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The Last
Paradise On Earth?
Certainly, Costa Rica is the ultimate paradise. This small state of 50,000
square kilometers between the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean has about the
same size as Switzerland. Not only ecotourists and retirees praise it a lot
for its abundance of fauna, flora such as trees. - the country has no
military, no nuclear power plants, almost no illiteracy, lots of culture and
no winter - thanks to its openness and friendliness toward foreigners and a
thousand other reasons, Costa Rica is the ideal country for people who want to
retire from an active professional or business life and become a resident.
The words that best describe Costa Rica are perhaps "pura vida".
It means "pure life" and that is what visitors to this Central
American country will find. From exotic animal life to exotic scenery,
travelers will find themselves inexorably drawn to Costa Rica and its
residents.
The abundance of activities available will have travelers checking and re -
checking their lists to make sure they haven't passed anything up. Itineraries
can include witnessing a spectacular volcano eruption from the luxurious
warmth of a hot spring or a rushing trip through a cloud forest canopy. Of
course, there are those who will do both!
Costa Rica means "rich coast" in Spanish and the words are not lost
of this country. Named by Christopher Columbus, the country was colonized in
the mid 1500s with Spanish settlers heading for the fertile central highlands.
One of the country's most important assets is its people. Gregarious and
hospitable, the "Ticos" set themselves apart when it comes to
welcoming visitors. Whether helping you out with some complicated road
directions or finding a good place to eat, Costa Ricans will go out of their
way to help out a puzzled visitor.
San José is the capital and is the most cosmopolitan area in the country.
Visitors like to spend a few days here visiting city sights and enjoying
shopping and dining. While the shopping and other attractions are worthwhile,
take a few hours to visit the city's many interesting museums and colorful
markets. The best of the museums are the Museo Nacional, which has displays of
Costa Rica archaeology, colonial furniture, costumes and religious art; and
the Museo del Oro Precolombino, which houses a dazzling collection of pre -
Colombian gold pieces. One of the most impressive city buildings is the Teatro
Nacional or National Theater. Built in the 1890s, it hosts plays, operas,
symphonic orchestra concerts and ballets.
Tour operators have honed their skills to a fine art. They cater to visitors
in a way that will leave you with more than a passing desire to spend more
time here. For nature lovers, the country does not lack for an extensive
variety of sights. With over 15 different ecosystems, the traveler is exposed
to a wide variety of flora and fauna, landscapes and ever-changing climate.
You can enjoy a trek through the pristine cloud forest environment of
Monteverde or drive up to the rim of a crater and enjoy the spectacular view.
The choice is yours!
Speaking of choices, the beaches are plentiful and postcard perfect. Whether
you're in the area of Guanacaste. Puntarenas or the Caribbean, the fine sand
beaches with easy accessibility are a treat to visit and a pleasure to behold.
We invite you to join us now on a paseo through the idyllic land that is Costa
Rica!!
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