| Over the last ten years, the reputation of Costa Rica | | | | where most of the international flights land. In traversing |
| as a travel destination has grown leaps and bounds. | | | | the country, you can expect to pass through San Jose |
| Good places to visit include San Jose and Tamarindo. | | | | a few times, so enjoy yourself. |
| Costa Rica | | | | Tamarindo |
| Located in Central America, Costa Rica is a country | | | | Not long ago, Tamarindo was a quiet little beach |
| with a lot to offer. The country is unique because the | | | | community on the western coast of Costa Rica. Over |
| costal areas present some of the nicest beaches in | | | | the last 15 years, the town has become a hot spot for |
| the world, while a few hours inland you can find | | | | ex-pats with accompanying development not far |
| towering mountains with volcanoes, pristine rivers for | | | | behind. Although some of the luster is gone, Tamarindo |
| white knuckle rafting and a rain forest par excellence. | | | | is still worth a visit if for no other reason than to |
| Costa Rica is a hot bed of ecosystems and I won't | | | | compare it to the rest of Costa Rica. |
| even try to describe it. Just pull up some pictures on | | | | Tamarindo is as good a place as any to experience |
| the net and you'll get the idea. | | | | Costa Rica beaches if you need a little civilization. The |
| The people of the country, Ticos, are exceedingly | | | | beaches are clean and tranquil, but lined with cafes, |
| friendly and you'll find more than a few ex-pats | | | | restaurants and hotels. The water is warm and good |
| populating the country. With no military, Costa Rica has | | | | surfing can be found in certain locations. To the north, |
| invested heavily in education and has the highest | | | | one can occasionally see rare sea turtles laying eggs |
| literacy rate in the Americas. Yes, the rate is higher | | | | on the beaches late at night. Unfortunately, turtle |
| than the United States. | | | | watching has become such a rage that you may be |
| San Jose | | | | standing with a lot of people. There is definitely a |
| San Jose is really the only big city in Costa Rica. | | | | voyeuristic feel to it and one can help but feeling sorry |
| Located in the center of the country, the city has | | | | for the turtles. |
| taken a beating over the years from the occasional | | | | If you've never been to Tamarindo, you'll love it. If |
| earthquake. You'll understand when you visit. The city | | | | you've visited in the past, you might be disappointed |
| is surrounded by mountain ranges populated with a | | | | with the development. |
| number of volcanoes. Every so often, this combination | | | | Rick Chapo is with Nomad Travel Journals - makers |
| of geography leads a good shaking. | | | | of writing journals. Travel journals are great travel |
| For a city in Central America, San Jose is surprisingly | | | | accessories and travel gifts for student travel, family |
| organized and lively. You can spend an evening in the | | | | vacations and adventure travel. Visit for more travel |
| cafes or just walking about. Crime isn't much of a | | | | articles. |
| problem. There isn't much to see per se, but this is | | | | |