Costa Rica Vacations Blog

by Lisa Khajavi

Ponce de Leon, in his search for the fountain of youth, discovered Quepos in 1519.  Named for the Quepoa Indian population he encountered, this seaside gem has evolved through the banana industry, to palm oil, to tourism; which is now the area’s leading product.  In the late 1800’s, vast banana plantations were developed throughout the region. Bananas were shipped to world markets from the docks that now service the renowned sportfishing and diving operations.  In the 1980’s the focus became the hearty African Palms with their high quality palm oil.  Throughout all this transition the area has maintained marvelous charm and Quepos has established itself as a premier vacation destination, boasting the distinctions of world-class ecotourism and sportfishing to name just a couple of highlights.

Quepos is the gateway to perhaps the most popular National Park in all of Costa Rica: Manuel Antonio.  The trails within the park lead to some of the most dazzling and secluded white-sand beaches in all of Central America.  The emerald coves and a jungle-lined shoulder reaching an island of serenity will literally take your breath away.  You may catch glimpses of whimsical spider monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, loud and colorful parrots, giant toucans, three-toed sloths, as well as many exotic flowering plants and vibrantly colored insects, including luminescent butterflies that inspire and overwhelm the senses.  You may even see some of the last remaining squirrel or ‘titi’ monkeys left in all of Costa Rica.  Manuel Antonio Park is one of the two restricted habitats of the highly endangered titi, or squirrel monkey.  The birding opportunities are amazing, with more than 350 species spotted in the park’s small boundaries.  Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica’s smallest national park, but no doubt one of the most appreciated by locals and tourists alike and is second in visitors only to Poas National Park.  Easy walking trails boast panoramic views of Costa Rica’s dramatic coastline and meander through primary rainforest with over 300 species of trees.  Stunning!  The park is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. everyday except Mondays. Admission is $ 10 U.S. dollars for non-residents, and children under 12 enter free of admission.  Guided tours are available and highly recommended.

The town center of Quepos is a charming blend of seaside restaurants, bars, hotels, bakeries, art galleries and gift shops.  High Season runs December to April, and is mostly dry but still lush and beautiful.  The Festival del Mar dominates the month of February and features concerts, sporting events, parades and a street carnival with dancers from across the country. Quepos is brimming by Christmas, which is great fun.  The friendly locals are joined year round by families, surfers, ecotourists, backpackers, fishermen and take it all in stride, maintaining their own special brand of Pura Vida.  For people-watching, don’t miss Playa Espadilla just before the Manuel Antonio Park entrance, with its colorful street vendors and restaurants.

The panoramic views offered by the natural landscape are truly gorgeous, and can be enjoyed in a wide variety of accommodations from boutique hotels to luxury villas.  Buena Vista Villas, La Mansion, and Hotel El Parador are wonderful, each with unique charm and unparalleled views.  Buena Vista Villas is great for romantic honeymoon-like getaways, featuring privacy and the utmost elegance. The Parador is great for families, with lovely service, kid and adult friendly pool with a swim-up bar, and a family friendly restaurant.  The view from the Parador pool is my favorite in all of the area.  La Mansion is a cozy boutique experience that provides the service and cuisine that is all luxury, but with the personal touch by the friendly staff that really makes the experience above and beyond.

The activities to choose from are impressive:  canopy zip-line tours, estuary/mangrove tours, sport fishing, scuba, snorkeling, hiking, naturalist tours, sunset catamaran cruises, kayaking, river rafting, surfing, spa experiences, horse back riding, jet skiing, waterfall excursions, etc. etc.  etc.  Iguana Tours is a trusted and great source that is fantastic for service.    Lesser known is the ‘Spice Tour”, which is very unique and intriguing.  Farm Villa Vanilla is a tropical laboratory for sustainable agriculture, 10 miles East of Quepos and includes 27 acres of agriculture production and 125 acres of primary and secondary rainforest.  The organic, biodynamic crops include vanilla from the vanilla orchid, cinnamon, black pepper, allspice, and a variety of exotic fruits, essential oil and medicinal plants.  The tour takes you through the sights and smells of all these crops, plus informing along the way about sustainable practices such as: composting, animal husbandry, and permaculture.  Some spice treats and packs are included with the tour.  After the tour you can pick up the spices in the spice shop.  You will come away with an unforgettable experience of what makes the tropical rainforest unique.

Another unique experience, especially if you are a nature lover or are traveling with your children, is the Kids Saving The Rainforest in Quepos.  Ahh, what one young person with vision, passion, and community support can do.  For more information visit http://www.kidssavingtherainforest.org/.

The reforestation, rehabilitation of animals and other projects are worthy causes.  At their Saturday Camp, local and visiting children learn about the rainforest and everything in it: trees, plants, insects, and animals, such as sloths, kinkajous, and titi monkeys.  Learn ways to help and try to save the rainforest and specifically to prevent the titi monkey from extinction.  Create artwork, some of which will be sold to help save the rainforest in the KSTR store. It is a fun-filled learning experience to empower kids to save the planet.

