Monteverde, Settled by Quakers

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The Community named Monteverde was settled by eleven Quakers  families from Alabama in the early 1950s.  They left the United States and came to Costa Rica looking for a new home,  because they had a strong belief against the military system of the US .  Costa Rica,  in 1948 permanently abolished it's army, and known to be a peaceful and beautiful country.    These young settlers had searched from the Panama border,  the entire length of Costa Rica and over to the Nicoya peninsula searching for that perfect place to settle and raise their families.  They  choose this area for it's  cool, moist mountain climate, and remote setting, and gave it the name Monteverde, meaning "green mountain"  This area was sparsely populated and the soil was rich.  They brought with them skills of farming and started dairy farms and began to make cheese ( this cheese is famous today). They planted gardens and raised their food, and soon began to raise cattle for beef production.  They built their homes by cutting and sawing logs and used a system called  "the working bees" where members of the community joined in to "raise a house."

The Quakers founded a school to educate their children and gave it the name School of Friends, and the school is still operating today. They sought to teach the children Real Values and make them grow strong mentally and spiritually. The Quakers believed that a part of a child's education should be to learn about the environment and how to protect our natural resources. They believed in living a simple life where the family is the most important thing.

The Quakers believed in no barriers of race, creed, or nationality and soon integrated with their Costa Rican neighbors  who were very friendly and helped  them  settle.

Today the Quakers numbering around 800 still make their home here.  They  are also very successfully growing coffee, and are actively  involved in the tourism industry which is the biggest business now in the area of Monteverde.

Monteverde as a tourist destination. Despite the difficult road to get up to Monteverde, it is a major tourist attraction in Costa Rica, drawing up to 200,000 visitors per year.  Tourist interested in nature are lured here by the famous  Monteverde cloud forest Reserve (in Spanish Reserva Biologica Bosque Nuboso)  The hugh trees  making up this primary rainforest will enchant you. The weather is cool and moist due to its high elevation, and has an enchanting mist over it, giving you a feeling of being in the clouds.    The annual rainfall is 118 inches.   This reserve was founded in 1972 by a scientist named George Powell and a Quaker Wilford Guindes.  The reserve has 9 main trails , totaling 13 Km.  the walking trails are well marked and easy to walk, although a few have  steep inclines.  I visited in March when the weather was not so rainy and I was lucky to see the Splendid Quetzal.  This bird has its mating season in March and April and makes its home within this forest.

The Quetzal is a large bird, brilliant  blue-green in color with a red breast.  It has a long tail with beautiful feathers.  It is reclusive and hard to spot, but our guide knew where it was nesting. The Quetzal was sacred to the ancient Mayan and Aztec people .  Royalty and priests wore its feathers  during ceremonies.

We wanted to take another hike so we choose the near by  Santa Elena Cloud Forest at 5,600 feet above sea level.  Here we have 12 Km of trails to choose from but of course we aren't going to hike all of them.  So we choose one of the easier ones and begin our journey.  Its very cool today and we need our rain jackets, there is a steady mist in the air.  The trees are hugh and seem to grow to the sky with very little sunlight coming through.   The trees are   filled with all the varieties of bromeliads which are blooming   in colors and bright reds and pinks.  The sounds of birds are all around us.  We are  looking for the splendid quetzal but unfortunately we weren't able to spot it.  We have been told that it is very hard to see one.  We saw a howler monkey in the distance but due to the dense forest we were unable to get near him.  After two hours I was tired so we returned to the hotel for a nice long rest.  Listening to the patter of the rain on the tin roof.

What is the difference in the Monteverde Cloud forest  Reserve and the Santa Elena Cloud Forest?  The Monteverde Cloud forest reserve is more of a PRIMARY rainforest.  This means that the trees are very very old (hundreds of years)  Santa Elena Cloud Forest is a secondary rainforest meaning that at some point in time-- the trees were cut and then replanted.  The trees here are hugh and beautiful--just not as big and tall  as those in the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

The beautiful photo of the quetzal shown above was taken by photographer Scott Wilkinson.    See more of his work at www.scottwilkinson.com

Or  www.sapotours.com/gallery.aspx

Costa Rica Unique Ecotourism Destinations for the Nature Lover

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Tortuguero Canals

Rancho Margot

While working many years  as a travel agent specializing in Costa Rica, I have had the opportunity to explore most of this small unique country , now on the forefront of  "World Ecotourism"

I have my special places which I feel are the most Unique  ecotourism destinations for the nature lover  traveling to Costa Rica , and I highly recommend them to every ecotourist.

