Coasting Through Costa Rica

The Teatro Nacional, or National Theatre, can be found in the central part of San Jose, the country's capitol. Construction on the theatre began in 1891 and was funded by a tax on coffee, the main export for Costa Rica at the time. The National Theatre opened in 1897, with the first performance being Faust. The foyer of the theatre is a sight to see, containing a mural and statues. Performances take place multiple times a week as well as the National Symphonic Orchestra performing there for part of the orchestra's regular performance schedule.

The Museo Nacional, or National Museum, is located in San Jose. It was built in 1917 as a military barracks. To this day, there are still bullets in the outer walls of the building. It was turned into a museum in 1950. The National Museum contains historical artifacts related to Costa Rica's archaeological, colonial, and religious history, among others.

The Isla del Coco, or Cocos Island, is located off the shore of Costa Rica and is one of the National Parks of Costa Rica as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cocos Island became part of Costa Rica in 1832. It is a popular destination for scuba divers as it is know for its bountiful marine life. It is also uninhabited with the exception of two encampments of Costa Rican Park Rangers.

The Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, or Manuel Antonio National Park, was established in 1972 and covers over 4,000 acres. It is locates in the tropical forest and has a diverse population of land and marine animals and plants. It is one of the most popular national parks in Costa Rica with over 150,000 visitors each year. It is known for its beaches and hiking trails. The Manuel Antonio Beach was named as one of the 12 most beautiful national parks in the world by Forbes in 2011.