The words costa rica means “rich coast,” and this is perhaps the best description of the flora, fauna, and protected reserve areas. There aren’t many places to compare to the stunning wildlife, lush forests, and enormous biodiversity. The biodiversity draws scientists, ecologists, and many more to the tiny country--it contains more species than any other area.

In fact, my favorite thing about Costa Rica is the fact that one quarter of this small country’s land is protected. Even though there is much to do in Costa Rica, the protected reserves and forests are my favorite places to go. They remind me of what can be done when we take care of our home.

A Quick History of Costa Rica

This tiny Central American country is bordered by Panama on the south and Nicaragua on the north. The Caribbean and Pacific border it on the east and west sides. Only about 10 degrees north of the equator, Costa Rica also contains a few islands near its coast. Its distance from major civilizations in the area gave it enough isolation to develop independently of the areas that were invaded by the Spanish.

In later years, this same distance from the major cities prevented Costa Rica from participating in--and benefiting from--any of the alliances of Central America. Costa Rica’s independence helped prevent any large alliances, such as the United States of Central America, from taking hold, and today the various provinces still operate as independent countries.

Why You Should Go to Costa Rica

Besides being able to witness the biodiversity and beautiful scenery, you should go to Costa Rica for the same reason I go--for a real vacation. Costa Rica was made for the overworked, overstressed, and the just plain lazy. Almost all borders are coastline, which makes the prospects for peaceful existence seem endless.

Although I don’t surf, it’s still fun to watch them in Costa Rica. Tourist season is December through April, roughly, and this is when most of the surfers go to the Caribbean beaches. If you go during this season, remember that it’s more expensive at this time, and you should plan ahead to make sure you can get accommodations. The rainy season, roughly May through September, is prime weather for the Pacific coast surfers.

The beaches aren’t the only reasons I love Costa Rica. Here are a few more:

Corcovado National Park, a world-class park with the finest biodiversity
Tortuguero National Park, the most critical nesting site for the endangered green turtle
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, with over 2,000 species of plants

If you get tired of the outdoors, you can always go to one of the fine museums. In the capital city of San Jose alone you will find art museums and history museums, as well as some smaller unusual collections. Here are some museums in Costa Rica you may want to mark on your calendar:

Costa Rican National Museum, San Jose
An archaeological exhibit that includes religious artifacts and other historical objects. This is a large collection, and very interesting.

Entomological Museum of University of Costa Rica, San Jose
A collection of butterflies and other insects from all over the world. Very informative.

Museum of Criminology, San Jose
A history of some of the local Costa Rican crimes, investigations, notes on criminals and more. One of my favorites.

If you are traveling to other cities in Costa Rica, don’t miss their museums, either.

Zoological Marine Museum of the Universidad Nacional, Heredia
This museum has preserved and displayed around 2,000 specimens, with a focus on local species.

Abangares Mines Eco-Museum, Guanacaste
Located on the property where the first gold mines were located in Costa Rica, this museum also has nearby trails for hiking.

Other Things to Do in Costa Rica

Don’t miss the zipline!
The zipline is one of the most adventurous ways to travel in Costa Rica. Originally used by scientists for transportation, it has become an adventure sport and is used for canopy tours--you fly in a harness from tree to tree at the canopy level. It’s not for those with a fear of heights, and there is a certain amount of risk involved. Make sure if you try it you are properly prepared and are healthy enough for it.

Cycling and Hiking
These are tow of the most popular activities for residents and visitors alike. There are lots of areas to do both, and bicycle racing is one of the country’s major sports.

Other Water Sports
Don’t forget that there are other ways to play in the water! There are numerous scuba diving sites in Costa Rica. Look for names like:
Murcielagos Island
Catalinas
Punta Gorda
Cocos Island
Cahuita

Enjoy sportfishing? There is ample opportunity for this as well. With the Pacific on one side and the Caribbean on the other, you have a large choice of areas as well as types of fish.

Make sure you are prepared for water safety, and know that the waves and conditions in the Pacific are generally much rougher than on the Caribbean side. Only expert surfers and water sports enthusiasts should participate in their sports in the Pacific Ocean, and even in the Caribbean you should be accomplished.

Some Final Notes

As with any travel plans to an exotic place, make sure you check with a travel professional for updates on personal and medical safety. If you want more detailed information on any travel destination, you should check with the Department of State and other government files for in-depth information on the area.

Insurance for travelers is also a good idea, as is making sure you have made other travel precautions. And don’t forget the sunscreen!