Explore Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a country of never- ending activities, fabulous beaches, variety of wildlife, volcanoes and interesting people. Put this intriguing country on your bucket list of places to visit.

Begin by flying into San Jose which is the business and governmental center of Costa Rica. Plan on spending a few nights to experience the cultural vibe, Jade and Gold Museums and of course, the wonderfully ornate National Theatre. The markets and stores are wonderful and colourful for any interesting mementoes to take home.

Travel across to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica which is completely different from any other part of the country. This area is much less developed with very good restaurants and the hotels are still relatively inexpensive. The world largest coral reef is also here and consequently a great place to dive and surf. Because the region was harvested for timber and left to regenerate, it has created a perfect habituate for monkeys and green Parrots. They will try and serenade you in the early morning and songbirds they are not! This area is regarded as one of the most important breeding grounds for the endangered green turtle.

Manuel Antonio National Park is where you will see fabulous pristine, natural white sand beaches. There are a multitude of tours to keep any active person happy. Here you will find the many species of monkeys swinging from branch to branch following you as you walk in the jungle.  This is an easy area to get around and will not need a car rental.

The province of Guanacaste has been designated by the Costa Rican government to be developed into an area not unlike Cancun. There are many resort hotels near Flamingo and north around the Papagayo area. It has beautiful beaches; great fishing and you can even try some surfing lessons! If Australia, Bali or Hawaii seems too far away then this is the best place to learn. Accommodations range from many All Inclusive Resort properties to small, funky little hotels with lots of character.

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The resort area closest to San Jose is called Jaco Beach. It was once a sleepy little place and has now grown to accommodate the extremely varied clientele of surfers and guests demanding the more luxury resorts. The Tarcoles River and its world famous crocodiles are only a few miles away. The Carara Biological Reserve is renowned for its many species of Scarlet Macaws and armadillos that habitat this area. Take the time to visit this Reserve and see these colourful birds up-close and personal!

The area of Costa Rica called Monteverde, is a perfect combination of natural beauty where you can walk for hours in the splendour of the cloud forest. This area was originally settled by a small group of Quaker dairy farmers from the USA. It has since developed into a place where artists, researchers and educators have made their homes in perfect coexistence with the locals. Numerous canopy adventures, an orchid farm, a butterfly farm, a rainforest tram and even a frog zoo can be found here.

The area around the Arenal volcano offers something for everyone. There are numerous hot springs, waterfalls, foliage and fabulous fishing to be enjoyed on Lake Arenal. Trekking to the waterfalls outside the town of La Fontuna or a trip to the Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve can be arranged by many hotels and Tour Operators. The Rainmaker Aerial Walkway was the first walkway built in Central America and is considered to be one of the top in the region. It is approx. twenty stories high at its highest point from ground level.

Costa Rica has always been an agricultural economy .Tourism is now the number one industry but many folks still work close to the land. Coffee plantations are famous all over the world and you can take in many tours of the refining process and buy really good coffee to bring home. Take in some Spanish lessons where you can enjoy good quality classes and teachers.

Put Costa Rica on your bucket list and enjoy a country of many contrasts and enjoyable people.

Lynda Spriggs

Lobstick Travel & Tours/Prince Albert.