Eco-touring is the latest buzz word in vacation themes and travel agent Angie Foggo of The Travel Planners Ltd. puts magical Costa Rica at the top.

Given the name of Costa Rica, meaning `rich coast' , by Christopher Columbus in 1502, this republic in Central America, turned out to be far less valuable than he had imagined in terms of gold and silver.

Mrs. Foggo said: "The real riches described in the travel brochure are: breathtaking nature, unparalleled adventure, relaxing beaches, tropical jungles and rain forests filled with thousands of living species.'' Physically active tourists are seeking vacations which offer adventure and education along with the comforts of accommodation in remote, unspoiled places.

Costa Rica offers this with a diverse habitat harbouring some of the world's richest flora and fauna and its biodiversity attracts nature lovers from around the world.

"Costa Rica is great value for travel dollars at $615 from Bermuda. American Airlines offers a great deal and most people book for seven to ten days. Most flights are direct from New York and Bermudians can get there in one day,'' advised Mrs. Foggo.

Split in half by a volcanic mountain chain, the Costa Rican landscape varies dramatically from picturesque highlands to coastal lowlands.

Between the Caribbean and Pacific shorelines it ranges between 100 and 150 miles in width with an area of 19,575 square miles.

"You can enjoy eco-adventure sports, experience some of the wildest, most forested and unexplored regions of the country and observe an abundance of wildlife.

"You will be with expert bilingual naturalist guides. After trekking all day you can relax with a fine meal and all the comforts of home in the evening,'' she advised.

There are several tours to choose from and one of the most appealing is the Pacific Eco-Safari .

Day 1 Begin journey by heading toward Carara Biological Reserve on the Pacific Coast.

Day 2 Hike through private tropical reserve bordering Carara Biological Reserve.

Day 3 Explore Manuel Antonion National Park and relax on the beach in late afternoon.

Day 4 Ferry-boat across the Nicoya Peninsula, tour historic town of Santa Cruz.

Day 5 Free day to experience tide pools and beautiful beaches. Seasonal turtle watching (November through March).

Day 6 Travel to EcoLodge in Lake Sarenal area and through the cloud forest reserve.

Day 7 Horseback-ride around Lake Coter, visit the Arenal Volcano and enjoy a swim in the natural hot springs.

Day 8 Return to the country's capital, San Jose.

"American's Costa Rica Lifestyle packages will give you a taste of local flavour that lets you experience the Costa Rican culture. Local guides will take you to discover areas only natives know,'' Mrs. Foggo explained.

She said that one of the most exotic regions in the world, Tortuguero National Park , is made up of natural canals that serve as waterway exploration.

The Canal Safari lets you see birds, monkeys, alligators, toucan, turtles and other animals. You can get a comfortable cabin at the Mawamba Lodge.

You may contact Mrs. Foggo for more information by calling: 441-296-2222 or fax: 292-2267.

Angie Foggo, travel agent.

The flora of Costa Rica is very exotic and beautiful.

TRAVEL TVL