Posts Tagged ‘costa rica’
The Best of Costa Rica Hotels
May 9, 2010
Costa Rica hotels cater for a wide range of visitors, from the fun-loving families to surfers and those visitors who really prefer to stay in a hotel that offers their clients the full extent of the latest an international hotel can offer. Hotels such as the Best Western Jaco Beach Resort are ideal for a family holiday due to its proximity to an excellent beach and its delightfully joyous holiday atmosphere.
There are many such Costa Rica hotels dotted along the Pacific shoreline, each one with a range of excellent facilities that attract visitors with their wide range of excellent facilities. If you feel like getting away from poolside and beach most Costa Rica hotels organise tours for guests staying with them.
If you fancy visiting the Manuel Antonio National Park to get a glimpse of uncommon animals that live in the wild, such as iguanas, macaws and sloths, visit the reception desk at whichever one of the Costa Rica hotels you are staying at and they will arrange the booking for you. For the very brave, come face-to-face with the native crocodiles with a tour of the Crocodile River, or if you have a head for heights, arrange a canopy tour to experience the treetop world amidst the Costa Rica rainforest.
All Costa Rica hotels are able to arrange organised trips for you so you get to experience the very best the country of Costa Rica has to offer. The Jaco Beach Hotel is a particularly secure area and, with a security guard wandering around the grounds, the resort is possibly safer than many other Costa Rica hotels after dark.
The pool is lit in the evenings and remains open quite late, guests can take advantage of the tennis courts on site while the children have enticing play areas to keep them thoroughly occupied. For those guests who prefer to entertain themselves inside during the evening there are excellent bar facilities as well as free WiFi access and a really good restaurant.
Overall, the Jaco Beach Hotel is probably one of the best Costa Rica hotels around this particular length of coast and guests who have stayed there have commented on how enjoyable their sojourn was at this particular hotel.
Looking to find the best deal on Costa Rica Hotels, then visit www.webgotravel.com to find the best advice on Web Go Travel for you.
A Costa Rica All Inclusive Vacation – From Sandy Surf to Active Volcano
May 6, 2010
A Costa Rica all inclusive vacation will give you all of the wonders of a tropical paradise in one convenient package. Whether you prefer lounging on the beach all day or hiking through dense jungles, there is a vacation package available that will suit your preferences and your pocketbook.
Beach lovers will appreciate the clear waters and long white sand along the coast. Local hotels provide lodging close to the water, as well as guided tours and opportunities to fish or dive off the coast. Stay at a modern hotel near the city, or enjoy a Costa Rica all inclusive vacation in a more secluded cottage setting.
If you’d rather spend your days discovering exotic wildlife and vegetation, you can purchase a Costa Rica all inclusive vacation near the Monteverde Cloud Forest or the Arenal Volcano. Costa Rica is covered with lush rain forests waiting to be explored.
When it comes to water sports, there is more than just the ocean to play with. Center your Costa Rica all inclusive vacation around one of the powerful rivers that runs through Costa Rica. You can race through whitewater rapids on a raft or kayak in the middle of the jungle.
Every visitor who enjoys adventure should try flying over the jungle canopy on a zip line. Your Costa Rica all inclusive vacation can take you from the ocean floor to the top of the jungle and everywhere in between. There are also opportunities to hike or bicycle through the scenic forests.
The cultural learning opportunities of a Costa Rica all inclusive vacation shouldn’t be missed either. From colonial architecture to native tortillas, you’ll enjoy the rich blend of European and native cultural elements.
Street vendors line the streets, selling handmade items that you will treasure. Guided tours are also available so that you will get the most out of your trip through Costa Rica.
Looking to find the best deal on Costa Rica Vacation, then visit www.yoursite.com to find the best advice on Grayline Costa Rica Vacation for you.
A Girl Getaway
May 6, 2010
My friend and I kept saying that we needed to get away from it all and leave the men and the world behind. She surprised me one day with reservations at the Monteverde Hotels and said that I had plenty of time to take off from work.
I was so excited that one of us finally stepped up to the plate and planned a vacation that I started to cry. When we got there I could not stop hugging her. Of course after we checked in I told her that the spa was calling my name.
Not only did the Monteverde Hotels have a spa but they also had an indoor swimming pool that we enjoyed each and every day. Even though there was a gym we decided that we were on vacation and working out could wait till we got back home.
Our room was beautiful with our own beds and a mattress that felt like heaven. We even had a coffee maker so I could start my day off the right way. I watched the sunrise each morning with a fresh cup of coffee to an exquisite view. It was better than any sunrise at home.
