From the Costa Rica Spotlight Series: I would have to first ask you, would you want to go to the beach? Or would you like to go to a rain forest and the mountains? If you say the mountains then I would tell you the following:
The most interesting place for a rain forest and mountain vacation is the area of the Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna. The reason is that this area has a diverse eco system. It has a rain forest with hundreds of beautiful tropical birds and a great variety of monkey and other wildlife. And of course the biggest attraction is the Arenal Volcano itself which spews and spurts lava and hot rocks from its summit. At night is looks like the 4th of July fireworks celebration.
What activities do you recommend? Depends of course on what you like to do. My favorite is the zip line over the rain forest canopy. There are two companies in Arenal which do this. 1. Arenal Mundo Adventura Ecological Park and 2. Sky Trek Can't really say one is better than the other. I went with Arenal Mundo Adventura which had 11 platforms and was very high so I could clearly see the tops of the large trees. Plus I saw a group of Toucans playing in the trees.
My next favorite is the hot spring. I especially like the Tabacon Hot Springs because the water is just the right "hot" and cascades down so you can sit under it and let it roll over you. The botanical gardens there are spectacular. Also the spa is very very good. The massage therapist are excellent and have extra training from Sweden. There is another hot springs called eco thermales but I haven't been there yet.
Of course hiking around the base of the volcano inside the Arenal Volcano National is a unique experience. You can hear the volcano "breathing" We saw an eyelash viper snake. Very small and green in color. Our guide told us not to dare get near it, it's very poisionous.
You can choose from so many different activities. Mountain biking, horseback riding, ATVs, river rafting, river float, birdwatching, Day trip to Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve to see marine birds, crocodiles, monkeys, and much more. There is a tour to a farm which uses only organic methods and you get to eat luch from all the different organic vegetables.
You can learn more about the tours at www.sunsettourcr.com
Also www.desafiocostarica.com
Thanks for reading, if you can add an interesting comment please do so at the end of this article-just click "no comment" costaricalearn.com
Showing posts with label costa rica spotlight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label costa rica spotlight. Show all posts
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Costa Rica Spotlight: At The Botanical Orchid Garden in Costa Rica, Learn about the Life Cycle of Orchids
[caption id="attachment_2157" align="alignleft" width="640" caption="National flower of Costa Rica "La Guardia Morada""]
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If you are vacationing in Costa Rica and have a free morning or afternoon and you are an orchid lover, come on over to The Botanical Orchid Garden, located off the Jaco exist in La Garita de Alajuela. Departing The San Jose international airport, head north on the inter American highway (highway 1) and take the Jaco exit and turn left. Complete directions listed below.
If you are curious about these exotic plants and want to learn more about how they are grown and their complete life cycle, then The Botanical Orchid Garden is the place to visit. It was established precisely for that purpose: to educate people about the beautiful orchids and to remind people to slow down and enjoy what nature has to offer and the importance of conserving it.
The owner Claudio Salas said that he and his family have spent more than thirty six years developing the garden which opened to the public two and one half years ago. Mr. Salas explains that of the 25,000 species of orchids in the world, 1500 are found in Costa Rica, which has all the right conditions for orchids to thrive. There is the combination of heavy rainfall, high humidity, and warm tropical temperatures and tropical breezes.
A thousand things must occur, all at the same time for an orchid to thrive, Mr Salas explains. Typically a tropical orchid seed in the wild will take growth on the trunk of a tree, and if all these conditions are right, the orchid seed will sprout and grow into a beautiful adult orchid.
We enter the first greenhouse filled with potted orchids which is a kind of laboratory where we can actually see the cultivation process of the orchids, from seed to full maturation of the flower. This taught me more than I could ever learn from reading a book about growing orchids.
The second greenhouse is home to dozens of orchid varieties in full bloom and what a beautiful sight! Mr. Salas explained the different varieties and what makes one different from the other and how to care for each variety. I left feeling like I could actually grows orchids myself with a little help from mother nature .
