The Maleku Indigenous People of Costa Rica

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Maleku tribe members

The Maleku are an indigenous tribe living in Costa Rica north of the Arenal Volcano in an area called Guatuso.  Around 600 people live here on a reserve.  The Maleku speak Spanish as their first language but many of the elders also speak the Maleku language.   These people have attracted a lot of tourist to their village where the tourist  learn first hand about the Maleku culture.  If you visit the village you will see that they live in cement houses but also have some traditional houses used for ceremonial  purposes.  Traditionally they  buried their  dead inside the house so that he or she would  never be forgotten.  Today  have to acquire special permission from the Costa Rican government to bury their dead in their backyards.   The Iguana is one of the main meats of the Kaleku diet.

The Maleku economy relies mostly on tourism and the sell of their very original art.  They carve balsa wood into bowls, masks, and musical instruments, then paint them in very bright colors.

As a tourist you can sleep on the reserve and take advantage of the tours given by the Maleku people.  One of the most interesting is the medicinal plant tour  where you walk through the forest with one of the native medicine men and learn more about these plants that grow in the wild.

Thanks for reading costaricalearn.com

Can I fly from the San Jose to La Fortuna, Arenal?

If you are planning to travel to Costa Rica for vacation and want to get to La Fortuna -Arenal volcano area and do not want to drive,  you can fly from the central valley area where the San Jose international airport is located  to La Fortuna, Arenal  on Nature Air  www.natureair.com you must go to a different airport than the San Jose international airport to take the flight.  You have to take a taxi (30 minutes)   from the San Jose International airport (around $20.00) to  Tobias Bolanos Airport located in Pavas, a suburb of San Jose and Escazu.   This is Nature Air's main terminal and headquarters.  Check Nature Air's web site for destinations, schedules, and fares.  www.natureair.com Nature Air flies to most of the most popular tourist destinations inside Costa Rica.

Which are the Two Domestic Air Carriers That fly Inside Costa Rica?

The two domestic air carriers- that  fly inside Costa Rica-  are Nature Air  www.natureair.com and Sansa  www.flysansa.com They fly to most of the popular tourist destinations within Costa Rica. Check their  web sites for destinations, schedules, and fares.

Often they run specials,  especially in the low season or green season of May through October.  Check  their web sites for these specials.

Sansa has is main terminal and headquarters located two blocks from San Jose international airport.   Nature Air's  main terminal and headquarters is located in Pavas at Tobias Bolanos airport.  About 5 miles outside San Jose and about 3 miles from Escazu.  From San Jose international airport it takes 30 minutes by taxi to Nature Air's main terminal in Pavas.

Can I fly from Arenal,La Fortuna to Liberia to get to NW Pacific Beaches of Guanacaste?

[caption id="attachment_1567" align="alignleft" width="949" caption="Nature Air Domestic Carrier"][/caption]

Yes you can fly  Nature Air from La Fortuna Arenal domestic airport to Liberia international airport located in  northern Guanacaste to get to the NW Pacific beaches.   This is the fastest route to get to the NW Pacific Beaches from  La Fortuna and the Arenal area.  The La Fortuna airstrip is small and located only a few miles outside of the town of La Fortuna.  Taxis are readily available to transport you into La Fortuna , only a few miles , and the rest of the area around the Arenal Volcano.

The domestic air carrier  Nature Air flies out of Pavas  where it's main terminal and headquarters is located.  Which is approx 5 miles from downtown San Jose., Costa Rica's capital city.  The airport is named Tobias Bolanos Airport in Pavas.     From San Jose International Airport to  the Tobias Bolanos  airport takes about 30 minutes by taxi and should cost you around $20.00.   If you get a transfer by Nature air they will charge you twice as much, around $40.00  Go on the web and check  Nature Air's schedules and fares  www.natureair.com

Also you can fly from Liberia international airport to La Fortuna Arenal.  Check Nature Air's schedule  www.natureair.com

Arenal Volcano National Park and La Fortuna, Three Days There, Which Activities Should I Do?

[caption id="attachment_1523" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="eyelash viper found in Costa Rica's rain forest."][/caption]

Don't  let the eyelash viper scare you!   We encountered him along the hiking trail, almost  brushing him as we passed.  Camouflaged in the jungle bushes, he was lazily taking the morning sun.  The Arenal Volcano National Park  is my favorite tourist destination in Costa Rica, if I can say I have a favorite.    I never tire of going there, over and over again.  always finding  something new.  But if I had just three days,  I can certainly tell you what to me is the most exciting!  First the zip line or canopy tour.   Very unique and unusual like  "Tarzan and Jane."

I  choose Arenal Mundo Adventura for the zip line tour.  www.arenalmundoadventura.com It was a clear sunny morning with the mighty Arenal Volcano  was in full view.  What a sight!  We were transported high up into the canopy of the rain forest in a flat bed truck, kind of exciting since it bumped and squeaked all the way up the side of the mountain, almost drowning the sounds of the howler monkeys.   A large platform appeared before us, at the base of a rain forest tree, the biggest  I've ever seen, where we put on the "gear".  Ken, my husband had a video camera and was set to capture it all.   I got a little scared when I looked down.  It seemed forever to the bottom,  where I imagined myself.  Visions of my husband collecting my life insurance ..  (Bad thoughts!)   My  turn came and I was zipped, moving easily along the cable,  high above the pristine rain forest canopy, passing  lush green flora and two waterfalls which seemed as tall  as skyscrapers.  Easier than I thought!    Eleven platforms later-  the end of the journey, and I must say I could have taken eleven more platforms.  WOWwww!

