miércoles, 27 de marzo de 2013

Costa Rica is favored by top airlines with new flights

For Costa Rica Tourism Minister Allan Flores, the news of more and more international airlines announcing new routes or more flights to Costa Rica shows the huge success of efforts by the Costa Rican National Tourism Board to attract more airlines and flights to the country from Costa Rica’s key international tourism markets.

“This news represents the basis to continue with marketing efforts, along with the government’s strong policy focused on increasing flight frequency, new flights and attracting airlines to the country,” said Flores in official comments earlier this year.

17 international airlines fly into Costa Rica’s two international airports

The Ministry of Tourism and Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) have been working hard over the past year to attract new airlines and increase the frequency of flights to Costa Rica. The endeavor is paying off. Seventeen international airlines currently fly into Costa Rica’s two international airports, not including occasional charter flights. New campaigns are in the works to attract tourists in the emerging tourism markets of Brazil, Russia, India and China.
Costa Rica has 2 international airports, in San Jose and in Liberia

Costa Rica has two international airports that receive flights from all over the world. The Juan Santamaria International Airport, or the San Jose International Airport as it is better known, sits just outside of downtown San Jose, the capital city. Costa Rica’s second international airport, the Daniel Oduber International Airport, or the Liberia International Airport, is located in Costa Rica’s northern Pacific province of Guanacaste. Situated in the provincial capital Liberia, this modern airport is fast becoming the arrival destination of choice for travelers looking to enjoy the beautiful sunny beaches of Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula.

In 2012, roughly 2 million tourists entered Costa Rica, 70% traveling by air. In just the first 6 months of 2012, the San Jose International Airport received 655,530 arrivals, and the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia welcomed 198,913 arrivals – a colossal increase of 26% in comparison with 2011 for the Guanacaste area. The majority of visitors came from the United States, Canada and Mexico, reports the ICT.
United Airlines is adding weekly nonstop flights to Costa Rica

Five major international airlines announced plans to increase flights to Costa Rica in 2013. On April 13, U.S. mega-airline United Airlines will begin weekly direct non-stop flights between San Jose and its U.S. connection centers in Chicago and Washington-Dulles. These flights will complement the existing service between San Jose and the United Airlines distribution centers in New York and Houston.

JetBlue is adding daily nonstop flights to San Jose, Costa Rica

JetBlue Airways
plans to add daily non-stop flights between the International Airport at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Florida, and the San Jose International Airport, beginning June 27, 2013. JetBlue is working hard to outperform competitor airlines with spacious seats offering more legroom onboard, free entertainment monitors on every seatback, and free snacks and drinks. Most U.S. competitor airlines charge for all of these services. JetBlue operates flights between Orlando, Florida and San José and from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to Liberia in Guanacaste.
Delta Airlines will begin daily nonstop service from Los Angeles to San Jose, Costa Rica

Beginning July 2, Delta Airlines will offer a new daily non-stop flight between Los Angeles and San Jose, Costa Rica. The new route, to be operated by a Boeing 757-200 with capacity for 180 passengers, will complement Delta’s two daily flights between San Jose and Atlanta, Georgia.
Air Canada rouge will begin flights to Costa Rica

Canadians will have an easier time flying to Costa Rica with the launch of Air Canada’s new discount “leisure airline,” Air Canada rouge (spelled with a small “r”), beginning July 1. Departing from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport and Montreal’s Trudeau International Airport, rouge will service both of Costa Rica’s international airports at San Jose and Liberia.
Iberia Airlines is increasing its flight capacity in 2013 to Costa Rica

Opening the European market further, Iberia Airlines announced that the Spanish airline is increasing its flight capacity between San Jose and Madrid in 2013, operating more flights with its largest aircraft, the Airbus A340-600, which has 342 seats. Iberia currently flies daily non-stop between San Jose and Madrid. Passengers from San Jose can connect in Madrid to 31 other Spanish cities, 27 European destinations and 13 in Africa and the Middle East.
U.S. airlines that fly into Costa Rica include United, American, Delta, US Airways, Frontier, JetBlue, Spirit and Sun Country. International airlines that fly to Costa Rica include TACA/Lacsa, Copa, Iberia, Air Canada, Aeromexico, Avianca, WestJet, KLM and Condor.
Travel to Costa Rica

Valle Dorado Tours is a top Costa Rican travel agency with the experience to handle all of your Costa Rica vacation needs. More than 20 years of experience in the Costa Rican travel business, and personal inspections by their professional team of all tours, hotels, destinations, transportation, etc., ensures that Valle Dorado Tours offers you custom-made Costa Rica vacations. Check out their extensive menu of one-day tours, destination tour packages, thematic tour packages, and custom vacation packages all over Costa Rica. Their expert travel staff can help you arrange your Costa Rica vacation from start to finish.
By Shannon Farley

lunes, 25 de marzo de 2013

Tendencias turísticas del 2013



Costa Rica se ha ido posicionando cada vez más como un destino turístico por excelencia en Centroamérica. La tendencia de visitantes ha ido al alza pese a la grave crisis económica que azota a las potencias del norte. Así pues, enero fue el mes en que la mayor cantidad de turistas nicaragüenses entraron a Tiquicia. Durante marzo, sin embargo, la mayor proporción de viajeros fue estadounidense. Los primeros contabilizaron 474.011 personas; mientras que los segundos fueron 921.097. Según los datos proporcionados por el Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT), estas fueron las dos nacionalidades con mayores ingresos durante el 2012.

