The ten reasons I would go to Costa Rica

1.  The people:

Our experience without exception has been that people are super nice.  Everybody is polite, and tries to be helpful.  Everybody we have encountered has time for us.  And nobody, no matter how poor  or how hard the job they are doing, no one seems bitter or angry.  It has been a pleasure to interact with Costa Ricans.  And not only ticos, but also the Nicaraguans that are here for many years now, I have found them to be truly charming people.

2.  The food:

Maybe because I happen to be Costa Rican - I don't know, but to me,  Costa Rican food is fantastic!  Start with Casado, a cheap but savory and complete dish that usually brings: rice beans, steak or 
fish or chicken, patacones and salad.  Continue with Ceviche, raw 
fish cooked in lemon served with minced onion and patacones!  

Then the fish which you can have any way you want, there is Mahi 
Mahi, Red Snapper, Tuna, and many more.  And then there are yummy appetizers like platanitos, patacones, gallitos (which are like tacos but simpler and to me yummier) etc.  You name it, the sky is the limit!  There are many choices when it comes to international cousine as well.  All in all we have eaten like kings and queens in this trip!

3.  National parks:  

This is what brings the most amount of tourists to thin country.  There are so many, I find it hard to believe one could ever finish them.  You can zip line, hike, or raft through them.  You can go alone or with expert guides.  You can go daytime or night.  You can chose inland or next to gorgeous beaches!  In summary the National parks are worth all the fame they have!

4.  Learn spanish:  

Spanish is helpful in many countries, and an asset to your resume.  What better way to learn than to immerse yourself in a fun and friendly culture like the Costa Rican culture!  Coming for a few months and learning spanish would be an investment in your future no matter how you see it. Only the memories will be enough to make you smile for life!



5.  Learn to surf:  

There is an abundance of choices when it comes to surfing lessons.  I myself would pick Tamarindo!  But learning to surf is easy and fun in the beaches in Costa Rica!  If you are less daring, try boogie boarding which is easier and equally fun.  It is also something you can do with the kids!

6.  Animal encounters:  

Yes no matter where you go you are bound to have at least one exciting animal encounter.  It may be monkeys, pizote, scarlet macaws, tucanos, bulls, sloths, alligators or any other great animal, but you most likely will enjoy one up close and personal!  Get ready,  open your eyes and have your cameras always handy because when you least expect you will be face to face with something wonderful!

7.  The beaches:  

Usually not crowded.  Unspoiled.  Shells galore.  Magical susses.  Yes the beaches will make you sigh in awe!  No words can possibly explain the beauty you will experience with Costa Rican beaches!

8.  The fruit:  Luscious, juicy, sweet and exotic...these are adjectives that come to mind when I think about the Costa Rican fruit choices!  Mango, Guanabana, Papaya, Pina, Bananos, Guayabas, Mamon Chino...the list goes on and on!  Every day make sure you try something new! You will never regret it!


9.  The sunsets:  

Specially if you go to Puntarenas, but can be enjoyed from other locations as well.  The sunsets are so stunningly beautiful, you can never get enough of them.  Make sure you take a beach chair, a good book and you plant yourself in a great spot, day after day, just at about 5:00 p.m.  to enjoy the sunsets!  It will be better than a therapy session with the best psychologist in the world! 




10.  The health care: 

 There is peace of mind in knowing that if something goes wrong with your health that you are in a country with great healthcare.  The system is great!  The doctors are great ! And you can find some really good hospitals.  For foreigners I would recommend CIMA.  There is one in the outskirts of San Jose and one in Guanacaste.