She had rented a suite so we had a mini bar and even a private balcony. Even though there was cable television in the room we were so tired by the end of the day that all we wanted to do was sleep.
When we got back I showed my boyfriend were we stayed on the website. He was so impressed that he decided that maybe we should take advantage of one of the special packages they had and go away together for a special trip. I am looking forward to going back and having a romantic trip and show him what I saw.
Learn more about Monteverde Hotels. Stop by Johan Fabrich’s site where you can find out all about EL Establo Hotel and what it can do for you.
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!
Playa Del Coco, Party Town – Guanacaste, Costa Rica
April 17, 2010
One of the best beaches you can hang around in Costa Rica is Playa Del Coco. This beautiful and eventful beach of Costa Rica is situated in Guanacaste, near the Daniel Oduber International Airport, Liberia.
As I’ve already said, Playa Del Coco is very eventful and it has all the things that you want for a fun time starting from Sports fishing (which is a famous thing out here)or you can watch exciting waves, the busy beach and of course, Scuba Dive! The beach is very popular among the locals as well as the tourists. The place has many good facilities such as shops, restaurants, bars, discos, casinos, hotels, resorts and markets.
Let’s look at 5 things you can do enjoying this beautiful place:
1) Nightlife in the Beach: This is the best part of Playa del Coco. The daytime is not even close to being as beautiful as it is at the nighttime. People from all over the world keep on coming here and it’s definitely a delightful sight. Even if you want a tour in the middle of the night, it is available.
2) Snorkeling in Playa Ocotal: Walk to your left from the parking lot and make sure to bring your sneakers because you’re going to walk over some volcanic rock. Once you get around the corner, you’ll find a small beach with easy access to a vibrant reef. Here I’ve seen turtles, mantas, and dozens of bright tropical fish that I can’t identify.
3) A day at the Hilton: If you are not staying at Papagayo Hilton, it doesn’t matter, you can easily visit its cool pool and beautiful gardens. A bus service is always available when you need it and it will take you up and down around the hills. The gardens and hanging out places are awesome. Just make sure you tell the guards that you will be eating in their restaurants!
4) The LLano de Cortez Waterfall: About an hour away from Coco, you’ll find a 60 feet waterfall. To get there you have to drive towards Liberia, and when you come to the “main” intersection (the one with the Burger King), make a right. Continue for about 30 minutes until you see an Aloe factory. Down the road to your right you’ll see a sign for the LLano de Cortez Catarata.
5) Dr. Will’s Nature Tour: Dr. Will is a retired veterinarian who offers guided nature tours in Ocotal Beach. You can walk with Dr. Will for a couple of hours along the beach, up into the mountainside, and then go back down to where you started. All of this for only $20 per person. You’ll see birds, lizards, monkeys, exotic flowers, and you’ll learn more about Costa Rican wildlife in 2 hours than you could have ever hoped to learn watching the Discovery channel.
People who enjoy nightlife and of course, beauty will have a blast here. You are invited by the beautiful beach and the buzzing town.
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! Grab a totally unique version of this article from the Uber Article Directory
Costa Rica: Our Photography Tour Of Fiery Arenal Volcano
March 8, 2010
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All our luggage and camera gear is packed in the van by 8 a.m. and we are on our way to our first destination, soon to become a real life adventure. We are on a photography tour so everyone is talking cameras and pictures. This is the first day, we are getting to know one another, and the level of excitement in the van is high looking forward to the tour.
We are on our way to Arenal, an active volcano in Costa Rica, but there are a few stops along the way. First, we stop in Sarchi, famous for its tropical furniture, where magnificent, brightly decorated ox carts are made in an eighty plus year old water powered factory. From there, we drive to the little mountain town of Zarcero where the focal point is the old wooden church with its much-photographed double row of topiaries leading to its entrance. You can fill your camera’s memory card just at these two places with the colours and patterns in Sarchi and the fantastic shapes of the topiaries in Zarcero.
Luis, our driver, is very familiar with the many potholes that make Costa Rica famous, so he cautiously makes his way along the road while most everyone else, on 2 or 4 wheels, pass us by. The number of wannabe Formula One drivers in Costa Rica is staggering. There is even a bus driver who has been known to have passengers find religion and speak directly to God on his overland route.
