What You May Not Know About Costa Rica

In case you don't know it was Christopher Columbus that discovered Costa Rica and the native people living there in 1502. After that the Spanish started to colonize it. Costa Rica means rich coast and it comes from the mistaken belief that gold could be found there in abundance. There never was much gold found but the name stuck. It was in 1821 that Costa Rica joined with other Central American Countries in declaring their independence from Spain. But for Costa Rica true independence didn't come until Costa Rica broke away from the Confederation of other Central American Countries in 1838.

Unlike many other Central American Countries Costa Rica has been a free and independent democracy since 1899. It has a President and a congress and both are elected to four year terms. Its government is similar to the United States but its President and executive branch have more power than in the American system of government.

The whole country is about the size of West Virginia and it covers 19,730 square miles. The capital of the country is San Jose and there are 2.1 million people who call San Jose home. The terrain is rough and rugged and they have many dormant volcanoes and a few active ones. The country of Costa Rica has a tropical climate and in the summer time the rainfall can be very heavy but you will find that the temperatures are always in the 70 to 90 degree range and there are beautiful rain forests just simply filled with all kinds of wildlife. You'll find everything from jaguars to tree sloths. And if your into bird watching you'll be simply amazed at the beautiful colorful tropical birds found in the rain forests. If you like monkeys you're in for a treat because you'll see plenty.

You will hear the people here called Ticos and Costa Ricans. The total population of the country is just above four million persons but it is growing at about two percent a year. It is largely a Roman Catholic country and you will find some of the most beautiful Catholic churches in the world in some of Costa Rica's larger cities. Spanish is officially the language but except for in the more remote parts of the country you will find most people know at least some English. The literacy rate in Costa Rica is one of the highest in Central or South America. 96 percent of the people of can read and write.

Costa Rica is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and it is quickly becoming one of the most popular relocation destinations in the world. More and more Americans come here on vacation and decide they never want to leave. The most popular job to get for an American is teaching English. The people of Costa Rica are very interested in learning and many want to learn English. Americans are also coming here in large numbers to start businesses. You will find a lot of Americans operating businesses aimed at tourists.

You will find that the beaches here are the most beautiful in the world and believe it or not but one of the hottest new sports is white water rafting. Another sport that people from all over the world are falling in love with is riding zip lines through the tree tops of the rain forests. You have not lived until you have tried it. And it's completely safe.

I love to snorkel and I live to fish and if that's you then you need to come to plan a vacation soon. You may come for a vacation and decide you never want to leave. The amount of different species of fish who make the waters here their home is amazing. Once you put on a mask and snorkel and look below the surface of the waters of Costa Rica you will be ruined for life. Because no other place in the world will ever be able to compare.

Over the last twenty years or so there has been much construction and expansion and the sleepy little coastal towns of twenty years ago are largely gone. But in the interior and more remote locations of the country you can still find sleepy little villages and even places where very few people have even walked. So you want to visit now before it changes anymore.

Have you ever been to Costa Rica? If not you should plan a vacation there soon because it is truly one of the most magnificent places on earth. The beautiful beaches, rain forests, and the diving adventures of a life time are waiting on you. If you want to find out a lot more information on Costa Rica check out the below link now. And thanks for reading.

http://crazyhorsesghost.hubpages.com/hub/Have-A-Great-Tropical-Adventure-In-Costa-Rica

Article Source: Thomas_Byers

 

Top Seven Activities in Costa Rica to Take You on the Wild Side

Worried that a Costa Rican beach break might be a bit dull for you? Think again! Thrill seekers will find that a Costa Rican vacation can provide just the adrenaline rush and excitement you're looking for. Check out our selection of the best below, but remember that this list is by no means all that's to offer!

1. Surfing: Whether you're a novice surfer or experienced surf pro, Costa Rica's beaches have much to offer. The country has been a must-surf spot for years, due to the numerous surf beaches on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and the warm water. Surfers flock to Pavones in the south for one of the world's longest left breaks, Mal Pais/Santa Teresa for cool waves and equally cool vibes, Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean for the infamous Salsa Brava and many other spots where waves and atmosphere combine for the perfect surfer's paradise!

2. Canopy: So you've seen enough rainforest trudging along at ground level? Then try it way up high and zooming along! Zip-lining through and above the greenery will take your breath away quite literally as you fly along miles of cables to view the scenery in an all-new and exciting way! Canopy tours have popped up all throughout the country in recent years, as Costa Ricans have realized that tourists enjoy the combination of fear, speed and nature. We recommend the well-established center in Monteverde for safety and for the sheer terrifying height of their cables!

3. White Water Rafting: Hurtle down fast-flowing rivers through jungle on an inflatable raft - what's there not to like? Tours are offered all over the country, but the Rios Paucare and Reventazon are considered to be the best. Rivers in Costa Rica are rated between Class II and Class V, depending on the season and rainfall. Hit the water in June or July for a really wild ride! You don't have to be super-fit or have rafted before, but this activity is not recommended for anyone who isn't a reasonable swimmer, just in case you capsize.

