Pura Vida, translated into English as "Pure Life" is the national slogan for the peace-loving country of Costa Rica. If there was ever a slogan that described a country to perfection this would be it. This rainforest paradise located in Central America, which makes up only 0.03% of the earth's surface, contains almost 6% of the world's biodiversity. Its borders include the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east which consist of nearly 300 beaches. However, it was not the ocean coasts that had me in total wonder during my visit back in 2009. It was everything in between!
Have you ever gone to the zoo on a really hot day and been disappointed by the fact that all the animals you came to see were either hiding or sleeping lazily in the sun? Not to worry! This will not happen in Costa Rica. No matter where you go you are surrounded by a multitude of wildlife. Are you a bird lover? Well then this is your UTOPIA! Imagine waking up every morning to the sounds of birds chirping & singing all around you. I'd be very surprised if you could even buy an alarm clock in this country since none are needed. Open your curtains and peek outside and you're bound to see more than a few species of birds right outside your window. For experienced "birders" I'm sure this comes as no surprise, but all you amateurs out there take note - this is the place to be! Even I, not really being much into birds, must admit that one of the most amazing moments happened when I was sitting in a restaurant looking out the window and watching a few dozen birds or so peck away at bananas left on a large bird feeder outside. Suddenly all the birds flew away in unison and a large, beautiful toucan (pictured above) flew down. I was face to face (mind you behind glass) with one of the most beautiful creatures on the planet. Perhaps amazing doesn't cover it!
Have you ever gone to the zoo on a really hot day and been disappointed by the fact that all the animals you came to see were either hiding or sleeping lazily in the sun? Not to worry! This will not happen in Costa Rica. No matter where you go you are surrounded by a multitude of wildlife. Are you a bird lover? Well then this is your UTOPIA! Imagine waking up every morning to the sounds of birds chirping & singing all around you. I'd be very surprised if you could even buy an alarm clock in this country since none are needed. Open your curtains and peek outside and you're bound to see more than a few species of birds right outside your window. For experienced "birders" I'm sure this comes as no surprise, but all you amateurs out there take note - this is the place to be! Even I, not really being much into birds, must admit that one of the most amazing moments happened when I was sitting in a restaurant looking out the window and watching a few dozen birds or so peck away at bananas left on a large bird feeder outside. Suddenly all the birds flew away in unison and a large, beautiful toucan (pictured above) flew down. I was face to face (mind you behind glass) with one of the most beautiful creatures on the planet. Perhaps amazing doesn't cover it!
But it's not only birds you'll get to see. Costa Rica is home to way too many species to write about here but during my short one week stay I saw plenty. Monkeys are everywhere! Our resort housed a family of Mantled Howler monkeys who were highly entertaining. Please keep in mind that walking under a tree filled with monkeys can have some lasting effects (these monkeys apparently like to urinate on people). The cute guy pictured on the right is a white-faced monkey who happened to be hanging out in a tree along the river. Also along the rivers you will see crocodiles and caimans in abundance and of course no matter where you go you will always find yourself bumping into a friendly iguana or two. We also had a couple chummy Coati nearby (a raccoon like animal) although I understand they might not be so friendly to those holding fruit in their hands. Animals will be animals!
Costa Rica is well known for their strict environmental policies. In 2012 a law was passed by congress banning recreational hunting. Past errors in forestry are quickly being corrected and they have become leaders in environmental sustainability. In addition to this they are committed to becoming the first country in the world to be carbon neutral by the year 2021. These people recognize that their environment is not only beautiful but important and are making sure it stays that way!
When it comes to things to do and places to see while visiting you will not be disappointed. I stayed in the Guanacaste region near Liberia and there was not enough time to experience all of the tours & attractions that area had to offer. Plenty more can be found near and around the capital of San Jose.
Costa Rica is well known for their strict environmental policies. In 2012 a law was passed by congress banning recreational hunting. Past errors in forestry are quickly being corrected and they have become leaders in environmental sustainability. In addition to this they are committed to becoming the first country in the world to be carbon neutral by the year 2021. These people recognize that their environment is not only beautiful but important and are making sure it stays that way!
