When one begins to think of a vacation in Costa Rica, one will notice that it has as rich a culture as it does a nature. This is a unique environment of a tropical island having a biological diversity of plants and animals and the way of life expressed in the phrase Pura Vida.
It is all about Pura Vida – such an expression perfectly reflects the life of Costa Ricans. It symbolizes, quality life, happiness, harmony, satisfaction, positive attitude and positive outlook to life with regard to positive eschatology. People of Costa Rica seem to understand particularly the fact that living is a form of art. This phrase, typically used as a greeting or farewell, is congruent with the people’s character. In other words, it is actually the encouragement of follow the bright sunshine and enjoy every moment’s of life. The people in the region employ it in their relaxed way of life and in their cheerful disposition. Overwhelmingly, this phrase is often meted out to the visitors and within no time they are saying the phrase while feeling the welcome feeling associated with the phrase.
Biodiversity and Natural Splendor
Among jungle, waterfalls, mountain and much more, Costa Rica is one of the richest countries concerning the diversity. Touring here signals a direct opportunity for people to touch and feel nature as well as explore other beautiful species. It has been established that this country is among those that has 5% of the global diversity of animals and plants even if the size of country is rather small. From bright red toucans and booming howler monkeys to shy jaguars and bright yellow and black poison dart frogs. One ecosystem thus follows the other; the misty cloud forests have a different specie of wild life and plants from the sunny beaches. This make Costa Rica a favorite for Nature lovers and Adventure enthusiasts.
The Epidemiological Model &&Comparing&Costa Rica as a Vacation Destination
Selecting Costa Rica for tourism has a lot to offer to the potential visitors as far as exotic foods, outdoor activities, and natural beauty spots are concerned. In this case, you are set for an exploration to the heart of Central America. If you’re zipping down the canopy, surfing in the Pacific, or plunging into the rainforest there is always a thrill to be had. Since the country has pledged its support to ecotourism, it is used as a form of break that does not harm the environment of the places and in fact supports the places’ communities. Thus, as you explore these appealing sites, you are at the same time helping in the conservation of such magnificent landscapes.
As part of the knowledge of the climate and the ecosystems, the learning objectives to be achieved includes:
Another consideration when organizing your holiday should be the weather in Costa Rica. The country has a regional affiliation to various ecosystems with a clear differentiation of the dry and rainy seasons. They help you know the best time to pay a visit to this place as you understand certain periods are not suitable. The types of climate prevalent in Costa Rica include dry forest, Rainy forest, humid and cloudy forest and moor land. The dry season is from December to April most of the time while the rainy season is from May to November. However, planning has to be different according to the area related to the country’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, creating the difference in temperature. This variation makes it possible for one to have a change of weather within the same trip if one moves around.
Recommendations for Travelers
In general, the preferable time to vist is from December to April. However, if your destination is the Caribbean coast, aim for September/October. Thus, you can capture the atmosphere of the beaches of Costa Rica at their best, depending on the period of the year. The Pacific coast is better in the dry season, when the weather is that good on the beach and travelling around. On the other hand, the Caribbean side can be more pleasant in the what is commonly known as the Caribbean summer, which falls in this region’s rainy season on the Pacific side. Such planning also allows one to enjoy the finest climate for certain activities as planned beforehand.
Experiencing the Green Season
When considering Costa Rica, it is also necessary to think about the availability of even richer green months, when the flora and fauna are flourishing to the maximum. The length of stay of a buyer with a brand’s product depends with the zones of the brand. The Pacific coasts the peninsula, the bay, the highlands and the capital San José are favourable from may to November. On the other hand, the volcanic quarters and lowland regions are better enjoyed from December to April, Monteverde perhaps from June to September then the Caribbean shores from the end of the year to the early months of the year. The green season while being wet is also the most vivid with the clouds painted with the green of the rainforests and the richness of the landscapes. It is also a less busy time of the year to make your trip hence and better experience with the natural environment.
Get to Know the People and Their customs
As for the people, Costa Ricans or Ticos, are friendly and are considered some of the happiest people in the world. It is manifested in the concept of ‘pura vida’ which means health and a simple happy life filled and free from wants. The people of Costa Rica are friendly and polite people who are willing to share relevant information about their country especially the nature part of it. They value their culture and mother nature as heritage; they are good role models to tourists who want to learn more about tribal people and the kinds of wildlife found in the region.
Eco-Tourism: A Sustainable Approach
Regarding the specification of knowledge, it is necessary to mention, that Costa Rica has very developed conservationist orientation, both in the sphere of legislative and normative documents regulating the country’s activities and in terms of the general attitude of the population to the environmental problems. Another equally important motivation for the visitors is a direct earning factor that improves the economy of a specific region besides being a determinant for the conservation of the biologic diversity of the area. That is why the term eco-tourism, or more specifically ecological tourism, perfectly suits this place. It’s about being polite to nature and thinking how one can develop without going through the resources over and over. In many cases such as national parks and nature reserves this approach is applied with the coverage of up to 25% of the total area. Sustainable tourism is a guarantee; thus, when seeking for accommodations for tourists, aim at finding firms with a CST – Certificate of Sustainable Tourism, which means they are using resources efficiently. This will enable future tourist to benefit from natural resources that is available in Costa Rica. All these efforts make costa rica to be among the most promising countries in sustainable tourism.
