Hiking in nature improves your physical and mental health

Writer and poet Henry David Thoreau said it best, “I think that I cannot preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend four hours a day at least … sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields, absolutely free from all worldly engagements.”

I agree wholeheartedly. I always feel renewed, refreshed, and more at ease with the world after walking in nature. The wilder, the better. Even if I return drenched in sweat, covered in mud, tired, even hungry and sore … afterward, the feeling of freedom of exploration felt out in fresh air and growing earth lures me back to the trail time and again.

Famous conservationist John Muir expounds: “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity....”


Thoreau, Muir and I are not alone in our appreciation. Walking, hiking, rambling outdoors is reputed to help clear and ease your mind, ease stress and build a healthier body.
“Exercise is a very good stress reliever in any form, including hiking, and can lead to better mental health. Hiking outdoors will help you feel closer to nature and natural rhythms, which can increase feelings of happiness and help you feel more fulfilled,” according to a hiking fitness article on Fitday.com. “A difficult hike, for example, up a hill or mountain, can also help you feel like you've achieved something more tangible than completing a fitness circuit at the gym.”

The nice thing about hiking is that it is inexpensive, simple to start and easy to adjust to any level of fitness. You can get going right away no matter how fit you currently are. Start on a level, well maintained path and work your way up to a pathless mountain. The best part about hiking is exploring; your workout can be different each time depending on the trail you take. Even on the same trail, the landscape can change daily based on the weather, season, time of day or the wildlife seen. You don’t get that variety inside a gym.


The health benefits of hiking are abundant. Fitday.com tells: “Losing weight is another benefit of hiking. This is particularly true of hiking uphill, as this can burn similar amounts of calories to jogging. As hiking puts pressure on your bones, it encourages healthy bone structure and reduces the chances of osteoporosis. Being exposed to sunshine will also increase your levels of vitamin D. Hiking is a cardiovascular activity, depending on how hard you push yourself during a hike, and thus has benefits for your cardiovascular system, such as reducing the chances of heart disease, and increasing your overall fitness. Hiking is excellent for muscle tone, particularly cross country hiking, as your body and legs have to compensate for the rough terrain by working harder.” More health benefits can be found here at Goodhiker.com.
Hiking in Costa Rica


The mountainous terrain of Costa Rica makes for some exceptional hiking. The scenery and wild nature brimming with life are outstanding. Hiking in Costa Rica is an excellent reason why many travelers visit the Central American country. There are easy hikes along flat and well-maintained trails, as well as more challenging treks up mountains like Chirripó, Costa Rica’s highest peak (12,530 feet).

Some essential objects to take on a hike in Costa Rica include plenty of water, good hiking boots, a hat, insect repellent and sunscreen. In Costa Rica, a hiker must consider the rain factor and take extra socks, a rain jacket or waterproof poncho, and a waterproof bag for your camera.


A fantastic area for hiking in Costa Rica is in the foothills of the Talamanca Mountain Range bordering the vast La Amistad (“Friendship”) International Park on the Caribbean side of the country. It is an area of breathtaking tropical rainforest. Here, the sounds of civilization fade away, replaced by a concert of insects, frogs, bird calls, monkeys and other animals in the forest. The thick, earthy smell of dank earth mixes with spicy scents of ripe fruits and flowers.

Veragua Rainforest Research & Adventure is a 1,300 hectare (3,212 acre) biology research and adventure center located in the middle of this forest, about an hour inland from Costa Rica’s historic Caribbean port town of Limón. Veragua’s property contains walking trails through the rainforest, a river and waterfall, an aerial tramway, a canopy zip line tour, biology research station and wildlife habitats, along with a restaurant, café and souvenir shop.


You can choose from a few walking trails at Veragua to explore the rainforest. There is the “Trail of the Giants,” a leisurely stroll on raised wooden walkways through the centuries-old gigantic primary forest trees along the Victoria River. Or you can hike to the 20-meter-high (65 foot) Puma Waterfall that cascades in two tiers to a large pool; you get a good workout going up and down about 150 steps to get to the falls viewing point. The last trail, aptly named the “Trail of the Brave,” takes you on a 1km (0.62 mile) hike up the side of a canyon to the Park’s main area. It’s steep, basically going up about 700 feet in less than a mile, and is recommended for persons in good physical condition – the views are worth it!



Veragua Rainforest Research & Adventure is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Admission is $66 for adults and $55 for children/students; children under age 4 receive free admission. Veragua is located 40 minutes from Limon and 2 ½ hours from San José, in Brisas de Veragua, 12 km south from the Liverpool entrance on the highway to Limón.

