Thursday, December 25, 2014

Costa Rica Learn

Costa Rica Learn


How Do Costa Ricans Celebrate Christmas? By Eating Tamales

Posted: 24 Dec 2014 04:23 PM PST

HOW DO COSTA RICANS CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS?  They gather the families together and eat tamales.  The Costa Rican Tamale is made from corn masa as the base and it is filled with many different ingredients.  Among these are primarily pork, and then add sweet red pepper, carrots, green beans, olives, finely chopped garlic, onions, prunes or raisins, potatoes and salt and pepper.  Wrap it all up in a large banana leaf and tie together with string.  Place them in a large pot of boiling water and cook for around 4 hours.  Some people, especially in the countryside cook them over an open fire.

Often an afternoon cup of delicious Costa Rican coffee is served with a freshly prepared tamale. Tamales are even eaten at breakfast.  So you can see Costa Ricans are serious about tamales.

Mexican Tamales are a little different.  They are wrapped in corn husks and jalapena peppers are added to the other ingredients to give it a much more spicy flavor.  I would like to thank Alberto Font for the use of the below photo  of a Costa Rica tamale.

As a new bride I came with my Costa Rica husband to celebrate our first Christmas together.  I was raised in the south (USA) where turkey and dressing, mashed sweet potatoes, steamed green beans, and pumpkin pie was the annual Christmas dinner.   Well, I was surprised when my mother in law served a large plate with a lone tamale. I watched as the banana leaves were unwrapped as if the tamale was a gift.  I tasted mine and thought “How am I going to be able to eat this.” “Everyone is watching me”  It takes time to cultivate a taste for this famous Christmas dish.  For me at first it was much too bland.  With time I learned to eat tamales but to add variety I served rice and a green garden salad.

 

Would you like to visit Costa Rica at Christmas time .  Contact Ann, the Costa Rica Expert, to help you plan the perfect vacation.   www.costaricalearn.com

 

Tamal 1 1000x667 300x200 How Do Costa Ricans Celebrate Christmas? By Eating Tamales

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Sunday, December 14, 2014

Costa Rica Learn

Costa Rica Learn


Family Vacation Planner to Guanacaste Beaches

Posted: 13 Dec 2014 05:02 PM PST

Nancy and her three grown up kids set out from Santa Barbara, California for a seven day adventure vacation to Costa Rica.  Nancy had rented a house for the five of them on Playa Portero in Guanacsate., and rented a car to get around.  This beach is close to Playa Flamingo  (about forty five minutes north of Tamarindo) and  has white sand and great Pacific waves.  They encountered great weather.  In the Pacific Northwest beaches little rain falls in the month of November.

Nancy called Ann for help setting up the adventure tours because she was having a hard time on the internet doing it alone.  “I got very confused about which tour company to use and how long each tour would take.” admitted Nancy.   “Ann, the family vacation planner,  quickly and efficiently arranged just what we wanted.  We did horse back riding on the beach and in the forest, my girls did white water rafting, and my son and I went to Palo Verde National Park and had  a fun filled day of boating and bird watching, monkey watching, photographing crocodiles and river turtles.   We also did a sunset cruise which included snorkeling.  We saw hundreds of small fish, although not colorful-they were fun to watch. Ann accurately told us best route to take to and from San Jose international airport and also how long the driving distance would take.  We did not waste any time, thanks to Ann “The Costa Rica Expert”

We very highly recommend Costa Rica for a family vacation.  So much beauty and out door adventure activities, and very friendly people.   And Ann was great–so of course we recommend you contact her if you are planning a trip to Costa Rica.

contact Ann      www.costaricalearn.com

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Saturday, December 13, 2014

Costa Rica Learn

Costa Rica Learn


What do Costa Ricans Do for New Years?

Posted: 12 Dec 2014 07:45 PM PST

For New Years many Costa Rica will go to the beaches.  They will gather their family together and head for their own personal beach houses or will rent a house on the beach.    On New Years Eve they will celebrate with lots of typical Costa Rican food and alcoholic drinks.  Costa Rica rum is a favorite, mixed with  mango juice.  They will party till the early hours of the morning.

