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