Esta información es interesante porque demuestra que desde 2008 no había habido una afluencia semejante desde la unión norteamericana. Por ejemplo, en el 2003 llegaron 510.751 personas y en el 2008, 807.162.

Hablando de los pinoleros, la cantidad de venidas también ha mostrado un incremento considerable. Desde la década anterior solo 163.632 cruzaron la frontera, según revela el informe.

El tercer lugar se lo llevan los canadienses, quienes también vacacionaron en gran medida en tierras costarricenses. Registraron 151.628 arribos, el mayor número en los últimos seis años (82.304). El cuarto puesto lo detentan los panameños con 90.899. Las demás posiciones están en manos de los guatemaltecos (55.334), los salvadoreños (64.923), 35.036 hondureños y 846 beliceños.En resumen, 2012 fue el año en que nuestro país registró el mayor ingreso turístico. Pasó de Costa 1.725.261 visitantes en el 2006 a 2.343.210 en el período en cuestión.

Otras formas de atracción de inversiones en el sector
Este repunte no ha sido coincidencia. Tanto el ICT como la Coalición Costarricense de Iniciativas de Desarrollo (Cinde) han hecho esfuerzos importantes en la materia. De esta guisa, se unieron con la Cámara de Comercio de Pacífico Central para desarrollar el Congreso Internacional de Turismo Médico. Este se llevará a cabo del 24 al 26 de abril próximo en el Hotel Los Sueños Marriott, en Playa Herradura, Puntarenas. Costa Rica será la sede de la cuarta edición del encuentro.

El organizador del evento es el Consejo para la Promoción Internacional de la Medicina de Costa Rica (Promed). Según se anunció, la actividad reunirá a más de 15 países y 250 compañías de la industria médica y turística. La intención es concretar negocios a través de citas programadas con compradores potenciales.


Algo importante de destacar es que esta será la primera vez que un programa de esta naturaleza llegue a la zona Pacífico central costarricense. La meta es «impulsar nuevas regiones y propiciar su desarrollo empresarial». El año pasado, el congreso se desarrolló en la provincia de San José, específicamente en el hotel Real Intercontinental.

Según el comunicado de Promed, «la actividad tiene por objetivo la promoción de Costa Rica como destino para el retiro y vida saludable. Se esperan 500 personas de países de Norte, Centro y Suramérica, como Argentina, Canadá, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estados Unidos, Guatemala, México y Nicaragua», dijo Promed.

Adicionalmente, se contará con talleres y charlas con temas variados. Estos abarcarán aspectos relacionados con el retiro, turismo de trasplantes, inversión para pensiones y mercadeo en turismo médico, entre otros.
También habrá presencia de otro tipo de empresas como: clínicas, hoteles, entidades facilitadoras de turismo médico, aseguradoras y empresas auto aseguradas.

Para el 2011, el país atrajo a unos 48.253 turistas médicos. Estos se transformó en entradas por encima de los $338 millones. Las especialidades más buscadas por los turistas fueron la odontología (42%), ortopedia-bariátrica-ginecología (22%), medicina preventiva (16%) y cirugía plástica (10%).

La agencia de viajes Valle Dorado puede ayudarle a programar este tipo de viaje. Desde 1990 han dado la bienvenida a cientos de turistas médicos. Así, constataron el mejor servicio de parte del equipo de trabajo. Cuente con ellos por ser los expertos locales. Tras años de fogueo y una trayectoria notable, usted sabrá que su vacación está en manos de personal íntegro y profesional. Le brindarán las mejores opciones y tarifas para cualquier procedimiento de mejora de la salud.

Por: Andrés Figueroa

viernes, 22 de marzo de 2013

El bosque resurge en forma de ave fénix

 
¿Sabe usted dónde se concentra la mayor cantidad de bosque tropical seco de América? Podrá encontrar la respuesta en la provincia de Guanacaste, en Costa Rica. Valga la ocasión para describir grosso modo en qué consiste este tipo de foresta. Se compone de una vegetación que sobrevive con mucho menos agua que el bosque tropical húmedo, pues tiene una temporada seca que se extiende por aproximadamente 8 meses. Sin embargo, esta característica no le resta magnificencia a la flora y fauna que la habita. 

Eso sí, hubo un tiempo en que esta belleza particular era empañada por la reducción de las áreas de conservación. En vez de preservar las riquezas naturales, los habitantes de la zona utilizaban el espacio como potreros para que el ganado pastase. Ello condujo a un proceso rápido de degradación. Incluso cuando quitaron las reses, el decaimiento de los terrenos continuó. Lo anterior debido a que la hierba jaragua había sido utilizada para alimentar a los animales, pero posteriormente invadió la flora local. Como consecuencia, se convirtió en material inflamable para los incendios de la temporada seca, lo que trajo consigo una mayor reducción de los bosques.

 
Posteriormente, el entomólogo estadounidense Daniel Janzen, quien hacía estudios en la zona, se percató del grado de riqueza de vida silvestre. Asimismo, se dio cuenta de la fragilidad del ecosistema y que, de no ocuparse de su cuidado, se convertiría en un recuerdo para las generaciones venideras.

