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Awaiting Your Return From Shore |
Costa
Rica's major Pacific port on the Gulf of Nicoya provides visitors with the
opportunity for trips into Costa Rica's interior, renowned for its unspoiled
nature and beautiful scenery.
Costa Rica boasts a privileged location between two oceans at the southern
end of Central America. It was discovered by Columbus in September of 1502
during his last voyage. Unfounded rumors of vast gold treasures led to the
name of Costa Rica (Rich Coast). Spaniards from northern Spain settled
mainly in the Central Valley. Independence from Spain was declared in 1821.
To supplement farming income, the government looked for a product that could
be exported and taxed for revenue. It was found in coffee, introduced from
Panama in 1791 with two bags of seeds. Costa Rica was the first Central
American country to cultivate coffee in the rich volcanic soil of the
Central Valley. Free land was offered to coffee growers, resulting in a
peasant land-owning class. In 1825, small quantities of coffee were carried
on mule-back to the ports to be exported. By 1846, the transport was carried
out in oxcarts. A few years later there was a substantial flow to overseas
markets; this increased with the opening of a railway from San Jose to
Puerto Limon on the Atlantic coast and the old port of Puntarenas on the
Pacific. The country's economy is still based on coffee,as well as bananas,
sugar and cocoa.
Costa Rica is Central America's most stable democracy. In 1949, the army was
abolished, replaced by a very efficient-looking khaki-clad Civil Guard. The
literacy rate is high; Ticos, as locals are popularly called, are known for
their friendly and outgoing attitude.
The capital, San Jose, lies in the Central Valley at an altitude of 3,450
feet, about a 2-2.5-hour drive from Puntarenas. Its population is estimated
at over one million. Most of the colonial buildings were destroyed by
earthquakes; the modern replacements are not very inspiring. The most
attractive buildings include the National Theater in the heart of the city
and the Metropolitan Cathedral. The general sights can easily be viewed
during a quick orientation drive. The real attraction lies in the
countryside, which boasts sceneries of mountain ranges, lush valleys and
quaint villages. Compared to the heat and humidity of the coastal area, the
Central Valley is known for its pleasant, spring-like climate for most of
the year. |
Awaiting Your Return From Shore |