Others will travel, sometimes long distances to stay in the home of relatives, whom often they see only once a year.  The women are in the kitchen cooking up the favorite Costa Rican rice dishes such as aroz con pollo  (rice with chicken).  or roasted pork.  The men gather outside to tell stories and drink the alcoholic drink made from sugar cane called guarro.

Costa Ricans usually do not work from December 25 through Jan 1.  This is a time for rest, relaxation,  and partying.

January is a great month to vacation in Cost Rica.  The weather is gorgeous, sunny and warm.  If you would like a Costa Rica Expert to help you plan you trip to Costa Rica, contact Ann.  Read all about her and how she works by going to  www.costaricalearn.com

 

 

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Friday, December 12, 2014

Costa Rica Learn

Costa Rica Learn


Costa Rica’s Neighbor to the North- Something Big is Going on in Nicaragua.

Posted: 12 Dec 2014 11:09 AM PST

Nicaragua is Costa Rica’s neighbor to the North .    Nicaragua has a standing army.  

Today, something big is going on in Nicaragua called  “The Gran Canal Project”.  It is an ambitious  $40 billion project of 278 kilometers- an interoceanic canal  (stretching from the Pacific Ocean, all way to the Caribbean Sea  (Atlantic ocean). It is three times longer than the Panama Canal.  It will forever change the economic landscape of Nicaragua and make it one of Central America’s richest countries. Construction will begin early 2015.

The money, design, and construction assistance  will come from the Chinese Hong Kong Nicaragua Development Company.

The Pacific Ocean point of entrance will be  the mouth of the Brito River, in Rivas.  Planned is a large petroleum port and a free trade zone . Plus a  tourism complex is planned near by. The free zone will cover around 29 square kilometers and provide residential housing, and create 113,000 jobs.

Some people will be displaced from their homes.  Their land will be taken over by the Nicaragua Government -and they will be relocated and hopefully gain new employment within the new jobs created by the canal project.

Surveying has begun. One of Asia’s  top state-owned engineering firms is now in Rivas- the Changjiang Institute of Survey, Planning, Design, and Research Company. The surveyors are accompanied by soldiers from the Nicaragua Army.

Additionally large tourism projects are planned for Ometepe Island, located in the middle of Lake Nicaragua.  This large lake encompasses almost all the southern land mass of Nicaragua.

On the Caribbean side plans call for the construction of a large artificial lake bout the size of Denver, Colorado.  This area will be developed into an large eco tourism project.

Daniel Ortega, President of Nicaragua projects this project to create enough jobs to bring his country out of poverty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Thursday, December 11, 2014

Costa Rica Learn

Costa Rica Learn


Does Costa Rica Have a Standing Army?

Posted: 11 Dec 2014 03:53 AM PST

Does Costa Rica Have a Standing Army?  No, the army was abolished in 1948 under the leadership of Jose Figueres who is best known as the “Grandfather of Costa Rica.”

The War of National Liberation followed  several years of extreme unrest in Costa Rica.  A civil war began on March 11, 1948 and ended forty four days later.  Two thousand men were killed during this sad violent war of liberation.

This National Liberation Front was headed by Jose Figueres, and under his leadership a new Constitution was born.

It gave strong powers to the central government reflecting the ideals of Social Democracy .  It included a ten percent tax on wealth.  full voting rights for women, created a minimum wage,  national health care services for all, nationalization of all the banks,  granted citizenship to all people born in Costa Rica and expanded education by creating rural schools.  And it Abolished the Military.  The money and resources are instead spent on human development  and prosperity.

From all of this, a new and strong political party was born known as the National Liberation Party.  Figueres headed the party until a presidential election could be held and then relinquished his power to the newly elected president Otilio Ulate.  Figueres later served two  terms as President  1953-1957 and 1970-1974.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Saturday, November 29, 2014

Costa Rica Learn

Costa Rica Learn


Monteverde A Land of Cloud Forest and Quakers

Posted: 29 Nov 2014 04:45 AM PST

VACATION IN RURAL COSTA RICA

Monteverde lies high in the mountains of central Costa Rica, seven thousand feet above sea level. Clouds seem to shroud the cool environment , and mist floats across the horizon.

