Everybody seems to be hunkered down in a funk. The leaves have fallen, the days are getting shorter. The Boys of Summer are freezing their bats off and nearly ready to put them away until Spring. A Costa Rica vacation may be just the ticket. Here are some great reasons to take that Costa Rica vacation now.
1. Airfares have not been this low in years. The world economic downturn has come to Costa Rica. Tourism in Costa Rica is off by at least fifteen percent this year, presenting terrific travel deals to a frugal, informed traveler . Want affordable luxury? The Hilton Papagayo Resort is offering accomodations starting from $160.00 a night. Seniors can get an extra discount. More budget-conscious folks who travel Costa Rica can stay at very nice Costa Rica hostels (some with private rooms) for about $12.00. Travel Tip: For the best bargains, visit between May and mid-November and avoid the holiday periods. Bonus Tip: always inquire about a cash discount because many accomodations offer substantial price reductions for cash.
2. With almost eight hundred miles of coastline visit one or more of hundreds of pristine Costa Rica beaches. Hike off of Drake Bay, named after Sir Francis Drake, who visited the southern Costa Rica Pacific coast a decade before defeating the Spanish Armada and saving England in 1588. You can even walk the same Caribbean beach where Columbus landed six centuries ago. Black, brown, and white sand beaches, sea shell beaches, rugged rock-strewn beaches are everywhere.
3. All beaches in Costa Rica are public so you can frolic on the same Costa Rica beaches enjoyed by movie stars and celebrities. Take romantic walks or just be lazy. Do not forget 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. Consider becoming an ecotourist. Check out Ostional National Preserve on the fabulous Gold Coast, where thousands of olive ridley sea turtles come ashore in massive nestings, called "arribadas", perhaps the largest remaining on the planet. Arribadas take place year-round but the biggest (sometimes involving hundreds of thousands of turtles) typically are from July through November when the moon is in its last quarter. Or, head over to the Caribbean coast and discover Tortuguero National Park, the world's largest green sea turtle preserve.
5. Costa Rica has been called the "Switzerland of Latin America." This mountainous little country has nearly as many species of birds as in the entire continental U.S., more than 900. You can hike every inch of the continent of Africa without seeing as many species of butterflies as Costa Rica has. Twenty Percent of all animal and plant species on earth are found in this country.
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 take from 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 overlooking remnant glacial lakes carved from ancient glaciers. Climbing requires a permit and reservation but the cost is very modest and when you reach the top you may be reminded of the mighty Andes. - 31498
1. Airfares have not been this low in years. The world economic downturn has come to Costa Rica. Tourism in Costa Rica is off by at least fifteen percent this year, presenting terrific travel deals to a frugal, informed traveler . Want affordable luxury? The Hilton Papagayo Resort is offering accomodations starting from $160.00 a night. Seniors can get an extra discount. More budget-conscious folks who travel Costa Rica can stay at very nice Costa Rica hostels (some with private rooms) for about $12.00. Travel Tip: For the best bargains, visit between May and mid-November and avoid the holiday periods. Bonus Tip: always inquire about a cash discount because many accomodations offer substantial price reductions for cash.
2. With almost eight hundred miles of coastline visit one or more of hundreds of pristine Costa Rica beaches. Hike off of Drake Bay, named after Sir Francis Drake, who visited the southern Costa Rica Pacific coast a decade before defeating the Spanish Armada and saving England in 1588. You can even walk the same Caribbean beach where Columbus landed six centuries ago. Black, brown, and white sand beaches, sea shell beaches, rugged rock-strewn beaches are everywhere.
3. All beaches in Costa Rica are public so you can frolic on the same Costa Rica beaches enjoyed by movie stars and celebrities. Take romantic walks or just be lazy. Do not forget 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. Consider becoming an ecotourist. Check out Ostional National Preserve on the fabulous Gold Coast, where thousands of olive ridley sea turtles come ashore in massive nestings, called "arribadas", perhaps the largest remaining on the planet. Arribadas take place year-round but the biggest (sometimes involving hundreds of thousands of turtles) typically are from July through November when the moon is in its last quarter. Or, head over to the Caribbean coast and discover Tortuguero National Park, the world's largest green sea turtle preserve.
5. Costa Rica has been called the "Switzerland of Latin America." This mountainous little country has nearly as many species of birds as in the entire continental U.S., more than 900. You can hike every inch of the continent of Africa without seeing as many species of butterflies as Costa Rica has. Twenty Percent of all animal and plant species on earth are found in this country.
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 take from 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 overlooking remnant glacial lakes carved from ancient glaciers. Climbing requires a permit and reservation but the cost is very modest and when you reach the top you may be reminded of the mighty Andes. - 31498
About the Author:
The author, Vic Krumm lives in sunny Costa Rica. Visit his popular website about Costa Rica Vacations . Like to fish? See whyCosta Rica Fishing is world-famous.
