One of the more interesting features of the Peruvian landscape are tiny islets floating on Lake Titicaca, fashioned from reeds, by Los Uros, people who lived in the area even before the Incas arrived. Most of the Los Uros people have moved off the islets, but a community of 200 remains today, still practicing their traditional methods of construction while adapting some aspects of modern technology; Uros use motorboats, watch TV, and have their own radio station.

Travel to see the Uros for yourself on our Legendary Peru  tour.

What’s the most interesting structure you’ve ever used? Please share.

The red-eyed tree frog makes its home in Costa Rica's protected jungles. Photo: Lauren Wentz-Middleton

Costa Rica is growing more popular as a travel destination for it’s beaches, wildlife, and eco-tourism opportunities. Tiny Costa Rica has 5% of Earth’s  biodiversity, but only 0.1% of the world’s land. In fact, there are about 800 different species of birds in Costa Rica. It’s the greenest country in the world, with the number one spot on the Happy Planet Index. One reason for this is that Costa Rica’s government and its people have made environmental stewardship a top priority. In fact, 25% of the country’s land is protected in national parks and conservation areas. 

Our new Costa Rica’s Natural Heritage  tour embraces this environmental spirit by treating travelers to eco-friendly accommodations designed to blend into Costa Rica’s beautiful setting and embrace its native cuisine while making less of an impact on natural resources. Our adventure also includes visits to Poas and Arenal volcanoes and the Monteverde Cloud Forest, a chance to visit with children at a local elementary school, and much, much  more. 

What are you doing to help the environment? Please share.

Tiny Costa Rica  has 5% of Earth’s  biodiversity, but only 0.1% of the world’s land. In fact, fully 25% of Costa Rica’s land is in protected areas, like national parks and conservation areas. With about 800 different species of birds in Costa Rica, it’s a bird-watcher’s paradise and any nature lover’s dream getaway. Start your week right with this video of early morning in Costa Rica, which showcases the incredible beauty of the country’s coastline.

Packed yet? Travel to Costa Rica with Smithsonian Journeys on any of these educational tours.

What’s your favorite way to spend a free morning alone? Please share.

The Violet Sabrewing Hummingbird is one of many bird species found in Costa Rica.

1) Costa Rica has a 97% literacy rate. Children are constitutionally  guaranteed a free education through the 12th grade.

2) It’s the greenest country in the world, with the number one spot on the Happy Planet Index.

3) 25% of Costa Rica’s land is in protected areas, like national parks and conservation areas. Tiny Costa Rica has 5% of Earth’s  biodiversity, but only 0.1% of the world’s land.

4) Ticos (Costa Rican people) often refer to their spouses, or “other half”  as their “media naranja” – the other half of their orange.

5) There are about 800 different species of birds in Costa Rica – every birdwatchers paradise! Click here for more information from the Smithsonian National Zoo on bird friendly coffee.

Now that you know more about the country, why not find out more about traveling there? Smithsonian Journeys offers several adventures in Costa Rica  – including  this unique family adventure. Get ready to hop on that zipline and go!

Question of the day – Why do you want to go to Costa Rica?

Vietnam's Evocative Ha Long Bay - a great place to go in 2010

Where do you want to go in 2010? Here are some of our top 2010 picks…

Relaxing in Japan – with tranquil gardens, quiet temples, and the enlightening possibilities of tea.

Tackling the Amazon – for river dolphins, scarlet macaws, and really poisonous frogs.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda -  one of life’s incomprable adventures.

Cruising in Alaska – for kayaking around icebergs, checking out the humpback whales, and sailing Glacier Bay.

Stargazing in Hawaii - for a possible glimpse of the newly discovered super-Earth, and for the search for the real Pandora.

Wherever the new year may take you, we wish you all the best in 2010. Thanks for reading our blog, and for sharing your stories with us!