with the staggering variety of incredible wildlife that can be photographed and appreciated. Viewing wildlife is such a large part of Costa Rica's appeal, that it can either be incorporated into a beach or family vacation, or enjoyed independently. Either way, this fascinating aspect of the country of Costa Rica should not be missed.

Ellie Cominos is a travel expert and a content associate and travel guide writer for BookIt.com - the online travel company offering discounted hotels and vacations wherever you are FROM! Visit the BookIt.com Travel Guides for additional travel information including articles, reviews and helpful travel tips.

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