Nature Lover's Paradise:  Unique ecotourism Destinations


1. Tortuguero national park on the Caribbean (Atlanta) side of Costa Rica.   Please read my extensive article ( with photos) on Mawamba Lodge and the Tortuguero Canals.  Go to page one of  www.costaricalearn.com  go to the search box and type in tortuguero canals.

Or find them on the web  www.grupomawamba.com

2. Poas Volcano National Park, approximately 15 miles north of Alajuela in the "central valley"  Poas is inactive at the moment.  It is a very large geyser.  You can look down into the geyser which is spectacular.  It is a large blue-green gurgling pool of hot steam.  Please read my extensive article with photos about Poas Volcano.  Go the page 1 of costaricalearn  to the search box, upper right hand side,   Type in Poas Volcano.   OR on the web  www.costa-rica-guide.com/parks/poas.htm

3. Doka Plantation Four Generations Coffee Tour,  Costa Rica , on the road to Poas Volcano, five miles outside of Alajuela.  A must do tour.  Learn all about coffee, how it is hand picked, processed, and packaged up according to its quality.  Taste several varieties and make your own decision and take some  home with  you. Check them out on the web www.dokaestate.com

4. Arenal Volcano National Park and Arenal Lake, Costa Rica.  Most popular tourist destination in Costa Rica.  Read all about it by going to page 1 and in the search box at top of page on right- type Arenal Volcano National Park or find them on the

web   www.costa-rica-guide.com/Natural/Arenal.html

5. Rincon de la Vieja National Park, in north central Costa Rica    A very unique destination!  Please go to page 1 of costaricalearn.  Go to the search box at the top of the page and type in rincon de la vieja.  There you will see my extensive article on this volcano along with photos.

OR find it on the web   www.costarica-nationalparks.com/rincondelaviejanationalpark.html

6. Corcovado National Park and Cano Island  south western Pacific.  One of the most remote national park in Costa Rica.  Filled with wildlife and birds.  Here you will experience a primary   rain forest with unusual trees,  some with buttress of 4 meters in diameter.  It is recommended to explore this park with a guide.  Do not go in alone.  It is dense and unforgiving.  Cano Island can be reached by boat thru a tour company-located out of the jungle lodges around Corcovado.  Uninhabited , Cano Island is a reminder of Robinson Crusoe.  With beautiful long stretches of unspoiled beaches to stroll upon. It is a day trip from the mainland.  One cannot sleep on the island.   Read more about Corcovado on the web     www.costarica-nationalparks.com/corcovadonationalpark.html

Special Interest tours- can be done in 1/2 day or 1 day

1. Rancho Margot- Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal  This is a self sustaining ranch  (learning center) where all the food is grown organically, electricity is by water powered generator,  setting  is a unique rain forest with views to Lake Arenal and a mighty river runs  through the middle of the property.  This is a nature lovers paradise. Take a guided tour of the ranch or  horseback ride to the summit with magnificent views of Lake Arenal.    The ranch has several very nice bungalows to house their guest and an excellent restaurant.  It also has a yoga center situated on the banks of the river.  You can learn all about this unique place on the web  www.ranchomargot.org please read my in depth article  (with photos)   Go to page one of costaricalearn , top right is the search box.  Type in Rancho Margot

2. Sloth refuge, Aviarios  del Caribe located  approx. 19  miles south of Limon on the Caribbean  coast.  Here injured sloths are nursed back  to health  and released into their natural habitat in the Costa Rica jungle.  Judy and her husband Larry, creators of this refuge, offer a tour for around $14 per person.  You see the baby sloths and learn first hand about the strange creature's life style.   Buttercup, a mature sloth rescued from the middle of the highway when she was only a few months old,  is the star of the refuge. This is indeed a unique place.  Please read my more detailed article (with photos) on Aviarios del Caribe.  Go to the first page of costaricalearn , the search box  at top of page type in Aviarios del Caribe sloth refuge costa rica.

Or find them on the web www.slothrescue.org

The Ethnic Make Up and Character of Costa Rican People

By international standards Costa Rica is characterized as a third world country or a developing country.  However, on first impression it does not appear so.  You don't see the cardboard shanty towns that dominate the landscape of other developing countries.  The people are well dressed. The homeless and street people are not as evident as in other Latin American third world countries.

Costa Ricans are essentially democratic, benevolent and peaceful, well mannered,  friendly and helpful.   They are basically shy  and non aggressive and will go to any length to avoid an argument.  They tend to agree with you when sometimes actually deep within they really don't agree.  (This characteristic is one that is hard to get accustomed to)   And many times they will not answer your question with a direct answer, as we are accustomed to in our Anglo Saxon culture.

