Costa Rica is now Central America's top tourism destination, luring more than one million visitors in 1999, who spent nearly $1-billion (U.S.). They are drawn by the tiny country's natural beauty, the long list of activities and Costa Rica's reputation as a peaceful, relatively safe and prosperous oasis in the midst of a region marred by poverty, civil war and unstable governments. The country was a pioneer of eco-tourism in the 1980s, turning its lush landscape of rumbling volcanoes, high cloud forests, rushing mountain streams, vibrant rainforests and gorgeous deserted beaches into a nature-lover's paradise. During the past decade, action has been added to the mix.

Visitors can raft through raging whitewater streams, mountain bike through dense forests, kayak along unspoiled beaches, windsurf on a stunning lake in the shadow of a smoking volcano, explore the azure Caribbean in scuba gear, horseback ride through the rainforest or surf some of the world's best waves. For more tranquil souls, there are small boat cruises along the Pacific coast, butterfly farms, orchid farms, teak reserves, bird- and nature-watching tours, hikes along the rim of a volcano and canopy tours high in the rainforest. But don't think you have to be an adventure junkie or an eco-tourist to enjoy a trip to Costa Rica. New hotels are cropping up every year and there's lots of traditional vacation fare, including deserted beaches perfect for meandering, new golf courses, and casinos and discos offering plenty of night-time action.