Independent Travel in Costa Rica: What You Should Know
wildest parts of the country and it's easy to get lost.
* Travel by bus (this is a LONG, BUMPY ride) to Puerto Jimenez, on the northeast side of the Osa Peninsula. Enjoy some quiet time here before hopping an eight-seater airplane on Costa Rica's national airline, Sansa, back to San Jose. The ride is worth the $55 price - an unforgettable view of the aqua sea, rainforest and mountains.
* Spend a day in San Jose gift-buying and getting ready for the journey home.
WHILE THERE: ASK ENVIONMENTAL QUESTIONS
First, always remember that Costa Rica is an ecological wonder. The question to keep in the back of your mind when traveling in Costa Rica is: Is my activity going to harm the environment - plant, animal or human? If it will, don't do it.
An example: while in Costa Rica, I learned of two so-called eco-resorts that are dumping their raw waste into the ocean and rivers in lieu of disposing of it in an ecological manner. Don't stay at these kinds of places. Also, ask permission before you camp in a protected area, and find out, if you can, how resorts dispose of their waste. Another tip: refrain from eating beef while in Costa Rica. The popularity of cattle ranching in the country is a major contributor to deforestation of precious rainforest. In the last 50 years, 80 percent of Costa Rica's forests have disappeared, and are continuing to do so to make room for cattle. It's true: On my trip I observed forest clearing in the endangered dry tropical forest of the Nicoya Peninsula.
A FEW LAST REMINDERS
* Respect the Latin American culture. This means relaxing and not getting mad when the bus is two hours late. Also -- speaking the local language whenever possible lets the people know you value their culture.
* Respect the environment. Enough said on this topic. :)
* Respect your personal limits. Third world travel can be a challenge. Don't do anything that makes you uncomfortable or seems too risky.
* Lastly, be independent and have a GREAT TIME.
If anyone has recently visited Costa Rica and has advice for first-time travelers, please leave a message in the discussion area. Until next time, happy alternative travels!
--- Colleen
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