Next came  the tour of the Maleku Indian village. Sitting  on wooden benches inside the Spiritual House, we listened to  Twelve of the Maleku tribesmen and two women perform a religious ritual praying  for rain and good fortune,  in their own language of Maleku.   Beautiful hand painted mask were neatly displayed  inside the House of the Spirits.  I bought  a  small jaguar's  face beautifully painted in multi colors of reds, green, yellows, and black.

Later that afternoon  we visited the Tabacon Hot Springs and Spa, a tropical fairyland.   Cascading hot waters coming down the side of the volcano set in the mist of a lush rain forest surrounded by tropical flowers and plants-zillions of them.     Sitting under the cascading hot water I was sure I had died and gone to heaven.   Dinner time came too soon.  Sitting in the  "land of make believe" we feasted on fresh baked chicken and five different picadillas  (a la Costa Rican)  while watching the old Arenal spit and sputter fire and hot lava rocks  from its summit.

Day two: Very early we set out to explore the Arenal Volcano National Park by  hiking  around it's northern base.  Right where the infamous 1968 massive eruption destroyed a village killing 87 people.   Not a very good thought at this moment!   "You  are not to get off the trails",   said our naturalist guide.   "It's dangerous for snakes and other jungle creatures".  Then, we heard the hissing and puffing of the volcano which seemed much closer to us that it actually was.  Out of nowhere came a band of howler monkeys starring us square in the eyes and even throwing tree twigs in our direction.  Didn't want strangers invading their territory!   I got a very discomforting  feeling knowing  I  was at the mercy of this mighty  keg of dynamite... finally we arrived to the old lava rocks and were allowed to climb up  to the top.  My camera couldn't  snap enough  of these huge black jagged  lava rocks, some two meters in diameter, and just plain weird looking!  We had been hiking now about 1 hours and the rain started to come down, unusual for March since this is usually a dry month around here.    So we started back to the park entrance and suddenly down a steep winding path thorough the rain forest our naturalist guide yelled freeze!  On a tree limb  along side the trail was a small  pinkish- yellow snake called an eyelash viper.  (photo above).  The naturalist guide told us to stay far away from it and it wouldn't  bite us.  The eyelash viper  is  a very poisonous snake and its venom affects your central nervous system and cardiovascular system.  It's  named eyelash viper because  the bristly weird looking scales above the eyelids  which resemble eyelashes. Gruesome!  Bet  you never seen one of these!

By the afternoon we were ready to take a rest and get ready for the early evening outing leading up a dirt gravel road to a place called El Silencio.  Here the  crater of the mighty Arenal seemed to reach out and touch us.  Big balls of fire were coming out of it's cone shaped top,  just like fireworks on the fourth of July.

Our third and last day, I was not ready to think about going home.  I wanted to stay. We had to choose carefully what we wanted to do, among the many options:  Horseback ride to La Fortuna water fall  ( I don't care much for horses)  Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve ( already been there)   Hiking to the Blue River  (guide said it was a tough hike and I'm chicken for tough hikes).  River float (seemed a little too sedate for me)  So, the winner was:  the Arenal Hanging bridges which are man made bridges high  above the rain forest canopy.  We were looking for more monkeys and colorful tropical bird, and luck we did have.   A group of howler monkeys were swinging thorough the rain forest, making lots of noise with their shrill howls.   Early morning was the best time to find birds and the jungle was a symphony of birds sounds.   And of course I had forgotten my bird binoculars!

For the full range of tours, descriptions, and  prices  of all the awsome things to do around Arenal go to the wonderful tour operator. (Office is  on the town square in La Fortuna).      www.sunsettourcr.com

Jade Musem, San Jose Costa Rica

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[caption id="attachment_1474" align="aligncenter" width="180" caption="hieroglyphs inscribed on jade"][/caption]

No better way to spend a rainy afternoon than visiting the Jade Museum in San Jose, a great way to spend two hours.

Interestingly  enough no sources of jade have been discovered in Costa Rica therefore it must have come to Costa Rica through the trade routes of it's northern neighbors the Aztecs of Mexico and the Mayan of Guatemala.  As well as the Incas, the neighbor from South America.

Jade with it's unique symbolic energy as been known to man for 7,000 years, and because of it's toughness, in prehistoric times it was a material used to make weapons and tools.

As early as 3,000 B.C. it was known in China as the "royal gem".  Jade embodies the Confucian virtues of wisdom, justice, compassion, modesty, and courage.

In ancient Egypt jade was admired as the stone of love, inner peace, harmony, and balance.

The Mayan people of Pre Columbian Mesoamerica found jade in the Motagua River Valley of Guatemala.  They shaped it into symbolic figures and used it in  religious rituals.  Also, as a medium upon which hieroglyphs were inscribed.

