| Over the last ten years, the reputation of Costa | | | | surprisingly organized and lively. You can spend an |
| Rica as a travel destination has grown leaps and | | | | evening in the cafes or just walking about. Crime |
| bounds. Good places to visit include San Jose and | | | | isn't much of a problem. There isn't much to see |
| Tamarindo. | | | | per se, but this is where most of the international |
| Costa Rica | | | | flights land. In traversing the country, you can |
| Located in Central America, Costa Rica is a | | | | expect to pass through San Jose a few times, so |
| country with a lot to offer. The country is unique | | | | enjoy yourself. |
| because the costal areas present some of the | | | | Tamarindo |
| nicest beaches in the world, while a few hours | | | | Not long ago, Tamarindo was a quiet little beach |
| inland you can find towering mountains with | | | | community on the western coast of Costa Rica. |
| volcanoes, pristine rivers for white knuckle rafting | | | | Over the last 15 years, the town has become a |
| and a rain forest par excellence. Costa Rica is a | | | | hot spot for ex-pats with accompanying |
| hot bed of ecosystems and I won't even try to | | | | development not far behind. Although some of |
| describe it. Just pull up some pictures on the net | | | | the luster is gone, Tamarindo is still worth a visit if |
| and you'll get the idea. | | | | for no other reason than to compare it to the |
| The people of the country, Ticos, are exceedingly | | | | rest of Costa Rica. |
| friendly and you'll find more than a few ex-pats | | | | Tamarindo is as good a place as any to |
| populating the country. With no military, Costa | | | | experience Costa Rica beaches if you need a little |
| Rica has invested heavily in education and has the | | | | civilization. The beaches are clean and tranquil, but |
| highest literacy rate in the Americas. Yes, the | | | | lined with cafes, restaurants and hotels. The |
| rate is higher than the United States. | | | | water is warm and good surfing can be found in |
| San Jose | | | | certain locations. To the north, one can |
| San Jose is really the only big city in Costa Rica. | | | | occasionally see rare sea turtles laying eggs on |
| Located in the center of the country, the city has | | | | the beaches late at night. Unfortunately, turtle |
| taken a beating over the years from the | | | | watching has become such a rage that you may |
| occasional earthquake. You'll understand when you | | | | be standing with a lot of people. There is definitely |
| visit. The city is surrounded by mountain ranges | | | | a voyeuristic feel to it and one can help but |
| populated with a number of volcanoes. Every so | | | | feeling sorry for the turtles. |
| often, this combination of geography leads a good | | | | If you've never been to Tamarindo, you'll love it. |
| shaking. | | | | If you've visited in the past, you might be |
| For a city in Central America, San Jose is | | | | disappointed with the development. |