|
The
original Spanish explorers, assuming the mountains of Costa Rica would reap
fortunes in gold and silver, named the country "Rich Coast." Although
those riches never materialized, Costa Rica forged ahead and is today the
richest country in Central America.
|
|
HISTORY
On September 18, 1502 Christopher Columbus landed at “Cariari” which today
is called Puerto Limon. Columbus believed
that Costa Rica was filled with
precious metals therefore giving it the name of Costa Rica meaning "rich
coast".
Before Columbus' arrival,
the country was inhabited with the
Huetares,
Chorotega and Boruca Indians. There are still about 20,000 Indians that exist
today in Costa Rica. In March 1948 Costa Rica found itself in a Civil War
called the “War of National Liberation” determined to topple the government
dominated by the Calderonista legislature. The civil war
lasted 40 days and cost more than 2,000 lives. Puerto Limón is home to 170,000
people. |
|
|
PLACES OF INTEREST |
|
Cahuita National
Park
The national
park is located approximately 1 hour south of Limon in the town of Cahuita.
There are several nature trails, which stretch over 4 miles. If you enjoy
hiking, Cahuita is a great park to walk through and you might even spot some
monkeys high in the treetops.
|
|
|
Rainforest
Aerial Tramway
The aerial tram
takes you on an exciting excursion through the rain forest
allowing you to discover the beauty of the hanging gardens and the animals and
birds hidden atop the tall trees. It offers an overwhelming diversity of plants,
animals, and insects as the canopy is full of
both known and unknown
plants.
|
|
Costa Flores
Tropical Gardens
Located an hour
outside of Limon, the tropical gardens offer a lush landscape of tropical
flowers and claims to be the largest tropical flower farm in the world.
|
|
|
Tortuguero Canals
You can board your boat for a 2 hour journey through the lakes
and channels of this national park where you will have the opportunity to admire
exceptional flora and fauna, along with birds, monkeys and toucans in their
natural habitat. You'll see crocodiles, monkeys, sloths, caimans, and
colorful exotic birds.
|
|
San
José de Costa Rica
Your ride to the
capital city of San José is both picturesque and diverse as you travel along the
Caribbean. You will pass by banana plantations, before ascending down the mountains to
the magnificent scenery of the Braulio Carrillo National Park. The Opera House
is a century old cultural symbol and the pride and joy
of all Costa Ricans. The National Museum of Pre-Columbian Art has an impressive
collection.
|
|
ACTIVITY |
|
Make
questions corresponding to the highlighted sentences. Real answers have
been highlighted IN PINK. |
|