Small town life in Costa Rica:  In the small towns of Costa Rica there is a connectedness, a community  unity.   People care and help each other.  The most important thing to them is the family unit and families tend to grow up and live close to one another.  It is not unusual to see a family compound where the parents build their home and also a home for each of their children.  These are often completely enclosed by a tall concrete wall.  The Costa Rican is fundamentally a campesino  and feels more at home in an agrarian  rural setting.   However, in the larger cities such as San Jose and Alajuela  people seem to live more separately, very characteristic of life in a big city.   In the cities  everything  moves fast and stress becomes a part of daily life.

Costa Ricans welcome foreigners.  The government has set up tax incentives to start a new businesses or  work in an existing business,  or  retire here  and enjoy the beautiful natural environment.

The North American culture has had a great influence on Costa Rica.  Costa Rican kids watch movies and TV programs produced in Hollywood,  they know the names of actors, musicians, and politicians, and especially are in love with pop music from North America.  Fashions trends are fast to reach the youth of Costa Rica from the US.

Costa Rica has a complex ethnic  makeup. When Christopher Columbus reached the shores of Costa Rica in 1502,  on his third voyage to the new world,  he found indigenous tribes living here,  and they engaged in trade with Columbus and his followers .  As more and more people immigrated from Spain,  some of them mixed with these indigenous people  and produced a race of "mixed blood"  Although some of the Spaniards remained segregated and married only among their own.   In Costa Rica today you will see these white skin, blue eyed people.  And also you will see the "mixed blood" who have olive skin, dark hair and eyes.

As time passed the Spaniards tried to enslave the Indians, and they rebelled.  Many were killed or died from new diseases brought over by the Spaniards.  A small number of them survived and they  fled into the mountains to hide.

Certain areas of Costa Rica have  a distinct population:  for example on the Atlantic coast is a large population  from African descent who came to Costa Rica from the Caribbean Islands, mainly Jamaica and the West Indies.  They came to work on the  cacao (chocolate) plantations and the banana plantations.  They also helped to build the railroad from San Jose to Limon  (no longer in service).  They speak both English and Spanish.

The province of Guanacaste, Northern Costa Rica: this area was once part of Nicaragua so the people have darker skin, are short in statue,  and resemble their Nicaraguan neighbors in manner and accent.

There is also a small Chinese population in Costa Rica, which seems to be mostly in  the Limon areas and in San Jose.  These people came to Costa Rica to help build the railroad from the central valley to the Atlantic coast.  Many stayed, married Costa Ricans,  and started small family businesses.

Italians came to Costa Rica to work on the railroad, and  remained.  Many of them live in an area called San Vito in the southern part of Costa Rica.

Indigenous People of Costa Rica: When Columbus first arrived to Costa Rica there it is estimated that approximately 60,000 Indians lived in different regions of Costa Rica.   Columbus was looking for gold and the first Indians he encountered wore gold necklaces and told stories of gold along the coast on the southern Pacific of Costa Rica.   However,  Costa Rica was not to become  a "rich jewel in Spain's crown".  In fact it turned out to be one of the poorest of Spain's  American colonies.   When new settlers came from Spain they found life  very oppressive.  They had to endure very hot weather, impenetrable forest, floods, raging rivers,  impassable mountains, swamps, and diseases.   By 1506 expeditions from Spain were landing throughout the Atlantic coast.  They captured Indians and shipped them to Hispanola (Dominican Republic) as slaves to the large land owners.  These exeditions brought small pox, influenza, and other plagues to the region and many of the Indians died from these infections.  Immigrants from Spain forced the Indians into labor without compensation and the Indians rebelled, many of them fleeing into the dense forest of the mountains of the Talamanca regions (today a small number of them still live, isolated from the outside world).  The Indian revolts, the shortage of food, and lack of gold imposed continuous hardships on the new settlers. And by 1560 the number of  new Spanish settlers decreased.  By this time few of the Indians remained.

This caused the settlers to have to do all of the work themselves. So they planted and gathered the crops with  their own hands,  and  endured  this desperate struggle to exist  in a wild wilderness land.  Historians point to this period of Costa Rica's history to explain the character of today's Costa Rican.  They cherish independence, love peace and liberty. Perhaps this was the beginning of their strong democratic tradition of the  independent yeoman farmer working his plot of land in the hills.  The rich vs. poor social classes did not arise and there were no groups of strong and powerful land owners.

