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  WE ENJOY AN ELDERHOSTEL  IN COSTA  RICA  Part 1

 

Tourism has become the most important source of income in Costa Rica. Because of its varied climate, mostly mild, and variety of exotic environments due to its high mountains and closeness to the equator, people flock to see the rainforests, unique birds and animals, and enjoy water sports along the coastline. The climate in the mountains also supports miles of coffee plantations and Costa Rica is a leader in raising premium coffee beans. In the hot, wet lowlands banana plantations flourish. Other exports include ornamental plants and exotic woods. We traveled extensively throughout the country . Because of the many pictures we would like to share we are putting them on 4 pages - Parts 1,2,3, and 4. Part 1 will be mostly scenic and will highlight some of the places we stayed at and visited. Part 2 will feature pictures of some of the birds and butterflies we were able to photograph. Part 3 will be devoted to the animals, large and small, that we were able to capture with our cameras. And Part 4 will feature some of the gorgeous flowers that are so abundant in Costa Rica .

 

Costa Rica is a country of very friendly people.

 

It was cold and misty at the Poas Volcano and on the long walk down.        

 

There were also mists over the Arenal Volcano but the Arenal Lake was clear and peaceful. A local bird was undisturbed by our presence.

 

We visited the Britt Coffee Roasting Plant, saw a demonstration of coffee tasting, indulged in a variety of free samples, and ordered coffee to be shipped home.

 

We visited a Dole Banana Plantation. were given an explanation of the whole process involved in growing bananas and were able to see the workers involved in packing and shipping the bananas.

 

After donning lifejackets and helmets and given safety instructions we went rafting on the Sarapiqui River.

 

 

We enjoyed the scenic views during several boat rides.

 

We descended over a mile and a half into a gorge in a rainforest . (It seemed like many. many miles). In the process we crossed 5 hanging bridges.

 

We stayed at comfortable hotels with beautiful gardens.

 

We stayed at two different hotels in San Jose. One was in the center of town and the other on the outskirts. These are the views from our hotel windows.

To go to Costa Rica Part 2 click on the bananas  

 

To return to the Home Page click on the coffee cup