Getting There: From San jose international airport continue on highway 1 until you see the Jaco Exit (12 km) 7.5 miles. At the top of the exit ramp take a left turn. Go 3 km or 1.8 miles to La Fiesta De Maiz Restaurant. Take a left turn here and go 800 meters. You will see the entrance on the left to the Botancial Orchid Garden.
Hours open: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Tuesday thru Sunday. Closed on Mondays. Entrance fee $12 Kids are $6 ages 5-12.
The Vanilla Cafe, located on site offers food and drinks.
Read more about the Botanical Orchid Gardens www.orchidgardencr.com
Highly recommended! If you love orchids and would like to tell us about your Costa Rica orchid experiences, we would love to share it with our readers. Thanks, costaricalearn.com
[/caption]If you are vacationing in Costa Rica and have a free morning or afternoon and you are an orchid lover, come on over to The Botanical Orchid Garden, located off the Jaco exist in La Garita de Alajuela. Departing The San Jose international airport, head north on the inter American highway (highway 1) and take the Jaco exit and turn left. Complete directions listed below.
If you are curious about these exotic plants and want to learn more about how they are grown and their complete life cycle, then The Botanical Orchid Garden is the place to visit. It was established precisely for that purpose: to educate people about the beautiful orchids and to remind people to slow down and enjoy what nature has to offer and the importance of conserving it.
The owner Claudio Salas said that he and his family have spent more than thirty six years developing the garden which opened to the public two and one half years ago. Mr. Salas explains that of the 25,000 species of orchids in the world, 1500 are found in Costa Rica, which has all the right conditions for orchids to thrive. There is the combination of heavy rainfall, high humidity, and warm tropical temperatures and tropical breezes.
A thousand things must occur, all at the same time for an orchid to thrive, Mr Salas explains. Typically a tropical orchid seed in the wild will take growth on the trunk of a tree, and if all these conditions are right, the orchid seed will sprout and grow into a beautiful adult orchid.
We enter the first greenhouse filled with potted orchids which is a kind of laboratory where we can actually see the cultivation process of the orchids, from seed to full maturation of the flower. This taught me more than I could ever learn from reading a book about growing orchids.
The second greenhouse is home to dozens of orchid varieties in full bloom and what a beautiful sight! Mr. Salas explained the different varieties and what makes one different from the other and how to care for each variety. I left feeling like I could actually grows orchids myself with a little help from mother nature .
Getting There: From San jose international airport continue on highway 1 until you see the Jaco Exit (12 km) 7.5 miles. At the top of the exit ramp take a left turn. Go 3 km or 1.8 miles to La Fiesta De Maiz Restaurant. Take a left turn here and go 800 meters. You will see the entrance on the left to the Botancial Orchid Garden.
Hours open: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Tuesday thru Sunday. Closed on Mondays. Entrance fee $12 Kids are $6 ages 5-12.
The Vanilla Cafe, located on site offers food and drinks.
Read more about the Botanical Orchid Gardens www.orchidgardencr.com
Highly recommended! If you love orchids and would like to tell us about your Costa Rica orchid experiences, we would love to share it with our readers. Thanks, costaricalearn.com
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Costa Rica Spotlight: La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Peace Lodge Are Now Open!
[caption id="attachment_1753" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Blue Morpho Butterfly"]
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Costa Rica Spotlight:It has been six months since the January 8th earthquake which caused damage in and around La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Peace Lodge. Major restorations have been under way and the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Peace Lodge are now open!
And I had the pleasure to visit the Gardens a few days ago. And it never ceases to amaze me. It is not just a garden with waterfalls. It is a education unto itself for the entire family. Yes, it is the perfect place to bring children of all ages. The Gardens have added "Monkey Pass" Here you see white face monkeys, spider monkeys, and the added treat of a very small monkey from Brazil, the white tufted eared Marmoset. I tried without success to get a photo of this strange looking little creature but it would not stop darting from one limb to another.