By Shannon Farley

Boutique Hotels Feature in Costa Rica Vacation Package

Looking for ideas on where to go and what to do on vacation in Costa Rica?
Here’s an interesting and fabulously varied trip to 6 of Costa Rica’s top tourist destinations, and all while staying in charming and luxurious boutique hotels.

The unique architecture, personalized service and enchanting intimacy that you find at boutique hotels make this Costa Rica tour package especially attractive.
Put together by Costa Rica vacation experts, Team CRT, the “Costa Rica Boutique Hotels” package lasts 11 days and 10 nights. Traveling with Team CRT also ensures personalized service, professional guides, reliable transportation, and quality tours and accommodations.


Start your Costa Rica vacation off right at San Jose’s Grano de Oro Hotel. Converted from a lovely tropical Victorian mansion, the elegant Hotel Grano de Oro is an oasis in the city located on a shady street just off San Jose’s main boulevard, Paseo Colon. The hotel takes its name from the colloquial term for coffee – “grain of gold”. One of the city’s finest restaurants can be found here.


Day 2 of your Costa Rica vacation package takes you to the country’s tallest volcano, Irazú. The summit is near tree line, and the wind and volcanic activity conspire to give it a moonscape effect. Afterward, you’ll continue through rolling fields of sugarcane and other crops to the provincial town of Turrialba at the base of the active Turrialba Volcano. Accommodations are at the boutique Hotel Casa Turire. Reminiscent of a beautiful colonial farmhouse, Casa Turire is bordered by verdant fields and La Angostura Lake.


Day 3 begins with a tour of the fascinating Guayabo National Monument, an active archaeological site of a Pre-Columbian village with stone-paved roads and aqueducts where water still flows. From there, you’ll drive through picturesque countryside of banana, pineapple and papaya plantations and ornamental plant farms, to the Caribbean coastal town of Puerto Viejo. Your home for 2 nights is the Caribbean resort, Cariblue, featuring luxurious bungalows and suites in exotic gardens just steps away from the white sand of Playa Cocles.



Day 4 is all about exploring and relaxation, starting with a snorkeling tour at Cahuita National Park. The sea here is warm, crystal-clear, tropical water full of countless colorful tropical fish and other sea life swimming among vivid coral reefs. In the afternoon, relax on the beach, by the pool at your hotel, or explore the quaint cosmopolitan town.


On Day 5 of your vacation tour, you’ll drive a little to the north to Sarapiqui, one of the world’s most important research areas for tropical rainforest. Surrounded by lush rainforest, Sarapiquí is a major producing area for bananas, pineapple, cacao, and dwarf fan palm (for hearts of palm). Sarapiquí also is the place to see many of Costa Rica’s many bird species, such as hummingbirds, Quetzals, toucans, Aracaris, and Great Green Macaws. Team CRT’s featured hotel here is the Sarapiquí Rainforest Lodge at the Sarapiquí Neotropical Center. The eco-lodge is designed to resemble a 15th century indigenous village and houses on the grounds a museum of indigenous Pre-Columbian culture, an archaeological site, and botanical gardens.


Day 6 – Today, you’ll get an insider’s look into two of Costa Rica’s most popular food exports – pineapple and chocolate. The Chocolate Tour at the Tirimbina Rainforest Center instructs visitors in the process by which cacao fruit is transformed into chocolate. Afterward, visit the world's largest organic and fair-trade pineapple plantation at Corsicana Farm. After lunch, you’ll drive to Volcano Arenal to stay at the Arenal Kioro Hotel. This fabulous boutique hotel has front-row views of Volcano Arenal and features its own private thermal springs.


Day 7 takes in the highlights of the Volcano Arenal area, famous for being Costa Rica’s most active volcano. First up is a thrilling canopy zipline tour, then a peaceful aerial tram ride over the treetops, followed by a soak in natural hot springs pools – Arenal’s most popular activities.


Day 8 takes you to the beach. Your destination is the renowned Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific Coast. Choice accommodations at the beach are at the well-known Si Como No Resort, Spa & Wildlife Refuge overlooking the azure Pacific. Luxury rooms have sweeping views of the surrounding lush jungle and the beaches of Manuel Antonio.



Day 9 – Visit one of Costa Rica’s most famous national parks, Manuel Antonio National Park. It has beautiful white sand beaches, protected coves perfect for snorkeling and swimming, and meandering trails great for spotting wildlife like white-faced monkeys, iguanas, sloths, lizards and birds.


Day 10 – Enjoy the morning at the beach, by the pool, or on an optional tour. Afternoon transport back to San Jose to the gorgeous Hotel Grano de Oro for your last night.

Day 11 is the end of your Costa Rica vacation package with Team CRT; transport from the hotel to the airport if you have a departing flight.

