Costa Rica Travel - Where Everyone is Your "Little Brother"

From the dense recesses of the rainforest, to the sandy beaches' serene blue waters, there is something in Costa Rica to peak anyone's interest. The country has four mountain ranges along it's edges lush with plant and animal life as well as haciendas growing the nations two largest cash crops, coffee and bananas.() In the very middle, in Central Valley, is the nation's largest city San Jose. There, both Costa Ricans and tourists are able to see most of the landmarks of the country as well as enjoy the nation's wonderful artistic life. Prestigious universities are also home to this city where students all over the world come to study.

The most common purposes for traveling to this fascinating country are study abroad programs, learning the Spanish language, tourism, and environmental research. The biological diversity of the country provides for a menagerie of species to study or even to sit back and enjoy watching. The vibrant colors of the thousands of different kinds of plants and animals create a gloriously vivid spectrum to witness. Whether it's studying, recreation, physical activity, or scientific research, Costa Rica can fulfill any travelers needs.

To coincide with a new policy it's government has put in place, there is a rising focus on tourism in the country, this means that it is now easier to get a flight to or from Costa Rica. Four different airlines just set up new flight routes to include San Jose, Costa Rica's capital. Travelers do need a passport to be permitted into the country but from there they are free to travel to and from any of the seven political divisions: San Jose, Heredia, Alajuela, Cartago, Limón, Puntarenas, and Guanacaste.()

Upon arriving, the first thing that grabs one's attention is the gorgeous scenery. Costa Rica is home to over 6 percent of the entire world's existing biodiversity. A different species is likely to be spotted around every corner. The features include beautiful beaches, tropical forests, and active volcanoes. Due to it's stunning wildlife, 25.58 percent of the country is a natural protected territory, so the land is conserved . This provides for numerous jobs for environmental scientists along with internships and research opportunities for both students and professionals to keep the plentiful diversity thriving. It's also a brilliant spectacle for tourists.

Las Baulas National Park and Tortuga National Park are popular destinations. There, turtles can be seen laying their eggs during the mating season. These sites gather tourists every year to witness this marvelous spectacle.() Lancaster Botanical Gardens is a lush park that is cared for by the University of Costa Rica named after the founder of the school. It is home to over 150 species of birds as well as acres of gorgeous orchids in all colors that attract numerous species of butterflies. This park is constantly giving tours of it's wonderous grounds for all to enjoy.() And, one mustn't forget Costa Rica's tropical rainforests "sheltering over 6 percent of the world's diversity on only one one-thousandth of the world's land"(). There was an aerial tram built throughout the Atlantic Rain Forest to allow tourists to catch a glimpse of it's sheer beauty and mystery.().

After exploring the physical features of this well preserved country, visitors will also find that the people there are highly diverse along with genuinely welcoming and friendly. The people of Costa Rica are rooted in Hispanic as well as Indian culture, making them welcoming to new cultures and peoples as well as grounded in their own heritage. Due to the physical division of mountainous region and the Central Valley, there is a fine line between the urban and rural portions of the country. In San Jose, the people are highly modernized with the hustle and bustle of an average city setting, but just beyond the boundary of the cities, farms are located that grow their biggest export, coffee beans. In these rural regions, the people live how they would have a century ago using ox carts for transportation and work on their haciendas. In the San Jose, features are the same for American cities but with a more culturally centered atmosphere. The military in Costa Rica has been abolished for about fifty years and the money that used to be given to it is now spent on increasing the standard of living and quality of life for the Costa Rican people. Thus, the country has great city funding that allows for unity amongst the people by participating in available events and attractions. For instance, the old air base is now the Museum of Costa Rican Art, and the air port a public park. The Costa Ricans refer to themselves as Ticos due to this sense of unity that derived from their old Spanish saying meaning 'little brother'.

San Jose is the hearth for tourists, there are numerous activities for the lone traveler or the entire family. At the heart of the city is the Plaza de la Cultura or Cultural Plaza. This is a social gathering place where artists set up their easels, bands play Costa Rican folk music, and anyone else from jugglers to magician perform their entertaining tricks. Located underneath the plaza, is the underground Museum of Gold. The proud owners of the second largest collection of gold in the world, welcome visitors daily to view the ancient artwork of brilliant metallic sculptures reflecting the Costa Rican heritage that are "worth their weight in gold"().

Within walking distance is the Outdoor maket. Here, fresh produce is sold daily to walk-up customers along with local restaurants. These restaurants are great for traveling on a budget considering the average lunch price of the equivalent to one-three U.S. dollars for a traditional meal such as "tamal asado, a pudding of sour cream, eggs, corn meal, cheese, and sugar"().

Another aspect of tourism that is deeply traditional is the artistic side of San Jose. It was quoted by a former President of Costa Rica "Why have tractors without violins?"(). Costa Rica is known as a city of artists. There is the gorgeous National Theater Building with Belgian architechture made from Italian marble and painted with scenes from Costa Rica's early history. This was rumored to be built due to a widely known actress refusing to perform in a country without a proper stage. After this, it was ordered that a grand national theater be built so Costa Rica could express it's creativity. The Ticos did just that. The Theater is now a showcase for dances, plays, concerts, orchestras, ballets, and formal congregation of speakers. Even in town there is always some sort of street theater being performed and countless galleries, concert halls, museums, theaters, and ballets.

The Shrine of the Angels in Cartago is also a must-see landmark of the country. It is an architecturally astounding cathedral built on the site where it is said that 300 years ago, while gathering firewood, a peasant girl witnessed the site of the Virgin Mary. This citing was reported at this spot numerous times by many different people. A natural spring flows there as well. It's waters have alleged healing powers and people line up to drink from it and fill jars with it's holy waters.().

And, if the arts are more of interest, San Jose is home to theaters, museums, art galleries, concert halls, modern and classiscal music, ballett, opera, and street theater of an avant garde. There is always something interesting to attend in the famed capital city.

For those wanting to come to study, there are plenty of opportunities. Costa Rica has been one of the most stable Latin American countries for over 100 years following a Democratic Rule. Their military has been completely abolished for about 50 years. The funding for the abolished defense is now used toward standard of living which is largely education. There are four public universities: University of Costa Rica, National University in Heredia, Technological Institute in Cartago, and State Correspondence University. Besides these schools, there are numerous private ones as well as specialized schools, especially in the field of the Spanish Language. Costa Rica's schools have been a target of many Latin American students. They choose Costa Rica due to it's stability against their own nations and the extremely qualified professors. If you are not looking to spend all four years and perhaps graduate school there, many study abroad programs exist for each of these four public and dozens of other smaller universities. It's been said that most students who choose to spend a semester there wind up staying for the whole year. Costa Rica's main universities are based on unspecialized classes perfect for the curious, undecided student because they get to experience this rich culture of another country, discover what the university has to offer, and the credits will transfer quite easily to most universities. For the decided student, the smaller universities are probably a better choice, they are the specialized ones where you can immediately be involved in research and practice of your field while you are earning your degree.

The most widely available jobs in Costa Rica are currently in the field of science. The parks as well as reserves are always participating in research projects to help improve the quality of their environment. The second highest fields in need and popularity are bi-lingual workers as well as advertising due to their new focus on tourism. They need workers who can communicate with both the Ticos, native Costa Ricans, and the tourists. Costa Rica also is working to promote their thrilling new attractions.