The Rich Coast: History and Heart of Costa Rica
Nestled in the narrow strip of land connecting North and South America, Costa Rica is a small country with a remarkable story. When Spanish explorers first sailed along its shores in the early 1500s, they noticed the local people wearing shimmering gold ornaments. Believing the land was filled with buried treasure, the explorers named the region Costa Rica, which means "Rich Coast." While they did not find mountains of gold, the nation discovered a different kind of wealth in its fertile volcanic soil, stunning wildlife, and vibrant cultural traditions.
Long before European travelers arrived, diverse Indigenous groups called this land home. Tribes such as the Bribri, Cabécar, and Boruca lived in harmony with the surrounding tropical forests. One of the most fascinating mysteries from this ancient era is found in the Diquís Delta, where Indigenous craftspeople carved hundreds of near-perfect stone spheres out of solid rock. These mysterious globes range in size from just a few inches to over six feet across. Modern archaeologists believe they were symbols of leadership and community importance, showing the incredible skill of early Costa Rican artisans.
- fertile:
- Rich in nutrients and able to support the healthy growth of many plants.
- artisans:
- Skilled craftspeople who make things by hand.
- abolished:
- Officially put an end to a rule, system, or organization.
- philosophy:
- A set of core beliefs and values that guide how someone lives.
- ecotourism:
- Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and supports local communities.
- intricate:
- very detailed, complicated, or made of many closely combined parts
One passage, many ways to practice
Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts — all built from this text.
Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Purpose
Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
Ready to use this passage in class?
Start free with the Mixed worksheet and 3 PDF downloads each week. Focused skill sets depend on plan.
Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Why did Spanish explorers name the region Costa Rica in the early 1500s?
- 2What are some Indigenous tribes that lived in Costa Rica before European arrival?
Where this passage belongs
You Might Also Like
About this informational passage for Upper Elementary
“The Rich Coast: History and Heart of Costa Rica” is a informational reading passage about Costa Rican Culture, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 4 minutes to read (526 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.