Costa Rica Travel Guide by Yahoo Travel

What to do? What to do? Fly through the rain-forest canopy on a zip line? Go white-water rafting? Climb a volcano? Laze on a white-sand beach? Check out colorful marine life while snorkeling? Or try to hook one on a deep-sea fishing excursion?

Costa Rica offers plenty of pleasant choices like these, especially if you're interested in nature and outdoor activities.

That's why so many people have chosen to go there: In the past decade, the number of visitors has quadrupled, and tourism has become a big part of the nation's economy.

Costa Rica is practically synonymous with ecotourism -- travel that incorporates education about the environment and promotes preservation of natural resources. The country has a large number of national parks and nature preserves that boast a rich array of birds, mammals, reptiles and rain-forest plants.

The variety of birds, in particular, is astounding: Some 850 species are packed into a relatively small area. Approximately 25% of the country's land has been set aside in protected areas, earning Costa Rica a reputation as an environmentally sensitive country and leader in ecological conservation. However, nonprotected areas have not fared so well: During the past few decades, Costa Rica has had one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world and is coming to terms with the large resorts being built to serve the growing numbers of travelers.

The country has good conditions for a number of adventure sports, among them surfing, river rafting, hiking and scuba diving. Those who prefer a less strenuous vacation can view more than 50 volcanoes, take boat trips down jungle rivers and float through the treetops in the world's first Rain Forest Aerial Tram.