These are just a few highlights of the many magical things in store for you in the Manuel Antonio/Quepos area. We can design a Quepos Costa Rica Vacation just for you, crafted by our local, passionate travel designers who live for providing the above and beyond!  Ponce de Leon was on to something!

To speak with an expert about any of this feel free to contact us here.

Quepos Costa Rica Vacation
by Lisa Khajavi

by Lisa Khajavi

Quick Guide
Updated October 10, 2008

General Information:

Country Name: Republic of Costa Rica

People:

Nationality: Noun and adjective–Costa Rican(s).  Locally known as ‘Ticos’ (Tica for female singular and Tico for male singular). Unlike many of their Central American neighbors, present-day Costa Ricans are largely of European rather than Mestizo descent; Spain was the primary country of origin. However, an estimated 10% to 15% of the population is Nicaraguan, of fairly recent arrival and primarily of Mestizo origin. Descendants of 19th-century Jamaican immigrant workers constitute an English-speaking minority and–at 3% of the population–number about 119,000. Few of the native Indians survived European contact; the indigenous population today numbers about 29,000 or less than 1% of the population.

Population (2006): 4.299 million.

Annual growth rate (2006 est.): 1.3%.
Ethnic groups: European and some Mestizo 94%, African origin 3%, Chinese 1%, Amerindian 1%, other 1%.
Religion: Roman Catholic 70.5%, Evangelical Protestant 13.8%, other 4.3%, none 11.3%.
Education: Years compulsory–9. Attendance–99% grades 1-6, 71% grades 7-9. Literacy–96%.
Health: Infant mortality rate–9.45/1,000. Life expectancy–men 74.61 years, women 79.94 years.
Work force (2006 est., 1.866 million; this official estimate excludes Nicaraguans living in Costa Rica legally and illegally): Agriculture–13%; industry–22%; services–64%.

Languages Spoken:

The official language is Spanish.  On the Caribbean Coast, a small minority of Jamaican descendants speak a local dialect of Creole-influenced English.  Even in rural areas most Costa Ricans can understand and speak a fair amount of Standard English. Quite recently all public schools made mandatory the learning of a second language.  Many people in the tourism sector speak English quite well and are proud and happy to practice!

Geography:

Area: 51,100 sq. km (19,730 sq. mi.) about the size of the states of Vermont and New Hampshire combined.  Cities: Capital–San Jose (greater metropolitan area pop. 2.1 million, the greater metropolitan area as defined by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Policy includes the cities of Alajuela, Cartago, and Heredia). Other major cities outside the San Jose capital area–Puntarenas, Limon, and Liberia.   Terrain: A rugged, central range separates the Eastern and Western coastal areas.

Climate:

Mild in the central highlands, tropical and subtropical in coastal areas.  Costa Rica has a stunning array of flora and fauna, and for a petite country boasts an incredible diversity of micro-climates.  Costa Rica is blessed with very pleasing and generally mild weather.  The year-round average in the Central Valley is 74° F and 85° F at the beaches.  There are two seasons, Summer and Winter.  Summer, or Verano in Spanish, is also called dry season which is from December to April and is characterized by beautiful, bright and sunny weather.  Winter, or Invierno in Spanish, is also called wet or green season which is from May to November and is characterized by daily afternoon showers.  There is a ‘little summer’ in July called ‘Veranillo San Juan’.  Some areas significantly change from the lush greens abundant in rainy season to a drier palate of beiges and brown in dry season, such as in the dry rainforest areas of the Guanacaste Province.  Winter used to be considered low season and Summer high season.  These terms are still used; however, even though there are generally fewer crowds and lower prices in low season, the popularity of Costa Rica has been so steady, that the most popular destinations are busy year-round.  Each season has its intense beauty and highlights, and because there is so much to see and do, one visit is usually not enough!

Currency:

Costa Rican Colon
Code:  CRC
Symbol:  ¢
Most major credit cards as well as traveler’s checks are widely accepted. The colon exchanges at approximately 554 per US Dollar (October 3, 2008) and 762 per Euro (October 3, 2008).  Travel costs are significantly higher here than in most Central American countries, but less expensive than in the US or Europe.  The value is very high for distinctive experiences, service and diversity.  More than a million tourists visit each year to indulge in volcanoes, beaches and rainforest activities, to name a few!

Electrical Plugs:

No Adaptors required for US/Canadian standard plugs

120 V     60 Hz

Time Zone:

Costa Rica is six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is equivalent to Central Time in North America. There is no daylight saving time.
GMT/UTC -6

Country Dialing Code:
+506

Weights & Measures:
Metric

Entry Requirements:

With a valid passport and round trip or continuing ticket, citizens of the United States of America, Canada, Germany, Spain and Italy can travel to Costa Rica for a 90-day stay without a consular visa. Passports should be in good condition; Costa Rican immigration will deny entry if the passport is damaged in any way. To stay legally beyond the period granted, travelers will need to submit an application for an extension to the Office of Temporary Permits in the Costa Rican Department of Immigration. There is a departure tax for tourists of $26 per person, payable at some local banks or at the airport before check-in. Tourists who stay over ninety days without receiving a formal extension can expect to pay a higher departure tax at the airport or land border, and may experience some delay at the airport. Persons who have overstayed previously may be denied entry to Costa Rica.