During the second half of the 19th century immigrants began to arrive in large numbers.  They were attracted by the promise of prosperity generated from the developing coffee industry.  Also the Costa Rican government had as open door policy. There were German and English settlers who started businesses  in import-export.  Other businesses were started by Lebanese, Turkish, and Polish Jews, who became powerful merchants.

Starting around  the year 1840, when Costa Ricans discovered that they could grow coffee,  things changed, both economically and socially.  Coffee became a big business, creating on oligarchy of coffee barons who rose to positions of wealth and power.   A distinct social class emerged of rich  plantation owners.  They built large and grand  homes and sent their  children to Europe to become educated in  European manners and a gentile way of life.  Today, we see beautiful buildings designed by European architects, best example being the National Theatre in San Jose.  Built around the turn of the century it is a copy of the Paris Opera House.  It is host to  operas,  ballet, and other classical performances as well of pop concerts.  Also scattered around Costa Rica are beautiful churches reflecting European influence and designs.

Since the 1960s Costa Rica laws favoring North American and European retirees, have led to the establishment of a large number of Americans and Europeans in the central valley and surrounding smaller towns.  They come to enjoy the warm tropical climate and relaxed way of life.  Some start new businesses.  Others just retire and live a simple life,  eat natural vegetables and fruits, enjoy the unspoiled beaches, and even take some Spanish lessons.  Time for them is to be savored..one day at a time.

Should I Include Alajuela, the City of Mangos

Alajuela is Costa Rica's second largest city with a population of around  50,000.   It's biggest advantage is that it  is located only two miles from the international airport Juan Santa Maria.  It's a great place to spend the first night in and your last night out, before departing Costa Rica.   You don't have to get into the San Jose traffic  to search out a hotel.  There are many small hotels around the airport as well as in and around Alajuela.  You can find them in your favorite Costa Rica travel guide, or just ask some locals since Alajuela is a small town everyone knows where things are located.

Alajuela is very Costa Rican  with the main business focus being downtown, with lots of cars beeping their horns and  people walking around.  There is  only one small mall with about 40  stores and a movie theatre, and  is located just outside of downtown on the main road to the international airport.  What is unique about Alajuela?   It is the home of Juan Santa Maria, Costa Rica's national hero.  As a  young drummer boy in the Alajuela  militia,  to save his country, he volunteered to burn the fort in Rivas, Nicaragua    This happened at the Battle of Rivas in 1855 resulting from the  invasion of a north American named William Walker who was planning along with his band of filibusters to invade Costa Rica and claim it for themselves.   The Costa Rican militia,  made up of poor peasants  marched north, pushing Walker and his men back into Nicaragua, then they stormed the fort.  Juan Santa Maria volunteered to carry a burning torch to set fire to  the fort.   However,  this poor drummer boy was shot as he ran toward the fort,  but the bullets did not stop him as he  carried the torch and burned the fort.   This drove the enemy  into Honduras  where Walker was shot and killed.    Today, Juan Santa Maria's statue stands in the Alajuela park as a constant reminder of his bravery and dedication to his country.

What should I see and do in Alajuela? Walk around downtown and through the central park lined with mango trees, which gives the city the nick name, "City of Mangos"   The beautiful Alajuela cathedral faces the park and it's nice just to rest on a park bench and watch people walking by.  See the old men playing checkers or just sitting together catching up on all the town's gossip.    Also, here every Sunday morning at 10 a.m.  the municipal orchestra plays a mixture of popular music and classical.  It's fun to come out in the fresh morning sunshine, sit on a park bench, listen to the music, and watch the "dressed up in their Sunday best" children run around and play.  I remember my Costa Rican father-in-law who passed away at age 94.   He loved to walk two blocks from his home to the central park  and  pass the  time talking to his buddies,  and he never missed a Sunday concert.  Afterwards,  he and Donna, my mother-in-law would go to the soda adjacent to the park and have homemade vanilla ice cream topped with strawberry jello.  This soda was run by two sisters who never married, but dedicated their lives to their little business.  Today the soda no longer operates.  Why?  McDonalds with it's golden arches appeared one day and set up shop one block from the sisters...and the rest is history.

Don't miss the central market located  downtown,  bustling with music and Costa Ricans of all ages wandering around doing their daily  shopping.  The stalls in the market are full of fresh fish, fresh vegetable and fruit,  meat markets, as well as herb and spices and quaint little food stalls selling typical Costa Rican food,  such as black beans and rice, arroz con pollo (rice and chicken) fried yucca,  all kinds of tacos made  of beef or chicken.   Desert is usually flan which is an old fashioned egg custard.  Or three milk cake which is a white cake with three different milks heated and poured over it.  Typical drinks are natural pineapple in water, mango, watermelon, papaya, lemon, orange, and many more.  All fresh and juicy.  You can ask for these drinks to be made with purified bottled water.  Is it safe to eat in this market?   I recommend that you order food that is cooked.  Don't eat raw salads, etc.    In addition, you will see other interesting items sold in the central market, from clothing and shoes  to local artist displaying their work.

