Adventure, Mystery, Culture and More
Yours to Discover in Costa Rica
Abounding with adventure, mystery and culture puts Costa Rica on the top of many people's lists to visit or move to. (See our survey on what brought you to Costa Rica.)
The Latin American market for North Americans is still unknown to a remarkable extent. When you ask a person from North America about Latin America, often you receive a response like, “Yes, I love Mexico! We have vacationed in Mexico and stayed at allinclusive resorts in Cancun.”
Well, this is the first indicator that they have no idea how much culture is harbored throughout the many countries making up this sector of the planet.
Howler has many articles about the arts and culture of the continent; yet, we have still only scratched the surface. The arts and festivals express the colors and enthusiasm and romanticism of the people.
Nor should we downplay the emerging business markets in Latin America. The financial tech markets are getting stronger and garnering attention. Agriculture and other consumables are in abundance and the world is embracing the products supplied.
Costa Rica is no exception to this growing market. Howler has featured articles about organic shrimp farming, and also the production of pineapples that are being shipped around the world.
With concerns about being sustainable and regenerative, Costa Rica — with the notoriety of people such as Eduard Müller — has advanced in leaps and bounds over many of its Latin American counterparts.
With no mining or drilling of natural resources, Costa Rica has remained a very clean and natural country. As a culture, Costa Rica loves nature and showing it to the world. The natural resources are more valuable to Costa Ricans than strip mining, drilling and the denigration of old forests that absorb carbon and other gases but emit oxygen. The forests are the lungs of the world.
The reforestation of Costa Rica that has taken place over time is amazing. Along with the new growth are old forests — many in protected zones, for
these carbon offsets and are sought after by worldwide corporate mandates. We have a healthier planet because of this effort, although we need to do more.
Within the ever-changing world, Costa Rica is experiencing a boom of people wanting to live here. This is causing issues with overcrowding and displacement of animals due to the loss of their natural habitat.
If you are looking for a place to establish a second home or to live full-time, do your research. Look at the projects offered, then Google the project founders and directors by their names, followed by “Costa Rica”. Example: Joe Blow Costa Rica. This is a good place to start your research. Always ask questions. Buzzwords like “eco,” “environmental” and “sustainable'' are being thrown around as a marketing tool. But it is very often misused and misunderstood.
Visit Costa Rica and enjoy its wonders.
This month's edition of Howler showcases the adventures you can experience. There are so many to pick from, and they are available for all ages and skill levels. Don’t be afraid to venture out … seize the opportunity to enjoy everything offered and immerse yourself in the wonders of this country.
Rank your top Costa Rica adventures here.
I would love to hear about your adventures and experiences. Email me at headmonkey@howlermag.com.
The Howler family lost two contributors last month. We are very sad to announce the passing of Ellen Zoe Golden and Mike Shannon. They are forever in our hearts. See their “In Memoriam” tributes. Remember them with us.