Costa Rica Overview
By iCheapAirfares Staff
Located north of Panama in Central America, this relatively small country (19,730 sq miles/51,100 sq km) has waves from both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean slapping onto its shores. You are never more than a 1½-hour drive from a beach anywhere in the country and 65% of Costa Rica’s borders are coastline.
In addition to the beaches, Costa Rica has active volcanoes, lust rainforests and exotic wildlife, such as toucans, monkeys and iguanas. The Costa Rican government has made a strong commitment to preserving these ecologically rich areas. In fact, 25% of its land is environmentally protected, therefore giving Costa Rica the reputation as one of the most eco-conscious countries in the world.
A perfect contrast to the sanctity of Costa Rica’s natural areas is the hustle-n-bustle and excitement of its inland capital city, San Jose. Many tourists immediately head for beaches after landing in San Jose, when they should stick around for awhile and check out the capital’s squares, markets, restaurants, clubs, museums, etc.
A visit to Costa Rica should be included in any Central American vacation itinerary because, in addition to its natural treasures, it’s one of the safest countries in the region. Go!
Costa Rica camping
My eco-visions of staying in a Costa Rican rainforest gliding through treetop canopies were tempered by thoughts of camping out at a primitive lodge with no electricity and shared baths. Fortunately, we found Lapa Rios: an intimate ecolodge on the edge of Corcovado National Park. Roughing it smoothly, we stayed in delightful open-air, thatched-roofed bungalows with plenty of personal comforts and great meals. We trekked the rainforest by day and night and played soccer with locals. Sunsets from our perch high above the Pacific were incredible. Paradise!
By GlobalHighStepper
