Snowing? Raining? Sleeting?time To Take That Special Costa Rica Vacation Getaway

By Author: Victor Krumm
Total Articles: 17
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Has the world got you down, Bucko?

Are you sick of all the talk of all the gloom and doom? The leaves have fallen, the days are getting colder. The Boys of Summer are freezing their bats off. For over a year now, there has been this nasty global economic downturn. Very depressing. Sounds like it's time for a Costa Rica vacation.

The Republicans blame those pesky Democrats. The Democrats blame those "Just Say No" Republicans . Sarah Palin blames Tina Fey. The Tea Party blames Democrats and Republicans. Surely, this is the Winter of Our Discontent. A Costa Rica vacation is sounding better and better, isn't it?

Global warming may melt the Arctic in another 10 years but you're soon going to be stuck at home pulling on your long johns and wishing global warming could come right now. A Costa Rica vacation may be just the ticket. So, pack your bags and get ready for some adventure. Still not convinced? Here are great reasons to get away.

1. Airfares are unbelievable right now. They have not been this cheap for years. And, with Costa Rica tourism downby about fifteen percent this year, a ...
... frugal, informed traveler can really take advantage of the plight of hotels and resorts. Luxury resorts like the Hilton Papagayo are offering rooms around $160.00 a night (less for seniors) and more budget-conscious folks who travel Costa Rica can experience very nice Costa Rica hostels (some with private rooms) for about $12.00. For the finest deals, visit between May and mid-November. Tip: ask if there is a discount for cash ("effectivo" in Spanish). Do not be shy: ask and ye shall receive!

2. Visit one or more of hundreds of pristine Costa Rica beaches. Tropical, uncrowded beaches on two coasts. Black sand beaches, brown sand beaches, sea shell beaches, rugged rock-strewn beaches. Walk the same Caribbean beach where Columbus landed six centuries ago. Hike off of Drake Bay, named after Sir Francis Drake, who visited the Costa Rica Pacific coast a decade before destroying the mighty Spanish Armada and saving England.

3. Frolic on the same Costa Rica beaches enjoyed by Mel Gibson and Britney Spears. Be sure to bring your surfboard because some of the best surfing on the planet is found here. Most beaches are completely free but if you prefer to visit a very popular national beach park called Manuel Antonio, there will be a small entry fee.

4. Think Green. Imagine the Switzerland of Latin America with nearly as many different kinds of birds as in the entire continental U.S., nearly 1000 in all. It is a peaceful democracy with more species of butterflies than Africa---the entire continent. One of every 10 species of butterflies on earth live in a place the size of little West Virginia.

5. Visit Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast, the world's largest green sea turtle preserve. Or, check out Ostional National Preserve on the popular Pacific Gold Coast, where thousands of olive ridley sea turtles come ashore in massive nestings, called "arribadas", perhaps the largest spectacle of its kind in the world. Arribadas happen every month but the biggest (sometimes involving hundreds of thousands of turtles) typically are when the moon is in its last quarter during the months of July to November. And, keep in mind that Costa Rica ecotourism is helping to save turtles, exotic macaws, and many other species.

6. Hike the tallest mountain in Latin America. It is called Mt. Chirrippo and is one of Costa Rica's Seven Natural Wonders. Your hike will start at its tropical forest base and, if you have the stamina, end at its frigid summit. This is not a day-walk in the hills. You will need a backpack with warm clothes as you climb this beauty to a little night time shelter that looks over remnant glacial lakes carved from ancient glaciers. You will need a permit and reservation but the cost is very modest and when you reach the top you may be reminded of the mighty Andes.

7. If you are really into nature, visit magnificent Corcovado National Park on the southern Pacific Coast, a place National Geographic describes as "the most biologically intense place on earth." Don't expect all of the amenities of life in this sometimes rugged place that hosts the largest remaining population of scarlet macaws in Latin America, including crocodiles, monkeys, and six kinds of wild cat, including the spectacular jaguar, all living in some of the tallest primary forest remaining in this region of the world. Bring your camera, bug repellant, and band-aids for blisters.

8. And don't forget to take in Arenal Volcano. Arenal is Costa Rica's most active volcano with its frequent rumblings, light shows at night, and red lava flows. Many Costa Rica vacations include a few days in the surrounding area where you will find lots of things to do, from horseback riding to swimming below waterfalls, rappelling and four-wheeling, birdwatching to canyoneering, and fun fresh water fishing to world-class windsurfing (lessons available). And, be sure to take a day and visit one of the surrounding thermal springs, from the world famous, lovely but expensive, Tabacon Hot Springs (budget for $100/day) to the much cheaper but less luxurious, Baldi (about $28) or The Springs Resort ($40).
Victor C. Krumm lives in sunny Costa Rica and writes the popular Costa Rica Vacations website. Check out the great Costa Rica Seven Wonders