For all of your Costa Rica travel plans and Costa Rica vacation packages, Team CRT is your Costa Rica vacation expert. With more than 20 years of experience on the ground in Costa Rica travel, Team CRT gives you expert guidance and personalized service while they help craft your tailor-made Costa Rica vacation; they also offer vacation packages to neighboring Panama and Nicaragua.

By Shannon Farley

Finding Nemo and other Fish Tales on Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour

I met Nemo the other day. Well, actually it was his cousin. Instead of a cute bright orange and white striped Clownfish, this little guy was a vibrant yellow and turquoise with dark stripes. It swam right up to my snorkel mask, in my mind to say, “Hi!” Really, what it was probably thinking was “bug off,” given that it was a Sergeant Major Fish and highly protective of its territory.



I was living the good life on a Planet Dolphin catamaran sailing and snorkeling tour off of Quepos and Manuel Antonio, on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast. What better way to enjoy the tropics than lazing about a luxurious huge catamaran, being served unending frosty tropical juice drinks by gracious and friendly staff, and cruising leisurely down the coast looking for wildlife and gorgeous scenery.



The afternoon sun soared overhead, but under expansive shade cover, the light sea breezes were delightfully cooling. The sea glittered with a zillion sunbeams. Manuel Antonio’s magnificent steep coastline poured green vegetation down to the jade-green sea, punctuated by million-dollar resorts and vacation homes peeking out exotically here and there.

Sergeant Major Fish notwithstanding (and they really are entertaining little fish), snorkeling in the Manuel Antonio Marine Preserve just off Biesanz Bay is lovely. Warm water, clear visibility and multitudes of vivid tropical fish make for a fun experience. Planet Dolphin handily provides all the gear – masks and snorkel, swim fins, lifejackets. If you want to ramp it up a notch, a near-vertical water slide aptly named “Tsunami” will rocket you off the boat’s stern. Or you can try a more than 10-foot plunge from the top deck into the water.


After our brief snorkel and swim, we cruised offshore in search of dolphins and other marine life. Planet Dolphin’s captain and crew were adept at finding a huge school of hundreds of Pacific Spotted Dolphins in a feeding frenzy amid flocks of diving pelicans, Magnificent Frigates, and other sea birds. Then it was time to visit a few sea bird rookeries and tiny volcanic rock islands before anchoring in a calm cove for gourmet sunset-view dining.



Planet Dolphin crew served up  a delicious meal of fresh barbecued fish brochettes, pasta salad and fresh tropical fruit. Calm descended over the 80 or so passengers while reggae music softly played in the background and the sun’s fiery ball melted toward the horizon. We savored another picture-perfect Manuel Antonio sunset before motoring 5 minutes back to the Quepos Pez Vela Marina dock.

Planet Dolphin provides two tours daily – in the morning at 9:00 am and in the afternoon at 2:00 pm – departing from the Pez Vela Marina in Quepos. Both last approximately 3.5 hours and include snorkeling, unlimited drinks and a meal. You can sail aboard the large70-foot, 110-passenger Tom Cat II catamaran; the roomy 60-foot, 45-passenger Tom Cat I; or the 37-foot Spanish Dancer sport catamaran, which is usually reserved for small groups and private tours.


Valle Dorado Tours is proud to offer the Planet Dolphin catamaran trip as one of their featured one-day tours in the Manuel Antonio / Central Pacific Coast area. Contact Valle Dorado Tours to experience the top one-day tours and custom tour packages in Costa Rica.

More than 20 years of local experience in the Costa Rica travel business, and personal inspections by their professional team of all tours, hotels, destinations, transportation, etc., ensures that .  Explore their extensive menu of one-day tours, destination tour packages, thematic tour packages, and custom tour packages all over Costa Rica. Their expert travel staff can help you arrange your Costa Rica vacation from start to finish.

By Shannon Farley

Experimente el calor del Trópico Latino

Costa Rica es un paraíso tropical que se ha convertido en el destino ideal para sus vacaciones. Las playas vírgenes, los bosques exuberantes y el clima perfecto de este país le han ganado este reconocimiento mundial. Además, encontrará una oferta variada: rico patrimonio cultural, arquitectura moderna, cocina multicultural deliciosa y mucho más. Hay suficientes opciones para personas de todas las edades. El turista puede aprovechar de todo lo que la Suiza centroamericana tiene para ofrecerle sin pasarse del presupuesto.

Pese a lo anterior, hay alternativas para todos los gustos y bolsillos. Hay gran variedad de alojamientos disponibles para satisfacer todas las necesidades. Si alguien está buscando una villa de lujo, búngalos o apartamentos a buen precio, los encontrará en internet. En la red mundial encontrará información completa de hoteles de Santa Teresa en Costa Rica. Las instalaciones son infinitas, al igual que los servicios de valor añadido.


