Costa+Rica

= Costa Rica Travel- Adventure =

**Introduction:** Costa Rica is located within the latitude and longitude of 10° 00' N, 84 º 00' W. Costa Rica is surrounded by Nicaragua, Panama, The Caribbean Sea, and the North Pacific Ocean.
===Background Information: Costa Rica's population is 4.516 million people. Costa Rica's capital city is San Jose. Costa Rica's coldest temperatures are in the dry season or summer. Costa Rica's vital statistics are that it has a reputation for being one of the most stable and prosperous nations in the region, plus the friendliness of its people, natural beauty and benign climate make it a magnet for around one-and-a-half-million international tourists eachyear. The monetary unit of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colon. Costa Rica's official language is Spanish (with Costa Rican or Nicoyan accents), small number speak Bribri, Boruca, Mekatelyu and Plautdietsch. Costa Rica's ethnicity is indigenous people and Spanish colonizers. Costa Rica's religion is Christianity and Roman Catholicism. Costa Rica's life expectancy is 78 years of age. Finally Costa Rica's biggest and most important festivals include: Fiestas de Palmeres, Santa Cruz Fiestas, Putarenas Carnival, Caribbean Music Festival, Juan Santamaria Day, Semana Santa, Corpus Christi, Fiesta de la Virgen del mar, Dia del Guanacaste, Virgen de los Ángeles, Independence Day, Día de la Raza, Día de los muertos, La Inmaculada Concepción, and Fiestas de Zapote.===

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History: Costa Rica is a democracy President: Laura Chinchilla, she is the first ever female president of Costa Rica. She has only been president of Costa Rica since May 8, 2010

History

within 200 years

-The Arenal Volcano, located on north-western Costa Rica, around 90 kilomiters northwest of San Jose. This Volcano is believed to have been around for only 7,000 years (young for a volcano). On July 29, 1968 at about 7:30a.m. a powerful eruption took place and destroyed the west part of the volcano. The town of Tabacon was buried in the eruption, and seventy eight people were killed.

- on September 15, 1821 after the final Spanish defeat in the Mexican war of independence, the authorities in Guatemala declared independence for all central American countries. That is why, unlike many free countries Costa Rica did not have to fight for its independence

-In 1948 a man named Jose Ferrer lead an armed uprising to the wake to the disputed presidential election. After 44 days and 2,000 people dead, the civil war was the bloodiest event in all of Costa Rica's history

200 years ago

**-The Spanish Conquest and Colonization **

When Christopher Columbus made his fourth and final voyage in 1502, he landed at Isla Uvita, a tiny island just off the coast of the city Limón. The natives he met on the mainland were wearing such impressive gold and jade jewelry that this region was eventually called Costa Rica, which literally means "rich coast," because the Spanish figured it would have large amounts of wealth. But even though The Spanish wanted the large amounts of gold they were never able to colonize the eastern part of Costa Rica. At least 12 expeditions were made to the Caribbean lowlands within one-hundred years of the original discovery. Like most other expeditions these were violent toward the Native people. **-1808 ** - Coffee is introduced into Costa Rica from Cuba and becomes the principal ﻿ crop.

Authentic Meal: //Gallos// - meat, beans, or cheese between two tortillas




=Itinerary: San Jose Tourist Attractions: = =Simon Bolivar Zoological Park: (Parque Zoológico Simon Bolivar) = Suitable for the whole family, this compact zoo gives visitors the chance to see some of Costa Rica's more elusive animals and plants. Featuring not only native animals but African and Asian species too, the zoo makes for a fun day out. Visitors to the Simon Bolivar Zoological Park can expect to find animal attractions such as jaguars, tapirs, monkeys, exotic birds, reptiles and more besides.

==<span class="text3" style="color: #000099; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">**Central Market: (Mercado Central)** == <span style="color: #000099; display: block; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: justify;">This is the best place in the city to pick up authentic Costa Rican food, locally made goods and similar handicrafts. Crowded daily, the Central Market is generally referred to as the Mercado Central and is a hive of activity during its hours of operation, and a great place to get a glimpse of local life. Leather works here make for great buys. ==<span style="color: #000099; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text3" style="color: #000099; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">**Spyrogyra Butterfly Garden:** == <span style="color: #000099; display: block; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: justify;">A perfect place to get up close with the country's amazing butterflies, humming birds and plants and many similar attractions without leaving the city, this tranquil butterfly garden is suitable for tourists of all ages. Dozens of butterfly species are on show as well as for sale, cared for by garden staff from fringe areas. Visitors to San Jose's Spyrogyra Butterfly Garden will learn about the important role these pretty creatures play in the environment. <span style="color: #000099; display: block; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: justify;"> Jaco Beach, south of Puntarenas and north of __<span style="color: #3366cc; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">[|Manuel Antonio] __ on__<span style="color: #3366cc; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">[|Costa Rica’s] __ Central Coast, is a sanctuary for surfers and fun-lovers – but most of all, fun-loving surfers! Jaco is also one of __<span style="color: #3366cc; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">[|Costa Rica’s Top Ten Beaches] __.

La Paz Waterfall and Gardens ( natural wonder)

The La Paz waterfall is 120 feet tall and is at an altitude of between 4,000 and 5,000 feet. The La Paz waterfall garden consists of 3 kilometers of paved trails, 13,800 acres. Tat is 16 times the size of central park NYC., hummingbird gardens, serpentarium, frog pond, the biggest butterfly observatory in the world, and five waterfalls including the La Paz waterfall. The onsite guides will also answer any questions that you have.



