Make the best of your Monteverde Cloud Forest experience

Cloud Forest view, hanging bridge, photo credit elefanttravel

How is a cloud forest different from a rain forest?  Don’t let lack of preparation cut your experience short. Most important of all, take time to sharpen your senses and take it all in during your stay at El Establo Mountain Resort. 

There are two cloud forest reserves in the Monteverde area. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has grown over the years to protect over 35,000 acres, and has over 8 miles of trails for visitors to explore.  There are over 100 types of mammals, 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles and 400 species of birds.  The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is unique because it is managed by the local community, and has an impressive observation deck from which you can see the Arenal Volcano.

Epiphytes near Santa Elena, photo credit Wikipedia

What differentiates a cloud forest from a rain forest? Cloud forests are cool and moist, with low clouds which slow down evaporation and creates an ideal atmosphere for epiphytes such as mosses, orquids and ferns which grow out of other trees, and feed off of nutrients from air and rain.  Apart from being cooler and more lush than rainforests, and usually have more mountainous terrains.

• Bring a light waterproof jacket, and comfortable weather proof walking shoes. You don’t want a nagging blister stealing your focus.
• Weather proof your camera, mobile phone and other electronics. Don’t let dropping your phone in a muddy puddle spoil your adventure.
• Bring water and snacks. That granola bar will keep you going longer so you don’t stop your hike short because of low blood sugar.
• Stop and take in all the sights, sounds, smells, fill your lungs with clean, cool crisp air. Quit the chatter, stop in your tracks and listen and breathe.  Sometimes we are so enthralled in conversation, or taking the perfect photograph, that we lose the moment we are in and don’t appreciate it to the fullest.
• Bring a guide. Maximize your visit to this unique biodiverse environment by hiring a local guide. Their eyes are trained to see flora and fauna you might miss, and your walk on the trails will be safer and more informative.

Hanging bridge overlooking Cloud Forest, El Establo Mountain Resort

An exciting, adrenaline filled way to explore the Monteverde Cloud Forests is zip lining through and above the lush terrains, and walking over suspension bridges. The experienced front desk and tour desk staff at El Establo Mountain Resort will be happy to assist in choosing which experience is optimal for you, but why choose, experience them all!

El Establo Canopy Tour   Article by Katie Widdowson

The Spa at El Establo Mountain Hotel

Deck at Green Leaf Spa, El Establo Mountain Hotel[/caption]

The Green Leaf Spa located at El Establo Mountain Hotel in Monteverde offers treatments ranging from facials fit for a queen, wraps using clay or algae, relaxing or deep tissue massages, all in a setting designed to calm and soothe the senses.

Hot Stone Massage at Green Leaf Spa, El Establo Mountain Hotel

The cloud forests of Monteverde offer close up contact with nature and options for adventure in its exploration.  What else could you ask for? How about a relaxing massage after your hike in the tropical forest?  Maybe a facial or a scrub to rejuvenate your skin and add to the healing properties of fresh clean air?  How about a Coffee Contour Wrap to maximize slimming effects of your active rainforest visit?

Karina Bravo and Verónica Picado, therapists at Green Leaf Spa, El Establo Mountain Hotel

The Green Leaf Spa at El Establo Mountain Hotel in Monteverde is headed by Verónica Picado, a Physical Therapist.  Their staff is updated several times a year in new techniques and services by skin care experts from Germaine de Capuccini, a European based company which supplies products used at the Spa for facial and body treatments such as exfoliations, wraps and baths.  They use specific product application protocols to maximize active ingredients and promote relaxation, and was selected because of their reputation and experience of over 50 years in the beauty industry.

Green Leaf Spa, El Establo Mountain Hotel

Most of the recent testimonials Verónica and her colleague Karina Bravo have received in recent days include some form of the word relaxation. One referenced the sound of the falling rain and the chirping of the birds she heard during her treatment, creating perfect combination of nature and service during her massage.  Others really enjoyed how the aromatherapy maximized their exfoliation, wrap of facial experience. Valerie commented on June 13th: “Thank you for fitting me in, it was much needed after all the adventures I have been on in the last four days.  Very relaxing!”

