Costa Rica is very easy to reach by direct flights from most European countries. The distances to the various locations I have visited are rather small, however because of heavy traffic it takes time to travel around.  Tourism is very important for Costa Rica and for years the country has been discovered by Americans who are frequent visitors and many consider Costa Rica as a perfect place to retire. Both, Caribbean and Pacific coasts are popular by sun and beach lovers. The inland however is completely different. It is mountainous and covered with rain and cloud forests and has a completey different climate. It also has rivers, marshes, swamps and subalpine paramo.This makes Costa Rica so rich in plants and animals. More than 850 different birds can be found. Before visiting Costa Rica I thought of a sunny tropical country. Which is true as far as it coastliness concerns, but more inland it can be cool and often rainy, depending on the time of the year.I assume, what happened to me will happen to many others on their first visit to Costa Rica. I did not pack the the right type of cloth. The people of Costa Rica are very friendly and helpful and I really had a marvellous time. Photography of birds in the dense forests can be difficult, but really challenging.  .The scenery is stunning and sure to add an extra ingredient to make this special holiday one to remember!