Why you should travel to Central America

Once a place largely to be avoided for war and political upheaval, Central America in recent years is the darling of travel in the Americas. Led strongly by Costa Rica and Belize, the seven nations of Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama are becoming immensely popular for family travel, luxury travel, adventure travel, and as new places to retire.

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, the slender land bridge of Central America extends from Mexico to Colombia in South America. While some Central American countries still deal with mild unrest, most countries enjoy peace, stable governments and burgeoning tourism, business, agriculture and import/export industries.

Each country has its own unique characteristics, culture, cuisine and customs: Mayan ruins, volcanoes, rainforest, fabulous tropical coastlines, magnificent beaches, charming colonial towns, indigenous communities and artisan crafts, fascinating wildlife, and major landmarks like the Panama Canal, Lake Nicaragua and Belize’s barrier reef.

The region’s close proximity makes country-hopping on vacation relatively easy. Flights are a few hours or less between all of the countries. In the case of Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama, you could wake up in the quaint colonial town of Granada on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, and then enjoy an adventure of surfing or zip-lining or hiking through the rainforest in Costa Rica; and afterwards finish with a fresh fish dinner by the warm Caribbean Sea in Panama’s Bocas del Toro islands. It’s all possible, especially if you use local flights.

Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations in Central America, noted by the more than 2 million tourists who traveled to Costa Rica in 2013. Costa Rica is known for its beautiful beaches, extraordinary wildlife, friendly people, and stunning landscapes of rainforest, cloud forest, volcanoes, and more.

You can visit Costa Rica and travel to Central America with IC Travel Group, a Costa Rica-based travel agency specializing in family trips, honeymoons, luxury adventures, kosher clients, golfers, and tailor-made packages. Book your vacation package by calling toll free in the USA to 1-877-683 3724, or emailing traveldirector@icglobalgroup.com.

Article by Shannon Farley

South for the winter: Costa Rica bird migration season begins

This time of year, the crisp fall weather of the north sends birds packing south to warm tropical climates. Bird migration season in Costa Rica is here.

According to the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology, approximately 350 bird species from the United States and Canada migrate south to winter in the Neotropics of the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America. These birds include raptors, vultures, waterfowl, shorebirds, and passerine species such as hummingbirds, thrushes, warblers, orioles, and tanagers.

Avid Costa Rica birder and blogger, Pat O’Donnell, reports in his Costa Rica Living and Birding blog that a “river of raptors is flowing through the Caribbean lowlands, thousands of shorebirds are stopping off in the Gulf of Nicoya (and some are staying) … and there’s a lot of migration going on.”

The place to be for bird-watching in Costa Rica starting in October is Maquenque Eco-lodge in the Northern Plains. “We are already seeing the beginning of the migration of the birds,” said hotel manager Julio Cesar Artavia Munguia.

Maquenque is one of the top Costa Rica bird watching hotel. The Costa Rica eco-lodge is located in Boca Tapada on the San Carlos River by the Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge, 15 kilometers from the Nicaraguan border and that country’s vast Indio Maiz Biological Reserve. Lodge information cites more than 410 identified species of birds, out of approximately 870 species of birds recognized in Costa Rica.

Artavia at Maquenque Eco-Lodge said October and November are usually big months to see migrating species. Some birds stay weeks to a month, while others only pass through the area in a day, he said. Notable birds Artavia has seen in years past include: raptors like peregrine falcons, black chested hawks, double-toothed kites and red-tailed kites; black swifts, white-collared swifts, blue and white swallows, barn swallows, bank swallows, mangrove swallows, and different tanagers, wrens, and warblers.

Ducks usually stay in Maquenque’s lagoon for a few weeks before moving on – ducks like the lesser scaup, least grebe, blue winged teal, Muscovy ducks, and big groups of black-bellied whistling ducks.

September and October are also when the endangered Great Green Macaws (Ara ambiguus) return to Maquenque from the Indio Maiz Biological Reservefor the almond fruits that are in season.

In addition to guided bird-watching tours at Maquenque Eco-lodge, you can canoe on the lagoon, hike in the rainforest, ride horses, go float river rafting and boating. Accommodations at the eco-lodge are simple and comfortable in 14 bungalows with balconies overlooking the lagoon. Eight kilometers of trails wind through the lodge’s 68-acre property.

Article by Shannon Farley

Sunshine and summer warm Costa Rica Caribbean Coast in October

It may surprise you, given that the Central Valley, Central Mountain Range and Pacific Coast of Costa Rica are swimming under a rain cloud, that today on the Costa Rica Southern Caribbean Coast it was hot and sunny, with blue skies and calm seas.

