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Whether taking a Costa Rica Vacation or having a business travel, there is one must-see in Costa Rica and this is its gourmet coffee industry.

The Costa Rican gourmet coffee has always been a top favorite for a lot of coffee lovers from all corners of the globe. Hence, it is quite obvious that this nation is home to some of the giant coffee industries in the world. This is another reason why you need to visit Costa Rica.

Since 1779, Costa Rica is already observing the production of top quality gourmet coffee. Meseta Central is the first region to observe such practice because the area has every feature required for the cultivation of first class coffee. The soil texture and climate is just perfect in the locality.

Previously known for the production of tobacco, sugar, and cacao, Costa Rica soon became the mecca for the best coffee. Within the next fifty years after the first production of gourmet coffee, Costa Rica emerged as a top player in the Gourmet Coffee Industry. In fact, the gourmets became the top export item of the country with this legacy still perpetuating up to this date.

Back in 1820, only Panama imported gourmet coffee from Costa Rica. But Great Britain became an avid customer and by the end of the World War II, Great Britain became the principle consumer of the Costa Rican gourmet coffee.

Aside from Meseta Central, other regions such as the Puntarenas, Cartago, Alajuela, Heredia, and San Jose also followed suit and started growing premium coffee beans. From then on, the mention of Costa Rica became synonymous to top quality gourmet coffee.

When visiting Costa Rica, the coffee industry is something worth exploring. And when you come back home, do not forget to bring some gourmet coffee with you.

Costa Rica also known as the rich coast, which is a part of Central America, and bordered by Nicaragua, Panama, Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is also the first nation in Latin America that is ranked on the top list in Human Development and Environmental Performance Index. By 2021, Costa Rica will become the first carbon neutral country.

Costa Rica is popular with the many tourists visiting the National Parks and Protected Areas in the country. It is a country rich in several species of animals and plants. Tourist have different choices of activities while in the country ranging from enjoying the white sand beaches, hiking, camping and a lot more. It is a complete getaway for people that are too busy with work and also for couples in their honeymoon vacation. It is also ideal for students who wanted to learn the culture and wildlife of Costa Rica because there are many untouched places, lots of architectural design and a multitude of different species of animals.

There are plenty of good spots to visit in Costa Rica. One of them is the Osa Wildlife Refuge, located across the Golfo Dulce from Puerto Jimenez, it is best for people who loves to experience nature and different kinds of animals. When you arrived, the experience is so enchanting that it is like stepping into another world filled with amazing animals and plants. The animals are used to have several guests and sometimes move in close to you to check you out. Many illegally-captured and injured animals were brought there for their care and love.

Second is Nosara which is located at the Nicoya Peninsula; 13 miles north of Samara, 162 miles west of San Jose. Offers surfing, kayaking, horse back riding, snorkeling, and several other activities. This is a place for people to be romantic and be one with the waves.

Third is Montezuma, located at the Southern Nicoya Peninsula, 112 miles west of San Jose; 8 miles north of Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. It is one of the best places for snorkeling where you could see lots of varieties of fishes. This place is for those who are artistic and young at heart. During the day time, it is a laid back place but at night it’s one of the most popular party places. There are restaurants and bars for you to party with your friends and mingle with everyone.

Christopher Columbus is the first European who encountered Costa Rica on September 18, 1502 in his exploration of the new world. Costa Rica is one the best destination where you could go for vacation and relaxing. One quarter of their land is protected areas and national parks. There are several varieties of animal species and botanicals that can only be found in Costa Rica.

In going to Costa Rica you can travel by air, land and sea. In air, there are international flights that offers going to Costa Rica, in and out flights and now there are direct flights going to Europe. By land there are buses, it shares land borders with Nicaragua and Panama. Some traveler use bus to travel because it is cheaper than flying especially with people who loves adventures.

In sea, there are cruise ships that stops and offers the travelers a quick stray in the place. You can also have the leisure of a private yacht.

