Costa Rica
Costa Rica: History, Culture & Economy
July 31, 2010 by A'Keiba Burrell
Costa Rica (pronounced /ˌkoʊstə ˈrikə/), officially the Republic of Costa Rica (Spanish: Costa Rica orRepública de Costa Rica, pronounced [reˈpuβlika ðe ˈkosta ˈrika]) is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the east and south, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south and the Caribbean Sea to the east.
Costa Rica, which means “Rich Coast”, constitutionally abolished its army permanently in 1949. It is the only Latin American country included in the list of the world’s 22 older democracies. Costa Rica has consistently been among the top Latin American countries in terms of the Human Development Index, and ranked 54th in the world in 2007. The country is ranked 3rd in the world, and 1st among the Americas, in terms of the 2010 Environmental Performance Index.
In 2007 the Costa Rican government announced plans for Costa Rica to become the first carbon neutral country by 2021. According to the New Economics Foundation, Costa Rica ranks first in the Happy Planet Index and is the “greenest” country in the world.
Christopher Columbus landed in what is now Costa Rica in 1502, in an area inhabited by a number of small independent Indian tribes. These peoples were not easily dominated by European adventurers who followed, and it took some 60 years for the Spaniards to establish a permanent settlement…
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Upside Down Zipline on Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica
July 26, 2010 by Marcello Arrambide
I had to try the upside down Zipline
We spent part of our time in a hotel near Arenal Volcano to be able to see all the attractions near the volcano. This was my first zipline experience and it was better than I expected. We had a group of guys that were extremely fun. They let us zipline upside down, together, and even on our backs. If you are ever in Costa Rica don’t forget to visit Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Falls. They both are some of the popular Costa Rica attractions.
Check out our top 5 section for more things to do around the world.
Zip Line at Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
June 28, 2010 by Marcello Arrambide
We were able to zip line in Costa Rica head first, with two and three people, and upside down. This zip line is over 500 meters long and we were able to go right in between our hotel room and the pool as well. Would definitely recommend it if you are ever in Costa Rica.
This is the beauty of Costa Rica-Arenal Volcano
June 10, 2010 by Marcello Arrambide
This was the site from our room, everyday there was a stable of horses that would run by and gallop along the cobble stone streets and up the mountain. Highly recommend it
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN COSTA RICA
June 9, 2010 by Marcello Arrambide
Costa Rica has become a haven for expatriates, retirees, and even those looking for an old fashioned vacation. The culture is very open to foreigners and caters to both Europeans and Americans making it a great country to visit. Here are the top 5 things to do in Costa Rica:
Surfing – Costa Rica is often [...]
Casado: Costa Rica’s National Dish
March 31, 2010 by Eric Ackerson
Rejoining the ship after several days we once again head across the Atlantic Ocean and into the Caribbean Sea. Our destination is the Central American mainland and the small nation of Costa Rica. I always feel that the name of this place should be pronounced: Costah RRRRReeeKah and preferably to the tune of a fast moving Calypso beat.
In a direct, about face from the trials of much of post colonial Africa, Costa Rica has a long and polished reputation as a safe, happy and carefully managed country. Although this is of course subjective, consider some of the facts about this unique country before you decide. Costa Rica took the unusual step of permanently abolishing its military in 1949. They rank 1st in the Americas in terms of the Human Development index, 3rd in the world overall, are rated the “Happiest Nation on Earth” and also the “greenest” and plan to be the first “Carbon Neutral” nation by 2021. Not a bad track record for a small country surrounded by troubled neighbors.
So what makes a country like Costa Rica stand out from so many of its neighbors? Is it unique philosophies, a more holistic approach to governance and daily life? Or is it…
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Can geotourism go mainstream?
February 2, 2010 by Chris Gray Faust
“Geotourism” – defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place – has been a buzzword in the travel industry for several years now. It’s hard to know exactly what the term means, however, unless you see the companies that are putting such practices into action.
And that’s what National Geographic’s annual Geotourism Change Summit tries to accomplish.
What to do in Costa Rica – The Best Activities
June 17, 2009 by Erin Kiskis
Hiking Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde:
Photo courtesy of flicker: Wha'ppen
Walk along the tree tops in the clouds…can’t do this anywhere else! This area has a constant mist to it, thus the name ‘cloudforest’. It is rare to suggest to anyone to go to a rainy or wet area but, its unique climate brings along unique wildlife including the legendary long-tailed Quetzal. Catching a glimpse of this colorful bird is a rare treat and an experience you won’t forget.
Santa Teresa Surf Camp:
Photo courtesy of flickr: VancityAllie
Off the Nicoya Peninsula, on the Pacific Coast, this place is a surfer’s paradise. You can get huge swells and some days less, making it a great destination for beginners to advanced riders. The area as developed in recent years and is seeing a lot of travelers but it doesn’t take away from its natural beauty. If the surf is no good, there are great day hike in the nearby National Park, waterfalls to jump off of and lagoons to meander in. Best in dry season from January to April.
Rafting Rio Savegre:
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The Sad Truth of Media Driven Beauty
October 25, 2006 by Renee Blodgett
Check out this link – replicated below, seen on YouTube. It reminds me of a sad moment I experienced on my way back from Costa Rica a few years ago.
I was living on the East Coast at the time, so had to return via Miami. After experiencing several weeks of natural beauty, pleasure and respect for down-to-earth life above everything else, I heard a sad conversation in the ladies room among 4-5 late teen, early twenty year olds about their weight, the structure of their faces, the shape of their hips – it went on and on and on. Half were American, half were Latin American. Not yet anorexic, but it was only a matter of time.
I have a good friend who is an actress living in LA and went through a similiar experience a few months ago. I met a well known actress (yeah, I still prefer actress over actor – sorry to anyone this offends), through this friend, who is half my size and while I’ve put a few pounds on since I moved to California, I still sit in a size 4, although less comfortably. (thank god for low hipster jeans 
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Buenas Dias Natural Wonder
September 2, 2006 by Renee Blodgett
Of all the global wonders and regions of pleasure, central and southern America is a recent discovery – the last of the continents I’ve had the fortune to explore. Asia and the Middle East were accidents, Africa and Europe were musts, and Australasia was a by-product of central Asia, as was India.
Costa Rica, which I wrote about at great length here, was so intoxicating – largely due to the wildlife, rainforests and kindness of its people, that I quickly developed a hunger for more. Africa was a bit that way too.
Have you ever felt a need to go somewhere for no particular reason, or at least not one you can readily identify? In recent years, Guatemala, Peru and Belize have been vivid daytime images and brightly illuminated movie scenes in my not quite dawn dreams.
When I would imagine a future memory, it went something like this…..
—–the early morning dew was moist, but slowly on its way out as I made my way through the rainforest, taking in every sound of early morning wildlife, particularly the birds, which were a reminder I was about to experience a natural presence like no other.
The mist remained…
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