AM Costa Rica is reporting there’s been a decrease in visitors to Coast Rica for 2006. Further, internet statistics show a “decline in interest in Costa Rica”. online papers and e-zines are losing readership. “Tourist operators say business is off 35 percent”

What’s up with Costa Rica? Tourism officials there suggest several possible explanations for the decline in tourism: bad roads, crappy infrastructure, the softening of the housing market in the U.S. But talk to anyone who’s done time in Costa Rica, and the reason will hit you upside the head and demand your wallet. read more»

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So I stop in to view the Coiba photo exhibit at Multi Plaza, Punta Pacifica’s new mall. Coiba was an isolated penal colony. Now its one of the biggest marine parks in the world. It’s got the largest coral reef in the Western Pacific. Perfect for diving, snorkeling, fishing. The photos of Coiba striking. It’s Panama old school. Pristine. There’s been some talk about overturning the law that protects Coiba. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen. Panama can’t afford to allow the tourism, lumber, or fishing industries to turn this amazing island into another foul hole. read more»

You probably know that [tag]Panama[/tag] has a rich [tag]history[/tag] of pirating. Mostly they’ve been the victims of pirates. Henry Morgan made a famous raid on Panama Viejo in 1671. I remember reading about his exploits when I was a child. For a murdering bastard he was an amazing man. With only two thousand semi-starved men he marched across the isthmus and successfully sacked a city garrisoned with cannon, over four thousand troops, and four hundred horsemen. read more»