Sloths Live in Costa Rica

If you want to be sure to see many sloths on you vacation to Costa Rica, you must visit the southern Caribbean Coastline.  This dense jungle setting and hot weather is perfect for sloth habitat.

Sloths move very slow and come down from the trees only to urinate and defecate.

You must visit The Sloth Sanctuary located 30 KM south of the port city of Limon.  It is owned and run by Judy and Lewis Arroyo. They purchased 320 acres of swampland along the Estrella River  and built a home.  One day they found an injured sloth which had been hit by a car.  They took him home and nursed him back to health and named him Buttercup.   Buttercup is now 16 years old and lives happily at the Sloth Sanctuary  with his other sloth friends. This was the beginning of Judy and Lewis's  quest to provide a sanctuary for injured sloths-to nurse them back to health and then release them to the wild.

I would love to share share this wonderful video:    http://www.slothville.com/

Have your vacation to Costa Rica planned by Ann, The Costa Rica Expert, And she will be sure you see sloths!     http://costaricalearn.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vacationing in Costa this Winter? Planning to Rent a Car?

If  you are planning to rent a car on your vacation to Costa Rica,  I invite you to go to my categories-on page one - and click on   RENT A CAR IN COSTA RICA .  It is located  towards the bottom of the category list.   Here you can find the articles I have written on "Tips on Renting a Car in Costa Rica"   Also read my article on  "Renting a Car in Costa Rica-Saving Time and Money"  All of this is invaluable information that will be very helpful to you.

I highly recommend you reserve your car from your home country.  Don't wait until you get to Costa Rica.   If you are planning to drive outside the central valley of San Jose and Alajuela I recommend that you rent a 4x4 vehicle.  Because some of the roads in the outlying areas are not in great shape.  You may encounter potholes and unpaved roads.

If you want to rent a minivan I recommend Toyota Rental Agency.

For all other types of vehicles there are many agencies located near the two international airports of Costa Rica.  Juan Santa Maria International near San Jose, the capital city and also Liberia International located in the northern part of Costa Rica  (in Guanacaste).

Car rental prices are quite high in Costa Rica  ( you can compare prices on the Internet) and gasoline is expensive, around $3.50 a gallon.  (In Costa Rica it is sold by the liter).  You can save a lot of money by getting the collision part of the insurance before you leave your home country through you major credit card.  I write extensively about this on my blog article under the category "Rent a Car In Costa Rica"   Please refer to that article.

People often ask me.  Should I rent a car on my vacation in Costa Rica?  And I say yes.  It is a very good way to travel at your own pace and see a lot of countryside you would not see otherwise.

The major tourist destinations in Costa Rica are easily accessible by car and most of the roads are good  (some few sections in the outlying areas have potholes).  The care rental company should provide you with a road map which is easy to follow  If you get confused in the small towns which do not have good road signs-just stop and ask.  Costa Ricans are very friendly and helpful and usually speak enough English to help you out.

Read my article on safety tips when renting a car which is located also under the category "Renting a Car in Costa Rica"

I hope this is very helpful information for you.  Please go to contact us if you are in need of further help with your efforts to rent a car on your vacation to Costa Rica.  We have organized costaricalearn so that you can search by category. So you can read about the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica simply by clicking on the category you are interested in.  Plus read about the history, culture, food, and many other aspects of Costa Rica by selecting the category.

Happy reading!  From costaricalearn.com

Planning a Vacation to Costa Rica? Should I Use a Travel Agent to Help Plan my Vacation.

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If you are planning to travel to Costa Rica on a vacation and want to get the most from your time there and know how much you will expect to spend,  a Travel Agent specializing in Costa Rica is what you need.

The advantages are:  The specialized travel agent for Costa Rica has personally visited the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica, gaining the knowledge of the hotels and tours offered.  He or she will know if the value is in the hotel or what to expect from a specific tour.   Also she will be familiar with the distances between the destinations-for example how long does it take to drive from Arenal Volcano to Tamarindo Beach?  Are the roads good?

What specifically is the weather each month in the  most popular tourist destination?

