Latin America Collection

Costa Rica is the third smallest Central American country and lies
between Nicaragua on the north and Panama on the south. The country
has just over 3 million inhabitants with Panama and Belize only having less.
The country is unique in that it has the highest percentage of people of
European ancestry in Cental America and almost no peolple of Indian
descent.

When Columbus made his fourth voyage to the new world in 1502, he
landed in what is now, Costa Rica. In the hope of finding such treasures
as silver and gold, he named this country "Costa Rica", which translates
into "Rich Coast". His wishes of finding the precious metals did not
materialize. However, he did find a country that has become fabulously
rich in other resources.

In the years that followed Columbus' trip, Europeans-mostly Spaniards-
settled into this "paradise". The climate along the Caribbean coast is hot and
humid with an average temperature of 85 degrees, and with its tropical
rains, has become one of the main banana producing areas of Central
America.

Around 60 percent of the European settlers came to the Central
Highlands, because of the excellent year-round spring-like weather. The
average temperature in the Central Valley is a pleasant 74 degrees. San
José is the modern capital of Costa Rica and has grown into the largest city
in the country with a population of just over one million in the metropolitan
area. It remains quaintly charming despite being the most cosmopolitan
city in Central America.

The Pacific Coast of Costa Rica has warm temperatures with an average
of 84 degrees. Guanacaste province is hot and dry. The country also has
numerous rain forests. There is lush tropical vegetation along both coasts
with hundreds of miles of white and dark sand beaches. Puntarenas
province, the largest province in Costa Rica, occupies about two thirds of
the Pacific Coast.

Much of the country's topography reminds one of Switzerland's rugged
forest-covered mountains with cattle grazing in lush pastures. Furthermore,
much like the Swiss, the Costa Ricans developed a peaceful democracy with
no army. The "ticos", as the people are called, are an extremely friendly race
who have constantly striven for as perfect a social and political environment
as possible. They have the highest per capita income, largest middle class
and standard of living of all the countries in Central America.
Furthermore,they have achieved an impressive 93 percent literacy rate, a
higher longevity rate than the U.S. (76.3 vs. 76) and enjoy universal medical
coverage that frees the mind of the worries that plague so many other
countries of the world.

These ambitious, family loving people take extreme pride in their
National Park System, which has been developed to encompass 12 percent
of the territory of the country. It shelters over 12,000 varieties of plants,
nearly 250 species of mammals, some 850 different kinds of birds and over
350 different reptiles and amphibians. Geologists and biologists are still
trying to catalogue all of the different species of birds, animals, insects and
butterflies that inhabit the rain forest canopies as well as the waters and
coral reefs that are found in Costa Rica and many islands along its coasts.

All of this and more are found in this "paradise" which is about the
size of West Virginia, and lying just ten degrees north of the equator. Is it
no wonder that vacationers and immigrants are flocking to this country in
ever increasing numbers.

Costa Ricans have been nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize.
In 1987, President Oscar Arias Sánchez was awarded the Nobel Peace
Prize--a great achievement for such a small country. Arias is still striving
to convince the neighboring countries to follow his lead, and to "turn their
swords into plowshares." His strategy has worked because there are no
more civil wars or guerilla movements operating in any of the former
strife-torn nations like Nicaragua, El Salvador or Guatemala. Costa Rica's
United Nation Peace University has an outstanding curriculum for those
graduate students seeking their Masters Degrees. Just to name the
achievements of this wonderful country makes one feel he or she is bragging.
Costa Rica seems too good to be true.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
The requirements for entering the country are simple. Citizens of the
United States and Canada are cleared at the airports or border check points
with their passports. Visas and mandatory car insurance (for those driving)
are issued at the border upon entering the country. Additional car insurance
may be purchased from I.N.S., the government insurance agency. Check
with the Costa Rican consulate or the Costa Rican National Tourist Office
for additional information.
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The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. English is being taught
in the schools almost to the point of becoming a second language. There
are presently two major weekly English language newspapers. There is
the well-established Tico Times and the newer Costa Rica Today. The Tico
Times is more "newsy", and has very good regular columns on such topics
as health, gardening, sightseeing and other points of interest. Costa Rica
Today goes more into articles on Costa Rican history, sightseeing and other
points of interest. You may find yourself getting both papers for their
guidance and calendars of local events.

