About Cost Rica by MyReviewsNow
Costa Rica is located on the Central American “isthmus”; the narrow strip of land connecting North America with South America. The east side of the country is on the Caribbean Sea while the Pacific Ocean borders the west, with a total of 800 miles of pristine coastline. Although it is a small country having only 0.03% of the world’s land, it has a comparatively enormous 6% of the world’s biodiversity. A quarter of the country is conservation land, protected from development. Tourism in Costa Rica is thus focused largely on its striking population of flora and fauna.
Costa Rican culture is influenced heavily by Spanish culture. It is a well-educated country that prides itself on its high literacy rate as much as its love of dancing and celebration. The Costa Rican people are praised for being extremely hospitable and helpful to visitors, even going so far as to explain nuances of Costa Rican culture to the inevitable confused tourist. Everything about Costa Rica‘s people is friendly and courteous, and many have said that the people are one of the strongest attributes of the country.
With such a wealth of biodiversity, it’s no surprise that ecotourism is a huge industry in Costa Rica. Your first stop should be one of the country’s many national parks or protected areas. Each one has unique features, so plan carefully to make the most of your time. Tortuguero National Park, for example, is world famous for its aquatic wildlife. Sea turtles nest within the Park every year, and canals are home for manatees, crocodiles and otters. For a completely different experience, the Central Volcanic Mountain Range Conservation Areas let you experience several active volcanic sites. Poás National Park receives the most visitors, largely for the lush surroundings and picturesque views. Head to Ballena Marine National Park in the south of the country to catch a glimpse of dolphins and humpback whales. The country also has 850 species of birds, abundant in all park areas.
Beaches are, of course, another major selling point about Costa Rica for tourists. The Caribbean side is generally thought of as more remote and has fewer tourist accommodations, while the Pacific side has more development (and thus more of the comforts of home) but is more expensive. If you want a truly deserted beach, check out Santa Rosa National Park in the northwest corner of the country. Getting to these particular beaches doesn’t come easily: bring a four-wheel-drive vehicle or hiking boots for the eight mile trek from the ranger station to the coast. Basic camping facilities are provided and you likely won’t see a soul, unless it’s October when thousands of sea turtles nest in the area.
Manuel Antonio Park and its beaches, on the Pacific side of the country, are much more populated but still beautiful. This was the first area of Costa Rica to become popular with tourists, but it has managed to avoid the pitfalls of becoming a major tourist destination. Indeed, one of the most charming things about Costa Rica is the vigor with which its citizens respect and protect the environment, thus helping such areas from becoming overly developed and commercialized. Diving and surfing also take place at many locations throughout the country, making Costa Rica an all-around beach and watersport winner.
Last but not least, consider something a little alternative: “rural” tourism. Several organization allow you to experience a day in the life of a rural Costa Rican, including homestays and authentic meals. You can do everything from pitching in on the family’s farm to trying your hand at mollusk fishing. These trips may make you reconsider the “traditional” tourism industry completely.
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