Archive for April, 2010
Friday, April 30th, 2010
Costa Rica can be a dream vacation for you because of its natural beauty and appealing wildlife. Costa Rica, meaning “Rich Coast” is one of the most naturally gifted countries with an exceptional touristic infrastructure.
Situated in Osa Peninsula, the south-west part of Costa Rica, Corcovado National Park is widely considered the most attractive National Park in the extensive system of national parks and biological reserves spread across the country. The variety of ecology here is the first thing that you will notice, that is why National Geographic named it “the most ecologically intense place on earth”!
The variety of ecology here is the first thing that you will notice, that is why National Geographic named it “the most ecologically intense place on earth”! Corcovado encompasses the only remaining primary wet forests on the Pacific coast of Central America, and 13 major ecosystems including lowland rain forest, highland cloud forest, jolillo palm forest and mangrove swamps, as well as costal marine and beach habitats.
There is a good chance of spotting some of Costa Rica’s shyest and most endangered inhabitants such as: Baird’s Tapirs, Jaguars, Scarlet Macaws, Harpy Eagles, Red-backed squirrel monkeys and White-lipped Peccaries.
If you have ever imagined yourself swimming in a deserted golden sand beach lined with coconut palms Corcovado is perfect for you. Here you’ll find 23 miles (39 km) of beaches.
The beauty of this place resides in its botanic beauty. You may see many kinds of trees. Some of the natural beauties you will see out there are:
Mangrove Swamps: Pelliciera Rhizophorae and Rhizophora Racemosa
Corcovado Lagoon: Pistia stratiotes, Salvinia sp. and Utricularia spp.
Herbaceous Marsh: Panicum maximum, Ludwigia sp., Polygonum sp. and Aeschynomenesp.
Palm Swamp: Raphia taedigera
Varied Swamp Forest: Andira inermis, Carapa guianensis, Crateva tapia and Luehea seemannii
Gallery Forest: Anacardium excels, Caryocar costaricense, Pterygota excelsa, Terminalia oblonga and Ceiba pentandra.
Plateau Forest: Anaxagorea costaricensis,Aspidosperma spruceanum, Brosimum utile, Calophyllum longifolium, Carapa guianensis, Caryocar costaricense, Chrysochlamys sp., Couratari guianensis, Minquartia guianensis,Qualea paraense, Symphonia globulifera, Tetragastris panamensis, Trichilia sp. and Welfia georgii.
Mountain or Upland Forests: Socratea exorrhiza, Ardisia cutteri, Aspidosperma spruceanum, Brosimum utile, Heisteria longipes, Poulsenia armata and Sorocea cufodontisii.
Cloud Forest: Cnemidaria choricarpa, Cyathea trichiata, Quercus spp., Alfaroa guanacastensis, Oreomunnea pterocarpa and Ticodendron incognitum.
Another important reason why you will always remember this beautiful place is because of its wildlife variety. They have a wide range of animals and many of them are not found anywhere else in the world. There are almost 140 types of mammals, over 400 species of birds, 40 fresh water fish, 71 reptiles, 46 amphibians and around 8,000 types of insects. Corcovado is home to five species of cats: jaguars, pumas, ocelots jaguarundis and margays. All of the 4 species of monkeys that inhabit Costa Rica can be found in Corcovado. The Osa Peninsula also has the highest natural population of scarlet macaws remaining in the New World. The nearly mythic harpy eagle, thought to have been driven to local extinction in 1986, was spotted in 2003, indicating that while tenuous and highly threatened, the fearsome raptor still makes his living of poorly positioned sloths and monkeys in the canopy. The threatened Baird’s tapir also maintains healthy populations here. Two types of peccaries, the large white-lipped peccary and the small, collared peccary roam around the park in herds. In addition, both two- and three-toed sloths, silky, tamandua, great anteaters, nutrias, raccoons, a variety of opossums, and deer also contribute to the mammalian diversity inside Corcovado.
