Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica: Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica:
In 1502, on his fourth and last voyage to the New World, Christopher
Columbus made the first European landfall in the area. Settlement of
Costa Rica began in 1522. For nearly three centuries, Spain
administered the region as part of the Captaincy General of Guatemala
under a military governor. The Spanish optimistically called the
country "Rich Coast." Finding little gold or other valuable minerals in
Costa Rica, however, the Spanish turned to agriculture.
Mention
Costa Rica and people think paradise. The country's Disney-like cast of
creatures — ranging from howler monkeys to toucans — is prolific and
relatively easy to spot. The waves are prime; the beauty is staggering
and the sluggish pace seductive.
Costa
Rica, despite being such a tiny nation, draws well over a million
visitors every year - and you can see why. The incredibly varied
topography means you can cruise a cloud forest one day, climb a volcano
the next, and finish passed out on a hot sandy beach.
Costa
Rica is a tropical country and experiences only two seasons: wet and
dry. The dry season is generally between late December and April; the
wet season lasts the rest of the year. The highlands are cold: San José
and the Central Valley get an 'eternal spring' with lows averaging 15°C
(60°F) and highs averaging 26°C (79°F). Both the Pacific and Caribbean
coasts are pretty much sweltering year-round - get ready for some
bad-hair days. Temperatures vary little between seasons; the main
influence on temperature is altitude. The humidity at low altitudes can
be oppressive.
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