After our planned stops and lunch in La Fortuna we are now just a few miles from our lodge at Arenal. As we leave the main highway we find ourselves on a road that is one continuous pothole. It is January and the rainy season has just ended so most roads are in poor condition but what is unique about this road is that it was constructed from crushed lava rock.
We round a curve and a come to a clearing at a river and there is Arenal Volcano! Most have never been face to face with a volcano before and it is truly an awesome sight to see, a perfectly shaped volcano.
The point of the cone is cloaked in puffy white clouds with a beautiful blue sky as a backdrop. We immediately stop and quickly leave the van attaching cameras to tripods. Some of us wade into the river for a better image while some shoot from the riverbanks getting a different perspective.
Arenal is highly monitored and quite predictable so even being this close the volcano holds little risk of a sudden, catastrophic eruption, though small eruptions are very common. The base of the volcano is 1 km from the lodge and the cone is 2 km away, which gives the guests at this lodge many opportunities to experience the volcanic activity.
What a surprise that while we are unpacking and settling in, Arenal comes to life again! It roars loudly as smoke and gas shoot many hundreds of feet into the sky and rocks tumble down the slopes. Mantled Howler monkeys hoot loudly following the eruption but we really do not know if they are hooting in protest or howling in support.
While enjoying our meal in the lodge dining room mighty Arenal speaks again! Although there are many photo opportunities in Costa Rica, who would have imagined that while eating dinner we would be gazing up at a volcano erupting in front of our eyes? And this on our very first day of the tour!
For the next two nights most of us get very little sleep as we find comfortable chairs in the common area outside our rooms, mount our cameras on tripods and attach a cable release. I had already decided to use an 80-200mm lens set at 80mm and an aperture of f8, the camera shutter set at “B” for time exposure.
The activity of the small flare-ups at the cone and the lava flowing down the opposite side makes me think that a time exposure of more than 20 minutes could produce an ugly yellow blob of light and if there are no eruptions after this time I will close the shutter and start another exposure. In using a cable release the exposures are perfectly sharp and Arenal cooperates by putting on quite a display while we are there.
Arenal volcano was the first adventure for my photography group in Costa Rica. Everyone is looking forward to the next eight days and the marvelous and exciting photo opportunities they will have. Pura Vida!
Frank Scott writes from sunny Costa Rica where he is a professional Costa Rica Photographer offering unique photography tours. Some of his work can be seen in Costa Rica Vacations, a very popular travel guide to this unique country.
Thinking About A Costa Rica Vacation? Check Out Jaco
March 8, 2010
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How about going to a vacation spot that is known to have some of the best and most popular beaches in Costa Rica? If you have always wanted to vacation in Costa Rica, check out Jaco.
Located only two hours from San Jose, Jaco is along Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast at the Northern part of Puntarenas province. Though there are plenty of things to do during the day, this is one of the country’s famous “party towns”, well known for the outstanding, eclectic nightlife that you can enjoy on the beach.
Over the years, many tourists have made this a favorite location for their visits, citing its casual, relaxed, laid back, friendly, party atmosphere. There are lots of great beaches nearby, some of which are very tranquil, all of which are gorgeous. Jaco has boomed over the last half dozen years or so. Where there was once a quiet little road (except at night) road through town, today there are towering high rises and resorts, and lots and lots of bars, restaurants, and shops.
College kids have long traveled to Jaco because of its “party beach” and cheap accommodations. There is great surfing and lots of bars and discos. They are joined by people of every age and background who come here to enjoy the many things to do and see. Today, there are many restaurants, taverns, tourist traps, and nightclubs to choose from. Whatever your budget, from luxury to basic (think hostels without hot water) there’s a place for you—-not to mention a tourist souvenir shop.
Jaco Beach sits directly in front of Jaco and is very, very popular but , in my opinion, nearby beaches just a couple of miles or kilometers away, are much better. There are fewer people and the waters are some of the purest on earth. The best beaches are awarded Blue Flag ecological certifications for cleanliness. When you vacation in Jaco, I strongly recommend going to spectacular Hermosa Beach, a couple of miles south of Jaco. Though it is not good for safe swimming due to its currents, it is pristine and pure with some of the best surfing on the planet. How good is the surfing? Think world class. Indeed, this July professional surfers from more than 35 countries are descending upon Hermosa to participate in a week of world surfing championships. Watch them during the days or party with them at night in Jaco.
