Archive for December 27th, 2007
Thursday, December 27th, 2007
These are some of the most popular things to do in Costa Rica.
Whitewater
As you might suspect in a country covered in rain forest that rises from one ocean to 12,000 feet and drops back to sea level in the space of 70 miles, whitewater abounds in Costa Rica. Trips cater to all ability levels and interests.
Beach
Sunning, swimming, surfing, sailing, scuba, snorkeling, and that’s just some of things you can do at the beach. Beach lovers might think that Christopher Columbus had them in mind when he dubbed this the land of the “Rich Coast”= Costa Rica.
Nature Walk
This category covers everything from a walk on a paved path to multi-night treks up the bed of a river to prime jaguar country. Most visitors to Costa Rica spend at least some time hiking through the rain and cloud forests or along the beaches.
Hot Springs
There are hundreds of hot springs in this volcanic land and a couple of them have spawned spas. If you want to relax your tired muscles (or have a masseur relax them for you) hit the natural pools, then spend a night at Tabacón resort.
Waterfalls
Rain forests, mountains, and canyons add up to countless waterfalls and you can enjoy anything from walk up viewing platforms a few yards from a restaurant to strenuous hikes into secluded skinny-dipping pools.
Bird Watching
Everyone becomes an amateur birder as soon as they land in Costa Rica. You can’t help but notice the remarkable colors, calls and plumage, and you’ll find plenty of serious bird watchers and qualified guides to fill you in on the habits and natural history of the species that you will see.
Canopy tours
Whether it’s a zip-line thrill ride, gondola, or naturalist educational trip through the treetops, canopy tours have exploded in popularity in the past years.
Coffee tours
Before it was overtaken by tourism, coffee was the driving force of Costa Rica’s economy. A tour of a coffee farm and processing facility is a great way to satisfy your curiosity about the source of your morning cuppa and get an introduction to Tico history and culture.
Surfing & Windsurfing
Costa Rica’s breaks are world renowned, and rightly so. Inland, Lake Arenal has constantly balmy water (66 to 71 °F, 19-21 °C), average wind speeds of 24 mph (40 kph), and an exquisite setting for windsurfers. Rental equipment and lessons for both types of board sport are available.
Volcano Watching
Arenal is the premier destination with its lava flows, fire belching, and rolling smoking boulders, but Poás and Irazú have their attractions as well.
Volcanoes of Costa Rica:
Volcan Irazu, Volcan Turrialba, Volcan El Viejo, Volcan Platanar,Volcan Poas, Volcan Porvenir, Volcan Arenal, Volcan Barva, Volcan Kakao, Volcan Tenorio, Volcan Miravalles, Volcan Rincon de la Vieja and Volcan Orosi
Nature Cruise
The canals of Tortuguero, wetlands of Caño Negro, and mangroves of the Damas estuary adjacent to Manuel Antonio are the most popular places to sit back relax and let the boatman be your guide to bird and wildlife spotting.
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Thursday, December 27th, 2007
From the pulsating capital San Jose to the lush rain forest of Monteverde, from white sun-drenched beaches to rugged jungle treks, Costa Rica offers an amazing variety of scenery and atmosphere. But there is still much more to interest the traveler. Add to all these, a vibrant cultural life and you’ll wonder why you did not visit Costa Rica sooner.
Values, traditions, religion, language, education, dance, music and cuisine together make up the culture of Costa Rica. But it is mainly its people that represent its culture. Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly referred to, possess a unique identity that differentiates them from neighboring countries. Ninety-seven percent of the population is mestizo (mixed blood generally Spanish with Native American) or of direct European descent. Of the mestizos, majority are of European ancestry thus are fair-skinned. Afro-Caribbeans represent two percent and the original inhabitants, the Native Americans, make up less than one percent of the total population.
Costa Ricans are generally warm and friendly. It is easy to make friends with them. They are also consistently helpful and polite. They are typically laid-back and thus worry little about deadlines and even arrive late for personal appointments. Costa Ricans are non-confrontational. They prefer to avoid conflicts and just stay on people’s good sides. Faced with a difficult situation, they tend to laugh at the situation or just be cynical to diffuse the problem. Costa Ricans are very family oriented. Spending time with family and friends is of utmost importance. Most of them even prefer jobs that will allow them free time. An important aspect of Costa Rica’s cultural legacy is the people’s love for peace and democracy. In a region plagued by civil unrest and dictatorships, Costa Rica is an exception. The country has a stable democracy without an army.