Los hoteles frente al mar ofrecen a los huéspedes la oportunidad de disfrutar de las maravillas naturales propias del trópico. Para explorar este ambiente cálido y acogedor, El Hotel Trópico Latino es una posibilidad de primera línea. Aquí el invitado puede vivir personalmente un espacio amplio y lujoso, de forma artística y con todas las comodidades modernas. Todas las habitaciones cuentan con comodidades de lujo, incluyendo conexión inalámbrica a Internet, aire acondicionado, ventiladores de techo, agua caliente, caja de seguridad, minibar, percolador y café de cortesía.

Según sus preferencias podrá optar por búngalos tropicales o suites. En ambos casos encontrará espacios diseñados exquisitamente con maderas exóticas. Asimismo, estará rodeado de  jardines tropicales exuberantes. Pregunte por nuestras nuevas suites, con piscina privada propia y jacuzzi. Relájese junto a la piscina o descanse en una hamaca de playa bajo un bosquecillo de cocoteros y almendros mientras observa la puesta de sol. ¡Se sentirá encantado!


El hotel también dispone de un spa de servicio completo y un estudio de yoga. El spa ofrece masajes, envolturas, exfoliaciones, tratamientos faciales y otros servicios, como la acupuntura, manicura y pedicura. El centro de yoga ofrece clases diarias Vinyasa Flow y retiros. Se ha acondicionado una zona donde se pueden recibir lecciones mientras se escucha el ritmo de las olas en la orilla de la costa.  Su estancia no sería completa sin una cena deliciosa. El restaurante al aire libre  frente a la playa combina un ambiente relajado y elegante. Tiene reconocimiento nacional e internacional por el sabor de su cocina orgánica fusión. Va a encontrar opciones saludables en el menú, cuyos platillos utilizan frutas y vegetales, pescados frescos, mariscos y carnes.

En hotel Trópico Latino, el personal profesional y amable le dará un cálido servicio personalizado. De esa manera disfrutará de una experiencia vacacional sin igual. Tenga certeza de que la elección de una estadía en este lugar le garantizará una visita inolvidable.
Por: Andrés Figueroa

Water activities rule at top Costa Rica beach, Manuel Antonio

Dazzling white sandy beaches backed by tropical rainforest, shimmering tropical-warm blue-green water, fresh ocean breezes, and a diverse array of wildlife – Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach destinations. Conveniently located on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, here you can experience nearly all of the country’s enchanting attractions in one place. There is little that the Quepos/Manuel Antonio area does not offer tourists, from top beaches to lush rainforest, abundant wildlife, wild rivers, mangrove estuaries and the famous Manuel Antonio National Park.



The pristine sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean along this stretch of Costa Rica coastline make for an enormous “playground” of nature and adventure activities. So too do the big, wild rivers of the nearby Savegre and Naranjo, and the mysterious tangled mangrove waterways of the Damas Island Estuary.

Water activities in Manuel Antonio lead the way for the top things to do in the Manuel Antonio area. Here’s our top 10 list for water adventures to enjoy during your stay in the Manuel Antonio area.

River and Estuary Adventures
Whitewater Rafting


Costa Rica offers some of the world's best whitewater rafting on beautiful, wild rivers that flow through spectacular tropical wilderness. In the Manuel Antonio area, the Naranjo River and Savegre River both fit this bill perfectly. The Savegre River features class 2-3 rapids surrounded by lush vegetation and is perfect for beginners and families. Outfitter H2O Adventures even offers a river tubing adventure on a class 1-2 section of the Savegre River. The Naranjo River is bigger and bolder, with fun and exciting class 3-4 rapids; the El Chorro section is a solid class 4 run through a tight gorge. H2O Adventures, a franchise of the famous company Rios Tropicales in Costa Rica, is one of the best whitewater rafting companies in Quepos/Manuel Antonio.

Mangrove Estuary Kayaking



The Damas Island Estuary, just 15 minutes from Manuel Antonio, is a completely different world where the ocean’s salt water meets the fresh waters of the Damas River, creating a tidal lagoon and forest of interlacing aerial roots of mangrove trees. In easy sit-on-top ocean kayaks, H2O Adventures will take you paddling through the calm labyrinth waterways of the estuary, and learn the importance of this delicate ecosystem. Here, live a wealth of animal and bird life, such as mangrove wrens, swallows, shore birds, and crocodiles. On the banks of the estuary, you’ll see “Sally light foot” crabs, and possibly boa constrictors tangled in the aerial roots, and silky anteaters and white-faced monkeys in the upper branches.

