The reason why Costa Rica leaves such a lasting impression on almost all people who visit there is due to its uniqueness. Although the landmass that makes up this Central American country is smaller than many other countries around the globe, it is large when viewed through the lens of the popular imagination. Most people associate Costa Rica with three things; rainforests, beaches, and wildlife. For good reason. Official tourism brochures indicate that Costa Rica has the highest percentage of biological diversity in the world, claiming that it contains as high as six percent of the worlds total species. Because so much of the country has been preserved, Costa Rica has maintained some of the largest unspoiled forests, coast lines, and wildlife habitats anywhere in the world giving travelers a chance to experience the vibrancy of the area and feel a great deal of "life" in the area.

Much of Costa Rica's allure comes from the fact that the country offers a wide range of travel experiences. Travelers visiting during their first trip can find themselves hiking through a cloud forest to climbing a volcano to riding waves on a Pacific beach to relaxing on a quiet Caribbean shore. From one end of the country to the other, the different landscapes are vastly different and seem to have their own unique rhythms. Cloud forests exist in the higher elevation areas of Monteverde, providing lush vegetation and abundant wildlife. On the other hand, coastal towns attract visitors seeking warm weather, fishing opportunities and lazy days spent swimming or lounging on the beach. Beyond the realm of tourism, Costa Rica's geography has created a powerful national identity centered around nature, outdoor activities and a respect for the environment as opposed to treating it like a non-essential commodity.

Additionally, Costa Rica stands apart from many other nations based upon historical and political factors. In 1948, following a civil war, President José Figueres Ferrer abolished Costa Rica's standing army which remains one of the country's most iconic achievements. This decision had a profound impact on defining Costa Rica's modern day identity and continues to be referenced today as an example of its distinctiveness within the region. As such, over time Costa Rica gained international recognition for being relatively stable politically, having strong public institutions compared to much of Central America and investing heavily into education, community participation, and long term growth. Of course, no country is immune to problems, however Costa Rica has historically been perceived as an example of what can occur when a government chooses to invest in its citizens versus simply focusing on short term gains.

A third factor contributing significantly to Costa Rica's attraction is its environmentally conscious policies. According to the World Bank, Costa Rica was the first tropical country to successfully reverse deforestation trends. Since the latter half of the 20th century, Costa Rican forests have increased substantially. This transformation did not occur by accident. Rather, it occurred as a result of deliberate policy decisions regarding preservation of natural resources made by local governments and individuals, combined with growing awareness among residents that preserving natural assets would benefit both ecosystems and local communities alike. Consequently, Costa Rica is commonly regarded as an exemplar for establishing sustainable relationships between conservation practices and economic development (particularly through ecotourism). Nature is not merely scenic beauty in Costa Rica. Rather, nature serves as an integral component of Costa Rica's overall economy and contributes to every-day life and self-perception throughout the country.

Lastly, there exists an inherent charm attributed to the culture associated with Costa Rica. Many tourists arrive and become familiar with the phrase "pura vida," which translates literally into English as pure life. However, "pura vida" means variously as hello, farewell, everything is okay, etc...or as a general feeling of contentment towards life. At first glance, it sounds similar to an advertising slogan. Nevertheless, it represents something genuine in regards to how Costa Rica presents itself and how travelers perceive it. Costa Rica is attractive not only due to its natural beauty; it attracts attention primarily because it embodies a lifestyle that feels more down-to-earth. Ultimately, Costa Rica is comprised of natural abundance, civic values, and cultural perspective that contribute to creating a country larger than its physical boundaries.