by V.Carl Krumm
Costa Rica is a small Central American country bordering the countries of Nicaragua and Panama. It is often considered to be a tropical paradise. In 1502, Christopher Columbus landed along its Caribbean coast and was so mesmerized he named the place ‘Costa Rica’, the ‘Rich Coast.’
Costa Rica is a stable democracy and, along with Switzerland, only one of two countries in the world without a military. With two international airports and an ever-growing tourism infrastructure, it is a great place for tourists to visit. There are many things to do and see and the country is particularly famous for its flora and fauna.
The world-wide economic downturn has proven challenging to Costa Rica tourism, which has been struggling. However, every challenge presents an opportunity and if you are thinking of a vacation, now may be exactly the time to travel Costa Rica. Airfares are cheap and there are some great travel and accommodation bargains. Indeed, the Costa Rica Institute of Tourism (ICT) has put together a website with discount coupons. Simply Google ‘visitcostarica.com/crplus’ to check it out.
Costa Rica is particularly famous for the wildlife. Did you know that tiny Costa Rica, only about the size of little West Virginia, has more species of butterflies than in all of the countries on the African continent combined? There are nearly as many different kinds of birds in Costa Rica as in the entire continental United States (and only about 100 fewer species than the entire continent of Europe). The diversity is simply staggering. Nearly one of every five species of plant and animal on the face of the planet is found in Costa Rica! You are going to find fascinating tropical rainforests or spectacular cloud forests and beautiful rugged coastlines along two tropical oceans. And, as small as it is, Costa Rica has set aside nearly 25% of the country for protected national park and wildlife sanctuaries.
You will also find some the world’s most famous volcanoes here. Arenal Volcano is a tourist hotspot, with resorts built around hot springs where you can loll in luxury, drink a margarita, and perhaps watch the fabulous eruptions of this volcano. There is also Irazu, just outside San Jose. Here, on the day in 1963 that John F. Kennedy visited Costa Rica, a monstruous eruption greeted the President—I like to think of it as a salute. And, only here on a clear day can you drive to the top of its summit, look into its crater, then look west and see the Pacific Ocean, or look east and see the Atlantic ocean. Or, look at both of them at the same time! This ain’t Dubuque!
Do not forget Costa Rica’s Seven Wonders, chosen by Ticos themselves. Two great volcanoes: mighty Arenal Volcano and spectacular Poas Volcano near to San Jose International. World famous for its ecotourism is Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve with its great plant and animal diversity—including its spectacular orchids! Hop a boat for a get-away to magnificent Cocos Island (300 miles off the coast), described as the “most beautiful island in the world” by Jacques Cousteau, a famous pirate island with millions of dollars of still-missing buried treasure, and the best large animal diving anywhere. The tallest mountain in Central America is called Mount Chirripo where you will hike from tropical forests to glacial lakes. Unknown to most folks is the Rio Celeste (Celestial River) where the river changes, literally almost magically, from crystal clear to sky-blue in front of your eyes. And, for real nature lovers, there is remote Tortuguero National Park along the Caribbean coast, the world’s largest protected area for green sea turtles and the waters teeming with great sportfish.
Costa Rica has no shortage of things to do. With nearly 800 miles of coastline on two tropical oceans, Costa Rica beaches are simply stunning, among the most beautiful in the world. Close to Liberia International Airport along the northwest Pacific coast, are spectacular beaches and lots of developments catering to western tourists. The Caribbean coast is far less developed and has a completely different aura: this is Bob Marley country. Wherever you go, whether on the Pacific or Caribbean sides, you will find mile after mile of sand beaches, white sand, brown sand, black sand, or rugged deserted beaches.
Here is a partial list of more things to do and attractions to see during the days: 1. Fish for marlin (I recently fought a 450 pounder before releasing it), sailfish, tarpon, snook, and dozens of other denizens. 2. Surf world famous beaches or watch world-championship surfing contests. 3. Raft or kayak in whitewater that will take your breath away or leisurely raft a tropical river with the kids. 4. Golf at courses designed by world-famous designers. 5. Windsurf at Lake Arenal. 6. Bungee jump into deep canyons or at night. 7. Ecotourism. 8. Zipline through tropical forests. 9. Go to a bullfight (where only the bullfighters are allowed to be harmed). 10. Horseback ride in the mountains or along the beaches. 11. Hang-glide. 12. Rappel waterfalls. 13. Take a train ride—in a genuine Swiss train to a genuine Swiss mountain hotel. 14. Visit Corcovado, the most biologically intense place on earth. 15. Scuba or skin dive. 16. Whale watch (Costa Rica has the world’s longest whale-watching season). 17. Visit tropical gardens or tour coffee plantations. 18. Bike, hike, rent motorcycles. 19. Hike into the crater of an active volcano. 20. Visit an African wildlife park. 21. Take a photography or ecotour. 22. Take a volunteer vacation.
The capital is definitely worth a visit too. At night, San Jose and most of the beach communities provide lots of adult entertainment. Restaurants, theatres, cinemas, bars, nightclubs (many, very adult in tone and tenor), gambling, and beautiful women—what happens here, stays here. And for lesbians and gays, there are an increasing number of places to go and things to do as well.
V.Carl Krumm writes from sunny Escazu. Visit his acclaimed website about Costa Rica Vacationsand if you are an adult be sure to check out Costa Rica Nightlife.
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