Rancho Margot Self Sustainable, Self sufficient Eco-Lodge And Working Organic Farm

[caption id="attachment_5438" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Bungalow at Rancho Margot"][/caption]

Rancho Margot is self sustainable and self sufficient.  It is an eco lodge and large farm where organic food is grown and served.  The meat, eggs, and cheese are grown and made here on the farm.  It is located in the middle of the jungle on the shores of Lake Arenal and in the shadow of the mighty Arenal Volcano.

I spent one week there and luckily got to know Juan Sostheim who founded this spectacular example of conservation and self sustainability.  I stayed in a lovely comfortable bungalow with my husband Ken.  The bungalow had a large porch surrounded by lush tropical flowers.  Every morning we woke to the sounds of the singing birds and the monkeys playing in the trees. We ate organic food, deliciously prepared by Juan's chef.   We  did not watch any television, just hiked around the farm, rode horses, and took a guided tour of the organic farm.  AND RESTED!

However, there are a lot of options of adventure activities here.  The Sky Tram Sky Trek zip Line is only 2 miles up the road.  This is the best zip line experience in Costa Rica. Juan has a yoga teacher on the premises. Also there is a beautiful swimming pool and as well as a wild river that runs right thru the property close to the restaurant.  You get to eat the most delicious organic fruits and vegetables grown right on the property.

JUAN'S STORY. In 2004 Juan's family bought 400 acres of land on the shores of Lake Arenal which  had a gorgeous wild river running thru it.  It was pasture and grass.  And in nine years Juan has transformed it into a beautiful tropical garden and working farm.  It is a living classroom where one can learn about self sustainability and conservation, living off the land with destroying it.  There are nine comfortable bungalows for guest as well as a bunkhouse with bunk beds.  It is a place to come to learn, explore,  rest and rejuvenate.

I could never tell the story of this unique place as well as Juan has done in this video.  I invite you to take 10 minutes of your valuable time and watch it!  You will learn a lot!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA6hoAK-BCc

If you would like to include this wonderful place in your vacation to Costa Rica.  Contact Ann, the Costa Rica Expert.  She will arrange it all for you.  Learn all about it: www.costaricalearn.com

 

La Selva Biological Reserve Costa Rica

May I share with you the photos of a very talented photographer and travel writer.  His name is Jim O'Donnel.  He is on assignment in Costa Rica.

Thank you Jim for this nice work!!

Around the World in Eighty Years The Travel Writing and Photography of Jim O'Donnell

A Taste of Costa Rican Wildlife from La Selva Biological Station

By Jim O\'Donnell on December 7, 2013 in Caribbean/Central America, Wildlife

Check out more from the #ecocostarica trip on Twitter, FB and G+

By the time I climbed back into the van for the drive back to San Jose my clothes were drenched, my glasses fogged up and my camera worn out. Located right at the confluence to two croc-filled rivers, the air in the forest is so humid that every little step results in a torrent of sweat.  If you’re not drinking water, you’re not going to make it! If you didn’t bring extra camera batteries you camera isnt going to make it either!

I’m sitting in the airport in San Juan writing this post this morning and lusting for another cup of coffee.  I’m exhausted and emotional, not ready to face the cold of home but missing my kids to a ridiculous degree.  There is Christmas music blasting through the Lavazza cafe and a bunch of young American men are talking about guns.  The lady behind the counter is surly and her co-worked bored. The way home goes through Houston, then Denver and then a two-hour drive to my mom’s house where I can rest.  Finally.

As I fly home today I offer up just a sample…a taste…of what I saw yesterday at La Selva Biological Station in the wet tropical rain forest lowlands of northeastern Costa Rica. The station, at about 1,600 hectares (3,900 acres), offers up a stunning array of Costa Rican wildlife.

La Selva was originally established in 1954 by Dr. Leslie Holdridge, as a farm dedicated to experimentation on mixed plantations for the improvement of natural resources management. It was purchased in 1968 by the Organization for Tropical Studies and declared a private biological reserve and station. Since then, it has become one of the most important sites in the world for research on tropical rain forest. Over 240 scientific papers are published yearly from research conducted at the site……….

 

Brown-throated sloth (Bradypus variegatus)
~ ~ ~

Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus)
~ ~ ~

Central American Whiptail (Ameiva festiva)
~ ~ ~

Blue Jeans Dart Frog (Oophaga pumilo)
~ ~ ~

Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
~ ~ ~

Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
~ ~ ~

Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus)
~ ~ ~

Salmon-bellied Racer (Mastigodryas malenolomus)
~ ~ ~

Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
~ ~ ~

Broad-billed Motmot (Electron platyrhynchum)
~ ~ ~

Parrot Snake (Leptophis ahaetulla)

I’m not sure the species of frog he is eating but it was a pretty stunning site to see him chasing the frog right across our path and onto a patch of grass where he grabbed the doomed little brown dude in mid-jump. I’ve never seen anything like that. What really stunned me was how fast the snake downed the frog and then moved on.

I’ll be posting more shots and stories in the coming two months.  Sign up on the  home page for email notifications of new posts.

##

Family Tropical Adventure Vacation-All Inclusive-Samasati Nature Retreat Costa Rica

[caption id="attachment_5443" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="View from Balcony Samasati Bungalow"][/caption]

Samasati Nature Retreat is located on the southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica.  Nestled on the side of a mountain in a beautiful tropical rain forest, this is the perfect place for a family vacation in a completely natural setting.

Samasati Nature Retreat - If you are vacationing to Costa Rica and do not want to be in a high rise hotel or condominium with large numbers of tourist, but rather prefer to be off the beaten path in an eco lodge nestled in the rainforest-then this place is for you!   If you want a  natural setting where you can hear the sounds of the birds when you wake up each morning and can see wildlife such as iguanas and monkeys outside your window, then this place is for you!

Samasati is offering  a 4 Night  Adventure Packed family vacation package which includes :

Tropical Adventure Family Vacation Package at Samasati, on the southern

[caption id="attachment_5415" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Caribbean beach near Samasati Nature Retreat"][/caption]

Caribbean coast of Costa Rica

After the Jaguar Rescue Center Tour there could be time at the nearby beach, which is really nice.
After Cahuita National Park Tour there could be time to visit the Caribbean village of Cahuita, which is also really nice or stay at the beach.
After the Canopy Tour there could be time walking around the trails at Samasati Biological Reserve.
The Cacao Trail Tours is long and also includes a visit to an iguana farm.

Option #1

Includes:
-Accommodation for 4 nights for 2 adults + 1 child  (age 12 and under)
-Three daily meals (including fish during dinner)
-Canopy tour
-Cahuita National Park tour (snorkeling)
-Jaguar Rescue Center tour
-Cacao Trails tour with visit to Iguana Farm
-Transport to Samasati

Total rack: $2,112.00    2 adults and 1 child (under age 12)

Option #2

Includes:
-Accommodation for 4 nights for 2 adults + 2 children (age 12 and under)
-Three daily meals (including fish during dinner)
-Canopy tour
-Cahuita National Park tour (snorkeling)
-Jaguar Rescue Center tour
-Cacao Trails tour and iguana Farm
-Transport to Samasati

Total rack: $2,260.00= 2 adults and 2 children age 12 and under
**Notes:
-Jaguar Rescue Center offer 2 guided visits per day (9.30AM and 11.30AM). Sundays is close. Duration of the Visit: 1 and ½ hour.
-Canopy tour duration 4 hours
-Cahuita National park with snorkeling tour duration 5 hrs
-Cacao trails tour  with visit iguana Farm duration 6.30 hrs

If you would like to book this family vacation please contact anncreed23@gmail.com

Ann is the Costa Rica Expert and Costa Rica Vacation Planner, and owner "The Costa Rica Learn Travel Company".    You can read all about her on her website www.costaricalearn.com

See the beauty of Samasati by visiting the web site  www.samasati.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gondoca Manzanilla National Wildlife Refuge Costa Rica

[caption id="attachment_5397" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Beach at Gandoca Manzanilla Wildlife Refuge"][/caption]

One of the most exotic and diverse wildlife refuges in Costa Rica is Gondoca Manzanilla National Wildlife Refuge located on the southern Caribbean coast- 9 miles southeast of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca   It stretches along the coast from Puerto Viejo to the town of Manzanillo and on to the Panamanian border.  It's all natural--no high rise hotels and condos, no strip malls, and  billboards...just natural beautiful tropical  rainforest.  Here you can find the dark tropical wood called "orey"  and another tropical  hardwood called "cativo". There is six miles of unspoiled beach here which is home to four different species of nesting turtles.  It is  bordered by the Caribbean sea where one can snorkel and surf.  While Snorkeling you will see colorful coral reefs and many species of small colorful fish.   It is best to hire a guide with a small boat for snorkeling and also an experienced surfer guide  to show you the exact areas where the locals go surfing.

