A Tranquil and Breathtaking Experience
An easy 6 hour flight from Southern California can land you seemingly in another universe - one that is near perfection in its tranquility, vast ecological diversity, cultural kindness, and pristine beaches. This is the land of Costa Rica.
The small country, whose capital is San Jose (also the location of its major international airport), rests in the center of Central America, and is easily accessible with flight specials offering airfares sometimes as low as $280. Costa Rica is a country that stands as an outstanding model to the rest of the world of what many global citizens would consider a perfectly harmonious country and culture. The peaceful nation has not had an army since 1848 (but has remained strong and prosperous), and is an ecological leader to the world with its renewable energy programs, its vast untouched lands whose biodiversity is valued above the temptation of real estate money, and its advanced recycling habits truly reflects the attitude of their culture. In this country, the environment is sacred, and the natural wonders of the Earth reward the people of Costa Rica (and its visitors) with the spectacles of erupting volcanoes and breathtaking sunsets; wildlife that literally comes to your doorstep (hint: monkeys), natural hot springs and perfect surf breaks, and opportunities to lose yourself in a rainforest or zipline with ease above the canopy below.
The practicality of Costa Rica as a premier vacation destination, atop of its draw of unparalleled natural beauty, comes in its geographic proximity and accessibility, its affordability (even at high-end resorts), and its hospitable people whose core principle (and even their slogan) as a collective culture is “Pura Vida,” or “Pure Life.”
The country itself is split by the continental divide which forms tropical highlands and ranges of rainforest which run down to two coastlines, one on the Pacific Ocean, and one on the Caribbean. When traveling to Costa Rica, it is often wise to choose a coast rather than try to conquer both; and although both have wonderful things to offer, the majority of vacationers prefer the Pacific side for its accessibility, beaches, development, and surf breaks. Regardless of where you decide to head, vehicles are easily rentable in the capital of San Jose upon arrival, although it is highly recommended to spring for a reliable 4 wheel drive model, as many of the roads are either unpaved, rugged, and sometimes even impassible by smaller vehicles during the rainy season.
For nature lovers, Costa Rica is a tranquil paradise that contains more plants and animals than any other country in the world its size. With over 10,000 plant species, 875 bird species, 205 species of mammals, 215 reptiles, 160 amphibians, and some 360,000 insects, it acts as home to over 5% of the world’s terrestrial species.
Although each traveler’s adventure differs upon their taste, the Volcano of Arenal, the wildlife sanctuary of Monteverde, and surf town of Tamarindo are not to be missed. Aside from those key spots, there are a lifetime’s worth of small hidden gems - stretches of coastline and small villages awaiting your discovery, that each have their own unique and amazing qualities that embody the wondrous country that is Costa Rica.