Vaccinations:

As of this time, Costa Rica does not require visitors to have any particular vaccinations, although you should make sure that all your normal vaccinations are up to date.  For more information visit:  http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx
For a wide variety of detailed traveler’s  information visit: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1093.html

Medical Facilities & Services:

Any foreigner who is temporarily in the country has the right to receive health attention at hospitals and clinics in case of an emergency, sudden illness or a chronic disease. Costa Rica boasts a modern and renowned medical health system, under the administration of the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS).  Two well known hospitals in the Central Valley are Clinica Biblica and CIMA.

To speak with an expert who lives, works and plays in Costa Rica contact:
http://www.naturevacations.com/

What to Bring:

•    Sunscreen and insect repellent, deet-based recommended if you are planning to hike in parks/rainforest/cloud forest, etc.
•    Shirts: cotton or light fabric, long- and short-sleeved.
•    Pants: cotton or light synthetic pants
•    Hiking shorts
•    2  swimsuits
•    Light summer wear if you are heading for the beach:  sarongs for the ladies are great and multi-purpose, shorts, tank tops, etc.
•    Footwear: waterproof, light-weight hiking boots, river sandals (Teva or Reef-type sandals), tennis shoes/running shoes. If you do not bring hiking boots, make sure you bring TWO pairs of tennis shoes so that you will always have a dry pair.  The former are recommended no matter where your destination for any activities you wish to experience.  If heading to the beach bring flip-flops and/or light sandals as well.
•    If you are traveling to turtle nesting areas bring dark pants and shirt, and closed-toe shoes without reflective material.
•    Socks: bring extra
•    Rain gear: poncho, raincoat and umbrella.
•    Hats with brim for rain and sun protection.
•    Plastic water bottle: especially for hikes and to refill to minimize waste.
•    Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb, especially for remote destinations.
•    Camera and plenty of film and extra batteries/battery charger and plenty of memory for a digital.
•    Ziplock plastic bags for gels and liquids, and plastic garbage bags for wet items.
•    Back-up prescription glasses and medication (if applicable).
•    Small day pack or fanny pack for hikes.
•    Light sweater or jacket for in and out of San Jose, or some of the higher elevation locations like Monteverde
•    Heavier Jacket if you plan to visit Mt. Chirripo
•    Extra Underwear.
•    Sunglasses.
•    Soft bag or backpack for souvenir shopping
•    Binoculars
•    Field guides for those interested in the local flora and fauna
•    Casually elegant evening wear for dinner depending on location
•    Adventurous spirit and smile!

Costa Rica Vacation Information

by Lisa Khajavi

Enhance your health and mood with tropical treasures

Imagine if the delicious cup of coffee, the freshly made piña colada, the exotic fragrance of wild orchids, or the rich rainforest chocolate could be part of your spa experience.   By featuring these, and many other ingredients, within various health, relaxation and beauty treatments, the spa pampering that you will receive here will give you a unique, personal connection to the local environment here in lush Costa Rica.  Many of the products can be purchased to take home with you so you can rejuvenate when back home as well, while being reminded of your exotic journey to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse and intense places on the entire planet.  Each region has its own microclimates with specific representative flora and fauna to dazzle you.  It is amazing how many things grow and flourish here, providing an incredible array of fruits, nuts, spices and oils which end up in hand-made organic spa products.  Many spas offer a holistic or integral service of international quality, in a warm and personalized manner characteristic of the Costa Rican people. Add the wondrous source of natural, local ingredients such as coffee, brown sugar, coconut, papaya, mango, sea salt, organic rainforest chocolate and the result is magical; a small taste of the treasures in store for you here.  These local gems in the able hands of soothing local practitioners will put you into relaxed bliss, leaving you thinking about your time here long after you leave.  What a way to enhance your trip-  this is Pura Vida!