S0- if  I visit Gondoca Manzanilla National Wildlife Refuge what can I expect to see and do? And what makes this wildlife refuge so special?

It's special because it is all natural.  No commercial developments and big chain hotels.   The blue green waters of the Caribbean Sea and sandy white beaches-Abundant rain forest with colorful tropical birds, monkeys, and sloths.

1. Hike along the coastline.  Go snorkeling but hire a guide because he knows the best places to see fish and coral reefs.

2. Hike into the rain forest.  Go with a naturalist guide.  You will see more wildlife because he knows the areas where the monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds hang out.

3. Great area for photography

4. Watch the turtles lay their eggs on the beach at night.  The baby turtles will hatch and crawl into the sea.

Contact Ann, The Costa Rica Expert to set up your tour of this reserve.  anncreed23@gmail.com    www.costaricalearn.com    "The Costa Rica Learn Travel Agency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This wildlife refuge protects 70% of Costa Rica's southern Caribbean Coast ecosystem which includes 10 acres of marine waters -- home to one of the two live coral reefs in Costa Rica.

Additionally, the refuge is a nesting ground for the leatherback and green turtles in the months of March to July.

Rain is heavy in this region.  And rains mostly all year round.  However, if you want to visit when it is likely to rain less come in October, September, and also April and May.

 

Vacation Planning to Costa Rica Visit Wildlife Reserves

Are you planning a vacation to Costa Rica?  The many wildlife refuges are wonderful places to visit if you want to view birds, monkeys, crocodiles, turtles, lizards, rainforest,  frogs, snakes, iguanas, sloths, and much more.

North central Costa Rica, close to  Nicaragua's  border   -Cano Negro National Wildlife Reserve.  Twenty four thousand acres have been set aside by the Costa Rican government and is composed of swamps and marshlands. This is home to hundreds of migrating birds.  You can see these birds at the end of the rainy season when the marshes are filled with rain water.  (December through middle March)  The rainy season April through mid November, you will see less birds, because these birds have not yet migrated to this area of Costa Rica for feeding.   The heavy rain  during the rainy season forms Lake Cano Negro where most of these birds congregate to feed.   You can see roseate spoonbills, white ibis, and the jabiru (the largest bird of this region)  and many more.

Contact Ann, the Costa Rica Expert to plan your vacation to Costa Rica.  She can arrange for you to take a tour of this wildlife reserve or one of the many Wildlife reserves located around this small tropical country with abundance of natural beauty.

Read all about Ann   www.costaricalearn.com

Samasati Nature Retreat- Things to do in and around the Southern Caribbean of Costa Rica

Here are some of the most interesting outdoor activities or day tours offered from the Samasati Nature Retreat located on the south western Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica - near the border with Panama.

Samasati Nature Retreat is located  six miles from  the small village of Puerto Viejo on the Southern Caribbean Coast  of Costa Rica.  From here one can explore  many outdoor nature activities.

I will talk about my favorites:

1. White water rafting on the Pacuare River.  This pristine unspoiled river offers class III to IV  rapids-depending on the recent rainfall.  Cost for this tour is around $99 per person and is an all day tour - takes around 8 hours and is eighteen miles in length with thirty eight rapids ----so it gets your adrenalin going!!  Wildlife that you may see: sloths, monkeys, toucans, parrots, and many varieties of colorful butterflies.

Snorkeling at Punta Uva  You will need to hire a guide with a boat.  Best to go out early in the morning when the water is clear.  You will see colorful coral reefs and underwater sea plants, plus schools of  fish of all shapes and sizes.

Hiking in Cahuita National Park   Don't do this on your own.  Hire a local guide who knows the area well.   Wear tennis shoes or hiking boots which are much better than sandals.  Take mosquito repellent.  The hiking trails are along the beach as well as inside the rainforest.   Several varieties of snakes can be found here.  One is the eyelash viper-very poisonous!  White face and howler monkeys as well as sloths can be seen if you hike deeper into the rainforest. In the early morning  toucans can be seen flying above the tree tops. This is a beautiful unspoiled place--no high rise condos, no big chain hotels, no strip malls,  just pristine nature.

Contact Ann-vacation planner for Costa Rica  to help you plan you vacation to this southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.  anncreed23@gmail.com

Go to www.costaricalearn.com

[caption id="attachment_5371" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Eyelash Viper"][/caption]

to learn all about her travel company-The Costa Rica Learn Travel Company

[caption id="attachment_5367" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Pacuare River"][/caption]

 

 

 

Samasati Nature Retreat, In Harmony with Nature

Samasati Nature Retreat located on the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is a nature lover's dream come true.  The magic of the jungle and the soothing waters of the Caribbean Sea, warm rays of the sun and soft winds blowing  --how much better can it get!!

Samasati Nature Retreat is located "off the beaten path,"  approximately six miles from the little town of Puerto Vieja.  It is  nestled within a rare two hundred fifty acre biological preserve carved out in the middle of the jungle. It  is  home to five hundred different species of birds and butterflies as well as  sloths, howler and white face monkeys.

Here the white sand beaches along the Caribbean Coastline are lined with coconut trees which sway in the wind.  Best thing is there are no high rise condos and no strip malls..it's all natural.  A rare find in this world we live in today!

The colorful culture here is mostly Afro-Caribbean, however forty five different nationalities make their home here, working mostly in tourism. Calypso and reggae sounds feel the air and dishes made with coconut milk are very popular.

This is a photographers paradise with amazing flora and fauna found in this beautiful and pristine rainforest.

In the months of March through July four different species of sea turtles nest along these beaches.

Samasati Nature Retreat is a place to come to rest, relax, and enjoy the magnificent nature in it's most pristine form. Many outdoor day tours are offered.  Included are nature walks, birdwatching, snorkeling, zip lining, waterfall walks, photography, tours of Cahuita National Park, tour of the Iguana Farm,  tour of the Bri Bri Indigenous reservation, and much much more.  The flowers, shrubs, and trees  you see in this preserve are the most unusual and beautiful in all of Costa Rica.

The best snorkeling and scuba diving in Costa Rica is located at Punta Uva  only a few miles from Samasati Nature Retreat.

Samasati offers yoga classes and Yoga retreats for women Please come and join the retreat offered October 26-Nov.1, 2013  or November 16-23, 2013  The price per person is $975 and is all inclusive ( air line ticket is not included).

Here is an separate article I wrote about Samasati and would like to share it with you now.

 

"Tranquility" The Sea Shore on Costa Rica's Caribbean

“REMEMBER THAT EVERY HUMAN BEING HAS THE CAPACITY TO OBTAIN THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF CONSCIOUSNESS”

Situated within a two hundred and fifty acre nature retreat is Samasati Yoga and Nature Retreat, located Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean Coast near the small town of Puerto Viejo.   What is the meaning of this word Samasati?   “Remember that every human being has the capacity to obtain the highest level of consciousness”.  These were the last words spoken by the ancient Indian mystic,  Gautam , “The Buddha”

Samasati has it all: Dense jungles with lush rain forest filled with Toucans, sloths, and howler monkeys.  And also the sea shore of the beautiful Caribbean.  Pale sandy beaches lined with palm trees swinging in the tropical breeze.

Samasati  Yoga and Nature Retreat is  that perfect tropical jewel where you can come and experience yoga or come for you honeymoon if you desire a retreat into the healing and rejuvenating power of nature thru  quietness and tranquility.  Their packages are very reasonably priced and transportation is provided from the San Jose International Airport.

