When
Christopher Columbus first gave Costa Rica her name – rich
coast – little did he know that the “riches”lay
more in natural diversity and friendly people than
in deposits of gold. With only 185 miles spanning her
widest point, and 0.03% of the world’s landmass,
Costa Rica contains a staggering 5% of the world’s
biodiversity. But in those 23.000 square miles, visitors
can find more options for nature related activities
than they would think possible. The government of Costa
Rica has protected 30% or its territory in both national
parks and wildlife or forest preserves, allowing visitors
ample opportunity to experience some of those riches.
From adventure tourism to ecotourism to educational
travel, there is much to do and learn in Costa Rica.
With a population of independent,
gregarious people, Costa Rica provides visitors with
the opportunity to experience nature’s abundance
along with a rich history of peaceful development.
Costa Rica abolished its army over 50 years ago, allowing
the country to put its resources into education, social
development and infrastructure.
This
has lead to a higher literacy rate than most Latin
American countries can claim. Those resources have
developed a highly trained works force that can enable
companies and industries to host conferences and conventions
in one of the several fully equipped convention center.
Both participants and their guests can expect both
exciting and relaxing day trips before, during o after
the meetings.
Costa Rica’s capital, San José is located in the
Central Valley surrounded by vistas of volcanoes and fertile
hillsides. While the city has grown with the unpredictability
common to Latin American countries, visitors can find some
historical gems amid the new construction. Many of the city’s
century old buildings have found new lives as museums, cultural
centers and theatres. One of the best museums the city has
to offer is the Museo del Oro Precolombino, a museum with a
world – class collection of pre – Columbian gold
pieces housed in a somewhat futuristic building below the Plaza
de la Cultura. The now plentiful tour operators in Costa Rica
have spend time and care in discovering what our visitors are
after.
With over 11 different
life zones and ecosystems, and coastline on two oceans, nature lovers
most likely will find more choices than they have vacation time for.
You can choose our more rigorous tours and attractions, such as trekking
up to cloud forest or volcanic craters, or climbing up trees or down
into caves, or choose to experience nature more quietly by bird watching
by waterfalls or estuaries – there
is a well – qualified guide, or tour company who can help you fulfill
your goal. On the other hand, if you are more inclined to relax by the
beach, swing a 9 iron – on courses with increasingly sustainable
practices – or have a photo – op with a trophy fish – catch
and release by law, of course – you’ll find all that and
more in this tiny Central American country. Here you can learn more about
our tropical ecosystems or expand your adventuring and sporting skills
on land and water – whatever your choices, you’re sure
to leave Costa Rica enriched with memories or the experience.