San Diego County News recently embarked upon an adventure to the country of Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a small Central American nation, with a population of 5.094 million, that shelters six percent of the world’s biodiversity. Tourists can expect to see gorgeous orchids, colorful birds and butterflies, howler monkeys, and even the elusive margay, a spotted nocturnal cat that lives in the rainforest. In addition to natural beauty, there is a lot to love about a place that has not had an army since 1949. Costa Rica’s Ticos (as locals are called) have managed to avoid the conflicts that have devastated neighboring nations.