Costa Rica land is absolutely beautiful, and its people are warm and inviting. With the numerous Costa Rica beach properties and lush eco-reserves, it has become a hot spot for tourists from around the world. Both locations are definitely destinations that you should visit?even if it is just the ?tourist experience? you're looking for. However, if you want to experience life similar to the natives, neither the beaches nor the eco-reserves are where you'll get a taste of the real Costa Rica. For that, you're going to have to head inland to the capital city of San Jose. That's where you'll get a taste of what the every day, not-so-commercial Costa Rican life is like. And if you're lucky, you'll get to live like a native and experience the nation's favorite pastime firsthand: A soccer match!



Soccer is Costa Rica's primary sport. The nation, which is about the size of West Virginia, has one team that represents the entire country. The team is called Los Ticos. The team travels around the world scrimmaging against other nations during the soccer season so they're not on their home turf too often but when they are, Costa Ricans, some of whom also call themselves ?Los Ticos,? pour out in droves to Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica to see Los Ticos play on good ol? Costa Rican land.

If you're interested in being a part of the excitement, be sure to check the sports calendar to see when Los Ticos will be playing on their home field. Estado Nacional de Costa Rica is located in La Sabana, San Jose. It promises to be an experience of real Costa Rica like any other. For those of you who are not into soccer, don't fret. San Jose, Costa Rica is still a great place to visit. After all, it is the largest city in the nation so you're sure to find something fun to do while you experience ?the real? Costa Rica. And if you tire of ?reality,? just remember that those beautiful white sandy Costa Rican beaches are just a car ride away.

by David Lovendahl, Developing Paradise