The Jade museum is one of Costa Rica's best museums.  You will find beautifully displayed pieces of jade from ornamental head pieces, elaborate necklaces, revered animal figures, to gorgeous ornate pottery pieces.  Some dating back to 400 B.C.

The  Jade museum takes about 1 hour to 1.5 hours to see.  It is located  downtown San Jose on the first floor  of the INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros) or in English, the National Insurance Building.  Hours: Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.   Saturday 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.   Adm fee is $7    Students with student ID $4.   Costa Ricans have a special entrance fee.

Highly recommended.

I'd love to hear about your visit to the Jade Museum.  click on comment at end of this article, or click on reply.  You can also click on Contact Us at the top of this page. Thanks for reading costaricalearn.com

Tortuguero Village, and the "Green Sea Turtles"

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This is a  short story about Tortuguero Village  and the green sea turtles by Marina Villatoro, a young travel writer who lives in Costa Rica.  It's about Tortuguero Village,  situated between  the banks of the river and  the  blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.   We hear so much about the Tortuguero Canals but so little about the village.  Here there  are  no cars, only small boats docked along the river bank.  Dirt pathways take you to the one room school house, then to the colorful central park,  and the cute little restaurants lining the banks of the river, and small locally run hotels.   Keep walking and we come to small houses painted the bright colors of the Caribbean, where children laugh and play in the mud puddles of the afternoon rain.   Yes, the Afro- Caribbean influence is quite evident here especially in the local food,  the style and colors of the houses, and the language.  Both English and Spanish is spoken.  Then,  down a long path thru palm trees we come to the soft beige  sands of a beach that seems to go for miles in the distance.  Here is were the  Green Sea turtle comes to lay its eggs every year  from June through October.

These green sea turtles are protected by  an organization called the Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC)  located here to do research and education.

A little history:  In the 1950 Dr. Archie Carr, a biologist from the University of Florida, came to here to study these turtles and convinced the Costa Rican government to protect the area from logging, thus in 1978 the Tortuguero National Park was established to protect the green sea turtles and also for visitors to enjoy the awesome natural beauty and wildlife of the Tortuguero Canals.

You can read more of Marina Villatoro's interesting stories about Daily life in Costa Rica and Costa Rica travel  on the web  www.travelexperta.com

Here at  costaricalearn.com to hear from you, my readers.  Do you have a story about The Tortuguero Canals or Village.  I'd love to share it.  Simply click on comments or reply at the end of this article.

Costa Rica Culture and Traditions

The popular web site Top 10 Costa Rica,    www.top10costarica.com published daily,  is filled with interesting information  news articles as well  as articles on the culture and traditions  of Costa Rica.   This article on Costa Rica traditions  is an example of one of the many great topics they cover.  I highly recommend them for a good read.

[caption id="attachment_1292" align="aligncenter" width="436" caption="Costa Rica Horse Parade or "Tope""][/caption]

This photo is an annual "Tope" or horse parade seen in small towns all over Costa Rica.  Horses are a big hobby among  all levels of society in Costa Rica.  Many of the horses have the blood line of the famous  Spanish Andalusian, know for its beauty and gracefulness.

Costa Ricans are caught between old cultural forces and new cultural forces, especially the young people. As a whole they respect conservative values and family ties. They don't leave home until they are either finished with college or get married.  Important family traditions are baptism, first communion,  age sixteen birthday party for the girls, engagement parties, weddings, and funerals.

Men and women are expected to act differently from one another and respect their individual roles.  Although many women are professionals and hold post in government and private businesses, they retain traits which are traditional and conservative.

The traditional religious celebration is Easter (they take off the entire week and businesses are closed Thursday through Sunday.  Many Costa Ricans take to the beaches.  Christmas week  is very traditional religious holiday.   Each home has a "portal" or Baby Jesus in the manger with Mary, Joseph, and the wise men.  This is a very special time for  families to be together. Another important traditional religious holiday is  August 2nd. This is the pilgrimage to the Virgin of the Angel in the Basilica in Cartago.  People walk for many miles-often for an entire week to get to the Basilica where they then crawl on their knees and pray for  important things such as  cures for certain illness.

I would like to hear from my readers.  Something interesting to share on Costa Rican traditions?   Just click on "contact us" at the top of this page.

Eight Days Traveling in Costa Rica, Where Should I go?

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Mighty Arenal Volcano

Eight days traveling in Costa Rica I recommend you fly into the Liberia International airport located in the northern part of Costa Rica, rent a car, and drive around 45 minutes  (good roads) to one of the NW Pacific beaches for four  nights and then drive to the Arenal Volcano -La Fortuna area-4 hours  (good roads) for another three nights  (if your are staying 8 days.) You will probably need to say near the Liberia airport the last night, depending on what time your return home flight departs.

If you have to fly into the San Jose international airport, then rent a car, drive to Arenal Volcano area  3.5 hours-good road.   Read my article  under category " Driving to Costa Rica's tourist destinations" for best route from  San Jose  international airport to Arenal.  Stay there  3 nights  then drive to one of the NW Pacific beaches for 3 nights (this drive is very scenic and takes 4 hours)  on the 7th day you will  need to drive back ( 4 hour trip) to the San Jose international airport area  (spend one night there around the airport) to catch your return flight home.

