In A Winter Funk? Time To Make Plans For Costa Rica Vacation
Author: Victor C. Krumm |
Most of the world seems to be in a funk these days. The leaves have fallen, the days are getting shorter. The Boys of Summer are freezing their bats off and nearly ready to put them away until Spring. A Costa Rica vacation may be the only thing between you and winter. Here are some great reasons to take that Costa Rica vacation now.
Everybody seems to be hunkered down in a funk. Autumn leaves have fallen, the days are getting shorter. The Boys of Summer are freezing their bats off and nearly ready to put them away until Spring. A Costa Rica vacation may be just what the doctor ordered. Here are some great reasons to take that Costa Rica vacation now.
1. Airfares are unbelievable right now. They have not been this reasonable for years. And, with Costa Rica tourism down 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 accomodations as low as $160.00 a night, seniors pay even less, and more budget-conscious folks who travel Costa Rica can stay at very nice Costa Rica hostels (some with private rooms) for about $12.00. For the best bargains, visit between May and mid-November. Tip: look for a cash discount because many places offer substantial price reductions for cash. Do not be shy: ask and ye shall receive!
2. With almost eight hundred miles of coastline on two oceans visit one or more of hundreds of pristine Costa Rica beaches. Black, brown, and white sand beaches, sea shell beaches, rugged rock-strewn beaches. Hike off of Drake Bay, named after Sir Francis Drake, who visited the southern Costa Rica Pacific coast a decade before defeating the Spanish Armada and saving England in 1588. You can even explore the same Caribbean beach where Columbus landed six centuries ago.
3. All beaches in Costa Rica are public so you can frolic on the same Costa Rica beaches as movie stars and celebrities. Take romantic walks or just be lazy. Do not forget to bring your surfboard because some of the best surfing in the world 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. Consider becoming an ecotourist. Visit 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 remaining on the planet. Arribadas take place year-round 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. Or, head over to the Caribbean coast and discover Tortuguero National Park, the world's largest green sea turtle preserve.
5. Called the "Switzerland of Latin America," this mountainous little country has nearly as many kinds of birds as in the entire continental U.S. and more species of butterflies than live in all of Africa. It is so diverse that twenty percent of all animal and plant species in the world are found in this country. It even has the only butterfly that makes a sound.
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. 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.
Everybody seems to be hunkered down in a funk. Autumn leaves have fallen, the days are getting shorter. The Boys of Summer are freezing their bats off and nearly ready to put them away until Spring. A Costa Rica vacation may be just what the doctor ordered. Here are some great reasons to take that Costa Rica vacation now.
1. Airfares are unbelievable right now. They have not been this reasonable for years. And, with Costa Rica tourism down 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 accomodations as low as $160.00 a night, seniors pay even less, and more budget-conscious folks who travel Costa Rica can stay at very nice Costa Rica hostels (some with private rooms) for about $12.00. For the best bargains, visit between May and mid-November. Tip: look for a cash discount because many places offer substantial price reductions for cash. Do not be shy: ask and ye shall receive!
2. With almost eight hundred miles of coastline on two oceans visit one or more of hundreds of pristine Costa Rica beaches. Black, brown, and white sand beaches, sea shell beaches, rugged rock-strewn beaches. Hike off of Drake Bay, named after Sir Francis Drake, who visited the southern Costa Rica Pacific coast a decade before defeating the Spanish Armada and saving England in 1588. You can even explore the same Caribbean beach where Columbus landed six centuries ago.
3. All beaches in Costa Rica are public so you can frolic on the same Costa Rica beaches as movie stars and celebrities. Take romantic walks or just be lazy. Do not forget to bring your surfboard because some of the best surfing in the world 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. Consider becoming an ecotourist. Visit 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 remaining on the planet. Arribadas take place year-round 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. Or, head over to the Caribbean coast and discover Tortuguero National Park, the world's largest green sea turtle preserve.
5. Called the "Switzerland of Latin America," this mountainous little country has nearly as many kinds of birds as in the entire continental U.S. and more species of butterflies than live in all of Africa. It is so diverse that twenty percent of all animal and plant species in the world are found in this country. It even has the only butterfly that makes a sound.
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. 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.
Information:
Writer Victor Krumm lives in Costa Rica. Go to his acclaimed website about Costa Rica Vacations and be sure to check out the magnificent Seven Wonders of Costa Rica
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