Travel, as in Costa Rica tourism, is one of the prime industries. And for good reason, Costa Rica is synonymous with paradise. A small stretch of land located between the Pacific and Atlantic coast in Central America, Costa Rica is stunning. Part of the reason that travel and tourism in Costa Rica is so remarkable is because of how small the country is and how much diversity it offers.

If you decide to travel to Costa Rica, travelers will find a rich variety of plants and animals, along with a great diversity in scenery and terrain.

Many visitors travel to Costa Rica for the beaches, but there are numerous other travel and tourism options. The list of things to do in Costa Rica is substantial and includes:

• Cost Rican national parks
• Ecotourism
• Surfing
• Fishing
• White water rafting
• Scuba diving
• Golfing
• Wildlife viewing
• Hiking
• Bird watching
• Learning Spanish
• Volunteering
• Scenic drives
• Visiting volcanoes
• Visiting a spa

Find a more comprehensive list of travel and tourism sights in Costa Rica ordered by geographic location or look through a list of Costa Rican attractions listed by activity type.

Costa Rica tourism services are affected that the fact that Costa Rica is a country that belongs to the developing nations. If you choose to travel to Costa Rica, it is a good idea to be prepared for some differences in travel and tourism services.

If you choose to do a road trip, it is important to note that the roads are not in great condition. Costa Rica has an extensive rainy season and along with the rainy season, the country's infrastructure is not built in the same way as in developed nations. As a result, the roads can quickly turn to sand and rubble and have numerous pot holes. You may need a 4WD but you will definitely need patience, if you choose to travel with a vehicle.

Costa Rica tourism services can differ from western nations in sectors such as accommodation and restaurants. You might see a one or two star rating in your travel guide and use your experience from home as a point of reference. Typically, the hotel star rating is a little more generous in Costa Rica than in western nations. If you have a specific level of comfort that you desire, it is important to note this and be sure to book at a slightly higher rating level than you would at home.

If you do not want to drive while in Costa Rica, consider taking a shuttle bus or flying. Again, patience is required, as delays can happen because of weather or traffic.

Costa Rican tourism operators are available for almost every type of activity. The competition for travel and tourism business can be fierce. Do some homework before looking for an operator. Ask at the local tourism office for a recommended tour or consult your Costa Rican travel guide. You might ask other fellow travelers about their experience and get a recommendation.

I find tripadvisor to be invaluable for determining if there is a problem with a travel or tourism service. If you do not have time to research before leaving home, take a minute at a local Internet cafe in Costa Rica and look up some of the names of the tourism operators before putting your money down. I simply typed in the operator's name, tripadvisor and Costa Rica into the search engine and for most travel and tourism services that were reasonably well established, something turned up at tripadvisor.

For the most part, traveling to Costa Rica is enjoyable and relatively hassle free. The local Costa Ricans, called Ticos, are friendly and polite. The Costa Rican scenery and activities are fabulous and with a little preparation, your travels will be perfect!