Sounds like a lot of driving but the drives are very scenic and the roads are good.   Also read my posts about Arenal Volcano National Park under category National Parks of Costa Rica  or  (go to the search box for quickly finding it).

If you choose this itinerary at Arenal you will see howler monkeys,  the Arenal  erupting at night, gorgeous rain forest, do a zip line tour, walk high above the canopy of the  rain forest  on man made bridges,  hike the Arenal volcano National Park, bath in a hot springs,   visit an organic Eco Farm, and much more.

On the NW Pacific beaches swim in the blue green waters, go surfing, collect shells on the beach, get a gorgeous tropical suntan, eat fresh sea food,   go deep sea fishing,  sailing,  read a good book, and just simply RELAX!

I would like to hear from my readers.  Click comment at the end of this post OR click  "Contact US"  at the  very top of the page

Weather in Guanacaste Northwest Pacific Beaches in the Rainy Season

[caption id="attachment_1262" align="alignleft" width="640" caption="Hacienda Pinilla Beach, NW Pacific Guanacaste"][/caption]

I am planning a vacation  to Costa Rica's Northwest Pacific beaches in July.  What is the weather like in Guanacaste's Northwest Beaches in the rainy season?  I hear it rains a lot at that time of the year.

Answer:  No it does not rain a lot.  Guanacaste is Costa Rica's driest province.  During the rainy season in Costa Rica which is May through November,  Guanacaste receives much less rain fall than the other areas of Costa Rica.

So what should I expect?  In the mornings you will get the beautiful tropical sunshine.  And in the afternoons a thunder storm which is great to watch.  The bolts of lightening light up the sky like fireworks on the fourth of July.  But these thunder storms are brief and in a sense they are welcomed to cool the air.

What is the temperature like?  It is warm.  And can get to 80F in mid day when the sun is overhead, but the afternoon showers  ,although brief-cool things down.  And the nights are very pleasant.  Hotels on the NW Pacific beaches have air conditioning.

So you recommend the NW Pacific Beaches in the rainy season.   Yes I recommend them.  I don't think you will be disappointed.

Please send me your short story of your special  beach vacation on the  NW Pacific beaches in the rainy season.  I would love to share it.    Or simply send your comments.   click on comment at the end of the post or click on reply.

Weather at Arenal Volcano National Park in June, July August?

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If you are planning a vacation to the Arenal Volcano National Park,  Costa Rica  and surrounding area in June, July, or August, then you need to know the weather patterns in those months.

The area in generally  is a rainy area (more than the central valley or Guanacaste)  That is why it is so incredible beautiful, all green with crops of papaya, pineapples,  yucca, and ornamental flower farms.  The rain is very unpredictable here most all the time year round.  However, in the month of March the rainfall is less.

So should I go there anyway on my vacation?  Yes, you should go.  Get up early  in the a.m.  Sun rises at 5:30.  This is best time to see the Arenal Volcano summit and its massive gulps of smoke and fiery red rock rolling down it's side.  Cloud cover which tends to hover over the top of the volcano does not appear most of the time until later in the morning. Also this is best time to see all the colorful tropical birds and hear the howler monkeys out there in the  rain forest.  So pack your rain jacket and umbrella and have yourself a great vacation here at Arenal Volcano National Park!

If you have a good story about your visit to Arenal Volcano National Park  and La Fortuna  in  June, July, or August I'd love to share it with my readers.  It's fun and educational for them to read other tourist stories.   just click on comment or click on reply at the end of the post.

P.S. The hundreds of colorful tropical flowering plants you see in this area are here because of  the weather heavy rainfall, rich soil, and strong tropical sunshine.

Costa Rican Food Specialities, Tamale Memories

Many people ask me: What is the food like in Costa Rica or what are some of the Costa Rican food specialities?   Is Costa Rican food like Mexican food?  No it is not. In Costa Rica we don't  put a lot of different hot peppers and other hot spices  like the Mexicans do.  And they use corn husks to wrap up the tamale and we use banana leaves.  Actually the tamale  originated in Mexico with the Aztec Indians.  Our food in Costa Rica  is less spicy with the exception of garlic and we eat a LOT of  garlic.   The photo to the immediate left is Mexican Tamales wrapped in corn husks. And next to it,  the Costa Rica tamale wrapped in banana leaves.

Tell me about the Christmas tradition food  in Costa Rica, What about Tamales? My first Christmas in Costa Rica as a new bride, I was so excited about the Christmas dinner and this new experience of eating Tamales.  It had been a family affair starting around 15th December, with  cleaning the large banana leaves, cooking chicken, pork, carrots, potatoes, and fresh green beans.  Then mixing the corn masa.  Put it all together  into this hugh banana leaf,  tie it with string, and cook it for hours in a pot of boiling hot water over an open fire.  Yes, this is definitely a social event, and experience of warmth and love among friends and family, creating memories to be carried throughout life and shared with our children and grandchildren.

Tamales are made in steps:  Starting with a trip down to the local "feria" (see my article  of June 7, 2009 on the local  colorful farmer's markets)

1. Cook  all ingredients that make up the tamale filling- pork, chicken. fresh green beans, carrots, potatoes,  and then add green olives.

