Costa Rica: Forest and sea paradise

Scenic Costa Rica is a small but fascinating country in Central America nestled between Panama to the south, Nicaragua to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

The country has become a popular travel destination, and especially so for those tourists interested in ecotourism. The ecotourism allure for travelers is adventure hiking, bird watching, and visiting rural communities. Costa Rica has a well-maintained system of national parks and protected areas that cover ¼ of the country, and it hosts a rich variety of plants and animals.  It even has several active volcanoes that can be safely visited.

The climate is tropical year round, yet the country has many microclimates depending on elevation, rainfall, topography, and geography of each region. Wildlife is one of the main wonders of this beautiful country. Its tropical forests offer a variety of settings, from rain forests to dry forests to cloud forests. Wild animals abound in these lush settings: monkeys, wild cats, tapirs, and sloths. And there are birds of every color with brilliantly hued feathers.  

Costa Rica is also a culinary paradise. Most Costa Rican foods are not spicy, but most are flavorful because they tend to be simmered in large pots for long periods of time. Casado is a typical lunch. This meal contains meat, beans, and rice. The meat can be beef, chicken, or fish. It is always served with salad and fried plantain. Fruits are readily available in this tropical country.

If you love lounging and picnicking on sand by the sea, you’ll love Costa Rica. This county has nearly 300 different beaches along its stunning Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, each with a unique attraction and distinct setting. Because the country is so small, there are short distances between both coasts by air or by land. The beach sands vary from white to brown to black hues. Some beaches have shells scattered abundantly, some are imbedded with picturesque rocks, and others are soft with fluffy, fine sand. Some are fantastic for swimming, and others are better for surfing. Check with local fishermen for the daily fishing conditions and trips.     

One Costa Rica travel website describes one such scenic beach: “Matapalo, just off the beaten track, yet possessing all the natural beauty of the Central Pacific. Matapalo is an escape from the typical tourist destination. Those who enjoy enchanting beaches and great sunsets will be thrilled to divert from the larger tourist crowds and enjoy this pristine area.” For more detailed information about a wide variety of Costa Rican beaches and other Costa Rican travel destinations, visit www.AnywhereCostaRica.com .