"All this in one country" Costa Rica by melosh

Costa Rica Travel Guide: 5,592 reviews and 11,962 photos

A different kind of first visit

Just as this was my beginning experience with Costa Rica it will serve as the starting point for my VT page. It was a unusual type of first visit for me --Ten days with 5 of work and 5 of tourism with only three of those at a tourist attraction (Monteverde) with a group of Christian mission oriented tourists. Their stated purpose was to work, witness and experience, rather than to convert. I was comfortable with this, although I will admit I chafed a bit at the restrictions of group travel. The majority of the group had never made this type of trip before, and in fact most had never traveled outside the USA. They had taken their vacation time and money to leave their comfort zone and try something different. This was good.

Political stability, beautiful multi-green countryside, stunning mountains and volcanoes, seemingly endless beaches (that I only saw from afar), and a relaxed and friendly population explain Costa Rica's popularity as a tourist destination. Because the per person per year income is over $10,000 --four or fives times that of nearby countries may help people feel comfortable. Many return for multiple visits and apparently many are buying property. This has caused an explosion in land costs. (See warning tip.)

Costa Rica also seems to be a popular place for ecology and social missions. From what we saw, it was clear that there is great need.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful greens, political stability and no army
Cons:Higher Central American travel costs, rising crime
In a nutshell:Pura vida

Last visit to Costa Rica: Aug 2007
Intro Updated Sep 2, 2007
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Reviews (7)

Next challenge-- from airport to hotel. - Costa Rica

Mom or Dad worried? Warnings and Dangers (2)

Are you a parent with a child going to Costa Rica and perhaps even further into Central America? Or are you a young... more travel advice

Good local foodin Saint Elena, Monteverde - Costa Rica

Good local foodin Saint Elena,... Restaurants (1)

This is a fairly modest and relatively inexpensive place to eat Costa Rican food in a small town where tourist fare and... more travel advice

Jewellery made in Costa Rica? - Costa Rica

Costa Rica made in China. Tourist Traps (1)

You have a just had a great vacation and you now want to buy a few souvenirs. Perhaps you were in Monteverde and... more travel advice

Orchid gardens Things to Do (2)

There seems to be a good number of Orchid gardens in Costa Rica and in the Monteverde area in particular. Although $7 US... more travel advice

Favorites (1)
Learning travel Spanish in Costa Rica

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Comments (2)

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Yaqui Jun 15, 2009 at 11:58 AM

Excellent warning tips, people should have more comprehensive tips such as yours. Thanks!
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lynnehamman Mar 20, 2009 at 4:25 PM

Hi Bob Excellent page with good info. I enjoyed the warning tip for Mums & Dads.Should be heeded. The orchids would fascinate me-my favourite flower. Thanks