In entering Costa Rica, there are no taxes or fees when you arrive but make sure you have a visa when you’re a foreigner. Travelling by air, you’ll arrive in the Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría Airport, 17 km northwest of San José. By land, go from San José to Changuinola(Bocas del Toro), David and Panama City, Panama; Guatemala City; Managua, Nicaragua; San Salvador, El Salvador; and Tegucigalpa, Honduras. By sea, the ships dock at the Pacific port of Caldera (near Puntarenas) or the Caribbean port of Puerto Limón.

The top 3 places in Costa Rica, one of those is the Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, is a beach resort good for people who wanted to feel relaxed in the sound of waves, you can also go for surfing, at night there are bars where you could for party and meet new friends around the world. It’s a good way to experience different personalities. Second, is San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica, where you could see some architectural designs and underdeveloped places that they preserve to see the culture of Costa Rican’s life. Third, is Turrialba Mountain is where you could see some of the best clear water around the world. Best for rafting because of adrenaline rush and the ravaging stream of water.

One of the favorite destinations of tourist is Costa Rica. From its culture, tradition, climate, beaches, natural beauty up to its recreational packages that it offers. If trekking is your passion and you are looking for something that is very exciting. You have two options. One is to trek jungles following road trails, another check out off road trails in the jungles.

One of the best places to check out when trekking in Costa Rica is the Pitbull Pass. Located in city of Orosi, the length of this trail is 45 miles. Trail level is advanced due to single track and fire roads. The ride officially starts in the historical city of Orosi, one need to take the gravel road and get past the Rio Power Station u to the Tapanti National park. If you reach the top of the Pitbull Pass, you get to see the scenic view of the Turrialba Valley.

This trail maybe challenging but the incredible sight of the rainforest and the wildlife is very much worth it.
Another place worth checking out is the Drake Bay. It is the located in the Corvocado National Park. During rainy season, boat or plane service is the only way to enter the place but during dry season the unbeaten track on the highway is the best way to go. The long stretch is pristine coastline and sandy coves are simply breathtaking. Its rainforest has a mountain biking trails as well. For beginners, there is an initial trail perfect for those who want to check out the jungles but lacks the expertise of an experienced mountaineer. There are also side trails available for those who are into the more difficult and challenging path.

Originally designed to be a reforestation program, the Irazu Volcano National Park has an initial trail that begins in its parking lot. As you advance, you get to see lush farmland, bird’s eye view of the valley and the rich ecosystem of the jungle. There are three ways to end the trail. One is through the paved path up to Turialba. Another is through Capaledes. And the last one which maybe perfect for those who love adventure is through an off road trail leading to Santa Cruz.

Costa Rica is a prime vacation destination due to its vibrant, lush and so full of life environment. Another factor which made Costa Rica perfect for tourists is the adventure tours that it offers. These eco-adventure tours are available anywhere, you can go to tourist-driven areas in the country and take your pick among the various tours offered. You can even go online as most of these adventure tours are available virtually as well.

If you are into the ultimate jungle experience, trekking at the Corvocado National Park may suit you best. You must be prepared to walk since this place in only accessible by plane or boat. There are no vehicles on the place. Do keep your eyes open for loud, colorful and numerous reptiles and amphibians residing the area. If you want a different kind of high, reaching the summit of Cerro Chirripo is best for you. It is the highest mountain of the country. The Chirripo National Park is famed for the ecological wealth that it possesses.
Caño Island is one of the latest hotspots in terms of adventure diving in Costa Rica. Rock formation in the place is simply breathtaking. One can also spot dolphins, sharks, sea turtles and stingrays in the area. The National Ostional Wildlife is also another place perfect for adventures. Keep in mind that the best time to visit Ostional is on or before an ARRIBADA. This is the time when sea turtles go back to the shore to lay their eggs. The best ARRIBABA occur between July and December. By checking out Witches Rock, one gets a chance not only to check the waves here as this is the best place for surfing in the northern province of Guanacasta. There are two ways to get to this famed spot. One is by taking a 4×4 and going thru Santa Rosa National Park or a boat ride from Coco beach.

