Tired of all the gloom and doom? Autumn leaves have fallen, the days are getting shorter and whiter. The Boys of Summer are freezing their bats off. It is beginning to feel like we have always been in this nasty global economic downturn. Very depressing. Sounds like it's time to take a Costa Rica vacation.
The Democrats are blaming the Republicans. The Republicans are blaming the Democrats . Rush Limbaugh blames everybody and Glenn Beck is reduced to tears. Surely, this is the Winter of Our Discontent. A Costa Rica vacation is sounding better and better, isn't it?
Global warming may melt the Arctic in another 10 years but you're soon going to be stuck at home with your snow shovel, slippery roads, and terrible television. A Costa Rica vacation may be the only thing between you and winter. So, buck up, Bucko!, and hop a jet. Still not convinced? Here are great reasons to get away.
1. Airfares are incredibly inexpensive right now. They have not been this reasonable for years. And, with Costa Rica tourism off by about fifteen percent this year, a frugal, informed traveler can really take advantage of the plight of hotels and resorts. Luxury resorts like the Hilton Papagayo are offering rates starting from $160.00 a night (less for seniors) and more budget-conscious folks who travel Costa Rica can experience very nice Costa Rica hostels (some with private rooms) for about $12.00. For the finest deals, visit between May and mid-November. Tip: ask if there is a discount for cash ("effectivo" in Spanish). Do not be shy: ask and ye shall receive!
2. Visit some of the exquisite Costa Rica beaches. Tropical, uncrowded beaches on two coasts. Sandy beaches, black, white, brown, coral shell, and boulder strewn beaches. Walk the same Caribbean beach where Columbus landed six centuries ago. Hike off of Drake Bay, named after Sir Francis Drake, who visited the Costa Rica Pacific coast a decade before sinking the Spanish Armada and saving England.
3. Frolic on the same Costa Rica beaches enjoyed by Mel Gibson and Britney Spears. Or, bring your surfboard because some of the best surfing on the planet is found here. Most beaches are completely free but if you prefer to visit a very popular national beach park called Manuel Antonio, there will be a small entry fee.
4. Think Green. Imagine a tiny little country with nearly as many different kinds of birds as in the entire continental U.S., more than 900. It is a peaceful democracy with more species of butterflies than Africa---all of Africa. One of every 10 species of butterflies on earth live in a place comprising just 1/10,000 of the earth's surface.
5. Tour Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast, the biggest green sea turtle nesting preserve on earth. Or, check out Ostional National Preserve on the fabulous Gold Coast, where thousands of olive ridley sea turtles come ashore in massive nestings, called "arribadas", perhaps the largest spectacle of its kind in the world. Arribadas take place every month but the biggest (sometimes involving hundreds of thousands of turtles) typically are when the moon is in its last quarter during the months of July to November. And, remember that Costa Rica ecotourism is helping to preserve turtles, exotic macaws, and many other species.
6. Hike the tallest mountain in Latin America. It is called Mount Chirrippo. Your hike will start at its tropical forest base and, if you have the stamina, end at its frigid summit. This is not a leisurely walk in the hills. You will need a backpack with warm clothes as you climb this beauty to a little night time shelter overlooking remnant glacial lakes carved from ancient glaciers. You will need a permit and reservation but the cost is very modest and when you reach the top you may be reminded of the mighty Andes.
7. If you are fit and adventurous, visit magnificent Corcovado National Park on the southern Pacific Coast, a place National Geographic calls "the most biologically intense place on earth." Don't expect all of the amenities of life in this sometimes rugged place that hosts the largest remaining population of scarlet macaws in Latin America, including crocodiles, monkeys, and six kinds of wild cat, including the spectacular jaguar, all living in some of the tallest primary forest remaining in this part of the world. Bring your camera, bug repellant, and band-aids for blisters.
8. And don't forget to take in Arenal Volcano. Arenal is Costa Rica's most active volcano with its frequent rumblings, light shows at night, and red lava flows. Many Costa Rica vacations include a few days in the surrounding area where you will find loads of activities, from ziplining 80 feet up in the trees to riding horses, sailing in a hot air balloon to bungee jumping towards crocodile infested waters, canoeing or rafting to birdwatching, and great fresh water fishing to world-class windsurfing (lessons available). And, be sure to take a day and visit one of the many hot springs, from the world famous, very beautiful, but pricey, Tabacon Hot Springs (think $100/day) to the much cheaper but less luxurious, Baldi (about $28) or The Springs Resort ($40).
