Seniors Enjoy The “Rich Coast”

Costa Rica, the “Rich Coast”… in Central America has unlimited tourist potential and is ranked as one of the most visited international destinations. Senior travelers find Costa Rica bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.

One of Costa Rica’s main sources of income is tourism. The country is a democratic and peaceful destination. It has not had an army since 1949. Although the country is small and it covers only 0.03 % of the surface of the globe, 25.58 % of the country is composed of conservation and natural protected territory.

Costa Rica’s biodiversity could fill an entire continent, encompassing 12 distinct ecological zones. Nature lovers on a vacation can explore 26 national parks and protected lands. Costa Rica’s premier eco-tourism destination for visitors flourishes with primitive ferns and has more kinds of plants, birds and butterflies than all Europe.

Senior Visitors Might See Sloths, Monkeys And Toucans

A keen senior eye will discern a sloth hanging on a branch, howler monkeys high up in the trees and a wide variety of other bird species including colorful toucans. It has been stated that Costa Rica may contain as much as 6% of the world’s plant and animal species in an area the size of the states of Vermont and New Hampshire combined.

The Ticos, as the natives are called, like to note that their nation is the exception in Latin America, where military dictatorships have long dominated politics. Rough Guides has a nice listing of destinations not to be missed within Costa Rica.

One of the “biggies” is Arenal Volcano, one of the Western Hemisphere’s most active volcanoes. Arenal’s upper slopes are periodically doused in flows of red-hot lava. No matter how far off the beaten path senior visitors may choose to go, it’s hard to not be at the center of Costa Rica’s premier ecological and geological features.

Turtle Watching, Bird Watching and Wildlife Spotting

Turtle watchers may be fortunate to view some of the thousands of turtles – leatherbacks, hawksbill, olive ridleys and greens – that come ashore to lay their eggs each year, and, if you’re lucky, glimpse the babies hatch and return to the sea.

For us seniors who enjoy wildlife, the biologically rich coastal rainforest is one of Costa Rica’s finest destinations for walking and wildlife-spotting.

Costa Rica’s fascinating ecological story is woven into the history of a peaceful and family-oriented culture. I think that you will love Costa Rica. And oh yes, bring along rain gear. A nice umbrella as well since it rains year round in Costa Rica.

December through April are generally considered the dry season. Lonely Planet notes that…“all trails seem to lead to waterfalls, misty crater lakes or jungle-fringed, deserted beaches.”

I could not find just one UTube to share today, so I give you a plethora of choices to explore.  -jeb