by Gabriela Brooks

Created on: July 24, 2007

Costa Rica, land of beauty, peace and adventure. It's located in Central America, between Nicaragua and Panama. About three hours flight from Miami and 12 hours from the UK. It's tiny and you will probably have never heard about it. My husband had not heard about it, when he met me. And after 16 years of living in the UK, I have not met any other Costa Rican, except from the guys at our embassy in London. Not sure if it's because, there's only about 4 million of us in the whole wide world, or if it is because most of us, are reluctant to leave such a beautiful place.

Many years ago, our government made the wise decision to get rid of the army and to convert 25% of our territory into national parks. That combination of events has led to Costa Rica becoming a land where democracy and peace have flourished and where eco-tourism can be enjoyed at its best.

Not only can you come and visit our clean sandy beaches and swim in the warm sea for hours. But, you can also take activity and adventure holidays, visit the rain forest and discover our diverse flora and fauna. Visit volcanoes, sleep in a travel lodge in the middle of a tropical forest, take a canopy tour, go white water rafting (my personal favourite), sailing, surfing, fishing or just walk around at your own pace and enjoy the scenery.

And at night, it's Fiesta time. Well, I do have to confess that Costa Ricans are ready to have a fiesta at any time during a 24 hours cycle, but due to them having to earn a living like anybody else, they can't really get going until the evening or during the weekends. And then it starts . . .music, food and more food, lots of chatting, laughter and of course, dancing! Perfect end to a day, in one of the most laid back and relaxing places on earth!

A word of advice ,stay away from the cities, they are a bit dirty and your wallet might disappear into somebody else's pocket. Costa Rica is a developing country and is still dealing with problems of petty crime and poverty. Apart from that, there's not much else to worry about.

So, go and visit. Costa Ricans love sharing their country with visitors, that enjoy and respect the land as much as they do.

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