1. Airfares have not been this reasonable in years. The world economic downturn has come to Costa Rica. Tourism in Costa Rica is off by at least 15% this year, presenting terrific travel deals to an informed and frugal traveler . Want luxury at an affordable price? The Hilton Papagayo Resort is offering accomodations around $160.00 a night. Seniors can get an extra discount. More budget-conscious folks who travel Costa Rica can rent 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. Fish 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 named Costa Rica six centuries ago. Black, brown, and white sand beaches, sea shell beaches, rugged rock-strewn beaches are everywhere.
3. Take romantic walks or just be lazy. Or, bring your surfboard because some of the best surfing in the world 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. Wherever you are, though, you can frolic on the same Costa Rica beaches as movie stars and celebrities.
4. Tour 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 happen every month but the biggest (sometimes involving hundreds of thousands of turtles) typically are from July through November when the moon is in its last quarter. And, keep in mind that Costa Rica ecotourism is helping to preserve endangered sea turtles, exotic macaws, and many other species.
5. Costa Rica has been called the “Switzerland of Latin America.” This mountainous little country has nearly as many species of birds as in the entire continental U.S., nearly 1000 in all. You can hike every inch of Africa without seeing as many species of butterflies as Costa Rica has. One of every five animal and plant species on the world are found in this country.
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 frigid summit. You will need a backpack with warm clothes as you climb this beauty to a little night time shelter overlooking remnant glacial lakes carved from ancient glaciers. Climbing requires a permit and reservation but the cost is very modest and when you reach the top you may be reminded of the mighty Andes. Plan on a day up, overnight, and a day back.
About this writer: Victor Krumm lives in sunny Escazu. Visit his popular website about Costa Rica Vacationsand be sure to check out Retiring in Costa Rica.
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