If I had only  8 nights which  destinations should I try to experience?

Which airport should I fly into.  San Jose international or Liberia international?

What are the beaches like and how are they different one from the other?

Is Costa Rica really a great ecotourism destination?

What wild life can I expect to see?

What is the food like?

All these questions can be answered very well  by a travel agent specializing in Costa Rica.

Yes, you can surf the internet and make your own plans and reservations.  But a computer cannot talk to you and a computer cannot analyze.

So if you are thinking about a vacation to Costa Rica please consider costaricalearn.com.   Ann has 15 years experience in Costa Rica Travel.  Specializing in honeymoons, family vacations, and escorted group tours.  You may contact Ann to help plan you Costa rica Vacations  at  anncreed23@gmail.com

A Vacation to Costa Rica? Come on Down the Costa Rican Coffee is Great!

ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT Vacationing in  COSTA RICA IS A GOOD CUP OF COSTA RICAN COFFEE!

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Are you planning to travel  to Costa Rica, a vacation in Costa Rica? Don't miss the coffee!

The Ticos call the coffee white snow when in the month of May the white coffee blossoms blanket the fields of the Central Valley and it'd  sweet  jasmine fragrance  fills the air. Coffee grows best at around 4,000 feet above sea level at the cooler temperatures so the central valley slopes of the Poas and Irazu Volcanoes provide a perfect environment.

The Spanish immigrants brought coffee beans to Costa Rica from Ethiopia and Arabia.  When these seeds were first planted the plants were for ornamental use, grown to decorate patios and courtyards with their glossy green leaves, white flowers, and bright red berries.

Then the Costa Rican government seeing how well the coffee plants grew,  awarded free coffee plants and land grants to anyone willing to grow coffee.  Since the climate was perfect and the soil conditions excellent, coffee flourished and by 1840 coffee had become big business, creating an oligarchy of coffee barons who rose to positions of power and wealth.

Now coffee is Costa Rica's number one export.  And in just about every cup of Starbuck's coffee , you will find it contains a percentage of Costa Rica coffee beans.  If you are vacationing in Costa Rica and taste the coffee, you will taste the freshness of it.  The bean is harvested from the coffee plant, processed, and sold right here in Costa Rica..so it does not have a long shelf life.

I was lucky to be able to stay in Costa Rica for the month of July and of course drank the coffee daily.  When I returned to the US I was so disappointed at the taste of the coffee,  even the more expensive brands.  Guess it has to do with the shelf life and how old the coffee bean is when we actually buy it in US.  Best bet is to purchase the coffee beans and grind them just before putting them in the coffee maker.  And keep the bean in your freezer tightly sealed in a bag.

I have been asked, well what brand of coffee should I buy in to take home with me?   Quite honestly the bags of coffee you see on the shelves of Costa Rica grocery stores are all good.  Because they are fresh.

Recommendation:  Ask for a  plain cup of coffee with frothed milk or cream....just delicious!   Of course the capuchino is special in Costa Rica.

If time permits on your vacation to Costa Rica take one of the coffee tours located in the central valley near Alajuela and Heredia.

Learn about the Doka Estate Coffee tour located 6 miles north of Alajuela on the road to the Poas Volcano   www.dokaestate.com

Learn more about the Britt coffee tour located near the town of Heredia in the central valley     www.cafebritt.com

Here at costaricalearn.com we would love to hear you comments or questions so please at the end of this article click on comments or reply and let us hear from you about that  great cup of Costa Rican coffee!

Tenorio Volcano National Park and the Rio Celeste "Blue River" Costa Rica

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Tenorio Volcano National Park is located in the northern region of Costa Rica.   On our recent vacation to Costa Rica, we set out to visit this beautiful national park.  We rented  a  4x4  Suzuki Jimmy.  Following the road map that the car rental agency had given us, we headed north on the Interamerican highway (highway one).  We traveled from  the  San Jose International airport  north to Canas, which took us about 2 hours.  When you see the Canas exit drive six more miles and then  take a right turn to Bijaqua--About 20 miles past Bijagua is the entrance to the park.  You may need to stop along the way and ask for directions since  there are no signs to actually get you to the park.