2. follow instructions on masa bag to mix up the dough

3. form small round dough balls and then press the cooked ingredients into the middle of the ball of masa.

4. place in banana leaf and fold the leaf around the mixture and tie up with a string.

5. Place is a large pot of boiling water and cook for several hours.  Many Costa Ricans use a large pot outside over an open fire.  That's part of the fun!

When ready to serve reheat in a pot of hot boiling water.

Tamales can be frozen.

To really learn how to prepare Tamales, the Costa Rican way,   I asked my Costa Rican sister-in-law, along with her two daughters,  to let me have a hands on experience.  so  ten days before Christmas I went to her home and we spent the whole day making Tamales.

What do we serve with tamales?   Really it's a meal unto itself.  But sometimes it is eaten at breakfast with refried black beans, yummy!

Read more "fun stuff" about Tamales from travel writer Marina Villatoro  under category "Foodies Delight" at  www.travelexperta.com

History of the Tamale.  The tamale can be traced backed to 500 B.C.  They served as nutritious and portable food for the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas.  When the Spaniards came to the new world, they became fans of the tamale and took the ideas and recipes back to Spain.  Today Tamales are found throughout Mexico , Central America, and South America.,  with each region having its own special ingredients and style.  For example  Nicaraguans mix pink colored sugar to the masa corn mix  making it colorful and festive, and they also  add raisins or other dried fruit.

If you have a great tamale story please send it to me by clicking on  comment  at the end of my article or click on reply.  I'd love to share it with my readers.

The Poison Dart Frog of Costa Rica

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Did you ever wish for a beautiful orange colored frog for a pet?  Well...you don't want this one.  He is very poisonous!  His name is Poison Dart Frog.  And no,  he will not turn into a prince.

There are seven species of poison dart frogs in Costa Rica.  They are found in the tropical lowland rain forest  such as in the east central part of Costa Rica called Sarapiqui.  Often these poison dart frogs are found in the water soaked leaves of the bromeliads high  up in the rain forest canopy.  They are small, very beautiful frogs and come in many colors of red, green, blue, orange, and a combination  of blue and black or red and black.  They are active during the day, eating ants and termites.

The poison dart frog has only one predator that is the snake which has a natural resistance to the frog's poison.

Indigenous tribes in Columbia used it's powerful venom for centuries to tip their blow guns when hunting so the frog became known as the poison dart frog.

The golden poison dart frog has enough poison to kill 20,000 mice, if he could ever find 20,000 mice at one time and ate them all at once, he would be the dead one.   Now, are these frogs poison to humans if they are touched?  Yes, some of these frogs are very harmful if touched.  Moral of that story..don't touch the frog.  You will get  severe nausea and vomiting and require immediate medical attention.  And where do you find a doctor is the jungle?  There are other species of these frogs which are not so harmful if touched (comforting thought)  but we don't know which ones they are,  so don't touch any of them.

From the poison in these frog's skin medical researchers are working on a medicine to treat slowed nerve and muscle system disorders.   So, some day your life may be saved by a frog.

This beautiful photograph of the poison dart frog was taken by Scott Wilkinson.    You can see more of his beautiful Costa Rican wildlife photographs  at  www.scottwilkinson.com

Or:  www.sapotours.com/gallery.aspx

Costa Rica's Farmer's Markets

This article about Costa Rica's Local farmers  markets is written by  Marina Villatoro who has lived in Costa Rica for six years.  She is the creator of www.travelexperta.com She writes about her travel and living experiences in Central America.

Costa Rica's Farmer's Market. It's not just a local thing.

What's my favorite thing to do in Costa Rica?  I can give you a long list, but I'll narrow it down.  I love going to the local farmers market every weekend and it never gets old.

Costa Rica's  markets don't have the colorful trinkets filled markets or markets filled  with jewelry like in Mexico and other Central American countries. But it does have the weekend "ferias" or farmers markets.   I live in a relatively large town so on Sunday mornings the main street , by the church  is filled with fruits and vegetables that will delight any chef.

And the best part is the prices are really cheap.   1 lb. fresh, red plump tomatoes 25 cents          1 lb.  juicy carrots 30 cents        1 lb. cucumbers 50 cents

And that is not all you get here.  Fresh orange juice,  mango juice, carrot juice, sugar cane water, and coconuts!    And if you wait until near closing time, they lower the prices even more.  So when visiting Costa Rica be sure to check out one of these markets.

Guide to Renting a Car in Costa Rica, Save Time and Money

Do you want to  rent a car in Costa Rica? This "Guide to Renting a Car in Costa Rica" is a summary of all the previous articles I have written on this subject.  It is  "one stop  information,"  A Must Read"  before you rent a car in Costa Rica, therefore saving you time,  money,  and making your vacation more pleasant and relaxing.

Prices: My readers have said:  Renting a car in Costa Rica is confusing and seems expensive- why is the price so high?    The cost is made up of three parts:  1.cost of the car itself   2. liability insurance which your have to buy in Costa Rica when you rent the car  which is around $20 per day  3. collision insurance.    Your options are:  You can buy it in Costa Rica  (expensive) when you rent the car  ...only way to know how much is to ask a quote from the car rental agency you use.  OR a BETTER and  cheaper way is to buy this collision insurance  through your major credit card company  in your home country (before you depart).