The setting of Samasati is on a hillside overlooking the tropical rain forest and the Caribbean Sea.

 

To learn all about Samasati Yoga and nature Retreat including beautiful photos of the retreat and the lush rain forest surrounding go to  the following web site  www.samasati.com

If you would like to visit this unique "in harmony with nature" retreat for a relaxing vacation or for one of the week long Yoga Retreats --please contact Ann, "the Costa Rica Expert"  at  anncreed23@gmail.com

Read all about The Costa Rica Learn Travel Company and Ann- a vacation planner for  Costa Rica at  www.costaricalearn.com

Ann can help getting you set up and explain all the details, making your

[caption id="attachment_5360" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Relaxing is the "name of the game""][/caption]

vacation relaxing and stress free.

 

 

"Pura Vida" Costa Rica's Motto

"Pura Vida' Costa Rica's Motto

What does this mean-can you explain it to me?  Translated into the English language it means "pure life".  Costa Rican's put a big emphasis on pure living.  I will give you some examples of what they "consider pure living".  They Balance work and recreation.  Costa Rica has 11 national holidays when everyone goes out "to play"- enjoy the great outdoors and interact with family.  Plus they all take one week off from Christmas to around January 1. They go out to the beaches , take in the sun and fun and enjoy each other.  Plus Costa Ricans get 1 day of vacation per 30 days of work so that is 12 days of  paid vacation per year.  Also during Holy Week-Easter they all take paid leave from Wednesday noon until the following Monday morning.  So you see-Costa Ricans believe in "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy"

"Pura Vida" means loving your family, taking care of the old people,  staying close together and helping each other.

"Pura Vida" means eating fresh food, which can be purchased at local markets on Fridays and Saturdays.  This food is not filled with preservatives and added chemicals. Pura Vida means picking a fresh banana from the tree growing in your yard and eating the first fresh mango  which falls from it's tree in the month of May.

"Pura Vida" means getting plenty of exercise.  The average Costa Rican walks a lot instead of driving a car everywhere.  They get plenty of natural sunshine.

"Pura Vida" means putting God first.  There is no separation of church and state in Costa Rica.  The Catholic religion (official religion of Costa Rica) is taught the schools beginning in elementary.  So Christian values are instilled in the children from a very young age.

"Pura Vida" means not constantly worrying.  They live from day to day not thinking so much about next week or next year-just enjoy today.  Many do not have credit cards thus building up large debts.

"Pura Vida" means you can have your health needs taken care of at a reasonable price.  The gov. run "caja" which delivers the health care is pretty good.  Yes there is standing in lines and long waits for elective surgery but if you have a minor general health problem you can get seen in a clinic mostly the same day (although you may have to wait several hours to see the doctor.)  Or you can go to the private side and purchase private health care insurance and see a private doctor and go to a private hospital.

"Pura Vida" means that you can count on enjoying  the feel of falling rain on your face and hear the sound of the howling wind.  See the clean blue of the Pacific Ocean and feel the softness of  the sandy beaches on your bare feet.  Hear the birds singing early in the morning and watch the chickens roost at 5:30 pm every day.

Written by Ann Cabezas Creed  who lived for many years in Costa Rica and looks forward to her yearly visits.  She is the author of the web site www.costaricalearn.com.  She is a vacation planner for Costa Rica and can be contacted at anncreed23@gmail.com if you would like help with planning your vacation to sunny Costa Rica.  Just send Ann an email and she will answer you questions-no obligations.

Or if you have questions regarding living in Costa Rica or you are planning a move to Costa Rica, feel free to email Ann with any questions and she will try to answer them honestly.

 

Costa Rica's Amazing National Parks

Costa Rica has set one fourth of it's land aside in national parks, reserves, and refuges to protect these valuable natural resources from  potential exploitation and ravages. This is   more than any other country in the world.

For such a small country,  Costa Rica is home to five percent of all the plant and animal species on the planet.   There is 2,000 species of orchids and 850 species of birds making it a bird watchers paradise.

Costa Rica's First National Park-Santa Rosa National Park  is located in the north western corner of Costa Rica.  This park was established in in 1969  along with the National Parks Department.

Rodrigo Carazo, president of the country from 1978-1982 states "Our parks are splendid natural laboratories which we offer to the international scientific community  the opportunity for scientific exploration and also to visitors from all over the world a unique place to enjoy direct contact with nature in it's most pristine and natural state. "

Here are listed the names of Costa Rica's National parks.  Each is unique and has it's own distinctive ecosystem.   These parks are located in the northern part of Costa Rica:  Santa Rosa National Park    Guanacaste National Park   Rincon de la Vieja National Park- Tenorio Volcano National Park -Palo Verde National Park-Barra Honda National Park-Arenal Volcano National Park

Located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica: Tortugero National Park and Cahuita National Park

Located in the central valley: Poas Volcano National Park- Irazu Volcano National Park-Braulio Carrillo  National Park

Central Pacific Coast: Manuel Antonio National Park and Carara National Park

South Pacific- Corcovado National Park and Marino Ballena National Park

Off the Pacific Coast- Coco Island National Park

La Amistad National Park in the Talamanca Mountains bordering Panama.  It is almost 500,000 acres and is declared by UNESCO a Reserve of the Biosphere and And A World Patrimony Site.  Almost one half of La Amistad has never been explored. It protects the largest virgin forest in Costa Rica and home to 400 species of birds.  One should venture into this park only with a trained guide. The mountains and thick tropical virgin rainforest have few marked trails.

The two most visited national parks by tourist are the Poas Volcano National Park because of it's location in the central valley and has easy access.  And the Arenal Volcano National Park because of the many different choices of outdoor activities offered in and around the volcano.

If you would like to visit one of these national parks contact Ann "The Costa Rica Expert" to help you plan and design that perfect vacation.  Go to her web site for complete information   www.costaricalearn.com

[caption id="attachment_5343" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Corcovado National Park"][/caption]

 

Costa Ricans Love Liberty,Peace, and Independance

[caption id="attachment_5334" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="happy young Costa Rican woman"][/caption]

Why do Costa Ricans love liberty, peace , and personal independence?

Christopher Columbus arrived on the Atlantic Coast of Costa in 1502 at the present  town of Limon.  He found very little gold in this small mountainous country.   Therefore, few people from Spain came to settle here. By 1573 there were only 50 families and they settled in land near Cartago, and most of them lived on isolated farms in a state of grim impoverishment and working their lands as well as they could.  There was very little influence from Spain and very little influence from the Catholic Church of Spain.  The Spanish Colonial Government was set up in Guatemala and it was a three day trip by horse from Guatemala so Costa Rica was largely ignored.

Many Costa Ricans think that this point in history is the explanation for their love of Liberty, Peace, and Independence.  Beginning with the independent yeoman farmer  working is little plot of land , these people lived  a modest life dominated by the struggle to survive without outside help or interference.  No aristocratic social class arose and  there were no groups of strong and powerful landowners to try and put down the poorer class of farmers.

These farmers lowered their heads to the sun and dirtied their hands in the soil of their own fields.

Commerce grew slowly.  The first crop to be cultivated was tobacco but it was not  good quality so there was not a market for it.  The next crop to be planted was Cocoa which did not succeed either.  Pirates sailed in on the Atlantic coast and robbed the Cocoa crops.

In 1521 independence was Spain was declared by the colonial officials in Guatemala and it was one month before Costa Rica received the news by a courier aboard a mule.

Signs of prosperity were brought on by the planting of coffee which grew profusely in the rich volcanic soil.   Soon a small wealthy class of farmers arose from the sale of the coffee to Europe and they considered themselves the "high society" of Costa Rica.  They traveled abroad and educated their children in the Universities of Europe .   Their money built the National Theater in downtown San Jose, the capital city.  Operas traveled from Europe to Costa Rica to perform.

Today Costa Rica does not have a standing army, has a literacy rate of around 95%, and has a socialized medical delivery system.   Costa Ricans are considered among the happiest people in the world.  There is no separation of church and state.  The Catholic religion is taught in the public schools. Most Costa Ricans speak some English.  The family unit is very strong and old people are cared for in their homes instead of Nursing Homes.

