Posts Tagged ‘costa rica travel’
Discovering San Jose City In Costa Rica
October 24, 2010
For many travelers San Jose City is nothing more than a stop over and move on to their next adventure in a new destination. But this pulsating cultural capital of Costa Rica is so much more than that. There are tons of interesting things to see and do here: museums, theaters, delicious international restaurants, and great shopping places will be waiting for you. My advice for travelers is to make this your home base for day trips to some of the countries most popular attractions: Volcano Poas and Irazu, coffee planation tours, nature parks and a lot more.
Can’t Miss This
Museums and Gardens
City parks and plazas Theaters
Churches and Downtown Landmarks Volcanoes
Shop at the Central Market (Mercado Central)
Take a cultural tour of a coffee plantation
Hike up to the mouth of Poas and Irazu Volcanoes
A full day at a nature adventure park
A Bit of History
San Jose City (better known as San Jose) is actually the second capital of Costa Rica. The original capital was cartago until it was moved in 1835. Around the year 1737 this city was known as ‘Villa Nueva de la Boca del Monte del Valle de Abra’. A few years later the name was changed after the city’s patron who was Saint Joseph.
The historic events that impacted Costa Rica’s culture and San Jose’s the most were development of the coffee exports industry, the influence of the French revolution and the country’s declaration of independence from Spain. The country was split into two: the Democrats, who wanted the country to remain a Spanish territory, and the Republicans, who wanted to centralize the power and make Costa Rica an independent country. In 1823 there was a super short civil war, which ended up being won by Republicans from San Jose and Alajuela. The result was that the capital was moved to San Jose and Costa Rica became an independent country.
Did You Know?
San Jose is located in the Central Valley and is surrounded by large forested mountain ranges and some volcanoes. There are also green savannas, and working coffee plantations.
Other Nearby Cities
Alajuela
Escazu
Grecia
Santa Ana
Marina K. Villatoro, has lived in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for over 10 years. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. With her first hand experience, she can recommend the best options for you. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!
Hotel Casa Vista Azul And Playa Del Coco Costa Rica
May 31, 2010
Costa Rica is a county with a crazy amount of miles of coastlines but the Gulf of Papagayo has some of the most popular beaches of the country. I had heard so much about this area and I was dying to visit it. Finally I got the opportunity to visit it. The specific area of it that I visited is called Playa del Coco.
So searching for a hotel was quite an adventure. Finally we found a hotel that looked beautiful and had space for us. The name of the hotel was Casa Vista Azul. It is located just 25 minutes away from the Liberia International Airport and within walking distance of Coco beach.
Let me give you a short description of the hotel:
First it’s important to say that it is on a hill side and overlooks the Gulf of Papagayo. The hotel offers 7 regular rooms, one with twin bed, the others have queen size beds. There are also 2 one-bedroom apartments with full kitchens. All of the rooms have air conditioning, ceiling fans, safe-deposit boxes, a beautiful decoration and magnificent ocean views. Some other services that this great hillside hotel offers are: a swimming pool and maid service.
There are also 2 one-bedroom apartments with full kitchens. All of the rooms have air conditioning, ceiling fans, safe-deposit boxes, a beautiful decoration and magnificent ocean views. Some other services that this great hillside hotel offers are: a swimming pool and maid service. I had a great time in the hotel, the staff is very friendly and the place is great. The next morning I woke up by the howls of howler monkeys and as soon as I opened the curtains I could enjoy the most amazing views.
Back to Playa del Coco, this is a beautiful tranquil beach perfect for relaxing and romantic walks. The area has some great restaurants and stores. This beach is every traveler’s dream. I would highly recommend visiting this popular region of Costa Rica to anyone, from families to honeymooners. We all had a blast when we visited it!
Marina K. Villatoro, has lived in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for over 10 years. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. With her first hand experience, she can recommend the best options for you. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!
6 Tips For Travelers Going To Costa Rica
May 27, 2010
a. Season Matters When Traveling to Costa Rica: Living in Costa Rica I figured a way to enjoy traveling without spending too much but most importantly without having to spend my vacations among the crowds. And this is my conclusion: Late April, May, and October offer good weather with lower rates. Also between June and September and someties even November you will get good rates but not a very nice weather. December to early April are the driest months and the peak of the tourist season, so you can expect higher prices, less rooms available and crowds.
b. Costa Rican Water: Most people traveling around Central America are very concerned about how clean the water really is. And I have to admit was one of them until I found out that unlike most Latin American countries Costa Rica has a fairly safe water supply. Want some Proof?
