costaricalearn.com blog: 2015

Sunday, April 5, 2015

Costa Rica Learn

Finca Luna Nueva Lodge Organic Farm in Costa Rica’s Rainforest

Posted: 04 Apr 2015 07:12 PM PDT

How Did Finca Luna Nueva Lodge In Costa Rica’s Rainforest Get It’s Start? The Brattleboro, Vt. based Health supplement company “New Chapter” founders, Paul and Barbi Schulick made it their commitment to sustainable sourcing for their products. They traveled to Costa Rica in 1994 where they met Steven Farrell, an organic farmer. Their lives and the life of their company, New Chapter, would be forever changed.

Schulick needed organic ginger, essential ingredient in some of his Health supplements. Schulick established Finca Luna Nueva (New Moon Farm) in Costa Rica’s rainforest. He partnered with Farrell to grow organic ginger and also organic turmeric.

In the years to come Steve Farrell and New Chapter’s CEO Tom Newmark transformed Finca Luna Nueva into a educational resource center. Tourist come to learn about sustainable agricultural practices.

I was fortunate to recently spend 3 days with Steven Farrell as my guide at Finca Luna Nueva Lodge. He taught us about the organic medicine plants growing there and how they are preserving the seeds from these plants. So future generations will have these valuable seeds (Sacred Seed Banks) Finca Luna Nueva is promoting these seed banks all over the world.

A two hour tour of the organic farm and farming methods is offered twice daily and is included in the price of your accommodation.

Sadly many valuable seeds are now being modified (GMO) so their seeds will not grow new plants.

Finca Luna Nueva Lodge’s 200 acres is also sanctuary to many tropical birds and animal species. We saw 5 colorful toucans in the early morning from the farm’s look out tower. And a flock of around fifty green parrots.

Finca Luna Nueva Lodge has a cluster of cabins where tourist can stay and learn about these organic farming methods. Included in the educational experience is growing organic chocolate and a class on how to process it. I attended this class and was amazed at all the important steps in making chocolate. Finca Luna Nueva also sponsors yoga retreats and also student groups interested in learning about these organic farming methods.

If you would like to visit this most interesting and Educational farm and Lodge contact Ann Cabezas Creed, owner “costa rica learn adventure vacation planning. Read about Ann and how she can help you plan your Costa Rica Vacation

www.costaricalearn.com

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Monday, March 23, 2015

Costa Rica Learn

Finca Luna Nueva Rainforest Lodge Organic Farming

Posted: 22 Mar 2015 08:16 PM PDT

My friends Jessica and Grevin and I headed out of Alajuela. Our destination: Finca Luna Nueva Lodge.

(FARM OF THE NEW MOON). We stayed for 2 nights and really that was not long enough!

This is a rain forest Lodge located around 1 hour from San Ramon, Costa Rica on the road to La Fortuna. This area gets a lot of rainfall annually so crops grow fast.

The theme of Finca Luna Nueva is organic farming and preservation of the seeds of medicine plants which are grown organically. Here you can learn what methods they use and also learn the underlying science behind their methods. The preservation of these medicine plant’s seed is critical to future generations. Now tragically, many of our valuable seeds are being genetically modified so that their seeds will not reproduce. (GMO)

Also; You can also learn first hand: “How Chocolate is Made” from the cocoa plants grown organically on the farm. Ismael, a young Costa Rican, presents the skillful making of chocolate from the bean to the finished product-small chocolate teddy bears which were simply yummy!

In the small store you can purchase for $14 – 4 ounce bottle of organic ginger root juice mixed with honey straight from the bee hive. Take 1 tsp daily to improve the immune system. Also you can buy organic turmeric, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Ingesting daily along with black pepper will increase the stomach’s ability to digest turmeric.

read here about it: http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART03001/Three-Reasons-to-Eat-Turmeric.html

Finca Luna Nueva Lodge is a very relaxing place. Early morning the many tropical birds gather in the trees near our room. We see a flock of 5 toucans from the lodge’s look out tower, and a swarm of dozens of squeaking green parrots.

The large swimming pool and near by hot tub are just perfect for the late afternoon swim after a day of hiking around the farm. The restaurant serves mostly organic. My favorite was watermelon ceviche made with fresh watermelon from the farm mixed with finely chopped cilantro and sweet blue onions. Yummy! Also the green papaya ceviche was unusual and very tasty.

