Costa Rica Destination Paper
...s, and President Oscar Arias Sanchez won the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize for his key role in the Nicaraguan peace negotiations. Abel Pacheco of the PUSC (United Social Christian Party) was elected president in April 2002. Major Natural Attraction: The Arenal is the most spectacularly active volcano in Costa Rica. Many people visit this park at night to watch the lava flow and the red hot boulders that are ejected from the volcano’s glow in the darkness. Although eruptions are the main attraction, be aware that even in the dry season the clouds sometimes obscure the top of the volcano. Chances of seeing a pyroclastic display are also lessened in the rainy season. Volcano watching is better than a fifty-fifty proposition, but you should plan on taking advantage of some of the other attractions in the area. Consider it a bonus if you see Arenal put on a huge display. The Arenal volcano’s perfect cone is visible from most anywhere in the area, but if you want a good view of an eruption your best bet is to stay in one of the observatory type lodges and stay up late, or get up with the sun. The clouds tend to move in soon after sunrise. There were hiking tours based out of La Fortuna de Arenal which took you up the west ridge to the crater rim. Due to the number of people killed by ash, falling cinders, and toxic fumes, this is no longer allowed. There are still plenty of hiking trails that get you as close as is advisable. Major Cultural Attraction: Sarapiqui is a canton that belongs to the province of Heredia. This unspoiled region is the home to breath taking scenes of coffee plantations and reforested lands that have been planted in an attempt to preserve the tropical forest of Costa Rica. The Sarapiqui region consists of 237.5 square miles and 3 main districts, La Virgen, Horquetas, and Puerto Viejo. The humid temperature ranges between 82º F and 86º F. At night you can expect lower temperatures in the area of 77ºF. Sarapiqui recently became a popular destination among tourists who seek the adrenaline adventure of whitewater rafting on the Sarapiqui River. Rafting down this river is a rewarding experience for those who enjoy outdoor activities and direct contact with nature. You will see sandy beaches on the river banks with tall lush trees. It is common to see groups of monkeys and numerous exotic birds. Sarapiqui is an explored region where you can get lost in one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful regions. The first inhabitants in the Sarapiqui area the Spanish colonizers who showed up looking for access to the San Juan River. Sarapiqui has always been recognized for the production of different crops such as coffee, corn, cocoa, cardamom, bananas, tropical foliages, heart of palm and various roots and fruits. In Sarapiqui, you will also find amazing eco-tourism amenities that will show you Costa Rica at its best. Nature lodges and scie...