A Trip to Guatemala & Costa Rica
– Gems in Central America
by Estelle Hoyt, LMSW
Color is the word for Guatemala, and Nature is the word for Costa Rica. This, to me is the essence of the 18 day trip I just completed to these countries. At first, I opted to go just to Costa Rica, but when I read the highlights of th 5 day pre-trip to Guatemala, I changed my mind. Where else could I see a city surrounded by four volcanoes (Guatemala City), walk the old, cobble-stoned streets of a well-preserved colonial city with its multi-hued houses and cementaries (Antique), and finally visit an ancient, classic Mayan City, where a magnificent civilization reigned from about 300-500 A.D. (Tikal), I was not aware before my visit, that over 60% of today’s Guatemaltecos are Mayans, a friendly, warm people who love to show their handcrafts.
In contrast, Costa Rica has very few indigenous people, and was mainly settled by Europeans. It can proudly boast of being the only country in the Americas with no army. This was enacted in the l940’s, and monies were re-directed in the areas of health, and education. An estimated 97% of its population is literate. The United Nations has cited Costa Rica to set up its University for Peace. The only city we visited in CostaRica was San Jose, a bustling metropolis, proud of its European-style National Theatre, and several museums. From there on, we motor-coached north, almost to the border of Nicaragua, and then south along the Pacific coast.
It was interesting to see the different ecosystems of each region, to spot the exotic birds, or to look in wonder at the gaping mouth of a crocodile (was he smiling, or thinking about dinner?). The beauty of Costa Rica is indescribable, I hope to have the opportunity to return soon.
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