Costa Rica

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Misty tropical beach, Costa Rica

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.

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Last updated: Feb 23, 2010

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. torrent avatar
    2 Month Itinerary Help Please =o] Costa Rica To Yucatan Mexico

    by torrent 0 replies, last post 06 September 2010

    Hey all, Next year my best friend and I are travelling to Central America for a total stay of about 3 months, from the end of March til…
  2. chillinz avatar
    Environmental work in Central America?

    by chillinz 2 replies, last post 05 September 2010

    Hi all What are the job ops like for a New Zealand environmental scientist in places like Panama, Costa Rica.. actually - everywhere!…
  3. roquemocan avatar
    Farolitos Festival, Sept. 7, Ahuachapan, El Salvador

    by roquemocan 2 replies, last post 04 September 2010

    If you happen to be in El Salvador this September 7th, there is the Farolitos Festival at night (they use lanterns to make shapes, etc)…

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