HISTORY
First authored by Jane Wallace, the book was then updated by
her daughter Beatrice Blake and Anne Becher. Beatrice prepared
this edition alone, but it is easy to see that the text has been
guided by a number of joyful souls.
RURAL TRAVEL AND AGROTOURISM
In 1992 this book was the first guidebook to use a green-rating
system. In this edition, the rating system is downplayed in favor
of focusing on community efforts.
Focusing on family farm visits allows Blake to show travelers
the connections among organic agriculture, appropriate energy
technology and diverse ecosystems. She writes: "By visiting
these communities, not only will you meet some lovely people,
but you will be inspired by their ability to put innovative principles
into practice."
For travelers wishing to experience tropical nature, there is
no better immersion than visiting the communities that are at
the forefront of conservation.
Exciting adventure sports are not omitted. One of the highlights
of the book is a review of the country's best canopy tours. Additional
"adventure reports" showcase innovative efforts throughout
the country.
Among the informative sidebars are capsule reviews of the Talamanca
Ecotourism Network, the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning
Center and turtle watching at Ostional Wildlife Refuge.
New
Key to Costa Rica covers all the bases – from the practical
details of deciding when and where to go to tips on learning Spanish
and volunteer vacations. For those seeking an eco trip, this book
is a must.
EXCERPTS
Even though the lodges on our on our sustainable ecotourism
list have largely been a positive force in Costa Rica society
and culture, we can no longer ignore the fact that the majority
of these ecolodges are owned by foreigners. there is hardly any
beach property in costa rican hands, except for beaches protected
by national parks. prices of farmland are often out of reach of
farmers, but easily accessible to foreigners. (p. xx)
When prospective tourists asked me to recommend a place where
they could see "how the people live," I was hard-pressed
to think of a community that had not given itself over to tourism
in a way that obliterated "how they live." Or else the
emphasis was on ecology and the Ticos were excellent guides, but
usually not in their own territory. (p. xiii)
ATVs have become popular lately, and they are probably fun and
a good way to get into the beautiful back country, but we are
prejudiced against them because of the noise and the seeming invasion
they make into small rural communities where most people can't
afford such toys. (p. 126)
If you have come to Costa Rica to get close to nature, you will
probably want to get out of San Jose as fast as possible. (p.
129)
REFERENCES
Author website
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