Is the world getting you down, Bucko? Are your better days behind you? World passing you by? A Costa Rica vacation may be just what the doctor ordered. Consider:
1. Airfares have not been this reasonable in years. The world economic downturn has come to Costa Rica. Tourism in Costa Rica is down by at least 15% this year, presenting great bargains to an informed and frugal traveler . Want luxury at an affordable price? The Hilton Papagayo Resort is offering rates 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 almost eight hundred miles of coast visit one or more of hundreds of pristine Costa Rica beaches. Black, brown, and white sand beaches, sea shell beaches, rugged rock-strewn beaches. Fish off of Drake Bay, named after Sir Francis Drake, who visited the southern Costa Rica Pacific coast a decade before sinking the Spanish Armada and saving England in 1588. You can even walk the same Caribbean beach where Columbus landed six centuries ago.
3. Frolic on the same Costa Rica beaches enjoyed by Mel Gibson and Britney Spears. Do not forget to 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.
4. Tour Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast, the world's largest green sea turtle preserve. 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 remaining on the planet. Arribadas take place 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, remember that Costa Rica ecotourism is helping to conserve 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 kinds 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 there are in Costa Rica. Twenty Percent of all animal and plant species on the globe are found in this country.
6. Hike the tallest mountain in Latin America. It is called Mount Chirrippo. Your hike will start at its tropical forest base and, if you have the stamina, end at its cold alpine summit. This is not a day-walk in the hills. 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. - 29955
1. Airfares have not been this reasonable in years. The world economic downturn has come to Costa Rica. Tourism in Costa Rica is down by at least 15% this year, presenting great bargains to an informed and frugal traveler . Want luxury at an affordable price? The Hilton Papagayo Resort is offering rates 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 almost eight hundred miles of coast visit one or more of hundreds of pristine Costa Rica beaches. Black, brown, and white sand beaches, sea shell beaches, rugged rock-strewn beaches. Fish off of Drake Bay, named after Sir Francis Drake, who visited the southern Costa Rica Pacific coast a decade before sinking the Spanish Armada and saving England in 1588. You can even walk the same Caribbean beach where Columbus landed six centuries ago.
3. Frolic on the same Costa Rica beaches enjoyed by Mel Gibson and Britney Spears. Do not forget to 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.
4. Tour Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast, the world's largest green sea turtle preserve. 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 remaining on the planet. Arribadas take place 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, remember that Costa Rica ecotourism is helping to conserve 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 kinds 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 there are in Costa Rica. Twenty Percent of all animal and plant species on the globe are found in this country.
6. Hike the tallest mountain in Latin America. It is called Mount Chirrippo. Your hike will start at its tropical forest base and, if you have the stamina, end at its cold alpine summit. This is not a day-walk in the hills. 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. - 29955
About the Author:
Writer Victor Krumm posts from his home in Costa Rica. Visit his acclaimed website about Costa Rica Vacations and be sure to check out the magnificent Seven Wonders of Costa Rica