Reception Area at Green Leaf Spa, El Establo Mountain Hotel

Article by Katie Widdowson

 

Re-discover your bliss, searching for wellness, in Costa Rica

Wikipedia defines wellness as “used to mean a healthy balance of mind, body and spirit that results in an overall feeling of well-being.”  Many destinations promote wellness, wellbeing, happiness... Does it mean to exercise daily, to be fit? Does it mean to meditate, do yoga? Does it mean to nourish your body with a well-balanced diet?  Visit Costa Rica to learn about yourself and discover what wellness really means to you.

Dr. Bill Hettler, the co-founder of the National Wellness Institute based in Wisconsin, developed a wellness paradigm that encompasses six dimensions: Physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, environmental and social.  He theorizes that if one of these aspects of your life is thrown off balance it affects the others.

To support the physical aspects of wellness, there are properties in Costa Rica that offer yoga retreats, such as Bahia del Sol Beachfront Boutique Hotel, located in Guanacaste.  Another property with its own Yoga Studio is Hotel Belmar, nestled in Monteverde, Costa Rican cloud forest.  Practice yoga, do surfing lessons or relax on the beach at the intimate Tropico Latino, in the Nicoya Peninsula.

Yoga Spa at Belmar Hotel, photo credit hotelbelmar

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, in the Golfo Dulce, is a place where you can disconnect from technology, cleanse your lungs, pick your own food from their tropical garden, practice yoga while surrounded by Nature, in summary, fulfilling pretty much all wellness dimensions put forth by Dr. Hettler.

Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin is very close to the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.  The 3,400 acre ranch boasts its own archaeological sites, coffee tour, waterfalls, hot springs, horseback riding and more.

Volcanic Mud and Springs at Hacienda Guachipelin, photo credit valwyss

There are many environmentally friendly hotels in Costa Rica, where you can rest assured that your stay’s footprint will be offset by the property’s management.  One of these is Capitan Suizo Boutique Beachfront Hotel in Northern Pacific Tamarindo.  They also work towards fulfilling the social aspect of wellness, by working directly with the community to provide work for local residents.  La Cusinga Lodge in the Southern Osa Peninsula is committed to sustainability and where you can do bird watching and paddle boarding.

Located close to the Arenal Volcano,  the Tabacon Grand Thermal Resort, is well known for its mineral rich thermal waters known to have healing and relaxation properties.  The Springs Resort and Spa, also in this area, apart from having access to natural hot springs as well, has a 14,000 square foot Spa and Fitness Center, where you can invest some time seeing to the physical aspects of wellness.

Wedding at Villa Caletas, photo credit madisonbaltodanophotography

Will tying the knot with your significant help balance your emotional wellness dimension? There are many properties in Costa Rica that can assist with the perfect tropical destination wedding.  Villa Caletas in the Central Pacific Coast region boasts magnificent views and luxury accommodations.  Aninga Lodge in Tortuguero, on the Caribbean coast, is a unique property where you can explore the canals, enjoy birdwatching, kayaking or see turtles nesting when in season.

If you are staying in San José and would like a relaxing massage before or after your adventure begins, Kuö Spa, at the Marriott Costa Rica hotel is located close to the airport, and offers a wide range of facials and massages.

Have an amazing time defining what wellness means to you during your visit to Costa Rica!

Article by Katie Widdowson

 

Visit the famous Banyan Tree during your stay at Pranamar Villas

Famous Banyan Tree, photo credit Nancy Goodfellow, Pranamar Villas

There is a very impressive giant Banyan tree, also known as Higueron, that lives in the town of Cabuya, Puntarenas, on the Pacific Coast.  If you’d like an impressive and beautiful photograph, stop there on your way to local beaches.  But is there more to this tree than a pretty social media post?

 

The Banyan Tree starts its life as an epiphyte, germinating in the in the crevices of other trees, its roots growing while feeding on the host, eventually covering and strangling it.  That is why is it also known as the “Strangler Fig” or “Matapalo”, which roughly translates to “Killer tree.” The figs it produces are eaten by birds, their droppings germinate over the cracks of host tree, then aerial roots take hold when they touch the ground.

