Pura Vida View

Extending from northwest to southeast, Costa Rica is bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea along the northeastern coastline and by the Pacific ocean along the southwestern coast.   

 

Costa Rica is one of the most scenic and biodiverse countries, it possesses approximately 6% of the world's biodiversity, it is the birthplace of ecotourism.  Because of its small size, only 51 square kilometers, you can easily access a diverse array of breathtaking sites.  According to the Embassy of Costa Rica, there are 20 national parks, 12 different life zones, 26 protected areas, 9 forest reserves, eight biological reserves, and 7 wildlife sanctuaries!  Wow!  It is truly one of the  most beautiful places I have ever been.

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With over 500,000 species of wildlife, Costa Rica is world-renowned for its abundant and diverse exotic wildlife, many rare, endangered and endemic.  On my visits I have seen many fascinating and beautiful birds, three different kinds of monkeys, sloths, iguanas, frogs, crocodiles, and more.  There is nothing like waking up for the first time to the sound of howler monkeys, or a noisy toucan.  I jokingly now ask my husband if he can turn the rainforest down a bit when it's 5 am, but in reality I love it!  Watching the playful monkeys swing down from the trees and seeing their mischievousness as they attempt to steal items from in and around the house is truly like captivating and amusing.  We have to be careful to keep the doors and windows shut or we may find some food missing, they  have even been known to open the refrigerator cute but naughty!  

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There are over 200 volcanic formations traced back over 65 million years, only six are classified as active.  The only one that I have so far visited is the Arenal Volcano, a very popular tourist area, and the most visited volcano in Costa Rica.  Arenal is Costa Rica's best known volcano, at 5,437 feet, it stands high above the rest of the countryside.  It was the countries most active volcano up until 2010, it now slumbers for the time being.  There are many resorts offering hot spring experiences around the volcano and La Fortuna area.  One of the best known, and most incredible resorts is Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa.  I fell in love with this resort and would love to go back.

 

The highest active volcano in Costa Rica, at 11,260 ft, Irazu, is the easiest one to visit because of it's proximity to the capital, San Jose and the fact it has a road leading to the summit.  On a rare cloud-free day, you can see both the Pacific ocean and the Caribbean Sea from it's peak.

For information and inspiration on which volcanoes you might want to learn about or visit, check out the Arenal website. 

 

Fun Fact...Costa Rica is one of the happiest countries in the world.  According to the Happy Planet Index (HPI) (an index of human well-being and environmental impact), Costa Rica was the happiest country in the world in 2012.  It no longer holds the highest rank, but is still in the top 20.  Maybe that Pura Vida mentality is what makes everyone so happy and also leads to their high life expectancy.  Many things contribute to their happiness rating including the fact that the government invests a lot into education, healthcare and pensions.  The country abolished its military forces in 1949 and since then has invested in health and education.  They have placed a high priority in public education, the university system and vocational training.  With a population of over 4 million, the country has a literacy rate of 96%.

 

Costa Rican agriculture is very important to the country's gross domestic product and labor force.  They are the largest producer in the world of pineapple and also produce tons of sugarcane, bananas, palm oil and many other smaller products such as oranges, cassava, rice, melons, coffee, etc.  We pass many palm plantations when driving from Quepos to Dominical, it smells so good!

They are also well known for their coffee and chocolate, and you will find many tours available.  Costa Rican coffee beans are considered among the best in the world.  My favorite is Café Milagro, the coffee is delicious and we love their restaurant which is within walking distance to the house.  You can purchase online, they ship worldwide.

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Costa Rica's main source of income is tourism.  They receive over 1.7 trillion tourists per year.  So where will you go?  Click on my links at the top of the page to learn more about the areas I have visited, find out what I love and my recommendations of favorite tours, restaurants and things to see and do!  Pura Vida! 

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• Capital: San Jose

• Location: Central America

• Area: 51.100 square kilometers (19.729 square miles)

• Population: 4.89 Million

• Official language: Spanish

• Local Currency: Colon (named after Christopher Columbus)

• Executive Branch: President and two Vice Presidents elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four year terms

• Legislative Branch: Unicameral Legislative Assembly (57 seats).  Four year terms

• Judicial Branch: Supreme Court (22 justices elected for 8-year terms.

• Army: Abolished in 1949

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