ONE ODDITY WHEN YOU RENT A CAR IN COSTA RICA:  You will be asked to sign a credit card voucher for a specific amount which is around $850-$950.    IF YOU DO NOT HAVE COLLISION INSURANCE THROUGH YOUR CREDIT CARD and you have an accident,  the agency will keep this money and use it as a "deductible" when repairing the car.  If you have bought collision Insurance  thru your credit card in your home country, this deductible is waived and  this money will be returned to you when you turn the car in.   I always tell people--make sure this  credit card voucher  is torn up "in your presence"  when you turn the car in.

The size and make of the vehicle determines the price of the Rental Car: Some of the agencies may  run specials on their web site.  It's worth doing a google search for these specials, usually seen in the low season for tourism--not the high season of December  thru March.

One factor in your decision to choose a rental car company: Does the the company have an agency in the location where you will be staying?

Here are tips for  Renting a Car in Costa Rica:  Request  a vehicle that is no more than 2 years old, preferably a new car.     (If you rent for longer periods of time,  ask for a special  rate)   Buy the collision part of the insurance  thru your major credit card company  in your home country-before you depart for Costa Rica.

Make the reservation for your rental car BEFORE  you depart your home country to save yourself a lot of time.   The Internet  makes that a lot easier now.

Where are the car rental agencies in Costa Rica .

1. International airports which there are two in Costa Rica.  San Jose International Airport which is named Juan Santa Maria International Airport and the second is located in northern Costa Rica.  It is called Liberia International  Airport.  These two locations have the most selections of rental car agencies.   HOWEVER  many car rental agencies have branch agencies in the most popular tourist destinations around the country.  SO  you need to ask the agency you are thinking of using if they have a agency location where you will be staying.

Requirements To rent a vehicle: 1. You must be  21 years of age, hold a valid drivers license from your home country, and a current passport (which you should keep with you while driving the car.)  If you are stopped by the police they will want to see your passport.     2.  specify: automatic transmission or straight shift.    Most all the rental cars come  with air conditioning.   3.  Tell them if you want to rent a phone usually for $10 per day to make local calls WITHIN  Costa Rica, not  international calls.    4.  Be sure the agency provides a  Costa Rica map.

Do  I need to rent a 4x4? If you are traveling outside the areas of San Jose and Alajuela, then yes you need a 4x4.  The roads  in the rural areas are not always good and you can encounter potholes.

In the central valley of San Jose, Alajuela, Escazu,  and Santa Ana areas:  Ask the car rental company if they will  deliver the vehicle to your location and pick it up at your location

Inspect the vehicle well for scratches or bumps, if any write them all down on the form provided by the car rental company.   Check the spare tire for adequate air and make sure it is locked.   Don't drink alcohol and drive, you could go to jail!   The  liability insurance will not cover driving under influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or negligent acts such as driving through rivers. Do: wear seat belts. It's the law and the fine is over $100!    Don't: Speed because the fine is over $200!  The speed limit on the autopisto is 55 miles per hour. ( approx. 90 kilometers per hour)   It seems the Costa Ricans  don't drive  within this speed limit,  but believe me the cops are all along  the interAmerican Highway  (Highway 1)  waiting to give you a big ticket!

Road signs are not always good out side the larger cities and distances are longer than they look on a map.  Costa Ricans are very helpful so feel free to stop and ask someone if you feel lost.

I recommend you do not drive in San Jose,  the streets are not well marked, big buses are everywhere.  Putting it simply:  It's very hard to navigate in this city, so make it easy on yourself and  take a taxi.

Now I have rented the vehicle.  What else should I know?

Roads in Costa Rica  are mountainous and winding.  Unless you get off the beaten path,  most are in pretty good repair but you may encounter  potholes.  Mountainous areas can be foggy, especially at night  so try not to drive at night.    Fill your gas tank in the towns.

Costa Rican drivers are famous for being aggressive and reckless.  And you will think, "Well how do they get away with driving like they do?"  That's a big puzzle to all the tourist!

Keep the vehicle locked at all times and do not leave valuables visible in the car such as cameras, etc. (may get your window busted)  Especially stopping at restaurants.

Park the vehicle is a secure parking area. (Take valuables out first)   Do not leave it parked on the side of the street.

How much does gasoline cost?  Around $3.50 per gallon  Price varies with price of oil on world market. (in Costa Rica it is sold in liters)

What are the road conditions?  Depends on where you are. The roads in the central valley  and north into Guanacaste and over to the NW beaches are good.  If you go off the beaten path to   remote areas  the roads are not in good repair, and  have potholes.  And you need a 4x4 vehicle.   The rainy season is harder to drive because water fills up the potholes and you cannot see them,  so  drive slowly.

In case of an accident:  DO NOT MOVE THE VEHICLE.   Call 911   and then call your rental car company.  Be sure to have the traffic police write out a report.  And give you a copy.

Beware: If you have a flat tire and people stop to help you.  ( Especially after leaving the car rental agency, the airport,  or a restaurant.)  watch your purse and personal belongings in your car.  The following is a true story.  The tires of the rental car were punctured before I left the international airport, and the guys who did it followed me until the tire went flat, then offered to help change the tire.  While I was not paying close attention one of them stole my purse.  I didn't realize it until they had left the scene.

