Costa Rica Travel

Costa Rica Vacation Packages

2005-09-09T14:53:00.000-04:00

Are you planning your next family vacation? Are you want to discover an exotic, wonferful and tropical paradise? You have to go to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica offers plenty of pleasant choices like these, especially if you're interested in nature and outdoor activities. That's why so many people have chosen to go there: In the past decade, the number of visitors has quadrupled, and tourism has become a big part of the nation's economy.

Costa Rica is practically synonymous with ecotourism -- travel that incorporates education about the environment and promotes preservation of natural resources. The country has a large number of national parks and nature preserves that boast a rich array of birds, mammals, reptiles and rain-forest plants. The variety of birds, in particular, is astounding: Some 850 species are packed into a relatively small area. Approximately 25% of the country's land has been set aside in protected areas, earning Costa Rica a reputation as an environmentally sensitive country and leader in ecological conservation.

The country has excellent conditions for a number of adventure sports, among them surfing, river rafting, hiking and scuba diving. Those who prefer a less strenuous vacation can view active volcanoes, take boat trips down jungle rivers and float through the treetops in the world's first Rain Forest Aerial Tram.

Read the full Costa Rica vacation article by Andy Bezara.

Things to Do on a Costa Rica Beach

2005-08-12T14:30:00.000-04:00

The Costa Rica beach is the main reason why thousands upon thousands of people visit Costa Rica every year. With its pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear water, the Costa Rica beach is a vacation unto itself. The Costa Rica coastline extends for over 1800 kilometers and the beach vary according to their specific location.

The first thing that comes to mind when you first step foot on a Costa Rica beach is just to lounge. With beautiful, soft sand that beckons you to sink into it, you can bask in the wonderful climate and soak up the sun. After you've lay in the sun for enough hours, you can venture into the cool water. Most people find that the water temperature is quite enjoyable and much warmer than traditional ocean waters.

Read the full Costa Rica article by Erin Jones.

Costa Rica Travel

2005-08-05T11:57:00.000-04:00

Costa Rica is almost an undiscovered paradise and a jewel in the crown of Central America. Well, it is an amalgamation of calm and peace among its more troubled neighbors. Being traveler’s new destination in Central America, it is one of the spots to enjoy the tropics with clear blue skies and pristine waters. Costa Rica also means a long coast line with its hundreds of virgin beaches, lagoons and coves. Time spent on great surfing, relaxing swim sessions and lazy siesta on corner of a remote beach!

Just watch why people are choosing to travel to Costa Rica for their vacation most probably to find their retirement dream and vision! Costa Rica, situated at almost the narrowest point of the isthmus of Central America, the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Seas are mere hours apart by road. Costa Rica has beaches for everyone; be it teens, couples, lovers and elder lots. Coasts have beautiful, warm beaches, but the Pacific side is much larger, and has a strong dry season. The beaches are just ideal spots for swimming, skin diving, fishing, and surfing.

Beyond beaches, Costa Rica offers undulating mountains with cooler temperatures, awesome volcanoes, gurgling rivers, and vast stretches of rain forest. Larger cities like, San Jose and tiny towns across the coast line offers much solicited fun and enjoyment. Costa Rica's conservative approach to eco system has enabled that lush and green jungles are abode of naughty monkeys, languid sloth, crocodiles, countless lizards, poison-dart frogs and a mind-boggling assortment of exotic birds, insects and butterflies.

Read the full Costa Rica article by Stein Ove Stien.

Why Costa Rica?

2005-07-30T15:38:00.000-04:00

Someone recently asked me why anyone of sane mind would want to move to a third world country such as Costa Rica and actually plan to live there. I would like to share, and to document, the reasons for this to my fellow American citizens who may someday decide to pick up their roots and do the same.

One of the primary reasons Costa Rica was selected is because of the multitude of climates that you can select to live in. If you want to live by the ocean and the great beaches of Costa Rica where it is hot and the humidity is high, the Caribbean coast is the ideal location for you. If you desire to live near the ocean and more great beaches where it is hot but the humidity is significantly lower, then the upper Pacific coast is the place for you. If you like it better in the temperate zone between 65 and 75 degrees, the western central valley is beckoning to you. Drive 20 km north in the central valley and you may need a sweater by day and two blankets by night. The coastal areas are the only places where you may need air conditioning and then only occasionally. There are cooling breezes throughout the country.

Another major reason is the lower cost of living. Utilities such as electric, water, and phone rates are drastically reduced. Food costs are extremely low with most restaurant meals so inexpensive that dining out may cost only a few U.S. dollars. Housing in many parts of the country can be obtained for as little as $100.00 U.S. per month for an unfurnished home or apartment. The purchase of a three bedroom home in many locations can be found for $30,000 or less. There are many retirees who will vouch that they live very comfortably on a retirement income of less than $20,000 U.S. The Costa Rican people are found to be a gentle, non-violent, and considerate people. They believe in family and traditional social mores that many times appear to be lost in other countries. Costa Rica itself is a democratic country, does not have a standing Army, and relies on its police force to maintain law and order which they do very well.