The country is filled with scenic spots, rare animals and thousands of tours guaranteed not only to make tourist experience thrill and fun but also pure life

Eco-adventure in Costa Rica can range from simple rappelling to trekking and rafting. The country itself has more than 30 national parks. Most of these parks are designed in the same way as American parks are made. One can choose the type of adventure that they pick according to their interest and preferences. However, there are things that one should not miss out once they are in a country as beautiful and adventure-filled as Costa Rica.

By checking out the beautiful Pacuare River, one gets a chance to do river boarding, whit-water rafting or white water kayaking. The jungle surounding the river is also filled with exotic species like jaguars, monkeys and home to thousand of birds. Arenal Volcano National Park is another place where one can get adventure that they want. The park has the Arenal Volcano which directly overlooks the Lake Arenal. One can try rappelling deep into the forest and see for themselves series of waterfalls.

If you are into Costa Rica sport fishing, the best place to check out once you are in Costa Rica is Dominical. One can also try to learn surfing here as the place has a lot of businesses dedicated in helping people learn the basics of surfing. If you want a more laid back adventure, cruising in Tortuguero’s canal is so relaxing plus the lush scenery that you see as you are on the boat.
Manuel Antonio maybe the smallest national park of Costa Rica but it certainly isn’t lacking in anything that other big national arks can offer. It is ideal for snorkeling, they can also check out a natural land bridge formed due to sand accumulation. Entrance to the park itself is an adventure, as it is an hour long hike. Another way is to pass through a river using ATV’s. With every adventure imaginable offered by this place, one is sure to have the time of their lives as well as learn new stuff that each of these adventure tours may teach them.

Costa Rica offers a lot of amazing tours for an eco-savvy traveler. Corcovado National Park is a 4178 hectares tropical rainforests and is considered as one of the most beautiful in the world. It has a vast diversity of species ranging from different kinds butterflies, to large lianas, to giant trees, and to several other varieties of plants. It is also considered as Costa Rica’s “Jungle Wonderland” for it is well known for its canopy tours, jungle trekking, and camping. One of the best ways to enter Corcovado National Park is by a foot trail through Carate at the Le Leona camping site.

Within Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountain Range lies Chirripó National Park. One of its best attractions is Cerro Chirripó Grande, the highest peak in Costa Rica and 2nd highest peak in South America. With high endemism and extremely high biodiversity the park is also widely known to have one of the most ecological zones you can find in the country. Chirripó National Park encompasses an area of about 195 square miles and is also a part of La Amistad International Park. If you want to climb the Cerro Chirripó Grande, just be sure to bring plenty of water, a sleeping bag and other necessities.

Caño Island is one of the best diving sites in Costa Rica with breath taking rock formations of volcanic origin, 15-16 feet reef walls, and a variety of marine animals; it is one of the best in the world. The island is also well known for a huge collection of white tip sharks that made the nearby underwater caves as their home.

If you want a fascinating diving adventure that includes diving with sharks, stingrays, whales and other different kinds of marine life then Caño Island is just for you.
If you are a sports fishing enthusiast then the Dominical (around Costa Ballena area) in South Pacific is best known for its good concentration of Sail Fish, Blue and Black Marlins, Yellow Fin Tunas, and Mahi Mahi’s. Costa Rica Sports’ Fishing can truly be memorable experience that can meet everyone’s expectations.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

“One of the Seven Wonders of Costa Rica”

Monteverde is one of the major tourist destinations in Costa Rica. It literally means the Green Mountain. Monteverde is located in a small town in Puntarenas, Costa Rica with the main tourists are interested to the eco tourism of the place. A lot of them described the spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve as if like entering an impressive green Cathedral.

Hiking is one the best activities when in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Monteverde National Park has varied trails connecting the two reserves of Santa Elena Cloud Forest and The Monteverde Cloud Forest. This trail is over 20 kilometers long and you will have the opportunity to bird watch with naturalist guides and see the highly diverse flora and fauna.

The protected cove rainforests of Monteverde have old trees with orchids, bromeliads, and ferns hanging on them. With the high biodiversity, it is truly a sight to behold especially in the Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde.