Don't pick up hitchhikers.

Don't park the car by the side of the road, only in guarded parking lots and don't leave any valuables inside which are visible, esp cameras, binoculars, etc.

Car theft is not uncommon in Costa Rica.

Frequently asked Questions:   Do I really need a 4x4.  This depends on what part of the country you plan to drive to.  Actually to make the long story short: If you are driving in the central valley of San Jose areas, Alajuela, Escazu, Santa ana, Grecia, Atenas,  then a regular automobile will do.  However, if you plan to drive other places into the countryside, it's best to rent a 4x4.

I see smaller car agencies on the internet which rent 4x4 for less money than the major agencies. So how can they do this?  In most cases these vehicles are older than two years of age.  You just need to double check that the vehicle appears to be VERY well maintained, that the tires on it are good.  Also do some checking around about the  reputation of the agency.

Can I take my rental car across the border into Nicaragua or into Panama?   No,  however, check with your rental car company.  There are several options, for example having the company pick up the rental car at the border and then getting into another rental car immediately after crossing the border.

Here at costaricalearn we would love to hear from you.  Was this guide useful to you when you rented a car in Costa Rica?   Did the information help you save time and money? Simply click on comment or reply at the end of this article.

Cahuita National Park Costa Rica

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Cahuita Beach

If you are thinking of traveling to Costa Rica and want to explore the Caribbean coast, then Cahuita National Park is a unique stop.  The town of Cahuita  , located adjacent to the national park  a sleepy small village with dirt roads,  small hotels and a grocery store, and  a few restaurants with the Afro-Caribbean flavor.  Great Food!  It is definitely a laid back place and has a strong "party atmosphere"

The Cahuita  National Park protects the  14 km. of dark sand beach.  Beautifully  shaded by palm trees,  and surrounded by lush forest, mangroves, and marshlands.  Tourist who like to scuba dive or snorkel find this a great destination. The protected marine area  contains the Coralline Reefs , home to  35 species of coral and 123 species of fish.  Along the beach,  it is easy to sight the reclusive sloth.   Also you may be able to sight or hear the howler monkeys esp in the early morning.

A great place to go swimming is Playa Negro located on the NW end of Cahuita National Park.

Snorkeling is best March thru May and September  thru December.

Weather is hot and humid.  It rains  year round (no dry or rainy season).

What should you bring:  sun screen, sun hat, mosquito repellent, camera

Anything else I should know:  If you are a female alone it is best to be back at your hotel early in the evening,  although there may be a party in town..just don't wander around alone late at night.

Places to stay..many many small hotels  (no big chains)   Check  the Internet for a hotel within your budget.

Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge, Migratory Birds?

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Let's travel to Costa Rica to Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge.  It's the middle  of December and the weather is gorgeous with lots of sunshine. We leave early in the morning from San Jose  and travel north on the Inter American Highway (Highway 1)  We will drive first to the Arenal Volcano Areas where we will spend the night and this drive will take us around 3.5 hours.  We take the quick route which is the San Ramon exit.  At the end of this article I will give the detailed directions on this route.

In La Fortuna we stop at Sunset Tours  www.sunsettourcr.com on the square and book our early morning  day tour to Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge, because December is one of the best  months to see the hundreds of migratory birds that stop here to feed.    December, January, and February is when these migratory birds, flying from the northern hemisphere to the southern hemisphere  stop over in these lagoons to eat the plants and small fish.  In La Fortuna we  choose Volcano Lodge to sleep   www.volcanolodge.com because it is located only 5 miles from La Fortuna on the main road so it's easy for Sunset Tours to pick us up.  Plus the price is right for our budget,  approx. $100 for a double with breakfast included and what gorgeous gardens they have and the rooms are very very comfortable.  A great value in a small hotel and view to the Arenal is spectacular!

Next morning we are picked up at 7:30 a.m.  for our 1.5 hour journey to Cano Negro and what a beautiful drive this is!  Lush green papaya farms, bananas, and pineapple plantations.  A feast for the eyes.   Upon arrival we board a 20 passenger boat with a canopy overhead to protect us from the strong tropical sun.  And down the Rio Frio River we go.

What is the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge? It is a  shallow marshy wetland, the third largest wetland in the world,  abundant with plants and small fish, and other wildlife.  It is formed  from the overflow of two rivers, the Rio Frio River and its tributary the smaller Monica River.   This overflow happens at the end of Costa Rica's heavy rainy season.  ( which lasts from May through November)   There is a lot of water in the marshlands  until around end of Feb. (this is dry season)  when the wet marshes begin to dry up. And stay dry until the rainy season begins again in May.

Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is the heart of a new UNESCO biosphere reserve named "Water And Peace." A biosphere reserve is an area of great natural wealth.  Here conservation of natural resources  and the rational use of these ecosystems is promoted by the local communities.  It covers a hugh area of 916,000 hectares  among navigatable rivers, wetlands,  and tropical humid forest.

