In Costa Rica, the recession did not go unnoticed; after all, tourism is the main source of income and if the tourists have less money, well, they spend less!
Indeed, it seemed that this what exactly happened here; the tourists kept coming, although they had less money to spend….Costa Rica is like an irresistible magnet! Whether you are a family and want to enjoy days out with the kids safely playing in the sand, or are a surfer, an explorer or a fan of sports fishing, sailing, windsurfing or horse riding, Costa Rica has it! Try tropical Bungee in some awsome canyon, or zip through the trees on a Canopy Ride. There is such a great choice of places to stay everywhere, and a wide price range too to accommodate everyone’s needs!
The number one attraction here are the breathtaking beaches, for many are still pristine and barely touched by the human hand. Stunning sunsets, gorgeous sea, perfect climate, and a feeling of peace and serenity hard to find anywhere else! On the Pacific coast, Santa Teresa and Malpais, on the coast of Nicoya, and Playa Guiones, further North, are some of the best surfing beaches of the country as well as excellent places to take the family. Manuel Antonio further south and the beaches of Corcovado are greener than the dry Guanacaste of the North. The Caribbean offers its exuberant culture, and its lush colorful vegetation, its typical food and music.
The fauna is another big reason to come here; whether you like big cats, huge turtles or monkeys, Costa Rica has it all! The monkeys are particularly popular and there are four species here; the notorious, and noisy, Howler Monkey, the Spider Monkey, the White Faced and the adorable and tiny Titi Monkey!
Costa Rica is also a reputable bird watchers’ paradise, indeed, this little country alone is home to more species of birds than the whole of the US. Actually, of the 850 species found here, 600 are permanent residents. Of the most flamboyant, we have the Red Macaws found along the Pacific Coast; what a spectacle these birds offer us, crimson splashes in the sky, always chatting to each other as they fly! These birds have an amazing family sense and usually travel in groups, children, parents and grand parents in a row! The magnificent colourful resplendent Quetzal, a shy birds many walk a long way so they can catch a glimpse, the curious Toucans and the amazing Hummingbirds are just a few of the birds found in Costa Rica, and more often than not, no matter how hard one looks for them, their sight is like an unexpected gift.
Who doesn’ t want to see an active Volcano? Costa Rica has that too, and not just any volcano either; lets take Arenal that is listed as one of the most active volcano of the world! Its perfect geometrical shape over the lake is a scenery many would die for. The roars and frequent explosions of the volcano are awsome and impressive. Like many volcanoes, Arenal is often hiding in the clouds, however a little patience is well rewarded. Thermal baths, walks, horse riding, and windsurfing on the lake are additional attractions too!
Then, of course, we have the Cloud Forests. Majestic, beautiful and magical Cloud Forests, precious gift of nature that many, but maybe not enough, are fighting very hard to preserve in Costa Rica, while others only seek financial benefits and profit from illegal logging and developments…Monteverde, Braullio Carillo and Corvado are some of the most beautiful cloud forests of the world. Seeing a Cloud Forest is second to feeling a Cloud Forest, its strength and fragility, mixed with something like love and respect…
If you want to see something different, have a great holiday, see new people, new land, relax and play, and get in touch with Mother Nature, Costa Rica is the place!
Hope you like this article!
Pura Vida....
Stephanie Gazo
