A Crowded Field of Contenders Vying to Be 'The Next Costa Rica'

By Stuart Emmrich
The New York Times

January 9, 2005

For the past decade or so, Costa Rica has been on the ''must do'' list for travelers who want to experience a guilt-free (but still occasionally luxurious) vacation, as it has been home to a growing number of eco-resorts, including the trend-setting Lapa Rios. (The luxury factor went up a notch with the recent arrival of the Four Seasons on the Peninsula Papagayo, bringing with it a state-of-the-art spa and a championship golf course.)

Now some other countries in Central America -- including Panama, Honduras, Nicaragua and even Guatemala -- have begun to muscle in on Costa Rica's territory.

Read more about Costa Rica.

Copyright 2005