A few steps away is the Aviary filled with exotic colorful birds. Toucans, scarlet macaws, tanagers, and many more small colorful birds flying freely within the aviary
The Butterfly Observatory is home to over twenty different species of butterflies, the blue morpho being the most beautiful. Exotic tropical plant and flowers provide a sanctuary for all these wonderful creatures. The life cycle of the butterfly is beautifully displayed and as well as an extensive collection of butterflies found in Costa Rica.
The Humming Bird Garden adds a special treat especially for the children as well as the adults. Here the hummingbirds come in all sizes and colors, twenty four different species in all. Some of them, fluttering briskly around your head, are tame enough to eat from your hand.
My favorite is the Serpentarium, where thirty of the most beautiful but the most deadly snakes found in Costa Rica are housed in large glass cases. The ten foot long Boa had just had a baby rabbit for lunch. My guide explained that the boa will not eat again for one month. I wish I had been there to see the snake swallow the rabbit! Of course it strangled the rabbit first by squeezing it's neck. The most deadly snake in Costa Rica ,the Fer de Lance was quietly sleeping. My guide said that if one is bitten by this snake, the only hope is to get the victim to a medical clinic as rapidly as possible.
Then I took a walk through the Ranarium, thats where the frogs live. There were very small red poison dart frogs, the red eyed tree frogs , and a large green frog that was transparent. You could actually see thru it.
The newest addition to the Gardens is are the Jungle Cats. Yes, these are cats that make their home in the jungles of Costa Rica. Beautiful creatures with large yellow green eyes. The Ocelot, the Margay, and the Jaguarundi (big names for small cats)
By now I had really worked up an appetite and had lunch in the Colibries Restaurant. What a delight! Everything was tipico from the black beans and rice to the fried plaintains, and of course rice pudding for desert topped off with a hot cup of Costa Rican coffee.
I ended my adventure by walking the steps down to two of the waterfalls. Still pristine and beautiful, so be sure you have your camera along for this.
The Peace Lodge, adjacent to the waterfall gardens, is now open for guests. Each room has a jacuzzi tub, stone fireplace, and handcrafted canopy bed. Here you can awaken to the sounds and smell of the rain forest just outside your balcony door.
Ann, the Costa Rica Travel Expert gives the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Peace Lodge her HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.
Location and driving directions Central Valley of Costa Rica..from Juan Sanata Maria International Airport travel straight thru the adjacent town of Alajuela and connect to the road to the Poas Volcano. approx 19 km ( 12 miles) miles up this road you will turn right (see the sign for the Waterfall Gardens or the restaurant Churrascos Steaks is there on the right. Then go 5.7 km (3.56 miles) down this road you will make a left turn at a gas station...(only gas station around there) This little settlement is named Vara Blanca. Then 6 km (3.75 miles) or 10 minutes drive ..you will see the entrance to the Gardens and Peach Lodge.
Weather at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Costa Rica: dry season of mid December through mid April there is less rain. The temperature is cool since the elevation is around 8,000 feet. Rainy season is good also. ( May through November) September and October are very rainy months. Try to go in the morning when there more sunshine.
How long does it take to see all these things at the Waterfall Gardens? Plan on three hours and have lunch there. Great typical Costa Rican food and cost $12 for a delicious buffet. There is a golf cart available to transport the older people to and from the restaurant . There are a lot of steps to climb here..but the guides are great help with the older people.
To further information or help with travel advice or travel plans you can communicate with Ann, the Costa Rica Travel Expert - go to the very top of this page - click on contact us.
For Prices and reservations to La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Peace Lodge is on the web www.waterfallgardens.
You do not need reservations for the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, but it is best to make reservations for the Peace Lodge. For further information on The Peace Lodge go to www.peacelodge.com
[/caption]Costa Rica Spotlight:It has been six months since the January 8th earthquake which caused damage in and around La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Peace Lodge. Major restorations have been under way and the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Peace Lodge are now open!
