Over and over again people tell us that the spontaneous hospitality of the Costa Rica people made their vacation extra special. To "Ticos", a smiling face and helping hand to friends, both old and new, are almost second nature. It is ingrained in their manner of speech and everyone greets each other, even in passing. Visitors quickly discover that "Ticos" take immense pride in their cultured, democratic society with its excellent educational and health its excellent educational and health care systems. A  Costa Rican's aspirations are limited only by his industry, imagination and ingenuity. Cooperative efforts are an integral par of the Costa Rica Culture yet the strength and dignity of the individual is highly  valued. Family is still very important to "Ticos". Anther fact  which keeps the country strong and on an even keel. Democracy, decision by consensus and non-military solutions are a way of life - from government right on down. Somewhat unique, in what has often been an otherwise politically and socially turbulent part of the world, Costa Rica's history holds the keys to the "Tico" national character. 

The Costa Rican penchant for taking the best of outside influences and adapting them goes back to pre-European contact. Cultural influences and material from both continents are reflected in archeological findings. No Jade deposits have found in Costa Rica. Metallurgy techniques probably came from the south. Yet many artifacts exist in jade, gold, pottery and other materials, their designs uniquely Costa Rican. Exquisite examples of the high level of Craftsmanship that was attained here can be admired at any of three downtown museums housing Pre Colombian exhibits: the National Museum, the Gold Museum, and the Jade Museum.

The "Ticos" spirit of cooperation also developed early. Between 300,000 and 500,000 people were living in Costa Rica when Columbus landed on the Atlantic coast in 1502. Contrary to popular myth, the coastal tribes put up quite a battle. Between their resistance , the impenetrable jungle an the apparent lack of treasure for plunder the Spaniards didn't give Costa Rica high priority. Eventually, colonizers came though what is now Guanacaste to the Central Valley. The only way for colonists to survive in this tiny, poor cousin colony was to live off the land. They built naive - style homes, made native-style clothes and learned the meaning of cooperation and tolerance. Yet, they were strongly individualistic. This was the origin of Costa Rica's firmly entrenched concept of solidarity groups working together, in cooperation with employers, for the well-being of the individual. 

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