The road to get there, well-if you can call it a road…..The route is off highway 1, better known as the Pan American Highway. The first perhaps twenty miles is recently paved and very nice. The remaining ten miles is slow moving rocky, dirt and dust. However, the views are spectacular. Gorgeous mountains grace the landscape with spectacular sunsets, and you can even see in the distant horizon the Pacific Ocean.

Monteverde was settled by a group of Quakers in the 1950s. The fled the United States in search of a utopia free from militarism. They farmed the land, sold milk and cheese, and settled into a rural, peaceful life.

Today in the small rural village of Santa Elena, in the heart of Monteverde, one can visit the cheese processing plant owned and operated by the Quakers. However, you must travel outside town to the outlying farms to find the Quaker of today still maintaining the life of gentle serenity.

Tourism has become the main industry in Monteverde drawing people from all over the world to experience this unique eco system of tropical primary rain forests, and in hopes to see the reclusive bird with brilliant blue tail feathers known as the Quetzal.

Tourist come for adrenalin pumping outdoor adventures.  The Magnificent Glass Gondola and Zip Line is the best!  The views from the top of the mountain are to die for and while zip lining back down you feel you are floating in heaven.
Add to this a walk over the tops of the rainforest on a series of suspended bridges. It is a total of six hours in a land of natural beauty and serenity.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is multiple paths in a primary rainforest. The trees have buttresses up to three meters wide, and the forest floor is shielded from the sun by the thick canopy of the rainforest.

So when is the best month to visit Monteverde? March and April. These are the dry months. The clouds still float close to the tree tops but there is less rainfall. The rainier month are September, October, and November.

What clothes do I bring? The Cool, misty, and windy climate calls for rainproof jacket, long pants, and a long sleeve T shirt. It is especially cool at night so bring long pajamas.

Vacation Planning by Ann The Costa Rica Expert  Like to visit Monteverde?  Ann can help you plan the perfect visit to Monteverde.

contact her:   www.costaricalearn.com   anncreed23@gmail.com

 

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Monday, November 3, 2014

Costa Rica Learn

Costa Rica Learn


What is the weather like in Costa Rica?

Posted: 02 Nov 2014 08:23 PM PST

So What is The Weather Like  and when is best time to travel and vacation in Costa Rica?

Tourist season in Costa Rica is HIGH SEASON  December through April and LOW SEASON  May through November.  July is often a high tourism month.

The AREA  of Costa Rica where you are living determines how much rain you get.  The Central Valley where the capital city of San Jose is located gets a lot of rain in June, August, September, October and part November.    Guanacaste in the northwestern zone gets less rain and more sun than any other area of Costa Rica. That is why the large chain beach hotels are located there. More rainy months in Guanacaste are June, August, Sept, and October.  However , the rain comes mostly in afternoon thunder showers.

Arenal Volcano area, there is no rain or dry season..Rains all year round.  Driest months are March and April.  West Central Costa Rica, Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Dominical

Nice beaches in these areas.  Here you do have a rainy and a dry season.  Rains mostly June, August, September, October, November.

 Osa Peninsula.   Southern Zone-Pacific Ocean. Very rainy area all year round.

 

Caribbean Ocean, East coast of Costa Rica.  Most rainy  area in all the country.  Rains almost daily.

 

If you would like more information on planning a vacation to Costa Rica and getting the best weather, contact Ann, the Costa Rica Expert.   www.costaricalearn.com

“the costa rica learn adventure travel agency”

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Saturday, November 1, 2014

Costa Rica Learn

Costa Rica Learn


Wow, Big Eruption at Turrilaba Volcano, Costa Ria

Posted: 31 Oct 2014 06:35 PM PDT

10362749 746282922075635 5148950544876923973 o 700x525 300x225 Wow, Big Eruption at Turrilaba Volcano, Costa Ria10405480 818048904883980 2399040578902196182 n 300x215 Wow, Big Eruption at Turrilaba Volcano, Costa RiaTurrialba Volcano located 35 miles east of the capital city of San Jose Costa Rica unexpectantly  erupted Wednesday night Oct. 29, 2014 at 11:40 pm. spraying ash 30 miles away to the town of Heredia.  The eruption lasted 45 minutes and strong seismic activity was felt by the local people.   Scientist do not know if there will be another eruption.