4. Snorkeling: Simply put your head down, breath through the tube and be amazed at the variety of fish and other sea creatures that you can see darting in and out of the coral reefs. It is so easy and such a fantastic experience! Check out Cahuita's National Park and Playas Del Coco for clarity and coral action!  

Don't forget Scuba Diving: Registered PADI centers on both coasts can organize your first lesson diving or your 100th trip down deep! Who wouldn't want to swim alongside clownfish and nurse sharks? If you have a hefty vacation budget, check out the once-in-a-lifetime tour to Cocos Islands to dive with Hammerhead sharks off a genuine pirate-treasure island! Outstanding dive sites are easily discovered on a less extravagant budget - Playa Ocotal and Playa Hermosa on the Pacific and Manzanillo on the Caribbean are perfect spots to see sharks, turtles, manta rays and brightly colored fish in crystal clear waters. Try the Isla Del Caño in Drake Bay - sometimes considered to be Costa Rica's best diving spot - where you can swim with dolphins and other marine life in waters that have a visibility of 80 feet or more!

5. Bungee Jumping: Become a human yoyo! If the idea of throwing yourself from a great height with only an elasticized cord saving you from certain death is your idea of a good time, then look no further. Costa Rica most popular and long-established bungee jumps are the 200 foot free-fall from the Old Colorado River Bridge or the hair-raising catapult option of the Rocket Launch or the 180 degree Big Swing in Jaco, as if the traditional bungee jump isn't terrifying enough!

6. Deep Sea Fishing: A firm favorite for those with a hunting instinct! Wind in a catch big enough to feed your entire hotel and have leftovers! We're talking big fish here! Troll through blue waters to hook Marlin, Sailfish and Tarpon amongst others. Even coming home with the tale of 'the one that got away' is not so bad, after a day of relaxing in the middle of a sun-kissed, blue ocean!

7. Horseback Riding: While it isn't an extreme sport by any means, galloping along a deserted beach can certainly get your pulse racing! Arriving at a waterfall, trekking to a volcano crater or discovering that perfect spot to jump in the ocean, feels like a far more authentic adventure from the saddle. Horses in Costa Rica are mostly very well-tended so you won't have that awful feeling of guilt mounting a bag of bones. You won't be given a riding hat which you may want to consider if you are vacation with children. Opportunities for horseback riding tours are numerous so keep an eye out for information on your travels to catch the best deals and most interesting routes and destinations.

Vacations don't have to be boring to be relaxing! Take in the adventures of a lifetime with these outdoor activities, right here in Costa Rica. Sponsored by Vamos Rent-A-Car Costa Rica, proud protector and supporter of the native wildlife. For your own safety and enjoyment, we strongly advise booking tours with reputable and experienced companies with proven safety records and well-maintained equipment.

Article Source: Ricardo_Vargas
 

 

Top Surfing Beaches of Costa Rica

Surfing beaches aren't usually the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Costa Rica. Colourful wildlife, abundant lush green forest and sandy beaches are closer to the mark. But, don't miss out on another great part of the country - surfing.

The Northern Pacific Coast provides the best, most reliable waves from December to April when strong offshore winds combine with the ideal swell directions. Beginners can enjoy riding the waves at Tamarindo, while other good breaks include Witches Rock, Playa Negra and Playa Grande.

Tamarindo provides the ideal location for those looking to do a variety of activities. Aside from surfing there are many activities on offer, including snorkelling, scuba diving, river kayaking and sailing. Besides, you can also enjoy jungle river cruises or watch the giant leatherback turtles which come here to nest between October and March. Tamarindo Beach is easy to reach with daily flights and buses leaving from San José.

The Caribbean Coast is ideal for surfers travelling from November to March. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, offers crystal-clear blue waters and Costa Rica's heaviest and best wave: Salsa Brava.

Suitable for only the very experienced, this reef break is extremely popular with locals, expats and tourists alike, so expect crowds throughout the week. The nearby beach break at Playa Cocles and reef break at Punta Uva offer suitable, reliable and exciting breaks for less experienced surfers. Getting to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is relatively easy. Take a bus or shared shuttle from San José or fly to nearby Limón.

The quiet Southern Pacific Coast offers the most reliable waves for those travelling between May and November. Few tourists travel to this part of Costa Rica making it ideal for those with their own equipment and looking for a relaxing trip.

The easy going, small surf town of Domincal has a beautiful beach stretching for one and a half kilometres. It has right and left breaks suitable for surfers of all abilities and with many accommodation options, it makes for the perfect holiday location. Cabo Matapolo is another option. Surrounded by jungle, it is often described as one of the most beautiful, untouched places left in Costa Rica, with wildlife everywhere you look: monkeys, anteaters and scarlet macaws. There are lodges but no shops or services.

Unless travelling by collective taxi from Jiménez, a 4*4 is needed - the last 12 miles of road is unpaved with a series of deep cracks to cross. The journey is worth it though, with two world-class breaks in the area as well as Pan Dulce for beginners.

Costa Rica tours can include anything you want, surfing is just the tip of the iceberg. Click the following link for the best Costa Rica vacation packages

Article Source: Matt_James_Barker