In addition, both two- and three-toed sloths, silky, tamandua, great anteaters, nutrias, raccoons, a variety of opossums, and deer also contribute to the mammalian diversity inside Corcovado. The inland lagoon is home to large crocodiles, and all the river mouths feature both the crocodiles and caymans. Bull sharks feed in the mixing zone of the fresh and salted water and hunt upstream at high tide. With an insect count thought to be around 6000 species, the insect population of Corcovado has been reported to encompass the entire spectrum of Central American insects.
This place in Costa Rica is a major attraction and I would highly recommend it because you won’t see so many things at a time unless you are here.
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Friday, April 30th, 2010
The regulatory agency is cutting the price of gasoline, both super and plus, by 10 colons for the month of May. The reduction is about two U.S. cents.
Super will be 618 per liter (about $1.22). Plus will be 587 colons, about $1.16. Diesel is unchanged at 514 colons per liter.
The Authoridad Reguladora de Servicios Públicos makes fuel adjustments each month based on economic conditions and the dollar exchange rate a month old. The petroleum comes from the monopoly Refinadora Costarricense de Petróleo, S.A.
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Friday, April 30th, 2010
The Autopistas del Sol, the concessionaire of the autopista San José – caldera announced a reduction of tolls beginning Monday, May 3, reducing the cost of the travel from end to end by ¢90 colones, from the current ¢1.830 to ¢1.740.
The tolls at Escazú will drop to ¢290 from the current ¢300 for passenger vehicles and motorcycles (higher for other types of vehicles); at San Rafael (La Guacima) the tolls drop to ¢440 from ¢460; at Atenas the drop is to ¢580 from ¢610; and at Pozón de Orotina, the tolls drop to ¢430 from ¢460.
This is the second rate reduction in a row. In March, Autopistas reduced toll rates.
The reduction, says Autopistas, is due to the drop in the dollar.
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Friday, April 30th, 2010
The long lines to enter Costa Rica at San José international airport are over, the departures and arrivals area is now bigger and with more retail stores and restaurants and the airlines counter is not longer crowded. That was the scenario yesterday as the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT) and Aeris inaugurated the completion of the terminal, following years of delays.
The terminal now boasts double the number of immigration check-in posts – a total of 28 – and lots more room for many things, including the possibility of attracting more airlines to Costa Rica, with added counter space, offices, waiting areas and gates.
The completed terminal will also soon have its first “diplomat” lounge, just in time for the arrival of foreign dignitaries for the May 8 presidential swearing in ceremony.
Under the new management by Aeris, the terminal was completed two months ahead of the last scheduled delivery, after years of stalled work.
Aeris believes that the terminal can now handle up to 12 million passengers a year.
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Friday, April 30th, 2010
It would strange if someone hasn’t heard the name of the speedy and fierce Jaguar. And I’m not talking about the famous car brand! The jaguar is considered one of the fastest animals on earth and it is actually a kind of cat. Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica has the honor to publish the fact that they, along with parts of Guatemala, are the only places where Jaguars live. The jaguar is the 3rd largest feline after the Tiger and Lion. Jaguars have also featured prominently in Mayan and Aztec mythologies.
Jaguar is the 3rd largest feline after Tiger and Lion. Jaguars have been featured prominently in Mayan and Aztec mythologies.
The way Jaguars hunt is very adventurous and thrilling. If you have ever seen Tigers hunting in National Geographic or channels like this, you will find the similarities. Jaguars are basically stalk predators, meaning that they will stalk there food first, ambush with integrity and then will look for the opportunity to attack with fierce speed.
Jaguar’s teeth have developed an exceptionally powerful bite with their strong teeth that can even pierce the shell of armored reptiles! Their hunting style may sound a little unusual because they bite the scull of their prey delivering a fatal blow to their brain.
They bite directly the scull of their prey delivering a fatal blow to their brain. Don’t get the feeling that Jaguar is harming other animals and is bad because they certainly aren’t. On the contrary, they are playing an important role in stabilizing ecosystem and regulating the population of prey species.
The number of wildlife is declining day by day around the world and Jaguars are one of them. Even the beauty of such creatures didn’t stop them from getting extinct. International trade of jaguars or their parts is prohibited the cat is still regularly killed by humans, particularly in conflicts with ranchers and farmers in South America.
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Friday, April 30th, 2010
Li Bin, minister of China’s National Population and Family Planning Commission, will attend the presidential handover ceremony in Costa Rica May 8 as a special envoy of the Chinese government, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said Friday.