What else is unique to Alajuela?  Well,  the locals say it is the weather  which in my opinion is hot.  But the seniors  love it and come  here to escape the "cold weather" of San Jose.  It's not unusual to find residents who are in their nineties or even live to be one hundred years.   The other secret they say is the natural foods, fresh vegetables, fruits, and fish, all easily found in the central market or the local farmers markets on Friday afternoons and all  day Saturday.   Plus the "no stress"  life style, and lots of exercise since most people walk everywhere.

Is it easy to find my way around  Alajuela?  Very easy.  The streets run north-south and east-west.  The curious things is the streets  have no names.  But the locals know where everything is located, thus  no need for street names.

If you have a morning or afternoon free before departing for home,  stop in Alajuela and simply explore around the city central park and market.

Please send me your stories about Alajulea, would love to share them.  Go to top of page and click on "Contact Us"

Weather around Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Many tourist have asked me about when is best time to travel to the Arenal Volcano to get the best weather? There is not precise answer for that question.  The weather around the Arenal areas is rainly all year.  There is no rainy or dry season.   However, the month of March seems to be the best month to get the most sunny days. And September and October being the most rainy.

My advice is if you are planning to visit the area of the Arenal Volcano, go ahead and go and don't think about rain or shine.  Because if you get up very early in the morning around 5:30 a.m. when the sun is just coming up you have a very good chance of seeing the summit of the volcano with its frequent eruptions.  Also if you plan your activities in the morning chances are you will get at least some sun in the morning hours.

The jungle lushness of this area of Costa Rica is simply because of the heavy rainfall.  You will see the agricultural areas in the region and see how well the crops thrive.  There is papaya, pineapple, bananas,  coconut, and yucca.  And you will see many farms which grow ornamental plants which are exported to the US, Canada, and Europe.

The weather around the Arenal volcano and the lush rainforest  forms a perfect habitat for  hundreds of species of tropical birds.  You will see many toucans flying free in the rain forest canopy.

Marino Ballena National Park Costa Rica, whale watching

I am planning a vacation to Costa Rica and I want to see whales.  Is that possible?  Yes it is.  The best time of the year to see them in Costa Rica is  from December through April.  They can be seen from the mid Pacific coastlines all the way down to the Osa Peninsula.   The whales  migrate from the frigid waters of the north to these  warm tropical waters to breed.  Three different species of whales can be seen here.  The humpback whale is gray and black and can weigh up to 50 tons.   Pilot whales can be seen through out the year since they stay in tropical warm waters.  Sperm whales are hard to see because of their ability to travel long distances under water.

Marino Ballena National Park is one of Costa Rica's newest national parks, established in 1990, and the best place to watch whales.   It is located on the Pacific Coast 120 miles southwest of San Jose.  It is named for the giant humpback whales that migrate here December through April to mate in these warm waters.  The park stretches about 9 miles (15Km) seaward.  It encompasses 270 acres of beach and coast, and 13,300 maritime acres.

Inhabitants of the Marino Ballena National Park:  three species of whales, green marine iguanas, dolphins, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles,  lobsters, trunkfish,  as well as corals and sponges.  Also we can see water birds including frigate birds, brown footed boobies, pelicans, and ibises.

Weather at Marino Ballena National Park:  warm around 80  plus degrees F. and receives approximately 13 feet of rainfall annually.

The turtles:  olive Ridley and Hawsbill turtles can be seen laying their eggs at night on the beach between May and November. The largest amount arrive on the waning moon usually in September.

At low tides snorkeling is good from the shore and also scuba diving trips are available.

Lodging: Several basic cabinas located off highway 34 between Uvita and Pinuela.  Camping is allowed on the beaches and water can be obtained from the ranger stations.

Tourist usually purchase a package to visit the Marino Ballena National Park.    Check with the tour company Costa Rica Expeditions (on the web).

The park is accessible by road but a very long drive from the San Jose area.  Look on a Costa Rica map for Uvita.   Marino Ballena National Park  is located near by.

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Traveling to Costa Rica, Which International Airport to fly Into?

If you are planning to travel to Costa Rica and are wondering which international airport you should fly into?  Costa Rica has two international  airports.   SJO  or San Jose international airport is located  in the center of the country, 2 miles outside Alajuela and approx 8 miles from downtown San Jose, about a 30 minute drive.    The other international airport is located in North Central Costa Rica in Liberia.  LIR    It's name is Daniel Oduber International airport.

