The
country of Costa Rica can be considered a paradise by
many even though it has only recently begun to see more
and more visitors flocking to its white water rivers which
take you through a host of diverse landscapes.
The abundance of wildlife, Costa
Rica rain forest canopy, and the relatively small
population of 3 million makes exploring the roughly 19,000
square miles of this country a welcome adventure for travelers
on their Costa Rica
vacation.
Costa Rica is a lesser-known country in Central America,
with Nicaragua
to the north, and the lagoon paradise of Panama, with
its infamous Panama Canal to the south. Two shores of
this country touch the two separate major bodies of water:
the Caribbean Ocean to the
east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
Costa Rica Travel usually involves a great deal of eco-tourism
and nature tours. Abundant rainfall gives Costa Rica two
main seasons, the wet one, which begins in April and last
through November, and the dry season, which is from December
to April. The large amount of precipitation helps to create
this country's many rivers, some of which are prone to
flooding, and besides this, creating dangerous environments
for bathers or tourists whitewater
rafting in Costa Rica. After a heavy rainfall, the
rivers become engorged with debris like tree trunks and
boulders, creating a rushing wall of havoc that Costa
Ricans refer to as Cabezas de Aguas, or heads of water
in Spanish.
While this may seem scary to visitors to Central and
South America who might be more accustomed to the tranquil
waters of the Amazon
River in Brazil,
this is just one of the many distinct features of Costa
Rica. Much like the crocodiles of Tortugueros, the dangers
of the rivers can be experienced from a safe and comfortable
distance.
Although most of the country lies in a tropical zone,
12 different climates make up part of Costa Rica's natural
diversity. The long mountain chain that stretches across
the country is part of the thousands mile long Andean
Sierra Madre range. The capitol of San
Jose lies in one of the most fertile valleys near
the center of the country.
Costa Rica vacations often start here in the capitol
of San Jose, as it is a central
jumping off point for trips to the humid Caribbean coast
and the chilling but scenic heights of Chirripo, situated
in the south of the country at over 12,000 feet. This
country was first explored on Columbus's fourth journey
to the new world in 1502. He and his crew were warmly
welcomed by the native Carib Indians who paddled out in
their canoes, adorned with gold rings in their ears and
noses. This, and the lush western coastline inspired the
Spaniards to name this place Costa Rica, or Rich Coast.
Rings are a recurring theme here. On a Costa Rica tour
you might stop at one of the sites of the southwestern
coasts where granite spheres dot the landscape. Some of
these perfectly shaped spheres are small enough to fit
in a backpack while others are as big as a car. This and
other evidence of a civilization dating back 10,000 years
give you even more to explore as you discover this country
on your Costa Rica
Vacation.
Ranging from a history excursion to one of the seven
active volcanoes to a canopy eco-tour, tours in Costa
Rica offer you a glimpse of the geographical features
and microclimates that create variety of life and scenery
in this Central American country. Whether you're here
to surf or to enjoy the untouched wonders of this rich
haven, Costa Rica vacations have something exciting for
every visitor.