Want some Proof? Here is the fact that it is the only country of the region where Heineken allows its beer to be brewed. Salads are generally safe to eat because they usually use clean water to irrigate crops.
c. Money To Change or Not to Change! One of the most common questions travelers worry about is to change money before coming or not?
If you are going to change the money here are some recommendations:
1. Every country is different, but in Costa Rica don’t change money anywhere except BANKS. Not only will you get the best rates, but you’re chances of getting counterfeit money are zilch. Always bring a passport.
2. ATMs are plentiful, you’ll get the best rates however, you’ll pay the small fee.
3. Travelers checks are so 1990′s. Very few places exchange travelers checks these days, and even fewer give good rates, plus they charge 1-2% on top of it.
Cash or Credit?
I won’t lie to you, cash is king in Costa Rica. You’ll escape some places charging you 8% for credit card usages. Plus, whenever you go out, ask if for the cash (Efectivo) discount and chances are you’ll get 5-10% off. This can be done anywhere from tour operators, to hotels, to restaurants to pharmacies.
If you go to a local market, local currency goes much further than the dollar. You stand out less and feel more comfortable.
d. Waiting Is the Hardest Part That’s right, if you’re coming to Costa Rica be prepared to wait! In this country this is a norm. Sorry to break it to you, but it’s so true. So come with lots of patience and besides, what’s the rush? Nothing is on time in Costa Rica. Just doesn’t happen.
e. Bring plenty of Ziploc bags: Nothing stays dry there. I recommend bringing 2 or 3 “Big Bags” for clothes and shoes and several quart-size bags. I tried to do laundry in the sink and air dry, but found it very difficult to dry most articles. Since most people do rafting, swimming, waterfalls, or just crossing over streams, you’ll need bags to separate your wet stuff from your semi-dry. I would also recommend bringing plenty of changes of clothes, especially if you’re an adventurous traveler.
f. Emergency Numbers: Luckily in Costa Rica the emergency number is 911. They speak English and are quite helpful. The problem though, is where are you? Costa Rica has one of the trickiest address and direction systems in Central America. So learn your address well!
Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, has been living in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. Traveling with her family to all parts of Costa Rica and Guatemala, she now loves organizing vacations for people and offers first hand experience. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!
Finca Chica Private Villa In Puerto Viejo Costa Rica!
May 27, 2010
My husband and I decided that we wanted to go somewhere nice, and private where we could enjoy a family weekend away from work and the city.
I some friends had told me about a place with all those qualities in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. It is called Finca Chica. Since they recommended it so much we decided to give it a try.
Plus these casitas can also be rented by the week,
We booked one of their casitas and when we finally got there we found a beautiful wooden casita and the garden around that surrounded it was beautiful. Right where the garden ends the jungle starts and it attracts wildlife such as birds, iguanas, monkeys and butterflies. The beach was just minutes away on foot and it is gorgeous and completely isolated. Here we didn’t see a lot of people or a lot of big hotels.
We booked one of their casitas and when we finally got there we found a beautiful wooden casita and the garden around that surrounded it was beautiful. Right where the garden ends the jungle starts and it attracts wildlife such as birds, iguanas, monkeys and butterflies.
The beach was just minutes away on foot and it is gorgeous and completely isolated. Here we didn’t see a lot of people or a lot of big hotels. All we saw was how the jungle becomes a white-sanded beach. I guess this is the definition of nature lover’s paradise.
I was in Puerto Viejo here only for one night and that was enough to make love it, especially because my son had enough space to run around I a safety environment.
So give it a try!
Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, has been living in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. Traveling with her family to all parts of Costa Rica and Guatemala, she now loves organizing vacations for people and offers first hand experience. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!
2 Great Tours In Two Great Countries – Costa Rica And Guatemala
May 19, 2010
This is a selection of six of my favorite hotels in Costa Rica and a small description of them, Enjoy!
Korrigan Lodge in Puerto Viejo
This is a great option for peace & nature lovers in Costa Rica’s Caribbean region. Korrigan Lodge consists of a number of bungalows nicely placed in the middle of the Costa Rican jungle.