Read the full Costa Rica article by Bob Stone.

Want To Know More About Costa Rica?

2005-07-27T13:27:00.000-04:00

Today Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel and Bookpleasures is pleased to have as a guest Erin Van Rheenen, expert on travel to Costa Rica and the author of Living Abroad in Costa Rica.

Good day Erin and thank you for accepting our invitation to be interviewed.

Norm:

Please tell our readers something about yourself and your expertise pertaining to Costa Rica.

Erin:

I’ve been travelling since I can remember, starting at the age of three, when my parents moved us from Portland, Oregon, to Lagos, Nigeria. That living abroad stint lasted two years, and since then I’ve lived in many places, including Ireland, Mexico, New York (a foreign capitol in its own right), Guatemala, Ecuador, and most recently, Costa Rica. I’ve traveled throughout the Americas and Europe, and have a running list of places I still want to visit.

I’m also the author of Living Abroad in Costa Rica, a guide for people who are thinking of moving to that country. The first edition came out in Winter 2004, and gives readers candid and comprehensive information on real estate, immigration, the business climate, private and public schools, expat social life, and Costa Rican history and culture. I describe in detail the various parts of the country, trying to give people an idea of what it would be like to live there.

Read the full Costa Rica interview by Norm Goldman.

Visiting the Last Paradise on Earth – Costa Rica

2005-07-21T18:54:00.000-04:00

I've been traveling and writing about places I believe others would love to visit, to unwind from their busy and hectic schedules. Most recently I visited Costa Rica, a place which can be best described as one of the last paradises on earth. The last paradise on Earth?

Certainly, Costa Rica is one of the ultimate destinations and not just for vacationers. This small country of 50,000 square kilometers between the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean is about the same size as Switzerland. Not only ecotourists and retirees praise it for its abundant fauna & flora - the country has no military, no nuclear power plants, the highest literacy rate in North America, no winter and lots of culture.

Whether you want to go adventure touring, honeymooning, or hiking, surfing or rafting - Costa Rica has everything to offer.

Adventure Tours, Honeymoon Packages, & Nature Hikes

Relax and dream about Costa Rica. You have many options like guided mountain tours, the best birdwatching in the world, rainforest canopy tours, whitewater rafting, wind surfing, fly fishing tours etcetera. Enjoy your wedding and/or honeymoon with one of the many available Honeymoon Packages. See interesting places like Tortuguero, Drake Bay, Corcovado, Puerto Viejo Sarapiquí and Cahuita at the Caribbean Coast or Playa Flamingo, Gulf of Papagayo, Playa Hermosa, Potrero, Conchal, Tamarindo or Langosta at the Northern Pacific.

Read the full Costa Rica article by C. Lucky.

Costa Rican Beach Jaco

2005-07-18T14:10:00.000-04:00

Beaches in Costa Rica, like jaco, may well be one of the most important assets in the eyes of visitors. The beaches come in all sizes, shapes and types.

One of the most known beaches is called Jaco.

Jaco is one of the first beaches to become a real tourist magnet. It is also one of the closest beaches to San Jose.

The beach itself is a three km long beach with nice sand and the water is inviting. However, as always when swimming in the sea, check out current riptides as well as keep an eye on the tide.

Jaco has rapidly become one of the selected party beaches in Costa Rica and the long beach has a multitude of hotels, cabins and rooms for rent.

When visiting the beaches,

• Ask around for information about riptides, before you find them yourself.

Read the full Costa Rica article by Kenth Nasstrom.

Costa Rica Bird Watching Vacation

2005-07-15T14:06:00.000-04:00

Costa Rica has long been famous among serious bird watchers, but many people who would never consider the activity at home quickly have become interested in the country's spectacular avian diversity.

With almost 850 species of birds -more than total of what North America has- packed into an area half the size of Kentucky, it's hard not to become enthused about the variety of feathered creatures one encounters in Costa Rica. And we can provide us experienced nature guides who make any costa rica bird watching vacation an educational experience.

One of the reasons for Costa Rica's extraordinary bird life is the country's great variety of habitats: rain forests, mangrove swamps, beaches, cloud forest, rivers, etc. And any two of those ecosystems, with their resident bird species, are often only a short distance apart.

Birders from North America who enjoy their Costa Rica bird watching vacation during the northern winter invariably recognize familiar faces in the forest, since many species of warblers, flycatchers, vireos, orioles, etc. migrate to Costa Rica every winter.

The country's exemplary System of National Parks and Protected Areas provide more than ample stomping grounds for birders, but just about anywhere you look in Costa Rica, you spot interesting avian species. Even some of the hotels in the San Jose area have such colorful critters as blue-grey tanagers, great kiskadees and crimson-fronted parakeets in their gardens.

Read the full Costa Rica article by William Hart.

Costa Rica - A Paradise in Central America

2005-07-08T13:59:00.000-04:00

Family Vacation in Costa Rica

You will not have any problem visiting Costa Rica even with small children. Costa Rica is a country where most families have more then 1 child. The food is good and the number of tropical diseases found in Costa Rica is quite low.

