Best Costa Rica Travel Deals

Archive for July, 2009

Wanting a different vibe kind of honeymoon in Costa Rica? Check out Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica.

Even though Costa Rica is a small country, you would spot exemplary vacation destinations here. Not to mention the Southern Caribbean Coast that became the heart and soul of the Caribbean coast. It was then connected to the country after making a way going to Puerto Limon. It is one of the last regions to be part of the country and still has its traditional native population, the Afro-Caribbean community and Jamaican descendents. Along with spicy Caribbean dishes, reggae and calypso music all over the town, you would also experience meeting Indian tribes who have been in the region hundred of years ago. In addition, you’ll get mixed up with the Spanish-English dialect that they are using, but still English is their local language. It’s like having two countries in one place.

Construction of paved roads boom in the recent years for it became one of the tourist favorites. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a place you shouldn’t miss for its fulfilling ambiance whereas seeing the crystal clear blue waters of the beaches and hearing music everywhere. Surfers all around the world come to see and enjoy the well-known Salsa Brava waves.

The town has a different array from restaurants; hotels and beach side bars that would make you feel unwind during your vacation. A mixture of Afro- Carribean, Bribri and Latino customs will also compose you to ease off.

Moving a few minutes away from the coast and passing by the breathe taking view from the different lodges down to beaches, restaurants and bars of Puerto Viejo, you will reach a small town, Manzanillo. A small town with fewer homes but friendly community is like a scene of Puerto Viejo before modernization takes place. And before saying goodbye to this region, you should catch a sight of the wonderful white sand beach leading to the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Costa Rica also known as the rich coast, which is a part of Central America, and bordered by Nicaragua, Panama, Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is also the first nation in Latin America that is ranked on the top list in Human Development and Environmental Performance Index. By 2021, Costa Rica will become the first carbon neutral country.

Costa Rica is popular with the many tourists visiting the National Parks and Protected Areas in the country. It is a country rich in several species of animals and plants. Tourist have different choices of activities while in the country ranging from enjoying the white sand beaches, hiking, camping and a lot more. It is a complete getaway for people that are too busy with work and also for couples in their honeymoon vacation. It is also ideal for students who wanted to learn the culture and wildlife of Costa Rica because there are many untouched places, lots of architectural design and a multitude of different species of animals.

There are plenty of good spots to visit in Costa Rica. One of them is the Osa Wildlife Refuge, located across the Golfo Dulce from Puerto Jimenez, it is best for people who loves to experience nature and different kinds of animals. When you arrived, the experience is so enchanting that it is like stepping into another world filled with amazing animals and plants. The animals are used to have several guests and sometimes move in close to you to check you out. Many illegally-captured and injured animals were brought there for their care and love.

Second is Nosara which is located at the Nicoya Peninsula; 13 miles north of Samara, 162 miles west of San Jose. Offers surfing, kayaking, horse back riding, snorkeling, and several other activities. This is a place for people to be romantic and be one with the waves.

Third is Montezuma, located at the Southern Nicoya Peninsula, 112 miles west of San Jose; 8 miles north of Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. It is one of the best places for snorkeling where you could see lots of varieties of fishes. This place is for those who are artistic and young at heart. During the day time, it is a laid back place but at night it’s one of the most popular party places. There are restaurants and bars for you to party with your friends and mingle with everyone.

Christopher Columbus is the first European who encountered Costa Rica on September 18, 1502 in his exploration of the new world. Costa Rica is one the best destination where you could go for vacation and relaxing. One quarter of their land is protected areas and national parks. There are several varieties of animal species and botanicals that can only be found in Costa Rica.

In going to Costa Rica you can travel by air, land and sea. In air, there are international flights that offers going to Costa Rica, in and out flights and now there are direct flights going to Europe. By land there are buses, it shares land borders with Nicaragua and Panama. Some traveler use bus to travel because it is cheaper than flying especially with people who loves adventures.

In sea, there are cruise ships that stops and offers the travelers a quick stray in the place. You can also have the leisure of a private yacht.

In entering Costa Rica, there are no taxes or fees when you arrive but make sure you have a visa when you’re a foreigner. Travelling by air, you’ll arrive in the Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría Airport, 17 km northwest of San José. By land, go from San José to Changuinola(Bocas del Toro), David and Panama City, Panama; Guatemala City; Managua, Nicaragua; San Salvador, El Salvador; and Tegucigalpa, Honduras. By sea, the ships dock at the Pacific port of Caldera (near Puntarenas) or the Caribbean port of Puerto Limón.