When it comes to things to do and places to see while visiting you will not be disappointed. I stayed in the Guanacaste region near Liberia and there was not enough time to experience all of the tours & attractions that area had to offer. Plenty more can be found near and around the capital of San Jose.
The picture on the left is of Arenal Volcano which is one of seven historically active volcanoes in Costa Rica and one of the ten most active in the world. Arenal measures approximately 5,358 ft. but this picture depicts only 20% if its base. The rest is hidden by the clouds. The beautiful and relaxing Tabacon Hot Springs are a nearby natural occurrence thanks to the geothermal activity of the volcano. The Monte Verde Cloud Forest is another huge attraction that I unfortunately missed. It contains over 26,000 acres of cloud forest which is basically fog that hovers the upper canopy of the forest, creating condensation on the leaves that drips to the plants below. It offers the chance to walk across a suspended bridge or take an aerial tram and of course there is zip-lining for the more adventurous. In this area you can also find butterfly & insect museums plus there are many hiking tours for both beginners and experts alike. One of my favourite attractions was a boat cruise down the Palo Verde River within the Palo Verde National Park. I had taken video of this excursion but it was abruptly ended by my screams and the dropping of my camera after our tour guide gently poked a crocodile swimming at the side of our boat. A word of wisdom: Crocodiles do not like being poked with sticks!
I cannot finish this article on Costa Rica before writing about the most amazing thing I found there, and that is its people! I found Costa Ricans to be a friendly, intelligent, grateful and endearing bunch of people. Wherever we were in the country the service provided was like nothing I had ever experienced. I wouldn't even be able to rate it because it went far above a 5 star rating. Not only were you always greeted with a smile, but you were never given the chance to complain because everything was near perfect. They truly live by their slogan, "Pura Vida" in everything they do. The country's army was abolished in 1948 and they are sometimes known as the Switzerland of the Americas. Their 1949 Constitution improved the lives of their people and the changes included, the right of women to vote, a fair & unbiased judicial system, and the right of every person to a valued education. Primary school is mandated while preschool and high school are free and they have both public and private Universities. The cost of public education at the University level is no more than $600 per year. Needless to say the literacy rate in the country for persons 15 and older is 95%. I question how you could not be happy living within such beautiful surroundings and having a government that seems to care so much about their people and their environment? Pura Vida for sure!
So, if you aren't yet convinced that your next trip (or first) should be to the beautiful country of Costa Rica please feel free to send me a message! Rest assured I have plenty more stories and pictures that will definitely entice you into experiencing this little bit of tropical heaven on earth!
I cannot finish this article on Costa Rica before writing about the most amazing thing I found there, and that is its people! I found Costa Ricans to be a friendly, intelligent, grateful and endearing bunch of people. Wherever we were in the country the service provided was like nothing I had ever experienced. I wouldn't even be able to rate it because it went far above a 5 star rating. Not only were you always greeted with a smile, but you were never given the chance to complain because everything was near perfect. They truly live by their slogan, "Pura Vida" in everything they do. The country's army was abolished in 1948 and they are sometimes known as the Switzerland of the Americas. Their 1949 Constitution improved the lives of their people and the changes included, the right of women to vote, a fair & unbiased judicial system, and the right of every person to a valued education. Primary school is mandated while preschool and high school are free and they have both public and private Universities. The cost of public education at the University level is no more than $600 per year. Needless to say the literacy rate in the country for persons 15 and older is 95%. I question how you could not be happy living within such beautiful surroundings and having a government that seems to care so much about their people and their environment? Pura Vida for sure!
So, if you aren't yet convinced that your next trip (or first) should be to the beautiful country of Costa Rica please feel free to send me a message! Rest assured I have plenty more stories and pictures that will definitely entice you into experiencing this little bit of tropical heaven on earth!