Ocean Adventures
Catamaran Sailing & Snorkeling



Delight in seeing dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, sea birds, and maybe even a passing migrating humpback whale while you cruise along the Manuel Antonio Marine Preserve on a sleek and comfortable sailing catamaran. Planet Dolphin is the longest-running operator of catamaran tours in Manuel Antonio. They offer two tours daily, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, on three different catamarans ranging in size from 37 feet to 70 feet-long. All boats are equipped with U.S. Coast Guard-approved life preservers, marine radio, stereo system, snorkel equipment, and are led by a bilingual Captain with a naturalist guide. After touring the coastline, you will anchor in a protected cove within the pristine Biesanz Bay for snorkeling. Planet Dolphin provides all you need to enjoy the underwater experience of swimming with large schools of colorful tropical fish. You’ll also be served lunch of fresh fruits, grilled fish brochettes, pasta salad, and drinks.



Jet Ski Tour

Cruise out on the ocean on individual wave runners along the Manuel Antonio National Park coastline. You’ll ride around small islands and spot marine life up close. Jungle Coast Jet Ski Tours uses easy-to-use Yamaha and Honda wave runners on their 2-hour tour. You can jump off and swim at any time and even do a bit of snorkeling.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling



The underwater world off of Manuel Antonio is full of volcanic formations and a multitude of colorful tropical fish – perfect for exploring while scuba diving. Quepos/Manuel Antonio is home to the only 5-star PADI scuba diving center on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast. Oceans Unlimited offers guided dive and snorkeling trips, PADI dive courses, introductory resort courses and Nitrox. Whether you are a certified diver or this is your first time, Oceans Unlimited professional instructors and dive crew are fully certified, and ready to show you the best of Costa Rica's world under the sea.



There are many opportunities for snorkeling in Manuel Antonio. Whether you take a tour, or simply slip on a mask and float right off the National Park’s beaches, you’re bound to see plenty of tropical fish, rock formations, crustaceans, mollusks and the like. Many other tours, like the catamaran sailing, Jet Ski and scuba diving, include snorkeling. Or Oceans Unlimited offers guided snorkeling trips.


Sea Kayaking
Enjoy a scenic paddling tour of the Manuel Antonio coastline. From a vantage point only possible in sea kayaks, you can experience up close Manuel Antonio’s impressive cliffs and rock formations. Outfitter H2O Adventures uses easy sit-on-top ocean kayaks that fit one or two persons. Guides are bilingual and are trained in water and ocean safety.

Sailing


This tour on the beautiful sailboat, “Perla Azul” (Blue Pearl), takes you through the serene, crystal-clear waters of Quepos and Manuel Antonio along the coastline. Hear the snap of the sails and sheets as the wind propels the craft skimming over the ocean’s surface. The nice thing about sailing is no motor noises that may frighten off marine animals you want to observe. Morning tours look for marine life, and the afternoon tours include watching Manuel Antonio’s spectacular sunsets.

Sportfishing



The beauty and excitement of a day out on the open blue Pacific is hard to beat. Quepos/Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s hot spots for world class sportfishing. Catch marlin, sailfish, Mahi Mahi (Dorado), Wahoo, tuna and roosterfish year round. Tropical Waters Sport Fishing offers half-day, three-quarter, and full-day charters, as well as customized multi-day trips, for both offshore and inshore fishing. Offshore fishing is normally done 20 to 40 miles out in blue water. Tropical Waters always uses circle hooks for “Catch and Release” fishing.

Surfing


Manuel Antonio’s waves cater more to beginner and moderate surfers; however, with a good swell, the local breaks can be fun for all levels of surfers. Rent boards and take surf lessons with Manuel Antonio Surf School, a fully insured surf school with bilingual instructors who are trained in water safety, first aid, and the International Surfing Association.
Parasailing


While parasailing is technically an aerial adventure, this popular Manuel Antonio activity takes off from the beach while being towed by a boat and flies you over the ocean. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the stunning Manuel Antonio coastline from 600 feet up in the air above the blue Pacific. On the Aguas Azules tour, you can fly alone or in tandem with one or two other persons. Aguas Azules is fully licensed and insured with an impeccable safety record. Their website says parasailing is so easy, that anyone from age 3 to 80 can do it.

Where to stay in the Manuel Antonio area



Portasol, a sustainable community located near Manuel Antonio along the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, offers impressive properties in the rainforest with ocean views. Portasol is a fantastic vacation home rental option for visitors to the Manuel Antonio area. Three spectacular vacation homes are available for rent, along with bungalows built on high stilts that simulate tree houses with decorative wrap-around verandas. Enjoy private trails through the jungle to rivers and waterfalls with natural pools.