Costa Rica Caribbean Summer is in full radiant glory. While most parts of Costa Rica are in peak rainy season in September and October, the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica has a unique microclimate giving the region from Tortuguero to Manzanillo the best weather during these months.

“The weather is so sunny, so hot now. The ocean is flat and there are no waves. It is perfect for kayaking and snorkeling right now in Puerto Viejo and the Cahuita National Park,” commented Sylvia Mendes de Silva, operations manager for Hotel Le Caméléon by Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.

The Costa Rica Caribbean Coast offers some of the best surfing in Costa Rica, but this time of year, when seas are calm, it is the time to go snorkeling. The crystal-clear waters of the Cahuita National Park are the site of the largest and only mature coral reef on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast.

Scuba diving also is excellent this time of year, with good visibility (20-30 meters or 60-90 feet) and no currents. There are more than 25 fixed dive locations in the Southern Caribbean, ranging from shallow coral gardens to deep, fringing reefs and vertical walls over 140 feet.

Now is the season for dolphin tours and great sea kayaking along the coast. October brings the famous annual carnival celebration in Limon, happening this year from Oct. 19-21.

Costa Rica Caribbean Summer is the time for special deals at Costa Rica boutique hotel Le Caméléon, the only upscale hotel on the southern Caribbean Coast. Available from Sept. 1 to Oct. 31, take advantage of 30% discounts on direct bookings at Le Caméléon from Sunday to Thursday, and 20% off on Fridays and Saturdays. If you stay three or more nights, you can receive a $50 credit to use in the restaurant or the Spa. Make last-minute reservations on their website and you can possibly find discounts up to 50% off; restrictions apply.

Le Caméléon Hotel, on the gorgeous beach of Playa Cocles by Puerto Viejo Costa Rica, is an Enchanting Hotel of Costa Rica. Le Caméléon offers chic, modern rooms and suites, and the La Sula Sea Lounge fronting Cocles Beach.

Article by Shannon Farley

Costa Rica sustainable development helps schools, youth, turtles & monkeys

A torrential thunderstorm provided the dramatic background for a small group gathered last Friday night at Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living in Costa Rica for a charity dinner to benefit their local Portalon Elementary School. A 5-star gourmet 4-course dinner, created by visiting award-winning chef Randy Siles of Hotel Tropico Latino in Santa Teresa Beach, Costa Rica, was served with wine by candlelight to invitees who came from as far away as the capital city of San Jose.

The Costa Rica sustainable development of Portasol is dedicated to its social responsibility program. Over the past 10 years, Portasol has worked actively within its community on the Central Pacific Coast, between Manuel Antonio and Dominical, on conservation, community education and projects, and small business help.

“If the community benefits from our projects, we benefit. We want to help create a better life and opportunities and education for our community,” noted Portasol CEO, Guillermo Piedra Gonzalez.

The Sept. 19 charity event raised $1,050 for the local school, which is gathering funds to build a roof over the children’s play area for sun and rain protection. There are 107 students attending the school from the agriculture town of 450 persons. Piedra, who is on the Portalon School board, said that over the past decade, Portasol has lent a hand with the school’s computer lab, conservation education, recycling program, sustainability program – on on-site hydroponic garden provides fresh vegetables for the school kids’ lunches – and holds an annual fundraiser with Portasol property owners to provide textbooks for the school.

In the larger area community, Portasol supports the Matapalo Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Project run by the NGO Association of Volunteers for Service in Protected Areas in Costa Rica (ASVO); and the Titi Conservation Alliance in Manuel Antonio that is restoring biological corridors for the endangered Squirrel Monkeys (“Mono Titi” in Spanish) by planting 85,000 trees to help solve the problem of in-breeding among the monkeys in their development-reduced habitat in the Manuel Antonio National Park.

Additionally, Piedra is the vice president of the Association for Prevention, Security & Peace in Aguirre County (COPAZA), which operates a modern dramatic theatre in the town of Quepos to involve at-risk youth in extracurricular activities. The program also helps drug addicts seek rehabilitation.

To contribute to Portasol’s social responsibility program, or to get involved in any of these programs, contact Portasol at info@portasol.net. Portasol offers Costa Rica vacation rentals and Costa Rica property for sale.

Article by Shannon Farley

It’s a kids’ paradise in Santa Teresa Costa Rica

There is so much to do and see in Costa Rica that families with kids can go nearly anywhere and be happy. What child, teen or adult wouldn’t appreciate rainforest exploring, canopy zip-lines, surfing, snorkeling, nesting sea turtles, endless beaches, and plenty of wild animals and cool bugs, plants and trees?