So

[caption id="attachment_5331" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="School Children in 2 room school house rural Costa Rica"][/caption]

what are the negatives about living in Costa Rica?  Petty theft is a big problem. People have to have someone in the home at all times unless they  live in  a gated-guarded community. Driving is difficult because the young men especially speed and dont follow the rules of safe driving. Cost of living is higher than their neighboring countries of Nicaragua and Panama.

Tourism (eco tourism) is the number one money maker in Costa Rica followed  by coffee and bananas.  Also large pineapple farms are popping up in the north eastern part of the country.

Unemployment is not a big problem.

The Costa Rican government has placed 20% of it's land in National Parks and Wildlife Preserves.

If you would like help planning a vacation to this tropical paradise, contact Ann "the Costa Rica Expert " The Costa Rica Vacation Planner"  Go to her web site  www.costaricalearn.com

 

 

Costa Rica's Amazing Diversity

[caption id="attachment_5326" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Poas Volcano"][/caption]

COSTA RICA'S AMAZING DIVERSITY

Costa Rica is not an island in the Caribbean. It is located in  the center of the Central American isthmus.  It is a very small country with less than 20,000 square miles, bordered on the north by Nicaragua and the south by Panama.  On the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the east by the Caribbean Sea - Atlantic Ocean.  This is a complex area with perhaps more DIVERSITY  than any other place it's size on earth.   Costa Rica is divided into several distinct regions, each of them feels and looks very different from the other.

In the above photo you can see the major mountain ranges which  run (down the middle) from the north to the south of the country . Here are located seven different volcanoes.  Only one of these volcanoes is active and it is the Poas Volcano located in the central valley of Costa Rica

Costa Rica has attracted an international community of  conservationists, biologist, environmentalists, and over one million tourist per year. Tourist come to enjoy a multitude of outdoor adventure activities from birdwatching to zip lining-from surfing to snorkeling and scuba diving.  They come to explore the rainforests in the many national parks and wildlife preserves.

Cost Rica has  seven volcanoes.  The only one which is  active is the Poas Volcano located in the central valley-sixty eight miles northwest of San Jose,  the capital city.  This volcano has a crater one mile wide with active geysers which spew up hot steam and sulfur gases on a daily basis.  The Arenal Volcano is the most visited and  is located in the north central area of the country.  It ceased to be active in November 2011.  However tourist still flock to this area hoping that it will without warning start up again and spew it hot lava hundreds of feet into the atmosphere.

Most of the population of Costa Rica live in the Central Valley at elevations between 456 meters and 1,300 meters.  Temperatures here are very mild at between 70 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit all year round.  Costa Rica has an abundance of rainfall between the months of May and November.  So this tropical rainy climate allows for rich soil which grows coffee, bananas, sugar cane, rice, black beans, and hundreds of tropical fruits and vegetables. Pineapple and bananas are exported to the USA and also to Europe.

The highest peak in Costa Rica is Chirripo  mountain. (located in south central  Costa Rica.) It is around 12,000 feet above sea level with cold and brittle weather.   Tourist from all over world come here to hike  Chirripo.

The coast lines of Costa Rica are a very different story with hot temperatures with abundant  bright sunshine.  The NW Pacific Coast is the most visited with dozens of hotels with a price range and budget for any tourist.  This coastal  area in the north western side of Costa Rica is arid with small trees and less rainfall. In contrast, the Caribbean coast is very rainy all year, thus attracting fewer tourist. It is more tropical and lush with the  natural beauty of palm trees and coconut trees lining the pristine white sandy beaches.

To make one understand more easily, the temperature of the area you are located in Costa Rica is determined by the altitude.

Costa Rica has a dry season mid December until mid April..although on the Caribbean coast this does not apply because here it rains there all year round. Also the south western  Osa Peninsula gets a great deal of rain all year round. Rainy season in Costa Rica is considered May through November with less rain on the northwest Pacific Coastline.

For such a small country Costa Rica is filled with amazing DIVERSITY and climates. This is why North Americans and Europeans find retiring here very appealing.

San Jose is the capital city located in the central valley.  It is not an attractive city and we do not see the beautiful Spanish Colonial Architecture like we see in Granada, Nicaragua. Traffic jams are horrible in San Jose. There are "more vehicles in Costa Rica's central valley than there are roads".

Daylight hours are the same in Costa Rica all year round.  Sunrise -around 5:30 am and Sunset around 5:30 pm.  Twelve hours of daylight and twelve hours of darkness.

If you ask someone who has retired to Costa Rica-"What is your favorite thing about living here?"  The say "It is the beautiful weather along with it's Amazing Diversity."

Costa Rica has it all.  Plenty of water.  Veins of water come right out of the side of the mountains forming streams and rivers which run into the seas.  The soil is exceptionally rich due to the volcanic ash fallen to the earth through the centuries.

Geographically Costa Rica is mostly mountainous.  From the air one can look down and see mountains after mountains and all is GREEN and  lush.  This is why it takes so long to drive from the central valley to the coast.  You have to wind up and around the mountainous terrain with two lane often narrow roads.

If you are thinking of a vacation to Costa Rica contact Ann, "The Costa Rica Expert" She can plan your vacation (along with your input) and make the arrangements for you.  This can save you a lot of time surfing the internet and getting confused.  She has twelve years experience in VACATION PLANNING TO COSTA RICA.  You can read all about this on her website www.costaricalearn.com

 

Costa Rica's Treasure-It's National Parks

Costa Rica's people values it's national treasures so much that  20% of it's land has been set aside for  National Parks and Wildlife Preserves,  protecting and preserving them for vacationers to enjoy some of the most  beautiful  tropical scenery in Central America.

Located in the central valley sixty eight miles north the capital city of San Jose we find the Poas Volcano National Park.  Rising eight thousand feet above sea level with it's southern slope covered in vibrant green colored bushes known as coffee.  It is the most visited national park with over 200,000 people from all over the world visiting annually.  Poas' crater is one mile wide and easily viewed from a look out point on it's south face.  The gurgling steaming sulfuric blue waters inside the crater often spray upward forming a beautiful geyser-exactly what the visitors come to see!   It's last major eruption was in 1952.  However, frequently small eruptions occur shooting  steam and gasses into the air. There is good hiking  and the best is a thirty  minute hike up to Botos Lake (the old crater) which is very beautiful with cold green water. You hike a well maintained trail  through giant umbrella plants and small dense alpine forest.   The weather is cool, damp, and foggy giving one a mystical feeling.

Plan to spend at least half a day here.  There is a visitor's center with a small natural history museum, a great  gift shop, and the  BEST  coffee shop serving Costa Rican coffee grown here on the slopes of the volcano. Try to arrive early in the morning to get the best views.  Sometimes by late morning clouds move in and cover the crater.

What is unique about Poas Volcano National Park  for visitors to see?  It is the only active volcano in Costa Rica .  Vacationers can view from a look out point above the crater the steaming fumaroles and quite often a big burst of steam rising from it's hot blue pool of  sulphurous water. and gases.  In May 1989 Poas shot ash and hot steam one mile into the air.

Can I hike in Poas Volcano National Park?  Yes, the are two well maintained trails for hiking and you can see a rainforest here.  The trees are not very tall because it is  windy at eight thousand feet above sea level. Many wild flowers grow in the park and a great variety of moses, bromeliads, and ferns.  The giant umbrella tree is the most famous plant in the park  (pictured above).  Several varieties of hummingbirds can be seen and will buzz around you as you walk through this vivid landscape.

Xinia and I spent one morning in the park.  We left Alajuela around 7:45 am and arrived at 8:15 am  to the park.  We got a great view of the crater with its deep blue steaming water because the clouds had not yet covered it.  Cold and damp weather welcomed us and we were glad we had  our raincoats and comfortable tennis shoes. We hiked both trails and were quite tired so we descended and decided to stop at Fredda Fressas for lunch.  Located on the main road heading down, Fredda Fressas offers a typical Costa Rica Lunch.  We choose the Casada which is the most typical. It is  rice, black beans, cabbage slaw, piccadilla de pappas (potatoes finely chopped with sweet red peppers boiled with a little Salsa Lizano added).  Fresh strawberries in leche (milk) was our drink.  And three milk cake  (tres leches) was our choice of desert.  Everything was delicious.

