If you have been thinking about taking a trip to Central America, then Costa Rica should be at the top of your list.  Costa Rica is truly an oasis, a magnificent ecotourism that is a little slice of heaven, which is why it is one of the best places in the world to experience the tropics.  Costa Rica is primarily coastline, making it perfect for boating, surfing, scuba diving, or merely lying out on the beach to enjoy warm sunshine. 

The jungles of Costa Rica are full of playful monkeys along with a wide variety of other life to include poison-dart frogs, crocodiles, sloth, and a full array of colorful birds such as the Toucan, and then finally, gorgeous butterflies and of course insects.  You will even find an endangered sea turtle from time to time, as well as jungle cats. 

People typically come to Costa Rica for one of two reasons – they are either looking for some peace and quiet, a place of tranquility, or they are looking for real excitement.  This means you have your choice of taking an afternoon nap in a hammock overlooking the green mountains and blue, ocean or zooming through the jungle on zip lines, visiting boiling volcanoes, or swimming with dolphins and whales. 

Costa Rica is actually quite populated with approximately four million people living there although there are many small villages scattered about.  Although there is really no bad time to visit Costa Rica, the best time as far as climate is concerned would be in late December to mid-April.  However, remember that because this is prime season, you will pay more for your hotel and meals but it is well worth the increased price. 

Unlike some of the other countries in Central America, Costa Rica is a rather well to do country.  Here you see fast growing development as more and more people become aware of the importance of the tourists and even more, the money they bring in.  Although some accommodations are very nice, there are others that are less than desirable.  Regardless of where you stay, what you will discover is kind people who are always eager to please. 

Interestingly, for pre-Columbian Costa Rica, there is some mystery regarding the history of this country.  You will find a few archaeological monuments but to this date, no one has ever found any writing to uncover the mystery.  We do know that Christopher Columbus was there in 1502, staying for about two weeks.  In fact, Columbus was so impressed with Costa Rica and the gold necklaces worn by the local people that he gave the country its name, which translates to “rich coast.” 

Even though this country was known for wealth, it was not until about 60 years later when Spanish settlers came to the jungles that the wealth was enjoyed.  However, once word got out, it quickly became colonized, suffering from the backlash of the European invasion.  Since there were simply not enough people to fight off the Spanish and the many diseases brought over with the Europeans, the population quickly declined. 

Although there had been talk of gold in Costa Rica, the massive amounts expected to be found never panned out.  Therefore, this country was forgotten for several years but then by the 18^th century, many settlements were established to include Alajuela, Heredia, and San Jose.  Then in 1808, something wonderful happened.  Coffee was introduced and by the 19^th century, entrepreneurs came from near and far to get in on the discovery.  With this finding came wealth and independence. 

Sadly, Costa Rica experienced more invasions, one by the United States whereby Nicaraguan slaves were captured.  As times settled down, more great things began to happen.  For example, in 1949, blacks and women were allowed to vote and the country’s army dismantled, making Costa Rica the only country without an army.  Even the President Oscar Arias was given the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his amazing work in bringing peace back to a damaged country. 

The peace was short lived with another disaster struck Costa Rica in 1996 in the form of Hurricane Cesar.  The results were devastating with lives lost and the majority of Costa Rica’s southern region closed off.  The overall damage was horrific and just when the country was getting back on its feet it was hit again in 1998 by Hurricane Mitch.  This time, even more damage was done but this time more to the north, hitting areas such as El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras.  However, this is a strong country, fighting back every step of the way.  With time and rebuilding, you can again enjoy the countryside, which is breathtakingly beautiful, greener than green and just gorgeous.  

What Costa Rica offers in beauty it does not make up for in cuisine.  The traditional food includes beef, chicken, and fish dishes that are usually coupled with beans, corn, or rice and then some type of fresh fruit, perhaps pineapple, mango, or papaya.  Although the food is not bad, it is not the best either.  However, the one thing you can say is that the food is spicy and extremely salty.  The one thing that is decent is the coffee, of course. 

Taking a trip to Costa Rica shows you completely different culture and amazing biodiversity.  For example, the tropical forests are home to more than 1,500 different species of trees and national parks account for about 12% of the country along with forest reserves.  You will leave this country feeling refreshed and appreciative for the natural beauty that is seen everywhere.