One of the best kid-friendly towns is Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, on the southern Nicoya Peninsula of the Pacific Coast. Santa Teresa is safe, family-oriented, relaxed, and full of restaurants, shops, hotels and things to do. It also is known for being a top Central American beach and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Hotel Tropico Latino, at beautiful Playa Carmen in Santa Teresa, is a kids’ paradise. The 4-star beachfront hotel in Santa Teresa is comfortable, relaxed and luxurious at the same time. You can surf in front of the hotel in a Costa Rica surf camp; join a Santa Teresa yoga retreat or yoga class, or have the hotel organize a tour.

Wondering what to do with kids in Santa Teresa?

Here are 6 fun kid-friendly activities to try.

Canopy zip-line tour

Fly through the rainforest on a canopy zip-line tour – it’s just as exciting for you as your kids There are two tours to choose from in the Santa Teresa area. Both are safe with trained guides and the proper equipment.

Horseback riding

Ride sturdy Costa Rican horses down the beach, playing in the sand, surf and sun. Sunset rides are the most popular.

Snorkeling

One of the best secrets of the area is the giant tide pool at Playa Hermosa just north of Santa Teresa. Only exposed at low tide, the tide pool becomes a larger-than-Olympic-sized, shallow sea water swimming pool. The sun-warmed clear water is a little over waist deep and is filled with all kinds of interesting fish and sea creatures. Since the water is shallow and it’s right off the beach, this snorkeling site is perfect for families with kids.

Surfing

Surf right out in front of Hotel Tropico Latino on Playa Carmen. Professional, certified surf instructors are dedicated to coaching you in the art and joy of surfing, and in having a good time doing it. Kids of all ages are welcome.

Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve

At the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, the small private Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve is a picturesque place to hike with tropical forest, shell-strewn white-sand beaches, warm aquamarine sea, waterfalls and rivers, and hundreds of animals and sea birds. The Cabo Blanco Reserve is open Wednesday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tortuga Island

The quintessential tropical paradise of Tortuga Island in the Nicoya Gulf has crystal clear turquoise waters teeming with giant schools of tropical fish. No ocean currents make it ideal for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. To get there, you take a scenic 50-minute boat ride; on the way, watch for playful dolphins and jumping manta rays.

Article by Shannon Farley

Getting hitched in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica: top wedding & honeymoon destination

The setting: Romantic tropical beach, palm trees, balmy breezes, beautiful sunsets, candlelit dinners, lush rainforest. What could be a better backdrop for your destination wedding and honeymoon?

Many brides and grooms these days favor a fun, exotic destination wedding with the built-in sunny honeymoon. For destination weddings, Costa Rica is one of the most popular places in the world due to its warm tropical weather, natural scenic beauty, first-class services, affordability and ease of travel. Combining your wedding and honeymoon in one romantic destination also makes good economic sense.

Beach weddings are the most popular in Costa Rica. Named one of the top 25 beaches in the world for 2014, Manuel Antonio is a top destination for Costa Rica weddings and honeymoons. Located on the Central Pacific Coast, Manuel Antonio is only 20 minutes by domestic flight from the capital city of San Jose, or a couple of hours by car. With endless green and blue ocean, beach and jungle views in every direction you look, who needs wedding decorations?

For your wedding party, or on your honeymoon, there are plenty of things to do in Manuel Antonio: canopy zip-lining, snorkeling and scuba diving, sailing, boating to see dolphins and whales, whitewater rafting, waterfall rappelling, mountain biking, horseback riding, surfing, sea kayaking, and hiking in the Manuel Antonio National Park.

The elegant Shana Hotel & Residence in Manuel Antonio sets an ideal stage for a Costa Rica destination wedding. Like many Manuel Antonio Costa Rica hotels, Shana Hotel perches on the rainforest mountainside looking out over the spectacular Pacific Ocean – think: romantic surroundings with sunset views. The boutique hotel features contemporary design, 27 first-class rooms and suites, an ocean-view restaurant with international and local cuisine, spa services, and exceptional hotel amenities. Shana Hotel is a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice® 2014 Winner. A walking trail by the hotel leads you 10 minutes to the protected cove of white-sand Biesanz Beach – one of the prettiest in the area.

There are many settings for weddings at Shana Hotel in Manuel Antonio; contact Shana Hotel to find out more.

Article by Shannon Farley

Bringing the trees back to Playa Guiones, Costa Rica

Like many beaches in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Playa Guiones doesn’t have much shade. The coastline is lined with long grasses, shrubbery, very-low-to-the-ground stubby trees and some tall palm trees here and there.