Laura Chinchilla was elected as the first female president in Costa Rica early this year.
Costa Rica and China forged diplomatic ties in 2007.
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Friday, April 30th, 2010
The brother of “The Dark Knight,” director Christopher Nolan pleaded guilty Thursday to braiding 31 feet of rope from his jail bed sheets in a Batman-like plot to rappel his way out of a downtown high-rise federal jail.
Matthew Nolan, 41, formerly of the South Shore neighborhood, didn’t get far with his plans to escape from the Metropolitan Correctional Center, where he was being held in a Costa Rican murder case.
“I do need tools, razors and sheets if you have them,” Nolan wrote in a note to a friend as he plotted the jailbreak.
Nolan admitted Thursday in federal court he dreamed up the escape plot — which included stashing a razor blade inside a bar of soap that he kept in his cell — while he awaited extradition to Costa Rica.
Nolan also pleaded guilty Thursday to an obstruction of justice scheme involving calling an unnamed female friend from jail and telling her to empty the contents of a safe in his residence.
The FBI got a warrant and by the time they arrived, it was empty, according to the plea agreement.
“So everything especially those, ah . . . the check . . . you should check three things, and those should go bye-bye,” Nolan said in a phone call captured by authorities. “As for the like the iron thing, and anything else . . . and ah like any plane tickets, bus tickets, whatever . . . they should go . . . somewhere safer, but more unusual . . . you know what I mean?”
Sources have said that upon his 2009 arrest for the Costa Rican case, Nolan was under investigation by Chicago Police in a $700,000 bank-fraud scheme.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Chmelar, Nolan wrote to a different unnamed individual with whom he plotted the MCC escape, using coded language that referred to plot as the “beach party,” and to money as “ice cream.”
“My thought was tape the window, crack, mount rope w/ rope sleeve and rope bag . . . rappel to street + friends . . . . Trigger man runs the op from parking garage,” Nolan wrote in a note to the unnamed person, according to his plea deal.
Costa Rican authorities have issued a warrant for Nolan in relation to the kidnapping and murder of Florida businessman Robert C. Cohen. Authorities say Matthew Nolan pretended he was interested in doing business in Costa Rica when he met Cohen in a hotel. He was really after Cohen to recover $7 million Cohen owed another Florida man, Costa Rican authorities said. An accomplice kidnapped Cohen and the men tried to extort the money from Cohen’s family; but when that failed, they killed Cohen, Costa Rican authorities said. Matthew Nolan’s alleged accomplice, Douglas Mejia, has been convicted.
Nolan faces one year to 18 months for the escape plot and obstruction of justice charges. He’s scheduled to be sentenced July 22 and would have to complete his sentence here before he’s extradited, prosecutors said.
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Friday, April 30th, 2010
Two police officers were wounded and 15 people arrested Thursday at the beginning of a day of protests convened by various labor unions and social movements, Costa Rica’s security minister said.
The police were shot in an “ambush” as they began to clear barricades from a road in the Caribbean coastal province of Limon, Janina Del Vecchio told Radio Monumental.
One of the wounded officers is in serious condition, she said, adding that municipal employees were among the 15 protesters arrested in Limon.
The issues driving Thursday’s nationwide protests include opposition to a new law permitting privatization of services that have been the exclusive preserve of municipal governments.
Teachers marched in San Jose against a bill that would create a unified pay scale for public servants, a measure they fear would cost them hard-won gains such as their annual Christmas bonus.
But Planning Minister Roberto Gallardo said the bill will be submitted to public employee unions for their approval before the text is formally presented in congress.
Separately, environmental activists planned to demonstrate outside the Legislative Assembly against a bill to downgrade Las Baulas National Marine Park to a wildlife refuge.
The park serves as a sanctuary for the leather-back turtle, an endangered species.
The government says it wants to downgrade the park because it can’t afford to buy out the owners of private landholdings within the park’s boundaries. Making the area a wildlife refuge would eliminate the need for such purchases.
Another protest unfolded on the main thoroughfares of San Jose, where unregulated cabbies known as “porters” slowed traffic to a crawl to express opposition to a bill that would impose what the drivers see as unfavorable regulation on their activity.
