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