Costa Rica

The words that best describe Costa Rica are perhaps "pura vida". It means "pure life" and that is what visitors to this Central American country will find. From exotic animal life to exotic scenery, travelers will find themselves inexorably drawn to Costa Rica and its residents.

The abundance of activities available will have travelers checking and re - checking their lists to make sure they haven't passed anything up. Itineraries can include witnessing a spectacular volcano eruption from the luxurious warmth of a hot spring or a rushing trip through a cloud forest canopy. Of course, there are those who will do both!

Costa Rica means "rich coast" in Spanish and the words are not lost of this country. Named by Christopher Columbus, the country was colonized in the mid 1500s with Spanish settlers heading for the fertile central highlands.

One of the country's most important assets is its people. Gregarious and hospitable, the "Ticos" set themselves apart when it comes to welcoming visitors. Whether helping you out with some complicated road directions or finding a good place to eat, Costa Ricans will go out of their way to help out a puzzled visitor.

San Jose is the capital and is the most cosmopolitan area in the country. Visitors like to spend a few days here visiting city sights and enjoying shopping and dining. While the shopping and other attractions are worthwhile, take a few hours to visit the city;s many interesting museums and colorful markets. The best of the museums are the Museo Nacional, which has displays of Costa Rica archaeology, colonial furniture, costumes and religious art; and the Museo del Oro Precolombino, which houses a dazzling collection of pre - Colombian gold pieces. One of the most impressive city buildings is the Teatro Nacional or National Theater. Built in the 1890s, it hosts plays, operas, symphonic orchestra concerts and ballets.

Tour operators have honed their skills to a fine art. They cater to visitors in a way that will leave you with more than a passing desire to spend more time here. For nature lovers, the country does not lack for an extensive variety of sights. With over 15 different ecosystems, the traveler is exposed to a wide variety of flora and fauna, landscapes and ever-changing climate. You can enjoy a trek through the pristine cloud forest environment of Monteverde or drive up to the rim of a crater and enjoy the spectacular view. The choice is yours!

Speaking of choices, the beaches are plentiful and postcard perfect. Whether you're in the area of Guanacaste. Puntarenas or the Caribbean, the fine sand beaches with easy accessibility are a treat to visit and a pleasure to behold.Costa Rica is only 2 and a half hours away from Miami. We bet you didn't know that adventure and pristine rainforests were so easy to get to! Read on to find out more about this exotic yet friendly ultimate destination.Costa Rica possesses a rich and abundant fauna. The sheer number and variety of its species have made Costa Rica one of the most admired territories on the planet when it comes to biodiversity.

More than 200 species of mammals, around 850 species of birds, almost 200 types of amphibians and 220 species of reptiles inhabit these lands.

Many tourist activities are sustained in harmony with wild animals. The mountains give shelter to the observation of birds, whose admirers lift their gazes toward the treetops in an attempt to spot their nests. The best places for bird watching are Braulio Carrillo National Park and its surroundings, Monteverde, Talamanca, and the Osa Peninsula.

Every year on the Atlantic and Pacific Coast, one can observe the arrival of the turtles to lay their eggs in the soft sand of the beaches. Guided tours are organized to show you this marvelous demonstration of life itself, without adversely affecting the turtles.

Almost any place in the country is a good place to see hummingbirds, doves, sloths, butterflies and, in some places, a snake or giant lizard may surprise you.

Local guides can show you the areas where this species are most commonly seen, whether you wish to observe them or avoid them!

Some travelers prefer action-packed adventures when they are visiting another country. Whether it's on land or in the water, they want to experience the thrill of Costa Rica while enjoying their favorite sport. If this is your kick, then Costa Rica won't let you down. There are a number of activities that can keep your heart pumping while visiting some of the most beautiful areas this country has to offer.