Gloom and Doom Getting You Down, Partner? Time For Your Costa Rica Vacation
1. Airfares have not been this cheap in years. The world economic downturn has come to Costa Rica. Tourism in Costa Rica is off by at least fifteen percent this year, presenting great bargains to a frugal, informed traveler . Want luxury at an affordable price? The Hilton Papagayo Resort is offering rates starting from $160.00 a night. Seniors can get an extra discount. More budget-conscious folks who travel Costa Rica can stay at very nice Costa Rica hostels (some with private rooms) for about $12.00. Travel Tip: For the finest deals, visit between May and mid-November and avoid the holiday periods. Bonus Tip: always inquire about a cash discount because many accomodations offer substantial price reductions for cash.
2. With nearly 800 miles of coastline visit one or more of hundreds of pristine Costa Rica beaches. Sandy beaches, coral and shell beaches, and boulder strewn beaches. Boat off of Drake Bay, named after Sir Francis Drake, who visited the southern Costa Rica Pacific coast a decade before destroying the mighty Spanish Armada and saving England in 1588. You can even explore the same Caribbean beach where Columbus landed six centuries ago.
3. All beaches in Costa Rica are public so you can frolic on the same Costa Rica beaches as Britney Spears or Mel Gibson (but you need to bring your own Russian model). Take romantic walks or just be lazy. Be sure to bring your surfboard because some of the best surfing on the planet is found here. Most beaches are completely free but if you prefer to visit a very popular national beach park called Manuel Antonio, there will be a small entry fee.
4. Discover Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast, the biggest green sea turtle nesting preserve on earth. Or, check out Ostional National Preserve on the popular Pacific Gold Coast, where thousands of olive ridley sea turtles come ashore in massive nestings, called “arribadas”, perhaps the largest spectacle of its kind in the world. Arribadas occur every month but the biggest (sometimes involving hundreds of thousands of turtles) typically are when the moon is in its last quarter during the months of July to November. And, keep in mind that Costa Rica ecotourism is helping to preserve endangered sea turtles, exotic macaws, and many other species.
5. Called the “Switzerland of Latin America,” this mountainous little country has nearly as many species of birds as in the entire continental U.S. and more species of butterflies than are found in all of the continent of Africa. It is so diverse that twenty percent of all animal and plant species in the world are found in this country. It even has the only vegetarian spider.
6. You can hike the tallest mountain in Central America, Mt. Chirripo. Voted one of Costa Rica’s Seven Natural Wonders, hikers start at its tropical forest base and, if they have the stamina, end at its cold alpine summit. Bring a backpack with warm clothes as you climb this beauty to a little night time shelter overlooking remnant glacial lakes carved from ancient glaciers. You will need a permit and reservation but the cost is very modest and when you reach the top you may be reminded of the mighty Andes. Most hikers make this a two day trip.
Victor Krumm lives in Costa Rica. His popular website about Costa Rica Vacations. Ever imagined tropical surfing? Check out www.costarica-discCosta Rica Surfing for world-famous beaches and incredible waves Grab a totally unique version of this article from the Uber Article Directory
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