Monday, August 27, 2007

Costa Rica

Eco-wonderland Of Central America Is Costa Rica

More and more tourists are discovering Costa Rica, it is becoming one of Central America's eco-tourist hot spots. There are volcanoes, waterfalls, mud pools, hot springs, forests, terrific beaches and an abundance of flora and fauna, a true paradise to nature lovers. Costa Rica is home to over 1,059 different types of animals and 10,000 different types of plant life. Even though Costa Rica is all about adventure, nature and wonderful beaches, sleeping or camping on the beaches overnight is strongly discouraged. Though Costa Rica is a small country, geographically, it is one of the most diverse,biologically, on the planet.

The city of Liberia, Costa Rica is a great base for exploring the Guanacaste Province, full of whitewashed buildings constructed from local clay and designed in the colonial style. The Daniel Oduber International Airport is just south of the city and serves several American cities.

The protected area and World Heritage Site of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park is close to Liberia, Costa Rica and contains the dormant Cerro Von Seebach and the Rincon de la Vieja and Santa Maria volcanoes. The most recent eruption here occurred in 1998. Volcanoes are big tourist attractions in Costa Rica.

There are many hiking trails and rivers from which to explore and see over 300 species of birds, including toucanets, quetzals and eagles. Animals such as monkeys, cougars and jaguars are also resident. Costa Rica's coast offers many fantastic opportunities to catch a glimpse of migrating whales, various dolphin species, sea turtles and the endangered West Indian manatee as they swim by.

Wildlife can also be seen on a guided rowboat trip down the Corobici River. There are no rapids on this stretch of water and it is calm enough to take children along to see the monkeys, iguanas and birdlife such as heron, kingfishers, ospreys and cormorants. Scuba divers can book a diving trip, enjoying the clear, azure waters close to Liberia Costa Rica with an opportunity to see sea turtles, sharks, whales, rays and giant mantas. Instruction is available to beginners to the sport. The miles of beautiful Costa Rican coastline support an underwater ecology as diverse and spectacular as the landscape.

There are also tours to the area known as the Hacienda, a popular scenic destination nearby to Liberia, Costa Rica. There are waterfalls, volcanic mud pools and the change to go rock climbing, canyoning, horseback riding and zip lining.

There is another tour to the Buena Vista Canopy, a densely forested region where the adventurous can zip line through the treetop canopy, after instruction in safety from the guides, of course. Another thrill is in store as the participants slide down 420 meters of waterslide, the longest one on Costa Rica. Next, comes a horseback ride to the hot springs, where it's time to relax in one of the hot pools and take a turn in the outdoor sauna, made from rocks and an exhilarating mud bath.

The area is very fond of fiestas and they include the Fiestas Comunales de Liberia, which involves a mass bullfight. The El Dia de la Anexion celebrates the coming of independence of Guanacaste Province from Nicaragua in 1824 with rodeos, horseshows, marimba bands and parades.

So, whether you are a beach bum, surf nut, nature enthusiast or just someone looking to chill out and escape the world, come to Costa Rica and experience a vacation like no other. The variety of outdoor recreation activities provides endless possibilities to experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Becoming an eco-wonderland, this country promises you unforgettable vacations. With its own unique take on ecotourism, Costa Rica today has emerged as one of the premier ecological vacation hotspots of the world.

If you would like to learn more about Costa Rica, check out Costa Rica, The Rich Coast

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