Jacó, Costa Rica

`Pura Vida`

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This is the slogan of record you’ll find throughout the country of Costa Rica. It means-Pure Life-and for the most part, it rings true. 

 

This tiny country of five million in the southern half of Central America boasts one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet featuring emerald green forests, beautiful sandy beaches, volcanoes, mountains, lakes and a huge collection of exotic animals, reptiles, birds and insects. In addition, Costa Rica is flanked by the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of Mexico so it offers world class fishing, surfing and diving. Unfortunately, Pure Life comes with a price tag so if you come, expect it. 

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Costa Rica is not your standard Latin American country at one third to one half the cost of what you’d expect to pay in the US or Europe. A huge expat community coupled with the country’s dependence on foreign goods and an economy driven by tourism has escalated prices to the point of parity with the industrial west and in some cases, beyond. 

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The country was never on my list of potential visits. Its year round heat, high cost of living and an eroded native culture factored heavily into my decision to look elsewhere. But my time in Boquete, Panama offered an opportunity that would bring me five hours north to the coastal town of Jacó which offered easy access to San Jose`s International Airport. Flights out of San Jose to the north are frequent and generally cheaper than surrounding countries so the entire thread of connections became attractive. I decided to make it work.

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Jacó is far from the prettiest place to spend a month in Costa Rica but its surrounded by everything people come here to enjoy. I stayed a couple miles away from the central area with easy access to beaches, rivers and mountain trails so my time was well spent. Also, predictable afternoon rain showers created an ideal work environment in which I was able to focus while enjoying the patterned splash of drops impacting the roof of my top floor apartment.

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Overall, this was an enjoyable month considering all the disissive comments mentioned above. Costa Rica represents all that it promotes but continual development and expansion into its delicate habitat has endangered the intrinsic beauty that made it famous. Without proper management, it will be destroyed.

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Pacha Mama is speaking.

 

Is anyone listening?

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