Fue a partir de este acontecimiento que arrancó la trama del libro «El Fénix Verde», del autor William Allen. En él, un equipo de científicos y voluntarios costarricenses y provenientes del vecino del norte se adentraron en la arena política, ecológica y social del área. El propósito iba más allá de la simple conservación de los bosques sino también la promoción de su recrecimiento. La idea era conectar las pequeñas islas de bosque remanentes y transformarlo en un corredor que replicara la formación original. En un principio el concepto fue considerado como estrafalario pero la osadía de los propulsores acabó sobreponiéndose a la dificultad operativa del proyecto.
El escritor realizó una investigación extensa para recrear la cotidianidad de los personajes principales. De igual manera, se esmeró en el carácter de cada uno de ellos. Así, logró plasmar la manera en que los participantes hicieron a un lado su ego en pro del bien común.



Allen incluyó además, algunos aspectos increíbles sobre la ecoestructura delicada de la zona. Describió con gran detalle cómo las plantas, animales e insectos se vinculan intrínsecamente los unos con los otros. Un elemento descollante es que este proceso se replica en condiciones idénticas tanto en el bosque tropical húmedo como en el seco.El libro es un modelo, un caso de éxito que sirve para analizar la interrogante: ¿se puede prevenir la destrucción de los bosques tropicales del mundo? En las colinas costarricenses heridas por el fuego del verano, el científico y escritor encontró una respuesta maravillosa: no solo es posible es detener la destrucción sino devolverle su riqueza original.

Esta es una historia inspiradora relatada con energía viva. En ella se reflejan imágenes sin igual de playas vírgenes, bosques exuberantes; además del heroísmo y la capacidad de los equipos científicos. Describe el carácter heterodoxo del ecologista Daniel Janzen. En resumen, una obra que todos querrán leer.
Posterior a la lectura, usted deseará vivir en carne propia una experiencia similar. Si lo suyo no es acampar a la intemperie, el hotel y villas Pranamar le ofrece opciones de alojamiento de primer orden. Este es un lugar íntimo ubicado en Santa Teresa, una impresionante playa de arena blanca en el océano Pacífico. Situado en la península de Nicoya, le ofrecen áreas hermosas de natación y todas las comodidades que desee.
¡Atrévase a dominar esa ave fénix indómita que vive en la región!
Por: Andrés Figueroa

jueves, 21 de marzo de 2013

Disfrute del Campeonato Mundial de Pesca 2013


El Bonnier Marine Corporation Group ha decidido albergar el Campeonato Mundial de Pesca Mar Adentro 2013 en Quepos, Costa Rica. Con el patrocinio del Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT), la justa deportiva se llevará a cabo del 14 al 19 de abril de este año. Dicho evento es la final de la serie internacional más grande de la pesca de altura en el mundo. Luego de una trayectoria de más de 13 años, este concurso atrae a miles de pescadores. La competición se compone de más de 130 torneos clasificatorios alrededor del globo. Su importancia ha llegado a ser tal que ahora se la considera como la «olimpíada de la pesca». La Bonnier Marine Corporation Group está trabajando mano a mano con las autoridades locales y los negocios de la región para que este torneo sea exitoso.

Históricamente, el evento ha estado bajo la dirección de Dan Jacobs, con la colaboración de Lynda Wilson. Ambos forman parte de Bonnier Marine Corporation Group, encargado de la organización desde el año 2009. El conglomerado es el editor de revistas de aficionados a la pesca. Sus publicaciones incluyen: Marlin, Sport Fishing, Salt Water Sportsman y Fly Fishing in Salt Waters. Por ende, tiene una gran difusión con un público compuesto por cientos de miles de lectores especializados en la materia. Dan Jacobs, editor del grupo, comentó: «Este pueblo costero del Pacífico central de Costa Rica fue elegido entre los más importantes del mundo por contar con todos los elementos necesarios de pesca en mar adentro: aguas tranquilas, centros turísticos de calidad, operadores de chárter y un nuevo puerto deportivo de clase mundial». Y agregó: «Quepos es uno de los primeros lugares de Costa Rica que se puso en el mapa internacional esta disciplina».

Parte de su fama proviene del aclamado parque nacional Manuel Antonio. Este fue nombrado en el 2011 por la revista Forbes como uno de los refugios naturales más hermosos y fotogénicos del mundo. Además, el pueblo posee más de 90 hoteles boutique con una capacidad superior a las 2.500 habitaciones, restaurantes y una gran variedad de servicios de aventura en las montañas, bosques, ríos y playas
.


En ese sentido, Portasol pone a su disposición una comunidad sostenible, premiada por sus compromisos ambientales y sociales. A tan solo unos pocos minutos de Quepos y Manuel Antonio, encontrará propiedades impresionantes insertas en un bosque con vista al mar.
Asimismo, le ofrece gran variedad de opciones de hospedaje, administración de propiedades y otros servicios.

Venga y aproveche de este espectáculo deportivo de calidad internacional. Si desea conocer más detalles, por favor acceda al web oficial: www.OffshoreWorldChampionship.com
Por: Andrés Figueroa

martes, 19 de marzo de 2013

Uncover the Rich Indigenous History of Costa Rica

Visitors to Costa Rica’s northwest Guanacaste region probably don’t realize the area was once a thriving community for the indigenous Chorotega tribe. Indigenous history and traditions maintain a low profile in the Central American country, yet if you look closely they are all around you.
Spreading across Costa Rica’s entire northern Pacific zone, Guanacaste, for instance, is called the “Chorotega region” after its original inhabitants. The Nicoya Peninsula is named for a Chorotega chief who ruled the area when the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Costa Rica in 1523.