We traveled  to Tenorio Volcano National Park to see  the famous Rio Celeste or "blue river."  One of Costa Rica's true natural wonders. The light blue waters are caused by the emanation of sulfur gases  from the bottom of the river and the precipitation  of carbonated calcium delivered by a stream that dumps into the main river at this point.  It is truly an amazing sight!

Thermal springs and small geysers dot the area as do rivers, waterfalls, lagoons, and spectacular panoramic views.  Wild life is reclusive here.  We were hoping to see a puma but he retreats deep into the rain forest  when humans appear.

This place is amazing but the hike is challenging.  Took us several hours and some of the terrain was rugged.  Luckily it was the dry season of January when  there is much less rainfall.   We heard a  group of howler monkeys near by and could see them swinging in the trees.  The temperature was around 75 degrees F. but felt warmer and I'm glad I wore a cotton T shirt and cotton shorts, and of course my very comfortable tennis shoes.

The actual trail that leads to the waterfall is steep.  We could hear the  sounds  of the powerful water.   Finally  we reached  the bottom  and  before our eyes was the sky-blue pool of water.  Words cannot describe the beauty!  The park ranger pointed out where we could swim if we had brought our bathing  suits, which I didn't.  Apparently swimming is not allowed just anywhere.  The ranger said that the side effects of these minerals on the body are not known.

If you happen to visit Rio Celeste in the rainy season which is May through November, plan on getting your feet and shoes muddy.  Bring a rain jacket or poncho, and dress cool.

You can visit the Rio Celeste by purchasing a day tour from La Fortuna-Arenal area.  Contact www.sunsettourscr.com

Best time to visit:  Dry season of mid December through March.  But many people visit during the rainy season.  If you start out very early in the morning,  it is likely that there will be several hours of sunshine.

What to wear:  Very good tennis shoes or  comfortable hiking boots.  Cool clothing such as cotton T shirt and cotton slacks or short.  Sun screen,  rain jacket or poncho, bottle water..camera and small backpack.   I didn't encounter mosquitoes however I always take along mosquito repellent.  I like Avon skin so soft- repellent cream.

If you have visited the Rio Celeste I would love to share your experience with our readers.  Just click on comments at the end of this article.

Weather in Guanacaste Northwest Pacific Beaches in the Rainy Season

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guide to A Happier Vacation in Costa Rica, Using Credit Cards

After working as a travel agent for many years, specializing in Costa Rica,  I gathered  many "little pearls of wisdom" to share with my clients to make for a happier vacation in Costa Rica plus save you time and money.   And I will share these with you:

American Express credit cards are not accepted everywhere in Costa Rica. Master charge and Visa cards are widely accepted. However, if you are renting a car paying with American Express has advantages.  Check with the car rental agency you are renting from and ask if they accept American Express.

If you make a purchase in cash for gifts to take home,  ask for a 10% discount because you gave them cash (not a credit card).  You can bargain better with cash, because credit card commissions are very high for the merchants.

Restaurants already have a 10% tip added to bill when it is presented to you.   If you had excellent service it is customary to add some to that,  say 5% or whatever you feel is right for you.

Take some  $1 dollar bills  to use for tips.

Take your student ID along.  You get discounts at museums and some other attractions, but you have to ask for the discount.

Changing money:  The international airport has a money changing counter but the exchange rate is bad.  There is an ATM machine located in the airport that takes VISA cards.  It is located across from the elevator on the Departure Level for arrivals.  Just ask  any airport attendant for directions to it.   Or you can simply   wait  until you get to the hotel to change  money.  Taxis will accept dollars.  Banks have long lines, so avoid the banks,  unless you are in a small town where the banks are not so busy.  But I always like to change, say $100 into colones.  Most tourist establishments will accept dollars, but it is better to "get the Costa Rica money (colon) straight in your mind."  So if you pay in colones,  you can determine  if the change they give you is correct.

ATM machines  are closed between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Debit cards are not accepted everywhere in Costa Rica.

Take only the credit cards  you will use on the trip.