Numerous activities for those, who love nature
As indicated earlier, options available in Costa Rica are relative to the available territories and regions with variety being the spice of life. Thus, a visitor can only walk around, swim, or take up some sort of risky tours while still maintaining an ecological approach. There are some opportunities to see the flora and fauna of Costa Rica while on the suggested tours. Not matter if one is hiking in a national park, snorkelling in the sea, or if she/he is bird watching in a cloud forest, the options of a wild experience –are- inexhaustible. It is intentional to have activities that are economically sustainable, in a way that does not alter the physical outlook of the natural world. This commitment helps in the conservation of natural resources thereby enabling tourist to explore the Uganda natural attractions in the right manner.
Choosing Your Adventure
Decide which places to visit: tropical rain, savanna, or rainforests of South and Central America, beautiful parklands, wooded districts or the Pacific and the Caribbean sea views. In case, you cannot select the particular path, you can select the general program to vogüe the both coasts and the middle part of Costa Rica. Do not leave behind your camera and your hiking shoes for shooting the sanctity of land and life. There is the Pacific coast characterized by beautiful beaches and excellent places for surfing and the Caribbean coast which is much more calm and not as developed. Splitting your destinations across the regions will however give you the best experience you can get of the Costa Rica territories of natural wonders.
Safety Considerations
This simplifies your planning knowing that you do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. In this regard, Costa Rica’s beaches, parks and other green areas are well protected as the country has measures put in place. In general, the country can be considered safe, however, in San José, the capital of the country, Sureties should be more careful. There are some dangers concerning streets and some hours of the night, which are best avoided because there are pickpockets that prefer targeting foreign visitors. However, one has to be careful although the issue is not very severe in most cases. It is always safe to travel with company since Costa Rica consists of a portfolio of things that are better appreciated in groups of friends or families. Of course, the level of protection can be increased by adhering to some elementary measures, such as not walking at night in deserted places and not leaving valuables unattended.
Exploring San José
Your tour starts in the San José in Costa Rica which is the country’s capital. Here, it is possible to find the concentration of monuments and museums accompanied by a park zone due to the protection of the territories. Touristic attractions include the beautiful entrance of the National Theatre; Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and Jade. The Museum of Art, Children’s Museum, and Central Market is also of interest. These attractions are a perfect blend of the cultural and historical points of interest with a clear representative of the country’s cultural heritage and present life tempo. San José especially is also a great start for visiting nearby nature attractions which will help to get the balance between the city and nature.
The discovery of the outdoors in San José
For the purpose of outing, one can go to the National, Central or go to a place called La Sabana park. For more night life there is always Braulio Carrillo park, a green area with waterfalls and a cable car with passes through the jungle. These parks provide break from city life giving you a natural feel without necessarily moving out from the city. Of all the provinces, Braulio Carrillo gives a richer experience because of the number of ecosystems and the exciting attractions it includes. Whatever the kind of traveler one is, recreational parks in San José offer good exposures for all kinds of tourists, be it the laid back kind or the adventurous type.
Adventures Beyond San José
Right at the outskirts of San José you truly can ascend the Talamanca Mountains, which stand 3300m above sea level. For, beautiful scenic views of the coast head to Cerro Buena Vista. There are beautiful sights for a hiker; the Savegre River waterfall, the town of La Piedra and many other peaks. From Providencia it is possible to choose a ride to San Gerardo de Dota, go for a walk to Chaqueta, and valleys where the Boruca indigenous people live. This is the region of beautiful sceneries and distinct cultural events and encounters. Visit the Talamanca Mountains, provides an opportunity to discover the Costa Rica other than the most popular tourist attractions destinations.
San Isidro de Dota
In San Isidro de Dota see the Lodge de los Campesinos for forest walks and swinging bridges. Do not leave the area without visiting some of the waterfalls and the rivers here; you cannot go without swimming in the water. It is an area that consists of thick forests and very calm sceneries. The Los Campesinos is a reserve and gives tourists the opportunity to see a large number of different kinds of wildlife and plants. The hanging bridges give a good view of the tree top while the waterfalls are good for a bath especially after a long day of trekking.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
In the north, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve provides a cloudy and approximately habitat with the largest species of orchids in the world. Suspension bridges would be crossed, zipline with the local bananas as snacks and watching out for hard to find wildlife. Many people are familiar with Monteverde taking into consideration the fact that it provides home to numerous forms of wildlife and tropical climates. This is especially so since the area inhabited by the cloud forest has a perpetually wet and cool climate that also contributes in creating that ethereal experience. The fact that this reserve is focused on preserving the natural beauty as well as the wildlife means that it is a natural destination that will attract any nature and sustainability lovers.
