Archive for the ‘Costa Rica’ Category

Surf’s Up in Costa Rica – Best Beaches to Hang Ten

Friday, May 24th, 2013

Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s no shortage of stellar choices when it comes to surfing in Costa Rica. Straddled by the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the country has over 800 miles of gorgeous shoreline, and a slew of surf spots where you can test your mettle on epic point breaks, or learn the basics amid gentle waves. Leave your wet suit at home – the water temps hover around 80 degrees – and get ready for some serious fun and adventure while hanging ten in the land of Pura Vida.

Costa Rica surf with beautiful sunsets

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Planning your vacation: surf seasons

If you’re wondering which months are best for surfing certain beaches, here’s a general summary:

  • Central and Southern Pacific beaches (Jaco, Playa Hermosa, Esterillos, Bejuco, Manuel Antonio, Dominical and Pavones) peak between May and November, which coincides with the country’s rainy season.
  • Caribbean Coast (Puerto Viejo and Playa Cocles) enjoys its biggest swells from November through the end of March
  • Northern Pacific & Nicoya Peninsula including Nosara, Tamarindo, Playa del Coco, Avellanas, Playa Grande, and Santa Teresa/Mal Pais have the most consistent waves, but  December through April are considered the best (more…)

Top 5 Reasons For Your Costa Rica Vacation During the Green Season

Saturday, May 18th, 2013
Costa Rica tropical rainforest and waterfall

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The green season: one of the numerous aliases for Costa Rica’s wetter months of May through November. It’s also known as the low tourism period, the rainy season and “invierno,” which translates as winter.  While they all mean the same thing – smaller tourist crowds, discounted rates on Costa Rica vacation rentals and hotels, and regular bouts of afternoon showers – we prefer the term green season as it most aptly conveys the spectacular lushness that prevails. Even the dry grasslands of Guanacaste, the country’s most arid province, bursts with emerald greenery and Technicolor shades during this time of year. Here are five good reasons why you should leave your weather worries behind and experience the beauty of the green season. (more…)

Costa Rica Travel FAQ and Answers

Friday, May 10th, 2013

Are you in the midst of planning your Costa Rica vacation and need some quick answers to commonly asked questions? From entry requirements to local driving conditions and drinking water, here’s what you need to know before packing your bags.

Traveling to Costa Rica facts

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Q.  What are the entry requirements?

For citizens of the United States, Canada, and most EU countries, Costa Rica immigration requires a valid passport and proof of onward travel for entry. Most tourists are granted a 90-day stay upon arrival. If you are flying in on a one-way ticket, airline officials will ask for onward travel documentation, in the form of a bus or airline ticket. (more…)

Costa Rica Sportfishing Epic Year Round

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

You don’t have to been a seasoned angler to appreciate Costa Rica’s epic sportfishing. Rain or shine, Atlantic coast or Pacific, the fishing is truly phenomenal any time of year. Cast your line inshore for red snapper, roosterfish and snook, or head into deeper waters for the prize-winning beasts – black marlin and sailfish. Costa Rica sportfishing is rated among the best in the world, and the central Pacific town of Quepos is the frequent site of international tournaments, including the recent 2013 IGFA World Offshore Championship at Marina Pez Vela.

Quepos & Manuel Antonio in the center of all the action

Marlin one of the Sport Fish to go for while in Costa Rica

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Marina Pez Vela has attracted several headlining catch and release tournaments such as the 2012 Quepos Billfish Cup and the renowned 2011 Costa Rica Classic. The world-class facility just hosted the “Olympics of Sportfishing,” which lured more than 200 die-hard anglers from around the globe. Participants fished for marlin, sailfish, and big-eye tuna along with wahoo and mahi mahi (also known as dorado). While trophies were awarded for various categories, the crew that shone brightest was that on the EPIC, captained by Mike Alligood, with Randal Garcia Canales as mate. The team, which is based at Costa Rica’s Los Sueños marina, released 26 sailfish and one blue marlin, earning a total of 5,700 points. The Quepos marina is just five miles from the pristine beaches and diverse wildlife of neighboring Manuel Antonio and its national park. (more…)

