OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND
BY JENNY PETERS
If you love being in the great outdoors, then
Costa Rica is the place for you. This truly
lovely Central American country is one of the
most biodiverse places in the world, a reality
that Costa Rica has long been determined to
protect and maintain. This small country of
19,730 square miles proudly boasts 29 national
parks, 19 wildlife refuges, and eight biological
reserves, encompassing tropical rain forests,
volcanoes, Pacific and Caribbean beaches,
mountains, marine aquatic preserves, rivers,
gorgeous lakes, and more.
The Spanish-speaking “Ticos” love their
beautiful land and have succeeded in
making it a destination welcoming tourists to
experience the natural beauty and exhilarating
adventures found throughout the country. And
this nation, dedicated to peace, has been a
stable democratic republic for so long that
they disbanded their army back in 1948!
Arenal Volcano
Credit: Kevin Wells
FLYWASHINGTON.COM 44 AUTUMN 2018
PICK YOUR ADVENTURE: SURFING, ZIPLINING,
HORSEBACK RIDING, HOT SPRINGS
Athletes of all ages and sizes enjoy visiting Costa Rica because there is
so much to do. American surfers were some of the first foreigners to
discover the wonders of Costa Rican waves, bringing the sport to places
like Tamarindo, Boca Barranca, and Jaco in the 1970s and 80s. Back
then, you needed a four-wheel drive vehicle to get to many of the best
breaks (and to get around most of Costa Rica); these days, most roads
are paved and surfers from around the world flock to ride the famous
breaks in those popular surf towns. Bring your board or rent one from
the numerous surf shops found at all of the popular surf venues.
Ride horses along the beaches and kayak in the marine preserves that
make up part of Manuel Antonio National Park, the most famous of
Costa Rica’s protected areas. Hike into the park and you’re likely
to see lots of monkeys, countless birds, and even a snake or
two, and — if you are incredibly lucky — a sloth hanging in
the massive forest canopy.