Manuel Antonio National Park
FLANKED BY THE PACIFIC OCEAN and Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica is a popular cruising destination for adventurous boaters. But digging into the country’s back story elevates it a step above most lush locations. It’s got verdant vegetation, soft-sand beaches and ample amenities to keep a crew happy. But at this tropical isthmus, green means more than the color of its foliage. It’s a way of life and mark of pride in a country revered as a trailblazer in ecotourism and sustainable living. In the 1960s when many Central American countries were engaged in mining, whacking down forests, and clearing land for cattle and agriculture, Costa Rica opted for a different path to conserve its natural resources.The shift started in 1963 when it established Cabo Blanco Absolute National Reserve and then in 1971 when the government began earmarking chunks of land as national parks. Embracing the idea that ecotourism is a viable industry, the country continued to protect its coastlines, interior habitats and rainforests, which today adds up to 26 national parks, 58 wildlife refuges, eight biological reserves — or nearly 30% of its national territory shielded from devastation. The national mantra of “Pura Vida” (pure life) has garnered global recognition for Costa Rica’s commitment to respecting its piece of the planet, educating visitors about the value of conservation
Hanging bridge in the rainforest
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WINTER 2022
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