| Stories of political unrest, hurricanes, and | | | | want a true challenge. Experience both the |
| not-so-tourist-friendly areas have a way of | | | | Atlantic and Pacific oceans as you tour the |
| scaring people away from visiting Central | | | | many beaches, and be assured that non surfers |
| America come vacation time. However, you'd be | | | | will find plenty to do as well. If you'd |
| wise to investigate the situation for | | | | rather not feel the pull of the tides and the |
| yourself before crossing Costa Rica off your | | | | crash of the waves, just sit back and take it |
| list. This beautiful, surprisingly quiet and | | | | all on from ashore. |
| peaceful country has all the qualities that | | | | |
| make for an exotic and relaxing trip, so | | | | In a matter of three hours you can go from |
| consider this oasis for your next holiday if | | | | one side of Costa Rica to the other, so in |
| you're in the mood for something different | | | | order to see as much as possible you'll |
| yet delightful. | | | | likely be moving around a bit. If you happen |
| | | | to pass through the capital, San Jose, be |
| Costa Rica has miles of coastline to take | | | | prepared for a bustling city that's a little |
| advantage of, so if you want to surf, | | | | gritty but definitely worth exploring. |
| snorkel, or just laze on the beach you won't | | | | Museums, theatres, shopping, and excellent |
| have to look too far. Along this line of | | | | food will all compete for your attention as |
| thinking, some consider Nicoya Peninsula to | | | | you navigate the noisy streets that weave |
| be the most beautiful spot in the country. | | | | through skyscrapers and typical big city |
| Popular beaches border a tropical yet dry | | | | sights. The energy is palpable, so you may |
| rainforest where agricultural and ranching | | | | not find San Jose to be the place to achieve |
| developments are also found. Fun mixes with | | | | the ultimate feeling of relaxation, but it |
| authentic terrain here, and you'll find that | | | | makes a nice contrast to your quieter |
| the result is almost overwhelming. | | | | escapades. |
| | | | |
| Wildlife preserves and parks will acquaint | | | | As you wander the cities taking in the |
| you with Costa Rica's focus on conserving | | | | language and the culture or tour the |
| precious flora and fauna, and you'll have the | | | | rainforest stretching your neck to view the |
| chance to catch sight of the world's largest | | | | untamed upper canopies, you'll be glad that |
| species of turtle. Northeast of Nicoya are | | | | you've strayed from the beaten path to take a |
| some fascinating caves, and throughout the | | | | vacation that is out of the ordinary yet |
| forests are birds, iguanas, and howler | | | | perfectly safe. As you drink refrescos (fresh |
| monkeys. Playa Samara, Montezuma and Playa | | | | fruit, sugar and water) after a day of hiking |
| del Coco are all places worth investigating | | | | or as you stroll across a black sand beach, |
| as well if you're lucky enough to find | | | | you'll be torn between telling the world |
| yourself on the peninsula with time to | | | | about your wonderful trip and keeping it your |
| meander and be amazed. | | | | own little secret. Later you can do whatever |
| | | | you think is right, but be sure to enjoy the |
| Internationally recognized for all that it | | | | peaceful moments as they occur. |
| has to offer, Wilson Botanical Garden brims | | | | |
| with rare, indigenous, eye-popping species of | | | | As far as where to stay while in Costa Rica, |
| plants. Grab a map and head out for a | | | | lodging options are plentiful. In the spirit |
| self-guided walk or follow a tour guide who | | | | of this distinctive trip, however, you may |
| will tell you what's what. Either way you go, | | | | find yourself gravitating towards a vacation |
| you'll end up dwelling over medicinal herbs, | | | | rental. By settling into a house or villa |
| colorful flowers, and an array of birds that | | | | that captures the tropical vibe, offers great |
| will make binocular wearers jump for joy. If | | | | views, and provides better than average |
| you've come all the way to Central America, | | | | amenities like a washer and dryer, a covered |
| taking in the natural landscape like this is | | | | porch, plenty of closet space, and long-term |
| a must. | | | | availability, you might be tempted to leave |
| | | | your old world behind and take up a new |
| Surfers will find Costa Rica to be a | | | | identity as a tico (local). Conveniences like |
| paradise, and notable places to catch a few | | | | being able to walk to the beach without ever |
| waves include Playa Naranjo and Ollie's | | | | feeling crammed into a boxy hotel will be key |
| Point. Seek out the famous "long lefthander" | | | | in contributing to your overall sense of |
| that the Golfito region is known for if you | | | | happiness during this well-deserved getaway. |