a return to Costa Rica
I visited both coasts of Costa Rica back in December of 2001, while on a Panama Canal cruise. We had the opportunity to visit Puerto Limon on the east coast, where we explored the port city of Limon and Parque Vargas–and after passing through the canal–the port of Puntarenas located on an inlet on the west coast, from where we embarked on a day trip to the capital city of San José located in the central interior.
In 2014, I revisited San José, as I’d been invited to be a judge in the Puerto Viejo Chocolate Festival.
It was fabulous returning to this Central American country, as when my husband and I were there for only two days back in 2001, we both agreed that we would love to return and become better acquainted with this very charming country.
Costa Rica has a much healthier economy than other Central American countries like Honduras and Guatemala. That is likely tied into the fact that Costa Rica puts a very strong emphasis on education, and has a literacy rate of 97.8%!
Tourism is the number one industry in Costa Rica, and so you find that English is widely spoken. That may be partly because of the huge expat population in the country. There are an estimated 100,000 Americans living in Costa Rica, and by no coincidence, the primary hosts for my visit were an American couple that own and operate the Mango Walk Guest House as well as an American couple that own and operate Caribeans Chocolate.
Agriculture is the second largest industry in Costa Rica, and although bananas and coffee have historically been the primary agricultural crops, the growing of cacao is forging forward as an important agricultural activity, and there is now a significant amount of great chocolate in Costa Rica to be found.
There are a stream of posts on this site that share delicious details about the chocolate of Costa Rica, information about growing cacao in Costa Rica, and highlights of the Puerto Viejo Chocolate Festival. I can’t believe it took me 13 years to return to this country for my second trip.
Have you been to Costa Rica? If so, what have been your impressions? Your favourite experiences? Please share your comments here.
I have not yet been to Costa Rica, but we have been considering it after a friend said that they loved it. Now you are saying the same thing. Congrats for being asked to be a judge for yet another event!
Cheryl recently posted…Reasons for #BucketLists
Thanks for your comment and congrats, Cheryl, and also thx to Catarina for dropping by again.
Cheryl, you will indeed love Costa Rica! It’s an educated country with a high literacy rate. A safe country, without the need for an army. A beautiful country with striking scenery. And now … a country with an emerging artisan chocolate industry. What’s not to like?
Doreen recently posted…book review: Being Grateful, Being Thankful
How nice that you will go back to Costa Rica as a judge in the Puerto Viejo Chocolate Festival. Perfect since you liked the country when you were there in 2001. Am sure that you will have lots of interesting stories about chocolate to tell us in November.
Catarina recently posted…Covert branding works against you
Costa Rica sounds amazing! Call into Hugo Hermelink’s farm where he produces cocoa under with the Rainforest Alliance stamp. Not sure on exact location? Have fun!
Christine recently posted…Banana, Orange and Chocolate Cake
Hi Christine and thanks for your comment.
I will be attending a meeting of the Cacao Growers Alliance at the research station, and then will be meeting more chocolate folks at the chocolate fest, so there’s a good chance I’ll run into Hugo. I’m hoping to visit a few cocoa farms while I’m in Costa Rica. Should make for some very tasty research!
Doreen recently posted…a return to Costa Rica
Hope the Costa Rican return is wonderful!
Best of luck with the judging!!
Chris recently posted…Monte Alban, such great heights
Spent time in Costa Rica twice in 1992 and 2011. It is one of my favourite countries. The 1992 trip was (next to a trip to Greece) the best trip of my life. Spent one week on a tour with only 3 other people and a guide who was an animal and bird expert. Still keep in touch with the other couple on the trip.
Hi Irene and Thx for your comment.
Yes, the Panama Canal cruise we took that introduced us to Costa Rica was definitely one of the best trip of our lives. So much variety. Such wonderful cultures. I can’t wait to go back to Costa Rica. And it sure is special when you’re in a small group like that, isn’t it? Sounds like you made some awesome memories there.
Doreen recently posted…a return to Costa Rica
I have heard great things about Costa Rica from friends who visited there and friends who retired there. But have never had the opportunity to go myself. Can’t wait to hear your impressions after your second trip.
Hi Susan and Thx for your comment. I know you would love Costa Rica. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, safe environment, and great chocolate!
Doreen recently posted…book review: Being Grateful, Being Thankful