COSTA RICA
Pura Vida

Costa Rica rose from the sea fifty million years ago and has been a biological, cultural and geologic crossroads since that time.  Situated along the narrowest portion of the Central American isthmus connecting North and South America, it also separates the Pacific from the Caribbean Sea.  Creatures from the north and south used this passage as a migratory path and common mating ground. Geologically, Costa Rica overlies the collision of the Pacific Cocos Plate to the West and the Caribbean Plate to the East.  The Cocos Plate steadily moves toward the West at about four inches per year causing the Caribbean Plate to slide underneath (subduction).  The friction caused by the movement of these two massive plates has resulted in one of the most active volcanic areas in the world and in past eons has left its' signature in the form of an active volcanic mountain chain forming the north-south spine of Costa Rica and separating the Pacific and Caribbean regions.  

 All these factors have resulted in a land of incredible biodiversity, beauty and dramatic volcanic activity. Contributing only .01% of the total land area of the earth, Costa Rica is home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity.  There are over 500 species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles, 850 species of birds, 800 species of butterflies and more than 10,000 different species of plants.

 We have taken nine trips to Costa Rica in the last three years and are looking forward to many more in the future.  Our favorite area is the region around the Arenal volcano (yep, that's the one in the background on this page) as it offers such a wonderful variety of photographic opportunities spiced with the chance for hot lava shows at night.  

You will find eight slideshows from all around Costa Rica at the SlideShow Page.

If you love "Longfellows", don't miss the All Costa Rica, All Snakes show at Slytherin

Please visit our Wallpaper Page where we offer hundreds of critter images that can be downloaded for printing or used as desktop wallpaper.

If you are tired of the old flying Bill Gates Logos try one of our new "CritterSaver" screensavers.

By the way, the expression "Pura Vida" is a little difficult to translate properly, but after just a few days amongst the beautiful scenery, amazing critters and warm and friendly people, you will begin to understand what it truly means.  A Dios for now!