There are dozens of different things to do and innumerable places to visit close at hand. Costa Rica is tiny but filled with interesting places and activities. Go whitewater rafting or learn to sea kayak. Take a horseback ride along the beach or through the mountains (if you’re into extreme riding, you can literally ride across Costa Rica from the Pacific to the Caribbean). Visit volcanoes, sit in volcanic hot springs, try rappelling in tropical mountains, go ballooning. Or just sit back and enjoy the great ocean views and beautiful, romantic sunsets. But, take care when swimming. Some of the beaches, wonderful for surfing, can be dangerous for swimming because of riptides. There are no lifeguards—and no warning signs—so ask if it is safe to swim before jumping in.
And, if you like to fish (or want a new experience), take a day charter from Jaco. The waters are often teeming with wonderful fish, from 400 pound marlin to sailfish, schools of tuna, and dozens of other species. Costa Rica offers some of the worlds great off-shore fishing and remember: the worst day of fishing is better than the best day of working.
Though it is easy to reach by air, Costa Rica remains to be discovered. Columbus was the first to find it and, indeed, gave it its name “Rich Coast.” It remains a spectacular haven with one-fifth of every species of plant and animal on the planet residing together in a tiny little country. So, don’t limit yourself to the beaches of Jaco. There’s lots more waiting.
Mr. Vic Krumm lives in beautiful Costa Rica and and has a lovely website Costa Rica Vacations. Visit here to learn more about Costa Rica Beaches Don’t reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.
The Fire of Arenal Volcano Hotel
February 11, 2010
Finding a place for the perfect getaway is filled with plenty of research and phone calls. Perhaps you are looking for the different and unusual that is filled with excitement all at the same time. This can be found at the Arenal Volcano Hotel.
This is the perfect spot for a wedding and romantic for a honeymoon. Here you are going to find a hotel that will offer you a spa where you can relax your way back to the peace and relaxation that you have been searching for.
Not only is the Arenal Volcano Hotel a hot spot for your special day but also the perfect spot for a business conference. The facilities hold up to 250 people and can provide you with internet and of course air condition.
The accommodations offer queen size and king size beds as well as mini-bar and hydro-massage. Of course, you don’t want to leave out the breathtaking view of the active volcano and mountains. The Arenal Volcano Hotel will leave you breathless with all that it has to offer.
For a relaxing soak, you can enjoy one of the hot springs that is available to you as well. The waters in the springs are great for your skin and also have a hydro-massage as well. You will be able to find one that has just the right temperature for you. Depending upon which spring you visit, there is a snack bar and a salon as well.
As you can see, the Arenal Volcano Hotel is able to offer you everything that you are looking for in a vacation and special getaway. You can lay all of your research to rest when you decide to make this special hotel your choice for a vacation. Visit http://www.hotelarenalkioro.com/ for more information and hotel reservations online.
if you want more information about Arenal volcano hotel, feel free to visit their website by clicking on the following link: http://www.hotelarenalkioro.com/
Enjoy a Wide Variety of Costa Rica Hotels
February 8, 2010
Costa Rica hotels range from budget economy lodging to luxury full service resorts. You will find accommodations that suit every economic bracket in this versatile tropical paradise. Every hotel, no matter how luxurious, offers access to the wide variety of activities and entertainment available in the lovely cities of Costa Rica.
Many of the most popular hotels are located right on the beaches. Guests can walk to the beach and soak up the sun, then walk back to their rooms again. If you dream of a tropical getaway, these beachfront hotels are exactly what you’ve imagined they would be.
Costa Rica hotels also serve the culturally rich cities of this travel destination. If you choose a downtown hotel you will be in easy travel distance of many of the most interesting historical destinations, as well as the diverse range of restaurants, shopping, and night clubs.
If you prefer to begin your vacation as soon as possible, you may want to reserve a room in a hotel nearer the airport. Several Costa Rica hotels offer free shuttle services to and from the airport 24 hours a day. These comfortable accommodations cater to business travelers as well as vacation travelers.
Costa Rica is a vacation location filled with natural and man-made wonders. You should choose a hotel that will match your vacation dream and allow you to enjoy this magnificent place in the easiest fashion depending on what you plan to do while you are there.
Costa Rica hotels offer travelers the option to make the hotel a luxurious part of the vacation experience with beachfront access. There are also hotels that offer a comfortable place to sleep once you are finally done exploring the beaches, forests, and cities of Costa Rica. Whichever you prefer, you are guaranteed to find a quality hotel that fits your needs precisely.
if you want more information about Costa Rica Hotels, feel free to visit their website by clicking on the following link: Hotels in Costa Rica