Zoo Ave Makes Headlines for Wildlife Conservation

Friday, April 12th, 2013

If the Central Valley is part of your upcoming Costa Rica vacation itinerary, be sure to include a visit to Alajuela’s Zoo Ave. While literally translated as “Bird Zoo,” this unique attraction is much more than a sanctuary for our feathered friends – Zoo Ave is a wildlife rescue and breeding center for the country’s orphaned and mistreated creatures. Managed by the Fundacion Restauracion de la Naturaleza, the non-profit refuge is home to more than 200 species, and boasts Central America’s largest collection of birds. Zoo Ave makes for a great Costa Rica activity for a family of all ages.

Zoo Ave great family vacation activity located in San Jose Costa Rica

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Feathered frenzy: Macaws, Peacocks and Quetzals

True to its name, Zoo Ave entices visitors with avian fauna of all shapes and colors – including parrots and peacocks that roam the grounds freely. The center cares for curassows, toucans, several types of endangered macaws that were once kept illegally as pets, along with the brilliant resplendent quetzal. With the help of specially-trained staff, volunteers and an onsite incubator, the zoo has successfully bred nearly 50 native species including scarlet and green macaws, black guans, and most recently, the king vulture. The new chick made headlines a couple of weeks ago, as this is the first of its kind to be bred in captivity in Latin America. Since the king vulture is on the verge of extinction, zoo keepers were thrilled with this latest addition to the refuge. (more…)

Top 5 Reasons to Vacation in Tamarindo

Thursday, April 4th, 2013

One of the sun-kissed beaches along Guanacaste’s famed Gold Coast, Tamarindo is an eclectic mix of outdoor pursuits, vibrant nightlife and creature comforts. The surf Mecca attracts thousands of tourists each year with its epic waves, laid-back ambiance and wide swathes of golden sands. Less than an hour’s drive from the Liberia international airport, this beach vacation destination offers the best of both worlds: contemporary amenities along with a healthy dose of authentic pura vida charm.

Gorgeous Tamarindo beach front villa rentals great for family vacations

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  1. A Great Place for Family Vacations: While the nightlife is downright sizzling with discos, live jams, and pulsating salsa marathons, Tamarindo at its core is a family-friendly destination.  There are several tours in Tamarindo to choose from including canopy zip-lines to ATV excursions, this beach town offers a slew of adrenaline-pumping adventures that cater to kids of all ages. Kayak tours explore the lush estuaries of Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge, and park rangers escort guests along the shores of nearby Playa Grande, where enormous leatherback sea turtles can be seen nesting from October through March. (more…)

Helpful Tips for Driving in Costa Rica

Friday, March 29th, 2013

You’ve been planning the ultimate Costa Rica vacation for months, and now the time is finally here! Whether your itinerary includes the more popular beach destinations such as Flamingo, Tamarindo or Jaco – or places off-the-beaten-path – your trip will surely be unforgettable. And if you’re renting a car, that’s all the better: driving in Costa Rica is one of the best ways to explore the country’s varied terrain. And with no bus timetables to worry about, you can move at your own pace.

Pan-American highway Passes through all of Costa Rica

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Caldera Highway features easy access to Pacific coast

The sublime Central Pacific beaches are the first pit-stop for thousands of visitors, and the Caldera Highway offers quick access from the San Jose airport to the white-sand shores of Manuel Antonio – in just over a couple of hours. If you’re heading further south to Dominical, the once gravel road is now free of potholes, meaning a smooth and easy drive to your resort or beach vacation rental. (more…)

Costa Rica’s Most Popular Wildlife

Friday, March 22nd, 2013

Did you know that Costa Rica is home to nearly five percent of the planet’s total biodiversity? For a country the size of West Virginia that equals thousands of species and a paradise for animal lovers. From coast to coast, this tropical nation offers exceptional wildlife watching opportunities, whether your interests lie in the cute and cuddly, the vibrant and vociferous, or creatures that slither around under the cover of darkness. Here’s a small sampling of some of Costa Rica’s most iconic species, and the best places to see them.