The last big eruption of the Turrialba Volcano was in 1866.  And in the last 3,500 years it has had at least five big eruptions.

The area of Costa Rica is not a high tourist area.

78650759 c12d526c debb 4b11 9c23 e9a0be08b62b 300x168 Wow, Big Eruption at Turrilaba Volcano, Costa Ria

 

 

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Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Costa Rica Learn

Costa Rica Learn


Costa Rica’s National Theater

Posted: 20 Oct 2014 04:19 PM PDT

This year Costa Rica’s National Theater located in downtown San Jose is celebrating its 117th birthday.  The National Theater was inaugurated on October 19, 1897.  The opening night featured a magnificent presentation of the opera Faust.  The sumptuous building, neoclassic in style,  is a copy of the Paris Opera House and was financed from the national budget and by contributions from a coffee tax paid by wealthy coffee growers.  The detailing was done by Spanish and Italian artisans and took seven  years to complete.  It is certainly the most magnificent structure in Costa Rica.

The National Opera Company of Costa Rica presents one opera per year in the National Theater.

If you are vacationing in Costa Rica and would like to visit San Jose, the capital city,  I highly recommend a half day visit to the National Theater.  There is a small fee to enter.  You can go inside to visit the opera stage and also go upstairs to view the opulent ballroom.  Afterwards take a couple hours to visit the wonderful Gold Museum located directly behind the National Theater.

 

To learn more about what to see and do in San Jose if you are vacationing in Costa Rica please contact Ann, The Costa Rica Expert.  www.costaricalearn.com

“the Costa Rica Learn Adventure Travel Agency” 3 6896 teatronacionaltcnr2014 300x199 Costa Ricas National Theater 240px Costa Rica Teatro Nacional Costa Ricas National Theater 250px Teatro National de Costa Rica   inside 225x300 Costa Ricas National Theater

Read more articles written by Ann about the National Theater

http://costaricalearn.com/category/costa-ricas-history-sulture-food-traditions/page/2

 

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Thursday, October 9, 2014

Costa Rica Learn

Costa Rica Learn


Best Time to Visit Poas Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

Posted: 08 Oct 2014 07:57 PM PDT

How do I make the best of my visit to Poas Volcano National Park located thirty five minutes north of the city of Alajuela in the Central Valley of Costa Rica?

You can drive to Poas Volcano National park in a rental vehicle.  You do not need a four wheel drive because the road is paved and in good condition.  The route is easy to follow going north from Alajuela.  Signs  along the road guide you to the correct road.  Driving time from Alajuela is approx thirty five minutes.

From San Jose, the capital city-it is  45 miles.  First drive to Alajuela from San Jose.   Very good roads all the way.

Try to arrive to the park by 8:30am  because early you have a better chance of seeing the crater which sometimes will cloud over as the morning progresses.  Although I have been at the park when it is covered with clouds and I wait fifteen minutes and winds will  clear the crater which is a spectacular sight!!  The crater is a one mile wide geyser which sprays hot water and sulphur steam into the air.

The Poas is 8,000 feet above sea level so the air is cool and often misty so you need a jacket and good walking shoes.  From the visitors center you need to walk about fifteen minutes to arrive to the crater.  There is a great hiking trail there at the crater which leads you to the old crater lake (takes approx twenty minutes up and twenty minutes down.  A good work out.

The visitors center has a good demonstration of the history of the Volcano with nice photos.  You can get a Good cup of Costa Rican coffee at the coffee shop adjacent to the visitors center.

The eco system at the Poas is very unusual.  There are large plants called Poor Man’s Umbrella all over the park and huge ferns, mosses, and bromeliads .   Yellow and white wild flowers line the paths to the crater.

I highly recommend a visit to the Poas Volcano National Park is you are going to be in the Central Valley of Costa Rica.

Weather patterns at the Poas:   Get there early in the morning because clouds often  hover over the crater by late morning.

