Costa Rica- History
Of the vast locations for vacation getaways, Costa Rica remains
at the top of the list. Its centralized location, the sandy beaches
and festive atmosphere lend to the Costa Rican appeal. Christopher
Columbus set foot on the Atlantic side of Costa Rica in 1502 and was
offered gold and gifts from the native Indians. Then, as conquest of
other Central American regions occurred Costa Rica remained
untouched given that dreams of gold and jewels had proved to be an
illusion. Juan Vásquez de Coronado was the true conqueror of the
region and established the capital in the Cartago valley.
During the nineteenth century the coffee bean brought in foreign
capital and immigrant merchants allowing for this Central American
region to flourish. Minor Cooper Keith completed the Puerto Limon
railroad in 1890 allowing for further trade and export. He went on
to create a Costa Rican Banana empire.
During World War II while other Latin American countries were
allying with Fascist Germany and Italy, President Calderon Guardia
declared war on Germany before the United States and confiscated
major German properties in coffee and banking.
Today, sugar, bananas and meat are an integral part of the
economy. Another important happening for Costa Ricans during this
decade, was the beginning of a serious tourist industry in the
country. Its growth and specialization have occurred through
improvements made in the national parks and in the
hotel
infrastructure. In the present time, the two large tendencies in
tourism are the arrival of large international hotel chains and the
concentration on ecotourism.
Accommodations -
Adventure Tours -
Beaches -
The Caribbean -
Costa Rica -
Hotel Information -
Hotels - Limón -
Nightlife -
Parties -
Real Estate -
Talamanca -
Travel Guide -
Travel Information -
Puerto Viejo
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