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Thursday, April 29th, 2010
Former president Rafael Ángel Calderón, convicted last October to 5 years in prison for two counts of embezzlement has now requested the disqualification of magistrate, José Manuel Arroyo, all part of his appeal and actions to stay out of jail.
The magistrate is a member of the Sala III, and is involved in the appeal of the Calderón conviction and other defendants in the Caja-Fischel case.
In a press statement, Calderón claims that there is an “enmity” (a feeling or condition of hostility; hatred; ill will; animosity; antagonism) with the judge and in addition is cousin to trial judge in the Caja-Fischel case, Teresita Rodríguez.
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Thursday, April 29th, 2010
In June 1999 Costa Rica passed a law against the sexual exploitation of minors. “With this law, we say to foreigners who want to come here to abuse our children that they will find a jail cell waiting for them,” said then President Miguel Angel Rodriguez at the signing ceremony.
Rodriguez later added that those convicted under the law would serve the full sentence with no chance of appeal or early release.
In July, 2007, President Oscar Arias toughened the country’s laws against sexual exploitation of minors, banning possession of child pornography and extending the statute of limitations for sex crimes against minors. The government finally had become particularly sensitive to suggestions that foreign tourists came to Costa Rica to sexually exploit underage children, and wanted the world to know that pedophilia has serious consequences and will not be tolerated.
However, it appears that these exploitation laws are not being enforced. Costa Rica is experiencing a meltdown in its court system. This is especially true in this particular case, which has caused a huge public outcry because it has threatened the safety of our children.
In 1996, Boston dentist Arthur Kanev and Oklahoma City dog trainer Joe Baker arrived in Costa Rica and started to exploit young girls and boys. In January 1999 they were arrested after several underage girls testified that they were lured off the streets by offers of $40 to join parties with foreign men at Mr. Kanev’s luxury beach house outside Quepos. The girls were drugged, raped and photographed. More than 300 nude photographs of girls between 11 and 16 were found on the premises.
Both Baker and Kanev posted bail, and while their case awaited trial, continued to regularly abuse underage girls until Kanev fled to the United States (rumored to have been helped by the Russian mafia), hiding out to avoid prosecution.
After a delay of three years, in March, 2002, US citizen Joseph Curtis Baker was convicted of supplying drugs to minors and sentenced to 24 years in prison. According to the courts there was insufficient evidence for conviction on other charges of production of child pornography and sexual abuse of children.
Meanwhile, Kanev became headline news, because he was the first U.S. citizen ever to be extradited to Costa Rica after being caught in Florida in August 2003 when a neighbor recognized him while watching the popular TV show “America’s Most Wanted” – even though the United States and Costa Rica have had an extradition treaty for years.
Joe Baker was released earlier this month after doing less than 10 years of his 24-year sentence. Costa Rican’s were shocked at the early release, and many have posted the alarming news on Twitter and Facebook.
We also have received emails claiming that Baker has rented a room in the center of the small town of Esterillos (a few miles north of Quepos), right in the same area where he first sexually exploited underage children.
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Thursday, April 29th, 2010
When you arrive in Costa Rica, the first thing you may notice is its lush scenery and beautiful landscape. If you have been to this country but have experienced it only from the ground, you haven’t really experienced Costa Rica. Vacation travel takes on a whole new meaning when you arrive, because once the transportation logistics is over, the real fun can begin. How many different ways can you enjoy a vacation? As many as you like: on dry land, in the water, on air or a little of them all.
Many of the sites of Costa Rica are best seen while hiking through the complex system of trails guiding hikers through extensive ecosystems. Because many of the animals and special details of these intricate ecosystems can often go unnoticed to the untrained eye, it is recommended that a guide is hired for the tours. This will help you get the most out of the natural habitats of Costa Rica. The trails travel through wetlands, up and around mountains, in and out of trees and everywhere in between. The guide will also make sure you don’t get lost in all of this.
