KE 'Leader of the Year' Joe Bernini explains why you must visit his homeland, Costa Rica.

1. There is more than enough to see, with just the naked eye.

If you enjoy Nature, this trip will be like a dream come true, Costa Rica is home to almost 2.5% of the planet's biodiversity. With two different species of sloths, four species of monkeys, six cat species more than 900 species of birds, about 220 species of reptiles, and more 110 species of bats (12% of the world’s bat species). You will definitely have great odds to observe wildlife in its habitat and many times from a very close distance.

2. You will have a chance to unplug from the day to day and get in contact with Nature.

About 25% of the territory represents National Parks and protected areas, Costa Rica has plenty of options for Nature lovers, from typical cone shaped volcanoes to pristine and secluded beaches that reach the rainforest when the tide is high. You will definitely have the chance to listen carefully to Nature, and if you do; you will understand everything better.

3. The adventure is everywhere!

You can go down world class rapids in the Pacuare River with experienced local river guides that will take you rafting in one of the best and more scenic white water rafting trips you've ever done. Hiking Cerro Chato and admire a different view of the Arenal Volcano after a very technical steep trail, or hike Rincón de la Vieja Volcano and discover beautiful waterfalls hidden in the woods. Surfing in Dominical, stand up paddle, dolphins and whale watching in the tranquil waters of the Golfo Dulce, hiking Corcovado National Park (the most biodiversity intense place on Earth), are just some of the numerous options you can choose from...

4. It is a land of volcanoes.

Volcanoes really are something special. They reveal the impetus of the Earth´s interior, its intimacy and Costa Rica as one of the many countries along the Circum-Pacific Ring of Fire; is blessed with a plethora of volcanoes. With more than 109 volcanoes (not taking in to account the ones under the Ocean) in only 51,100 km2, the names Arenal, Poás and Irazú, the most famous, most active and most visited volcanoes in the country, are mentioned everywhere and had become prolific. However there are a few more not as famous but worthy to visit during your trip, such as Tenorio, Rincón de la Vieja and Barva which are striking hikes in the middle of the Nature.

5. Costa Rica is Pura Vida!

Pura Vida is a Costa Rican Spanish frase, if you translate literally it means Pure Life, however it is way more than that, it reflects the ticos lifestyle. Pura Vida means it’s all good, no worries. And it is quite useful phrase; you can use it as a salutation, as a reply back, as thank you, or as please. If someone asks in Spanish, how are you? You can just reply Pura Vida!

6. Best things in life are wet!

With 212 km of coast line in the Caribbean, 1,016 km in the Pacific and plenty of rivers that run to both, the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica offers a variety of water activities in many different ecosystems from cold white water rafting and fresh water lake kayaking to mangrove kayaking, surfing or open water swimming in year round warm water. One thing is certain, one way or another you will get wet, and you will enjoy it!

7. You have to try Gallo Pinto and our typical food from fresh harvest ingredients…

Gallo Pinto is our typical breakfast, it is white rice and black or red beans mixed together prepared with fresh garlic, onion, sweet pepper, cilantro and Salsa Lizano. But if you think it is a heavy breakfast it does not come alone, sweet plantain, eggs and fresh cheese are on the side, either you requested or not. And that is just for breakfast. If you wonder which our main meal is, I have to say only three, breakfast, lunch and dinner. We love rice and beans; they are always present in our typical cuisine.

8. Ticos are the happiest people of the world.

According to the HPI (Happy Planet Index) ticos are the happiest people on earth. Costa Ricans are known as "ticos" or "ticas" and we are happy, friendly people, it is part of our idiosyncrasy, something not hard to understand once you landed and admire the beauty of the country and what is has to offer. You will have the chance to interact with the local culture and understand the “Pura Vida” life style.

>> Learn more about travel in Costa Rica