Most of the world seems to be in a funk these days. Autumn leaves have fallen, the days are getting colder. The Boys of Summer are freezing their bats off and nearly ready to put them away until Spring. A Costa Rica vacation may be just what the doctor ordered. Here are some great reasons to take that Costa Rica vacation now.

1. Airfares have not been this reasonable in years. The world economic downturn has come to Costa Rica. Tourism in Costa Rica is off by at least fifteen percent this year, presenting terrific travel deals to a frugal, informed traveler . Want luxury at an affordable price? Budget-conscious folks who travel Costa Rica can stay at very nice Costa Rica hostels (some with private rooms) for about $12.00. If you are a bit more flush with cash, but still looking for a deal, the Hilton Papagayo Resort is offering rates starting from $160.00 a night. Seniors can get an extra discount. Travel Tip: always inquire about a cash discount because many accommodations offer substantial price reductions for cash. And, keep in mind that the very best rates are between May to mid-November and the highest prices are over the holidays.

2. With almost eight hundred miles of coast visit one or more of hundreds of pristine Costa Rica beaches. Black, brown, and white sand beaches, sea shell beaches, rugged rock-strewn beaches. Fish off of Drake Bay, named after Sir Francis Drake, who visited the southern Costa Rica Pacific coast a decade before destroying the mighty Spanish Armada and saving England in 1588. You can even explore the same Caribbean beach where Columbus landed 600 years ago.

3. Frolic on the same Costa Rica beaches enjoyed by Britney Spears or Mel Gibson (you need to bring your own Russian model). Be sure to bring your surfboard because some of the best surfing in the world is found here. Most beaches are completely free but if you prefer to visit a very popular national beach park called Manuel Antonio, there will be a small entry fee.

4. Become an ecotourist. Costa Rica ecotourism has become very popular and is helping to conserve endangered sea turtles, exotic macaws, and many other species while bringing in much needed revenue to local communities. Be sure to check out Ostional National Preserve on the fabulous Gold Coast, where thousands of olive ridley sea turtles come ashore in massive nestings, called “arribadas”, perhaps the largest remaining on the planet. Arribadas take place year-round but the biggest (sometimes involving hundreds of thousands of turtles) typically are when the moon is in its last quarter during the months of July to November.

5. Think Green. Imagine the Switzerland of Latin America with nearly as many different kinds of birds as in the entire continental U.S., nearly 1000 in all. Here is a peaceful democracy with more species of butterflies than Africa—all of Africa. 10% of the species of butterflies on earth live in a place comprising just 1/10,000 of the earth’s surface.

6. You can hike the tallest mountain in Central America, Mt. Chirripo. Voted one of Costa Rica’s Seven Natural Wonders, hikers start at its tropical forest base and, if they have the stamina, end at its frigid summit. You will need a backpack with warm clothes as you climb this beauty to a little night time shelter overlooking remnant glacial lakes carved from ancient glaciers. You will need a permit and reservation but the cost is very modest and when you reach the top you may be reminded of the mighty Andes. Most hikers make this a two day trip.

Tags: Surfing

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