Experience Costa Rica on Horseback
There are many places in Costa Rica that should be experienced on horseback. It is one of Costa Rica’s most popular activities for tourists and can be found in nearly every single town. The Northern Pacific area, also known as Sabanero Country (cowboy country) is home to horse and cattle ranches that would make a Texan jealous. If a romantic gallop along the beach at sunset is your fantasy, the Central Pacific area is the one for you. You can also ride in and around waterfalls and rainforests. Monteverde and Arenal include a great deal of mountainous terrain and also pass through a few coffee plantations along the way.
It’s hard to think of Costa Rica and not imagine the beautiful ocean waters that rise to the sandy beaches. These waters are full of fun activities like dolphin and whale watching. Canoeing is a good workout and also a fun way to see the sights from the water. Explore the underworld beneath the surface of the ocean with scuba diving and snorkeling. You will be amazed at the colors the ocean hides beneath the waves. Many different species of fish, crustaceans and coral live here and are all intricately decorated by nature. At the end of your long day of hiking and climbing, relax in the natural hot springs heated by the active volcanoes around Costa Rica.
See Costa Rica on a Hot Air Balloon
The luscious greens and crystal blues of the Costa Rican landscape and water is often best seen from above. Float over the rainforests, ocean waters, mountains, volcanic rock and picturesque coffee plantations from the comfort of a hot air balloon. Not to worry, you don’t have to know how to work one. An experienced professional will pilot the craft while you and your companions relax and enjoy the scenery. Parasailing is another amazing adventure in the air that flies you far above the water. It’s incredible how much sea life you can actually see from hundreds of feet above.
For a true nature lover, and certainly not for the faint of heart, a canopy tour is an absolute must-do. They provide an interesting look into the delicate ecosystem of the rainforests from zip-lines and aerial trams. No matter what method you choose to experience your full Costa Rica vacation travel, remember that it doesn’t stop when you reach your destination. If it does you are missing out. See Costa Rica the way it was intended, from all perspectives.
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Thursday, April 29th, 2010
A question often asked is, “Is Costa Rica safe?” The answer, to a great extent, is yes.
The crime rate in Costa Rica is the lowest in Latin America, and Costa Rica is, without a doubt, the safest country in Central America. Over one and a half million tourists, most of them Americans, visit Costa Rica every year, and they feel as safe as ever exploring the country. The Ticos on the whole are very friendly and warm people by nature, and they live a simple life devoid of all its excesses. There are no acts of terrorism in Costa Rica, and recreational drugs, other than tobacco and alcohol, are illegal. And Costa Rica has no standing army, and unlike all other countries in Latin America, the country has not experienced any political strife since 1949.
With the single exception of robbery, the crime rate in Costa Rica is very low compared to other countries. For the purpose of comparison, according to the United Nations’ Seventh Annual Survey on Crime, crimes recorded in police statistics show that the crime rate for all index crimes (murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft) in Costa Rica was 1208.2 per 100,000 inhabitants in 1999, comparing very well with 1529.75 for Japan (country with a low crime rate) and 4184.24 for the U.S. (country with a high crime rate).
The crime in Costa Rica is generally much lower and less violent than that in the States, and the crime here tends to be opportunistic as opposed to violent. In other words, rapes and murders in Costa Rica are very few, almost unheard of, compared to those in the States, but petty theft, car theft, and pick-pocketing are not uncommon here, especially in downtown San Jose and on the beach. In smaller towns, the crime rate is much lower.
It’s always best to exercise caution at all times, not only when visiting Costa Rica, but also when visiting any other foreign country. Traveling to any country is not without some risk. The good news is that you can very much enjoy a safe and wonderful stay in Costa Rica by following the simple common-sense safety tips outlined below, which also apply to any other foreign country you may want to visit.
* Be careful when stepping into the wild, going off a beaten path, or roaming national parks. Pay attention to warning signs, and always check with your guide if there’s any danger ahead.
* Be very wary of dangerous trails, volcanic areas, riptides, and waves.
* Do not swim into the ocean. There are few lifeguards, so always stay near other bathers.
* Do not walk alone in secluded areas or go into public parks late at night.
* Steer clear of deserted side streets, properties, or undeveloped land.
* Watch your luggage, never leave it unattended, and write your name on it.
* Do not hand your luggage to any stranger except the airport porters who carry an official identification.