Best time of the year to visit Poas?  Dry season is January thru April.   It rains less during these months.  Rainy season is May thru Nov.  The more Rainy months are Sept and Oct.   Lasts two weeks of July are good.  There is a lull in the rainfall.

What to wear?  Good walking shoes, a rain jacket and in rainy season an umbrella.  Weather is cool because it is 8,000 above sea level at Poas Volcano.

How long should I allocated to see all the Poas  Volcano IMG 0141 300x200 Best Time  to Visit Poas Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

IMG 0148 300x200 Best Time  to Visit Poas Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

Poas Volcano

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Poas Volcano Erupting

IMG 4452 200x300 Best Time  to Visit Poas Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

National Park  You can do it in one half day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Saturday, September 27, 2014

Costa Rica Learn

Costa Rica Learn


Weather Patterns in the Arenal Volcano area of Costa Rica

Posted: 26 Sep 2014 06:43 PM PDT

The area around the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica has become the most visited area of Costa Rica by tourists from all over the world.  And the reasons are many.  First and foremost is the spectacular natural beauty of the tropical rainforests which is always green.  This is due to abundant rainfall.  And the rainfall is all year round.  There is no rainy season or dry season around Arenal.  The abundance of rainfall also contributes to the many food crops grown in this fertile San Carlos Valley.  Large pineapple plantations dot the hillsides, as well as smaller crops of paypaya, yuca, bananas, coconuts, and many more.  Also located in this  fertile valley are farms of gorgeous tropical plants picked by hand and exported to the worldwide flower markets.

At this moment the Arenal Volcano is not erupting.  It became inactive November 2012 and continues to be quiet.  However, this does not stop the tourist from coming here to do the  abundant outdoor adventure activities such as the zip lines, river rafting, hot springs, Blue River hike,  horseback riding, ATV adventures, birdwatching, and monkey watching.

So what time of the year if the best weather for my  vacation to the Arenal Area?  The least amount of rainfall is March and April.  The wettest month is October. The rest of the year we often see sunny mornings. If the rain comes, usually it is mid afternoon.    Tourist get up early to begin the many outdoor adventures.

How many days should I spend in Arenal on a Family Vacation to Arenal?   I recommend at least 4 nights.  This gives everyone an opportunity to do the  adventure activities of their choice.  Is Arenal a good choice for small children to come with the parents on vacation?   Yes, children can enjoy the  hot springs, floating down a river to watch the monkeys, visit a wildlife refuge to see monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, and much more.

Where is the Arenal Volcano Located?  In the North Central Province of Costa Rica, three hours by car or van from the SJO internation airport and also three hours by car or van from Liberia International airport (located the the northern region of Costa Rica.)

If you are planning a vacation to the Arenal Area you can contact “Ann, The Arenal Expert-Vacation Planner Arenal”   She can help you set up the perfect hotel and  outdoor adventure activities.  There is a hotel and outdoor adventure activity for everyone’s budget, and Ann will help you choose the right one for you and your family. Ann knows the outdoor adventure activities well because she has done most of them herself.  She knows how long each adventure activity takes so she can arrange things to run smoothly  and  your time is not wasted.

To contact Ann go to her web page   www.costaricalearn.com  

001 300x130 Weather Patterns in the Arenal Volcano area of Costa Rica

Mighty Arenal Volcano

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Mighty Arenal Volcano

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Curious George

 

 

 

 

 

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Friday, September 19, 2014

Costa Rica Learn

Costa Rica Learn


How to Plan A Vacation to Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Posted: 18 Sep 2014 02:51 PM PDT

images How to Plan A Vacation to Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano

How to Plan Your Vacation to Arenal Volcano Costa Rica and get the BEST outdoor ADVENTURE Vacation of your lifetime!  Ann, “the Costa Rica Expert” is here to tell you how to do it .  Ann is the owner of “The Costa Rica Learn Adventure Travel Company.”  She has worked in tourism in Costa Rica for twelve years-so experience counts!

How much time should I spend in Arenal?  We are a family of three teenage children and Mom and Dad.  Allow a minimum of 4 nights  (or a least 3 nights)  Arenal is a place of magnificent natural beauty.  It has rainforest, tropical birds, monkeys, iguanas, sloths, waterfalls, raging rivers, (including the famous blue river in Tenorio National Park.

