Eliot Greenspan - Frommers EasyGuide to Costa Rica 2014

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Eliot Greenspan is a poet, journalist, musician, and travel writer who took his backpack and typewriter the length of Mesoamerica before settling in Costa Rica in 1992. Since then, he has worked steadily as a travel writer, food critic, freelance journalist, translator, and personal travel consultant while continuing his travels in the region. In addition to this book, he has authored Frommers Belize, Frommers Cuba, Frommers Ecuador, Frommers Guatemala, Costa Rica For Dummies, and Costa Rica Day by Day. He is also the owner/operator of Costa Rica Custom Trips (www.costaricacustomtrips.com).

ABOUT THE FROMMER TRAVEL GUIDES

For most of the past 50 years, Frommers has been the leading series of travel guides in North America, accounting for as many as 24% of all guidebooks sold. I think I know why.

Though we hope our books are entertaining, we nevertheless deal with travel in a serious fashion. Our guidebooks have never looked on such journeys as a mere recreation, but as a far more important human function, a time of learning and introspection, an essential part of a civilized life. We stress the culture, lifestyle, history and beliefs of the destinations we cover, and urge our readers to seek out people and new ideas as the chief rewards of travel.

We have never shied from controversy. We have, from the beginning, encouraged our authors to be intensely judgmental, criticalboth pro and conin their comments, and wholly independent. Our only clients are our readers, and we have triggered the ire of countless prominent sorts, from a tourist newspaper we called practically worthless (it unsuccessfully sued us) to the many rip-offs weve condemned.

And because we believe that travel should be available to everyone regardless of their incomes, we have always been cost-conscious at every level of expenditure. Though we have broadened our recommendations beyond the budget category, we insist that every lodging we include be sensibly priced. We use every form of media to assist our readers, and are particularly proud of our feisty daily website, the award-winning Frommers.com.

I have high hopes for the future of Frommers. May these guidebooks, in all the years ahead, continue to reflect the joy of travel and the freedom that travel represents. May they always pursue a cost-conscious path, so that people of all incomes can enjoy the rewards of travel. And may they create, for both the traveler and the persons among whom we travel, a community of friends, where all human beings live in harmony and peace.

Arthur Frommer

C osta Rica is one of the hottest vacation and adventure-travel destinations in Latin America, and for good reason. The country is a place rich in natural wonders and biodiversity, where you can still find yourself far from the madding crowds. Costa Rica boasts a wealth of unsullied beaches that stretch for miles, jungle rivers for rafting and kayaking, and spectacular cloud forests and rainforests with ample opportunities for bird-watching and hiking. In addition to the countrys trademark eco- and adventure-tourism offerings, you will also find luxury resorts and golf courses, plush spas, and some truly spectacular boutique hotels and lodges.

Having lived in Costa Rica for more than 20 years, I continue to explore and discover new spots, adventures, restaurants, and lodgingsand my best of experiences keep on coming. In this chapter, I select the very best of what this unique country has to offer. This chapter is meant to give you an overview of the highlights so that you can start planning your own adventure.

COSTA RICAS best AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES

Taking a Night Tour in a Tropical Forest: Most Neotropical forest dwellers are nocturnal, so nighttime tours are offered at most rainforest and cloud forest destinations throughout the country. Some of the better spots for night tours are .

Soaking in a Volcanic Hot Spring: Costa Ricas volcanoes have blessed the country with a host of natural hot spring spots. From the opulent grandeur of , all offer mineral-rich, naturally heated waters to soothe what ails you.

Spotting a Resplendent Quetzal: The iridescent colors and long, flowing tail feathers of this aptly named bird are breathtaking. Revered by ancient Mesoamerican peoples throughout the region, this extremely endangered species can still be regularly sighted in the .

Meeting Monkeys: Costa Ricas rain- and cloud forests are home to four species of New World Monkeyshowler, capuchin, squirrel, and spider. I cant guarantee youll see one or more, but your odds are good if you .

Zipping Through the Treetops: Youll find zip-line canopy tours all over Costa Rica. In most cases, after a bit of a hike, you strap on a harness and zip from treetop to treetop while dangling from a cable. , Special-Interest Trips & Tours, and the various destination chapters list canopy-tour operators all over the country.