Arenal Volcano National Park
A stop-over should be the Arenal Volcano National Park expects trails, suspended bridges, volcano ascents and waterfalls. Go for a hot soak in the Tabacón hot springs and bird watching of more than 500 species. Monkeys, sloths as well as leopards are some of the animals that one is likely to encounter on a guided tour. The Arenal Volcano which is the key attraction of the park can be described as stunning and promising both an awe and a few exciting treks. The hot springs mainly, provide elderly women and men with an opportunity after a day expedition to ease their tired muscles in naturally heated waters. All these forms of diversity of birds and other wildlife make this park even more attractive to all natural lovers and definitely phographers.
Tortuguero National Park
In the northeast, Tortuguero National Park is home to resort and turtles some of which are the largest in the world. It is best to visit them between February and July this is because the birds nest during this period. Go on a Paddle on water channels-look for turtles, monkeys, herons, and alligators. First of all, Tortuguero has several advantages as a result of the relative isolation contributes to the tranquility of the area. The water bodies in the park are best covered through the use of canoe; affording an up-close feel of the park. Following the turtles to nest is exciting, and other wildlife in the park is not hard to capture on the camera and watch. Tortuguero can thus be considered to be a result of Costa Rica’s efforts in any environmental conservation as well as the growth of eco-tourism.
Corcovado National Park
A UNESCO Bio Sphere reserve linked with trenches of Pacific Ocean, Corcovado national park is one of those few destinations in the world that is exceptionally rich in species. Discover its 45000 ha where about 6600 species of animals and plants can be found. Admire tropical forests, beach and tourist world ranked waterfall views. Thus, Corcovado could be considered the gem of the national parks of Costa Rica. Due to its isolated location and rough topography, it is a perfect ground for the travelers with adventurous spirit. People can trek through tropical rain forests, wildlife and bird viewing and sunshine, sand, and sea at perhaps the world’s best beaches. Conservation is still maintained in this park hence it is a good opportunity for people to have a touch of the world’s last great tropical frontier. The coexistence of both land and marine biomes creates a rich and interesting experience to the visitors.
Costa Rican Beaches
There are stunning sandy Costan Rican beaches that have warm Caribbean Sea on one side and the cooler Pacific waters on the other. Specifically, from Panama Beach to Tamarindo, Grande, Puntarenas, Jaco and Manuel Antonio, you can dive into the Pacific waters of the coast. These are amazing beaches which are ideal for colourful sea-bed searches and island visits. The pacific coast is famous for the surfing, beautiful sunsets, and various marine life forms. Tarzeau surfing, snorkeling and deep-sea fishing are famous activities that are available with many places that provide equipment for learners to experts. accross the beaches the traveler finds a range of vibrant towns and quietial coves so you find everything here. This way or that, fast-paced beach city, or peaceful vacation destination, the Pacific coast it is.
Exploring the Caribbean Side
On the Caribbean, side we have Gandoca, Puerto Viejo, and Manzanillo, which are small towns with gorgeous sandy beaches. It should be noted that compared to spots in the Pacific Ocean, these locations are not as popular. Swimming, snorkeling, diving, deep-sea fishing, and water sporting such as water skiing, water surfing, sailing are some of the most preferred beach activities in both the coasts. Float on the water take a boat and relax or a go for a ride take the challenge in a concentration. Caribbean coast is generally more of a leisure destination and that is proven by its beautiful landscapes and relaxed atmosphere. It boasts of warm and clear waters which makes the area ideal for snorkeling and or diving as there are colorful corals as well as marine life. The local culture will be rather exotic because of the Afro-Caribbean origin of the region contributing to the flavor of the trip.
Puerto Viejo: A Fishing Village
South, on the Caribbean coast and Puerto Viejo is a fishing village having various types of beaches. Cocles is a beach that presents white sand and coral reefs for snorkel, Punta Uva also present white sand for snorkel while Salsa Brava is best for surfing enthusiasts as the waves are strong there. Being naturally beautiful, with a lively tempo thrown into the equation, Puerto Viejo is a tourist hotspot. This town certainly has a reputation for being a vibrant party town with some fantastic places to eat and very engaging locals. No matter if you want to enjoy sun and sand of some of the most gorgeous beaches, go snorkeling or diving, or even surfing, Puerto Viejo offers it all. Cleanness of the areas with beautiful beaches, numerous archaeological precipitates, and opportunities to participate in diverse activities make it one of the prominent features of the Caribbean coast.
Final Thoughts
When planning a trip to Costa Rica one needs to comprehend the climate, get a dose of ‘pura vida’ and go on an eco-adventure. As constructed above there are many activities with safe traveling conditions that make a Costa Rica trip an exciting one. Whether one wants to visit the capital city of San Jose or go for a trek in the clouds of Monteverde or bask in the sun at Caribbeans beaches, this country has it all. On behalf of the costarricans, thank you for visiting our country and exploring its nature and history. It is the cultural value that is uniquely anchored on sustainability, its natural beauty and warm, hospitable people that will make your journey memorable and meaningful. Being a small country filled with beauty and nature, it has ample to provide the travelers enough to explore and enjoy. If you will do proper planning and learn to assimilate into the culture of this beautiful country, then there is no way you will not enjoy all that this country has to offer.