At the time of the Spanish conquest, the Chorotega were the largest and most technologically advanced tribe in Costa Rica, according to Encyclopedia Britannica and other historical reports. The tribe, whose name means “people surrounded by enemies”, were driven by warfare from Central Mexico many generations before the Spanish arrived and settled in southern Nicaragua, Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula.
Mesoamerican languages in Central America

They spoke Mangue, an Oto-Manguean language from Central Mexico that was shared by indigenous groups in Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Many of the place names in northwest Costa Rica are Chorotegan, including Guanacaste – name of the northern Pacific province and Costa Rica’s national tree. The word “Guanacaste” means “ear tree” for the trees’ seeds which resemble a human ear.
Traditional Chorotega pottery in Costa Rica reveals Aztec historical influences

Stretching all the way from the Nicaraguan border in the north through the Nicoya Peninsula, the Chorotega people lived in towns – some as large as 20,000 inhabitants – that were built around a central plaza, according to historical reports. Their houses were rectangular, built of wood with straw roofs. The Chorotega maintained strong religious rituals and were competent astronomers and mathematicians.

Corn was vitally important in the Chorotega culture, and affected the indigenous people’s agriculture, customs, artistic forms and religious beliefs, reports the Encyclopedia Britannica. Corn was the basis of their diet, along with beans, squash, cacao, meat and fish. The Chorotega had an active economic life with commerce and markets, and a semi-democratic social structure in which chiefs were elected. Cacao beans served as currency.

The Chorotega frequently fought with neighboring peoples, states the Encyclopedia Britannica. Tribal warriors wore padded cotton armor and fought with bows and arrows and wooden swords tipped with small flint knives. Although they were eventually conquered by the Spanish, the Chorotega were reported to be courageous warriors who fought hard against the invaders.

Children of the Chorotega indigenous tribe in Costa Rica

The history of indigenous peoples in Costa Rica is much like the rest of the Americas. The Europeans brought diseases to which the native population had no immunity; entire tribes were killed. Archaeologists calculate that up to 400,000 native people lived in Costa Rica when Columbus arrived in 1502, between the main tribes of the Chorotega, Guaymi (Ngabe), Terraba, Boruca, Maleku, Huetares, Bribri and Cabecar. Ultimately, it was the 16th century slave trade that decimated the Chorotegas. The Spanish rulers dominated the tribe by sending thousands to work in the gold mines of Panama and Peru.

Chorotega pottery from the Nicoya Peninsula is famous in Costa Rica

Today, there are only about 64,000 indigenous people living in Costa Rica, according to official reports. The Chorotega language, culture and community have been largely lost, except for the indigenous reserve of Matambú, located near the town of Nicoya. Some customs and traditions have survived, such as the production of ceramic pottery and figurines. Chorotegan pottery is famous in Costa Rica, and is still being made in the towns of Guaitil and San Vicente.

Pranamar Oceanfront Villas and Yoga Retreat in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Visit Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula
and the fascinating land of the Chorotega people when you stay at Pranamar Oceanfront Villas and Yoga Retreat in Santa Teresa. The beautiful, luxury boutique hotel is located right on the Pacific Ocean at Santa Teresa Beach. Two-story poolside villas and elaborate beachfront bungalows are set in extravagant tropical gardens near a lovely free-form saltwater pool. Winner of Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice and Certificate of Excellence awards, Pranamar Villas offers you daily in-house yoga classes, regular yoga retreats and workshops, all-inclusive yoga vacations, front-yard surfing, and surfing and yoga holidays.

By Shannon Farley


Healthy tips for teen athletes optimum performance

Teen athletes need a strong dietary foundation and lots of energy. Anyone who knows a young athlete knows they can get hungry … and often! It is important that young athletes eat healthy well-balanced meals and remain hydrated in order to achieve optimal health and performance.
Choose healthy foods to maintain optimal athletic performance

A young athlete needs to be fueled by eating proper types of foods – carbohydrates for fuel (whole grains, fruits and vegetables); calcium for maintaining muscle tissue and bone strength, and protection against stress fractures; and iron (protein: lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, soy, peanut butter) to restore red blood cells and the body’s iron that is depleted from sweating, according to nutritional reports. Iron also helps red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body, giving teens energy. Signs of weakness and quick fatigue usually mean a shortage of iron in the diet.
Get healthy calores from fresh fruit rather than sugary snacks

Nutrition plays a key role in athletic performance. Failure to provide the proper nutrition, fluids, vitamins and minerals that young athletes need will result in poor performance and an increased risk for injury and/or illness, according to nutritional reports. More than any other age group, teens need a lot of energy. Energy comes from calories, and on a daily basis teenage boys need about 2,500 to 3,000 calories, whereas teenage girls need about 2,200 calories. The good news is that most teens have no problem acquiring them. However, parents should note how the calories are being consumed. A bag of potato chips with a super-size soda will add calories quickly, but fatty snacks and sugary soda drinks contain very little nutrients. On the other hand, 3-5 cups of fruits and veggies a day will ensure that every young athlete is fueled and hydrated for optimal health and performance.

