The
jewel of Central America, Costa Rica is nestled between the Atlantic and Pacific
waters. Visitors primarily come here to pay respect to Costa Rica's natural beauty
as pronounced by its towering mountains, waterfalls, deep jungles, volcanoes,
and miles of lush rainforest.
Costa
Rica is also one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Incredibly,
more than five percent of the world's known plant and animal life can be found
here. Its landscape is equally diversified, with elevations of over 12,000 feet,
massive coral reefs, and seemingly endless stretches of white sandy beaches.
Fifty-five
percent of Costa Rica's population lives in the Central Valley, which surrounds
the capital city of San Jose. Costa Ricans (or Ticos, as Costa Ricans refer to
themselves) are some of the friendliest people you'll ever encounter. In part,
their hospitality stems from the pride they take in their country. After all,
not only is Costa Rica beautiful, but it's also one of the most stable democratic
countries in Latin America. When Costa Rica abolished its armed forces in 1948,
it invested heavily in healthcare and education. As a result, Costa Rica boasts
a literacy rate and a life expectancy that rivals most Western European countries.
Ninety-five percent
of Costa Rica's population is of Spanish descent. The remaining five percent is
divided between English speaking blacks of West Indian origin who now inhabit
the Atlantic coast, and a small indigenous population which lives in isolated
areas throughout the country.
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Photos from 2006 the trip