One of my favorite places is Hotel Punta Islita in the Nicoya Peninsula, home to the  Casa Spa which artfully incorporates herbalist wisdom from the local Chorotega tribe into their treatments.  Punta Islita’s own organic garden provides the ingredients for many of the spa’s treatments. According to Dorelia Mulca, director of the Casa Spa, the current trend is to return to our origins, where great value is placed on the natural. “We must not forget that the ancestral indigenous shamans would heal with herbs and rituals,” she points out.  Choose from an array of wonderful treatments for him or her, families, athletes, kids, teens even special treatments for women that are pregnant.  The Punta Islita Ritual massage is amazing, featuring heated river stones, herbal oil-infused compress ball, and a Guaro Cacique (local Costa Rican sugar cane spirits) drizzle.  The Guanacaste Traditions body treatment and massage uses papaya, mango, banana and pineapple which smells and feels great, and leaves your skin super smooth.  The Cappuccino Massage with almond oil and chocolate or the Green Coffee Pick-Me-Up (detoxifying with organic coffee beans) are to die for.  There are so many to choose from using ingredients such as cucumber, mint, aloe, orange, honey, volcanic mud, avocado, sesame oil, rosemary, vanilla, honeysuckle, golden algae; the list goes on!  Dorelia has done a terrific job.  The hotel is also stunning and has a great mix of nature, art and community in a stunning setting.  Check out the local church and school built with the design and funding of the architect and his wife Ronald Zurcher.  The infinity pool at the top of the resort is great, but you can also enjoy a pool lower at the seaside, and dine there also to the sounds of the sea.

Another great spot is the Neidín Spa at Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa in the basin of the majestic Arenal Volcano in the Inland Volcano area.  In Bribri indigenous dialect, the word neidín means small nest or point of rest to recover lost energy. Thanks to amazing views, excellent service, and top quality treatments, you can’t help but leave the spa with a sense of complete luxury and well-being. Tocando El Cielo is a great pampering and includes a grape pulp wrap, followed by an orange and honey polish, a “wave” massage (two therapists and four hands), an exotic herb and flower bath and a glass of sparkling wine to finish; scrumptious!  The Chocolate Fantasy is the ultimate; starting with the chocolate and sugar glow, followed by the sweet chocolate body wrap and finishing with a super aromatic mint and chocolate bath.  This is the nicest hotel in Arenal, with stunning views of the volcano.  Don’t miss the trails surrounding the property that are gorgeous with the species of fauna marked for you.

The newest destination by Grupo Islita of Hotel Punta Islita is El Silencio Lodge & Spa
nestled within the cloud forest of Los Bajos del Toro.  Located just an hour and a half away from San Jose in the inland central volcanic region, treatments at The Wellness Spa are just as natural as the sounds of nature surrounding it. It offers a menu designed to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. Recommendations: El Silencio Purifying Revival Massage in the cone room. This is an aromatherapy massage treatment utilizing hot oil compress ball with herbs like thyme, oregano and mint meant to increase relaxation.  The cone-shaped room was specifically designed to capture positive energy from the forest that surrounds it, with the intent of enhancing the effectiveness of the treatments. Also offered are packages that combine wraps, exfoliating treatments, facials and aromatherapy using more fabulous ingredients: lime, honey, volcanic clay, coconut, carrot, and so on. The hotel’s organic orchard on property supplies fruits and vegetables to be used in the treatments.  For couples the Meditation Duet is amazing.  It starts with an organic herbal massage, followed by the brown sugar, vanilla and coconut body polish accompanied by organic wild blackberries and sparkling wine, such bliss!  You can hike in splendor, visit nearby canopy zip-lines, river rafting trips and horseback riding.  This place is heaven in the cloud forest.

Next is the place with my favorite view in all of the Quepos area:  Hotel El Parador Boutique Resort & Spa.   Located on the Central Pacific Coast in a region of great beauty, El Parador boasts gorgeous, panoramic ocean views.  This gem is close to the Manuel Antonio National Park where you can hike through the park to pristine white sand beaches, viewing a myriad of wildlife along the way.  Back at the hotel, the Pacífica Spa offers all kinds of natural treatments, including special day packages. Highlights include sand exfoliation, aloe vera relief wrap (if you have had too much sun), and the papaya and honey facial.  The ginger-orange body mask is invigorating and super aromatic.  The ylang-ylang milk bath is especially soothing.  For men the Naturally for Him is excellent which includes a relaxing exfoliating cappuccino bath, a volcanic mud wrap with a hydrotherapeutic massage, a facial and a hot stone massage.  Also offered are yoga lessons and a special place designed for couple’s massages with a spectacular ocean view.  All spa visitors receive a plate of fruits. The spa also has its own line of products.

Another option near Manuel Antonio National Park is the only 5 star hotel in the area: Gaia Hotel & Reserve featuring the Terra Spa.  The surrounding forest reserve is a perfect backdrop for the spa with great sounds and sensations.  This hotel is very modern and elegant with clean long lines and great light.  Terra Spa offers an array of treatments and therapies that use organic natural products, many of which are certified and produced by locals that also follow the sustainable concept adopted by the hotel.  Terra Tuning is one of the most popular and holistic packages.  This 4 hour splurge includes a sauna session, Reiki chakra balancing, Thai massage, and organic facial treatment using all local hand-made products.  The organic facial is called the Arco Iris and includes Papaya Exfoliation Polish, Citrus Cleansing Lemon Meringue Mask, and Mango Dream Hydrating Cream.  Part of the facial is a sumptuous acupressure scalp and foot massage.  Also available is the “Vichy Rain Shower,” which consists of a hydrotherapeutic massage of a warm rain shower in the tropical forest where you select your desired temperature and which is recommended to follow with an exfoliation.  Elegance and sophistication in the rainforest!