And I had the pleasure to visit the Gardens a few days ago. And it never ceases to amaze me. It is not just a garden with waterfalls. It is a education unto itself for the entire family. Yes, it is the perfect place to bring children of all ages. The Gardens have added "Monkey Pass" Here you see white face monkeys, spider monkeys, and the added treat of a very small monkey from Brazil, the white tufted eared Marmoset. I tried without success to get a photo of this strange looking little creature but it would not stop darting from one limb to another.
A few steps away is the Aviary filled with exotic colorful birds. Toucans, scarlet macaws, tanagers, and many more small colorful birds flying freely within the aviary
The Butterfly Observatory is home to over twenty different species of butterflies, the blue morpho being the most beautiful. Exotic tropical plant and flowers provide a sanctuary for all these wonderful creatures. The life cycle of the butterfly is beautifully displayed and as well as an extensive collection of butterflies found in Costa Rica.
The Humming Bird Garden adds a special treat especially for the children as well as the adults. Here the hummingbirds come in all sizes and colors, twenty four different species in all. Some of them, fluttering briskly around your head, are tame enough to eat from your hand.
My favorite is the Serpentarium, where thirty of the most beautiful but the most deadly snakes found in Costa Rica are housed in large glass cases. The ten foot long Boa had just had a baby rabbit for lunch. My guide explained that the boa will not eat again for one month. I wish I had been there to see the snake swallow the rabbit! Of course it strangled the rabbit first by squeezing it's neck. The most deadly snake in Costa Rica ,the Fer de Lance was quietly sleeping. My guide said that if one is bitten by this snake, the only hope is to get the victim to a medical clinic as rapidly as possible.
Then I took a walk through the Ranarium, thats where the frogs live. There were very small red poison dart frogs, the red eyed tree frogs , and a large green frog that was transparent. You could actually see thru it.
The newest addition to the Gardens is are the Jungle Cats. Yes, these are cats that make their home in the jungles of Costa Rica. Beautiful creatures with large yellow green eyes. The Ocelot, the Margay, and the Jaguarundi (big names for small cats)
By now I had really worked up an appetite and had lunch in the Colibries Restaurant. What a delight! Everything was tipico from the black beans and rice to the fried plaintains, and of course rice pudding for desert topped off with a hot cup of Costa Rican coffee.
I ended my adventure by walking the steps down to two of the waterfalls. Still pristine and beautiful, so be sure you have your camera along for this.
The Peace Lodge, adjacent to the waterfall gardens, is now open for guests. Each room has a jacuzzi tub, stone fireplace, and handcrafted canopy bed. Here you can awaken to the sounds and smell of the rain forest just outside your balcony door.
Ann, the Costa Rica Travel Expert gives the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Peace Lodge her HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.
Location and driving directions Central Valley of Costa Rica..from Juan Sanata Maria International Airport travel straight thru the adjacent town of Alajuela and connect to the road to the Poas Volcano. approx 19 km ( 12 miles) miles up this road you will turn right (see the sign for the Waterfall Gardens or the restaurant Churrascos Steaks is there on the right. Then go 5.7 km (3.56 miles) down this road you will make a left turn at a gas station...(only gas station around there) This little settlement is named Vara Blanca. Then 6 km (3.75 miles) or 10 minutes drive ..you will see the entrance to the Gardens and Peach Lodge.
Weather at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Costa Rica: dry season of mid December through mid April there is less rain. The temperature is cool since the elevation is around 8,000 feet. Rainy season is good also. ( May through November) September and October are very rainy months. Try to go in the morning when there more sunshine.
How long does it take to see all these things at the Waterfall Gardens? Plan on three hours and have lunch there. Great typical Costa Rican food and cost $12 for a delicious buffet. There is a golf cart available to transport the older people to and from the restaurant . There are a lot of steps to climb here..but the guides are great help with the older people.
To further information or help with travel advice or travel plans you can communicate with Ann, the Costa Rica Travel Expert - go to the very top of this page - click on contact us.
For Prices and reservations to La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Peace Lodge is on the web www.waterfallgardens.
You do not need reservations for the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, but it is best to make reservations for the Peace Lodge. For further information on The Peace Lodge go to www.peacelodge.com
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