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.

Ready to go? Our recommended tours make it easy:

Want more? Browse all our recommended Costa Rica tours

Last updated: Jan 18, 2012

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. SoloHobo avatar
    RE: United Airlines Flight Quality

    by SoloHobo 16 May 2012

    I have flown then exclusively in the past 2 years, 3 trips to China, 15 trips to NYC, 10 trips to Denver and Las Vegas. and a few to Hondura…
  2. SoloHobo avatar
    RE: Costa Rica - Panama - Columbia - Ecuador

    by SoloHobo 16 May 2012

    October is peak rainy season in CR, so be prepared, its a mess. The main park to see and hike on way to Panama is Corocvado, but its closed…
  3. SoloHobo avatar
    RE: Central America- rainy season and currency

    by SoloHobo 16 May 2012

    5 weeks for 4 countries? Sounds like you will hardly have time for much in one country to me, why not Costa Rica, to Nicaragua to Guatemala.…

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