Costa Rica is a very small Central American country bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Many who visit find a tropical paradise. It got its name 600 years ago by Christopher Columbus who, when he landed along its Caribbean coast was so enraptured he named the place ‘Costa Rica’ or the ‘Rich Coast’.
In a region often known for its instability, Costa Rica stands alone. Though tumultuous Nicaragua is to the north and Panama is to its south, it constitutionally abolished its military nearly 70 years ago. Today, along with Switzerland, it is one of only two countries with no army. The country is particularly famous for its wide biodiversity. There is an abundance of beautiful rain forests, cloudforests, rugged mountains and, of course, its amazing beaches, all close at hand.
Costa Rica tourism is struggling due to the world’s economic problems. Still, a challenge always presents an opportunity and today is no exception. Now may be exactly the time to travel to Costa Rica. Airfares are down and you will find some great travel and accommodation bargains. To check out a few, simply Google ‘visitcostarica.com/crplus’ to go to the Costa Rica government’s official Institute of Tourism (ICT) website that has discount coupons but lots and lots of other hotels and resorts are offering special prices right now.
Costa Rica is particularly famous for its 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 tiny, tiny Costa Rica! You are going to find fascinating tropical rainforests or spectacular cloudforests 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.
Perhaps you would like to see a volcano. There are over 100 in this little country but only a handful are active. Arenal Volcano is the most active and with some frequency erupts with spectacular shows. Hot springs resorts have popped up nearby and lots of folks sit in the warm waters, tropical drinks in hand, and marvel at the nearby volcano. Just minutes away is Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest lake, famed for its great freshwater fishing and world-class windsurfing. Or, just outside San Jose, nearby the international airport, nestled in the cloudforest, is Poas Volcano with the second largest volcanic crater on the planet. My advice is to visit this place early in the morning (before the clouds come in) and on a weekday (because it is packed with Costa Ricans on the weekend). And, by all means, drive to the top of mighty Irazu early in the morning. Only a few miles from San Jose, it is like no place else you’ll ever go. Why? Because, on a clear day, you can stand on an active volcano and see the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans at the same time! I love the romance of this place because, just a few months before he was killed, JFK flew into Costa Rica and was greeted with a spectacular eruptive salute. Two greats in awe of one another!
Then there are the Seven Wonders of Costa Rica, selected by Costa Ricans themselves: mighty Arenal Volcano and spectacular Poas Volcano. Little visited Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve with its great plant and animal diversity—including the only butterfly in the world that makes a noise! Halfway to the Galapagos is magnificent Cocos Island, called the “most beautiful island in the world” by Jacques Cousteau, a famous pirate hiding place with huge fortunes buried but never found, and the best large animal diving on the planet. Mount Chirripo is the tallest mountain in Central America and as you climb from its tropical base to its summit, you may think you are in the Andes with its cold glacial lakes. Or, take a pleasant hike to Rio Celeste (Celestial River) where the river magically changes from crystal clear to sky-blue in front of your eyes. Finally, there is remote Tortuguero National Park, with mile after mile of seemingly deserted beaches—until the wondrous sea turtles invade by the tens of thousands to nest.
No vacation is complete without visiting several of its simply amazing beaches. You are going to find nearly 800 miles of beaches: white sand beaches, brown sand beaches, black sand beaches, even coral beaches. Along two oceans. Dozens have been awarded the famed ‘Blue Flag’ certificates meaning they are the best of the best ecologically. The north Pacific coast is increasingly developed with great resorts, hotels, and golf courses. Meanwhile, the Caribbean coast remains far more undeveloped while maintaining its particular Caribbean flavor. There are very popular beaches (particularly over Easter and Christmas) and virtually deserted beaches. To go from one to another is often just a few minutes’ drive.
If you crave more than great mountains, tropical forests, 7 Wonders, miles of spectacular beaches, and volcanoes, here is a little more to do and attractions to see during the days: 1. Fish. Great marlin (I recently landed a 450 pounder before releasing it), 100-200 pound tarpon, sailfish, snook, and many more. 2. Bring your surfboard and surf world famous beaches or watch world-championship surfing contests. Or rent your board. 3. Kayak in extreme whitewater or raft in waters that will take your away your breath. Or take the kids for a leisurely raft on a tropical river. 4. Golf on great courses.5. Windsurf at wonderful Lake Arenal. 6. Bungee jump (for fools only) into deep canyons or at night. 7. Ecotour. 8. Zipline and Tarzan jump through tropical forests. 9. Become a bullfighter (but beware that only the bullfighters are allowed to be harmed—fortunately you can buy insurance). 10. Go horseback riding in the mountains and along the beaches. 11. Hang-glide. 12. Rappel waterfalls and canyons. 13. Take a train ride in a genuine Swiss train to a genuine Swiss mountain hotel and dine at a restaurant that rotates completely around to magnificent vistas. 14. Visit Corcovado National Park, the most biologically intense place on earth. 15. Scuba dive. Or snorkel. 16. Watch the whales in the world’s longest whale-watching season. 17. Tour coffee plantations and visit tropical gardens. 18. Hike, bike, rent motorcycles, ATVs. 18. Walk into the crater of an active volcano. 19. Visit a wildlife park filled with birds or another park with African animals. 20. Take a photography adventure tour. 21. Become a volunteer and take a volunteer vacation. And a lot more!
The capital of the country is San Jose. It offers an abundance of things to do and most of the population (and traffic) is there. It is famous for its lively Latino style nightlife and also boasts plenty of shops and museums and other attractions. It is also home to a particularly impressive national theatre that is definitely worth a visit if you are going to be spending any time in the city. And, at night, San Jose and most of the beach communities provide lots of adult entertainment. Restaurants, cinemas, plays, bars, nightclubs (many, very adult in tone and tenor), casinos, and beautiful, hot women from around the world. Just remember: what happens here, stays here. And, increasingly, there are more and more places to go and activities for gays and lesbians.
Tags: Vacations
