| Costa Rica literally translates into "Rich | | | | forests until you come to Chirripó |
| Coast," so named by Columbus for the gold | | | | Ž¡tional Park, which protects Costa |
| necklaces worn by the native people when he | | | | Rica's tallest peak. Scale the winding trails |
| arrived in the early 16th century. However | | | | of mysterious cloud forests while spider |
| misleading the name might have been for gold | | | | monkeys swing from the trees and sloth lurk |
| hunters, it appropriately describes Costa | | | | in the undergrowth as you get closer to the |
| Rica's copious coastline, which is an endless | | | | rainforests of Corcovado National Park along |
| paradise for surfers, scuba divers and those | | | | the Pacific Ocean. Observe jaguar roaming |
| in need of tranquil relaxation. | | | | along the waters' edge while over 360 species |
| | | | of bird rustle overhead. Nature surrounds you |
| Costa Rica is also a bastion of political | | | | when you travel to Costa Rica. |
| tranquility, which has historically marked | | | | |
| the country as an attractive destination for | | | | Urban Creatures |
| Central and South American travelers. Not a | | | | |
| single gun-shot was fired when Costa Rica | | | | If you've had your fill of all things wild, |
| earned its independence from the Spanish | | | | Costa Rica's cities and towns will not relent |
| Empire in 1821. Democratic development | | | | on mesmerizing their visitors either. The |
| progressed after independence and in 1949 | | | | capital city of San Jose is a fast-paced |
| Costa Rica become the first country in the | | | | cosmopolitan playground and the beating heart |
| world to abolish its army, setting a historic | | | | of Costa Rican life. The remains of coffee |
| precedent for other democratic nations in the | | | | baron mansions have been transformed into a |
| region. | | | | splendid backdrop for boutique hotels and |
| | | | restaurants. The National Museum has a few of |
| Spider Monkey Around | | | | the nation's mysterious stone spheres on |
| | | | display, the origin of which is still up for |
| Without a military budget, Costa Rica has had | | | | debate today. For an unbeatable resort |
| the luxury of allocating a considerable sum | | | | experience, visit the Gulf of Papagayo along |
| toward systems of wilderness conservation and | | | | the northwest coast. From intimate hotels and |
| cultural preservation. Over 25 percent of the | | | | cabanas to luxury resorts, these beautiful |
| nation's territory, rich with biodiversity, | | | | beaches are a prize view from any perspective |
| is protected by national parks. While basking | | | | when you travel to Costa Rica. |
| on the Caribbean shores, visit Tortuguero | | | | |
| National Park to witness the most important | | | | You should need no other reason to travel to |
| nesting site of the endangered green turtle. | | | | Central America other than the quintessential |
| If you are lucky, you may also get to see the | | | | natural beauty of Costa Rica. The backdrop of |
| giant leatherback turtle (the largest known | | | | peace and all-around serenity make Costa Rica |
| turtle at an adult weight of 1,500 pounds!) | | | | a true gem among the countries of this |
| nesting in the park's sand. Gain some | | | | tropical region. For more information, your |
| elevation and venture through temperate | | | | source for cheap airfare on the web. |