Why Costa Rica
Whether searching for the perfect vacation, business opportunities or simply a cheap and enjoyable spot to retire, more and more people have discovered Costa Rica to be the ideal place for fun in the sun. Its strategic location, friendly people, warm climate, abundant natural attractions and a very competitive standard of living continue to draw people from around the globe who come seeking to enjoy its many wonders.
People
'Pura Vida' may be the expression that probably best sums up the tico (as Costa Ricans may also be known) outlook on life. Roughly translated it means "life is excellent, everything is ok, don't worry be happy". This happy go lucky attitude is readily apparent to visitors exploring this friendly nation, and this coupled with its wealth of natural resources probably explains why so many travelers find yourself making this oasis their house. In an area that historically is a hotbed of conflict, the Costa Rican people, generally, have observed relatively little bloodshed. That is due partly to the country's unique historical, geographical and cultural circumstances, as well as to the peace loving nature of its people. This coupled with a large middle class has made Costa Rica one of the most democratically stable and prosperous countries in Latin America.
Natural attractions
Recently Costa Rica is rolling out among the world's most successful ecotourism industries and has been praised because of its attention to conservation. Costa Rica's natural diversity is reflected in the wealth and range of its wildlife. With just 0.03% of the earth's surface area, Costa Rica possesses 6% of its species. Almost Dominical have already been found here together with 800 species of birds. About 27% of the united states is protected within national parks and protected zones. In Costa Rica it is possible for a person to spend the night time in a scenic mountain lodge, then head to a lovely Pacific beach for an early on afternoon swim before ending up at a Caribbean village partying the night away. A few of Costa Rica's hottest attractions are sport fishing, white water rafting, canopy adventures, jungle lodges, volcanoes and beaches. A well toned tourism industry has already established to quickly adjust to the near a million tourists that visit the country every year. Even so, you will not find hordes of tourists and cookie cutter resorts dotting the landscape. Costa Rica's is still a land of virgin rainforests, unspoiled beaches and friendly smiles.
Location
Costa Rica's proximity to the United States makes it one of the most visited eco-tourism destinations as well as a favored retirement spot. You're just two and a half hours from Miami, five hours from NY, four hours from Houston and about six hours from L.A. Add political stability and year round spring-like weather and it's really no wonder that the U.S. contributes nearly 49% of Costa Rica's foreign visitors with another 9% traveling down from Canada and Mexico.
Cost of Living
Known as the Switzerland of Central America due to the high growth rates, economic stability, and low crime rates, Costa Rica enjoys a per capita GDP of $6,700, literacy rate of 95%, and female life span of nearly 79 years. Costa Rica may not be a cheap place to live compared to most other Central American countries, yet, in the event that you consider its superior infrastructure, comparatively low crime rate and high quality lifestyle, it really is still probably your best option. Be prepared to pay less than the U.S. and Canada for properties, rent, utilities, healthcare, help and basic transportation. Most people can live on less than $1,000 monthly excluding rent, which does not indicate giving up on your 'northern' comforts. For better or worse, Costa Rica offers visitors many of the same fast-food chains, stores and services that certain would find up yonder. Included in these are McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, KFC, Office Depot, Payless, together with inexpensive Internet and cable services.
Why not?
Still not convinced? Then you will want to head down here and take this tiny nation for a try. Explore its pristine beaches, majestic volcanoes and exotic rainforests. Enjoy its friendly people and peaceful ambience as you savor its world-famous coffee. From wind-swept mountaintops, picturesque towns or perhaps a sidewalk caf�, wherever you go,
Costa Rica includes a lot to offer!