Swamp forests are also part of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Within the swamp forests, there are clear streams and waterfalls that will truly amaze you. The cool and rainy climate had become the home of beautiful flora and fauna with wildlife including Ocelot, Baird´s Tapir, and Jaguar. Moreover, there are also Three-wattled Bellbirds, Bare necked Umbrella bird, and the Resplendent Quetzal.

Just recently, Monteverde has been in the spot light with the title one of the “7 Wonders of Costa Rica.” Even with the difficult access to the area, it has become a major tourist destination because of its rare natural beauty. As of now, there are 250,000 tourists visiting Monteverde annually and 70,000 of these eco tourists visit the Monteverde forest reserves.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Costa Rica features Manuel Antonio National Park as one of the best shows Mother Nature has to offer. You never want to miss these spectacular Costa Rica attractions. Here is an article written by Jessica Feis to describe how great to visit Manuel Antonio National Park. The author travels to Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica and finds a natural paradise filled with pristine beaches, rainforests, and wildlife.

Manuel Antonio National Park is an absolute gem in the impressive Costa Rican national parks system. Located along the Pacific coast near the banana-shipping town of Quepos, Manuel Antonio is a small park, but so many unique features are packed into this stunning area that I consider it to be one of the must-see national parks of the world. Here the dense jungle comes right up to the beach in many places, allowing bathers a shady refuge from the hot Costa Rican sun. Two and three toed sloth meets white capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and a plethora of birds. This is spot encompasses my quintessential Costa Rican dream.

In order to get to Manuel Antonio, one must pass through the town of Manuel Antonio, a hilly town that offers both funky and luxury accommodations, most of which are situated on rocky cliffs with exquisite views of the Pacific Ocean. Most of the area is hip and modern with a Costa Rican flair. Banana trees grace the roadsides, and sumptuous, colorful flowers are everywhere. Near the park entrance, vendors sell their items in tents and on tables. It is worthwhile to peruse this area; while many are run-of-the-mill tacky tourist items, there can be some real unique finds.

To get into the park proper, one must cross through water. At low tide, there is a small stream through which it is easy to walk, but at high tide, it is necessary to pay a boatman to cross into the park. Once past the park entrance, you are transported into another world. There are three beaches here that seem to be occupied by locals (or Ticos, as Costa Ricans call themselves) and tourists alike. However, as they never allow more than 600 people in here at a time, it never seems too crowded.

My goal: to find monkeys and sloths. I walk along one of the many trails that leads through the thick, lush rain forests where, in places, it is so dark that I have to use my flash to take pictures. Passing the poisonous Manzanillo tree, a sign indicated a warning for us not to touch or eat it. I am in awe of the beauty of my surroundings. The music of Antonio Carlos Jobim pops into my head, the perfect soundtrack. We follow a cool, clear stream downhill, cutting through the curtained thicket and find that it leads to a rocky beach where people are swimming and sunbathing. On the beach, the largest iguana I have ever seen crosses my path. My clothes stick to my body because of the oppressive humidity, and I wish that I had planned better and brought my swimsuit.

Despite the heat and humidity, my goal has been set and we must continue onwards. We head back up into the jungle and walk until we see some people stopped on the trail watching something intensely. A group of white capuchin monkeys are putting on a show for their audience, gracefully swinging from limb to limb in a hypnotic dance.

Part of my goal is fulfilled. We never did see a sloth at Manuel Antonio, but we did see one later on our trip in the mountains outside of San Jose. Although we only spend a few hours at Manuel Antonio National Park, the impression it leaves on me is monumental. I dream of going back there and spending several days; laying on the beach, swimming in the sea, finding those pesky monkeys again, dancing to the beat of Jobim, smelling the sweet, fruit-scented air, and just gazing and the magnificence of the surroundings. Manuel Antonio should be at the top of any Costa Rican itinerary. It is a few hours from San Jose, but after all, finding a little piece of paradise should be worth it.

Wrtten by: Jessica Feis
http://www.everywheremag.com/articles/672
All Rights Reserved 2009

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