#tbt

Look closely at this mid-1800s map of Costa Rica, and you might spot some major differences. 

Soccer in Costa Rica has come a long way.

Kennedy became the first sitting U.S. President to make an appearance in Costa Rica. 

I've always believed that the direction of my life was set by the birth of the Pan-American Highway (a.k.a. Inter-American Highway).

In 1884, San José, Costa Rica, became one of the first cities in the world to be illuminated with electric lighting.

Nearly 10 years ago, Pocho the crocodile died of natural causes in Siquirres, Costa Rica.

In March 1963, Irazú Volcano in Costa Rica began a period of eruptions that would last two years.

By the 1990s, Tamarindo and nearby surf spots — Witch's Rock, Ollie's Point — weren't exactly secrets, but the release of “Endless Summer II” really broke things wide open.

For years, La Fortuna's 8,000 residents made their peace with the consistently active volcano to form a delicate harmony.

By the 1990s, Tamarindo and nearby surf spots — Witch's Rock, Ollie's Point — weren't exactly secrets, but the release of “Endless Summer II” really broke things wide open.