|  Costa
Rica is a small country situated in Central America surrounded
by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, the Caribbean
to the east, and the Pacific to the west.
Costa Rica is a beautiful and
peaceful country that some have referred to as the "Switzerland
of the Americas". This impression of Costa Rica has come about
due to its reputation as one of the most stable countries in Latin
America. Political turmoil is unheard of in this country. The
last major political crisis Costa Rica experienced was during
the civil war in the late 1940's. Following its conclusion, Costa
Rica established a strong democratic system and did something
unheard of in Latin America, abolished its armed forces.
 A
major reason why Costa Rica is such a great place to learn Spanish
relates to its people. "Ticos," as Costa Ricans are known, are
generally very open and friendly towards visitors. These people
love to "show off" their country to foreigners. Guide books are
both helpful and recommended, but when you want the best information
about something, ask a "tico". For those individuals studying
Spanish, you will find that "ticos" are very patient and helpful.
The average Costa Rican is
very well educated. In fact, Costa Rica lays claim to one of the
highest literacy rates in Latin America. Also, unlike most other
Latin American countries, there is not a wide divergence seen
between rich and poor. Costa Ricans, like Americans, tend to have
a middle class mentality. They believe that through hard work,
one can succeed.
 Costa
Rica resides completely within the tropics yet boasts over 12
distinct climates. Generally speaking, there are two seasons:
The rainy season (May - November) and the dry season (December
- April). If you plan on attending a program during the rainy
season bring an umbrella. Showers are frequent, and it only takes
a minute or two before you are completely soaked! In the central
valley, the average temperature is 72 F, while on the Caribbean
side it is 82 F, and on the Pacific side 89 F. Of course different
locations have their own micro climates, so plan accordingly when
you travel in Costa Rica.
 Unlike
countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, or Peru, Costa Rica does
not offer much in the way of indigenous cultures. There are no
ruins to speak of, and the culture of Costa Rica does not exhibit
the influence of local peoples like you would find in Guatemala
for example. Whatever Costa Rica may lack in this aspect, is easily
made up for in its abundance of natural resources. Costa Rica
is the link between North and South America, and its wealth of
plants and animals reflect this. There is an "estimated 500,000
to 1,000,000 plant and animal species in Costa Rica. The country
is home to over 850 bird species -- one tenth of all known bird
species (The U.S. and Canada combined have less than half that
number)." Source: Costa Rica Handbook by Christopher Baker.
Costa Rica has many different
type of forests ranging from tropical dry forests to rain forests.
Monteverde Reserve for example, offers travelers the opportunity
to visit what is known as a cloud forest. Everywhere in Costa
Rica there are various kinds of forests which in turn offer different
types of habitats to an incredibly diverse array of plant and
animal species.
Costa Rica is the perfect destination
for those who wish to have the opportunity to experience nature
at its finest!
 This
country is also know for its geologic attributes: volcanoes and
earthquakes. Both are a result of the fact that Costa Rica lies
at the convergence of two tectonic plates. Small quakes and tremors
are frequent occurrences, though most are not perceptible. Currently
the country has seven active volcanoes which are very popular
tourist destinations. Arenal for example, is one of the most active
volcanoes in the world. At night, rivers of lava and eruptions
are easily visible to anyone in the surrounding area. It is an
awesome sight that should be high on your list of things to do
in Costa Rica.
 For
those interested in water activities, Costa Rica has much to offer.
There are over 200 rivers located in this small country, and many
are considered to have some of the best white rafting in the world.
Costa Rica also has an abundance of pristine beaches, located
both on the Pacific and the Caribbean. If enjoying the sun on
the beach is not for you, then consider the fact that the Pacific
side offers world class deep sea fishing.
If you are looking for outdoor activities,
Costa Rica has something for you!
Much
of the information on our site as it relates to Costa Rica is:
 Courtesy
of Christopher P. Baker and Avalon Travel Publishing.
© 2004 Christopher P. Baker. All Rights Reserved.
Spanish Abroad, Inc. highly
recommends Christopher P. Baker's book: Moon
Handbooks Costa Rica. Click on the image to visit
his website where you can purchase this book or find out more
about the author.
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