I've been to Costa Rica now three times. The first time, about 9 years ago, was a shore excursion when on a

native dancers at Palo Verde National Park

Holland America Panama Canal Cruise with my sister, visiting San Jose. That first time, I was just happy to get off the ship -- definitely had ship fever!  But still something about Costa Rica wrapped around me -- maybe it was the people, warm and friendly? Perhaps it was Mother Nature calling to me through the lush foliage, the banana plantations, the urban centers of San Jose? Whatever it was, Costa Rica called me to return.

The second time I traveled to Guanacaste was about 1 1/2 years ago, where the flavor of the country, the ruggedness and Mother Nature really shown through.  I recently wrote an article for Popular Hispancis on that Costa Rica adventure, and the lushness of Costa Rica's national parks and preserves. 

Click here to read all about my adventures in Gunacasta, Costa Rica, courtesy of the Riu Gunacaste.

Here's an excerpt from June 2011, Popular Hispanics:

You don’t just visit Costa Rica; you immerse yourself in its natural wonders. More than a quarter of this lush Central American country consists of national parks and preserves, filled with ready-made adventures for the active traveler. My Costa Rican adventure took me to Guanacaste http://www.costa-rica-guanacaste.com/ , a small city near the Pacific Ocean, located roughly four hours from the country’s largest city, San José.

-->>>Click here to READ MORE about Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Most recently (November 2010), I returned to San Jose for a few days, exploring its Old Town, sights and smells, with accommodations courtesy of Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower Costa Rica. 

-->> Click here to READ MORE about Central America Trip.