Pack light.  Most airlines today limit the weight per suitcase  to 50 pounds.   If it is over that limit they will charge you extra, the amounts depends on the airline.

Small aircraft inside Costa Rica limit the luggage weight to 25 pounds per piece.  Ask ahead of time.  Last time I flew, I was allowed only one piece of checked luggage weighting 25 pounds or less.    I took  my backpack in my hand and they did not weigh it.

Clothing is casual, usually cotton jeans, shorts,  T-shirts,  rainproof light weight jacket,  comfortable walking shoes like  such as tennis,  beach sandals,  sun hat and sun screen.  bug spray.  However,  I see less bugs in Costa Rica than in Florida.   Small backpack,  small flashlight, small folding umbrella if you go during the rainy season.

Electrical current is same as North America.  You do not need a converter (like Europe)

Take an ample supply of medications  you take on a regular basis.  Interesting thing:  In Costa Rica you can buy across the counter (without prescription) all medications,   except narcotics.

Can I drink the water in Costa Rica?    Just the change of water can upset some people's stomach,  so when I am in Costa Rica, I keep bottled water with me at all times.   Is the water safe to drink?  Depends on the location,  so it is better just to drink bottled water.  Check the new bottle to make sure it has an unbroken seal.

Time Zone: same as central time zone in north America except  Costa Rica does not observe day light savings time.   In Costa Rica there is same amount of day light each day-all year .  Sun sets around 5:30 p.m. and rises around 5:30 a.m. every day of the year.

Departure tax per person  (which you pay at the airport upon departure) is  $26.00 per person.

The red taxis are the government approved ones.  At the airport they are orange.  They have meters but always ask when you enter the taxi,  "How much does it cost"?

If I get sick can I get a good doctor?  Yes, the doctors in Costa Rica are considered to be very good.  Some, especially specialist, have been trained in the US or other places abroad.  There are several private hospitals- Clinica Biblica in San Jose and  Hospital Cema in the suburb of Escazu are excellent hospitals with North American standards.

I welcome questions or comments on this post.  At the end of the post you will see no comment.  Click on it.   (Yes, I know it should say comment.)

Reasons to Choose Costa Rica for Vacation

Why choose Costa Rica for  vacation?

Many reasons:  Costa Rica is a stable democracy-with free and open elections every four years.

Since 1949 it has no standing army.   Costa Rica does have  policemen,  however; they appear to be non aggressive and go about their jobs in a friendly manner.  What one does see (and this disturbs a lot of people) is private guards with guns  in front of most private and public places of businesses.  However,

we won't expect to experience a military coup or see a dictator take over- like some of Costa Rica's neighbors.

The weather is great, especially December thru April which is the dry season..very little rain.

Although many people who love rain come here May through November when we see sunshine in the morning and rain in the afternoons.

Above photo-Heliconia

Tourist come to experience the vast unspoiled outdoor adventure  Costa Rica has to offer.   The National parks and biological reserves, the secluded beaches, and breathe the cool clean air of the mountains.

For such a small country, Costa Rica has about twenty different and diverse ecosystems.  The government was very smart when it set aside 20% of it's land surface for protected areas which are the more than twenty national parks and numerous biological reserves.

Costa Rica  is an agricultural country:  among its main crops-coffee, sugar cane, pineapples, papayas, and rice.  These products are  exported to the United States, Canada, and Europe. Of course the best known export is coffee which is excellent;  even Starbucks is a fan and purchases it's organic coffee from Costa Rica.

The Costa Rican people are the country's national treasure.  They are educated, polite, friendly and helpful.  Many of them speak English which is taught in school starting in the primary grades.

Many people come from around the world to retire in Costa Rica.  Many are  from US and Canada.  They come to live the simple life and a life somewhat less expensive than back home.  The weather is a big factor..all that sunshine and flowers, and warm rains.   Things we need as we grow older are available here at a reasonable cost.  A woman to live in your home, caring and cooking if you are not able to do it yourself, is affordable  (nothing like the cost in US)

Most importantly, North Americans and other nationalities  are genuinely welcome in Costa Rica.