Manuel Antonio National Park Blue Water White Sand

Lets travel to Costa Rica to Manuel Antonio National Park Costa Rica one of the most visited and popular national parks.  What is so special  about Manuel Antonio?  It  is a great escape into nature, experience a lowland rainforest with all the animals, birds, trees. The Pacific Ocean borders the western most edge of the park.  And the BEST is the sandy white beaches , one of the few really white beaches in Costa Rica. The ocean is GREAT to swim,  gentle waves and blue waters.  The hiking trails are also well identified on this map. Upon entering the park, you will be approached by young men asking to be your guide locating the birds, animals, etc. Thats not really necessary and they charge a lot ($40.00). My husband and I went alone and we saw several different colors and sizes of Iguanas and white face monkeys playfully stealing bananas from the tourists backpacks. And we saw a slow moving sloth high in the rainforest canopy.

How long should you plan to stay in the park? Usually one day. Entrance fee $7.00 per person. Go early in the morning when the birds and animals are acitve. Park opens 7:30 a.m. and closes 4:30 p.m. It is closed on Mondays but otherwise it is open all year including holidays. Take a lunch and drink in your backpack because there is no where to get food or a drink inside the park. There are bathrooms, but I found them poorly maintained.

The uniqueness of Manuel Antonio national park is the way the almond trees drape over the sandy white beaches. It's easy to find a shade and just lay out your beach towel and simply relax. And of course the white sand, and the blue water. ( The Pacific Ocean tends to have a grey tint to the water, but here it is blue) It gives you a feeling a being in the South Pacific...more than any other place in Costa Rica.

Just before entering the park-- along the road are hundreds of vendors peddling their wares, from local hand made jewelry to beach clothing.

What is the downside or is there a downside? Very crowded...over developed..... The main road approaching the park is just plain commercialism, and unattractive.
Getting there from San Jose and the central valley 5 hours by road, part is narrow winding mountainous terrain . .not easy..especially if you are in a rental car.
The main road from Jaco on down to Quepos-Manuel Antonio is very bad in some segments. Driving can be hazardous. Another way to get there:
the fastest is to fly in a twin engine plane from San Jose international airport by Sansa or by Tropical Air. Flight is only about 20 minutes. Or by public bus (and public transportation is excellent in Costa Rica)- around 6 hours from San Jose.

Hotels: too many to count. Mostly small hotels... And all price ranges...My husband and I choose the La Mariposa Hotel .....we paid $160 per night in low season of August, including a gourmet full breakfast. The room had a gorgeous ocean view. The French gourmet restaurant is a special treat. We had our best meal in Costa Rica here...baked snook in white wine sauce...pricey but worth it! A great wine list..French, American, and Chilean..at reasonable prices. ( No hotel in Manuel Antonio is situated right on the beach..instead one sees them sprinkled along the side of the rainforest covered mountainsides. ..and to get to the beach you have to drive approx 1 mile or take your  hotel shuttle bus ..if they offer one.

What time of year should you visit?  Mid November thru Mid April are driest months and of course when most tourists are there. Rainy season mid- April thru Mid November offers sunny mornings and rainly afternoons. Rates are lower during rainy season. Temperatures are warm year round. Hotels have air conditioning: however it is always wise to ask to be sure.

Living, Working, or Retiring in Costa Rica Escazu and Santa Ana

Thinking of moving to Costa Rica to live and work or even retire?   I will talk about the neighborhoods of Escazu and Santa Ana.   But first let me tell you, I can certainly answer your questions and give you great guidance and advice. . I first began visiting Costa Rica in 1968 and have lived there full time starting in 1997, in a nice upscale "gated with 24 hour guards"..residential community. Built 2 condos ..lived in one and rented the other one. Part of my time there, I lived alone, so I can advice you ladies who are asking "Should I take the leap and move alone to Costa Rica"?

First I would say to all interested: Come on down and rent a place for several months. Get your feet wet. In the central valley most Americans and Canadians live around Escazu and Santa Ana. There is a lot of social life so its easy to integrate and make friends. English speaking clubs such as: New Comers club, Womens Club of Costa Rica, Wine Club, Birding Club, Golf, Tennis, Bridge Clubs, Little Theatre Club, and many many more.

For the younger and "older" singles, there are many gathering spots: it doesn't take but a little asking around where these places are and you can quickly make new friends.

I joined several of these Newcomers clubs ( I am the age group considered just entering my golden years) and soon I made many new and wonderful friends . People were definitely eager to meet new people and widen their range of friends- broaden their interest and
learn new things. I enrolled in Spanish classes 2 times a week..which I will never regret. And still today continue my study of the Spanish language.

Escazu and Santa Ana, a lush mountain-side location ( suburbs of San Jose, the capital city.) have a beautiful climate of eternal Spring, tropical flowers everywhere, no heating or air conditioning needed. There are so many excellent restaurants from around the world. Shopping for all ones needs is near by. Grocery stores carry American products, the beautiful mall has all current fashions and movie theaters showing latest American hits. It's almost like living in the US with all the comforts of home. The roads are in good condition, although the traffic can become congested.