One of the many species of monkeys in Costa Rica wildlife

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Capuchin monkeys

Also known as white-faced monkeys, these primates are considered the most intelligent of all new world monkeys. You can often hear their chatters and high-pitched squeaks long before you see these curious creatures moving about the treetops. Capuchins will dine on absolutely anything and are true omnivores of the forest. In Costa Rica, you can see them dining on ripened fruits, flowers, small insects, lizards and even bird eggs. Their populations are numerous throughout the country and they can easily be spotted in Cahuita National Park, Arenal, Carara National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park. (more…)

Costa Rica’s Two International Airports Offer More Options for Travelers

Monday, March 11th, 2013

Home to two international airports, Costa Rica welcomes more than two million tourists annually. The country has witnessed a huge boom in eco-tourism over the past decade and visitor numbers have been steadily climbing, with an anticipated 2.3 million travelers anticipated in 2013. When planning your next Costa Rica vacation – consider the various benefits of flying into the Juan Santamaria aiport (SJO) in San Jose, versus the recently expanded Daniel Oduber terminal in Liberia (LIR). Both feature easy access to popular beaches like Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo, and more airlines have added direct flights from major U.S. hubs.

Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose Costa Rica

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Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO)

Situated on the outskirts of San Jose in the bedroom community of Alajuela, the SJO airport handles the majority of Costa Rica’s tourist traffic. One of the country’s domestic carriers – SANSA airlines – is located adjacent to the SJO terminal, which is convenient for visitors who’ll be taking connecting flights to destinations like the Osa Peninsula, Tortuguero or the Nicoya Peninsula. When planning your itinerary, flying into the SJO airport makes most sense if you: (more…)

Surfing In Costa Rica Is Very Popular

Saturday, July 14th, 2012

Over these last two decades, Costa Rica has become a top surf destination, attracting avid surfers and beginners alike. It has a choice of two coasts which include the Pacific and the Caribbean. Each ocean has its legendary breaks on both sides. The Pacific side enjoys great waves all year around with beach destinations such as Manuel Antonio, Playa Hermosa, Playa Negra, Nosara, Malpais, Santa Teresa, Witches Rock, Pavones and Dominical that have become world renown. On the Caribbean side Puerto Viejo will be your main destination of choice for its famous Salsa Brava wave!

Popular Surf destination in Central America is Costa Rica

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Costa Rica is a safe and stable country that also offers a tropical and unique flora and fauna. Today, over one million people fly to Costa Rica for surfing. Some fell in love with this little Central American exotic paradise and stayed!

Costa Rica enjoys a warm pleasant climate all year round with refreshing water temperatures. It’s known for many relaxing and exotic things that make this democratic peaceful country a very popular tourist destination. Some of these attractions include its cleanliness and safety, its pristine gorgeous beaches, rain forests, raging volcanoes, cloud forests and has a bio-diversity unmatched anywhere else. Eco-tourism is booming in Costa Rica with plenty of surf and yoga packages that are continually on the rise. (more…)

Zip line Canopy Tours of Costa Rica

Wednesday, July 4th, 2012
Costa Rica zip line canopy tours offered through out central america

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Canopy Tours have become exceedingly popular in Costa Rica as they provide the tourists with a unique perspective when visiting the cloud and rain forests. The canopy is where most animals live and where you will find most of the flora and the fauna of the rainforest. Along the ground, which receives a lot less light, is usually quite dark and less plants and animals are found there.

Rainforests are the treasures of planet Earth. Who has not felt mystified when exploring the magical and mysterious jungle. This is the home to so many mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, insects, trees and plants. Sadly, throughout the world, many forests are being destroyed to make room for agriculture or for the timber itself. In Costa Rica, the cloud and rainforest are now protected. Most of these areas are found in National Parks or Nature Reserves. (more…)

Day Trip To Cano Island

Tuesday, June 26th, 2012
Cano Island Costa Rica located of the Osa Peninsula in the Southern Pacific