* Lock your doors and your luggage when staying at a hotel.
* Do not carry a lot of money or flash big wads of money, and remember to keep your wallet in a safe place. It is also recommended to wear a money belt.
* Make sure that your personal belongings (keys, laptop, cell phone, credit card(s), etc.) are within reach, in a secure place, and never out in the open.
* As a foreigner, your passport is your ID. Keep your passport in a secure place, and always keep several photocopies of your passport as well as your Costa Rica airline ticket and insurance policy.
* Do not make yourself a target for thieves and pickpockets – do not wear flashy jewelry or expensive watches.
* Do not hold expensive equipment, such as cameras, all the time while walking.
* Guard yourself against car theft – always lock your car, and do not leave your keys or anything of value in your car even if you run into a store or supermarket for a few seconds to buy something.
* Do not park your car on the street – use secured private parking lots whenever possible.
* Use your common sense, do not trust anyone who approaches you and wants to act like your tour guide, and do not get separated from your tour group.
If you fall victim to any crime, please report the incident to the local police and contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.
Be not afraid! Remember that traveling to any country in the world is not without some risk, and you should follow these safety precautions anywhere you go. With some common sense, no crime will ever happen to you and you will find Costa Rica a safe and wonderful country to visit or stay. Most of this advice is well taken in the States.
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Thursday, April 29th, 2010
Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa announces the launch of its all-inclusive experience, packed with an eco-focus perfect for the environmentally conscious traveler. As of May 1, 2010, this beachfront Costa Rica resort will welcome visitors to enjoy eco-luxury at affordable, all-inclusive rates. The change to all-inclusive is part of the resort’s focus on making each guest’s stay a memorable experience.
According to Ypartnership/Yankelovich Inc.’s 2009 National Travel Monitor, an astounding 44% of travelers said naturalistic travel activities were their primary purpose for travel, and 10% of leisure travelers went on an all-inclusive vacation – both statistics indicating a significant increase from previous years. Now, Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa delivers the ideal choice for both.
With all-inclusive rates starting at $129* per person per night, Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa is the epitome of “Pura Vida” – the local phrase often used to represent the joyfulness of living. At the resort, guests will “live” the ultimate all-inclusive eco-experience with superior accommodation, exquisite dining and seemingly limitless activities, complemented by the natural surroundings of this ecological paradise.
The resort welcomes guests with an open-air lobby adorned with amazing views and locally handmade furniture created from government controlled wood products. Similar handmade furnishings add a unique d?cor element to the resort’s rooms and public spaces.
Featuring 202 rooms, including 71 bungalows with a secluded terrace or balcony, the resort delights guests with luxury accommodations in the midst of a pristine backdrop. All guest rooms are outfitted with Hilton Serenity Collection mattresses and linens, high-speed Internet access, flat screen TV’s with cable, energy-efficient air conditioning units and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Papagayo or lush tropical gardens. Four junior suites provide all of these features plus a private plunge pool.
Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa’s all-inclusive dining options include three restaurants, a snack bar and two bars, all featuring meals prepared with locally-grown ingredients from sustainable sources. The resort also supports local farmers by supplying them with recycled organic waste to be used as fertilizer.
La Cosecha Restaurant presents live showcase buffet-style cooking and is open for breakfast and dinner. The restaurant serves international and local cuisine, with a specialty theme each night. El Bocadillo, the resort’s snack bar, is the perfect setting for poolside snacks, letting guests refuel with a bite to eat at almost any time of day. For daytime meals, Grill del Fuego provides healthy cuisine in a quaint atmosphere, while El Dorado specializes in creative Costa Rican and Mediterranean cuisine in a formal dinner setting. Additionally, guests at Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa will get a smart start for their first meal of the day with the Hilton Breakfast Program, a color-coded system that identifies whether the menu item is low-cholesterol, low-fat, high-fiber, low-calorie, high-energy or an indulgence. For an additional fee, guests can enjoy the resort’s innovative “gourmet picnic” room service concept that celebrates the privacy and romance of the resort’s natural setting. This “gourmet picnic” will be delivered in a basket to the guest’s room for an intimate dining experience in an air-conditioned room or starlit terrace.
