We first visited Costa Rica in April of 2003 while teaching computer classes on the Celebrity Cruise Lines ship Infinity. Costa Rica is crisscrossed by mountain ranges, ringed by beautifully beaches and boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. It is referred to by many as the “Jewel of Central America”.

It is a tropical paradise and has the heat and humidity to prove it! 27% of Costa Rica’s total area is devoted to National Parks, reserves and reservations. Four mountain ranges cut through the country’s jungles and plains. There are three active volcano’s in the country with the last eruption being in 1968 when Arenal erupted.

The Pacific coast is 700 miles in length covering a variety of beaches, inlets and bay cut into the numerous rocky mountains. The capital is San Jose. While there are few remnants of the native inhabitants, the collection of Jade on display at San Jose’s Museo de Jade provides some insight.

It wasn’t until the 1560´s that the Spanish were able to establish settlements due to the dense jungle. The insufferable humidity and tropical diseases found in the lower elevations forced the Spaniard’s to establish their first colony in Cartago, in the fertile central highlands. The majority of the population resides in this area to this day.

In 1808 coffee was introduced and brought with it a new era of prosperity. The country gained its independence in 1821 and a national government was formed. Because Costa Rica has had a popularly elected government for more than 100 years it is one of the most stable countries in the Americas.

As a result of a stable government, vast tracts of its territory have been set aside as wildlife preserves yet the country boasts the most developed infrastructure in Central America with paved roads throughout the country and numerous hydroelectric projects and communications networks.

We look forward to returning on our bikes.

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