World Travel:Costa Rica Family Fun
June 3rd, 2009
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My family and I recently went on a long awaited family vacation to Costa Rica. Some time ago we had seen a television program highlighting all of the great adventures that destination held. For a family of nature freaks, such as we are, it seemed ideal and my family hasnt let me forget about it since.
As we learned in the documentary that first drew us to this exotic destination, Costa Rica is a small, peaceful country located in Central America. It is located in what is considered a land bridge between North and South America and thought to be one of the most ecologically diverse areas of the world. Additionally, it has conserved nearly 12% of its forests. Its trail systems in the parks and reserves is seemingly endless.
Our first destination was to be an area by the name of Monteverde or Green Mountain as its translation from Spanish would be. The community of Monteverde was first settled in 1951 by a group of Quakers who were drawn to the area after the abolition of the Costa Rican army. Later, when scientists began to understand the importance of this unique micro-climate, the Quakers began to protect the land surrounding the community. Since then, it has become both an important area of conservation as well as a tourist destination.
As it turns out, our first adventure was the drive up the mountain. Monteverde sits at nearly 4,500 feett in elevation and the road to reach these elevations is nothing less than spine tingling with views to match. To the West, it looks out on the Gulf of Nicoya with stunning sunsets escaping over the Peninsula on the other side of the gulf. As we climb, we arrive ever closer to the continental divide and as such the scenery and greenery begin to shift.
Our first planned activity was, as it turns out, our very best. We woke to an impossible chorus of birds and after finishing breakfast, were picked up by a driver and shuttled up to a place called Selvatura. To say that Selvatura offers canopy tours would be a gross understatement. They not only offer zipling but also a series of suspended bridges, a butterfly garden, an insect museum and more.
We had dreamt for sometime of ziplining. The idea of gliding through the forest canopy was something we all were excited to experience first hand. Selvaturas has a reputation for maintaining the highest of safety standards so I knew it was something I could let my family try without being worried for their safety. The experience was truly a once in a lifetime thrill.
We enjoyed much more of what Monteverde had to offer including horseback rides to see the active, Arenal volcano, hikes through the cloud forest reserve and much more. After departing Monteverde we went on to explore other parts of Costa Rica. We journeyed on to the southern region of the country with its lush tropical rainforests and remote beaches and later to the Caribbean with its unique flavor and style.
As our plane took off and the beauty of Costa Rica faded into the distance, we discussed the favorite parts of our journey. It was fairly unanimous that the ziplines had won but the competition was stiff. After all, how do you choose one extraordinary adventure over another?
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Danilo said on June 11th, 2009 at 1:14 am
Living in Costa Rica gives you the freedom to spend almost as little or much as you chosse… whil many things are inexpensive
… North American-style luxuries can add up!.. Despite the fact.. life in Costa Rica is generally less expensive than an equivalent lifestyle in the United States, Canada or Europe .. as many expatriates will happily attest!.. 