When should I fly into Liberia- Daniel Oduber International  airport? 1. Visiting the northwest Pacific beaches of Guanacaste and the province of Guanacaste in general.   2. Also the popular Arenal Volcano National Park is located in this same region.

When Should I fly into San Jose -Juan Santa Maria International Airport? When visiting all other destinations in Costa Rica.

Is there an international airport in the south part of Costa Rica?    No

Helpful information: 1.The driving time from San Jose International Airport to  the northwest Pacific beaches is four hours, so you can see why it's best to fly directly into Liberia.

Flying within Costa Rica?  There are two regional carriers   www.flysansa.com         www.natureair.com            Both of these carriers fly to the most popular tourist destinations within Costa Rica

Sansa's terminal is located adjacent to the San Jose international airport  Baggage is limited to 25 pounds per person.

Nature Air's terminal is located about 20 minutes from the San Jose international airport in an area called Pavas.   Baggage is limited to 25 pounds per person

Important: If you are departing from the San Jose International Airport be sure to be at the airport 2 hours prior to departure.  Lines can be long.  And remember you need to pay a departure tax  $27  per person at a different counter than the check in counter.  And this also takes time if the line is long.

Driving from Arenal Volcano to Tamarindo Beach on NW Pacific, Best Route to Take

This article to is  inform you about the best route to drive  from Arenal Volcano to the NW Pacific beach of Tamarindo:  Best route to drive  is go around the north face of Lake Arenal to Tiliran, then to Canas.  This is very scenic and takes about 1.5 hours.  The road is good in most places with a few areas  of pot holes.  At Canas you run into highway 1 which is same as  Inter American highway.  Turn right and head north to Liberia.  In Liberia Turn left and go to Filadelfia and then follow the signs to Tamarindo.  This road is good.  From Canas to Tamarindo is approx  2.5 hours.  Looks less on the map but driving distances take longer in Costa Rica.

Ask for a map of Costa Rica when you rent your car.

Don't drive at night.  Fill your tank with gas in the towns.   Costa Ricans are very nice and helpful so don't hesitate to stop and ask directions if you need additional help.

Rancho Margot, Costa Rica

[caption id="attachment_1153" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Animal Sanctuary "Baby Mimi""][/caption]

Rancho Margot Bungalow

Let's travel to Costa Rica to the Arenal volcano area and visit Rancho Margot.  Rancho Margot is a self sustaining organic farm located near the Arenal  Lake with  great views of the Arenal volcano.  This is indeed a unique experience for tourist in Costa Rica.  It is  400 acres of rain forest  and borders the Children's  Eternal  Rain forest  of Monteverde.  Juan Sostheim and his family bought the property and  turned it into a working ranch where everything is grown organically.  Electricity is generated on the property by a turbine driven by water power.  Internet and cell phones service comes  from satellite.  A string wide  river runs through the middle of the property.  The Sostheim family welcomes  tourist and have 10 beautiful bungalows and a bunk house to house their guest.  You can take a tour of the ranch and learn how things are run.  You visit the organic garden,  see the cows and pigs,  plant a tree, take a horseback ride to the highest point on the property.  Here you see the beautiful Lake Arenal as well as the Arenal volcano.  You see toucans and howler monkeys.  Also, there is a yoga center on the property l0cated on the banks of the river.

We stayed two nights and three days and enjoyed every minute of it.  It was the month of July and we got rainy afternoons with big thunderstorms and lightening which was great.  Mornings were sunny and pleasant.  There is a pet toucan down by the restaurant.  He lives in a very large wired area.  I had never seen a toucan up close like that.

Rancho Margot is like a botanical garden with all sorts tropical flowers and plants.  Just strolling around the bungalows was a delight.  You really feel like you are in the jungle.  Early morning we were awakened by the sounds of howler monkeys  near by.

Juan showed us the school buses he ordered on  E Bay and they actually were delivered to Costa Rica!  Juan had them painted jungle green with colorful birds all over them.  Quite a sight!  These buses are used to transport the guest from La Fortuna over to Rancho Margot, about a 20 minute ride.

Juan  also has an animal rescue station right on the property.  He showed us a small monkey which had been brought to the station the day before.  It had been hit by some school kids, and later rescued and brought to the Juan and his staff.  They had several other monkeys which were being nursed as well as two baby deer.