The top 3 places in Costa Rica, one of those is the Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, is a beach resort good for people who wanted to feel relaxed in the sound of waves, you can also go for surfing, at night there are bars where you could for party and meet new friends around the world. It’s a good way to experience different personalities. Second, is San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica, where you could see some architectural designs and underdeveloped places that they preserve to see the culture of Costa Rican’s life. Third, is Turrialba Mountain is where you could see some of the best clear water around the world. Best for rafting because of adrenaline rush and the ravaging stream of water.

Camping out in Costa Rica is one of the best ways to move around the country, especially if you are a little short of money. Of course there are several inexpensive hotels and hostels in Costa Rica, but for a typical back packer, camping out are the ideal thing to do. Although camping out is free and legal, it is not advisable and can be quite dangerous. But if you really want to camp out, then there are some establishments especially along the beach that allows it. Just a piece of advice; first, be sure about the place you are camping, then check the basic necessities they offer, because some camping grounds even lacks fresh water or don’t have public baths, etc.

Belen Trailer Park is one of the friendliest and secure camping spot, which is located 2 kilometers west of the Cariari Bridge on the main highway entering into the mountainous town of San Antonio de Belen. It accommodates not only backpackers, but travel trailers and motor homes are also welcome. Belen Trailer Park is a quiet and shaded place, ideal for a peaceful stay. It also has easy access to beaches, restaurants, airports, and to some cities.

Widely known for its beautiful white sand beach, Chauita National Park is also one of the few places in the country who allows camping. The park is located at the southern part of Chauita in the Limon province. Chauita National Park is also popular for its birds and wildlife, such as toucans and white-faced monkeys. The park offers a range of activities from hiking, to snorkeling, and scuba diving, for only a cheap price of 8 dollars entrance fee. The ideal time to visit the park is September – November and March – May and don’t forget to also bring your scuba gear.
If you want to go whale watching then Marino Ballena National Park is good for you. The park is named after the humpback whales that seasonally migrate here each year to mate.

While whale watching is popular, the park is also a home to some different species of aquatic animals and birds; like the green marine iguanas, several species of dolphins, sea turtles, pelicans, and corals, just to name a few. There are also several diving and snorkeling trips to Ballena Island but just be careful of receding currents and riptides. .

One of the best ways to save money while traveling around Costa Rica is to camp out. Believe it or not, there aren’t a lot of hostels that allow camping. A number of hostels that’s it on the beach may allow you to camp, but might not give you all the security you would receive if you were staying in a dorm or room. Whatever you do, do not camp out on the beach alone. While it is legal in Costa Rica to camp on the beach for free, it is also extremely dangerous and stupid. Do you your self a favor and find a spot that allows camping. Below are three of our favorites.

Belen Trailer Park

Belen Trailer Park offers not only accommodation for those in RV’s but camping spots for backpackers as well. Reasonably priced, with plenty of trees and shaded areas, the park affords a peaceful quiet stay, yet is an easy bus ride from the local township. Belen Trailer Park is pet friendly, offers wireless internet access and has English speaking hosts. Location: 1 mile (2 kilometers) west of the Cariari Bridge on the main highway entering into San Antonio de Belen, Phone: 506 2239 0421

Chauita National Park

One of the few national parks in Costa Rica that allows camping, this one is set along an enviable stretch of white sand beach. Choose from hiking in the tropical forest or snorkeling and SCUBA diving in the rich marine environment. Established in 1978, the park is also known for an abundance of birds and wildlife, especially toucans and white faced monkeys. Location: the camping area is 4 miles past the town of Chauita, south of San Jose.

Marino Ballena National Park

Named after the migratory humpback whales that visit each year from December to April, this is one of the few places where it is still legal to camp on the beach. There are no services except for fresh water available at the ranger station. This is definitely roughing it, but the payoff is being close to one of the richest marine environments in the country. In addition to watching the humpbacks breach offshore, observe green marine iguanas as they alternately bask on rocks and dive to dine on algae growing beneath the surface. Bird watching is especially rewarding. Snorkeling and beach combing are excellent. Location: 120 miles (190 kilometers) southwest of San Jose on the Pacific Coast.

Take pleasure in off roads trail that Costa Rica can extensively thrill you. Rent a bike and an exciting activity awaits you for the different off the road trails that offer avid bikers. Ideal for all levels, ranging from beginners to advanced bikers. Bikers from outside San Jose can definitely access distant locations and discover Costa Rica with an adventure without getting annoyed with unpaved roads.

