Tag Archives: Costa Rica

Flowers of Costa Rica

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Costa Rica is one of the biologically wealthiest nations in the world.  While the country has only about 0.25% of the world’s landmass, it contains almost 5% of the world’s biodiversity.  Costa Rica, which means “Rich Coast,” has the largest percentage of protected areas in the world.  From the forested mountains to the coral reefs off both coasts, this small country treasures an incomparable diversity of flora and fauna. Costa Rica boasts more than 9000 species of flowering plants and about 800 species of ferns, as well as many other species which are spread throughout the country.

Flowers of Costa Rica

La Fortuna Waterfall

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La Fortuna Waterfall is in central Costa Rica. In Spanish, it is known as Catarata Fortuna. The waterfall drops about 70−75 meters and is at the base of the dormant Chato volcano, near the Arenal. The waterfall is one of the must-see attractions in the La Fortuna area and the waterfall hike, about 500 steps down and then back up, is well worth the effort. Attractive rest stops along the steps allow for necessary respite.

La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall Steps

Costa Rica Birds – Tanagers

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Incredibly, well over 900 species of birds have been seen in Costa Rica. Many look exotic and even better, many are common and easy to see! Some of the more beautiful of those exotic Costa Rica birds are the tanagers. Small and brightly colored, they frequent a wide array of habitats and several can be seen in hotel gardens as they feed in fruiting trees and bushes. 

Costa Rica Birds – Tanagers

Colors in Sarchi

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For over 100 years, farms near Sarchi, Costa Rica have been producing some of the country’s best coffee beans. Needing a sturdy way to transport this precious cargo to ports on the coast, a demand for ox-drawn carts was born. The earliest oxcarts of Sarchi dating back to the late 1800s were simple and functional. But as time went on, craftsmen began incorporating their own unique markings to distinguish their carts. By the beginning of the 20th century, competition among artisans was strong, and carts were decorated with elaborate geometric patterns, similar to the designs that can be seen today. An elaborate painted oxcart wheel adds to the colors of Sarchi.

The term “Pura Vida” has been present in Costa Rica’s vocabulary for over 50 years. It’s English translation means “pure life” or “simple life”, however its more then just a phrase- it is a way of life. Costa Ricans (Ticos) use this term to say hello, to say goodbye, to say everything’s great, to say everything’s cool.

Colors in Sarchi

Oxcarts of Sarchi

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Long before eco-tourism vans took to the roads of Costa Rica, there was another much simpler mode of transportation: the oxcart. Brightly painted with intricate designs, these original wagons or their replicas can be seen throughout the country. Northwest of the international airport near San Jose (SJO) is Costa Rica’s capital of oxcart production, Sarchi, where a giant oxcart replica (the biggest in the world) sits right in the town’s central park. Toy model oxcarts are available in souvenir stores.

Oxcarts of Sarchi

Zarcero Church

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In the northern hills of San Ramon in the Cordillera Central, Costa Rica lies the scenic town of Zarcero. One of the main attractions of Zarcero is the Iglesia de San Rafael (built in 1895), a stunning church both inside and out. Those who appreciate beautiful landmarks must see its gorgeous religious paintings, graceful archways and colorful stained-glass windows. 

Zarcero Church

Costa Rica Landscape

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According to Conde Nast Traveler, Costa Rica is the most beautiful country in the world. On its Top 40 list, Costa Rica has crowned in the first place thanks to its well-known nature’s attractiveness. Here are some landscape images while travelling to Arenal and Monteverde.

Costa Rica Landscape

Metropolitan Cathedral San Jose

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San José’s (Costa Rica) principal Catholic cathedral was built in 1871. Though rather plain from the outside, the large neoclassical church features a mix of stained-glass works, and assorted sculptures and bas-reliefs. It also has a wonderfully restored 19th-century pipe organ. A well-tended little garden surrounds the church and features a massive marble statue of Pope Juan Paul II

Metropolitan Cathedral San Jose
Church Sculpture

National Theater

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The national theater in San Jose is one of the most beautiful buildings in Costa Rica with great importance to the cultural and historical aspect of the country. It opened in 1897, representing Costa Rica’s high degree of fine art and is a grand display of neo-classical architecture.

National Theater of Costa Rica

San Jose – Modern and Traditional

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The culture and history is mirrored in the architecture of the republic of Costa Rica. The pre-Columbian influence, and a colourful blend of Mesoamerican, Central American and Spanish architecture is seen. These historical buildings are perfectly complimented with the new age contemporary architecture in Costa Rica.

Below is a modern Hilton hotel very close to a traditionally designed building in San Jose. Right in the front of the hotel is Plaza Juan Mora Fernandez. Juan Mora Fernández was Costa Rica’s first elected head of state in 1825. He is remembered for instituting land reform, and he followed a progressive course.

San Jose Modern and Traditional

San Jose – Costa Rica

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Costa Rica’s capital, San José, is in the Central Valley. It has world-class museums, parks, hotels, theaters, and historic buildings. It’s an extensive plain, guarded by majestic volcanoes and green hills, honoring the natural richness that exists throughout the national territory. Striking clouds enhance the landscape surrounding San José.

San Jose Landscape

Postcards from Costa Rica

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Costa Rica is a rugged, rain-forested Central American country with coastlines on the Caribbean and Pacific. Though its capital, San Jose, is home to cultural institutions like the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes, and biodiversity. Roughly a quarter of its area is made up of protected jungle, teeming with wildlife including spider monkeys and quetzal birds. 

The Costa Rican flag has five stripes – the one in the middle with the red stripe twice as big as the blue and white. Blue stands for the Costa Rican sky that works like a shield. White symbolizes peace. Red shows the heroism and energy for the Costa Ricans when it comes to defend their principles (like democracy).

Will be sharing postcard images from a December 2022 trip to Costa Rica using the colors of their flag.

Costa Rica Postcard