Medical care in the private sector is first class. Most of the doctors have trained in US and speak English. The private Hospital Cima has it all..great doctors in every specialty at very reasonable fees. They actually sit down , listen to you, and talk for the time necessary to understand your needs. Equipment inside the hospital is new, state of the arts.
Private Health insurance can be purchased at reasonable rates... and with comprehensive and quality coverage.
Another option : You can enrole in the government health care (socialized medicine) . This is not free. Monthly premiums are different for different levels of income. But the general senario is long waits to see a doctor and longer waits to get treatments for routine and non emergency illnesses. Getting perscriptions filled within the system can be standing in line for as long as 4 hours.

In summary, I highly recommend the neighborhoods of Escazu and Santa Ana.

Advise from one who has been there: 1. Rent a place that is gated and guarded. Unfortunately, theft is common. You want to leave your home and not worry about it while you are out having a nice time.

2. Be careful of the maids and gardeners you hire, don't tell them any of your secrets or confide in them. (example-location of the family safe.

3. Don't leave money or jewelry lying around in visible places.

4. Rent in this area is a little steep. $700 per month and up-- But spend some time with a reputable real-estate company and you will find the right fit for you. Reference: American European Real Estate Group www.american-european.net

5. DON'T buy until you have been there at least one year and have found the area that is just right for you.

Question: Can I live cheaper here then in US or Canada? Yes you can..because you dont have heating or air conditioning bills, quality health care and medications are much less expensive,
you can travel by taxi or very good public buses so you don't Have to own a car. Groceries are about same cost as USA however if you shop at Friday afternoon and Saturday local farmers market , you can buy freshly locally grown fruits and vegetables at 1/2 the cost of the grocery stores. You will buy less clothes because the climate is mild, so you don't need 2 seasons of clothing.
Apartment or condo rent is about same as in a city in USA or Canada.

Phones are cheaper, electricity is cheaper, water and real estate taxes are cheaper.
You should need only part time domestic help..perhaps 4 hours twice a week so you probably don't want to hire a full time maid. I could spend this entire page giving you reasons, from personal experience, why it is better part time.

Valuable Resources:
1. Association of Residents of Costa Rica (ARCR) www.casacanada.net/arcr
2.Book: Living Abroad in Costa Rica by Erin Van Rheenen (Moon) Entire section dedicated to resource web sites to help answer almost all questions a foreigner would ask about living in
Costa Rica. Available at Amazon.com
3. Book: The New Golden Door to Retirement and Living in Costa Rica by Christopher Howard
Very detailed and comprehensive Available at Amazon.com
4. Tico Times, the English language weekly newspaper search google: just type in tico times

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Aviaro del Caribe Sloth Refuge Limon Costa Rica

Travel Costa Rica to  the sloth refuge named Aviaros del Caribe sloth refuge . Go 30 miles south of Limon, Costa Rica.  It is easy to see the route on a Costa Rican map. It's the only main road going south as you leave Limon . You will see the sign on the left side of the road. Aviaros del Caribe...before you get to the little town of Chauita.

The refuge is the dedication of Judy Arroyo.  Originally from Alaska, her daughter and three grandsons, and also Judy's Costa Rican husband.

The star of the refuge is Buttercup , age 6 years, who was rescued after being hit by a car as she tried to cross a busy highway. Judy nursed her back to health, and Buttercup became a part of the family.

That was the beginning and soon other injured or sick sloths were delivered to Judy's doorsteps, where they are nurished back to health and released into the wild.

Visitiors can see the baby sloths being feed by volunteers, usually young university students here for three months. Also, a short very interesting film is shown about the life cycle of the sloth

Judy has 4 guest rooms. You can stay the night in air conditioned room with 2 double beds and excellent Costa Rican breakfast with fresh tropical fruits, eggs, tortillas, or toast, and of course Costa Rican coffee--all for $100.00 (double occupancy) Oh yes, this includes the tour of the sloth refuge. You can stop by just for the tour. There is a modest fee, around $14 per person.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about this reclusive creature.

By the way, Limon and the surrounding area is home to hundreds of sloths. These small fuzzy pale brown animals are hard to see in the canopy of the rainforest, they move slowly and come down to the ground only when they need to releive themselves.

Recommended ****

To find it on the web .. Aviaros del Caribe on google search or sloth refuge costa rica

climate- hot
accomodations- comfortable
price- reasonable Our double room with air conditioning  was $100-includes full Costa Rican breakfast and tour of the Sloth refuge.   Just the refuge tour  is approx $14 per person.
experience-unique

notes--bring mosquitoe repellent and dress cool   and bring your camera!

Here at costaricalearn we would love to hear your experience at the sloth refuge.  click on comments or reply at end of this article.