It is also a few steps away from the beach. The bungalows are private with a beautiful tropical decoration. In the morning you will be woken up by howler monkeys and birds. Then get ready for the Breakfast, because it’s not only filling but also very tasty.
Turtle Beach Lodge, Tortuguero
Turtle Beach Lodge is the best option if you are planning on visiting the beautiful Tortuguero Village or Tortuguero National Park on your Costa Rican Vacation. My experience with them tells me that it is perfect for families. The service is outstanding. They are so helpful and nice but at the same time they don’t intrude with you and your relaxation at all. The food is very tasty unlike many other hotels’ food.
My experience with them tells me that it is perfect for families. The service is outstanding. They are so helpful and nice but at the same time they don’t intrude with you and your relaxation at all. The food is very tasty unlike many other hotels’ food. We got the opportunity to see many exotic animals running around freely in the surroundings so I guess it would also be great for nature lovers.
Villas Tranquilas, Manuel Antonio
Villas Tranquilas is located in Manuel Antonio’s rain forest, Costa Rica, just a few minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park and beach.
A great incentive for me to stay in these villas is the fact that they had minimal impact on the environment while being built. In addition the owners have also helped rebuild the local community school in the nearby town of Quepos.
Estela de Fuego Hotel in Playa Flamingo
Estela de Fuego is a beautiful hotel just minutes away from the beach on foot nested over a hill. A hill you said? Yes, the hotel is nested on a hillside from Playa Flamingo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
This hotel is pretty popular with honeymooners and couples. The hotel offers 45 rooms all with hot water. There is also a wet bar, a swimming pool, a bar and a restaurant.
The Hideaway Hotel in Samara Beach
The Hideaway Hotel is a small intimate, bed & breakfast located in Samara Beach, Costa Rica.
You will find it in the middle of the forest and just a minute away from the beach. The hotel offers 12 suites which are beautifully decorated. The colors they used in the decoration give the illusion of a big open space (I’m not saying that the rooms are small).
Oxygen Jungle Villas a Boutique Hotel in Uvita
It is located on a private reserve, in the middle of primary jungle of Uvita, par of the Costa Rican Central Pacific Region. The hotel only has 6 villas which means there will never be more than 12 guests due to their couples only policy. This is one of Costa Rica’s best options for honeymoons.
Every villa has a king size bed and a great view because of its hillside location. Since the place is run by the owners you get a more personalized service. The whole place is surrounded by the forest. It’s an amazing place to visit and one of the best hotels in the area.
Marina K. Villatoro, has lived in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for over 10 years. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. With her first hand experience, she can recommend the best options for you. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!
Great Hotels For Your Vacation In Arenal Costa Rica
May 19, 2010
Costa Rica is a country filled with great places to visit. Arenal is one of them and my favorite, whenever I come to this area I try to stay in a different hotel, just because I want to see new things. Here are 3 hotels I loved:
El Silencio del Campo
This is a beautiful hotel overlooking the Arenal Volcano that consists of a series of cabins spread out along beautiful gardens. The cabins are spacious and private making it the perfect destination for family vacations and honeymoons.
The staff is very helpful and friendly. The restaurant has a good ambiance and the food is very tasty. The room’s decoration is inviting and warm, but most importantly they are clean. It also has amazing views of the Arenal Volcano.
The staff is very helpful and friendly. The restaurant has a good ambiance and the food is very tasty. The room’s decoration is inviting and warm, but most importantly they are clean. It also has amazing views of the Arenal Volcano.
Hotel & Resort Arenal Paraiso
Arenal’s main attraction is the active and beautiful Arenal Volcano. Really close to the volcano is a beautiful Hotel & Resort called Arenal Paraiso. This is a truly amazing place with 14 swimming pools 13 of which are naturally heated hot springs.
What could be better that relaxing after a day of adventure in Arenal? There is also a gym, 2 saunas, a spa, 2 restaurants and a souvenir shop.
The place is beautiful, the decoration and the ambiance are perfect. The rooms are very spacious but above all clean. The best thing is that all of the rooms have beautiful Arenal Volcano views.
The staff is very friendly, they are always willing to help and make you feel as comfortable possible. This is one of the best options in the Arenal region.