I highly recommend Poas Volcano National Park if you are vacationing in the central valley of San Jose and Alajuela.  It is a great day trip.  The road is good all the way to the summit.  Coffee Plantations line the hillsides and are spectacularly beautiful.

The Park is open all year round.  Take a raincoat and  comfortable shoes.

If you would like help planning your vacation to Costa Rica contact Ann, "the Costa Rica Expert"  She will help you plan an itinerary that fits your specific needs and you will not have to deal with a lot of different people while planning.  Also you will save time not having to surf the internet hoping to find the hotels and tours.

Go to  www.costaricalearn.com    and read how Ann works and how she can help you plan your vacation to Costa Rica

 

 

 

 

Xinia's Visit to Alajuela's Farmers Market

Alajuela Costa Rica has a weekend farmer's market all year round starting on Friday afternoon at 2 pm and ending Saturday afternoon around 2 pm.  It is my and Xinia's favorite thing to visit on Saturday mornings.  We arrive early, around 7:30 am . I have posted  some favorite photos of Xinia at the market.

All the fruits and vegetable sold here are freshly grown by local small farmers and some are actually grown organically.  You name the tropical fruit and it is probably sold here.

Mangos, papaya, watermelon, cas, guayaba,  melon, cantaloupe, pineapple, bananas,  and many many more.  Grapes and apples are mostly imported, and are quite expensive.  Grapes often $4 pounds and apples are better prices at $2 pound.  Locally grown fruits are mangos 25 cents each, pineapple 75 cents each,  papaya $1.00 each, and bananas are super cheap at around 5 cents each.

Vegetables-well the variety is so great that I cannot begin to name them all.  Chayotes (pictured here)   are sold here by the dozens and very cheap.   Most Costa Rican families  eat  at least a dozen of these small round green vegetables daily. which grow on a vines and to start a vine you must have both a male and a female see of this vegetable. Chayotes are hard  to find here in the US.   To cook them,  mix with a small amount of pork, onions, chicken stock, sweet red peppers and serve with rice and black beans.

Another unusual vegetable is the peibaye (pictured below)  Costa Ricans eat it boiled,  peeled and with mayonnaise. It's a beautiful small red round vegetable which actually looks like a fruit.  And it takes awhile to get to like it  because of it's very bland taste.

I hope you enjoy the photos and if you are a planning a vacation to Costa Rica please contact me-Ann to help you with an individualized vacation itinerary to save you money and your time trying to plan it all yourself.   Email   anncreed23@gmail.com

 

 

Ann Specializes in Family Vacation Planning to Costa Rica

Thinking of taking your family to Costa Rica for a fun filled family vacation?  Contact Ann, "the Costa Rica Expert" to help you do just that.  She can design  an itinerary just for your family to fit your time frame and budget.  Why surf the internet and get confused.

Ann has 12 years of experience in Costa Rica Vacation Planning.  She can guide you to the best and most popular family vacation destinations in Costa Rica.

First--She recommends the Arenal Volcano area, home to Arenal Volcano National Park. So many fun filled outdoor adventure  things to do and see here.

Examples are white water river rafting,  zip line thru the rain forest, hiking the suspended bridges high up over the top of the rainforest canopy,  rappelling into a canyon thru waterfalls,  horseback riding around the volcano,  hiking Arenal Volcano National Park to see howler monkeys, toucans, and other wildlife. Hike along the Blue River

This is just a small sample of the many many options for day trips in the Arenal Volcano Area.   Ann can set up these day tours for you plus match you with the right hotel.  And  arrange your transportation from the San Jose international airport area.

So why try to do it yourself?  When you can contact Ann who will do the work for you and also save you time and money.

Beach destination.  Costa Rica has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world such as Manuel Antonio Beach in the central pacific or  or Tamarindo Beach in the NW Guanacaste Pacific province. So many beautiful beaches with pale white sand and palm trees swaying.  You can choose to surf, snorkel, go deep sea fishing, white water rafting,  scuba diving,  sea kayaking ,  or  observe turtle nesting at night.

If reading this excites you then get started now by contacting Ann    anncreed23@gmail.com     www.costaricalearn.com

 

 

 

Sweet Seduction, Chocolate Grows in Costa Rica

[caption id="attachment_5273" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="chocolate pod"][/caption]

Today  most of the cacao  plantations are found in Africa.   However,  Costa Rica has a number of small cacao plantations.  You can visit Sibu Chocolate factory, located in Sarapiqui, 15 minutes East of downtown San Jose.   Here you will learn all about how chocolate is harvested and how it is processed.  Best part is you can taste this chocolate.  It's delicious.

Chocolate has its origins in Mexico with the Olmecs and the Aztecs as well as the Mayans.  It was considered the sacred food of the gods.  Also it was used as a regional currency.

The indigenous people of this region consumed chocolate in it's natural bitter tasting form,  without sugar or other spices added.  It gave them instant energy and a sense of well being. The first Spanish explorers to the New World took cacao beans back to Spain where it was transformed into the chocolate we know today which has a sweet flavor because of the sugar added to it.

A few facts about chocolate: 

It is picked by hand from the cacao tree.  The pods grow straight out of the branches and also out of the trunk.  The pods are placed in wooden boxes and covered with banana leaves and left to ferment and afterwards placed in the sun to dry.  Then, it is roasted,  ground and pressed and shipped to the factories for processing.

The best commercial chocolate on today's  market is a mixture of the best cacao beans, sometimes up to 12 different varieties  from all over the world.

Chocolate causes the brain to release chemicals called endorphins which makes you feel good.

If  you are taking a vacation to Costa Rica and would like to visit a chocolate farm contact Ann "The Costa Rica Learn Travel Company"

www.costaricalearn.com   anncreed23@gmail.com

 

 

How to Retire in Costa Rica on Nothing but a Government Pension

How to retire in Costa Rica on nothing but a government pension.  Written by  John Newton and Loreta Yukeco.  They came to live and retire in Costa Rica from Canada.
There was a time when retiring in Costa Rica on a government pension was easy, but those days are over. After four years of continual study on how to survive in Costa Rica for less, we have learned the following;  First-take another couple with you and share the cost of renting a home and car for two or three months. Try eating the local foods and cut back dramatically on the air conditioning during your stay because the cost of electrical power in Costa Rica is very high for people who continually use AC. This rental experience will help you to determine if Costa Rica is really for you.
Do not even consider buying a home in Costa Rica until you have lived there awhile and "learned some of the ropes." The people who work in construction building  homes in Costa Rica earn as little as three dollars per hour, so how can the extremely high home prices be justified?  Most of the homes being offered to Gringos are  usually much too large for what you really need for comfortable living.  Two years ago, we bought a building lot in a gated community close to the ocean for just $15,000.  The location is central Pacific Coast not far south of the town of Jaco.  We are five minutes from the beach.  The cost to construct a new 24ft. x 16ft. home was just $30,000.  The home size might seem small, but a large outdoor covered area makes it seem much larger. We spend 90% of our time outdoors, including eating our meals. A large modern kitchen-living room combination and  good size bedroom with big washroom is all you need for two persons inside the house.
The cost of groceries in Costa Rica is about the same as in North America, but the selection of commodities basic.  Fruits and vegetables are fresh and relatively inexpensive and available year round.   If you shop at the weekend local farmer's markets you get more variety, fresher quality and much better prices.

The cost to purchase a car in Costa Rica is astronomical-often twice the cost of a car in North America due to the very high import taxes collected by the Costa Rica government. Renting even the smallest car can cost about $700 per month.  And gasoline at this moment is around $5.50 per gallon.  We use a local taxi.  From our development to Parrita, the nearest small town  is just $3.
The Costa Rican people are friendly, but there are a few who think all Gringos are wealthy, and they will inflate prices when you try to buy something. The government’s high import taxes on virtually everything results in many items being extremely expensive. The import taxes on a refrigerator is over 80%. If you build a home and need appliances, go to the Duty Free zone in Golfito located in the south western corner of Costa Rica near the Panama border.  There you can buy brand name items at North American prices.