Last but not least is another all-time favorite, Xandari Resort & Spa.  Located in tropical paradise some 1,200 meters above sea level and boasting a beautiful view of the Central Valley, the Xandari Spa is located at only 20 minutes away from Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela.  This is fabulous on your way in and out of San Jose traveling internationally, you can do fabulous day trips or half-day trips very easily from Xandari to Poas Volcano, Doka Coffee Tour, Sarchi, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Sarapiqui, Reventazon, or Pacuare River Rafting, Villa Blanca Canopy Tour and many others.  One of the Xandari Spa’s outstanding feature is that each spa treatment provides you your own palm-thatched jalapa with its own Jacuzzi. There you may experience the feeling of mind, body and soul melting into nature in complete privacy.  One of the big treats is Xandari Heaven, which involves three hours of enjoyment in your private jalapa: Jacuzzi jets, followed by an aromatherapy treatments for your hair, exfoliation for your entire body and a soft or deep massage of your choice. Some of the key special treatments that focus on local ingredients include: Selva de Osa mud wrap using 100% natural sediment from the Osa Peninsula, Coffee and Macademia Buff to polish and hydrate your skin, or Papaya Body Polish.  The views, service, architecture, art all come together for a unique and special Costa Rica experience only 20 minutes from San Jose’s International Airport.  Those of us that live here in the central valley can escape to Xandari in minutes and feel we are a world away with all the amenities you could ever hope for.

by Lisa Khajavi

What is the ideal Vacation Package to Costa Rica?  Pretty much whatever you can dream up is available in Costa Rica.  For a country roughly the size of Vermont and New Hampshire combined, there is an incredible amount of diversity available for any kind of traveler.   The geography and the resultant micro climates alone are amazing.  From rain forests to cloud forests, Pacific and Caribbean beaches, volcanoes, islands, abundant national parks, and the bustling Central Valley, there is literally something for everyone.  What is the vacation you have been dreaming of?

Adrenaline on Demand:  The All Out Costa Rica Adventure Vacation

Are you happy when upside down or in constant motion?  There are many ways to satisfy this craving in Costa Rica including: class 4 white water rafting on the Reventazon, bungee jumping over the Colorado River Gorge, dramatic waterfall rappelling in Arenal, exhilarating zip line canopy tour in lush Monteverde, hiking into the depths of the amazing Corcovado Park, sea kayaking in the Caribbean, action-packed guided mountain bike tours, camping and climbing to Costa Rica’s highest peak Chirripo, hard-core custom surfing trip to Witch’s Rock and beyond, diving with the dolphins off of the Osa and Canos Island.  The list goes on…

Beach Bum:  Sun and Sand

Looking for the endless summer? Nearly two-thirds of Costa Rica’s borders are beaches.  Combine this with year-round summer temperatures averaging in the 80’s and you don’t have to look hard at all.  Whether you seek night life or seclusion, local culture or surf culture Costa Rica has it all, and with accommodations to fit every budget/lifestyle.  Some key beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula include the lively Tamarindo, Malpais, and Montezuma as well as the more secluded Samara, Nosara, Hermosa and Playa Grande.  One of the most visited parks and beaches is Manuel Antonio just outside of Quepos.  Farther South you have the raw and seemingly untouched Drake Bay in the Osa Peninsula, and on the other side near Golfo Dulce you have the Pan Dulce, and farther up over on the Caribbeaan Coast the beautiful Manzanillo and Cahuita.  All the beaches have easy access to many activities and National Parks as well.

Hooked on Ease:  The All Inclusive Vacation

We have heard from many people from various professions, married or single, with or without children that they love all-inclusive.  The highlight is definitely on convenience; everything is taken care of from transportation to lodging,food and drinks, and in many cases the activities and tours as well. The time to unwind and feel like you are really on vacation is minimal, you sink right into ultra-relaxation mode.  If you have teenagers with constant appetites, no problem, with all meals and non-alcoholic drinks included.  Many places have special kid’s activities and shows with child care centers for the smaller ones.  The resorts are safe, contained communities, where you don’t have to worry about your teenager wandering too far in uncharted territory.  If you want to have a bit more flexibility and see some of the surrounding areas, you can arrange during your visit many different day and half-day tours.  Canopy zip-line adventures, national park tours, hiking, rappelling, white water rafting to name just a few.  You can do as little or as much as you like with all the basics covered.

I could go on an on with all of the options:  spa and hot springs packages, luxury resort packages, casino resort experiences, cultural tours, indigenous focus vacations, eco-naturalist vacations, agro-packages including an organic chocolate plantation in Talamanca,the best custom surf camp packages from beginner to advanced, volcano/mountain/beach combo packages…..  The list is endless, and the best way to come up with your ideal trip is to talk to one of our travel designers that lives, works and plays in Costa Rica.  Our travel designers will listen to your expectations and wishes and custom design the Vacation Package to Costa Rica of your dreams!

