Costa Rica "On the Beach"

Let's finish the trip on the beach...Playa Zancudo. So we've seen the Southern Highlands, the Osa Peninsula, and now let's spend a week on the beach. I often wonder at my good fortune to be able to have such rich experiences. I paid my dues as a classroom teacher...but I loved my job in many ways. I have a pension...a good one run by a fellow originally from MN. We had the foresight to purchase an incredible piece of property at a bargain. Our home of over 30 years was raised by 50 of our friends and filled with good spirits over all those years. All people should be able to live in healthful communities and have enriching experiences. Let's continue our exploration and cross the Gulfo Dulce from Osa to Zancundo

This week we'll visit the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park located in Costa Rica’s South Pacific region. Corcovado National Park is one of the most unique and biodiverse places on the planet and visiting the Peninsula should be a real treat. It contains over five percent of the world’s animal population just within that small area, making it a popular ecotourism destination. For example, the national park is said to contain the entire ecosystem of insects that is found between Panama and Mexico. Additionally, National Geographic describes it as the “most biologically intense place on Earth in terms of biodiversity.” (6 min)

Heading South to Costa Rica

It is our first trip to this central American country. The fact that they disbanded their military and created a network of parks is part of the appeal...along with their rich biological diversity. Costa Rica alone has 75% of the Central American Biodiversity. In 1970 the Costa Rican people wanted their beautiful country to be protected so future generations could share its natural flora and fauna. That year Costa Rica founded the Costa Rica national parks system that is admired around the world. Costa Rica has maintained a higher proportion of its land mass for national parks. Much more than any other country in the world- with 10.27 % protected as national parks by Costa Rican law. An additional 17 % set aside for reserves, wildlife refuges and protected zones. Almost one third of their country is protected. The Costa Rican government also protects areas of historic and archaeological interest. Pre-Columbian settlement areas and early battlefields are protected with the same fervor as the rainforests and wildlife preserves. Protecting the natural resources of Costa Rica has far-reaching implications because of its amazing biodiversity. https://www.costarica.org/national-parks/