Surrounded by angry neighbors, Costa Rica chooses national parks, wildlife preservation, free health and no-cost education through college. Oars up for these rafters on a quiet stretch of the Pacuare River, a classic pool-and-drop stream. ©Steve Haggerty/ColorWorld. TURRIALBA, Costa Rica – It was 6:01 a.m. when we heard them barking, insistent “huh-huh-huh-huhs” rising above the rain forest canopy. After a …

I’ve been reveling in the warmth of my recent trip to Costa Rica, and not just because of the heat and humidity. This alluring Central American nation of five million Ticos (citizens), roughly the size of West Virginia, consists of just .03% of the earth’s landmass, but is home to 5% of its biodiversity.