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Cano Island is located in the southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, off the coast of the Osa Peninsula. The Cano Island Biological Reserve mostly consists of the marine life. It is an ideal destination for a day trip while you are in the region, and a great opportunity to see wild marine life such as dolphins playing and humpback whales that are on their migration journey and who stop in the area to give birth and to nurse their young. Tours to the island provide travelers with snorkeling or scuba diving equipment. Because the island is actually surrounded by five separate platforms of no less than twelve different species of coral. These waters are filled with life; colorful fish, giant conchs, twelve different species of lobsters make exploring a real treat. Scuba divers are rewarded with a magical underwater landscape, with cliffs, canyons and caves. (more…)

Tour of the Marino Ballena National Park

Saturday, June 23rd, 2012

The Marino Ballena is located on the southern pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the Osa Peninsula. It is part of the Area of Conservation of the Osa Peninsula and it was officially named a National Park in 1989 to preserve the 4500 hectares of coral reef that encompass the Las Tres Hermanas and the Ballena Islands. Most people go to Marino Ballena to watch the Humpback Whale that migrate there to feed and mate between July and October, and from December to March.

Marino Ballena National Park Costa Rica Central America

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This mesmerizing Park is a favorite with those seeking a memorable vacation that offers extraordinary experiences, such as whale and dolphin watching. Its glorious white sand beaches, such as Playa Ballena, Playa Uvita, Playa Arco, Playa Ventanas, Playa Piñuelas and Playa Pinuelas, it rocky shorelines, coral reefs and mangrove make it one of the most interesting place to visit on Earth. It could be said that its most incredible feature is a land bridge, or Tombolo, that links the mainland of Uvita Bay to the offshore coral reef; this natural bridge was formed by sedimentation and can be only accessed during the low tide. (more…)

This months top pick – Stunning Costa Rica Vacation Rental

Saturday, January 28th, 2012

If you’re looking to get away from it all and escape to paradise, this beautiful Manuel Antonio rental home is the place you want to be in Costa Rica. This 4-bedroom, 4-bath villa is a one of a kind property in the Manuel Antonio and Quepos area. It is the most private of all the Manuel Antonio vacation rentals, boasting 4 acres of manicured tropical lawns and botanical gardens that are set amid 10 acres of private property; bordered on one side by a nature reserve and the other by the most famous Costa Rican national park. There are plenty of Costa Rica activities for the whole family.

From the multi-level roof top terraces you will entertain your guests with magnificent Pacific Ocean views, and unforgettable sunsets. The waterfall swimming pool is set in the most beautiful private tropical garden in all Manuel Antonio vacation rentals. A 10-person Jacuzzi spills water over a diving platform into the tile pool, 2 meters below.

Every inch of this Colonial-Moorish style home has been custom designed. From the stone bathroom sinks and countertops to the marble dining room table, each detail has been attended to by the owner who designed one of the premier hotels in the area. For more information please contact Escape Villas on info@villascostarica.com

Costa Rican National Museum announces new discovery of pre-Columbian stone spheres

Thursday, January 5th, 2012

Three new pre-Columbian stone spheres have been discovered in Batambal, an important archeological site in the Southern region of Costa Rica. The recent find of three spheres has confirmed Batambal as an important pre-colombian site and helped reignite interest into the mystery of these enigmatic pre-Colombian objects.

Discovery of Costa Rica stone spheres

New discovery of 3 stone spheres in Batambal, Costa Rica

The discovery of numerous archeological artifacts dating back to the periods of Aguas Buenas (300 A.C.-800 a.C.) and Chiriqui (800-1500 A.C) along with previously discovered spheres has helped Batambal receive a nomination as a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Francisco Corrales, a leading anthropologist at Costa Rica’s National Museum has stated that the three new spheres were located together, with two of the objects measuring 25cm in diameter and the third slighter smaller at 16cm wide. Corrales adds that the spheres had not been disturbed since they were first buried. (more…)

Life can’t get any better than this! Discover Costa Rica luxury vacationing at Casa Fantastica, Manuel Antonio

Thursday, December 29th, 2011

If you are looking for an unforgettable vacation experience, Casa Fantastica will surely deliver. Living up to its name, Casa Fantastica not only offers some of the best views in all of Manuel Antonio, it also ticks all the right boxes for the perfect Costa Rica luxury vacation rental.