In addition to the newspapers, there are several booklet type publications
that are available, covering different points of interest. If you are planning
to come to Costa Rica you might do well to obtain some of these books, as
each covers a different area in depth. Of course, there is this book if you
intend to drive to Central America. For reading about travelling around
Costa Rica in depth and sightseeing, etc., we strongly recommend The New
Key To Costa Rica. You may purchase this book at most bookstores in the
Costa Rica or through: Publications In English, APDO 7-1230, 1000 San
Jose, Costa Rica. It can also be found in almost every large bookstore in
the U.S. and Canada. Moon Publication's, Costa Rica Handbook is an
excellent guide. Another book to have for all of Central America which
we mentioned earlier is Central America On A Shoestring. See the "Suggested
Reading " section at the end of this book for more titles.

Since Costa Rica has so much to offer foreigners and is so Americanized,
it is no wonder it has the largest expatriate community in Central America.
More North Americans per capita live in Costa Rica than any other country
in the world. Around 20,000 at last count. Many are retireees and others
are just people tired of the "rat race" seeking alternative lifestyles. In Costa
Rica there is something for everyone and everything for someone. If you
are planning to retire, you may want to get the best-selling guidebook, The
Golden Door to Retirement and Living in Costa Rica by our publisher,
Costa Rica Books, Suite 1 SJO 981, P.O. Box 025216, Miami, FL 33102-5216
or call 800-365-2342 (Please the ad on page 4 in Chapter 1 for more details).
VOLCANOES
There are numerous volcanoes in Costa Rica. Some are still active to
a small degree, while others have been dormant for many years. The more
popular ones to visit and that are easily accessible are:
POAS VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
(9,000 ft. above sea level) is easily
accessible from either Heredia or Alajuela, with good paved roads right into
the park. There is an easy walking trail from the parking lot to the viewing
area, which is only about 200 yards. There is also an information center,
snack stands, restrooms, and picnic and barbecue areas. From the viewing
area one can see the smoking, boiling lava in a lake in its crater. One should
plan to visit it in the early morning before the clouds form and spoil your
view.
IRAZU VOLCANO:
(11,257 + ft.) is the highest of the Costa Rica's volcanoes,
is easily accessible by car or bus, and is just north of Cartago, the former
capital of Costa Rica. It affords one a spectacular view of the surrounding
area, as well as both the Caribbean and the Pacific on a clear day. It last
erupted in 1963, and now has five dormant craters. It is best to get there
very early in the morning before the clouds form. Facilities include an
Information Center, restrooms, and hiking trails.
ARENAL VOLCANO
: (5,356 ft.) is a very active volcano that exploded
in 1968, killing quite a number of people with its lava flows. The nearest
town to it is Fortuna, six kilometers to the west. At night-time one can get
spectacular views of the red-hot lava and rocks flying through the air. This
volcano is more of what most people think that a volcano should be--a
perfect cone-shaped mountain.
BARVA VOLCANO
: (9,531 ft.) Located in "Braulio Carrillo National Park"
about five km above San José de la Montaña. They scenry while you drive
up the mountain is spectacular. This area looks much like Switzerland
with its many pine trees and alpine-like pastures except there is no snow.
You can park your car in Sacramento and take the trail to the volcano
(about 9 km). There you will see several lakes and numerous waterfalls.
It is also one of the best places in Costa Rica to see the Quetzales which are
one of the most beautiful birds in the world. You are supposed to have good
luck if you view one of these remarkable birds. The best time to make this
trip is during the dry season, from December to April. Camping is permitted,
and there is plenty of good water in the streams and waterfalls which
abound.
NATIONAL PARKS & SANCTUARIES
As stated before, about 12 percent of Costa Rica has been set aside for
national parks and sanctuaries. Weekends will find the parks teeming with
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FLAMINGO BEACH, in the Northern Pacific area of Costa Rica, has one of the country's
most magnificent white sand beaches. Flamingo sports the largest marina between
Acapulco and Panamá, Costa Rica's biggest sportfishing fleet and a couple of golf
course nearby.
DOMINICAL BEACH, where majestic towering mountains meet the sea, is a laid-back
town featuring the picturesque Barú River, a string of uncrowded beaches with great
surf, all set against a rainforest replete with wildlife and several waterfalls.
Costa Rica's CENTRAL VALLEY has one of the best climates in the world with
perpetual spring - like weather hovering around 70 degrees. This area has something
for everyone: a perfect climate, state-of-the-art medical facilities, U.S.-style shopping
malls and mega stores, first-run U.S. movies and unlimited entertainment.
The town of QUEPOS and neighboring MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK in the
Central Pacific, have some of the most beautiful coastline in the world. This area is
renowned for its breathtaking scenery and the abundant flora and fauna of its verdant
forests.
Lively JACO BEACH is the closest resort to San José. Located on a bay the grey sand
beach streches for several miles. Neighboring HERRADURA is a horseshoe-shapd bay
