Know any interesting things about Costa Rica? Costa Rica is known for its large rainforests, waterfalls, and mountains, as well as its howler monkeys and chattering toucans, but there are so many more things to find. We’ve found 10+ interesting things about Costa Rica that will put it at the top of your list of places to visit.

1- Happiest Countries in the World

In 2012, Costa Rica was the happiest country in the world, according to the Happy Planet Index. This ranking is based on a lot of things, including the fact that the government spends money on education, health care, and benefits that it would have spent on an army (which was done away with in 1949). It’s no longer number one, but it’s still a place where people are happy and smile a lot.

2- More than 5,00,000 Species of Wildlife

Costa Rica is the most biologically diverse country in the world. It is home to over 500,000 kinds of animals, many of which are rare or threatened with extinction. Trafalgar takes you to national parks and volcanic sites where you can see these animals in their native habitats.

3- 900 of the 500,000 Species are Birds

If watching birds is one of your favorite things to do, you should go to Costa Rica because it has so many different kinds of birds. We’ll take you on a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, which is home to 184 different kinds, with Trafalgar.

4- Gallo Pinto is a Breakfast Staple

You should trade your bacon and eggs for gallo pinto when you’re in Costa Rica. The name means “spotted rooster,” but it actually refers to a delicious breakfast meal made of rice and black beans.

5- Over 200 volcanos in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is part of the Pacific Ring Fire Circle and has more than 200 volcanoes that date back more than 65 million years. About 100 of these formations actually show signs of action, but only five are considered to be active.

We’ll take you from Trafalgar to Arenal Volcano, which was still erupting as late as 2010. On a guided tour, you’ll be able to walk through recent lava flows or boats on Arenal Lake to get a unique view of the site.

6- Costa Ricans Can Expect to Live a Long Time

The average life expectancy in Costa Rica is 80 years, which makes us wonder if a slow-paced, relaxed way of life surrounded by nature is the trick to living longer.

7- They Have a Place Where Millions of Turtles Can Live Safely

Millions of turtles nest in the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, which is a safe place for them. It was set up in 1984 to stop people from stealing turtle eggs, and it’s the only place in the world where it’s allowed to take turtle eggs.

If you like animals, go to Costa Rica with Trafalgar between July and September. At Tortuguero National Park, you can watch sea turtles lay eggs on the beach.

8- 25% of the Land is Set Aside for Nature

Costa Rica is a great place to see how beautiful nature is. It has 12 biological zones and more than 100 national parks, reserves, refuges, and protected lands. The country is committed to protecting and keeping its eco-diversity and is on its way to becoming the first carbon-neutral country in the world.

9- Every Morning, the National Song Plays on the Radio

Did you know that every morning, the country wakes up to the national anthem? Most of the big radio stations play the 11- anthem every morning at 7 a.m.

10- It’s Nature’s Playground

There are a lot of exciting things to do outside, like fishing, white water rafting, and ziplining. Costa Rica is known for having some of the best waves for surfing in the world, and the rainforests are perfect for treetop trekking experiences.

11- Pura Vida Isn’t Just a Word; It’s a Way of Life

Pura vida, which means “pure life,” is not only a popular way to say hello but also a way to feel. Pura vida describes how laid-back, friendly, and open Costa Ricans are.

Did we miss any fun facts about Costa Rica? Share them with us in the comments, and save the website for more interesting posts like this.