Manuel Antonio vacation rental swimming pool

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Casa Fantastica is a tropical-modern style resort home that was especially designed and built to cater for the premier rental home market. Divided into two wings, Casa Fantastica has an impressive 8 air-conditioned bedrooms along with 8 Full and 3 Half bathrooms that include designer fixtures. Covering over 10,000 foot, this majestic residence Casa Fantastica offers guests 2 spacious Master Suites and 6 comfortable guest bedrooms each with their own bathroom. (more…)

A Costa Rica Vacation to Remember – Escape to Paradise with Your Buddies

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011

With 2011 drawing to a close, it’s time to sit back and think about the most memorable moments of the past year. For Matt Ivoanni and his buddies, the memories of their Costa Rica vacation are going to last for many more years to come.

Costa Rica Vacation Tamarindo

Matt Iovanni and friends in Tamarindo

Matt and his five friends stayed in an Escape Villas vacation rental positioned just outside the top beach and sun vacation destination of Tamarindo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
“I had the privilege of spending a week outside of Tamarindo in a waterfront villa. It was an amazing place,” explains Matt.

Costa Rica Vacation Rentals – a hassle free getaway

If you are still deciding on where you want to go for your next vacation, why not try a Costa Rica vacation rental? (more…)

Costa Rica Nature Continues to Amaze – New study reveals unique habits of Poison Dart Frogs

Monday, December 12th, 2011

We all know that being a mother can be a tough job and Costa Rica wildlife is no exception. For the female Strawberry Poison Dart Frog in Costa Rica, feeding its offspring is no normal routine.

Costa Rica Nature Blue Jean Frog

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Contrasting with the image of little amphibians jumping from one lily pad to the next, the poison dart frogs are far more bold and dangerous than their green cousins. At only 2.5 cm long, these incredible amphibians secrete a poison from glands located on their back. This poison was traditionally used by indigenous tribes for use on the tips of darts or arrows for hunting. (more…)

Canadian couple jet in for Costa Rica Destination Wedding in Manuel Antonio

Friday, November 11th, 2011

By the time this article hits the web Amanda Street, and her fiancé Dave Moore will be on their way to Costa Rica. The Ontario couple has been counting down the days for their Costa Rica Destination Wedding. All packed and ready to go they find a few minutes to tell us about why they chose to get married in Playa Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Destination Wedding

Amanda Street and Dave Moore with Isis and Nico

“We both always wanted to travel to Costa Rica because it looked like a beautiful place to visit. We knew we wanted a destination wedding and when it came time to choose, we couldn’t agree on any other place. So we started researching different resorts and then came across Escape Villas and fell in love with Casa de las Brisas and the concept of an all-inclusive villa,” explained Amanda.

Casa de las Brisas is a one of a kind 10 bedroom, 10 bathroom villa with three swimming pools. Escape Villas offers a personalized concierge service that includes a private chef and tour booking assistance.

(more…)

UNESCO awards Costa Rica Wildlife Reserve

Wednesday, November 9th, 2011

A Costa Rica Wildlife Reserve has been recognized as one of the best 28 in the world.  According to The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), The Water and Peace Biosphere (La Reserva de la Biosfera Agau y Paz) located in the north of Costa Rica is one of the top wildlife reserves due its commitment to fighting climate change. It is one of the most bio diverse areas of Costa Rica nature.

Costa Rica Wildlife Monkey

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Costa Rica Wildlife Reserve combats climate change

This highly esteemed recognition was awarded to this Costa Rica Wildlife Reserve recognizing the efforts of the community to reduce carbon emissions. The representative of UNESCO John Baker said that the Costa Rica wildlife reserve has implemented a sustainable development model to combat climate change and sought to involve the local community in achieving its mission. 

A community effort to protect Costa Rica Nature 

La Reserva de la Biosfera Agua y Paz  was created by UNESCO in September 2007. Located in the north of Costa Rica it consists of a total of 916,000 hectares distributed within the provinces of (more…)





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