Mountain Paradise Hotel
Mountain Paradise Hotel is a beautiful hotel located in La Fortuna Arenal, Costa Rica. It is right in front of the Arenal Volcano at a safe distance which allows the most amazing views of it.
It is the perfect place for honeymoons because of the view and a private jacuzzy in the rooms. This luxurious boutique hotel offers 40 rooms divided in 3 categories: the master suites, the junior suites and the premium suites.
This luxurious boutique hotel offers 40 rooms divided in 3 categories: the master suites, the junior suites and the premium suites. Each room is a separate cabina located in the middle of beautiful gardens, this allows maximum privacy.
The place over all is beautiful and well taken care of. The staff is always willing to help in any way possible. They will be helpful without intruding in your privacy.
The place over all is beautiful and well taken care of. The staff is always willing to help in any way possible. They will be helpful without intruding in your privacy. This is without a doubt one of the best hotels in the Arenal area.
Marina K. Villatoro, lives in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. She has traveled all over these areas with her family and now she loves to organize vacations to Costa Rica and Guatemala. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!
2 Great Tours In Costa Rica And Guatemala – Two Great Countries
May 19, 2010
Costa Rica and Guatemala are both beautiful countries with lots of fun things to do. Here is a great tour from each country:
Pacaya National Park Tour
Can you imagine a delicious dinner with wine, cheese and delicious gourmet foods on top of an active volcano?
Well believe it or not it is possible in Guatemala’s Pacaya Volcano! This volcano is just a short drive away from Antigua Guatemala. In this tour you can go up almost to the crater and stand a meter away from the constant lava flows. These constant flows are what keep this volcano from have a big eruption, making it a safe and exciting day trip.
You will be able to walk on solid lava, and get very close to little cracks from where you can see underground lava rivers and the best part the actual lava flows will be just a feet away from you.
This is a great adventure loved by travelers and locals and by me too, so I highly recommend it.
Manuel Antonio National Park Tour
Manuel Antonio National Park is the number one most visited park in Costa Rica! It is the perfect combination of rain forest, beaches, flora, wildlife and coral reefs that will surprise you at every turn. This sure sounds like a great family trip or a fun activity for adventurous honeymooners. You can definitely go to the park on your own, however, I guarantee you won’t get the same experience.
You can definitely go to the park on your own, however, I guarantee you won’t get the same experience. So who to choose as the perfect guide? I went with Aguila Tours, Juan Brenes, and can asure you that it is a guaranteed hit! My family and some friends took the private tour with him and loved it.
I’m sure you’ll come out knowing more about wildlife than some biologists:) The guide will help you see as many wildlife as possible, at the same time he will tell you everything there is to know about it. If you ever visit Costa Rica go for it I’m sure it will be great.
Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, has been living in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for over 10 years. She has traveled here extensively. Now loves organizing vacations to this amazing part of the world, having first hand experience of all the places with her family. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!
A Gem In San Jose – Hotel Grano De Oro, Costa Rica
May 11, 2010
I know that not many people think of San Jose of Costa Rica as a touristic destination. But I lived in that area for about 6 years and got enough time to get to know it completely and my conclusion was:
You can visit its beautiful theatre, the kid’s museum, the amazing central park and much more. I’ve also visited many hotels in this area so if you decide to spend some time I recommend Grano de Oro Hotel. This is a beautiful hotel located in Paseo Colon, San Jose’s main thoroughfare.
I liked this hotel because of the elegant decoration and the amazing service they offer. My visit here was very brief but enough to male me love it.
My visit here was very brief but enough to male me love it. You will find the hotel in what used to be a Tropical Victorian mansion and was turned into a beautiful 40-room hotel.
Here they serve some tropical and European dishes. Let me tell you that I loved the food, the size of the portions is good but the way it tastes is what is really outstanding. When it comes to the rooms they all have a beautiful and warm decoration. The size of them is very nice too.
When it comes to the rooms they all have a beautiful and warm decoration. The size of them is very nice too.
One very important thing that I have to mention is that this hotel has a non-smoking policy.
If you ever go there let me know how it went!
Marina K. Villatoro, has lived in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for over 10 years. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. With her first hand experience, she can recommend the best options for you. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!
