The standard of living in Costa Rica is high, and while tourism and technology have become a growing part of the economic success of this country, it remains a largely agricultural nation. Costa Rica, located in Central America, borders both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, and sits between Nicaragua and Panama. Its tropical climate produces a bounty of tropical fruits, and its sea borders provide vast amounts of fresh seafood. Coffee and bananas are a major export. In 1562, Spain officially colonized the land. Costa Ricans won their independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. While the national language is Spanish, English (the international language of business) is very often a second language for many Costa Ricans
The climate is tropical and subtropical, and Costa Rica boasts beautiful, lush forests. The dry season runs December through April, while the rainy season runs May through November. Coastal plains are separated by rugged mountains, including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes. In the higher regions the temperatures are much cooler than in the plains. Most visitors come to the Central Valley during its summer months to escape the winter of the northern hemisphere. As summer is also the rainy season in Costa Rica, it refreshes and invigorates the fertile and colorful rainforests, as well as the air.
While all of Costa Rica is worth visiting, about sixty percent of the population lives in the heartland of the country called The Central Valley, or Central Plateau. Just south of the bustling capital of San José is the city of San Pedro, which offers many good restaurants and one of the largest shopping malls in Central America. Four national parks and several volcanoes are all accessible to the public in this area. As a scientific bonus, Guayabo National Monument is one of the country’s most important archeological sites.
If you’re looking for a stunning view of a rainforest, take a trip only forty-five minutes from San José to Parque Nacional Braulio Carillo (Braulio Carillo National Park). This national park contains five distinct and separate forest habitats, dominated by the wet tropical forest. Within are hundreds of varieties of orchids and ferns, and the vast majority of bird species native to Costa Rica can be spotted along guided walks there. The guided walks are most informative, as your guide will explain the life cycles of the forest, and can help you spot camouflaged wildlife and fantastic vistas. There is also a ninety-minute Rainforest Aerial Tram adjacent to Braulio Carillo that will take you on a trip 100 feet above the forest floor. To experience a superb virgin rainforest, visit Tapantí Natianal Park, and enjoy the birdwatching, fishing, and river swimming.
Hiking to the top of Costa Rica’s highest and most active volcano, Irazú, on a clear day will provide a stunning view of both the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. Located in Parque Nacional Volcán Irazú (Irazú Volcano National Park) and a half-day tour from San José, this park offers a view of another world. The brilliantly green lake and black and gray slopes are spotted with white steam pluming into the air, a truly magnificent sight.
For sand and ocean seekers, head west to the Caribbean Coast and Cahuita National Park. Located just south of the city of Cahuita, this park is famous for its fine sand beach and stunning coral reef. Extending 500 meters out from Cahuita Point, this reef offers great snorkeling and the opportunity to see many species of tropical fish, crabs, lobsters, sea fans, anemones, sponges, seaweed, and countless other marine creatures. For the timid but curious, glass bottom boat rides are also available.
Having simply scratched the surface of travel in Costa Rica within this article, we urge you to visit a travel agency who will connect you with reliable and helpful agencies and organizations in Costa Rica who will be happy to provide guides for every step of your trip, if desired. For the more independent traveler, getting around is fairly easy and safe, and the locals are most friendly. Research travel tips and places to stay online or through guidebooks, and don’t be afraid to sample the unique culinary and regional adventures a country like Costa Rica has to offer. Traveling here will surely make your vacation “rico”...rich.
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