There are many beaches where the waves are smaller in size and the hotels and cabins have pools. Allowing even familys with small children to have a nice time on their Costa Rica Vacation.

Costa Rica Vacations for Couples

A couple can go anywhere in the country and enjoy tranquility, serenety as well as the party side of life.

Many hotels and hostels have special romantic deals, tours and packages to make your stay something even more special.

Costa Rica can offer rental houses starting with the smallest and simplest cabin, all the way up to 5star+ homes you have only seen in TV. Some of the most exclusive rental houses in Costa Rica can even be rented with maid, cook and other help. All to make your stay in Costa Rica something to remember.

Read the full Costa Rica article by Kenth Nasstrom.

Cocos Island... Green Bouquet Is Seen Far Into The Sea

2005-07-06T15:39:00.000-04:00

Sank in the middle of the infinite Pacific Ocean, we find the Cocos Island. It is one of the protected areas with the greatest diversity in terms of wildlife and one of the best places for Costa Rica Scuba Diving Vacation. It is a huge natural laboratory for scientists and nature lovers. It has 2.400 Ha, with 510 species of sea mollusks, 362 species of insects, 235 species of plants, 200 species of fish, 97 species of birds, 57 species of crustaceans, 3 species of spiders and 2 species of reptiles. In this huge diversity, there are over 130 species of endemic flora and fauna. It is an ideal place for scuba diving, snorkeling, bird watching and wildlife watching.

The trip to Cocos Island is in itself a great adventure. After traveling for over 36 hours on the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, a "green bouquet is seen far into the sea".

Legends say that pirates and corsairs, like William Davies, Benito Bonito and William Thompson, found a safe place to hide their treasures in this Island. For many, Robert Stevenson was inspired on those tales of sailors to write his famous novel the Treasure Island.

Although you will not find golden medals or precious gems, you will find the most valuable treasure of all: The natural richness of flora and fauna.

As soon as you arrive, it is as if time is suddenly going back, as taking a leap to an old world, a place that remains intact through time. Cocos Island is probably one of the places with most endemic flora and fauna in the world.

Read the full Costa Rica article by Aventuras Elegantes.

Costa Rica White Water Rafting Trip

2005-06-28T15:16:00.000-04:00

Costa Rica's mountainous topography and copious rainfall are both responsible for one of the best white water rafting river choices in the world. Experienced rafting outfitters regularly run about half a dozen of rambunctious rivers, and those river trips not only provide plenty of excitement, but also allow enjoying gorgeous scenery. Not only do white water rafting enthusiasts flock Costa Rica, including several Olympic kayaking teams, but every year tens of thousands of visitors experience here the thrill of rafting for the first time.

Costa Rica is the perfect place for a first white water rafting trip experience, since it has several rivers that offer a combination of reasonable rapids and beautiful floats. There are even rivers that are great for family excursions and bird watching, since they lack big rapids and flow through forests full of birds and other animals. In fact almost all river trips offer chances to see a bit of the country's wildlife, such as iguanas, blue morpho butterflies, parrots, otters, king fishers, and herons.

The river routes available to rafters range from the turbulent waters of the lower Reventazon, where you hardly have enough time to catch your breath between rapids, to the meandering curves of the Corobici, where you spend more time watching wildlife than paddling. The most popular Costa Rica white water rafting trip offer a good combination of challenging rapids and calmer stretches where you can sit back and enjoy the passing scenery. If you've done a bit of rafting up north, you'll find the comfortably cool water of Costa Rica's rivers a nice switch from the chilly water of the northern rivers. All white water rafting trips can also be done in kayaks, but kayakers must be experienced.

Read the full article by Andy Bezara.

Costa Rica: Land of Natural Wonders

2005-06-27T23:34:00.000-04:00

Costa Rica is a small country - just 75 mi/120 km separates the Pacific Ocean from the Caribbean Sea at the narrowest spot - Costa Rica still has some of the most diverse scenery in the world. Its coasts have both sandy beaches and marshy swamps, while its interior is dotted with volcanoes, dense with rain forests and abundant with unusual flora.

When you are planning your Costa Rica vacation, make sure to visit destinations like Monteverde Cloud Forest, Corcovado National Park, Tortuguero National Park or Manuel Antonio National Park. In addition, you will enjoy in your Costa Rica vacation, a wide range of adventure travel activities, including scuba diving, hiking around the Arenal Volcano area, and exploring the dense tropical rainforests.

What to do? Where to do? Fly through the rain-forest canopy on a zip line? Go white-water rafting? Climb a volcano? Laze on a white-sand beach in guanacaste and manuel antonio national park on the pacific coast or Limon on the caribbean coast? Check out colorful marine life while snorkeling? Or try to hook one on a deep-sea fishing excursion?

Continue reading the article by Andy Bezara.

Costa Rica Travel Blog

2005-06-27T20:28:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Costa Rica Travel Blog, where we'll talk about the Central American country known as the last great paradise on Earth.