The Total Spa Experience, Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
April 28, 2010
I don’t know about you, but I love to be pampered! But that doesn’t mean that I like the regular spas that have incense burning in a corner and new-age music playing in the background. I want something different.
This is how you get here: Fly into San Jose, Costa Rica. From here you can either take a domestic flight to the La Fortuna airport, or get a private driver which will drive you directly to the resort. Personally I love the drive. It allows me to learn all about the new place I’m visiting.
Arenal volcano is considered one of the top ten most active volcanoes in the world. Because of this amazing phenomenon the surrounding areas benefit from its rich soil and naturally heated springs.
Did you know that Volcano Arenal is one of the top ten most active volcanoes in the world? Because of this amazing phenomenon the surrounding areas benefit from its rich soil and naturally heated springs. The hot springs are a perfect combination of rain water, minerals and climate that make them a perfect way to relax.
I’m also a huge fan of the ‘hotel experience’. If I’m going to go away with my girlfriends I want to chill out and have everything at my fingertips.
Where to begin? The bar of course! You don’t have to become a bar fly in some dark lit room. Here you can put on your bikinis and head to the springs. And right in the middle of one of the hot springs is Los Perdidos jungle bar serving up delicious drinks! The Lost Springs is a series of naturally heated hot springs and cool pools.
Where to begin? The bar of course! Without becoming a bar fly in some dark lit room put on your bikinis and head to the springs. The Lost Springs is a series of naturally heated hot springs and cool pools. And right in the middle of one of the hot springs is Los Perdidos jungle bar serving up delicious drinks!
Before you know it, you and your friends are ready for a real drink and food!
Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, has been living in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for over 10 years. She has traveled here extensively. Now loves organizing vacations to this amazing part of the world, having first hand experience of all the places with her family. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!
Costa Rica – Friendly Country For Gay Travelers
April 27, 2010
Out of all Central American countries, Costa Rica is by far the most welcoming for gay travelers. It is also one of the only places where same-sex couples are fully protected by the constitution. Plus it is also full of gay-owned and gay-friendly resorts and cozy inns. Add that to the fact that Costa Rica is a multi-destination travel spot here are some inside goods on any of these popular spots: San Jose, beaches, rain forests, volcanoes and more.
So when you first arrive to Costa Rica I recommend you take a day or two to explore San Jose. I bet its nightlife and great eats will keep you fully entertained. You’ll enjoy staying at a number of small inns and guest houses that are gay-owned and very gay-friendly. Some are: Casa 69 or the very popular Colors Oasis Resort. The nightlife is one of the best attributes of staying in San Jose with a large variety of high-quality restaurants and trendy bars. Check out these popular clubs: Deja Vu, La Avispa, Club Oh!, Puchos Night Club and Why Not? After that it’s beach time!
Beach time! Manuel Antonio is the mecca for gay travelers in Costa Rica. It has the largest selection of top-notch exclusively gay resorts. Here you’ll enjoy the tranquility of the crystal blue ocean with full service spas, superb restaurants, and a ton of adventure packed trips like: canopy tours, horseback riding tours, and sailing, to name a few. Then, at the end of the day you’ll be getting more of an adrenaline rush from the exciting club scene. Some of the most popular resorts are: Hotel Villa Roca, Hotel Casablanca with its Sea Glass Spa, and Big Ruby’s La Plantacion.
Arenal Volcano is one of the top ten most active volcanoes in the world. At the very foot of you will find natural hot springs where you can simmer your bodies in while catching the lava flowing action. Tabacon resort is one of the hottest resorts here with thermal baths, swim up bars, and a restaurant that is built into the pools.
Now for all you adventure junkies this is the place to be. What’s your flavor? Wind surfing, hiking, horseback riding, canopy tours, and/or white water rafting extravaganzas. There aren’t any gay-owned establishments here, Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, Palo Verde Resort are very gay-friendly with good food and a fun bar scene. I know you might prefer to stay in gay-owned or exclusively gay locations. But don’t dismay, if you want to go to another location there are tons of welcoming and high quality hotels that can be found all over the country.
Note: If it’s not exclusively gay and you plan on bringing ‘new friends’ back to you room, find out the hotel policy before booking.
Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, has been living in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. Traveling with her family to all parts of Costa Rica and Guatemala, she now loves organizing vacations for people and offers first hand experience. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!