How Much to Eat and When

Make sure your young athletes are well-fed before training sessions. They should eat a well-balanced meal that contains 75-200 grams of carbohydrates, 2-4 hours before training or competition. Replacing carbohydrates that were used during exercise, within 2 hours afterward, is essential for a speedy recovery and preparing for the next athletic training period. The post-exercise meal should contain approximately 150 -200 grams of carbohydrates.
Keep well hydrated during training for top sports performance 

Keeping Young Athletes Hydrated

Young athletes often have an increased risk for dehydration and various heat illnesses. The higher energy expenditure of young athletes means that they produce more metabolic heat, and they may not sweat as efficiently as older athletes and thus not cool their bodies as effectively. Young athletes also may not pay attention to drinking enough fluids, and their body core temperature during dehydration tends to increase faster. For these reasons it is essential that young athletes be encouraged to drink frequently even when they are not thirsty.

Warning Signs of Dehydration
  • Thirst
  • Irritability
  • Headache
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Cramps
  • Nausea
  • Decreased performance
Guidelines for Optimal Hydration
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) provides the following guidelines to maintain optimal hydration:

Before Exercise: 16 - 20 full ounces within 2 hours prior to exercise.
During Exercise: 4 - 6 full ounces.

Water is still the best source for hydration and good health 

Post Exercise: replace 24 full ounces for every one pound of body weight lost during exercise.
NOTE: There are many beverage choices, but the best source of hydration is still good old-fashioned water. The problem is getting your young athlete to drink that much. If you can couple your hydration and nutrition efforts, eating snacks like bagels, trail mix, dried fruit or pretzels, the combination will stimulate the athletes' thirst and encourage them to drink more. Alternatively, sports drinks like Gatorade are designed to stimulate thirst, so the athlete only feels he/she needs to drink more, instead of being properly re-hydrated.
MEAL PLAN
Here is a good example of a meal plan for a teen athlete, from ehow.com:
Breakfast: breakfast burrito (large whole-grain tortilla filled with 2 scrambled eggs, 1/3 cup of cheese and 1/4 cup salsa); a fruit smoothie; and green tea or water.
Choose healthy snacks to keep energy and health at your best 

Snack: 2 sticks of string cheese; 20 whole-grain crackers; 1 8-ounce glass of water; 1 8-ounce glass of carrot juice.

Lunch: chicken salad (romaine lettuce, 1 tomato, 1 carrot, 1/2 cucumber, 1/4 avocado, 6 oz. sliced chicken breast); 20 corn chips or a whole-grain roll; 1 8-ounce glass of skim milk; 1 8-ounce glass of water.

Snack: 1/2 cup hummus; 1-2 cups assorted cut veggies; 1 8-ounce glass of sparkling water; 1 8-ounce glass of pomegranate or cranberry juice.

Dinner: stir fry (6 oz. meat of choice, 2 cups veggies of choice, 3 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp. olive oil); 2 cups brown rice; 2 8-ounce glasses of sparkling water.

Snack or dessert: 1-1/2 cups sliced fruit; 3 tbsp. whipped cream; 12 almonds; 2 squares dark chocolate.
Teen athletes need a strong dietary foundation and high energy

More links for nutritional guidelines and food suggestions for teen athletes:
http://www.parents.com/recipes/nutrition/kids/healthy-snacks-from-a-to-z/
http://www.bhg.com/recipes/healthy/eating/nutritional-guidelines-for-teens/
http://www.ayso104.org/parents/nutrition.html

Go for an active, athletic vacation in Costa Rica!

Spend your tropical vacation in Costa Rica improving your athletic skills learning to surf or picking up new techniques with Del Mar Surf Camp. The top Costa Rica surf school specializes in Costa Rica surf vacation packages, yoga-surf retreats and day surf lessons for adults, women-only and families. Del Mar Surfing Academy, its sister company, offers 7-night and 14-night surf and cultural/language immersion camps for teens.
Go for an active vacation learning to surf in Costa Rica with Del Mar Surf Camp

With Del Mar Surf Camp, you will surf every day in warm water with locals who have surfed these waves their whole lives, plus learn to speak Spanish and enjoy area tours. Del Mar Surf Camp provides various packages for beginners/intermediate surfers, advanced surfers, women only, families and groups. Though there is a schedule, camp dates also are run on an “anytime you want” basis (discounts given for Saturday arrival).

Enjoy three top Costa Rica surf locations with Del Mar Surf Camp: Hermosa Beach on the Central Pacific Coast, Nosara Beach on the Guanacaste Pacific Coast, and Santa Teresa Beach on the Pacific’s southern Nicoya Peninsula. Del Mar Surf Camp offers Summer Specials packages, with great discounts, to celebrate their 10th anniversary in 2013. Domestic flights and transfers to all of Del Mar’s locations are included in all surf vacation packages.

By Shannon Farley

miércoles, 13 de marzo de 2013

La otra Nicoya



Uno de los destinos más turísticos de Costa Rica es la península de Nicoya. Se ubica en las provincias de Guanacaste y Puntarenas. Su fama ha saltado a la palestra a través del ecoturismo, la mayor atracción de la zona. En el interior de estas tierras la vida es bastante tranquila, con playas magníficas que atraen a turistas de todo el globo.