Beginners should never fail the Drake’s Bay located in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula with the easiest plane to choose but you will be faced with rough road and slide down into the river canyon, then you need to cross the suspended bridge until you reach the Los Planes uphill. Another trail on the north side of Lake Arenal that suggests a slow travel and gives you a relaxing mood as you slope down seeing different birds and monkeys and of course the great view of the lake. An additional destination for beginners is the Poas Volcano where they can start from the parking lot then follow the road that descends to the town of Poasito. Then continue the road going down until you reach Doka Estate Farm and experience the golden grain of Costa Rica.

Challenging trails for intermediate bikers need to cross the Arenal River and by passing La Guaria until they reach trekking uphill the mountain that would give them a top view of the Venado Valley where mountain biking in the rainforest is possible.

One more trail that fits in this level is the trek at Irazu Volcano that starts from the parking lot, passing by paved roads to rough semi-graveled jeep trail.

Experience advanced trail in Pit Bull Pass when you drive to historical Orosi. You will have a fusion experience of climbing and riding on gravel then sloping down into the primary and secondary rainforest. Exceptional views of the Turrialba Valley can be seen from above when you reach the top of Pit Bull Pass.

With about 30 National Park located in the country, Costa Rica is indeed a honeymoon destination. As an adventurous couple, why not try trekking? Costa Rica can give you the ultimate trekking experience of your life.

There are countless paved trails for beginners as well as challenging off road trails for those who seek adventure and thrill. The good thing about this is the fact that to get to see the lush and verdant green environment that the country takes pride in. Trekking in Costa Rica is like hitting two birds with one stone, you get to feel the thrill of adventure as well as you get to see the amazing sight.

If you are into a more changing trekking trail, take the Fortuna to Nuevo Arenal trail. You start by trekking through a simple dirt road passing through cemetery. One of the highlights of the trial is passing through the famous Arenal River. The bridge in this river is so old that no one is allowed to use it, so one needs to cross the river through the water. After that the trail advances through the mountains of Lindavista and Monterrey with its top over looking the valley of Vanado. As you go far south, you get to see the Vanado Caverns as well as the 6000 ft ridge in the own of Tigra that directly overlooks the northern shore of Arenal Lake. The ride is about 7 hours long which means you have 7 hours to marvel at the beauty of this place.

Another off road trail worth checking out is the trail from Poas Volcano up to Doka Estate Farm. Riders will have the chance to see Quetzel birds in the partly paved partly graveled trail. The farm itself is the most productive coffee farm in Costa Rica. Trekking into this trail will kick off from the Poas Volcano National Park until the little town of Poasito. This trail is rated as an easy one with a total distance of 13 miles long.
Costa Rica is indeed a haven for honeymooners, nature lovers and beach bum alike. Add the fact that they have numerous trails perfect for campers of various levels in terms of experience in the world of trekking.

One of the favorite destinations of tourist is Costa Rica. From its culture, tradition, climate, beaches, natural beauty up to its recreational packages that it offers. If trekking is your passion and you are looking for something that is very exciting. You have two options. One is to trek jungles following road trails, another check out off road trails in the jungles.

One of the best places to check out when trekking in Costa Rica is the Pitbull Pass. Located in city of Orosi, the length of this trail is 45 miles. Trail level is advanced due to single track and fire roads. The ride officially starts in the historical city of Orosi, one need to take the gravel road and get past the Rio Power Station u to the Tapanti National park. If you reach the top of the Pitbull Pass, you get to see the scenic view of the Turrialba Valley.

This trail maybe challenging but the incredible sight of the rainforest and the wildlife is very much worth it.
Another place worth checking out is the Drake Bay. It is the located in the Corvocado National Park. During rainy season, boat or plane service is the only way to enter the place but during dry season the unbeaten track on the highway is the best way to go. The long stretch is pristine coastline and sandy coves are simply breathtaking. Its rainforest has a mountain biking trails as well. For beginners, there is an initial trail perfect for those who want to check out the jungles but lacks the expertise of an experienced mountaineer. There are also side trails available for those who are into the more difficult and challenging path.

Originally designed to be a reforestation program, the Irazu Volcano National Park has an initial trail that begins in its parking lot. As you advance, you get to see lush farmland, bird’s eye view of the valley and the rich ecosystem of the jungle. There are three ways to end the trail. One is through the paved path up to Turialba. Another is through Capaledes. And the last one which maybe perfect for those who love adventure is through an off road trail leading to Santa Cruz.