With soo many outdoor adventure activities available… Some are full day adventures and some are half day adventures..  Ann, The Costa Rica Expert,  can help you arrange the time schedule so no time is wasted.

How do I choose a hotel?  There are  many eco lodges as well as  luxury hotels. A hotel for everyone’s budget.  Eco lodges range  from around $130  per night for a double room and up.  Luxury hotels approx. $225 for a double room per night and up.

When is best time of year to visit Arenal.  The rainfall in Arenal: No dry season or rainy season.  The driest months are March and April.  However tourist flock here all year round.  When the rain comes, it is usually in the mid to late afternoon and the mornings are sunny.   Prices for hotels are higher in the high season which is December through April.  Then comes the Green Season and prices come down for hotels quite a bit (usually in the 20% range)

Are the adventure tours good for all ages.  Yes, there is an adventure tours for all ages.  There is even a zip line tour for ages beginning at six years. To pick the adventure tours in fit into your vacation time frame and your level of activity contact Ann and she can explain all the options and help you arrange your time schedule.  See Ann’s web site link at end of this article which explains how to contact her.

Arenal Volcano area has the most wonderful adventure tours of any single location in Costa Rica.  The infrastructure is well established.

Where is Arenal located and How do I get there?  Arenal is located in the north central area of Costa Rica. The roads are paved and in good condition from San Jose International airport to Arenal.   Heading north on highway 1 (interamerican highway) -The drive via San Ramon is 3.5 hours and is best not to drive at night because the roads are mountainous with many curves.   Northern Zone of Costa Rica- Going from from Liberia  to Arenal  the roads are good and are paved.( Liberia is where the 2nd international airport is located in the northern zone of Costa Rica)   Head south on the interamerican highway  (highway 1)  Exit at Canas and follow this road to Arenal .
The journey takes approx 3.5 hours.  Ann can arrange for a private transfer by van or you can rent a car which Ann can arrange for you.  Also you can fly by Nature Air from San Jose to La Fortuna which is at base of the Arenal Volcano.

Contact Ann the “Costa Rica Travel Expert”  Owner:  The Costa Rica Learn Adventure Travel Company.  She will  help you plan your vacation to Arenal.  She will save you time and money allowing a restful stress free vacation in Arenal.  Find Ann at her web site:

 http://costaricalearn.com/imgvol 300x197 How to Plan A Vacation to Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

 

 

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Saturday, August 16, 2014

Costa Rica Learn

Costa Rica Learn


La Fortuna, A small town in the Shadow of the Arenal Volcano

Posted: 15 Aug 2014 07:45 PM PDT

la fortuna costa rica 11 300x200 La Fortuna, A small town in the Shadow of the Arenal VolcanoLa Fortuna is famous because of tourists who flock to the area to view the Arenal Volcano and partake in the numerous outdoor adventure activities here.

It is located 4 miles from the base of the volcano. The name La FLa Fortuna 1000x666 300x200 La Fortuna, A small town in the Shadow of the Arenal Volcanoortuna means “the fortunate’ because it was the only small village spared when the mighty eruption of the Arenal occurred in 1968  destroying three small villages on its western side.

Tourists visit La Fortuna because it is full of small gift shops, has three banks, a good size grocery store, a beautiful church,  and a great adventure tour company. The small airport is located three miles outside of town and the public bus also makes a stop here.  La Fortuna is three hours by car from the San Jose International airport.

 

Desafio Tours  is located on the town square, and can handle all your adventure tours.  The park in the center of the town is the prettiest part.  Locals  meet to visit, bring their babies to take the sun, and tourist congregate to take photos and watch the townspeople.  Also, the are many good restaurants situated all around the square, as well as small inexpensive hotels.  The trees and plants in the park are always green because it rains here year round.  From La Fortuna you can head north towards the Arenal Lake and on this road you will find most of the hotels –dozens of them- The numerous hot springs in the area are also a big draw for tourist as well as locals.

