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Costa Rica
Costa Rica has long enjoyed the title of Central America’s favorite travel destination. A democratic republic since 1889, Costa Rica is one of the most politically stable Latin American nations. This sparsely populated nation has protected over 25 percent of its area from development, creating a rich playground for travelers with its lush rainforests and cloud forests that are home to over 200 species of mammals, 850 species of birds and 200 species of amphibians and reptiles each.
The active traveler will be delighted with Costa Rica’s many opportunities for whitewater rafting, hiking around and up active volcanoes, mountain biking, surfing and the popular zip-line tours that whip you from mountain to mountain of cloud forest. Those seeking relaxation can lounge on both Pacific and Caribbean beaches, or sip cappuccinos made from locally-grown coffee beans in the traveler-friendly capital, San Jose.
Costa Rica Weather & Seasons
The best time to travel to Costa Rica is from December to February when most of the country is in the midst of the dry season but just before the temperatures really rise in March and April. You will notice climatic changes depending on your altitude and proximity to the two coasts. The Caribbean coast is wet pretty much all year and may suffer hurricanes from August – October. Temperatures year-round range from about 15º - 30º Celsius (60º - 85º Fahrenheit).
Independence Day on September 15 and DĂa de la Raza on November 2 are two big holidays that may be worth scheduling your visit around.
Costa Rica History and Politics
Costa Rica has the oldest democracy in Central America. Furthermore, it has no armed forces; the 1948 Civil War brought the end to the army. The United States helps with border defense and some other protective measures. However, this does not mean that Costa Rica is a gun-free nation. You will see just as many, if not more, private guards with exposed or holstered weapons on the streets as in neighboring nations. The police are also a fairly visible presence.
Costa Rica Culture
Ticos, citizens of Costa Rica, have a great deal of pride in their nation and culture. The slogan "pura vida" – the pure life - is found throughout the country and represents a relaxed, friendly lifestyle.
Highlights
Some spots not to miss in Costa Rica are:
- San Jose: the bustling and traveler-friendly capital city is a great base for trips to both coasts and nearby mountain paradises.
- Rainforests and Cloud Forests: located in the center of the country and on the Pacific Coast are great spots for wildlife-watching, hiking, canopy tours and more.
- Beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific are great places to relax, surf, and fill up on fresh seafood.
- National Parks: consisting of over a fourth of this tiny nation, nature-lovers will be delighted with the variety of ecosystems and protected areas around Costa Rica.
Top Places in Costa Rica
Oaxaca
The city of Oaxaca is one of the treasures of Mexican colonial architecture. The gorgeous city center, or ZĂłcalo, is a haven of peace and tranquility. Tall trees cast shade on locals and visitors
...Oaxaca, Mexico
Mexico City
Mexico City, one of the largest cities in the world, is a modern, cosmopolitan city with excellent hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. While it has its fair share of problems - pollution and crime
...Mexico City, Mexico
Acapulco
Acapulco…even the name conjures up images of sandy beaches, tall cliffs, beautiful young men and women in swimsuits sipping piña coladas. This world-class beach resort has been a visitor ...Acapulco, Mexico
San CristĂłbal de las Casas
The spiritual capital of the southern state of Chiapas, the city of San CristĂłbal de las Casas is a friendly town known as a good base from which to explore the wonders of the state of Chiapas, from ...San CristĂłbal de las Casas, Mexico
Zihuatanejo
Located on Mexico’s west coast in the state of Guerrero, nestled into a quiet bay area, Zihuatanejo is a popular vacation destination for Mexicans, people from all over the world, and Spring ...Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Puebla
The city of Puebla is famous for many things, including adding chiles to chocolate and pouring it over chicken, unceremoniously ejecting the French from the city at the Battle of Puebla (and
...Puebla, Mexico
Guadalajara
Guadalajara, one of Mexico’s most important cities, is also the home of many of its most important traditions, such as mariachi and tequila. This bustling city is also known for colonial ...Guadalajara, Mexico
San Pedro La Laguna
Carved into the base of its namesake volcano, on the southeast shores of Lake Atitlan, San Pedro La Laguna is a little town with a lot to offer. Although smaller in size then the neighboring towns of
...San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala
Cuatro Ciénegas
Cuatro Ciénegas is a tiny town (population roughly 12,000) in the northern Mexican state of Coahuila. Cuatro Ciénegas means “four marshes” and it is named for the swampy wetlands formed by the
...Cuatro Ciénegas , Mexico
Santa Cruz La Laguna
This little village is actually the closest to Panajachel but probably the least visited, with most people going to San Pedro La Laguna on the opposite side of the lake. And it couldn’t be more
...Santa Cruz La Laguna, Guatemala
Things to do in Costa Rica
Scuba Diving
\"A bad day diving is better than a good day at work,\" says a sticker on the dock at Anthony\'s Key Resort. But, I don\'t believe there is ever a bad day of diving on the island of Roatan.Throughout
...Roatán, Honduras
Catedral de Leon
This massive edifice is Central America's biggest cathedral, and one of the highlights of a visit to Leon. From the outside it appears as just another large church, but the towering marble columns of
...Leon, Nicaragua
Volcán Cerro Negro
At a mere 150 years old, Cerro Negro is the youngest volcano in Central America. It's also one of the most popular climbs – travelers never forget their first sight of it's cinder-black cone
...Leon, Nicaragua
Cathedral
This magnificent neoclassical cathedral is the jewel in the crown of Granada's architectural beauty. Although, like most of Granada's great buildings, it had to be rebuilt after William Walker
...Granada, Nicaragua
The Great Pyramid
Covered in grass and crowned by the Catholic shrine to La Virgen de los Remedios, the Great Pyramid, built in 200 BC, initially resembles a big hill. Upon closer inspection you´ll be able to see
...Cholula, Mexico
Teotihuacán Ruins
One of the country's cultural highlights, these impressive ruins can be visited easily in one day even if your base is Mexico City. Dating back to the days of the Maya, this former urban center has
...Mexico City, Mexico
Chichen Itza trip
This is a must-do if you are in this area and trips are offered not only from Playa but also Ancun and Tulum. Organised tours usually put small groups into minibuses but do not befooled by the
...Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Iglesia de Guadalupe
The crumbling facade on this ancient building gives way to a beautifully maintained interior. Decked out in Granada's traditional yellow and white with Corinthian columns, the church features an ...Granada, Nicaragua
San RamĂłn Waterfall
The San RamĂłn Waterfall is a spectacular natural wonder, and one of the highlights of a trip to Ometepe. In June 2008 the path to the waterfall had been blocked by a recent landslide and was too ...Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua
Petroglyphs
These ancient stone carvings are one of Ometepe's most famous attractions. The earliest date back over 4,000 years – some of the oldest art you can find in the Americas. They're scattered all ...Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua
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