|
|
|
An Introduction to Costa Rica - In 1502, Christopher Columbus became the first European explorer to visit Costa Rica. Later, a Spaniard named Gil Gonzalez Davila gave the country its name, meaning "rich coast" because of the gold jewelry worn by the Costa Rican inhabitants. Learn about the civilization that existed there thousands of years before Columbus, and then get to know the Costa Ricans of today. They are a people who really care about their environment. They have set aside one-quarter of their land as protected areas and national parks. Besides the basic geography and history facts you'll find here, you'll get the chance to explore some of these national parks. In Braulio Carrillio National Park, one of the best features is the Teleferico del Bosque Lluvioso , or "rain forest tram." It is the only vehicle of its kind in the world, and unless you want to climb the trees, it is the only way to view the canopy, or life in the treetops. Drive up to the edge of an active volcanic crater in Poas National Park. Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula is home to jaguars, crocodiles, and hammerhead sharks. Tortuguero National Park boasts the largest breeding population of green sea turtles in the world. This site will also link you to similar pages of other Latin American countries, as well as Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean.
Cocori: Complete Costa Rica - Costa Rica is located on the isthmus between North and South America. A lot of history and culture are packed into this small Central American country. Find out why it is sometimes referred to as the "Switzerland of the Americas." Be sure to stop into the Library (in the Articles section) to read more about Costa Rica's traditions and holiday celebrations. Christmas in Costa Rica means eating tamales for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even coffee breaks. This delicious dish is prepared almost exclusively in December to eat during the year-end parties and celebrations, and it has been a country tradition for thousands of years. Visit Iguana Park, take a ride through a mangrove forest, or learn more about Costa Rica's tropical rain forests, sometimes referred to as "nature's crumbling cathedral."
Costa Rica Tourism Board - If you stare at thisng page long enough, the butterfly's wings flutter, the lizard's eyes blink, and a fish swims through the trees. Make your way through the rain forest and learn about some thrilling tourist destinations from this official tourism page. There are nine active volcanoes in this country, so steer clear of them. In the In Few Words section you can find out about the national symbols. Did you know the official flower is the cattleya orchid?
Costa Rica: A Natural Haven for the World - The Central American country of Costa Rica is one of the oldest democracies in America, as well as being a free and independent republic. In fact, this country is often described as an oasis of peace. The Costa Rican people are friendly to visitors and are anxious to show off their country's rich natural heritage. Costa Rica is a real paradise for nature lovers, volcano enthusiasts, and water sports fans, too. This small tropical country, situated between two oceans, offers the Canales of Tortuguero, a network of more than 62 miles of navigable canals and lagoons on the Caribbean side. If surfing is your thing, Playa Pavones on the Pacific Ocean side is internationally famous for having the longest waves in the world.
Embassy of Costa Rica - U.S.A. - With 130 species of freshwater fish, 160 species of amphibians, 208 species of mammals, 220 species of reptiles, 850 species of birds (one-tenth of the world's total), 1,000 species of butterflies, 1,200 varieties of orchids, 9,000 species of plants, and 34,000 species of insects, Costa Rica is considered to have the greatest biodiversity of any country in the world. Check out this site for official facts and figures about this small country, called the "Coast of Plenty." Follow the link to Costa Rica! to a commercial resource with additional information.
|