Nearly 80% of the population is Catholic. However, most Costa Rican Catholics view their religion more as a tradition than as a form of faith. The Catholic hierarchy does not exert a powerful influence either politically or culturally. Moreover, Costa Rica is tolerant of other religion.
Most festivals in Costa Rica are religious-oriented. Some of these religious festivals are the festival in honor of their patron saint Virgin de los Angeles, Holy Week and the festival of the Virgin of the Sea, among others.
Spanish is the official language but basic English is spoken especially around the tourist areas. Costa Ricans of Caribbean descent speak Creole which is derived from English.
Education is very important in Costa Rica. In fact, 27% of the national budget is spent on education. As a result, 95% of the population is literate. Primary (1st-6th grade) and secondary (7th-11th or 12th grade) education are free and mandatory for all citizens. Public schools are dispersed all over the country. There are four big public universities which have become major universities in Central America.
Costa Rican cuisine is a combination of Spanish, Mexican, American and Southern American influences. This style of cuisine is shared by most of Central American countries although with individual local variations. Gallo pinto, a popular dish, is mainly a combination of black beans and white rice seasoned with cilantro, garlic, salt and a local sauce called Salsa Lizano. Other dishes are arroz con pollo (rice with chicken); olla de carne (a broth soup) and cascado (one plate meal consisting of beans, rice, meat and side dishes). A common practice is to have fruit drinks called “refrescos’ with meals.
Music includes a rhythm known as tambito and a distinct music genre called punto. Nowadays, rock music popularized by bands such as Gandhi and Evolucion are famous among the young crowd.
Most important, Costa Rican culture revolves around “pura vida” which literally means pure life. This phrase sums up how Costa Ricans view life. For them, “life is cool”.
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Thursday, December 27th, 2007
The ten best places to go in Costa Rica in no particular order.
This is a subjective list of our opinions
1. Jaco & Playa Hermosa
Situated along the Central Pacific Coast, Jaco and Playa Hermosa are top notch surf zones with consistent breaks all year round. Ideal for experts as well as beginners to surf here. Playa Hermosa is for the expert surfer, and holds an international surfing competition here every year.
2. Rincon de la Vieja Volcano
An eco-adventure haven, the Rincon de la Vieja is an active volcano that is more than a million years old. Sitting inside a national park sharing the same name, this area boasts dramatic sceneries, roaring waterfalls, relaxing hot springs, bubbling mud pits and wonderful picnic areas to enjoy.
3. Cahuita National Park
Protecting Costa Rica’s largest and only coral reef, the Parque Nacional Cahuita combines beautiful beaches with lush coastal rain forests to provide a truly wonderful atmosphere to relax in.
4. Tortuguero National Park
A key turtle breeding ground in the Caribbean, the Tortuguero National Park is the habitat and nesting ground of four of the eight species of marine turtles in the world. Known for its meandering rivers and lovely lagoons, this area is also home to the endangered West Indian manatee.
5. Grecia & Sarchi
Located in the gorgeous highlands of San Jose, the picturesque towns of Grecia, Sarchi and San Ramon provide a wonderful escape from city life. Great communities to get an up close view of Tico culture, places like Sarchi are known for its intricate and artistic wooden handicrafts.
6. Manuel Antonio National Park
What this park lacks in size, it makes up for in the incredible wealth of attractions found here. Stunning tropical beaches, an amazing array of birds and wildlife, rich dense forestation, easy accessibility and a plethora of things to do, all make this park one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.
7. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Shrouded in clouds, the stunning Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has a unique air of mystery to it. A distinctive mountain rainforest where the humidity is usually 100%, Monteverde is home to more than 3000 species of animals and plants.
8. Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs
The most active volcano in Costa Rica, Arenal is indeed a sight to behold. Visit La Fortuna, a tiny town near the base of the volcano to catch a glimpse of the fireworks on display. While you are there check out the marvelous Hot Springs, a tropical paradise where you can relax both your mind and body.
9. Tamarindo & Playa Langosta
Found along Costa Rica’s ‘Gold Coast’ both Tamarindo and Playa Langosta are superb surfing destinations for the serious surfer. Laidback towns with beautiful beaches and plenty of water sports to enjoy, this area makes for a great getaway for some fun in the sun.
10. Drake Bay & Corcovado National Park
Located on the gorgeous Osa Peninsula, the Corcovado National Park has been called as one of the most biodiverse places on earth. Together with Drake Bay, this region has become an ecotourism hot spot for those who want to be one with nature.
