Pre 1500 – Costa Rica lacks evidence of the huge pre-Columbian civilizations like those in Nicaragua and Panama. Costa Rica was inhabited by regional bands of semi nomadic hunters, fisherman and farmers.
1502 – Christopher Columbus arrives in Costa Rica while looking for a passage to the Pacific Ocean.
1502-1800 – The Spanish find colonizing Costa Rica slow and frustrating. The Spanish did not find gold or large populations of people to exploit as slaves. They did encounter mountains, jungles, disease and hostile natives. Small groups of isolated Spanish settlements developed and took hold in the Central Valley. Costa Rica was so isolated it developed with very little influence from the Catholic Church and Spain.
1821-1824 – Central America declares its independence from Spain. After a few years of debate and a small civil war, Costa Rica declares its independence.
1824-1900 – Coffee becomes the main cash crop and coffee baron’s accumulate wealth and power. With the power came political turmoil but by 1900 Costa Rica had established a constitution, a controlled military and mandatory education.
1900-1948 – Costa Rica undergoes a series of military takeovers, political and social reforms and civil war. There was also a series of political parties including communism.
1948 – Costa Rican civil war.
1949– Costa Rica passes a constitution that abolished the military, gave citizenship to Blacks, and granted Women the right to vote.
1949- current day– Since the civil war Costa Rica has been peaceful and fairly prosperous. The economy and standard of living are good and citizens enjoy free health care and education.
DOLPHIN / WHALE WATCHING: Dolphins are usually everywhere plus we do see the occasional whale. HORSEBACK RIDING: Available in most places, who hasn’t wanted to ride a horse on a beach. HOT SPRINGS / SPA: Available only in a few places, the best in romantic and relaxing getaways. KAYAKING: Available in several places, white water or ocean kayaks – cheap water fun. LAKE FISHING: Fish for the Guapote (Central American Bass) at Lake Arenal and Lake Nicaragua, great fighters on light tackle. MOTORCYCLE / QUAD RENTAL: Available in several places, great fun, wear your helmet. NATIONAL PARKS: Available in most areas, great tours, see wildlife and beautiful scenery.
PARAGLIDING: Available in a few places…try it if you get a chance…a few moments of panic followed by the best ride of your life. RIVER FISHING: Fly fish for Trout in the high mountain streams, fish the jungle rivers for giant Tarpon and Snook. SHOPPING: Available everywhere, take home some souvenirs and coffee SURF / BOOGIE BOARD: Available in the most popular towns, what the hell…give it a shot.
TURTLE WATCHING: Available only at certain times and certain places but for some the thrill of a lifetime.
VOLCANO TOUR: Available almost everywhere, good family trip. WHITE WATER RAFTING: Scenic and serene beauty followed by wet and wild adrenalin rush. WINDSURFING: Available at a few places, Lake Arenal is famous for its windsurfing
