'Due to the mountainous terrain in Costa Rica's tropical environment, cloud forests like Monteverde are covered in moisture-rich fog, giving life to a diverse range of plants. This red suspension bridge allows you to explore the canopy 300 feet above the ground.' (Matthew Karsten)

With its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, Costa Rica has taken a prominent —and sometimes, permanent — place in many travelers' to-visit list. The Central American nation's natural beauty and richness is one of the reasons traveler and photographer Matthew Karsten has returned to Costa Rica numerous times over the years.

Karsten, who writes about his travels and shares tips and advice on his website Expert Vagabond, traveled to Costa Rica this past December, and visited some of its most beautiful destinations,Tortuguero National Park, the Piedras Blancas rainforest, andArenal Volcano. On a previous journey he spent a whole month exploring many different parts of the country, includingMonteverde Cloud Forest, Volcano Tenorio National Park, and his personal favorite, Corcovado National Park.

"The sheer diversity and amount of wildlife you find in Costa Rica is a bit overwhelming," Karsten told Weather.com. "It seemed everywhere I turned there were new animals I'd never seen in the wild before. From giant crocodiles and funny-looking tapirs to colorful dart frogs and poisonous snakes."

But Karsten's favorite feature about Costa Rica is the diverse landscapes that make up such a small country. "You can be exploring a rainforest one day, surfing ocean waves the next, and then climb an 11,000 foot volcano above the clouds after that."

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Known as one of the most bio-diverse regions in the planet, Costa Rica is also considered the birthplace of eco-tourism. Many travelers to the country and the region are thus encouraged to promote environmentally responsible travel.

"One important step is to choose accommodation that has minimal impact on the area:hotels and guesthouses that use renewable energy sources, grow their own food (or source it locally), recycle waste and waste water, and strive for a small ecological footprint," said Karsten. "Costa Rica's Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program is an excellent way to determine which businesses are doing the most."

For the more adventurous,Karsten recommends ahomestay with a local family, which will usually create less impact than staying at a resort. "Not to mention the incredible experience you'll have learning from someone who lives there," added Karsten.

View the slideshow above for Karsten's photos of the landscapes and wildlife of Costa Rica.

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