World class golf courses are nearby Tamarindo

Surf lessons are readily available for beginnneer. Advanced surfers can head off for Witches Rock.

Boats can be hired for sport fishing.

Call Debra at 310.349.0000 or email info@casadevalencia.com for reservations

About Costa Rica

Costa Rica has something for everybody!

Whatever your interests; eco-tourism, bird watching, adventure tours, fishing, diving, rafting, golf, or just relaxing on an unspoiled, tropical beach you'll find all of that and more in this tropical and secure paradise.

An Undiscovered Vacation Destination:
So come and experience one of the most exotic and undiscovered vacation destinations in the world, boasting unsurpassed natural beauty and an impressive array of distinctions: towering and fiery volcanoes, pristine beaches, raging rivers, virgin rain forests, abundant wildlife, warm and hospitable people and much, much more!!

Costa Rica is Central America's jewel. It's an oasis of calm among its turbulent neighbors and an ecotourism heaven, making it one of the best places to experience the tropics with minimal impact. It's also mostly coastline, which means great surfing, beaches galore and a climate built for laziness.

Costa Rica's enlightened approach to conservation has ensured that lush jungles are home to playful monkeys, languid sloths, crocodiles, countless lizards, poison-dart frogs and a mind-boggling assortment of exotic birds, insects and butterflies. Meanwhile, endangered sea turtles nest on both coasts and cloud forests protect elusive birds and jungle cats.

Thrill seekers can fly through forests on zip lines, peer into boiling volcanoes, surf oversized waves and dive with dolphins and whales—all in the course of a normal day. Then again, if you have some serious chilling to do, you can always lounge in a hammock and enjoy the pure life, or pura vida—a national expression that sums up the desire to live the best, most hassle-free existence.

Statistics:
Full country name: Republic of Costa Rica
Area: 51,100 sq km
Population: 4.1 million
People: 96% Spanish descent, 2% African descent, 1% indigenous, 1% Chinese
Language: English, Spanish; Castilian
Religion: 75% Roman Catholic, 14% Protestant
Government: Democratic Republic
Head of State: President Abel Pacheco de la Espriella
GDP: US$32 billion
GDP per capita: US$8,300
Annual Growth: 1%
Inflation: 9.1%
Major Industries: Tourism, electronics, coffee, bananas, sugar, food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products
Major Trading Partners: USA, Germany, Italy, Japan, Guatemala, Mexico

Costa Rica occupies a privileged spot in the heart of Central America. While its territory of 19,652 square miles touches both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the country is surprisingly accessible - one can travel from coast to coast in just three hours by car (or 45 minutes by plane).

Eco-Tourism:
In Costa Rica, nature reveals itself in its entire splendor. Considered one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world, Costa Rica is divided in 20 natural parks, 8 biological reserves, and a series of protected areas that captivate ecotourism lovers. The variety of activities includes horseback riding, hiking mountainous paths in the cloud forests, and guided bird-watching tours. Tortuguero National Park is especially famous for sea turtle nesting that takes place every year, and the natural canals that abound with protected species such as crocodiles, manatees, and otters.

Heritage and Culture:
Costa Rican culture is in many ways a reflection of its racial diversity. The predominant influence has long been European, which is reflected in everything from the official language -- Spanish -- to the architecture of the country's churches and other historic buildings. The indigenous influence is less visible, but can be found in everything from the tortillas that make part of a typical Costa Rican meal, to the handmade ceramics sold at roadside stands.

An important aspect of Costa Rica's cultural legacy is their love for peace and democracy. The Ticos like to stand out that their nation is the exception in Latin America, where military dictatorships have long dominated politics.

They take pride in having more than one hundred years of democratic tradition, and almost half a century without an army. The army was abolished in 1948, and the money the country saves by not expending in military issues is invested in improving the Costa Ricans' standard of living, which has fostered a culture of social peace that makes it such a pleasant place to visit.

The Ticos:
The Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly known, are famous for their hospitality, and are quite happy to live up to their reputation. They are well-educated and hard working people, who are quick with a handshake and a smile. They are well aware of the special land they have, and most likely they will help foreigners when they get lost, even explaining things that might seem bizarre to foreigners, and making their stay as enjoyable as possible.

People say the Ticos are their nation's greatest asset, and once you've experienced their friendliness and spontaneity, you'll have no doubt to that regard.

Adventure:
Costa Rica is a land of volcanoes, rain forests, waterfalls, and rivers. Adventure travelers can choose from a variety of activities such as rafting, snorkeling, kayaking, sport fishing, surfing, and lots more. The most challenging activity will be choosing what to do!

One of Costa Rica's main attractions is the Arenal Volcano. This active volcano will delight lucky visitors with a fire show, with rock and lava eruption. At the volcano's foot, visitors can find one of Costa Rica's best windsurf spots, because winds on the lake can reach 45 miles per hour.

In addition, those looking for a little adrenaline rush can go bungee jumping from the bridge over the Colorado River (located just one half hour from San Jose) or riding in a hot-air balloon.

For More Information:
Visit this website for FAQs and general information about traveling to Costa Rica.
http://www.visitcostarica.com

Suggested Travel Books:
Lonely Planet