Looking to own your own piece of paradise in Costa Rica? Portasol offers for sale scenic mountain lots, ranging in size from 2 to 10 acres, equipped with electricity, water, gravel roads and at least one building site.

By Shannon Farley

La diversión en costa rica está en el agua

Costa Rica es un país centroamericano entre Nicaragua y Panamá. Está bordeado por el mar Caribe al este, mientras que el océano Pacífico baña los litorales al oeste. Posee una extensión territorial de 51.100 Km²; y una cobertura marítima de 589.682 km². Las playas se extienden por más de 1.100 kilómetros.
En la línea costera costarricense se puede practicar una gran cantidad de pasatiempos. Hay para todos los gustos: buceo, canotaje, natación, vela y esquí acuático. Mención especial merecen el surf (original y de remo) y la pesca (deportiva y de altura).

De los anteriores, quizás el más famoso sea el surf.  Los mejores lugares para su práctica son las playas: Avellana, Dominical, Grande, Hermosa y Naranjo. También pueden incluirse: Negra, Pavones, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Santa Rosa y Santa Teresa.

Por otro lado, la pesca es un deporte acuático muy importante en el territorio nacional. El país cuenta con grandes recursos pesqueros debido a sus fuentes hídricas. Ya sea la práctica en alta mar o en agua dulce, encontrará la diversión que busca. Verá especímenes varios como: atún, cubera, dorado, marlín, pargo, róbalo y vela; entre otros.

El centro principal para este entretenimiento es la zona que se encuentra en el golfo de Papagayo, playa Flamingo y Cabo Blanco. Otro buen punto se halla entre Drake, Quepos y Cabo Blanco. Golfito, por su parte, es una zona con dos puertos deportivos bien desarrollados. Hay otros sitios populares en el área del Pacífico: Carrillo, Coco, Dominical, Manuel Antonio, Ocotal, Punta Leon, Puntarenas, Tamarindo, Tambor y Zancudo. Del lado caribeño se encuentran Parismina, la barra del Colorado y Tortuguero.


En cuanto a otras actividades, se puede disfrutar del buceo y del submarinismo. Los exploradores marinos son poco frecuentes aunque sí proceden de todo el mundo. Los atraen los tiburones martillo o la cantidad innumerable de bancos de peces multicolores. Las aguas están repletas de flora y fauna por la abundancia de plancton.

El buceo es ideal en las aguas tranquilas y transparentes del Caribe; mientras que el submarinismo es más apto en el Pacífico por su oleaje más salvaje y espectacular. Los arrecifes del lado atlántico fueron diezmados hace pocos años por la escorrentía de pesticidas provenientes de las plantaciones bananeras. Sin embargo, la región ha visto regenerar la flora marina que otrora la caracterizara. En el Pacífico destacan la sureña isla del Caño (península de Osa) y la zona norte de Guanacaste.

El canotaje es una de las formas más ecológicas y fascinantes para adentrarse en el mar. Se ofrecen diversas excursiones que aprovechan este medio de transporte. Estas hacen énfasis en la parte educativa y promueven la preservación del medio ambiente para las generaciones futuras.


Asimismo, usted encontrará -tierra adentro- ríos de agua dulce donde se pueden tomar lecciones de balsismo. Los afluentes turbulentos le inyectarán adrenalina a su itinerario y harán que su visita sea inolvidable. Si es su primera vez en un bote, lo llevarán por rápidos suaves y lugares encantadores. Caso contrario, su experiencia será un poco más atrevida pero siempre rodeada de la naturaleza circundante: nutrias, garzas, loros e iguanas.

Los paseos en barco son un recuerdo que guardará para siempre. Hay varios viajes que vale la pena abordar; además que consisten en una forma muy particular de ir de una zona a otra. Por ejemplo, trasladarse así desde el extremo oriental del lago Arenal hacia Monteverde (es caro pero la mejor manera de hacerlo). Además, hay una excursión fascinante de cuatro horas en barco desde Puerto Viejo en el río Sarapiquí de Nicaragua, navegando sobre el río San Juan y finalizando en Tortuguero. El viaje en barco de Caño Blanco a Tortuguero es tan digno de hacer.

La presente es una lista poco exhaustiva de las opciones que usted puede encontrar en Costa Rica. Para conocer la oferta completa de actividades, puede visitar el sitio web de Valle Dorado. Como agencia de viajes experta en este destino, le darán consejos e itinerarios personalizados a sus necesidades. Anímese a visitar nuestros paisajes tropicales y a divertirse como nunca en los deportes acuáticos que encontrará aquí.

