The gringos are coming---Playa Herradura

Playa Herradura is a beach about 5 miles away from our condo here. It is currently the up-and- coming spot, because it is gorgeous. We took a taxi in, and as we drove into this once sleepy town, we could tell that the gringos have pretty much taken it over. A gorgeous Hilton resort had been thrown up, and massive amounts of condos and vacation homes (Gringo style) are being built. It reminded me of Arizona, during the housing boom peak.

Speaking of which, it has become apparent to us that the increase in tourism here in Costa Rica is really starting to take a toll on many of the natives. Every neighbor, taxi driver, and person we talk to mentions how sad it is that many of their treasured areas are now filled with resorts, tennis courts, and condos. I wouldn't say any of them are bitter about it, (probably because many of them are reaping the financial benefit from it) but you can read the sadness on their faces anytime the "growth" is mentioned.

Anyhow, the small town of Herradura, does provide us with a clean, virtually empty beach, perfect for kids. The waves at the beach by our house are dangerous, in fact people literally drown there every week, so this was a relief to be able to let the kids go in the smooth, reef protected waters. Here is Herradura...