Originally discovered and named 'Costa Rica' by Christopher Columbus more than 600 years ago, Costa Rica is still being discovered every day by tourists from around the world. It is a tropical paradise with year-round great weather and a government committed to sustainable development. In fact, in 2008 a team of Columbia and Yale researchers found that of 149 different countries' studied, Costa Rica was in the top 5 for environmental performance----far above the United States, Canada, or any other country in the Western Hemisphere.
In a part of the world often known best for its instability, Costa Rica is a proud, stable democracy and, along with Switzerland, only one of two countries in the world without a military. With an ever-improving tourism infrastructure and two international airports, it is a great place for a spectacular vacation. There is nearly an endless list of things to do and see in a country famous for its incredible diversity of plants and animals.
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.
For many, Costa Rica is particularly famous for its plants and animals. Though tiny, only about the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica boasts one of every five species of plant and animal on the planet. There are more kinds of butterflies than on the entire African continent. Little Costa Rica has almost as many different kinds of birds as in the continental United States and only about 100 fewer species than in all of Europe. The diversity is simply staggering. You are going to find fascinating tropical rainforests, spectacular cloudforests, beautiful beaches and rugged coastlines along two tropical oceans. It even has a teeny, teeny park, just half the size of New York City, which National Geographic calls 'the most biologically intense place' on earth. Hundreds of kinds of birds, six species of wild cats (including the mighty jaguar and puma), reptiles, amphibians, and (yes!) insects galore in a staggering array of primary rainforest only 20 miles long and 8 miles wide.
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 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 and 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 waters teeming with great sportfish.
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.
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. 19. Visit an African wildlife park. 20. Take a photography or eco tour. 21. Take a volunteer vacation. And 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.
About the Author:
V. Carl Krumm writes from tropical Costa Rica and writes the acclaimed Costa Rica Vacations website. Visit the spectacular Costa Rica Beaches You are welcome to reprint this article - but get your own unique content version here.
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