Pese a de su cercanía con la zona norte del Pacífico costarricense, la parte más austral de la península es radicalmente distinta. Predominan los paisajes de aguas calmas y un clima más húmedo durante la estación seca. En el sentido social, abundan los pequeños emprendimientos locales inmersos en pueblecitos pintorescos. Esto contrasta con la región más cercana a Nicaragua, donde existe un desarrollo en manos de inversionistas internacionales.

A través de la historia, la parte ultramar de la provincia de Puntarenas no se había incluido dentro de las excursiones turísticas para los foráneos. El motivo principal era la dificultad de acceso, con caminos de lastre y terreno escabroso. Sin embargo, en tiempos recientes se abrieron vías por Guanacaste. Además, se instaló un ferri desde el puerto de Puntarenas hasta Paquera. Ambos aspectos han mejorado sustancialmente la calidad de vida de la población. Aparte, han permitido la visita de nacionales y extranjeros, ávidos por conocer las bellezas que allí se esconden.

De tal modo, las comunidades aledañas de Cóbano, Mal País, Montezuma, Paquera, playa del Carmen, Santa Teresa y Tambor han hecho mancuerna para atraer a todo aquel que añore una experiencia única en Tiquicia. En conjunto han creado la Ruta de la Diversidad, un trayecto rústico y de esencia natural. El eje transversal de la propuesta es la conservación, de modo que tanto las generaciones presentes como las futuras puedan disfrutar de las bondades de la región.


Se pretende así preservar el patrimonio natural regional. Este se compone de bosque tropical de transición climática –tanto seco como lluvioso–, motivo por el cual abundan especies animales y vegetales provenientes de los distintos tipos de hábitats. Ello facilita no solo la diversidad visible sino la cantidad de interacciones que se pueden experimentar durante la excursión. En ese sentido, el refugio de vida silvestre de Curú es un ejemplo descollante pues los animales corren libres por los senderos sin temor ni riesgo para los turistas. Se localiza entre Paquera y Tambor.

Además, podrá ver las bahías que se esconden en los estuarios. Están llenos de pequeñas islas hermosas con manglares espesos. Los parajes sirven de base para hoteles boutique selectos. Debido a su ubicación, estos centros turísticos solo son accesibles por vía marítima. No obstante lo anterior, ello facilita la realización de otro tipo de actividades, tales como: canotaje, buceo, pesca deportiva o una excursión a la isla Tortuga . En este último sitio solía haber un centro penitenciario ahora convertido en una obra histórica rodeada de un centro de protección de la vida silvestre.

Estos son solo algunos de las sorpresas que usted puede encontrar. Si desea conocer los detalles, dese una vuelta por el hotel Tropico Latino . ¡Disfrutará de los mejores momentos de su vida!


Por: Andrés Figueroa

martes, 12 de marzo de 2013

Surfers can improve flexibility, strength & balance with yoga

Most surfers are probably already aware that the practice of Yoga results in great benefits for the physical body and beyond.



Yoga increases mental clarity and our ability to concentrate with intention on specific goals and desires. The breathing techniques used in this ancient science are amazing for increasing lung capacity, while helping to lengthen our ability to retain the breath (so necessary for surfers).
On a physical level, the postures (asanas) create flexibility, tone, strengthen, and hone in on our balancing skills. They also fill the body with vital Life energy (prana) and highly raise our body and self-awareness.
The following dynamic and static postures will help you achieve the strength and flexibility needed out in the surf, and will increase your balancing abilities for greater stability on your board.
Remember to always warm-up before heading out to the water, stretch for 5-10 minutes after surfing, and ENJOY!!
1)    3 legged downward dog w/ bent knee


Begin in downward-facing dog pose with your hands outer shoulder distance apart and feet parallel to each other, at least hip width apart. As you lift your hips up and back you’ll begin to feel a deep stretch along the backs of the legs. Remember to engage and tone your quadriceps (fronts of the thighs) while moving the tops of the thighs toward the backs of the legs. Breathe deeply in and out through the nose and throat, balancing the flow of breath and helping to calm the mind. Keep the arms strong and stable by pushing all four corners of the palms and all the fingertips into the ground and begin to lift your right leg up and into the air behind you. Lengthen through both legs as you take the right hip higher, “stacking” the hips and gently twisting from the waistline. Carefully bend the right knee while flexing the foot and spreading out the toes. The more you take your foot to the left, the more you will need to tuck your pelvis to lengthen the lower spine and increase flexibility in the psoas muscles. Work up to holding the position for 5-15 breaths. Bring the right leg back to downward dog posture and repeat on the other leg.

2)    Standing Pigeon w/ Eagle arms
Standing pigeon pose with eagle arms, Pranamar Villas & Yoga Retreat, Costa Rica

Begin standing upright and cross your right ankle over your left lower thigh (right above the knee), keeping the foot active and flexed to protect the knee joint. With your hands on your hips, slowly bend your standing leg and widen your inner thighs back and apart (imagine you are hovering over a chair!).
Bring your arms parallel to the earth, reaching long from the heart center to your fingertips. Then cross your right arm under the left and “wrap” the arms around each other. Energetically lift your elbows and fingers upwards, while dropping your hips and thighs. Hug strongly into the mid-line with the legs and breathe deeply for 5 -10 breaths. Release and try the other side.