Farm Tour- presented daily at 9 am and 2 pm. Learn first hand how this organic farming is done. See the pigs and water buffalo. The knowledgeable guide points out many medicine plants as well as organically grown lettuce, ginger, and turmeric.

I was able to see up close for the first time in my life an organic TEA plant which was about 3 feet tall. I love tea and love to explore and drink different kinds of tea.

Night Tour- Experience the sights and sounds of the night creatures. Great for the kids!

Finca Luna Nueva is a model of Biodynamic farming. Definition: emphasizes the use of manure and compost and excludes artificial chemicals on soil and plants. Characterized a HOLISTIC understanding of the organic farming process. (Spiritual, ethical, and ecological ) approach.

If you would like to visit Finca Luna Nueva Lodge during you vacation to Costa Rica you can contact

Ann and she will set it all up for you. No additional cost to you.

click here to read all about how Ann works

http://costaricalearn.com

The post Finca Luna Nueva Rainforest Lodge Organic Farming appeared first on Costa Rica Learn.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Costa Rica Learn

How Can I Use My Smart Phone or Ipad in Costa Rica?

Posted: 11 Mar 2015 03:41 PM PDT

You can use your smart phone or IPad in Costa Rica by doing the following: At both international airports- Juan Santa Maria, San Jose and also Liberia international airport:

After you pass thru customs where your suit cases are checked , you will see a small desk with big green signs ICE Kolbi Here is where you purchase a Prepaid “SIM” card.

You can put the amount of money you want on the SIM card. Rates for local calls .07 cents per minute and .26 cents per minute to call USA or Canada. I choose to spend $5 for 30 minutes to USA and $2 for 30 minutes within Costa Rica. However you can purchase more if you wish. Incoming call are free. Texting is .17 cents/text. Although this may not work with all networks worldwide.

Here is how the ICE Prepaid SIM Card works: the girl at the ICE Kolbi desk will remove the back of your smart phone, take out the small card located there and replace it with the PrePaid SIM card. (be sure you put the card she removed from your phone in a safe place because you will need to put it back in your phone upon arrival to your home country.

You will be assigned a Costa Rica phone number which will be given to you. So give this number to everyone who might want to call you in Costa Rica .

VERY IMPORTANT. Your smart phone must be UNLOCKED to receive and use the SIM card. So check with your carrier before departing your home country.

You can also purchase at the same time the use of the internet for $1 per day.

You can charge this to your credit card (does not except Amex.) or you can pay in dollars or colones.

So really, It is pretty easy to talk on your smart phone while vacationing in Costa Rica–call you family back home and also make calls inside costa rica.

To dial to USA just put 001 in front of the phone number you are calling.

Inside Costa Rica simply dial the Costa Rica phone number.

However for the call to be made, you must be in an area to receive a cell phone signal. And not all over Costa Rica do these signals reach.

ICE is the government agency which has a monopoly on the electricity and cell phone service via their towers.

Thinking of vacationing in Costa Rica?

Contact Ann. She owns “Costa Rica Learn Adventure Vacation Planning, specializing in custom vacation itineraries to Costa Rica for people of all ages .

Go to Ann’s web page to learn all about her and her company and read the testimonials of her clients.

www.costaricalearn.com

The post How Can I Use My Smart Phone or Ipad in Costa Rica? appeared first on Costa Rica Learn.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Costa Rica Learn

What Months are Best to Visit Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica?

Posted: 11 Mar 2015 07:42 AM PDT

What Months are Best to Visit Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica?

What months are the best times to visit Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica. If you want more sunshine and less rainfall then mid December through late March are the best months to visit. If you want to see the most migratory birds then late November through mid March is the time to visit. This is the end of the heavy rainy season and the river is filled with rain water as well as the marshes surrounding the river. These wetland provide food for these many species of birds which migrate from the wintery cold of the northern hemisphere flying south in search of warmer weather and for food.

The post What Months are Best to Visit Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica? appeared first on Costa Rica Learn.

Which area of Costa Rica has the most rain?

Posted: 10 Mar 2015 06:06 PM PDT

Which area of Costa Rica has the most rain?

