Life in Costa Rica

When Christopher Columbus first called this country “Costa Rica” (Rich Coast), he could not have picked a better name for it. He may have been inspired by the locals’ gold jewellery, but the 1,200 km of coastline bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean are just the start of a magnificent journey into the heart of nature in all its lush glory.

Costa Rica is a country of superlatives. Judicious investment in the country’s main asset – the natural landscape – has earned it a place at the top of the leader-board for eco-tourism. This is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world where one-quarter of the territory has been set aside for natural parks and biological reserves. The rainforests are home to monkeys, crocodiles, lizards, and a plethora of exotic birds and insects. The coast is a breeding ground for the endangered sea turtle and the landscape is punctuated by rugged highlands, mountains and active volcanoes.

Costa Rica’s natural beauty is equaled by the local Ticos’ legendary hospitality. The capital city, San José, is the hub of Costa Rican life and like all other major towns bears witness to the prevalent European influence that is manifest in the country’s language, architecture and culture.