| Stories of political unrest, hurricanes, and | | | | as well. If you'd rather not feel the pull of the tides and |
| not-so-tourist-friendly areas have a way of scaring | | | | the crash of the waves, just sit back and take it all on |
| people away from visiting Central America come | | | | from ashore. |
| vacation time. However, you'd be wise to investigate | | | | In a matter of three hours you can go from one side |
| the situation for yourself before crossing Costa Rica | | | | of Costa Rica to the other, so in order to see as much |
| off your list. This beautiful, surprisingly quiet and | | | | as possible you'll likely be moving around a bit. If you |
| peaceful country has all the qualities that make for an | | | | happen to pass through the capital, San Jose, be |
| exotic and relaxing trip, so consider this oasis for your | | | | prepared for a bustling city that's a little gritty but |
| next holiday if you're in the mood for something | | | | definitely worth exploring. Museums, theatres, shopping, |
| different yet delightful. | | | | and excellent food will all compete for your attention |
| Costa Rica has miles of coastline to take advantage | | | | as you navigate the noisy streets that weave through |
| of, so if you want to surf, snorkel, or just laze on the | | | | skyscrapers and typical big city sights. The energy is |
| beach you won't have to look too far. Along this line of | | | | palpable, so you may not find San Jose to be the |
| thinking, some consider Nicoya Peninsula to be the | | | | place to achieve the ultimate feeling of relaxation, but it |
| most beautiful spot in the country. Popular beaches | | | | makes a nice contrast to your quieter escapades. |
| border a tropical yet dry rainforest where agricultural | | | | As you wander the cities taking in the language and |
| and ranching developments are also found. Fun mixes | | | | the culture or tour the rainforest stretching your neck |
| with authentic terrain here, and you'll find that the result | | | | to view the untamed upper canopies, you'll be glad that |
| is almost overwhelming. | | | | you've strayed from the beaten path to take a |
| Wildlife preserves and parks will acquaint you with | | | | vacation that is out of the ordinary yet perfectly safe. |
| Costa Rica's focus on conserving precious flora and | | | | As you drink refrescos (fresh fruit, sugar and water) |
| fauna, and you'll have the chance to catch sight of the | | | | after a day of hiking or as you stroll across a black |
| world's largest species of turtle. Northeast of Nicoya | | | | sand beach, you'll be torn between telling the world |
| are some fascinating caves, and throughout the | | | | about your wonderful trip and keeping it your own little |
| forests are birds, iguanas, and howler monkeys. Playa | | | | secret. Later you can do whatever you think is right, |
| Samara, Montezuma and Playa del Coco are all | | | | but be sure to enjoy the peaceful moments as they |
| places worth investigating as well if you're lucky | | | | occur. |
| enough to find yourself on the peninsula with time to | | | | As far as where to stay while in Costa Rica, lodging |
| meander and be amazed. | | | | options are plentiful. In the spirit of this distinctive trip, |
| Internationally recognized for all that it has to offer, | | | | however, you may find yourself gravitating towards a |
| Wilson Botanical Garden brims with rare, indigenous, | | | | vacation rental. By settling into a house or villa that |
| eye-popping species of plants. Grab a map and head | | | | captures the tropical vibe, offers great views, and |
| out for a self-guided walk or follow a tour guide who | | | | provides better than average amenities like a washer |
| will tell you what's what. Either way you go, you'll end | | | | and dryer, a covered porch, plenty of closet space, |
| up dwelling over medicinal herbs, colorful flowers, and | | | | and long-term availability, you might be tempted to |
| an array of birds that will make binocular wearers | | | | leave your old world behind and take up a new identity |
| jump for joy. If you've come all the way to Central | | | | as a tico (local). Conveniences like being able to walk |
| America, taking in the natural landscape like this is a | | | | to the beach without ever feeling crammed into a |
| must. | | | | boxy hotel will be key in contributing to your overall |
| Surfers will find Costa Rica to be a paradise, and | | | | sense of happiness during this well-deserved getaway. |
| notable places to catch a few waves include Playa | | | | Costa Rica vacation rentals by owner are plentiful and |
| Naranjo and Ollie's Point. Seek out the famous "long | | | | sure to add a little extra something to what already |
| lefthander" that the Golfito region is known for if you | | | | looks like an incredible trip, so go online today and start |
| want a true challenge. Experience both the Atlantic | | | | seeking out the perfect place. |
| and Pacific oceans as you tour the many beaches, | | | | is an extensive vacation rental marketplace that will |
| and be assured that non surfers will find plenty to do | | | | help make your next trip better than your last. |