 Excerpted from
The Southern Costa Rica Handbook, 2004 Edition
The southern zone of Costa Rica has been claimed by many to be the most beautiful spot on this planet. With one of the last great stands of unspoiled primary rain forest in Central America, its deep, sweet gulf teeming with abundant aquatic life, scenic cascading rivers and waterfalls, the highest mountain peak in Central America, and one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the entire world, this often overlooked region of the country is a treasure trove of experiences for both the eco-tourist and adventure traveler alike. This is where ‘the rubber meets the road’ in regards to issues such as biodiversity, sustainable development, and conservation of natural resources, and where individuals such as yourself can really make an impact, even just as a visitor. Verdant mountain peaks rise up out of forested valleys as clear sparkling streams tumble down from the highlands. Farmland, pasture and rain forest blend with giant mangrove swamps, where both the fishing and bird watching are unparalleled anywhere. Over 60% of the land is covered by rain forest, and this region is home to the largest concentrations of indigenous peoples in the country. This particular area is by far the most biodiverse in the country, and Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, with over 5% of the known species of life forms on Earth. We have four national parks and a national reserve, plus dozens of private reserves and wildlife refuges. Situated between the Talamanca Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean, and stretching from San Isidro and Dominical in the north to Punta Burica and San Vito in the south, it covers a vast array of complex tropical ecosystems from lowland wet forests and mangrove swamps to ridge top cloud forests and rocky highlands. It’s all here, and always ready for you to enjoy.
 Just to make sure you know this, the southern zone of Costa Rica, though not networked with high-speed trains or perfectly maintained superhighways (Thank God!), is EASY TO GET TO. This area is absolutely accessible, is a relatively short drive from San José (only about 3 hours to San Isidro de El General), and has no more potholes or landslides along its roads than any other area of Costa Rica. In addition, there are hundreds of places to stay, eat and play in, for people on every budget, in every significant area of interest. As a matter of fact, the southern zone has had significantly less problems with flooding, landslides and other storm damage than our neighbors to the north (Guanacaste, the Central Valley, the Atlantic coast) since hurricanes began regularly hitting Costa Rica in 1996. With the completion and paving of the bulk of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), and the current paving of the last unfinished stretch of coastal highway between Quepos and Dominical, the coastal areas and extreme southern zones are even more accessible, and comfortably so. The road from the Inter-American Highway (IAH) into the Osa Peninsula was also patched up again in 2003 (I live here – it’s really true), making this particularly pristine and captivating area even more attractive.
 Another fact about the southern zone of Costa Rica: it’s relatively crime-free. If you have heard any alarmist stories about the purportedly “high” level of crime anywhere in Costa Rica, you will find that the vast majority of it occurs in the Central Valley, specifically in San José and its suburbs, with the Atlantic coastal areas coming in a close second. Sure, there are a few scattered thefts and break-ins and such here and there throughout the rest of the country — this is planet Earth, you know — but anything more than that is very rare and almost negligible statistically, though extremely overpublicized in the ethnocentric and propagandistic international media. Compare this country to New York, Los Angeles, Miami, any significant city in Europe, or any other countries in Central America in regards to real crime statistics, especially violent crime, and all your concerns will simply fade away. You are much safer here than you would be almost anywhere else in the world. And that is a fact! The natives, though maybe a bit hard to communicate with if you don’t speak Spanish, are overwhelmingly friendly, and always ready to help if the need arises. Many tourists and expats have related their personal experiences with the local Ticos to me, and how eager they have been to lend a hand if the need arises.
According to both myself and the majority of visitors I have talked to after their trips around the area, this region of Costa Rica is definitely the most pristine and beautiful. The three other areas most commented on as being the ‘highlights’ of this country are Arenal Volcano, the central Pacific coast, and Monteverde Cloud Forest, in that order. Some have given me positive feedback about the Guanacaste and Atlantic Coast areas, and I’m sure they are wonderful, too. The surfers sure think so. But most people have given the southern zone even higher marks.
 For those of you thinking of investing in this fantastic area, the opportunities are virtually limitless. There is a new international airport scheduled to be built just outside of Palmar near the intersection of the Inter-American and Coastal highways, there is already an actual shortage of hotel rooms in much of the zone during the high season, and a new dam is scheduled to be created in the area, creating a new lake and tourist area. Real estate values have already been climbing steadily, and will continue to do so even more dramatically over the next few years. NOW is the time to buy. You don’t have to take my word for it – just ask around. I personally have seen prices double in just the last two years in some areas, and many highly desirable beach front zones have already been sold out, with only resale lots available. And this is just the beginning. . . . .
For more information about each area, please see the rest of this website, and/or visit my book site at www.southerncostaricahandbook.com, where I have links to many southern zone tourism business web sites, and another photo gallery. Or, you can contact me directly at info@osacostaricaland.com. In any case, enjoy your search!
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