Juan explained that their overall mission is to protect and preserve the  rain forest.  They bring local school children to the ranch and teach them about protecting  and preserving the rain forest.   Tourism was incorporated into the project to help raise funds to run the operation.  It is a lucky tourist who gets to experience Rancho Margot.  It is indeed a unique place!    You can find them on the web  www.ranchomargot.org  and find out all the details if you want to visit the ranch.

Experience Rancho Margot first hand because it is featured in our recently filmed  DVD "Costa Rica A Travel Adventure Spectacular" travel video.  You can order this full length Costa Rica travel video by going to Costaricalearn's home page and go to top and click on "buy our video"  There you will see a 3 minute preview of the movie and the instructions how to order it.  If you are thinking of vacationing to Costa Rica this video is a must see!  All the popular tourist destinations are featured on it.

Where is Rancho Margot located? Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal,  La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

How to get to Rancho Margot ? When you make reservations Juan will provide information  on  how to get to the ranch.

Best time of year to visit? Mid December thru mid April rains less.   However, this area of Costa Rica is a very rainy area.  But most of the time you will get sunny mornings.  Remember you are in a rain forest which needs rain to keep it green.

To visit this unique place contact Ann "The Costa Rica Expert"  She is the owner of The Costa Rica Learn Travel Company

Contact Ann  anncreed23@gmail.com for an individualized vacation itinerary to Costa Rica suited just for you.

Read all about this at  www.costaricalearn.com

 

Renting a Car in Costa Rica, Credit Card Company car rental Insurance.

Renting a car in Costa Rica? First call up your credit card company and ask them what Insurance coverage they provide with car rental in Costa Rica?    Each credit card company is different.  But just for purposes of example- let me tell you about mine.  I have a gold American Express card.  I can be  covered  (for a fee of $24.95 ) while renting a car in Costa Rica  EXCEPT FOR LIABILITY.  So I purchase a separate liability insurance policy thru  the rental car agency in Costa Rica.

Again:  Every credit card is different.  Call  yours and ask .

If your credit card does offer car rental coverage,  you will save money by buying the portions thru them that covers everything  except the liability portion.   A large portion of the money you pay to rent the car in Costa Rica  goes to insurance.

Ann welcomes questions and will answer them timely.  Just click at the bottom of the post  no comment  then post your question.

Internet Cafes Costa Rica

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If you are traveling in Costa Rica and need to use  the internet and the place you are staying does not have one.  You can go to an internet cafe. All the towns have one or more of them.   Just ask around and most everyone knows where they are located.   They are inexpensive to use and you pay by the minute.

Traveling to Costa Rica, Should I Drive in San Jose?

If you are planning to travel to Costa Rica and rent a car , it is best if you do not drive in San Jose. The traffic is extremely congested with  many large  buses everywhere.  You can't read the street and avenue names because they are rubbed off the sides of buildings where they  were once written. It's hard to determine one way streets.  San Jose is not a well planned city so a common sense approach to directions don't work there.

Then what do I do?  Best is to hire a taxi to drive you into San Jose.  Or,  you can take a public bus into the city from all the surrounding towns and once you are there, hire a taxi-which is inexpensive.

Rush hour around San Jose is bad, so avoid it if you can.  Between hours of  7 a.m. until around 8:45 a.m.   Then 4:30 p.m. until 7:  p.m.

There is only one main highway from San Jose to the international airport which is the Pan American highway also known as highway 1.  This road continues north all the way into Nicaragua.  Plan plenty of time to get from San Jose to the international airport.  Traffic is always heavy along this strip of highway 1.

What do I do if I need to drive my rental car thru San Jose to get to the highway to Limon  and on to the Caribbean  beaches?   Answer: what I did was hire a taxi to lead me thru San Jose to the road to Limon.    I tried it on my own and  very quickly got lost!   I tried  reading a map  of San Jose which proved of no help.  (Because many of the streets do not have names)

Great Web Site for Beach Vacation Home Rentals on Northwest Pacific Coast of Guanacaste, Costa Rica

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I'd like to share with you a great webte site  if you are looking to rent a beachfront home for your Costa Rica vacation. www.beachfront-cr.com The location is the northwest Pacific coast of  Guanacaste , Costa Rica at Playa Hermosa.  A great location! Less than half hour from the international airport in Liberia and the climate is perfect for the ocean and beaches,  lots of sun all year.  Even in the so called "rainy season of Costa Rica"  May-November,  the mornings there are lovely with warm winds and full sun.  Rain in the afternoons is a short lived  thunderstorm which is spectacular lighting up the sky with brilliant colors.

