OHMCR The Best Costa Rica Travel Guide

The New 7 Wonders Foundation, headed by the Swiss-born Canadian Bernard Weber, will continue receiving votes for the New 7 Wonders of Nature until December 31, 2008.

Costa Rica?s own Coco Island is listed as a nominee and currently holds the number 11 rank worldwide. The voting procedure has 4 stages. The campaign is still at its first stage which is voting for your preferred location from the list displayed at the www.new7wonders.com website. This stage will continue until December 31, 2008.

Then, a panel of experts will consider the top voted nominees for what they call a finalist shortlisting. This shortlist will announce a total of 21 candidates in January, 2009. The voting for these final 21 candidates will then continue throughout 2009 and early 2010. The Foundation will then announce the New 7 Wonders of Nature in the summer of 2010.

Coco Island is one of Costa Rica most precious natural gems. The Coco Island was named part of the Natural Humanity Patrimony in 1997 and was included in Ramsar list of Wetland of International Importance in 1999. The island is approximately 9.2 mi2 and with a protected marine ecosystem which holds one of the region most important hammerhead shark population among others.

By becoming on of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, Costa Rica Coco Island could attract hundreds of tourists, researchers and donations to preserve this natural jewel.

Vote for Coco Island by going to http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/index/ , click on the map on South America and browse through the list to vote.

written by fernando \\ tags: Costa Rican Hotels, Jose Figueres, New 7 Wonders of Nature

This Plaza de la Democracia was built back in 1989 and sits west of Costa Rica National Museum. The plaza was built as a symbol of union among the American Continent and to receive the participating presidents of the Hemispheric Summit hosted by President Oscar Arias Sanchez.

The Democracy Plaza has recently begun remodeling in order to make it a more attractive area for visitors of all ages. Some structures are to be taken down and a new entrance to the National Museum is to be built in order to give the entire area a more harmonious appeal. Several stair accesses are to be replaced by ramps and more trees are to be planted. This new look for the Democracy Plaza is part of the San Jose Municipality and the Ministry of Culture program to give the downtown area a more cosmopolitan and cultural face.

Another important change of the Plaza layout is the removal of the statue honoring Costa Rica three-time president, Jose Figueres. This structure will be relocated within the National Museum premises where Mr. Figueres abolished Costa Rica armed forces back in 1948.

On the street west to the Plaza is the famous souvenir market which was once located at Costa Rica Culture Plaza. This market expands from the Central Avenue to the 2nd Avenue and offers all sorts of handcrafts and souvenirs. Hammocks, t-shirts, jewelry, paintings and everything that symbolizes and depicts Costa Rica can be found at this market place.

After your visit to the National Museum, make sure you make some time to sit at one of the benches to do some people watching and then make your way through the market to support the local artisans by buying one of the many beautiful artwork available

There are a number of very nice Costa Rican hotels located on the Central Avenue at really affordable rates for those looking to stay close to the every day Costa Rican action.

written by fernando \\ tags: Costa Rican Hotels, Jose Figueres, Plaza de la Democracia

Located within San Jose historic and political district, the San Jose National Park adorns the area with its century old trees and gentle slopes. The National Park has been around since the turn of the 19th century and is located between the 1st and 3rd avenue and street 15 and 17.

In the middle of the park sits a large marble statue that commemorates those who fought for Costa Rica freedom back in 1856 and 1857. The National Monument reminds Costa Ricans of the triumph over the American filibuster William Walker and his intentions of expansionism and pro slavery ideals.

The park used to be an important spot for events and meetings for what was known as the Paseo de las Damas . Contrary to what many believe, the name for the Damas Drive was not in reference to the ladies, but to the tree species that gracefully adorned the entire drive.

Today, the National Park is an oasis amidst the hustle of politics and lawyers making their way around the area. This is a great place for sitting under pleasant tree shades while observing the people passing by or enjoying a good book.

If you are planning visit San Jose; you will be able to find nice and cozy Costa Rican Hotels in the area

written by fernando \\ tags: Costa Rican Hotels, Paseo de las Damas, San Jose National Park