5 fun things to do in Arenal:

1. zip line tours

2. hot springs

3. rappell and canyoneering

4. white water rafting

5. horseback riding

6 And much more!

If you would like to include the Arenal Volcano area in you vacation to Costa Rica contact Ann “The Arenal Expert” and she will help you plan your itinerary here in Arenal.

You can read all about Ann  http://costaricalearn.com/

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Monday, August 11, 2014

Costa Rica Learn

Costa Rica Learn


Weather Patterns in Costa Rica’s Pacific Northwest Beaches

Posted: 10 Aug 2014 06:56 PM PDT

“WHERE THERE IS NO WATER, THERE IS NO LIFE”

In the Pacific Northwest Province of Costa Rica  with it’s beautiful white sandy beaches-there is a severe drought . This area is the COWBOY COUNTRY and the Cattle are suffering due to the lack of water. Scientist say that it is caused by a natural phenomenon called “El Nino”  which seems to wreck it’s havoc approximately every seven years.

El Nino is understood only by scientist. However, a very simple explanation can give us some insight:  El Nino occurs  when the the Pacific Ocean water off the coast of South America rises in temperature and then meets the high air pressure in the western Pacific Ocean.  The results for Costa Rica is that on it’s western Pacific ocean side, there has been much much less rainfall for the year 2014.  The cattle ranchers  are suffering as well as the fisherman who say this causes the fish to die.

El Nino in Spanish means “Christ Child” named because this periodic warming is noted to begin just after Christmas.

On an average year this area of Costa Rica will have rainfall just about every afternoon lasting around two hours during the rainy season which is June thru November.

How does this affect tourism in Costa Rica.  Less rain means more sun and many tourists visiting the Pacific Northwest beaches are looking for sunshine.  So for them this is better.

But for the people who live all year round here, it means less beef is produced so beef prices will rise for the consumer.  Fish prices will rise as well due to the shortage.

Planning a vacation to Sunny Costa Rica?  Contact Ann “the Costa Rica Expert” –Vacation Planning-Costa Rica.   Twelve years of experience in Costa Rica vacation planning.  Go to her web site to read all about her and how she works  www.costaricalearn.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Saturday, August 2, 2014

Costa Rica Learn

Costa Rica Learn


One of Costa Rica’s Best Fruits-Guanabana

Posted: 01 Aug 2014 08:41 PM PDT

4838b 300x199 One of Costa Ricas Best Fruits Guanabanasoursop 2 650x487 300x224 One of Costa Ricas Best Fruits Guanabana   GUANABANA, A wonderful  tropical  fruit and it is grown in Costa Rica! It is used in drinks and to flavor ice cream.  In other parts of the world it is know as Soursop and also Graviola.

Indiginous people use it to make medicines. They  use the leaves as well as the inside of the fruit. It is great to aid in emptying the bowls and keeping the GI tract clean, and fighting disease causing agents such as parasites and viruses.  It is also used to treat fevers and  high blood pressure. Some people say the drink made of the pulp of the Guanabana helps them to relax.

Guanabana contains  many chemicals that may be active against cancer.

However, this has not been proven in clinical trails.

This web site shows you how to make the drink from Guanabana.   http://cooklikeajamaican.com/new-recipe-soursop-juice/

Please contact Ann, The Costa Rica Expert,  owner of “the costa rica learn adventure travel company” for information on planning your vacation to Costa Rica  www.costaricalearn.com

 

 

 

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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Costa Rica Learn

Costa Rica Learn


Can I use my cell phone in Costa Rica ?

Posted: 29 Jul 2014 12:12 PM PDT

Yes you can use your cell phone in Costa Rica if it is a “SMART PHONE”.   The way it works is this:

AT THE SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT—- After you  recover your suitcase and proceed thru customs-  immediately start looking for a booth which is labeled ICE Kolby.  Here you can purchase a SIM CARD and put as many minutes on it as you want.  YOUR CELL PHONE MUST BE UNLOCKED

Also in the departure gate area is another booth by the same name where you can do the same thing. It is near area # 6

 

More helpful information about vacation planning and traveling to Costa Rica can be found on the following web site.  www.costaricalearn.com

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