Introducing Costa Rica
Mention Costa Rica and people think paradise. The country’s Disneylike cast of creatures – ranging from howler monkeys to toucans – are populous and relatively easy to spot. The waves are prime, the beauty is staggering and the sluggish pace seductive. A peaceful oasis in a tumultuous region, this tiny nation draws 1.5 million visitors every year.
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What’s on tap? The question is what isn’t? Active travelers can surf, hike, snorkel and spot wildlife for starters. The incredibly varied topography means you can cruise the cloud forest one day, visit an active volcano the next, and finish relaxing on a hot sandy beach. Adrenaline junkies have a myriad ways to make mothers worry – among them zipping through canopy lines hundreds of meters long and riding the rough surf of the Pacific. Choice and variety name the game.
Of course, the frenzy to snatch up a piece of Shangri-la has its consequences. Since the boom, tourism is more chic and less cheap. Classic destinations are now crowded destinations and local culture is often lost or cast aside. Lucky for Costa Rica that its do-gooder fans, ranging from ecologists to proud Ticos (Costa Ricans), are vocal and vigilant. Nature here suffers its blows, like everywhere, but at least it is taken seriously.
Ready to go? Our recommended tours make it easy:
- Cycle Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama
- Whitewater Raft on the Corobici River
- Go on a daytrip to the Palo Verde National Park
Want more? Browse all our recommended Costa Rica tours
Last updated: Jan 18, 2012
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Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: rainforest and cloudforest lodges in Costa Rica?
by wiremu 27 May 2012
this is a great source of information: [http://www.costaricanbirdroute.com/sites.htm] i would also take a look here: [www.tortuguerovill…
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rainforest and cloudforest lodges in Costa Rica?
by pauraque 27 May 2012
I am planning to visit Costa Rica this July. In Ecuador I spent a rewarding week in a rainforest lodge: a place deep inside the rainforest…
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Where to go in CR with kids in June-July?
by Travel_with_kids 27 May 2012
Hello, We are a family of two adults and a 7-year-old and a 10-year-old child. We will arrive in San Jose on June 22nd and will fly back…
Hotels & Hostels
Top cities in Costa Rica
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Monteverde & Santa Elena
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