Costa Rica

I love to travel so trying to pick just one place that I am really looking forward to visiting was tough.  I am dying to make my way to Peru and hike Machu Picchu and I have heard wonderful things about Iceland and it is not that far of a flight.  However for this blog I’ve decided to discuss my desire to go to Costa Rica.

According to the United Nations, in 2009 Costa Rica has an estimated population of 4,579,000.  Together, whites and mestizos make up 94% of the population, 3% are black, 1% Amerindians, 1% Chinese, and 1% other.

I have had many friends visit Costa Rica and come back telling me about how the people and the atmosphere is like none-other.  Pura Vida (POO-rah VEE-dah), used by Costa Ricans since 1956, literally translated means “Pure Life.” Contextually, it means “Full of Life” “Purified life," “This is living!” “Going great!” It is used as a greeting, a farewell, and to express satisfaction. The phrase has become widely known in the USA and Europe. Some foreigners view the phrase as an expression of a leisurely lifestyle, of disregard for time and wanton friendliness. However, Costa Ricans use the phrase to express a philosophy of strong community, perseverance, good spirits, enjoying life slowly, celebrating good fortune, whether small or large.

Interesting Historical Facts:

-1502 Christopher Columbus anchored just offshore from present-day Limon on his fourth and last voyage to the New World. 

-1821 Spain granted independence to its colonies in Central America.  Costa Rica joined the Central American Federation but in 1838 withdrew to form a new nation.

-Mid 1800s coffee was the country’s main export and free land was given to anyone willing to plant coffee on it.  Soon plantation owners grew wealthy and powerful, creating Costa Rica’s first elite class.

-In 1889 Costa Rica held its first free election in Central American history.  There was no bloodshed when the opposition won and thus the region became the only true democracy.

-Unlike most countries Costa Rica has had a history that didn’t really allow bloodshed.  The people there have lived for the most part a peaceful existence. 

Now that I have discussed the history and demographics of the country, let’s discuss the real reasons why I want to travel to Costa Rica.  Costa Rica has so much to offer for someone who likes to mix adventure with relaxation.  Getting to Costa Rica from the New York area is a simple flight to San Jose. 

My first destination after spending a day in San Jose would be Monteverde.  Monteverde is set atop Costa Rica’s continental divide.  It is set some 4,662 feet above sea level.  Due to this, Monteverde is set in the clouds.  The moisture from the clouds, often in the form of fog, lingers on the branches of the tallest trees.  The drip from the moisture helps to support a complex ecosystem, one that is home to over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, tens of thousands of insect species, and over 2500 varieties of plants, 420 of which are orchids alone.  As a visitor this lends itself to a lot of activities.  There are trails and trams and canopy tours with guides.  You can easily spend a few days here, as there is over 8 miles of trails.

The next stop on my tour would be Manuel Antonio National Park.  In 2011, Forbes listed Manuel Antonio among the world's 12 most beautiful national parks.  This park has the best of worlds, beautiful beaches and gorgeous hiking trails.  There are four beaches within the park, Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur, Teldoro, and Playita.  Both Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur contain tidal pools and offer the possibility of snorkeling.  Although Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica's smallest national park, the diversity of wildlife in its 3 square miles is unequaled with 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds.  Not only are there a wide variety of water activities one can participate in, you can also go zip lining through the forest, take a canopy tour, or go horseback riding.

The final leg of my journey would take me to the Guanacaste Gold Coast of Costa Rica.  After all the hiking, zip lining, and touring of the two parks, a little bit of relaxation is required.  This region lies on the Pacific Ocean and is home to some of the nicest hotels in the country.  I’m the type of person that loves adventure but for some rest and relaxation I love a five star hotel that pampers to my every need.