The area of Costa Rica which has the most rainfall is the Caribbean side. Rain falls here all year round and can rain up to 300 inches in a year.

The Caribbean side of Costa Rica has a very large number of tourist. They come to see the Tortuguero Canals with its rich biodiversity. Monkeys, crocodiles, sloths, Jesus Christ lizards and much more. Birds include several species Toucans. Tourist purchase a 3 night All inclusive package through a tour company in San Jose.

The post Which area of Costa Rica has the most rain? appeared first on Costa Rica Learn.

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Costa Rica Learn

Palo Verde National Park, Costa Rica- Birds, crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas

Posted: 13 Feb 2015 07:52 PM PST

Green Iguana with his friends the Llanos birds

Palo Verde National Park, a wildlife sanctuary, is located in central Costa Rica in the province of Guanacaste.

The Park is home to sixty different species of birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and iguanas. It is a tropical dry forest which means it rains less here. But when it does rain, the water pools and attracted all the birds you see there. The park is part of the Tempisque River Conservation area consisting of 46,000 acres. The park protects vital flood plains , mangrove swamps, and limestone ridges.

You can get on a boat and go down the Tempisque River. Most people hire a tour thru on of the tour companies in Costa Rica, which costs $96 per person plus transport costs from your hotel. Along the river you see all these large birds which come here to feed. Wood Storks, white ibis, roseate spoonbills, and black bellied whistle ducks.

Monkeys hang out along the river bank and large iguanas can be sighted lounging in the trees. During mating season they turn an orange color.

Crocodiles line the river banks.

The tour takes several hours and starting early is best because the wildlife is more active in the mornings.

Ann highly recommends a visit to the National Park. It is the one place in Costa Rica where you can see the most birds plus dozens of crocodiles, and colorful iguanas.

In Deep Thought

If you would like to visit the Palo Verde National park during your vacation to Costa Rica, contact Ann, the Costa Rica Expert. She can arrange it for you.

www.costaricalearn.com

wood stork

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Thursday, February 12, 2015

Costa Rica Learn

How to Rent a Car in Costa Rica

Posted: 12 Feb 2015 08:13 AM PST

HOW TO RENT A CAR IN COSTA RICA by Ann Cabezas Creed “Costa Rica Learn Adventure Travel Planner”

So what are the condition of the roads? Costa Rica is a mountainous country so to get most anywhere you have to drive over, thru, or around a mountain. So the going is slow. The roads are curvy and not very wide…..although now a days the roads in C Rica are good…still we encounter potholes (due to heavy rainy seasons). So a distance may look like a short distance on a map, but the travel time can be quite longer.

Don't drive at night if you can avoid it. Visibility, esp. during the rainy season is not always good.

Fill your fuel tank in the cities as rural areas don't have as many service stations.
If you are going outside the central valley of San Jose area, a car that is higher up off the ground is definitely better. (although you do not need especially a four wheel drive) You do need air condition, which all rental vehicles come with.
You need to specify if you want automatic or straight shift. And if you want a GPS (small extra charge)
Road signs definitely have improved, but sometimes we still need just to stop the car and ask directions. Costa Ricans are more than nice about helping out. You don't even need to speak Spanish. Just be able to say what your destination is.

Should I rent a car ? Many people are renting cars now in Costa Rica. With the road system somewhat improved and road signs also better, and help of GPS-it easier. But- the draw backs are: Costa Rican drivers follow a different set of rules than we do. Aggressive behavior- passing on curves, going thru red lights, driving on the curb of the road. Costa Ricans seem to be such nice people but the male population when behind a wheel seem to change to creatures from another planet.

Gasoline is around $5.50 per gallon for regular. Additionally: The insurance will not cover if you have an accident by crossing a river (in the water) , driving while drinking alcohol,
or whatever else they categorize as "reckless -neglectful driving.

Carry you passport and drivers license with you while driving.

Make sure the spare tire is locked.

Don't leave valuables visible inside your locked car when you are not in it. It's common to have windows bashed to get whats inside.