For your Vacation Package to Costa Rica -click here-

by Lisa Khajavi

So here I am flying over this sea of green to my ‘Luxury’ vacation in the jungle.  Can somebody please explain HOW I am going to be given a luxury experience in this place?  I have not seen anything resembling civilization in some time let alone a luxury resort.  Where I am flying to is a place in southern Costa Rica, in the Osa peninsula where researchers have labeled the region as one of the most rich in the world for bio-diversity.  It is not that I NEED a luxury vacation; I am a workaholic so anything resembling relaxation is luxurious to me but I am now a bit critical as we have paid for a luxury vacation in Costa Rica and I am now looking forward to seeing how that can be accomplished here.

So as we start to descend we get a wonderful look at a rural village in Costa Rica and we circle in for an approach to what I thought was a small dirt road but turned out to be the airport!  I brace for a rough landing but am gifted with a soft touchdown, obvious showoff from the pilot.  The terminal is a thatch hut but despite the lack of modern airport look and feel, out come the baggage handlers and support people with efficiency rivaling any International airport.  I thank the Captain and give him a thumbs up for his landing and we are whisked into our Land Rover.

‘So everybody welcome to Drake Bay, we will be crossing a river in a mile or two, don’t worry it is not very deep and we will get you to your boat’ says our happy-go-lucky driver.  ‘Boat, what boat’ I think to myself with a bit of a smile.  Sure enough there is was a nice river which was not too deep but the water was washing over the hood!  Despite my nervous dance in my seat we navigated through without getting even our toes wet.  ‘By the way, you may want to take off your shoes for the boat’ our driver advises.  ‘Huh?’, ‘What does he mean?’, I ask my wife.  She smiles as if to say, go with the flow.

As we make our way through the jungle the driver stops and points out a small building painted a playful blue color.  He says ‘This is our school sponsored by NatureAir, called Nature Kids.  We teach English to the village kids for free.’.  ‘People who speak English make more money than those that don’t, so we are helping the community to help themselves, if we work in tourism we don’t need to cut the trees.’  My wife is a teacher and she gave me that look, ‘impressive’.

We arrive in town, which is saying a lot but they have a Church, a School, and a store and everyone was jumping in to help us get our things down to the beach.  Well here comes the barefoot part, no dock so into the water we go as the villagers carry our bags overhead to the boat.  Our boat ride is short as the cove is just a few hundred meters away but as we enter the cove our boat driver says ‘Up there is the river, you can paddle up there when the tide comes in and see lots of animals then have an easy paddle down as the tide goes out again.’.  I look at my wife, ‘like we are going to do that, looks like animal kingdom up there!’.

Our boat driver docks us quickly and helps us out where we are greeted by a young girl who is obviously from the States, ‘Welcome to La Paloma Lodge, let’s get you settled in.’.  So we walk up into what looks like a scene from Swiss Family Robinson.  We start to see small huts built into the jungle, each with a unique personality.  These are NOT cookie cutter modern construction units you see in every corner of the globe, these are the real deal.  They are made from bamboo, teak and other local woods and look like they belong there.

We arrive at the main building and are offered a drink which was made from jungle juice, literally!  We are escorted to our two story cabin and allowed to start our vacation.  So off to the upper deck I go with my book in hand for a bit of reading.  My wife points out, no computers, no phones, no TVs!  I get about one chapter in when I hear a rustling in the trees, I look up to see the squirrel or swallow or what not but nope, it was a Toucan, sitting about 1 meter away on a tree branch, hmmm thats interesting!  My wife whispers up from downstairs, there is some giant furry thing out here!  So down I go, and sure enough there is a dog-sized animal in the trees moving very very slowly, a three-toed sloth I am later told.    They must trap them I tell my wife.

So off to dinner we go and we find large tables set up where we sit with two other couples who share in great conversation over great home style cooking with the best fruit and vegetables found in Costa Rica.  Every need is catered to and we are treated like honored guests.  After dinner with a Cognac in hand we are treated to monkeys visiting us and the other adventurers for what seemed like hours.  Time moves slower here and the mind is free to think, no electronic intervention nbecessary.

We welcomed our bed that night and there is new meaning to the word dark as the lack of civilization makes for darkness deeper than any I have seen, then the rain.  Down comes the rain, not rain in the typical sense but rain that has personality.  The power of the rain is felt but at the same time is comforting, it lasts a few hours and is replaced by the most wonderful smell of the jungle.  We are asleep quickly and completely.

No it is not the sounds of car horns and sirens or the car alarms, it is the Howler.  If not for the guide book borrowed from the library after dinner we would have been looking for a good hiding place.  Despite their small size the Howler is monstrous in voice.  That is a new kind of wake up call I think to myself!

