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Live Costa Rica! - Your complete information source for Costa Rica
Costa Rica, "The Rich Coast"
On the 4th voyage of Christopher Colmbus in 1502, the explorer and his crew discovered the Caribbean side of a beautiful territory he called, "Costa Rica" or "Rich Coast". Costa Rica is Central America's greatest hidden gem. Contrary to popular belief, the country is not an island, it is nestled in between Nicaragua and Panama surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on its Western Coast and The Caribbean Sea on its Eastern Coast, roughly 9-10 degrees North of The Equator. Costa Rica offers beautiful scenery, friendly people and a plethora of activities to do for everyone. Whether your goal is to vacation to Costa Rica in Caribbean tropical resorts or to live as an ex-patriot to get away from the hustle and bustle... the experience of Costa Rica will surely be unforgettable. Why visit Costa Rica? Over 1.9 Million tourists visited Costa Rica by the end of the year 2007. Costa Rica offers many activities such as Surfing, Sport Fishing, Zip Lines, Nature Tours, Coffee Plantation Tours, Hot Springs, Day Spas with certified massage therapists and much more! Though the activities are something that makes Costa Rica stand out, it is the slow-pace way of life that will be remembered forever. Costa Rica is the number one tourist vacation destination of Central America. Furthermore, an increasing amount of retirees are moving to Costa Rica for the affordable health and dental care, low crime rate, low cost of living, modern services and beautiful exotic locations to relax. Many non-profit organizations have work available in Costa Rica for those wishing to make a difference in developing Central America, as well as experience the culture and beauty of Costa Rica. Costa Rica offers beautiful beaches such as Puerto Viejo, Playa Dominical, Playa Hermosa, Playa Tamarindo, Playa Jaco and many more. Spectacular waterfalls like La Fortuna and La Paz offer amazing views of undisturbed nature. Active volcanoes like that of Arenal Volcano offer amazing views of lava spewing which reiterates the importance of why we exist. Natural Hot Springs like that of Tabacon provide a relaxing and therapeutic memory. Rain and Clooud Forest tours give tourist vacationers an unforgettable biodiversity nature experience with rare and exotic animals like monkeys, tarantulas, exotics birds, three-toed sloths, rare frogs and plant-life only available for viewing in the natural Costa Rican habitats.
The Culture of Costa Ricans The friendly Costa Rican people known as "Ticos" offer great hospitality and an unforgettable time. The food in Costa Rica is not only great tasting and will please your palette, but it is some of the healthiest food one can consume. Typical meals include fresh vegetables or fruit and are surprisingly cheap. Unlike Mexico or other Latin American or Central American countries, Costa Rica has modern services and access to more immenities such as water that is potable and can be consumd out of the tap as well as internet services that are quite reliable. Costa Ricans are one of the more excepting Latin American cultures where "Gringo" foreigners from the United States are welcomed and treated well as opposed to with animosity. Most of the younger generations in Costa Rica speak basic English and many speak fluent English offering an environment where it is easy to enjoy and experience that Latino culture, but still feel comfortable if you do not speak Spanish very well. Costa Ricans take great pride in their country's reputation and beauty as well as their hospitality which will have you leaving Costa Rica and wanting to come back again! As the Costa Ricans say for their greeting, "Pura Vida!" or "Pure Life!"
Lodging in Costa Rica
Hotels of many US based companies can be booked online. Majority of the time you will end up paying the rate you requested at the time of booking. If you book through a local hotel you might find that you will book it for one rate but pay another when you check out. Be sure to always keep the receipts of your online hotel booking. Most hotels have many English speaking receptionists on staff so if you do not speak Spanish their is usually someone who can answer your questions.
When you check out at hotels, especially the smaller hotels, they may make you wait until a housekeeper goes to your room to verify you haven't lost or stolen any items. If an item is missing such as a towel or cup, they will more than likely charge you for it. It is advised that when staying in hotels further outside of San Jose (The Capital) that you carry you own personal shampoo and body soap as some hotels provide one tiny bar of soap and it isn't of the best quality as it typically breaks and doesn't lather well. Amenities in the hotels are comparable to that of the United States or Canada if you are staying within the Central Valley. As you move further outside the Central Valley, hotel amenities become less abundant. There are still hotels that have the same amenities as the Central Valley hotels but located closer to the beach towns. Those hotels that have all the amenities; however, tend to be extremely expensive for the average traveler. One of the nicest looking historical hotels in San Jose is the Gran Hotel. The Gran Hotel is conveinently located in the heart of San Jose and literally right on Avenida Central and to the side of the historic Teatro Nacional. If you plan on enjoying a more wild atmosphere when staying in San Jose you can stay at the ever popular Hotel & Casino Del Rey which offers a downstairs casino and working girls mingling with the men all night. Another lower cost comparable hotel to that of The Hotel & Casino Del Rey is Hotel Parque Morazan. Motels are not like motels from those in the United States. They are usually solely for courting a mate and spending a romantic evening with that person. They usually run no higher than $40 per 12 hours or night and they usually include a towels, soap and a latex condom. One popular Motel in San Jose goes by the name of "Motel Eden". Costa Rica has an abundance of hostels. Most are fairly safe if you are traveling alone. Most hostels in Costa Rica have strict rules where you are required to be in at a certain time (curfew) and some may actually may lock you in the hostel until the morning around 6-7AM. It is wise to purchase water and food and use the restroom prior to coming in to the hostel for the night. Some hostels are however much more comfortable and liberating, you just have to do your research. Costa Rica offers several areas the camp. Most camp sites; however, are not as sophisticated and convenient to that of the campgrounds in the United States or Canada. |
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Addition date: Jun 04, 2008
Tags: Travel, Central America, Costa Rica Source: http://www.livecostarica.net/index.php/component/content/article/45-live-in-costa-rica |
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