Higueron's impressive root formations create enormous trunk, photo credit bossertartstudio

The beautiful and enormous Higueron tree on the road from Montezuma to Cabuya has lived a happy life, being admired and photographed by tourists and passersby.  It has probably been there for decades, impossible to know exactly how long.  It was even awarded the title “Most Exceptional Tree in Costa Rica” in 2009 by the INBIO, the National Institute for Biodiversity.

Vishnu under Banyan tree, image credit Rajesh Halda

Vishnu, a Hindu deity, in one of his incarnations, is shown under the shade of a Banyan Tree, teaching humanity lessons of philosophy and sciences, and initiating them in the mysteries of life and death.  The Banyan Tree is the national tree of India and is venerated for its ability to live and grow for centuries, thus representing longevity and immortality.  In Hindu mythology, the Kalpavriksha, or Tree of Life, is divine and may fulfil wishes and assist in material gains.

Divine Kalpavriksha Tree, image credit Wikipedia

The Higueron Tree has medicinal uses, the milky white latex extracted from its leaves or figs has antiseptic properties and may be used to cauterize wounds.  Its leaves and bark may be mixed with other ingredients for treatments from mouth ulcers, to skin diseases, to baldness.

During your stay at Pranamar Villas and Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica, make sure you take the time to stop by and visit the giant Higueron on the road to Cabuya.  You might be inspired to sit, reflect and meditate on what this tree of life might teach you.  Will it be serenity, perseverance, strength, growth?

Higueron Tree, photo credit oliquick Article by Katie Widdowson

Go Mountain Biking In Costa Rica At Rincon De La Vieja Volcano

The newest extreme mountain biking race, and thrilling one-of-a-kind Costa Rica mountain biking tours, all happen in August 2016 at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin by the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Mountain biking in Costa Rica at Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.

Looking for an exciting mountain biking vacation this summer? One of the spots on the planet you cannot afford to miss on your mountain bike is Rincon de la Vieja Volcano in Costa Rica. Far from cities, traffic and asphalt, how cool is it to ride around a live volcano?

Over the years, Costa Rica has become one of the top places to go mountain biking, attracting mountain bikers from around the world to ride the Central American country’s roads, tracks and trails, and to compete in annual races.

The amazing mountain bike trails around Rincon de la Vieja take you across farms, past small towns, and on remote tracks far from civilization, capturing the essence of mountain biking. If you want to go mountain biking in Costa Rica, you need to experience the one-of-a-kind Costa Rica mountain biking tours at eco-adventure Hotel

Hacienda Guachipelin.

Costa Rica mountain biking tours at Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.

Hacienda Guachipelin has two main mountain biking tours, and you can also do private rides.

Tropical Trails Singletrack Mountain Bike Tour rides singletrack trails with three different levels: beginner, intermediate and expert. Hacienda Guachipelin maintains 30 kilometers of shaded singletrack mountain bike trails with scenic views by the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Tours include a stop for waterfall swimming.

The Iron-Horse Mountain Bike Tour is a full-day multi-sport adventure that includes horseback riding, waterfall swimming, river tubing, and zip lining, in addition to mountain biking. A shortened half-day tour is also available with only horseback riding and mountain biking.

Mountain biking tours at Hacienda Guachipelin in Costa Rica

MOUNTAIN BIKING RACE AT RINCON DE LA VIEJA, COSTA RICA

The newest Costa Rica adventure race for mountain biking – 160K Rincon de la Vieja – tests mountain bikers of all levels on the rugged terrain around the largest volcano in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Starting from Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin, on Aug. 20, 2016, racers will compete in three distances: 160 km (100 miles), 100 km (62 miles), and 50 km (31 miles) at the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. The longest and most grueling route of 160 km circumnavigates the volcano on gravel roads, singletrack, and river and volcanic rock trails through five microclimates with close to 11,000 feet of elevation gain.