Cartago City (man Made attraction) The Cartago ruins are located in Cartago city located 15 mile South east of the Capital San Jose. Cartago city was he original Capital of Costa Rica founded in 1563. This city was the first Spanish settlement in the country. Cartago city is located close to the foot of Volcan Iruzu (the Irazu Volcano). The city was nearly destroyed in 1723 during one of its eruptions. Now you can take tours of the ruins in Cartago City <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Museo Nacional (The National Museum) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Located in San Jose, Costa Rica, the National Museum of Costa Rica is in an old fort used in the 1948 civil war. There are three main parts of the museum; the archeological room has Indian artifacts made of clay and stone. The colonial room has facts about the conquest and religious art brought by the Spaniards. The other section of the museum is dedicated to current exhibits. Arenal Volcano Hike: ==<span style="font-family: 'times new roman',times,fantasy; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Arenal is the third most active volcano in the world and erupts every 5-10 minutes. Each eruption could be anything from a little ash to giant boulders and tons of lava and in the late afternoon a bilingual naturalist guide will lead you on a short hike through the rainforest to the closest safe observation point where you'll have a chance to view the glow emerge on the cone as the sun sets. ==

Snorkeling Tour Carribean: ===<span style="font-family: 'times new roman',times,-webkit-fantasy; line-height: normal;">The Caribbean coast offers some of the best snorkeling in the country. In fact, a few kilometers north of Cocles, Cahuita National Park was created specifically to protect a section of the remarkable reefs offshore. Snorkeling in the warm waters of the Caribbean you'll see angels, butterflies and parrots (the tropical fish varieties), and there is always a chance of encountering sea turtles, rays, moray eels, and even lobsters. ===

While visiting Costa Rica you may even be lucky to encounter some of their amazing animals and creatures
**<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Costa Rica Animals ** <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Costa Rica is home to some of the world's shyest, and amazing creatures. People who go on wildlife observation tours, see countless different species such as four different types of monkeys, jaguars, pumas, sloths, anteaters, frogs, snakes, iguanas, lizards, turtles, quetzals, Toucans, Hummingbirds, Parrots, Macaws, dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, butterflies, and other animals and insects, many that are endangered. == ==

==Conclusion: You should come to Costa Rica because you will have the time of your life. There are so many things to do such as: hiking, snorkeling, touring museums, eating authentic Costa Rican meals, and best of all shopping. You do not want to miss out on this amazing trip. I can't wait to see you in Costa Rica in the summer of 2011!==

Monday: Day 1 7:30- 8:00 am- have breakfast get ready for day. 8:15-8:45 am- drive to<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> Simon Bolivar Zoological Park <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">8:45-11:45- enjoy the Zoo. 11:45-12:30- eat lunch at local Restaurant 12:30- 4:30- go shopping at the central market, and Swim in hotel pool. 5:00-7:30- eat dinner At "Pinxto" Restaurant 8:00 - go back to hotel

Tuesday: Day 2 7:30 - 8:00 - Have breakfast get ready 8:30 - 9:45 - drive to arenal volcano 10:00 - 12:00 - take the arenal volcano hike. 12:00 - 1:30 - eat lunch at arenal volcano and walk around. 1:45 - 3:00 - drive back to San Jose 3:15 - 4:30 - visit the Spyrogyra butterfly garden 4:45 - 5:45 -go back to hotel and get ready for dinner 6:00 - 7:30 - Eat dinner at restaurant 7:45 - go back to hotel

Wednesday: Day 3 7:30- 8:00 am - have breakfast get ready 8:00 - 8:15 drive to the National Museum of Costa Rica 8:15-11:00 Take a tour of the Museum 11:15- 1:00- eat lunch and tour the city 1:15 - 1:45 - drive to Cartago ruins 2:00 - 4:45 - tour the Cartago ruins and learn about Irazu Volcano 5:00 - 5:30 - drive back to San Jose 5:45- 7:45 - go to Tico restaurant to eat local Costa Rican food. 8:00- go Back to hotel

Thursday: Day 4 7:30 - 8:00 - have breakfast and get ready 8:15 - 11:30 - Volunteer in Costa Rica, Serve on Community Development Projects 11:45 - 12:30 - eat lunch 12:45 - 1:00 - drive to The La Paz waterfall gardens 1:00 - 3:00 - tour the La Paz waterfall gardens 3:15 - 4:15 - visit the la Paz waterfall and swim in it 4:30 - 5:30 - Drive back to hotel and get ready for dinner 5:45 - 7:45 - eat authentic Costa Rican meal 8:00 - go back to hotel

Friday: Day 5 7:30 - 8:00 -eat breakfast and get ready 8:00 - 8:30 - drive to Jaco Beach 8:45 - 11:00 - go to the beach and go snorkeling 11:15 - 12:00 - have lunch at the beach 12:15 - 12:45 - drive back to San Jose 1:00 - 3:30 - Attend Costa Rican soccer game 3:30 - 5:30 - Go shopping at local markets and shops. 5:30 - 5:45- Clean up and leave for dinner. 6:00 - 7:30 - eat dinner at a restaurant 7:45 - leave for airport

= ADIOS FROM COSTA RICA! =

Hotel Grano De Oro



Bibliography: <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 15px;">[|www.**world**-**guides**.com/] <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">__[|http://www.angelfire.com]__ [|http://www.worldgeography.abc-clio.com] <span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">[|http://news.bbc.co]

http://www.vivacostarica.com <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">[]

<span style="background-color: #000000; color: #0000ff; font-family: serif; font-size: 18.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">__<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">[] __ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">__<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">[] __ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">__<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">[] __ __<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: serif; font-size: 18.6667px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">http://costa-rica-guide.com/parks/poas.htm __ __ http://www.globalvolunteers.org/1main/costarica/volunteer_in_costarica.htm __