Growing Vacation Rental Market Encourages Ecotourism in Costa Rica and Lures Eighty Percent of Visitors with Pura Vida

San Jose, Costa Rica (PRWeb) February 8, 2007 -- A recent survey conducted by Costa Rican Vacations revealed that more than eighty percent of their clients visit Costa Rica to get closer to nature and appreciate pura vida. "Pura Vida" is Costa Rica's country motto, meaning pure life. The growing vacation market in Costa Rica encourages ecotourism and enables tourists to encounter wildlife in its natural habitat for a truly unique, environmentally-friendly travel experience.

Ecotourism, which actually means ecological tourism, was developed in the 1980's and has grown in popularity since the United Nations celebrated the "International Year of Ecotourism" in 2002. The International Ecotourism Society formally defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." Ecotourism gives travelers the opportunity to appreciate exotic wildlife found in various ecosystems without disrupting the balance of nature. Such tourism increases international understanding of different cultures and countries while building the economy of those nations. At the Third International Conference of Ecotourism in November, 2006, Costa Rica was recognized as one of the world leaders in ecotourism.

The name Costa Rica means "rich coast" and the country lives up to its title. There are over 850 species of birds, 13,000 plant species, 209 mammal species, 220 reptile species, 163 reptile species and 365,000 arthropod species found in Costa Rica today. Travelers can explore wetlands, aquatic habitats, dry forests, rain forests, mangroves and mountains to see monkeys, crocodiles and toucans up close. A Costa Rica vacation rental nestled in any of these beautiful locations can be easily found by browsing online. Casey Halloran of Costa Rican Vacations states, "We have a full website with great photographs of Costa Rica. We have images of all our hotel partners and tours. We continue to improve our customer satisfaction by offering top quality vacations. Our highly trained team of travel experts are here in Costa Rica to help you plan your adventure. We arrange your perfect Costa Rica travel experience and tailor every vacation package to fit you like a fine suit. We even meet you at the airport and are on call during your stay to deliver first class service. Our goal is to provide you a comfortable and memorable vacation in this paradise we call home."

Costa Rica is home to 26 national parks and 8 natural reserves. When all national parks, wildlife refuges, biological reserves, forest reserves and other protected areas are considered, more than 27 percent of Costa Rica's natural habitat is protected by the government. Because there is such a wonderful opportunity to appreciate nature in its raw form in Costa Rica, the State Department reports that the number of tourists visiting has increased by at least 6 percent annually over the past several years. Despite an increasing number of visitors to the country each year, Costa Rica travel remains environmentally sensitive. Martha Honey, a former resident of Costa Rica and the author of Ecotourism and Sustainable Development: Who Owns Paradise, says that, "They do ecotourism very well in Costa Rica."

Costa Rica ecotourism vacations are the perfect choice for many Americans looking to escape the harried pace of everyday life and feel the relaxing pleasure of coastal paradise. Whether savvy travelers are looking for the adventure of a lifetime or a romantic Costa Rica honeymoon, the wonder of nature, scintillating culture and lovely tropical beaches are delightful. More than one million Americans are expected to visit Costa Rica next year because it is highly regarded, attainable and rewarding.

Leisure is only a few mouse clicks away for hard-working vacationers who want treat themselves to an indulgent vacation in enchanting Costa Rica. To join the eighty percent of people looking to experience nature up close, go online to www.vacationscostarica.com to plan a luxurious, customized Costa Rican vacation today.

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