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