Off to breakfast and a new day’s adventures!  ‘So what will it be…diving with White Fin Sharks off Canos Island, whale watching off shore, nature hike into the jungles of Corcovado?’, they ask.  My wife and I look up at each other…’Nope, how about paddling up the mouth of the river at high tide?’.

‘Man this is luxury isn’t it honey?’, she only smiles…’Yes honey, it is…’.

Wayward Traveler

by Lisa Khajavi

Nature, Turtles, Hiking, Culture and more…

Tortuguero National Park is the entrance way to one of the most diverse displays of flora and fauna in Costa Rica, boasting a waterway of famed beauty.  It is also the most important area in the western Caribbean for turtle preservation, as it is here where the Green Turtle (Chelonia Mydas) and others come to lay their eggs.  Protecting marine turtles was a principal reason for the creation of the park, because the black-sand beaches are nesting grounds for the gigantic Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys Coriacea), the attractive Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricata) and the brown-colored Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta Caretta).

Located in Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean region, just 80 kilometers north of the city of Limon, this protected wildlife area was created in 1975. The park is comprised of a network of natural and navigable canals and lagoons of grand beauty that cross the park in a southeast to northeast direction. They are home to species such as Manatees (Trichechus Manatus) and Crocodiles (Crocodylus Acutus).  You will be able to see fish oddities like the Tropical Gar (Atractosteus Tropicus), which is considered a living fossil and amazing birds like the Great Blue Heron (Ardea Herodias) which is the largest of its kind found in the country.  You will also find the Northern Jacana (Jacana Spinosa), famous in the animal kingdom for it is the female that defends her family’s territory while the male takes care of their hatchlings.

The park encompasses an extension of 26,156 hectares of solid ground and approximately 50,160 hectares of marine territory. It presents a vast diversity of ecosystems, among which the most noted are swamp and marsh lands leading to extremely humid forest habitats that house an abundance of tree life of great ecological value. Standouts include Crabwoods (Carapa Guianensis) and Banaks (Virola), which are recognized for their golden fruit as well as the illustrious Swamp Palms (Raphia Taedigera), whose leaves can reach up to 15 meters in length and can be found lining the canals and tinting their waters black due to the plant’s high tannin content.

In general, the park’s rich species content can be appreciated in the more than 400 kinds of trees, around 2,200 varieties of plants and 405 types of birds, the latter amounting to half of all existing bird species of Costa Rica and more than can be found in all of Europe. This vast diversity is present in the amphibian, reptilian, fish and insect populations of the region.

Tortuguero also presents cultural richness. Its Caribbean location makes it one of the main centers of the Afro-Caribbean culture in our country. A large portion of the local population is of Jamaican descent and conserves the traditions, food and many religious beliefs of their ancestors. Their dishes are spicy, with coconut serving as a base ingredient in most recipes.  One of the most popular is the ‘Rondon’, a tasty fish and vegetable stew made with fresh coconut milk. There is no lack of restaurants and small eateries in the town of Tortuguero, which also features traditional Costa Rican food.

Getting to Tortuguero:  NatureAir’s scenic half -hour flight is a great way to soak in incredible views, including spectacular sightings of turtles in the ocean.  Tortuguero’s airstrip is closed temporarily due to improvements being made, and in the meantime the alternate airstrip of Barra del Colorado is being used.  The route by ground is also very scenic and a great adventure by land and sea, or land and river.  The wildlife along the way is abundant and definitely a worthwhile part of the experience.

Tortuguero Hotels & Lodging: A number of hotels surround the canals and offer packages that include transportation from San Jose, lodging, food and the entrance fee to the park, plus a guided tour of the canals.  The wonderful Manatus Lodge offers an elegant experience with delicious cuisine.   The tour to watch marine turtles in action during nesting season (June to October) is amazing and often offered separately.   An additional hiking tour up the Cerro Tortuguero is also available, featuring a spectacular view of the canals and adjacent flat lands.

Here is a sample of a few Tortuguero hotels:
Manatus Hotel
Laguna Lodge
Pachira Lodge
For a list of more Tortuguero and Caribbean Coast hotels click on this link.

Several local restaurants and a quaint marine turtle museum are found in the town of Tortuguero itself. The cost of visiting the museum is by donation, with the goal of supporting the investigations of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, which studies the reptiles of Tortuguero.  The turtle tours are limited and done very carefully at night with special lights in small groups as to not disturb the nesting patterns of these magnificent creatures.

The nature and culture of Tortuguero is a wonderful opportunity to experience one of Costa Rica’s most important areas for turtles, as well as overall natural diversity while at the same time enjoying the rich Afro-Caribbean influences present there.  No matter if you are a first time visitor to Costa Rica or returning, it is an important and exciting destination.

