in its own peaceful existence, Costa Rica is an earthly jewel unlike any other. A string of volcanoes and the Andes-Sierra Madre range carve a rugged backbone between the Pacific and Caribbean shores. Protected preserves cover more than a fourth of the country. At the essence of Costa Rica is “Pura Vida,” pure life, an infectious love of the land and a passion for living that can be experienced nowhere but here.

Universally regarded for its ecological sensitivity, Costa Rica is a rare and diverse kingdom where nature still reigns supreme. This place that represents only .01% of the earth’s landmass is home to 5% of its wildlife. Picture 2,000 species of moths and butterflies, 850 varieties of birds, 205 species of mammals and more than 10,000 species of plant life, all setting up camp within the tiny bounds of a country no bigger than the state of West Virginia.

Among Peninsula Papagayo's abundant territory along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, an incredible 70% will remain open space. Beyond the next bend, there is always another surprise, another view to lure blissful explorers on. Rarely a soul in sight, there is only the symphony of native birds. Here, an iridescent blue morphos butterfly: one of 400 species who call Peninsula Papagayo home. There, the acrobatic squirrel monkey and elusive mono congo (howler monkey), some of Papagayo’s most popular inhabitants. And everywhere is the Costa Rica tropical forest: exotic and enchanted, a sprawling preserve for some of the world’s most unusual living things. A thousand shades of green turn to liquid amber for the annual “gold season.” Even Mother Nature couldn’t help but linger here.

Those who come to Peninsula Papagayo’s gentle shores, whether for a few days or for a lifetime, must share a commitment to tread lightly, to be good stewards of land and nature. In doing so, Residents and guests become a part of this transcendent place. Yet the real beauty is how it becomes
a part of them.