3)    Forearm plank w/ a "twist"

Forearm plank with a twist, Pranamar Villas & Yoga Retreat, Costa RicaBegin with your knees and forearms on the ground, making sure that your forearms are parallel to each other and shoulder distance apart. Look toward your navel and bring your awareness to your core center, the seat of inner strength and stability. Breathe into your back body from the base of the spine all the way up toward the crown of the head. As you do this you will feel your lower abdomen activate and draw inward toward the spine (away from the floor). Then actively move the tailbone towards the heels, walking your feet back to straighten your legs (knees off the floor). Your entire body should be parallel to the earth and you will feel deep sensation throughout the core of your body.

Continue to breathe slow and even through the nose. Keep an emphasis on moving the lower "floating" ribs inward towards the back body, and then slightly soften behind the heart. Hold 5-10 breaths.
Keeping your shoulders steady with your chest facing the earth exhale as you drop your heels to the right, twisting your lower body to active the lateral abdominal muscles. Inhale back to center and drop your heels to the left as you strongly exhale (remember to keep the belly lifted in towards the spine). Return to center with an inhalation and continue going right to left in alignment with your breathing. Do your best to keep your upper body stable and still. Work up to 10 repetitions or more.

4)    Dynamic “Shalabasana” w/opposite arm and leg



Lay down on your stomach with your legs hip distance apart and arms extended out in front of you (shoulder distance apart). Keeping your gaze facing the floor, turn the palms of the hands to face each other, and as you inhale lift your right arm, chest, and left leg up off the earth. The emphasis of this movement is not to get your limbs as high as possible, but rather keep lengthening the whole spine and reach your leg long out of the hip and the crown of the head away from the tailbone. Focus your inhalation in the back of the body, thus breathing "space" into the spine.  Lower your self back to the floor on the exhalation, but keep awareness into the lower abdomen and gently lift the navel inward with the release.

On your next inhalation, lift your left arm, chest, and right leg off the floor and maintain the action of lengthening from the core of your pelvis down the legs and up the spine toward the fingertips. With the exhalation, return to lie on the ground and repeat each side, alternating right and left 5-10 times each.
On the last repetition of each side, try and hold the arm and leg up off the floor for 5 slow, even breathes. Emphasize the length of the spine and the gentle lifting of the belly in and up. Finish by sitting back on the heels with the chest resting on the thighs (child’s pose), arms and head relaxed on floor. Feel how working with opposite leg and arm can bring more awareness into your "center" and help you to connect with the innate intelligence of the body to stay centered and grounded.
5)    Navasana prayer


Begin seated on the ground with your knees drawn into your chest, grabbing the backs of the thighs with your hands. With the knees bent, first lift up along the spine moving the crown of the head toward the sky and the tailbone firmly down to the earth. Begin to straighten your legs into the air as you release your grip on the hamstrings. As you continue to sit up tall, draw your lower back away from the floor and the sacrum into the body (you will need to fully engage your core as you balance on the buttocks creating a V-shape with your body). Extending the arms parallel to the ground, relax your shoulders and move energetically along the legs from the hips to the toes. Actively lift up along the whole length of the spine, keeping the chest broad and the abdomen fully engaged. Work toward holding this static position for 5-15 breaths.

Then bring your palms together in front of your chest (anjali mudra) and actively press the hands into one another. Slightly lift the elbows away from the floor and inhale. Moving with your exhalation, turn your whole upper body toward the right engaging the side abdominal muscles with a twist. As you inhale, return to center and press the hands into each other. On your next exhale, twist as far as you can to the left with your upper body, keeping the legs together and lifted.  Return to center as you inhale. Continue to twist right and left on the exhalations, always pausing in center as you inhale to re-lengthen the spine.
Build up slowly, and increase the number of repetitions as you feel stronger. If you have less flexibility in your hamstrings or hips, then you may want to bend the knees slightly.

Pranamar Villas and Yoga Retreat, Playa Santa Teresa, Costa Rica 

Pranamar Villas and Yoga Retreat in Santa Teresa
If you enjoyed this practice and want more, come to  the beautiful Pacific Coast of Costa Rica in the surfer’s and yogi’s paradise of Santa Teresa and Pranamar Villas and Yoga Retreat. It’s the perfect blend of surfing and yoga and much more!!

By Nancy Goodfellow, Yoga Instructor at Pranamar Villas & Yoga Retreat

viernes, 8 de marzo de 2013

Costa Rica Commits to Safe Tourism with Tourist Police

Tourism is big business in Costa Rica. Over the past 25 years, tourism has been the fastest growing economic sector in the country. Keeping tourists safe and informed while visiting Costa Rica is a vital commitment by the country’s government and national tourism organizations.
Costa Rica shows committment to tourists' safety with Tourist Police investment

Costa Rican authorities have recently agreed to invest 350 million Colones (approximately $700,000 USD) to strengthen the country’s Tourist Police Force. The Ministry of Public Security and the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) renewed their cooperation agreement for five years, which aims to further equip the Tourist Police with more resources and training.
Costa Rica established its Tourist Police Force in January 2007. Currently, there are 350 officers guarding the safety of both national and international visitors to the country’s top destinations, according to official information from Costa Rica’s Police Force.
Costa Rica's Tourist Police give tourists information at the international airports