The individual homes which you can view on a video posted on the web site are all spectacular 3-4 bedroom homes, fully furnished and with maid service, and you can even have your own personal chef.   Each  individual home has it's own  swimming pool with a view to the Pacific blue waters and magnificent sunsets.   So take a look  beachfront-cr.com

Outdoor activities in the area including  golf,  deep sea fishing,  sailings,   surfing,  scuba diving,  snorkeling,  horseback riding on the beach, rain forest explorations,  and trips to volcanoes  such as Rincon de la Vieja with its many baby geysers., and the mighty Arenal, an active volcano.   All of which can be arranged for you by the concierge service of Beachfront Properties, (at the same web site) They are proud of their  first class service with special attention given to all your needs during your  stay.  Their goal is make  your vacation  relaxing and enjoyable,  for you to enjoy and savor each day.

Special treats:   Visit  the nearby Arenal Volcano which is active  and almost constantly sprays hot rocks and fire from the summit.  Here you will find  the famous Tabacon hot springs and Spa.  Warm mineral filled waters cascade downward from deep within  the base of the volcano within a gorgeous rain forest filled with exotic tropical plants and flowers, and colorful toucans flying in the tree tops.  Perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation!  And the beautiful Lake Arenal., surrounded by lush rain forest.  Take a boat ride in the early morning to watch the  sea gulls fly and listen to the howler monkeys in the jungle near by.

Rincon de la Vieja National Park:  An excellent day trip .  This is an inactive volcano with a bizarre geological phenomenon of 20 acres of boiling mud pots, hot springs, sulphur lakes, and small vapor geysers that color the surrounding rocks in magnificent shades of red, green, and bright yellow.  Relax in one of the hot springs and get a body wrap of the volcano mud,  believed to rejuvenate one's skin bringing  a refreshed younger look.

So take a look on the web:  beachfront-cr.com where you can learn more about Beachfront Properties and the homes  for rent.   Watch a video of each home.  Learn about the fabulous fun in the sun beach activities,  as well as the wonderful natural destinations near by for exciting day trips.  And learn about the best restaurants for  a unique Costa Rica dining experience.

Pacuare Nature Reserve Tortuguero, Green Turtle nesting

Pacuare Nature Reserve in Costa Rica is all about green turtle nesting.   It is hundreds of acres of pristine lowland rainforest and six kilometers of deserted beaches.  It is located between Tortuguero canals and the Caribbean Sea, about 25 km north of the Atlantic port city of Limon.  Pacuare Nature reserve  is an important sea turtle nesting site of  the leatherback turtle as well as the green and hawksbill turtles.  The leatherback come ashore here in the months of March through June. The greenback turtles June thorugh September.  Both of these turtles are endangered due to poaching for meat and eggs, and  also the destruction of natural habitat due to land development along the coast line.  As a results of all these things the Pacuare Nature Reserve  was created in 1989 by the British based Endangered Wildlife Trust.

In 1994 a volunteer turtle protection program was established at Pacuare Nature Reserve and is made up of volunteers and students.  Visitors are welcome and upon arrival are given an orientation and invited to participate in the night patrol of walking the beaches to make sure poachers are not taking the turtles or the eggs.

Visitors are welcome to stay at the very rustic lodge located on the property. There is a 2 night minimum.   The lodge has three bedrooms with a shared 1/2 bath.  The shower is outside  and hot water is available if you want it. The is no electricity  at the lodge.  Price is $80 per person per night which includes the meals and transportation to the lodge by boat from La Trocha.  One can volunteer their services  and this is $175 for a week.

Wildlife is abundant here-monkeys,  250 species of birds, exotic flora, a very jungle setting.  One really feels that you are away from the real world.  Hear the sounds of birds early in the morning along with the sounds of the ocean serf. Watch the sun rise at 5:30 a.m. every morning.  Weather is very warm and humid here, and rains a lot-all year round.

When visiting Pacuare Nature Reserve what should you bring?  sun screen, mosquito spray, light weight clothes, comfortable walking shoes, sun hat,  small folding umbrella, small flashlight, bottled water if you feel you need it.

How to get to Pacuare Nature reserve: From San Jose take the highway to Limon and in about 2 hours,  turn off near a  village named  Matina and go about 30 minutes through very scenic route of  banana plantations to La Trocha  located along the Tortuguero canals.  Boat from the lodge picks you up and then its a 20 min ride to the reserve.  Or email Carlos and he will tell you which bus to take from San Jose to Matina, then take a taxi  to La Trocha.

Contact:  Carlos Fernandez 2 224 85 68  c.fernandez@turtleprotection.org

carlos57fer@yahoo.com             or         www.turtleprotection.org