Costa Rica is a tropical paradise with the comforts of civilization. All the wonderful attractions of the tropics are here: sun-soaked beaches, azure seas, laughing monkeys, brightly-colored flowers and birds, the magical sound of palm fronds rustling in a gentle breeze. Many of the hassles that plague other tropical destinations are absent, or at least much less severe: Costa Rica is far less poor than her neighbors, and that means less crime and fewer aggressive hustlers. Tourist facilities are well developed: you’ll have no problems getting around the country by small plane or rented car, finding excellent lodgings with all the modern amenities, and enjoying delightful local or international cuisine.
Costa Rica welcomes a huge number of visitors every year, most of whom come to experience her vast treasury of natural wonders. The rain forest hold a stunning array of flora and fauna (to give just one example, Costa Rica has more species of birds than the entire continent of North America), from playing monkeys to gaudy scarlet macaws to elusive wild cats. The seas teem with tropical fish. The volcanoes show nature at her most spectacular. There’s a vast variety of landscapes, from sparkling beaches to coastal swampland to high mountains carpeted with lush greenery.
But the greatest asset of this peaceful serene country is her people. The natives, called “Ticos”, are some of the friendliest folks you’ll meet anywhere. They’ve built a relatively prosperous nation, which has had a stable democracy for longer than any other Latin American country, and which has avoided the civil wars that plagued her neighbors. Costa Rica has the best and most peaceful government of any country south of Canada.
The activities are endless. Fishing is spectacular, from tarpon and snook on the Carribean coast to billfish in the Pacific. Surfing conditions are some of the best in the world, and kiteboarders find constant breezes on Laker Arenal. The rivers offer everything from breathless whitewater rafting to peaceful wildlife-observation trips through the jungle. The beautiful mountain landscapes are perfect for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking.
Of course, many travelers also enjoy more sedatepursuits, such as sipping a cool drink while basking on a beautiful beach, and the opportunities for doing that in Costa Rica are second to none.