Why are 95% of questions on this forum regarding Costa Rica?
 

I have never been to Costa Rica and would love to go and do plan to do so.<BR><BR>What amazes me is that 95% of the questions in this forum are about Costa Rica? Why? It is a piddly little place? OK there are quite a few Costa Ricans in the US but there are so many nationalities I find it difficult to believe so many people find Costa Rican history and culture far more interesting than all other Latin American history and culture.<BR><BR>Surely the Amazon, the Nile, Machu Pichu, Lake Titicaca, Iguazu Falls, Angel Falls, Patagonia, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires to name but a few places are more interesting places to visit. What is it about Costa Rica that attracts so many Fodorites?

Pete, The Nile? Surely you jest.

Actually, in the first 50 post here, most regard places in Mexico, not Costa Rica.<BR>But in any case, Costa Rica is beautiful, can be seen somewhat inexpensively and is safer than some of the other Latin American countries. Most people go for the beauty and wildlife, not history and culture.

Joaquim - you are a sharp cookie!<BR><BR>Ally - Thank you for providing me/us with your analysis on the situation. Yes, I have noticed that Mexico is also far more popular than most other parts in Latin America. Unfortunately I have not done an indepth study into the popularity of Costa Rica versus Mexico on this forum. <BR><BR>Why are these two places much more popular than anywhere else?

Since I'm one of those who loves CR, I'll throw out my 2-cents worth. Frankly, CR is easy. The Ticos are friendly; the country is lovely. I will agree their history &amp; culture is less interesting than other Latin American countries; however those are not my top priorities when I choose CR.<BR><BR>And as for THE most popular destination, or at least most popular topic on this forum, it's definitely Mexico.<BR>

try Costa Rica, it will get in your soul, can[t really tell you what it is,<BR>but the people, beauty and the pride of<BR>the country is beyond your imagination.<BR><BR>

What I want to know is &quot;Why are 95% of the questions on this forum regarding either Puerto Vallarta or Cancun?&quot;

Agreeing somewhat with the poster above, but please don't lump PV with Cancun*!* Cancun was &quot;built&quot; as a destination resort by the Mexican government. Puerto Vallarta has been (and still is in the &quot;right&quot; neighborhoods) a lovely friendly authentic local town for hundreds of years.

To those Costa Rica lovers, and I count myself among you, one thing that did disturb me about Costa Rica is how exploited it is. As a result of land speculation by foreigners, the Ticos cannot afford to buy homes in their own country. That's one of the things I learned from a tour guide on my trip. It's very sad.<BR>Jay

Maybe because Costa Rica has a stable political situation and economy, high literacy rate, and developed infrastructure to support the tourist industry? Besides the natural wonders, I think these factors make American &amp; Canadian tourists feeler safer than some other equally interesting central and south american destinations.

Dear Pete<BR>If you want a forum on somewhere else, you just have to fill in the boxes at the top of the screen with your destination. Then as if by magic you'll get a forum on that topic.<BR>Obviously you have 95% of questions on C.R. because this forum is regarding that destination.<BR>Beware when boarding the 'plane, that you are getting on the correct flight... you wouldn't want to end up in Egypt on the Nile (which is actually in N.Africa for your information and not in S.America) DER!!<BR>Good luck, sounds like you need it!

Cheryl,<BR><BR>Do you understand sarcasm? Sorry you must be American and I forgot that most (but not all) Americans don't.

Pete,<BR>Nice try! You made a mistake with the Nile (a huge one, I might add) and now you're trying to say you were being sarcastic. Sorry, amigo, you've been busted. There's nothing in your original post to support that contention!