{"id":454,"date":"2008-03-06T14:12:16","date_gmt":"2008-03-06T20:12:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2008\/03\/costa-rica-vacation-top-picks-for-first-timers\/"},"modified":"2016-12-17T21:45:27","modified_gmt":"2016-12-18T03:45:27","slug":"costa-rica-vacation-top-picks-for-first-timers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2008\/03\/costa-rica-vacation-top-picks-for-first-timers\/","title":{"rendered":"Costa Rica vacation: Top picks for first-timers"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Costa_rica_beach\"<\/a>
\nBy Ted Alan Stedman<\/o:p><\/em>\n<\/p>\n

So you’ve visited a couple tropical
\ncountries where English is the second language. You’re comfortable with
\nindependent travel<\/a><\/strong> beyond resort boundaries. You appreciate the differences
\nseparating cultures and love authentic-but-safe adventures. And now you’re
\nready to take the next step in worldly travel<\/a><\/strong> with exotic flair.<\/p>\n

A Costa Rica vacation<\/a><\/strong> could be your calling.<\/p>\n

It’s not hype to say this friendly Central American country is the epitome of an eco-tourism<\/a><\/strong> paradise. The math is dizzying: two oceans, 12 ecosystems, 850 bird species, 9,000 types of flowers,
\n2,000 species of butterflies \u2013- a place where six percent of Earth’s species can
\nbe found and 27 percent of land is protected.<\/p>\n

In fact, "eco-tourism<\/a><\/strong>" was coined
\nhere around 1980 as nature seekers flocked to the Monteverde Cloud Forest
\nReserve. As early adopters of the trend, Costa Rica tourism<\/a><\/strong> providers are as
\nseasoned as they come and know every nook and cranny of a green nation that
\ncould fit inside West Virginia.<\/p>\n

If you want to wander the flanks of
\nsmoldering volcanoes, explore jungle preserves resonating with monkey cries, shuffle
\nalong palm-lined beaches fringed by coral reefs, and visit quaint colorful
\nvillages, this is the place where you can easily do it all.<\/p>\n

Where to go for first-timers? After
\nthree tours, here are a few of my top Costa Rica vacation<\/a> <\/strong>picks:<\/p>\n

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve<\/strong> -\u2013 At over 12,000 acres, the "Green Mountain"
\nstraddles the Continental Divide at 4,662 feet and is shrouded in nearly
\nperpetual misty clouds fittingly crowned by rainbows. Hike its enchanting
\ntrails and watch for the scores of hummingbird and orchids species.\n<\/p>\n

Santa Elena<\/strong> \u2013- A few minutes from Monteverde, the village is excellent
\nfor mountain lodging and its acclaimed Butterfly Garden.
\nVisit the Santa Elena Reserve<\/strong>, similar to Monteverde but sporting suspended
\ncanopy bridges that add a degree of high adventure.\n<\/p>\n

Arenal <\/strong>\u2013- Volcan Arenal is one of the Western
\nHemisphere’s most active volcanoes. Night-time views of the red
\nlava flows are surreal. On the eastern side, the town of Fortuna<\/strong> is a base from which you can take in
\nthe show and explore the verdant countryside. While you’re at it, don’t miss
\nthe chance for a therapeutic soak at the gorgeous Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal
\nResort<\/strong> nearby.\n<\/p>\n

Jaco <\/strong>\u2013- This central Pacific beach town is hopping with cool
\ncantinas, restaurants and hotels<\/a><\/strong>, plus it makes for a fantastic staging area to
\nexplore the region. Local beaches are well-known for surfing. To the north,
\ncheck out the Tarcoles River<\/strong> and its monstrous
\ncrocodiles, then hike the shady trails of the Reserva Biologica Carara<\/strong> and see
\nits immense waterfall.\n<\/p>\n

Tamarindo <\/strong>\u2013- On the northwest Peninsula de Nicoya, Playa Tamarindo<\/strong>
\nis worth a couple days’ layover. Surfing, windsurfing, scuba diving, a wildlife
\nrefuge, a wide clean beach, excellent lodging and a colorful village populated
\nby locals and Expats alike all make for a quintessential \u2013- and interesting \u2013-
\nCosta Rican experience.<\/p>\n

Pacuare River<\/strong>
\n\u2013- Arguably the most scenic rafting river in Costa
\nRica, the Pacuare offers a classic multi-day whitewater
\nexperience as it plunges from the highlands to the Caribbean<\/a><\/strong>.
\nSeveral rafting companies in San Jose book trips.<\/p>\n

Here<\/a><\/strong> are a few of my photos:<\/p>\n