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When Christopher Columbus went ashore at the coast of the today’s Costa Rica in 1502, he was overwhelmed. He called his "discovery" Costa Rica: "Rich shore". And that is the way it has stayed until today. The small country attracts visitors with its terrific lakes and volcanoes, with its incredible beaches and tropical rain forests.
One usually sets out on foot to discover the national parks. This slowness enables one to experience lots of animals to the right and left of the jungle paths: Iguanas, monkeys, parrots, hummingbirds, crocodiles, even cougars and jaguars. The rain forests often grow right up to the ocean and the lonely beaches are simply beautiful.
In the interior there are a few larger towns, at them life flow leisurely. San José is a colorful capital, where one can especially experience nice markets. Buildings from the time of the conqueror are missing here – an earthquake at the end of the 19th century destroyed them all. In the rural areas of the uplands one can experience the history of the country: For example at the archeological excavations of Guayabo or the artisan place Sarchi. The roads across the country are not always in a good conditions. One ought to plan plenty of time for the tours!
As colorful as the country seems to be, as colorful is the menu as well: Typical Costa Rican is Casado (rice, beans, pot roast, cooked bananas and cabbage), Olla de Carne (soup from beef, cooked bananas and vegetables) and Picadillo (meat- and vegetable stew). Occasionally one eats Gallos (filled tortillas) or Arreglados (bread filled with meat and vegetables). Refreshing are chilled drinks made from fruit, milk or corn flour, for example Cebada (made with barley flour), Pinolillo (made with roasted corn) and Horchata (made with rice flour and cinnamon). Native coffee is also popular.
Some geography:
Costa Rica stretches over an area of more than 51,000 square kilometers and has approximately 4 million inhabitants. 95% from which are descendents of the European immigrants, the rest descends from Africans or Asians. Only few are of South American origin. Language of the country is Spanish. Catholicism is the country religion. Costa Ricans celebrate their national holiday on September 15th. On that day in 1821 the country became independent. |
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