Por: Andrés Figueroa

Unique Gifts Keep Costa Rica Travel Memories Alive

One of the joys of traveling is picking up that little something special to bring back home. A unique gift from a unique place that will remind you months and years later of the fun trip you enjoyed.



In the case of world traveler Susan Money, owner of Costa Rica’s Pranamar Oceanfront Villas and Yoga Retreat, all of her treasures from international globetrotting are specifically brought back home to delight other travelers, in the Santa Teresa Beach hotel’s gift shop. The small gift shop in Pranamar Villas’ Reception area features exclusive and uncommon gifts both from Costa Rica and parts further afield.

“One of the great joys of owning a hotel is the fun of shopping for the gift shop,” says Money. “Although our store is very small, it often has some unusual items from my travels around the world. When I’m off traveling, I get to tell my husband that I have to shop … for the gift shop. And what can he say?!”



Whether originally from Indonesia, Guatemala, Nicaragua or right at home in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, Pranamar Villas’ gift shop is a colorful and exotic treasure trove of jewelry, scarves, bags, yoga clothes and mats, and organic beauty and bath products.

Featured Gifts



Wrap bracelets by designer-artist Phyllis Warman are a big hit with Pranamar Villas’ guests. “Inspired by the relaxed lifestyle and shifting colors of Costa Rica's exotic Pacific Coast, the richly majestic landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, and the radiant, sun-drenched beaches of Southern California, Phyllis Warman Jewelry Designs are both casual and sophisticated,” says Warman’s publicity sheet.



The Southern California native divides her time between living in Seattle, Washington and Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Warman makes all of her necklaces, earrings, bracelets and anklets by hand, using natural materials she finds in her environment like mother-of-pearl and abalone shells; freshwater pearls; precious and semi-precious gemstones such as opal, jade, onyx, garnet and turquoise; metals of copper, brass and sterling silver; and 100% pure cotton cord.



Earrings and other elegant jewelry from Faery Dust Workshop are very popular gift purchases from Pranamar Villas’ shop, says hotel administrator Larissa Chevalier. Made by a Costa Rican designer living at Playa Santa Teresa, all jewelry is hand-made.



Local Santa Teresa Beach resident, Rachel of Une a Une designs, brings her native French flair to her fashionable jewelry creations. After making Costa Rica her home for 10 years, you can see the influence of the tropics’ bright colors in Une a Une’s necklaces, earrings, bracelets and anklets. Une a Une’s delicate necklaces are sold in Pranamar Villas’ gift shop.

Pranamar Oceanfront Villas and Yoga Retreat, Santa Teresa
The gift shop at Pranamar Oceanfront Villas and Yoga Retreat is open to guests and the public in the hotel’s Reception area.



Pranamar Oceanfront Villas and Yoga Retreat resort is located right on the Pacific Ocean at Santa Teresa Beach on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. The gorgeous, luxury boutique hotel features two-story poolside villas and elaborate beachfront bungalows, set in extravagant tropical gardens near the most 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

7 Tours Not To Be Missed at Volcano and Lake Arenal

Tall, impressive Volcano Arenal is at the top of everyone’s list of places to visit in Costa Rica. Towering above the rainforest that surround its base and the beautiful Lake Arenal, Volcano Arenal’s perfectly symmetrical conical shape makes it a stunning sight.



Even though Costa Rica’s most active volcano is taking a rest lately from spewing lava, gas and ash nearly every day and night, standing close to an active volcano is still a thrilling experience. The much-loved volcano entered into an indeterminate resting phase in October 2010; however you can still sometimes hear the volcano’s rumblings and see plumes of gas.
The area’s scenery, easy accessibility, and grand abundance of outdoor activities make it a top place to visit in Costa Rica.
Don’t miss these incredible tours during your Costa Rica vacation!
Arenal Hanging Bridges


This is a fantastic rainforest experience, walking on gently rambling trails around gigantic trees and dense forest and then out across gorges and over treetops on hanging and fixed bridges. The Arenal Hanging Bridges tour consists of 8 fixed bridges, ranging in length from 8 to 22 meters (26-72 ft), and 6 hanging bridges between 48-98 meters long (157-321 ft). Built with the latest technology designed for safety, all of the bridges are made of galvanized steel and high-strength aluminum. The beauty of the project is its successful design blending with the natural environment and leaving the forest intact.

Located near Lake Arenal, the lake’s dam and Arenal Volcano, trails cover a distance of 3.1 km (2 miles), and are built with paving blocks to prevent slipping. The trails are designed for all ability levels. The views of the Volcano from the hanging bridges over the forest are an unforgettable experience. Walk quietly and you will be able to see a wealth of wildlife, from tropical and migratory birds to monkeys and small mammals.