Now to talk about costs of surviving: Health care in Costa Rica is good and cheap, about $50 per month. You can be part of the health care system by simply applying for Pensionado status which is a legal process which takes time and some money.  You will need a lawyer whom you trust to help you with this.

If you must take out a mortgage to buy a low priced lot and home, I guess it would carry for about $500 per month, or less. Grocery cost would be about $300 per month. Electricity if you use the AC only when sleeping, about $150 per month. Water is only about $8 per month. Yearly property taxes are about $250    The association fees in our gated community are $85 per month. My suggestion is to build a home with an adjoining self contained unit, and if you are in a high tourism area you can rent to the tourist and let them pay your entire mortgage and utility bills. You could add that rental unit for about $15,000.  Make sure that unit is attached to your home, so as to keep the taxes down, and  share the same septic system.
Warning: Costa Rica has become famous around the world for its past real estate scams. Many developers sell building lots that are not even registered with the government, and some buyers never ever see deeds to the property. Real estate agents in Costa Rica are not licensed, and since the recession many of them have become desperate to sell anything, and often do not provide full information about properties.  Also, never use the lawyer recommended to you by the seller.
There is so much more information I could provide to people who would like to retire in Costa Rica with only a government pension, but there is so little space here. I mentioned a few negatives about living in Costa Rica as I’m a person who hides nothing,  but I will tell you that there are many more positive reasons to retire in Costa Rica. Waking up each morning in Costa Rica is a great feeling.   Take Care,   John Newton and Loreta Yukeco

Osa Peninsula Costa Rica, Poor Man's Paradise

 

NO TELEVISION, NO INTERNET, NO GUNS AND NO CRIME-CHILDREN RUN AND PLAY FREELY.

Is there a place like this left in the world? Yes, and the name given is Poor Man's Paradise,  located  on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula.  (Southern Pacific).  We boarded a small boat in Sierpe and it  took one hour to get to Poor Man's Paradise.

On the southwestern Pacific Coastline of Costa Rica is the  lowland primary rainforest known as the Osa Peninsula,  home to Corcovado National Park. which was created in 1975 by President Daniel Oduber's government in response to the heavy logging of the primary rain forest in the area.  This remote pristine area of Costa Rica has very few people, few roads,  no high rise condominiums and lots of wildlife.   We came here to Poor Man's Paradise to experience this quiet, unspoiled  spot of nature with it's five hundred species of trees, two hundred species of butterflies, and too many tropical birds to count.  The most famous is the scarlet macaw which are plentiful in this area.  The sky turned red when these beautiful birds spread their wings in full flight.   Soon, they were roosting in the almond trees just outside our bungalow window and we could hear the crunch of almonds as they ate their morning feast.

Poor Man's Paradise consists of a dozen  cabins perched near the ocean, so close we could hear the roar of the ocean only a few yards from our cabin balcony. The rooms are sparse, no air conditioning  and there is no hot water for baths.

The place is owned and operated by the Amaya family who homesteaded the property forty years ago and in the early nineties they found that because of the natural beauty and closeness to Corcovado National Park, tourism could bring  income to the family. The setting is gorgeous.  Long strips of beige sandy beaches and tall century old primary rain forest frame the wooden cabins which line the hillsides sloping down to the Pacific Ocean.  We look to the west over the horizon of the Pacific Ocean and the sunsets are the most beautiful I have ever seen.

The  village has a one room school house where forty children attend from grade one through grade six and all of them are taught by one teacher.   This is a small settlement with independent minded families.  They bond and help each other.  There is one small church where everyone gathers to worship.  Family values are very strong here.  This is a unique place in the modern world. There is no television, sparse cell phone service, no Internet, and best - there is no crime and no guns.  The children run and play freely.  Access is mostly by small boats,  however recently a new road enters the property coming from Drake Bay.  It is open only in the months of January through March when there is less rainfall and the rivers do not crest.

The residents wonder what this new road will mean to them.  How will this progress change their quiet simple life style?

We decided to take a hike into near by Corcovado  National Park and hired a guide.  (You should not venture into this remote national park without a guide provided at the Lodge)  As we hike deep into the park we see a group of howler monkeys and lots of toucans.  The larger animals which live in the park such as the giant anteater and the cougars stay deeper into the jungle.  The primary lowland rain forest trees seemed so tall that they hid the sun and everything under it's canopy has an ecosystem of it's own.

Also we hired a small boat to take us to Cano Island (one hour ride to the island). This uninhabited island has long stretches of beautiful lonely sandy beige beaches.  The popular thing to do around the island is snorkel and scuba.  We choose to snorkel among the coral reefs (not so colorful as in the Caribbean) We saw big eyed jack fish, small manta rays, and a couple reef sharks (which did not bother us but anyway we kept our distance).

This region has a very warm climate and a lot of rainfall per year.  The months with less rainfall are January through March, although it still rains (but much less).

DOLPHIN AND WHALE WATCHING.  This area is great for whale watching and a good month is August and also January and February.   The hump back whales migrate from the north to these warm waters to give birth to their young.  Also dolphins (here year round)  gracefully flip in and out of the water. Best way to view them is to rent a boat. However, sometimes the whales and dolphins can be seen from the beach.

Scarlet Macaws   This is the place to see Scarlets!  One morning around 6 am we saw twenty scarlet macaws in the almond trees outside out bungalow window.  Their chirping is not a pleasant sound so if you want to sleep late -forget it.  We went for a walk out to the beach and the scarlets were also there feasting on the almonds.  The shells of the almond fell on our heads.

Short video with a good close up look.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GstDjYPhPv4

Thank you Keelan for letting us share this video.

Would you like to visit this unique place in the world?  Contact Ann, the Costa Rica Expert for your vacationing planning to Costa Rica. She can set up all your transportation, lodging, and tours. You can save time and money not having to take your time surfing the internet and getting confused with the many options offered.

Learn about "The Costa Rica Learn Travel Company"  VACATION PLANNING TO COSTA RICA by going to the home page of  www.costaricalearn.com. 

You can contact Ann:    anncreed23@gmail.com

She will answer your questions. No Obligations--- Best thing is she has 12 years of experience as a travel agent to Costa Rica and she has lived there "off and on" sine 1998.

Arenal Volcano in North Central Costa Rica

THE HISTORY OF ARENAL VOLCANO IN NORTH CENTRAL COSTA RICA COSTA RICA

Arenal Volcano National Park is one of the most visited national parks in Costa Rica for many reasons.
Tourist come here to experience Nature at its fullest. In a small area around this mighty volcano, one can do so many things related to the natural surroundings.  The volcano  seems to emit positive energy and one can rejuvenate in spirit and body.

All the outdoor nature activities would more than fill this page. So I am going to mention my favorite ones.  Natural hot springs- Tabacon Hot Springs, Eco Thermales Hot Springs, and Baldi Hot Springs,   Paradise Hot Springs--Relax and have a therapeutic massage!

Sky Trek Zip line is great! As well as Mundo Adventura zip line.  Sky Trek takes you to the top of the mountain in a glass gondola and Mundo Adventura rides you up in a trailor pulled by a tractor and then you have to walk up further to get to the first platform of zip line.

Desafio Tour company is located on the town square of La Fortuna and offers a wide range of out door activities.

Arenal Volcano was dormant  until 1968 when it suddenly and violently erupted towards it western face, throwing rock sup to one ton plus hot steam and lava.  The lasted for several days and destroyed crops, livestock, and three small villages- Tabacon,  Pueblo Neuvo  and San Luis.  Before it was all over eighty one people were killed.  The volcano continued to attract viewers and curious people and  became the largest tourist attraction in Costa Rica.

It had violent eruptions again in 1975, 1984, 1993,  and 1998.  Today in 2013 the volcano is dormant but one day surely it will erupt again.