For recreation or relaxation, guests will find an array of on-property diversions at Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa. There is something for everyone with outdoor swimming pools, non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and snorkeling, tennis courts, beach and pool volleyball, aerobics, dance lessons and an on-site tour desk to arrange eco-adventures** such as diving, sailing, fishing, zip-lining and more.
Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa also features on-site hiking trails providing guests with an opportunity to see local fauna and flora. In an effort to contribute to the eco-system’s sustainability, the resort provides a natural habitat for various animal species that are indigenous to Costa Rica. All plant life on the property is irrigated with 100% recycled waste water.
The pinnacle of the resort’s many relaxation options is Spa Vida – a world-class spa*** with 13 treatment rooms featuring spectacular garden and ocean views, separate swimming pool, a fitness center with Precor? equipment and an array of creative and unique treatments featuring ingredients ranging from volcanic stones to local fruits. The resort also features a local arts and crafts store for the last minute souvenir.
If planning a Costa Rica family vacation, a surcharge of $70 per night will be added for each child between the ages of four and 12 staying in the same room with parents; adult rates apply for children 13 and over. Children three and under stay and eat free. For entertaining the little ones, the resort’s Kidz Paradise club features supervised activities for children of all ages, including games, nature walks, sandcastle creations and the club’s very own volcano slide.
Located just 20 minutes from Liberia International Airport, Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa is nestled between the mountains on a secluded and government protected natural volcanic sand beach on the Bay of Papagayo in Guanacaste.
Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa is a proud member of the Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program, where it has been recognized with a three-leaf rating from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute.
For reservations or more information, guests should call 1-800-HILTONS 1-800-HILTONS or visit ww.hilton.com.
*Rate is all-inclusive per person per night and includes taxes. Rate is a starting rate only and is subject to availability. Service of alcoholic beverages is subject to local laws. Other restrictions apply.
**Tour options are not part of the all-inclusive package and must be arranged directly with the on-site tour desk at the chosen tour price.
***Spa Vida treatments are not part of the all-inclusive package. However, all guests can enjoy the secluded pool at Spa Vida.
About Hilton Hotels
Hilton Hotels is the stylish, forward-thinking global leader of hospitality that welcomes guests in more countries than any other full-service hotel brand. The Hilton brand currently includes more than 530 hotels and resorts in 76 countries, and plans to serve travelers in 80 countries by the end of 2011. By offering innovative products, services and amenities, Hilton enables travelers to be at their best 24/7, whether traveling for business or leisure. Start your journey at www.hilton.com.
About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For more than 90 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,500 hotels in 81 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton Honors?. For more information about the company, please visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.
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Wednesday, April 28th, 2010
The Banco Central de Costa Rica – Central Bank – on Tuesday unveiled the new ¢20.000 and ¢50.000 notes that will be in circulation in July 2010.
The new bills will be in addition to the ¢1.000, ¢2.000. ¢5.000 and ¢10.000 notes already in use, which will also be undergoing a change.
Marvin Alvarado, of the Central Bank, explained that the first to be emitted will be the ¢20.000 by the end of July or early August, with the rest following slowly thereafter.
The new bills will honor Braulio Carrillo, Mauro Fernández, Alfredo González, José Figueres, María Isabel Carvajal (Carmen Lyra) and Ricardo Jiménez on the face and the country’s biodiversity on the back.
During the presentation, the Central Bank introduced the new design for the ¢2.000 and the ¢10.000 notes, the former being blue and the latter green.
The new design, although not available for the press conference, will also be for the ¢1.000 note which will continue to be red, commonly known in Costa Rica as “a rojo” and the ¢5.000 note that will be yellow.
The new notes will also be different in sizes, from small to large, depending on the denomination of the bill.
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Wednesday, April 28th, 2010
A hillside slide onto Route 32, the San José-Limón highway, Tuesday morning effectively closing the road in Parque Nacional Braulio Carillo north of San José. Workers for the Consejo Nacional de Vialidad said that the road probably would not be opened until this morning.
The slide, prompted by wet weather, was hundreds of cubic meters of dirt, rock and trees. There were no injuries because a smaller slide preceded the larger one and warned motorists.
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