The Tourist Police Force focuses on preventing and fighting crimes in Costa Rica’s main tourism destinations, and also on providing tourists with information about safety measures, general information, and offering them assistance during their visit. Wearing uniforms of black pants, and white shirts with the words “Policia Turistica” (Tourist Police) on the back, Tourist Police officers work in Costa Rica’s main international airports – Juan Santamaria in the San Jose metropolitan area and Daniel Oduber in Liberia – along with main tourism destination points around the country.
In 2010, tourism contributed 5.5% of Costa Rica’s GDP and 21.2% of foreign exchange generated by all exports, according to official statistics from the Costa Rican Tourism Board. The tiny Central American nation hit a historical record of 2.2 million foreign visitors in 2011, and logged 1.7 million tourists in 2012.
Costa Rica's Tourist Police Force work all over the country keeping tourists safe

According to Mario Zamora, Costa Rica’s Minister of Public Security, the existence of the Tourist Police helped contribute to a decrease of more than 40% of all reported crimes, mostly robberies and thefts, against tourists between 2006 and 2010. Zamora said that the new contribution to the Tourist Police Force reaffirms the country’s commitment to the safety of its tourists, whether they are nationals or foreigners. “A safe country is an attractive country that generates investment and development, and from the Chinchilla-Miranda administration we are seriously committed to the safety of Costa Ricans and foreigners,” said Zamora.

"This strategic alliance has been of vital importance for the country, since as part of these agreements, the Ministry of Public Security has increased the amount of Tourist Police to ensure that they are distributed in the most important tourist areas of the national territory, ensuring a safe environment for domestic and foreign tourists,” stated Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism, Allan Flores.

Costa Rica's Police Force badge

Flores said the primary areas of concentration for the Tourist Police are Monteverde, La Fortuna/Volcano Arenal, and the Caribbean.  The Tourist Police Force will receive 2 new 4x4 vehicles, 4 off-road motorcycles, an ATV, 30 radios, 790 uniforms and 10 training programs.
The Costa Rican Tourism Board and the Ministry of Public Security plan to continue tourism security training for the Tourist Police through courses, seminars and visits by international experts. Since 2007, the British Embassy in Costa Rica has been supporting the Tourist Police with an English language training program.
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By Shannon Farley

jueves, 7 de marzo de 2013

Costa Rica is Top Wedding and Honeymoon Destination

Get married in a church or a hotel ballroom … or on a tropical beach at sunset, or in the rainforest, or by a mighty volcano? Adventure and romance await you at a Costa Rica destination wedding.
Why not combine your wedding, your honeymoon, and a vacation all in one trip? More and more, couples are choosing destination weddings as the way to go.
Costa Rica is a premiere destination wedding location

The popular wedding website TheKnot.com named Costa Rica as a top wedding destination in Latin America. A survey by TheKnot.com reported that one out of every four destination weddings in Latin America take place in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica’s exotic locales, romantic atmosphere and favorable climate are only a few of the reasons why more couples are finding themselves saying ‘I Do’ in Costa Rica. What truly distinguishes Costa Rica from other wedding destinations is its unique blend of natural atmospheres with premium luxury services, which allow couples to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying high-quality offerings and amenities,” said Ireth Rodriguez, deputy manager and marketing director for the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), in an official statement. “We’re excited to be recognized by The Knot, and we look forward to seeing even more couples celebrate their special day in Costa Rica.”

Choose Costa Rica for your romantic destination wedding & honeymoon / photo by Alex Solano

Costa Rica’s commitment to environmental protection adds to its allure as a premiere destination wedding location, making it especially perfect for the newly popular “eco-chic” wedding. Costa Rica’s fabulous beaches, lush rainforest, friendly people, bountiful outdoor activities, and abundance of hotels, resorts and vacation homes, ranging from over-the-top luxury to relaxed and informal, all combine to make this tiny Central American nation the place to be wed. A nice plus is that citizens from other countries may get legally married in Costa Rica and have it be valid in their home country.

One very important aspect to consider for your destination wedding is hiring a professional wedding planner. It’s hard enough trying to handle the logistics for your “Big Day” where you live, let alone in a completely different country. The average wedding takes 250 hours to plan. A destination wedding can be relaxing, fun and enjoyable, or a stress nightmare from hell. Hiring a professional wedding planner makes the difference.

Hire a professional wedding planner for your Costa Rica destination wedding 

Costa Rica travel experts Team CRT provide all services for planning, organizing and delivering your perfect wedding and honeymoon in Costa Rica. From private and exclusive ceremonies to large parties sharing your important day with family and friends, Team CRT’s experts help make your dreams come true. The Costa Rica-based travel agency boasts more than 20 years of experience in delivering unique and exclusive travel services in Costa Rica.
From rainforest to tropical beaches, Costa Rica is a top wedding destination
From a warm welcome for you and your guests on arrival in Costa Rica, to legal arrangements, accommodation, transportation, excursions, decoration, entertainment, meals, wedding photographer, wedding cake, and make-up and hair stylists, Team CRT’s bilingual staff members have all of the contacts for creating weddings of all sizes. Fresh ideas, excellent insider knowledge about Costa Rica as a wedding and honeymoon destination, and contacts with only top providers, build the foundation for the company’s success and customer satisfaction.

Traveling with Team CRT also ensures personalized service, professional guides, reliable transportation, and quality tours and accommodations. For all of your Costa Rica travel plans and Costa Rica vacation packages, Team CRT gives you expert guidance and quality service while they help craft your tailor-made Costa Rica vacation; they also offer vacation packages to neighboring Panama and Nicaragua.

By Shannon Farley