Why do Tourist want to visit Cano Negro National Wildlife Reserve? The main reason is the see the hundreds of migratory birds that make it their feeding ground.  These birds migrate from the northern regions of North America all the way south to South America and they stop here to rest and feed.  These birds are here from around  first week of December   through around middle  of March.  But the best time of year to visit is mid December through mid February to get to see the most birds.

Among the many  birds we see are ibis, cormorants,  several species of storks,  herons,  roseate spoonbills,  American wigeon, blue winged teal,  tree ducks,  snail kite,  and the Nicaraguan grackle.  This is a bird watcher's paradise!

Also has  abundant wildlife.  We see monkeys- the spider monkey and the howler.  Crocodiles, black river turtles, green iguanas, and Jesus Christ lizards.

Summary. If you want to see the most birds you come here mid December thru around end of February.  If you come any other month of the year you will see the wildlife-monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, but the number of birds you will see will be much  fewer.

Best way to see Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge is to take a day tour from La Fortuna, Arenal areas with Sunset tours.  They are on the web  click here:  www.sunsettours.com

What if I want to come on my own to visit the refuge. You can do that too but there are no public facilities there, no hotels etc.  You can go to Los Chiles by car and ask the locals directions to the boat dock  (no far away) on the Rio Frio River and  get on one of the tour boats and pay there.

What clothing should I wear? It's hot here so you need cool clothes and I recommend you wear tennis shoes.  Sun Screen, sunglasses, sun hat, mosquitoe repellent, camera, and bottled water.  The day tour will include lunch.  The boat is covered so if it rains you are safe.

What is the weather like at Cano Negro National Wildlife Reserve, Costa Rica? The weather is hot year round.  Around 80 plus degrees.  There is a dry season and a rainy season here.  Rainy season May through November and dry season December through April.  Usually we get sunny mornings and the rains starts  around 1 p.m. and lasts for a few hours.   Average rainfall is 98" per year, a lot less than other areas of  Costa Rica.

What is the quickest and easiest route from San Jose to Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna? Go north on the Interamerican highway (highway 1)  Take the San Ramon Exit  (around 20 miles fron San Jose) go straight thru San Ramon and look for sign to Arenal Volcano.  You will travel mountainous winding roads with gorgeous scenery. You will pass thru  little towns but if you feel confused just stop and inquire  "how do I get to Arenal"  The locals are friendly and helpful.  From San Ramon the drive is around 2.5 hours to Arenal-La Fortuna  The entire drive from the San Jose areas is about 3.5 hours.  Don't drive at night because of the winding mountain roads and fog.

Can I fly from San Jose to La Fortuna? Yes     click here    wwwflysansa.com

www.natureair.com

The New Golden Door to Living and Retiring in Costa Rica by Christopher Howard

I would like to recommend the book, The New Golden Door to Living and Retiring in Costa Rica, if you are thinking of making a move to Costa Rica.  It is the most comprehensive and well researched source of information of this subject that I have found.  It's author is Christopher Howard, a North American,  who has made Costa Rica his home.  You can order the book on amazon.com.  Chris traveled throughout  Latin America studying Spanish and getting  acquainted with the Latin American culture.  He discovered Costa Rica, loved it, and decided this was the place for him to settle down.  Chris  has a masters degree in the Spanish language.  Chris has written other books.  His "Costa Rica Spanish" is a popular seller.  You can go on his web site   click here:  www.liveincostarica.com to learn about Chris' Relocation and Retire in Costa Rica Tours.   You can find all his books and how to order them   click here:  www.costaricabooks.com

The New Golden Door to Living and Retiring in Costa Rica covers almost every topic related to moving to Costa Rica, working, getting settled (all aspects such as banking, housing, shopping, residency requirements,....etc.,etc, etc.  Chris did not leave "any page unturned"

One of the most frequently asked questions:  I want to import my car into Costa Rica so how much tax will I have to pay and when do I have to pay it?  If you ship your car you will have to pay the tax when it is gotten out of customs.  How much you have to pay?  This depends on the age and make of the vehicle,  most always a good sum of money!  I inquired about importing my 2003  Toyota Corolla automatic transmission.  The quote I was given was $4,500.00.   Plus I would have to pay the shipping cost from Miami, $800-$1000.  And also pay an agent to get the car  though customs (  price?)   So how do you calculate ahead of time the tax due on a vehicle.  Since the gov of C Rica tends to change the rules yearly, it is best to get the most current information.  How do you do that?  If you have a Costa Rican  attorney hire him to check this for you, that is the safest way to get the most up to date information on  how much you will pay.

If you drive your car over land into Costa Rica you can keep it  and drive it without paying taxes for 3 months, then drive it out of the country for 72 hours,   and then get one more extension for an additional 3 months  (for 6 months total) Don't drive it after that if you have not paid the tax.  The law can impound it.  All the details of exactly how to do all  can be handled through your Costa Rican attorney.   Of course you are required by Costa Rican law to buy a minimum insurance before you drive the car.  Your attorney again is the best source of up to date information on this matter.

Maybe I should simplify my life and  buy a car in Costa Rica?  This just depends on you, if you want YOUR car for whatever reason, then it might be worth the effort.  There are hundreds of used cars for sale in C Rica.  You would of course need to have a mechanic  you trust go over every aspect of the car before you purchase it.