Tourism in Costa Rica

The tourism in Costa Rica is one of the main economic sectors and fastest growing in the country and since 1995 is the first source of foreign exchange economy. Since 1999, tourism generates more income for the country than the export of their traditional crops of banana, pineapple and coffee together. The tourism boom began in 1987. There were 329,000 visitors in 1988, increasing to one million in 1999 and reaching 2 million foreign tourists in 2008. This has generated and astounding USD $2.14 billion in foreign currency. In 2005, tourism was responsible for a 13.3% of direct and indirect jobs, and in 2008 contributed 7.2% of GDP of the country and 22.7% of foreign exchange generated by exports.

The main comparative advantage of traveling in Costa Rica is its system of national parks and protected areas; covering about 25% of the country, this is the highest percentage on the planet. It is also estimated to contain 5% of the biodiversity of the world in less than 0.1% of the world's land mass. In addition to the vast flora and fauna, Costa Rica has beaches on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea separated by only a few hundred kilometers. On one trip to Costa Rica, tourists can easily visit volcanoes in the north, multiple national parks, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. In the early nineties, Costa Rica became known as the chief representative ("poster child ") of ecotourism; period in which foreign tourist arrivals reached an average annual growth of 14% between 1986 and 1994. Some well known sites in Costa Rica are:

· Heritage, the Isla del Coco is one of the most outstanding natural destinations of Costa Rica and was one of 77 finalists in the competition for the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.

· Manuel Antonio National Park is a popular destination for its four beaches located within a natural environment, Quepos Puntarenas.

· Some of the most visited beaches are Hermosa Beach and Jaco Beach, also known for surfing.

The Best Tours and Activities in Jaco

• Catamaran Tours to Tortuga Island with inviting blue waters, warm white sands, green mountains, superb cuisine and excellent personal service at the very low costs of $100.
• The Los Suenos Marina hosts world-Class Sport fishing contests where you can find marlin, roosterfish, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, snapper, sea bass, snook, grouper and more.
• Adventurous ATV tours or if you prefer being in the water, there are many white water rafting options with level 3 &4 rapids.
• The Surfing here in Jaco and Hermosa is world renown and there are fantastic surf lessons, tours and camps around the area.
• And for my personal favorite: The Equestrian Events! Costa Rica´s National pastimes are rodeos and Topes (a traditional horse parade). Costa Rica is also the 2nd largest Spanish horse exporter in the world after Spain. Trail rides along the beach and through the rainforest are a common and much loved activity in the many tourist areas.