160K Rincon de la Vieja Costa Rica mountain bike race 2016

On the event’s Facebook page, they posted comments about the 50k route at Rincon de la Vieja by Sigrid Miller, one of the advance team: “Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to ride the route of 50 km. It's an adventure: it goes along paths amid forests surrounded by vegetation, there are fantastic downhills that are not very steep, part of the journey on gravel with a spectacular view, and you have to go through a river that is an adventure. Then you have to go up on singletrack and finally reach the finish line. In short, it is an adventure to be enjoyed.”

To compete in the 160K Rincón de la Vieja Mountain Bike Race, you can sign up on the event’s website; inscriptions close at midnight on Aug. 9.

Contact Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin for hotel reservations and adventure tours.

Article by Shannon Farley

Costa Rica National Festival Of The Arts Goes To Southern Region

The beautiful southern region of Costa Rica will host the annual Costa Rica National Festival of the Arts 2016 in August. Find out here festival details and where to stay.
Costa Rica National Festival of Arts 2016

The southern region of Costa Rica will host one of the largest festivals of the arts and music in the country over 10 days in August.

In a departure from its traditional location in the capital city of San Jose, the 26^th annual Costa Rica National Festival of the Arts 2016 (FNA16) will take place August 5 to 14 in the towns of Golfito and Ciudad Neily, along with eight other communities in southern Costa Rica. With over 250 events and activities featuring more than 600 artists of all kinds, it is the largest annual arts festival in Costa Rica, and one of the largest in Central America.

National Festival of Arts Costa Rica 2016

The goal of the organizers of the 2016 Costa Rica National Festival of the Arts – the Ministry of Culture & Youth and the Southern Region Development Association – is to bring together artists of different cultures to share their rich traditions with the public in an area often forgotten culturally in Costa Rica. It is their hope that people living in other areas of Costa Rica will visit the southern region, by the Golfo Dulce and Osa Peninsula, to experience the vibrant nature and culture the area offers.

For instance, the logo art for the festival was inspired by famous indigenous Boruca artist Kamel Gonzalez’s painting entitled “Yabakak”, translated from the indigenous Brunca language to “Sun of the Jungle”. The painting of a jaguar face transformed into the jungle represents the harmony between jungle, man, spirit and animal, based on the Boruca beliefs and mythology. The indigenous village of Boruca is located in the southern mountains near the town of Palmar Norte. The Borucas are known in Costa Rica for their colorful, hand-carved wooden masks.

Boruca painting for Costa Rica National Festival of Arts 2016

The festival will kick off on Aug. 5 in Ciudad Neily at 7:00 p.m. with a swing dance presentation and a show about indigenous traditions, national arts and new technologies, followed by an orchestral concert. Then, on Aug. 14, the festival will conclude in Golfito with a big show.

During the 10 days of the festival, there will be performances of theater, dance, music, circus acts, films, artists, storytelling, creative workshops, and puppets and children’s activities. Festival events will be mainly from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. and from 3:30 to 10:00 p.m.

National Festival of Arts Costa Rica

In Golfito, festival events will be held in the central park, the town gymnasium, at Hotel Casa Roland, Hotel Samoa, and the Carlos Manuel Vicente Castro Professional Technical High School gym and concert stage. In Ciudad Neily, festival activities will take place in the central park amphitheater and esplanade, the Catholic Church and parish hall, and at the Ciudad Neily High School gym.

The 2016 Ruta de las Artes, or Arts Route, is a traveling road show of artistic presentations that will visit eight communities in the southern region of Costa Rica, each for a day between Aug. 6 and 13: San Vito, Agua Buena, La Cuesta, Comte, Río Claro, Palmar Norte, Ciudad Cortés and Rey Curré.

Check here for the full calendar of events.

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge in southern Costa Rica
An excellent place to stay in southern Costa Rica to experience the best of the area’s beauty is at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge. Located on the gulf of Golfo Dulce, a 25-minute boat ride from Golfito, this beautiful eco-lodge near the Osa Peninsula presents all-inclusive vacations in comfortable rustic luxury, and amazing rainforest and ocean adventures on a private rainforest reserve.