If you are planning a vacation to Costa Rica you must include this area of the Arenal

[caption id="attachment_5201" align="aligncenter" width="251" caption="Arenal eruption 1968"][/caption]

Volcano in  you vacation plans and experience some of the most exciting outdoor activities in the country.  "The Costa Rica Learn Travel Company can help you plan your itinerary. Ann is an expert on "Arenal and all it has to offer"  Contact her at www.costaricalearn.com

Email  anncreed23@gmail.com

 

Visit Paradise Hot Springs Arenal Volcano Costa Rica

[caption id="attachment_5195" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="Paradise Hot Springs"][/caption]

Recently I visited the Paradise Hot Springs - I can see why it was named "Paradise Hot Springs" It is a natural hot mineral waters coming from under the earth at the base of the Arenal Volcano, surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers and a nice view of the Arenal Volcano.  These hot springs are located three miles outside the town of La Fortuna, Costa Rica -if you are driving towards Lake Arenal.   Paradise Hot Springs is one year old and is a welcomed addition to the many hot springs experiences offered in the Arenal Volcano area.  The entry fee is a very good value at $23 for adults and $15 for children.  The total number of guests at one time is limited to one hundred and ten.   The owners are Costa Ricans who also own an ornamental plant business in the area.  You will see one hundred different species of tropical plants in the surrounding gardens of the hot springs and David, the owner is very enthusiastic about explaining the the characteristics of these different species of plants.

There are two large pools and one of these is  a swim up bar.  I felt these two pools were moderately warm.  However there are two other smaller pools, in a beautiful tropical setting with mineral springs waterfalls, and these pools are just right-not too hot and not too cool.

Additionally, there is one small pool which is very hot -around 105F and a small cold pool to dip into after coming out of the hot pool.

The therapeutic effects of mineral hot springs is well known. The heat causes the body to sweat which has a cleansing effect on the body.  Your body  becomes very relaxed. Many people with arthritis, and other ailments causing stiff joints and pain testify that these waters are a great relief.

Balance and Harmony

If the hot springs are from naturally occurring underground mineral waters, you can receive these five Elements:

Earth- underground birth of the hot mineral springs

Metals-from the minerals in the naturally occurring springs

Water

Wood -effects  from the trees surrounding the springs

Fire  heat from the water plus the sunshine

Specific health benefits of naturally occurring minerals in the hot springs.  These minerals  are absorbed thru the skin and have variable benefits:  Boron increases brain activity.

Chlorides benefits arthritis and stress

Iron increases production of  blood and strengthens the immune system

Magnesium converts blood sugar to energy

Potassium regulates hearth rhythm and blood pressure

Lithium alleviates depression

Sulfates- skin problems such psoriasis

After bathing in hot mineral springs, a therapeutic body massages is a great healing experience and you can get one at Paradise Hot Springs with appointment.  Also, you can get the mud from the volcanic rock rubbed on your body to further enhance these mineral effects.

To visit the Paradise Hot Springs, Arenal Volcano Costa Rica contact anncreed23@gmail.com    www.costaricalearn.com "the costa rica learn travel company"

Ann can help you plan that perfect Costa Rica vacation--saving you time and money so you can relax and get most out of your vacation!  Just email Ann today.  She will answer you questions--no obligations.

Under The Mango Tree In Costa Rica

 

Mangoes  grow almost wild in Costa Rica  from April through  June.  The warm tropical climate and ample rainfall provide the perfect environment. And Costa Ricans love mangoes.  They make a delicious drink of fresh mango mixed in the blender with water and sugar (shown here in Xinia's photo)  Also freezing fresh peeled and chopped mango and then blending it with water and sugar- Even Better!

Mangoes are used in bread and cake making (Mango Bread)  Just peel and chop it and place in the bread or cake mixture before baking. Mangoes are popular in salads and served over ice cream.  Click here to view a large collection of delicious recipes using mangoes.  http://www.freshmangoes.com/mangorecipes/recipes.html

Also the fruit and leaves are used for floral decorations for weddings as well as religious ceremonies.

Mango trees grow very tall-up to 4 meters and can live for three hundred years.

The small fruit is called mango and is very sweet and the larger fruit is called manga and is less sweet and the pulp is much firmer (tastes like a peach)  In the US we pay $1 or more for one large manga and here in Costa Rica they sell for around twenty five cents each.

Xinia has a large manga tree in her back yard and the fruit is falling all during the day and night, so if we sit under the Manga Tree--well we may get an unexpected bump on the head.  Also be careful not to eat the peel, you will get a "sting on your lips and gums"

The large manga shown below which Xinia is holding is unusually large.  Average size is much smaller.

www.costaricalearn.com

[caption id="attachment_5173" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Xinia with fresh Mango Drink"][/caption]

Vacationing to Costa Rica

Planning a vacation to Costa Rica is a time consuming task.  You can surf the internet and become quickly confused with the dozens of choices of hotels in each location.

Rick and Anna wanted a stress free vacation of 10 days to Costa Rica and never having been there they knew that they needed some help to plan their time and pick the destinations to visit as well as deciding on the adventure tours to meet their time frame.

After consulting with Ann, "The Costa Rica Learn Travel Company"  they choose to rent a small Suzuki Jimmy 4x4 with a GPS and drive thru the mountains to Arenal Volcano- a 3.5 hour scenic trip from Alajuela (home to the San Jose International Airport).  They stayed the first night they arrived at "Xinia's Costa Rica Vacation Homestay" located 6 miles from the international airport.  And the next day, after driving 30 minutes up the mountain to visit the Poas Volcano National park, they then drove to the Arenal Observatory Lodge-an eco lodge located in the Jungle area of Arenal where they experienced close up panoramic views of the Volcano and Arenal Lake. Zip Line tour (Sky Tram, Sky Trek) and Kayaking on Lake Arenal were the adventure tours Ann set up for them.

Continuing on to the NW Guanacaste Beach of Tamarindo (a small town located right on the beach) where they spent 4 nights at Villa Alegre-right in front of the beach  (set up by Ann) basking in the sun, swimming in the pool and walking the beach, eating fresh seafood,  and just simply chilling out.

Here is what Rick and Anna had to say:

We were extremely pleased having used Ann’s services for our 10 day vacation in Costa Rica. Sure, we could’ve winged it and spent many nights at the computer trying to put together our vacation, hoping we made good choices for our hotels, meals & activities. But Ann listened to what we wanted and honed right in on a great itinerary for us. Her communication was awesome, she was easy to get a hold of, she answered our questions quickly, made suggestions for us and definitely made our whole trip easy and comfortable.
Besides the great hotels and activities she set us up with, our best experience was staying with Xinia and her family in their home. We were picked up by Xinia at the airport, whisked away to her beautiful clean house where a home cooked meal was prepared for us. We had a blast spending the evening with her family talking and learning more about Costa Rica from a different perspective.
Thank You, Ann! We had a fantastic trip to Costa Rica.

[caption id="attachment_5160" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Rick and Anna"][/caption]

Traveling to Costa Rica, Will my cell Phone Work in Costa Rica?

Will my cell phone work in Costa Rica?

I am planning to travel  to Costa Rica on vacation and would like to take my cell phone and use it there, but don't know if it will work?

First, before you leave check with your cell phone company.

SIM cards are sold in the San Jose International Airport so ask your carrier if you can use a SIM card in your phone.

Also if you are renting a car, you can also rent a cell phone from the rental company and pay per day.  Local calls are not expensive but calling outside Costa Rica is expensive.  Ask the rental car company for information on this.

Would you like some expert help on planning your vacation to Costa Rica ?  Then contact Ann, the Costa Rica Travel Expert.  She will individualize your vacation plans to fit your needs and your budget and best thing is she has 12 years experience doing this.

Ann's email  anncreed23@gmail.com   No obligations, Ann will answer your questions.  Read all about her at  www.costaricalearn.com

ART GALLERY IN ALAJUELA

ART GALLERY IN ALAJUELA

Xinia and I visited an art gallery in Alajuela  Sr Y Sra Ese  Here you can see works of art made of exotic woods, such as jewelry, vases, boxes, and many other gift items.  The most famous is the  beautiful hand crafted wooden jewelry.  The gallery offers a factory tour

[caption id="attachment_5077" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="arturo solano exotic wooden vase The Root Gallery"][/caption]

which takes around  45 minutes and we learned how these unique works of art  are made from 6 different kinds  of exotic wood, all grown in Costa Rica.  Examples of the wood include  Cocobolo-Rosewood and Nazarene-Purple heart
The rich colors of these woods are  amazing, ranging from dark browns to deep purples and yellows.
The gift shop is located on the grounds and is open to the public. Displayed here are the hundreds of varieties of objects made from these tropical woods, and the prices are very reasonable.

