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Costa Rica - Rain Forest and Beyond

By Karen Devine

Costa Rica is in the Central American isthmus, with Nicaragua to its north and Panama to the south. It’s flanked by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. With its land area about the size of West Virginia—a little under 20 thousand square miles, and only 275 miles from the northern to the southern boarders.

But, don’t underestimate its small size…Costa Rica is long on the tradition of democracy beginning in 1889 with a short lapse in1948 when the constitution was abolished and a military dictatorship took over. Then…only, one year later, a new constitution was adopted and then in 1983 they declared themselves via an official proclamation neutral. Today’s government is a model democracy and politically stable. It boasts a fine health care system, telecommunications network, and school system with the highest literacy rate in the world. This small country grows the “Golden Bean” coffee and exports it to 50 countries around the world, with 47% being exported to the United States. Its sea port of Puntarenas originally served as the main port for coffee export to Chile, where it was packaged for distribution.

Now, Puntarenas is mostly a sleepy little town planning for the future endeavors in the Import-Export business. Their board walk provides unparallel beach front ocean views. Therefore, as you travel inland, to the regions of unspoiled Rain Forests, starting at the coastline and continue into the mountains ranges are its rivers, waterfalls, parks and wildlife preserves that abound. Approximately 20 miles south you will run into Carara Biological reserve that contains over 11, 750 acres of virgin tropical rain forest…The wildlife is so visible you hardly know which direction to look. It is all so beautiful.

Along the rivers you will experience every kind of tropical species living within the water, living along the water, and flying above the water. There are so many beautifully colorful birds, you may not know which direction to look next…but never fear, your expert guide will point them all out to you and help you learn as much as possible about these lovely creatures during your visit. Costa Rica’s two most popular reserves are Valle Escandido and Los Angeles Cloud forests. They are approximately a 2 hours drive from Puntarenas’ beautiful sandy beaches. While you make your way through the rainforest, stop in at the small village of Sarchi. Sarchi is the home of most of the Costa Rican native arts and crafts people. It is here that you can find the carved wood figures, carved walking sticks, handmade children’s toys, leather goods, and hand painted Ox Carts. These villagers are famous for there hand painted geometric hard wood Ox Carts. You can purchase replicas while visiting the Joaquin Chaverri Ox-Cart Factory. (If time is tight, call or e-mail the factory for purchasing information at 011-506-454-4944, oxcarts@sol.racsa.co,cr).

If coffee’s your desire…you have found it…the coffee capital of the world! Britt coffee has been grown and sold here for the last 200 years. Many people consider Costa Rica’s Britt coffee the Bordeaux of coffee countries. A visit to the Britt coffee plantation will show you the process that turns red ripe fruit into a black aromatic cup of “Joe” and learn to taste coffee like the professional “cuppers” right on the plantation grounds. The town of Heredia is the headquarters of Café Britt’s coffee. Call for visiting times or to place an order. Café Britt Coffee, Heredia, Costa Rica (call 800-GO-BRITT, or FAX 800-652-5679) http://www.cafebritt.com

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