Nicuesa Lodge will provide tours and transportation for its guests to attend festival events in Golfito. And now through Sept. 30, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge has a special offer of one free night when you stay a minimum of three or more nights.

Article by Shannon Farley

Atenas Costa Rica in rainy season transforms into a lush green paradise with plenty of fun things to do: waterfalls, natural swimming pools, coffee tours and more. 
Las Minas Waterfalls by Atenas Costa Rica

When rainy season, also called “green season”, comes to Costa Rica, regular afternoon and evening rains transform the dry, brown landscape after the long, hot dry season into green lushness. From the end of May to November, Costa Rica once again looks like the tourist posters with emerald green rainforest and flowing rivers and waterfalls. In Atenas, Costa Rica, butterflies and birds are everywhere enjoying the bountiful blossoms, fruits and seeds that the rain brings. It is a time to enjoy the outdoors in the mornings, and a cup of rich Costa Rican coffee and indoor activities in the afternoons if cooling rains come. Whether you live in Atenas, or are visiting on vacation, or are looking at Atenas real estate to move to Costa Rica, there are plenty of fun things to do this time of year. Here are a few ideas. Fun things to do in Atenas, Costa Rica in rainy season   Las Minas Waterfalls in Desmonte

 Las Minas waterfalls and pools Called “Las Minas del Desmonte” – or “The Mines of Desmonte” – on the Union River (Rio la Union), these beautiful waterfalls and natural swimming pools are a quick 20-minute drive from Atenas by the tiny village of Desmonte. There is actually an old gold mine in an upper area of the river. Once active between 1821 and 1843, the mine is now closed and the entrance gated. To get to these fabulous pools and waterfalls, take Highway 3, otherwise known as the “old road to the beach” or “Aguacate”, to Desmonte. Turn north at the restaurant Chicharronera El Minero; stay left at two other divergences and follow the river to the large bridge where there is parking. Walk up the branch of the river on the right to get to the big pools and waterfalls. I would not go here if it is raining, due to flash flood danger. And, as always in Costa Rica, don’t leave anything valuable in your vehicle. El Toledo Coffee Tour One of the best coffee tours in Costa Rica, right in Atenas on this family owned and operated organic coffee farm. Tours cost $20 per person; children under 9 go for free. Be sure to arrange to have lunch with the family after your tour!


El Toledo coffee tour Atenas Costa Rica[/caption] Finca Huetares This little hotel and recreation area in Atenas is a great place for family time. You can go for the day and enjoy their tennis courts, miniature golf course, hiking trails, horseback riding, and the enormous swimming pool with a fun water slide. Day rates vary based on activities



Finca Huetares in Atenas Costa Rica Prados Cross-fit training camp Get fit and healthy with the latest craze of cross-fit training at Prados, right in the center of Atenas. Group classes and personal training sessions available. Farmer’s Market The Atenas Farmers’ Market is so famous, it has been written about in most travel guides to Costa Rica. Called a “feria” in Spanish, the farmer’s market is held every Friday from 5:30 a.m. through the late afternoon. Here you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants, herbs, baked goods, dairy products and meats, organic El Toledo coffee, and Costa Rican souvenirs. You can even get a freshly cooked gallo pinto breakfast or a casado for lunch


Atenas farmer's market[/caption] Community libraries Atenas is lucky enough to have two community libraries, besides the city library, with big selections of used books for adults and children in English, Spanish, German and French. The libraries lend books on an honor basis, and welcome book donations. Additionally, since both are located at local restaurants, you can enjoy a bite to eat while you peruse the reading selections!

• Kay’s Gringo Postres and Café
• La Carreta Restaurant

Friendship Library at La Carreta Restaurant in Atenas Costa Rica[/caption] Zoo Ave The Zoo Ave wild animal park is also the nation’s principal rescue, rehabilitation and release center for wildlife. Although it is not located in Atenas, Zoo Ave is onl y 20 minutes away in La Garita and is a very fun and educational day trip. There is a canopy zip line tour. And your admission fee goes to further their care for Costa Rica’s animals. Zoo Ave in Costa Rica

 Article by Shannon Farley