Costa Rica celebrates 200 years of Independence

200 years ago, on September 15, 1821, Costa Rica gained its independence from Spain as a democratic republic.  Since then, Costa Rica emerged as a sovereign democratic nation, creating over the years one of the most stable, prosperous, and peaceful democracies in the world.  Costa Rica has been recognized worldwide for its commitment to peace, its abolition of its military and its programs to provide education and healthcare to all its citizens. 

And of course in recent decades Costa Rica is best known for the widespread land conservation and creation of a large network of national parks and reserves that eventually emerged as its current brand of Eco Tourism that is now wildly successful and sought after tourism model that is being copied around the world.  You know when Google puts you on the banner of their search engine for the day you made it baby!

The Passing of the Turtle

Turtles. Everybody loves turtles. How can you not love a turtle? They are total studs and in Costa Rica, they are everywhere. It is almost guaranteed that if you go out on a sailboat, scuba dive or a fishing trip, you will spot a couple of them; many times, making love. It seems like every time I see a Tortuga, there is a second one underneath, and they are getting after it: like rabbits. All this romance means there are a ton of baby hatchlings. One of the more popular tours is to go and see them lay their eggs or watch them as they emerge. What an incredible site it is, to see hundreds, sometimes thousands, of baby turtles racing across the sand, trying to make it to the sea. Only a small percentage of them will survive and grow to adulthood, as there are so many natural predators, and unfortunately, mankind as well.

There are 4 types of turtles in the land of Pura Vida, and they are all endangered species as they fall victim to poaching for their meat, shells, and eggs.

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle resides only on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. They can grow up to two feet in length and weigh up to 100 lbs. They are one of the most common turtles, and their favorite meal is jellyfish.