Cost of a vehicle rental:

Basic cost
plus
Liability insurance (I recommend at 100% coverage)
plus
Collision insurance-best to purchase this on your major credit card–before departing your home country. More expensive to buy it in CR thru the car rental company
plus
A Small Gov tax

When Ann provides you with a Quote-she includes each of these and breaks it down for you.

The company Ann uses will deliver the vehicle to your hotel or the airport. They will also pick it up at your hotel or you can drop it at the airport.

You should be aware:
the rental vehicle agency will require that the day you rent the car:
You sign a credit card voucher. This will have an amount of money on it__________depends on size of the vehicle. Usually starts around $800. The rental car agency will put a hold on this amount of money on your credit card.
This is to be charged ONLY if you are involved in an accident. If an accident occurs -the rental car agency will go ahead and charge this.
You should be able to recover this amount from your collision insurance you purchased in the USA.

Keep your passport and legal driver's license with you while driving.

Speed limits in small towns are around 25 miles per hour..so slow down.

On the open roads —differs—-look for posted speed limits (usually 55-60 miles per hour on open road)

Dont pay off any cop if you are given a ticket. Bring it back to the car rental agency and they will assist you.

Dont park vehicle in unauthorized parking areas. Park car in guarded area at night.

Dont leave suitcases and valuables visible in the car and enter a restaurant or grocery store, national park, etc. Not uncommon to see smashed windows to steal your belongings.

If you have a flat tire and someone stops to assist. Keep your awareness! Happens infrequently but —people stop to help and when you are not looking steal your purse, camera, etc.

Ann can reserve a rental vehicle for you–best prices and best rental car company. So let Ann make all your vacation arrangements for you. She can Create an individualized vacation itinerary to suit your needs and budget. read all about her “Costa Rica Adventure Travel Planner” www.costaricalearn.com

The post How to Rent a Car in Costa Rica appeared first on Costa Rica Learn.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Costa Rica Learn

Abounding Natural Beauty of Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake Area

Posted: 10 Feb 2015 05:25 PM PST

The area in and around the Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake

is abounding with natural beauty. First is the rainforest-verdant and green. The weather in the Arenal Volcano is rainy, therefore everything is always one hundred shades of green. Hundreds of flowering plants are always in bloom. Tropical birds are always singing. Black howler monkeys are always howling. There is no rainy season or dry season. However: the driest months are March and April. Pineapple plantations line the country side. Papayas grow by the thousands here. Bananas grow so profusely that they are used as feed for the cattle. As one drives form La Fortuna to San Ramon you will see the flower exporting farms. Miles and miles of ferns, corn plants, and other household plants dot the hill sides. Sunshine, especially in the mornings is abundant here. When you buy house hold plants at Lowes or Home Depot, USA, Arenal Volcano area is probably where they are grown.

Hundreds of hot mineral springs are under the earth at the base of the volcano. Many tourist attractions include bathing in these hot mineral springs. The spectacular blue river is just north of the Arenal Volcano at the Tenorio Volcano National park. One can hike and reach the most spectacular waterfall in all of Costa Rica, the Blue River Waterfall. The Arenal has two very poisonous snakes. The fe de lance and the eye lash viper,

horseback riding at base

Mighty Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal

the yellow small snake shown in this photo. If you disturb this eye lash viper he will push his eye lashes outward. I have seen one of these snakes doing this-a most unusual sight.

Would you like to take a vacation to Costa Rica and visit this beautiful outdoor adventure paradise called Arenal?

Contact Ann, the Costa Rica Vacation Planner. She is an expert on the outdoor adventure choices in Arenal.

Go her website and learn all about Ann and how she works. www.costaricalearn.com

“the costa rica learn adventure travel planner’ “personalized vacation planning” anncreed23@gmail.com

Eyelash Viper

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Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Costa Rica Learn

Costa Rica Butterflies

Posted: 03 Feb 2015 06:16 PM PST

Thanks Susan for allowing us to share your beautiful photos of butterflies taken on your recent vacation to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is home to 1,200 different species of butterflies.

About Susan J. Smith
Susan’s career includes writing for newspapers, lots of community work and a wonderful family life. Now she is enjoying traveling, photography and writing for DesignDestinations and Grand Rapids Magazine.

Visit Susan at

www.designdestinations.org

Would you like to take a wonderful vacation to Costa Rica. A small country known for its natural wonders.