Our guide explained that this factory employs one hundred and ten people and the wood art work is sold all over Costa Rica and also exported abroad.

Next door is another art gallery  called The Root Gallery, a  gallery displaying the work of Arturo Solano. From the roots of fallen trees he creates the most beautiful vases in many shapes, sizes, and colors.  Mr. Solano’s work has been sold in Brazil, Mexico, and Costa Rica.

The gift shop and gallery Sr Y SRA Ese is open 7 days a week from 8 am to 5:30 pm
and The Root Gallery is open Monday thru Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm

If you would like to visit these two galleries please contact anncreed23@gmail.com
www.costaricalearn.com
Ann and Xinia  (Xinia’s Costa Rica Vacation  HomeStay) can make the arrangements for you.

From Ann:  I highly recommend this tour.  The prices are very reasonable and the variety of art work made from exotic wood is the most extensive I have seen in Costa Rica

click here to read more:  http://www.srysraese.com/

http://www.rootgallery.com/

Contact Ann, The Costa Rica Expert- to help plan your vacation to Costa Rica . She has 12 years of experience and can individualize your vacation plans to meet your needs and your budget.   contact her   anncreed23@gmail.com  She will answer you questions with no obligations.  Read all about her and her travel company  www.costaricalearn.com

COSTA BALLENA COSTA RICA'S SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST

COSTA BALLENA -on Costa Rica’ Southern Pacific, stretches thirty miles along the Pacific ocean from Dominical and south to Ojochal.
Ballena in Spanish means whale.  This is the area of Costa Rica to see whales in certain months of the year.  August and September are good month as well as January and February to take a boat out and you have a very chance of seeing them.

The access to the area by road is good..so if you are renting a car getting there is pretty easy.

There are mountains, unspoiled rivers, dense jungle and the Pacific Ocean.  You will see monkeys, sloths, so many species of tropical birds, hundreds of varieties  of flowering plants and hugh old growth trees.

You will not see high rise hotels and hoards of tourists.  The beaches offer great surfing
with waves for beginners as well as advanced.  For beginners go just south of Dominical  to Dominicalito .  There you can get lessons and also rent a surf board.

There are hotels and eco lodges for all price ranges.

SWIM UNDER A WATERFALL  The mountain range seems to drop right into the ocean and there are many gorgeous waterfalls in the region.

FISHING-Outdoor activities offered are deep sea fishing and fishing close to shore.

SURFING  for all levels.

HORSEBACK RIDING in the jungle or on the beach

HIKING into the jungle and rain forest to see monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, and of course the rain forest trees, many of which are old growth with meter wide buttresses and seem to reach the sky.

SNORKELING- take a boat out to Cano Island where snorkeling is fantastic.

SCUBA-  Cano Island and its off shore waters offer superb Scuba diving opportunities.

MANGROVE SWAMPS--most dense mangroves found in the world.

MILES OF OPEN STRETCH BEACHES AND  gorgeous sunsets.

EAT FRESH SEAFOOD

What months can I see Whales?  Certain months of the year whales can be spotted from your boat.  August and September and January and February.

OR SIMPLY HANG OUT AND ENJOY THE NATURE!

Ballena Marine National Park  is located here.  Miles and miles of beige sandy beaches, mangrove swamps, and the largest coral reef on the Pacific Coastline of Costa Rica.  You will need to hire a guide with a boat to take you snorkeling or scuba.  They are familiar with the best locations.

 

[caption id="attachment_5061" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Humpback Whale"][/caption]

Dolphins can be seen and in season the humpback whales  (August)  which migrate from the cold water of the north to mate here in these warm waters.   Also the green Marine Iguanas perched on the rocks.  They come out of the water to bask in the sun.

From May thru November you may see the Oliver Ridley and Hawksbill turtles lay their eggs on the beaches at night.  September is best month is see them.  Go when the moon is waning and the night is dark.

Vacationing to Costa Ballena?  Contact “The Costa Rica Learn Travel Company
anncreed23@gmail.com   Ann-the Costa Rica Expert-  is a vacation planner for Costa Rica with 12 years experience.           www.costaricalearn.com

TRAVEL ADVICE AND TIPS-COSTA RICA VACATION

Vacationing in Costa Rica-    Travel Tips and Travel Advice

Passport must be good for 90 days past the date you enter Costa Rica

If renting a vehicle either take your GPS or rent one there (very useful since roads are not always named.)

Pack Light- Casual Dress-Cottons are best,  swim wear,  water sandals --water-proof light weight  rain jacket,  small folding umbrellas --very good walking shoes or hiking boots..best take a good pair of tennis shoes.
Small backpack to put bottle water , camera, sun screen, and mosquito repellent.

ALSO TAKE A  small flashlight    2 flashlights if you are staying in different rooms.

In case of earthquake exit the building to the outside.

Mosquito repellent -I like skin so soft --cream from Avon for mosquito repellent--you can get it on their web site.

Drink bottle water only

Take Pepto Bismol Tablets  for possible stomach upsets

Keep valuables locked in safety box in your hotel room.  Do not leave anything valuable in the room that is not locked up in the safety box    If you have a rental car do not leave anything inside the vehicle- unless you can see the car from where you are sitting in a restaurant.  Don’t park your vehicle  with your  suitcases inside at a National park and  enter the National park.   Even if the vehicle is locked.

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a different place.  Also a copy of your credit card.
US dollars--do not take any that are torn or written on-the CR banks will not accept them.
CAN I USE US DOLLARS IN COSTA RICA OR DO I NEED TO CHANGE MY MONEY INTO COLONES (the CR currency) ?
Yes you can use US dollars however: it is best if you take them in small bills-$5  $10  $20  and take 20 $1 bills.  You will receive change in colones so get familiar with the exchange rate.

American Express is not widely accepted in CR.  Visa and Master Charge are widely accepted.  Some places--but not all--will accept Discovery Card.

Travelers checks--some places accept and some places do not.  Better to check ahead of time.....
I keep my money, passport, and credit cards, in a money belt  under my blouse--but not everyone likes a money belt.   A fanny pack (around your waist) is better than carrying valuables in a  purse.  But -still- I think a money belt is better.
You can use  US dollars in CR but will be given change in colones.  So memorize the exchange rate.    Exchange rate around 500 colones to one dollar.

Do not exchange money at the airport--the exchange rate is very bad.

Electricity  in CR is same as in US.

Petty theft is COMMON -pick pockets are common.  Be careful not to leave cameras etc unattended.

At Manuel Antonio Beach- leave your valuables in the safety box at the hotel.  Take only money to pay the entrance to the park and tip the guide.  And to pay lunch  if you want to eat outside the park.
Monkeys  have been know to run off with your backpack if you leave it on the beach to go swimming.
Also leaving cameras, etc on the beach and going into the water is not a good idea.  Can be stolen by monkeys or people.

Restaurants already have a 10% tip added to the bill.  If you get very good service you could give a  extra tip.

Can  Drink the Water?--I recommend that you drink bottle water.  You can buy it everywhere and it is not expensive.

Guides and driver do expect tips.  Drivers for a long distance around $10  and guides--use your discretion            $1  per suit case  for bell boys

Take all your medication with you--in your carry on-backpack--etc   Dont check them in your suitcase.

Pharmacies  have someone to help you if you need a medication--often the Pharmacist is available for consultation.  However, antibiotics  cannot be sold without  a doctors prescription.

Lock suitcases before checking them in at the airport and good idea to tie a colorful ribbon on them.  Label each one with a luggage tag.  (all the suitcases coming off the luggage ramp tend to be black and all look alike.

If you rent a vehicle keep it locked at all times.  Dont leave visible valuables in the car when it is unattended.  Try not to drive at night.  Park is designated parking lot only.

Departure tax is $27 per person which is paid upon departure at the airport.    Paid in dollars, colones, or Master Card or Visa--American Express is not accepted.

Be at the airport 2 hours before departure time.