where the Los Sueños Resort boasts a world-class marina, golf course, tennis facilities
and the luxurios Marriot Hotel.
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Tico families, who like to do their outings as a family unit on Sundays. You
may wish to avoid the crowds and plan your excursion on the weekdays.
Some of the Parks are:
BRAULIO CARRILLO NATIONAL PARK
: One of the greatest
engineering feats in this country was when the highway was built through
Braulio Carrillo National Park on the route from San José to Limón. It was
feared that such a road would ruin the park. It has proven to be an asset,
as it has brought the local residents closer to nature. Careful planning has
opened up this rain forest for public viewing, without harm to nature.
There are a few hiking trails from roadside parks into the forest. One
should be prepared, however, as the trails are usually muddy, slick and steep.
There is an entrance with good hiking trails above San José de la Montaña.
(See Barva Volcano above). Braulio Carrillo Park is not only very large, but
it ranges in elevation from the top of Barva Volcano, 9,531 feet to a low in
the Caribbean lowlands of only 164 feet, giving it a wide range of birds,
animals and plants.
CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK
: This Park is on the Caribbean, south
of Limón, and is noted for its snorkeling and beautiful coral reef. There is
also a jungle near the camp ground at Puerto Vargas where one may see
iguanas, sloths and monkeys.
CHIRRIPO NATIONAL PARK
: This Park is reached from San Isidro
on the southern Pacific side in the center of the country. Cerro Chirripó
peak is 12,526 feet high--the highest point in Costa Rica. There are hiking
trails and mountain huts--all above 6,500 feet elevation. Be prepared for
low temperatures at night. It is best to come to this Park during the dry
season at mid-week, as the park is crowded on the weekends. Carry your
own water.
CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK
: Located on the southwest tip of
the Osa Peninsula in the southwestern corner of Costa Rica. It is home to
the scarlet macaws along with some 400 species of birds including the near-
extinct harpy eagle. Also protected here are tapirs, giant anteaters, sloths,
monkeys, crocodiles and five species of the cat family. Basic accommodations
are available at the main ranger station at Sirena, but one must book in
advance. It is best to visit this Park during the dry season.
GUANACASTE NATIONAL PARK
: This is a new national park, built
in conjunction with the Santa Rosa National Park, the two being separated
by the Pan-American Highway. It was built to allow the wildlife of Santa
Rosa to migrate to the higher mountains of Orosi Volcano (4,867 ft.) and
Cacao Volcano (5,441 ft.). Of note are the massive numbers of moths that
breed in the high, dry climate of the volcanoes, then return to the lower,
warmer Santa Rosa Park. It is estimated that over 3,800 species of moths
inhabit this area. In addition, there are wild pigs in the area. Biological
stations in the park can accommodate up to 40 people in dormitories in rooms
with cold water, or one may camp in assigned areas.
SANTA ROSA NATIONAL PARK
: This park is between the city of
Liberia and the Costa Rica-Nicaraguan border. You must pay an entrance
fee at the park entrance. Maps of the park are also sold there and there is
camping. The campground has drinking water, picnic tables, cold showers
and flush toilets. Meals are available at the ranger headquarters, and horse
rentals are inexpensive. If you keep your eyes open on the trails, you may
see monkeys, iguanas, snakes and other animals. Along the beaches, one
may see several thousand Olive Ridley Turtles at one time during their
nesting season form September to October.
GUAYABO NATIONAL MONUMENT
: This is the most noted
archaeological site in the country. It was inhabited from around 1000 B.C.
to 1400 A.D. There were an estimated 10,000 inhabitants in the area. It is
not known why they disappeared before the Spaniards arrived in the
country. About 10 percent of the monument is an excavated area. The
remainder is rain forest. The ruins are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on
weekends and holidays. It is closed during the week. Camping is permitted
and there are toilets, drinking water and a picnic area.
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
: It is the smallest but most
popular park in the system. It is located a few miles south of the town of
Quepos. To enter the park one must walk on the trails and wade across an
estuary at the park entrance. The water is about four feet deep during high
tide, so it starts out as an experience. The trails lead to three beaches and
an over-looking cliff with great views. One is almost sure to see monkeys
during the day on the park trails, as well as sloths, armadillos, racoons,
peccaries, coatimundis, snakes, lizzards iguanas and other animals. There
are a reported 350 kinds of birds in the park. Carry your own water and
sun screen. The park closes at 4 p.m. and there is no camping allowed in
the park. The Manuel Antonio Park probably has the one of most beautiful
coastline in the entire world.
MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST PRESERVE
: This is a place where
you must spend more than one day to see everything the area has to offer.
You can pick up maps, trail guides and other information at the entrance.
The road into the reserve takes about two hours, and is rough, steep and
dusty in the dry season. During the rainy season you will need a four-wheel
vehicle to reach this area. You should also have rain gear if you plan to do
any hiking during this time of year.