Contact Ann for professional vacation planning. Everything is explained on her website www.costaricalearn.com

http://www.designdestinations.org

The post Costa Rica Butterflies appeared first on Costa Rica Learn.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Costa Rica Learn

Las Tortugas Hotel Playa Grande Costa Rica

Posted: 20 Jan 2015 09:08 AM PST

ANN’S FAVORITE SMALL BEACH HOTELS

Las Tortugas Hotel located on Playa Grande in NW Guanacaste, Costa Rica

This is a small hotel located “right on the beach” of Playa Grande, one of the prettiest beaches in Costa Rica. Playa Grande is a very long stretch of beige sand with strong to mild surf. People come here to enjoy the waters of the Pacific Ocean t swim, boogie board, and surf. Here you can avoid the touristy crowds and enjoy the peace and quiet. There are no high rises near by and no strip malls. Just beautiful beach as far as one can see.

Playa Grande is very famous for the Leatherback Turtles which come upon these beaches to lay their eggs and hatch their young. This is seasonal,

From around November thru March.

I like Las Tortugas Hotel because it is small and friendly. It is not a chain hotel so you get personal service, and experience a true beach vacation.

The room have comfortable beds and hot water. You can hear the surf of the ocean from you room because the hotel is so close to the ocean.

Also there is a small restaurant offering fresh sea food and typical Costa Rican food. Great Costa Rican coffee! Rum drinks are delicious and reasonably priced.

Prices in the restaurant are very reasonable.

In the area one can experience many outdoor adventure activities such as a day trip to Rincon de La Vieja National Park, hire a canoe with a guide and go down the near by estuary where you can see small crocodiles and so many beautiful tropical birds. Best to do this early in the morning when all the birds are out and singing. If you are planning a vacation to Costa Rica contact Ann, The Costa Rica Expert. She offers personalized service helping design your perfect Costa Rica Vacation. And she can set everything up for you at Las Tortugas Hotel and also explain to you all the wonderful outdoor adventure activities awaiting you in the area of Playa Grande. There is no extra cost for you-no mark ups. Ann is paid by commissions from the hotels. So she does not have to charge you a fee for her services.

Go to Ann’s web site and read all about her and her work. www.costaricalearn.com

The post Las Tortugas Hotel Playa Grande Costa Rica appeared first on Costa Rica Learn.

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Costa Rica Learn

Rain Forests of Costa Rica “Nature’s Treasure”

Posted: 09 Jan 2015 07:13 PM PST

Visit the Rainforest of Costa Rica-"Nature's Treasures"

As you walk into the rainforest remember you are a guest. Hundreds of creatures live here. This is their home.

The monkeys. White face monkeys and black howler monkeys inhabit Costa Rica's rain forests. They will peer down at you from the very top of the trees. They will actually stare at you for a long period of time. You are a stranger to them. Respect and be kind to them. Don't feed them. They take their nourishment from the rain forests.

Snakes-most people run and scream when seeing a snake, but remember you are in their territory. So quietly step back and take a path around them. If you don't bother them, they won't bother you.

Spiders-these are harder to see in the rainforest. Best to take a naturalist guide with you. He will spot spiders before you do and advise you to avoid them.
The rain forest has several species of tarantulas and they are big. Most people are terrified at the sight of a tarantula! They live in big holes..so just keep your eyes open.

Big trees hundreds of years old..are found in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Corcovado National Park. Also I have seen some in Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
These trees are nature's treasures. And are named "primary rain forest."
"Secondary Rain forest" have had it's trees cut and what you see is the secondary growths. The trees are smaller.

Birds- hundreds of species of colorful birds. Best to take a trained bird guide with you when you venture into the rainforest to look for birds, because birds can be very elusive. The sounds of these birds create a symphony of beautiful sounds, esp in the early morning-immediately after sunrise.
Follow the Rhythm of Nature "Rise with the Sun and retire with the Sun"
Everything in nature is more beautiful in the early morning and also in the late afternoons when the sun is setting.

Take from from the natural earth only what is needed. And no more.

Would you like to vacation in Costa Rica? Contact Ann, “the costa rica expert” to help you design and plan that special Costa Rica vacation.

Go to her website to get started www.costaricalearn.com

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