Is the world getting you down, Bucko? Are you sick of all the talk of all the gloom and doom?
The leaves have fallen, the days are getting shorter. The Boys of Summer are freezing their bats off. For over a year now, there has been this nasty global economic downturn. Very depressing.
Sounds like it's time for a Costa Rica vacation.
The Democrats are blaming the "Just Say No" Republicans. The Republicans blame the "Socialist" Democrats. Sarah Palin blames Tina Fey. Olbermann points at O'Reilly. The Tea Party blames Democrats AND Republicans while Glenn Beck is crying again. Sounds like the sky is falling, doesn't it?
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 pulling on your long johns and wishing global warming could come right now.
A Costa Rica vacation may be just the ticket. So, pack your bags and get ready for some adventure. Still not convinced? Here are terrific reasons to get away.
1. Airfares are incredibly inexpensive right now. They have not been this cheap for years. And, with Costa Rica tourism downby about fifteen percent this year, a frugal, informed traveler can really take advantage of the plight of resorts, hotels, and hostels.
Luxury resorts like the Hilton Papagayo are offering accomodations around $160.00 a night (seniors pay even less) 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. Uncrowded, tropical beaches on two coasts. Sandy beaches, black, white, brown, coral shell, and boulder strewn beaches.
Visit the same Caribbean beach where Columbus named Costa Rica six centuries ago. Scuba dive off Costa Rica's largest reef and check out the sunken boats.
Hike off of Drake Bay, named after Sir Francis Drake, who visited the Costa Rica Pacific coast a decade before defeating the Spanish Armada and saving England.
3. Frolic on the same Costa Rica beaches as Britney Spears or Mel Gibson (you will probably need to bring your own Russian model, though).
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 species of birds as in the entire continental U.S., nearly 1000 in all. Here is a peaceful democracy with more species of butterflies than Africa---the entire continent.
5. Visit Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast, the biggest green sea turtle nesting preserve on earth.
Or, check out Ostional National Preserve on the popular Pacific Gold Coast, where thousands of olive ridley sea turtles come ashore in massive nestings, called “arribadas”, perhaps the largest remaining on the planet. Arribadas happen every month but the biggest (sometimes involving hundreds of thousands of turtles) typically are from July through November when the moon is in its last quarter.
And, remember that Costa Rica ecotourism is helping to preserve turtles, exotic macaws, and many other species.
6. Hike the tallest mountain in Central America, 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 that looks over remnant lakes carved from ancient glaciers.
Climbing requires 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 describes as “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 all of Central America, including sloths, tapirs, monkeys, and six kinds of wild cat, including the spectacular jaguar, not to mention some of the tallest primary forest remaining in this region of the world.
Bring your camera, bandaids for blisters, and mosquito repellant.
8. 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 lots of things to do, from horseback riding to swimming below waterfalls, rappelling and four-wheeling, canoeing or rafting to birdwatching, and great fresh water fishing to world-class windsurfing (lessons available). There is even a real Swiss train that will take you to a real Swiss hotel---in the tropical mountains of Costa Rica!
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).