The Tropical Science Center who operates the preserve wishes to keep
it that way. The entrance is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and they
charge $5.00 per day or $29.50 per week. Accommodations range from $3.00
for a bunk to deluxe accommodations in some of the hotels located in Santa
Elena, 3 km from Monteverde. There are also camping facilities available.
There are guides available to take you on a tour--the best way to see all
there is to see--which you might miss if you are on your own.
OSTIONAL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
: This refuge is only
about four miles long and just a few hundred yards wide. Its main purpose
is to protect the nesting area of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle. Nesting or La
arribada takes place from April to December, with the most activity in
August and September. The people are allowed to harvest the eggs the first
36 hours of the laying season, but guards prevent further taking of eggs
after that time. There are cabins and a couple of hotels are available. Meals
may be purchased from local residents.
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
: The area north of Limón is noted
for being the largest nesting area in the Caribbean for the Green Sea Turtle.
To get to there, one must take a tour, or hire a boat, as there are no roads
to the park. In 1974, a series of canals were built so the city of Tortuguero
would have an inland waterway connection. Tortuguero National Park's
beaches are the largest in the Caribbean where the Green Sea Turtles come
to lay their eggs. Their nesting season is from July through September.
Visitors may watch the turtles lay their eggs, as well view the baby turtles
hatch. In addition to watching the turtles, Tortuguero has many other
interesting things to see. By trail or boat trips, one can view various kinds
of monkeys, sloths and dozens of other jungle animals, hundreds of different
kinds of birds, lizards and other water creatures.
PANAMA ROUTES MAP