A wonderful country it is.  Safety is rarely a concern and the country and coast are beautiful.  But almost as important is the how the tourism is run.  The lodges are rated on a sustainability scale.  which factors in almost every aspect of the lodge, from how it was built, the energy it uses, the food sources, the waste and recycling practices, and even the engagement with the community in education of  sustainability. Although never perfect, it is a good system that is improving all the time.

My Family and I had the good fortune to spend the holidays there.  First at the Ultimate Grade A sustainable Ranch/Farm/Resort Hotel.  El Rancho Margo.  Founded and run by a  its founder Juan Sostheim, who born in Chile, lived in Florida and then Europe for 15 years working in the chemical Industry , came to Costa Rica, fell in love with the land and decided he was going to create the a world class completely off the grid class A resort with a big overlay of education for all.  The place works. It is beautiful in function and aesthetics.  There is so much to do and keep you busy and active and so much to learn if you care.  The people really care and love what they do.  I highly recommend a stay when in Costa Rica.

We also river rafted for 2 days staying in a lodge on the river, only accessible by river. It was a real adventure. Class III/VI rapids and cool minimalist bungalows to sleep at night listening to the river roar.

Finally we ended the last few days in the Osa Peninsula at El Remanso, It is the furthest tip south before you sail off to Panama. We have a wonderful time there getting to know the owners and the team that run the the resort.  Spectacular, place, lodging and the people. and had a very fortuitous discovery of some Sea turtle eggs being uncovered as the river was eroding away at the beach.  We hopefully were able to save the eggs so they can have lots of little hatch-lings  scamper to the water.