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Is Costa Rica Heaven On Earth?

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Written by Aazdak Alisimo

Wednesday, 30 April 2008

by AazdakAlisimo

If you travel abroad much, you quickly learn that the reality of various destinations is much less attractive than that offered in the marketing material you see. When it comes to the hype, Costa Rica is one place that stands up to it and produces even more than suggested.

Costa Rica truly has a little something for everyone. You probably think of golden beaches first and you are correct. Both coasts offer amazing beaches that can range in style from isolated beaches miles long to beaches full of party revelers.

Ah, but Costa Rica is much more than just beaches. It has world class wind surfing on Lake Arenal, stunning eco-tourism opportunities in protected rain forests and so much more. Oh, and the food is tremendous.

Ah, but now I am just throwing words of hype around. You need some facts, so here are a few on the country.

In 1502, Christopher Columbus made the first European landfall in the area. It was his fourth trip the Americas. That being said, it took the Spanish another twenty years to actually settle the country.

The Spanish optimistically called the country "Rich Coast." They thought they would find tons of gold. They didn't, but claimed the country because of wood resources and its beauty.

In 1821, Costa Rica joined other Spanish provinces in a joint declaration of independence from Spain. It took 21 more years to gain independence as a country.

The country is a Republic in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south with the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean to the east.

Costa Rica has no standing military, but does have a police force.

Costa Rica has big earthquake issues. The last major quake hit on April 22, 1991. Centered on the Caribbean side southeast of San Jose. It measured 7.4 on the Richter scale.

Travelers to Costa Rica have to be careful with the seasons. There is no winter or summer as such. Instead, there is a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April.

Costa Rica puts Seattle to shame when it comes to rain. 100 inches annually is the number. Mountain areas can get as many as 250 inches. Temperatures always remain in the 70 to 90 degree range.

Hot and humid describes the summer months with rain daily in the afternoon, but temperatures remaining in the 70 to 90 degree range.

In an old world mix, the Roman Catholic Church and government are in bed on marriage. The government only acknowledges marriages by the church. All other marriagesare civil and must be by a lawyer.

Should you visit Costa Rica on your next vacation? Vacation time is precious, and Costa Rica is the place to use it. The "wow" factor is huge and you will not regret it.

About the Author:

Aazdak Alisimo writes Costa Rica articles at CostaRicaVacationTravelInformation.com.

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