Tortuguero National Park
Nature, Turtles, Hiking, Culture and more…
By Lisa Khajavi

by Lisa Khajavi

Something for Everyone

Way back in the day Tamarindo was a well-kept secret; a sleepy surfer’s paradise sparsely populated with local fishermen, quaint accommodations, and loads of natural beauty and wildlife. The excellent surf and abundant flora and fauna are still there, however much has changed, and Tamarindo is a secret no more. So many additional features are available which can truly provide travelers a phenomenal, unforgettable vacation. It is the ideal place for honeymoons and weddings, couples, families, eco-adventurers as well as single travelers. A Tamarindo Costa Rica Vacation has something for everyone: world-class surfing, sport fishing, SCUBA, snorkeling, wildlife tours, golf, tennis, kayaking, boating, jet skiing, horseback riding, yoga, spas, National Parks, zip-line tours, international restaurants, bustling nightlife, live music, boutiques for shopping, art gallery, medical clinic, commercial plazas, banks with ATM’s and Costa Rica’s highest-end supermarket Auto Mercado. Lodging can be from simple to luxurious, with many choices in between. Boutique inns, bed and breakfasts, resort hotels, luxury villas, romantic spa lodges are all dispersed throughout the long, white sand beaches and elegant seaside hills. Even with all of this, the area has managed to retain its charm; some places are just magical and what manages to catch and keep our attention is more than just location. The energy is vibrant yet at the same time balanced with the purely Costa Rican “pura vida”. It is not just the warmth of the tropical sun you will love, but the warmth and sincerity of the people as well.

The town has approximately 2000 full time residents, with an eclectic, international flair. The multi-cultural population gives the town a fun mixture of influences, and is easily seen in the wonderful restaurants and inviting shops. From Italian, to vegan, to local “tipico” Costa Rican, you can find it all. The local seafood is fresh and fantastic; Dorado or Mahi-Mahi is caught fresh daily, as well as Red Snapper, shrimp, and the makings for excellent ceviche. You can spend an evening dining, and then stroll amongst the night-time hot spots and people watch, dance, or listen to live music. During the day the boutiques have an interesting mixture of local and imported products, from clothing to crafts, pottery, paintings, jewelry, surf gear, beach wear and so on. The local color and feel is lovely and entertaining.

Tamarindo Beach is part of a bay formed by a cape, Cabo Velas, which is Spanish for sails, or sailfish. This beach is wonderful; a long stretch of white sand with excellent surf for every level of surfers, body surfers, wave paddlers and swimmers alike. Just in front of charming Hotel Capitan Suizo is a great beginner’s break, and a very nice sea kayak takeoff point. All local water sports can be accessed from this friendly beach. The famous surf of Playa Grande lies just to the North of Tamarindo Beach. The two beaches are separated by a natural salt water estuary, Estero Tamarindo. South of Tamarindo Bay there is another beautiful secluded estuary and beach, Playa Langosta. The world class Witch’s Rock can be reached by custom or group tours with Witch’s Rock Surf Camp or Iguana Surf for advanced surfers. These companies also provide all levels of instruction right on Tamarindo Beach. During the December to April period when the water turbidity is low, fishing may be done from the shore with Jack’s, Dorado, Sea Bass and Rooster Fish amongst the possible catches.

Playa Grande and Playa Langosta are protected nesting areas for the Giant Leatherback Turtles, and are part of the aptly named Las Baulas National Park surrounding Tamarindo. These beaches are the major nesting areas worldwide for the turtles, which arrive from October to March to lay their eggs. Eco-sensitive tours led by official guides are available to take visitors to see this incredible event. The leatherbacks take over the beach, digging their nests up to one meter deep, lay their eggs and cover the pit with sand, returning once again to the sea. After 60 to 90 days, the hatchlings emerge and immediately make their way back to the water. Another natural wonder is the jungle boat tour, where a breathtaking diversity of birds, mammals, and reptiles can be seen as you meander through the deep mangroves in the estuary on locally made skiffs, in small, intimate groups.

No matter what your interests are you will find many wonderful things to indulge with in Tamarindo!

Tamarindo is the most accessible beach area along the Northern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, located in the Province of Guanacaste 10 degrees 18 minutes North and 85 degrees 49 minutes West. Tamarindo has an airstrip serviced 7 days a week from San Jose and Liberia. Nature Air provides several flights daily; Tamarindo can be reached in a mere 40 minutes from San Jose with large sightseeing windows providing breathtaking views of the Central Valley volcanoes and the Gulf of Nicoya along the way, to name a few sights! Based in San Jose, Costa Rica, Nature Air is Central America’s premier airline for adventure travel, luxury vacations and eco tours and is the only Costa Rican airline with an all-twin-engine fleet of planes, offering travelers a reliable, innovative and fun airline. Recently NatureAir was honored by the Rainforest Alliance in May 2008 for being the world’s first carbon neutral airline. Private charter services are available as well. For those that are not pressed for time, it is a four to five hour drive from the main international airport (Juan Santa Maria) in San Jose, and a 45 minute drive from the international airport (Daniel Oduber) in Liberia.

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Something for Everyone

by Lisa Khajavi