The year 2008 has started with the right foot for Costa Rica’s tourist industry . During the first 3 months of 2007, the amount of tourists who had arrived to Costa Rica via air travel were around the 400 thousand range. For this same period of the current year, this number went up to the 500 thousand range thus clearly representing an important increase in tourist influx.

The constant participation in foreign travel markets and fairs has helped Costa Rica become more visible to the world travel industry. Over the years, the country has taken all the precautions and care in making sure that all tour operators as well as hotels operate under conscious, yet strict means of actions in order to maintain the country’s sustainability.

In 2007, Costa Rica received almost 2 billion tourists that generated an income of 1.9 million dollars. Considering the 14% increase in tourist arrival during the first trimester of 2008 in comparison to 2007, the current year can easily close with an income of over 2 billion dollars.

Costa Rica’s tourism industry is one of the country’s main source of income thanks to the diverse availability in lodging and attractions. Although the Pacific and Atlantic beaches are the main reason visitors come to the Costa Rican Hotels , a vast number of tourists come for its beauty and nature. Volcanoes, lakes, bird watching, surfing, zip lining, hot air ballooning and hot springs are just a small example of what is available in Costa Rica.

At La Quinta a Top notch hotel with great rooms, great service. When we stayed there was quite empty, so hard to say if would be as good when full, but I expect it would.

Very peaceful and sensible (no swim up bar - thank god).

Resort is a little isolated, so hard to see spending a week or more there, but on-site activities would easily fill 3-4 days (we unfortunately only had 1 night, but did get to explore a fair bit). Free WiFi internet in lounge area.

Also the bridge on the lake is quite an adventure, our stay was very enjoyable

We stayed at the L´acqua Viva for 5 nights and they were all great. The service was excellent and the rooms were spotless. Fresh linens and wonderful soaps and shampoos in the rooms. They serviced a complimentary breakfast each morning off a wide selection menu of (pancakes, waffles, eggs, local dishes as well)

Lunch and dinner were equally as delicious and very well priced. The room rate per night was a little pricey compared to the other hotels in town but that was because of the high service levels and all the extras.

I would certainly go back again and I, for sure will recommend it to every one I run into.

Check it out…you won’t be disappointed. We stayed in the Junior Villa!!!

Costa Rica’s Atlantic waters and exuberant jungle charm visitors from all over the world year round. Although not as popular as Costa Rica’s Pacific Beaches, the Caribbean coast has a lot to offer than more than meets the eye.

It’s calm, crystal clear blue waters and warm temperatures throughout the year make the Caribbean an ideal place for getting away, mingling with the locals, enjoying the ever spicy Afro-Caribbean culture and exploring the wonderful marine life.

The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge as well as the Cahuita National Park in Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast protects the rich coral reef ecosystem in the area. Divers from around the world will be fascinated by the spectacular marine landscapes and diversity of species.

Over 120 species of fish dwell in the coral formations which itself are composed of over 30 species. The variety of fish species that can be seen include the Parrot Fish, the Angel Fish, the three spines stickle back fish and hundreds of other multicolored fish.

Costa Rica’s Caribbean region is yet not unspoiled with large luxurious beach resorts but instead offers a number of cozy bungalow type accommodations and lodges at a cheap and budget conscious rate.