Arenal Sky Tram & Sky Trek

Enjoy an exhilarating tour with a bird’s-eye perspective of the rainforest, Arenal Volcano and Lake. Go up the mountain on the Sky Tram aerial tramway and come back down the same way, or return by exciting Sky Trek canopy tour.


Sky Tram carries you in open aerial tramway cars 1 km (3,280 ft.) up to an observation deck at the highest point of the Arenal Reserve for spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding rainforest, the Arenal Volcano and Lake. As the altitude changes, so does the vegetation. Your bilingual guide accompanying you will stop the tram to let you see and photograph animals or a particular scene. At times you will be 40 meters (131 ft.) above the treetops. On the observation deck, there are chairs and you can spend as much time as you like relishing the views before coming down. Sky Tram is a tour for all ages and even accommodates persons in wheelchairs. Ride the aerial tram down, or zigzag down the mountain on the canopy tour.



Sky Trek canopy tour starts from the observation deck with its system of 10 zip lines totaling 2.7 km (1.7 miles), with distances from 30-750 meters (100-2,460 ft.), and a maximum height of 200 meters (660 ft.). You’ll be above the treetops safely flying over the rainforest holding onto a pulley with two handles, and enjoying panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake.

Arenal Hot Springs



Hot Springs at Arenal Volcano are one of the area’s main attractions and are a great way to relax and view the volcano and rainforest. Being one of the country’s most active volcanoes, Arenal produces a profusion of thermal springs, most with scenic views of the majestic volcano. Some springs feature hot and cold pools, some are romantic and tucked into lush jungle gardens, while others have water slides and swim-up bars.
Arenal Volcano Hiking




Walk around and right up on the base of the mighty Arenal Volcano on this moderate 2-hour hike that begins on the active side of the volcano, and takes you through secondary and primary rainforest, over recent lava flows to the destroyed area now in the process of regeneration. You’ll learn all about the history of this marvelous “mountain of fire” from your naturalist guide, who also will point out interesting wildlife and plant life along the way.

La Fortuna Waterfall



One of Arenal’s most popular excursions, La Fortuna Waterfall spills 70 meters (230 ft.) out of lush rainforest to a brilliant turquoise pool below. There is an observation point above, but to get to the waterfall pool and river, you’ll walk down a steep 600-meter (0.38 mile) trail of stairs. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the entrance to the pool at the base of La Fortuna Waterfall. Although swimming is no longer permitted in the pool under the falls, you can swim in the gently flowing river a bit further down.

An option to get to La Fortuna Waterfall is by horseback riding. Enjoy a fun ride through forest and across small rivers, discovering the exuberant flora and fauna of the area, to get to the majestic waterfall.

Canyoning


Imagine being surrounded by lush rainforest at the edge of a deep canyon waiting to rappel down gushing tropical waterfalls! The Arenal Volcano area’s rugged, mountainous terrain is ideal for incredible canyoning and huge, impressive waterfalls. Canyoning is a mixture of rappelling down waterfalls and hiking in a canyon. This tour combines rappelling, down-climbing and river tracing in a deep, tropical canyon. No experience is needed, just a good sense of adventure. Your guides will give you a thorough safety talk to explain important rappelling and down-climbing techniques, and you will use high-quality technical climbing gear such as a harness, helmet and gloves.
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge



Often called the “everglades of Costa Rica”, Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is a day trip from Arenal. Situated on a stretch of wetlands along the Nicaraguan border, the 9,969-hectare (24,620 acres) refuge is one of the best areas to see wildlife in Costa Rica, especially birds. The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge follows the Rio Frio (Cold River) and eventually empties out into a grassy marshland.  The full-day tour leaves the Arenal area early in the morning for a 1-hour drive to the town of Los Chiles, where you will board a motorized covered boat to travel up and down the river. The Rio Frio’s abundance of fish, including snook, silver-gold tarpon and garfish, attract a huge number of birds, such as anhinga, roseate spoonbills, storks, ducks, kingfishers, herons and cormorants. You also can see many other animals along the river banks, including white-faced Capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, two and three toed sloths, iguanas, caimans, turtles and bats.

Take advantage of Costa Rica Special Deals’ exciting vacation deal in Costa Rica to visit Volcano Arenal. Costa Rica Special Deals offers a 6-night Volcano & Beach vacation package to Volcano Arenal and Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific Coast.
Costa Rica Special Deals arranges great vacation deals in Costa Rica. The Costa Rica-based travel service professionally assists you to choose hotels, tours, transportation, local flights, car rentals and other services for your Costa Rica vacation. Costa Rica Special Deals always offers the most competitive Costa Rica hot deals.
By Shannon Farley