Costa Rica has long been known not only as the most peaceful nation in Central America—it has no military—but as the most eco-friendly as well. As the world’s second most sought-after eco-destination after the Amazon, its diverse environment offers rainforests, volcanic mountains, plains and powdery beaches.

Costa Rica (the “rich coast”) is home to five percent of the world’s biodiversity, with 12 climate zones and close to 27 weather patterns. Its abundant wildlife includes 850 species of birds and 220 species of reptiles, plus many other rare species. There are flowers and plants in Costa Rica not found anywhere else.

To celebrate all this, EcoGroupCosta Rica has organized an event August 13–20 called EcoWeek Costa Rica, with assorted activities throughout its seven provinces. Trips have been designed highlighting the best of the country at special prices, and agents will receive top commission when selling any EcoWeek package.

Kicking off the event will be Green Living Fair at the Pedregal Events Center in San Jose, with everything from green products, organic food, coffee and cocoa, to eco-resorts and adventure tours. Other attractions will be the Children’s Eco and Recycle Art Display, medical tourism presentations, and a showcase of wellness, spa and beauty facilities as well as green communities featuring developers and homebuilders in green certified construction. San Jose will also host the country’s first State of the Oceans Summit, sponsored by the Ocean Realm Society and Rainforest Alliance.

In the area of La Fortuna, home to the famous and active Arenal volcano, there will be yoga and meditation, wellness and alternative medicines activities, as well as spa, hot springs and mud bath programs.

The southern Pacific town of Uvita will see a Rainforest Alliance and National Geographic Snorkeler-sponsored ECOsta Rica Kids program—with fun like snorkeling, canopy tours and zip lining, while learning about the nation’s biodiversity.

The Guanacaste area, known worldwide for a hundred miles of majestic Pacific Ocean vistas, will host a variety of activities. National Geographic Snorkeler, Canopy and Zip Line Tours will sponsor a Snorkel Treasure Hunt, Dixon Golf and Hacienda Pinilla a Green Golf Tournament, and the first-ever EcoPhoto Challenge, sponsored by EcoGuides and Dive PhotoGuide, will give away a nationwide EcoTour and winning photograph in EcoGuide Costa Rica and Dive Photo Guide.

EcoWeek Costa Rica, www.ecoweekcostarica.com