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Thursday, December 27th, 2007
Warm waters year-round, an unparalleled tourism infrastructure, and limitless attractions spanning both coasts are the reasons Costa Rica’s beaches rank among some of the best in the world. And since nearly two thirds of Costa Rica’s borders are coastline, there are a whole lot of beaches to explore.
1. Nicoya Peninsula
Okay, obviously the Nicoya Peninsula isn’t a single beach. But Costa Rica’s largest peninsula is ringed by so many blissful strips of sand, it deserves a top ten list of its own. Besides livelier beach cities like Montezuma, Tamarindo, and Mal Pais, Nicoya boasts many Pacific beaches that are far more remote and relaxing: Playas Hermosa, Samara, Flamingo, Conchal (pictured at right), and Playa Grande.
2. Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is not only one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches, but one of the most beautiful in the entire world. Imagine: perfect horseshoe bays bordered by soft white sands, dazzling blue-green waters, and hilltops piled with jungle and streaming waterfalls. Dive, snorkel, surf, kayak, hike, or zipline — Or just relax and enjoy the unforgettable views.
3. Montezuma
Located on the inner base of the Nicoya peninsula, Montezuma is a gathering place for Costa Rica’s most idiosyncratic locals and travelers. Dreadlocked Rastafarians, tattooed bohemians, sun-kissed surfers, and other examples of exceptional beauty are the norm at this picturesque little beach, which also boasts tide pools, forested waterfalls, and wildlife (Capuchin monkeys! Crocodiles!) viewing.
4. Tortuguero
At the helm of Costa Rica’s Caribbean side, Tortuguero is a eco-tourist’s fantasy. Travelers can experience any number of exotic attractions: tours down jungle canals in dugout canoes, scenic hiking trails, guided safaris. Sixteen of Costa Rica’s endangered animal species live in the Tortuguero National Park, like tapirs, ocelots, manatees, and green sea turtles, after which the region is named. To top it all off, Tortugero’s beaches are perfect for sunbathing.
5. Playa Tamarindo
While Playa Tamarindo offers world-class shopping, dining, and coastal amusements, budget travelers might find themselves priced out. But Tamarindo’s natural perks make the splurge worth it — on the beautiful beaches adjacent to Tamarindo, giant leatherback turtles (and others) annually clamber ashore to lay their eggs.
6. Corcovado
Corcovado is the jewel of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Its beaches are windswept beauties, with dark sands shaded by towering palms, while the mountainous inland jungles of Corcovado National Park are home to some of the country’s most distinctive wildlife. No trip to Corcovado is complete without a boat excursion to the nearby Isla del Caño, which offers fantastic diving as well as the opportunity to examine the island’s ancient stone spheres.
7. Mal Pais
Surf culture is the principle philosophy in Mal Pais and its coastal neighbor, Santa Teresa. If you’re not a wave-worshiper, book a boat tour and watch dolphins, manta rays, and other creatures thriving in the area’s protected waters. Travelers can also hike to the Montezuma waterfalls and take a flying leap, or conquer the 4-hour trek through the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve to its pristine, white sand beach. However, Mal Pais’s own beaches are even better for stringing up a hammock and swaying in the sun.
8. South of Limon
South of the port city of Limon (towards the Panama border), a number of stunning beaches are the personification of the low-key Caribbean lifestyle. The Cahuita National Park is an excellent place to camp — if you don’t mind waking to the sound of monkey chatter! Travel farther down the coast and enjoy dramatic sunrises at Puerto Viejo. Or head straight to Manzanillo, a protected area with tropical rainforest, palm swamps, coral reefs, and of course, idyllic Caribbean beaches.
9. Jaco
Right in the center of Costa Rica’s Pacific coasts lies Jaco Beach, a surfer’s mecca with no shortage of attractions for travelers. Jaco is in such close proximity to San Jose (2 hours by car), it flourishes with nightlife, international dining options, and even casinos. But because of the budget surf crowd, accommodations and amenities span the entire price spectrum — No one is left out at Jaco, .
10. Tambor
Northeast of Montezuma, Tambor’s crescent-shaped bay (called Bahia Ballena) was once frequented by whales. Now, it’s frequented by travelers — enough to keep the gentle giants out at sea, but not enough to drive them away completely. The bay’s mild waters make it one of Costa Rica’s best beaches for swimming and snorkeling. Tambor’s inland areas are fun to explore on horseback, while its pinkish-gray beaches are perfect for a barefoot stroll. Boats also launch from Tambor to the Tortuga Island, home to immaculate beaches and unparalleled Scuba diving.
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