A nonprofit NGO in Costa Rica is working to change that. The Green Coasts Conservation Association (La Asociación Conservacionista Costas Verdes) is dedicated to conserving and restoring coastal ecosystems in Costa Rica by strategically reforesting beaches with native species of trees. Since its founding in 2008, the organization so far has projects on Hermosa Beach by Jacó on the Central Pacific Coast, the restoration project at Playa Guiones by Nosara in Guanacaste, and a large nursery for native species starter trees.

Reforesting the beaches not only brings much-needed shade from the blazing tropical sun, it also helps control erosion and re-introduces food sources for local wildlife.

Playa Guiones at Nosara is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Guanacaste Pacific Coast. Renowned for some of the best surfing in Costa Rica and a competition location for the national surfing circuit, the uncrowded white sand beach was recommended as one of the best places to go in 2014 by CNN and National Geographic.

The coastal reforestation project at Playa Guiones – called BarriGuiones – began in 2011. Many native trees have already been planted with the goal to reforest approximately seven kilometers along the beachfront. The region had been deforested for cattle and other livestock in the 1960s, along with much of the rest of the Guanacaste Coast.

The small staff of Green Coasts Conservation Association attains its success by actively involving the local communities, schools and businesses for economic support, education and volunteers. Nosara hotel L’acqua Viva Resort & Spa at Playa Guiones is a Gold sponsor of the organization. In addition to the extensive sustainability practices at the Costa Rica luxury hotel, they inform hotel guests about the activities of the association and promote involvement.

A symbol of L’acqua Viva Resort’s partnership with Green Coasts Conservation Association is a fledgling Kapok tree (Ceibo Barrigón) planted close to the parking area of the hotel. The Kapok joins an extensive list of trees that are already planted in the hotel’s large gardens, and which were preserved during the hotel’s construction as part of the company’s commitment to conservation.

Article by Shannon Farley

Nature-themed hotel brings green oasis to urban José Costa Rica

Each neighborhood in San Jose, Costa Rica has its own personality and character. The culturally-rich neighborhood of Barrio Amon in the capital city’s downtown center is urban, eclectic and funky. There are lots of art galleries, restaurants, cafés, bars, museums and cultural attractions.

The Caribbean bus station is close. So is the Costa Rica Center of Science and Culture with the Costa Rica Children’s Museum and National Gallery.

In this busy, urban setting, there is a San Jose hotel that chose to be an oasis of green amid the concrete. Inspired by butterfly gardens and the rainforest, Cocoon Hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica fits right in with the eclectic feel of Barrio Amon.

Cocoon Hotel is celebrating its second anniversary during this month of September, with 35% discounts on all room rates. Low season discounts also are being offered now through December 2014.

You can celebrate with Cocoon Hotel at an anniversary dinner on Friday, Sept. 26, in the fourth floor restaurant of the hotel. Dinner of typical Costa Rican dishes will be accompanied by special drinks prepared by the Cocoon Hotel chef. The intimate event also will feature popular music. The dinner begins at 6:00 p.m. and is open to the public.

As a three-star San Jose, Costa Rica hotel, Cocoon provides good value for comfortable lodging in a well-located spot. The hotel’s 43 single, double and triple occupancy rooms offer flat-screen TV with cable channels, daily room service, safety deposit box, free Wi-Fi and local calls, soundproof windows, and a private bathroom with free toiletries. Rooms may have a fan or air-conditioning; be sure to ask for your preference when making reservations.

They have secure guarded parking and offer other amenities such as a business center, tour desk, currency exchange, hotel bar, and a deli restaurant serving lunch and snacks. Buffet breakfast is included in all room stays. An airport shuttle service is available for an extra fee.

There are always things to do in San José Costa Rica. Don’t miss the XX International Guitar Festival happens in San Jose from Sept. 24 to 28, with performances by fabulous national and international artists at the National Theatre and other downtown San Jose theatres.

Article by Shannon Farley

Going deep into the Lost Canyon on a Costa Rica canyoneering adventure

Part mountaineering and part rock climbing, but in reverse, with the added challenge of pounding water, the waterfall rappelling extreme sport of canyoneering is the latest top popular adventure tour in Costa Rica.

One of the best places for canyoneering, also called canyoning, is by the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. The rugged, mountainous rainforest around the popular volcano is ideal for canyoning in Costa Rica.

Operated by Desafio Adventure Company, the Lost Canyon Canyoning Tour at Arenal is a must for adventure junkies and thrill-seekers. Deep in the Costa Rican rainforest, the Lost Canyon got its name when Desafio owners Suresh and Christine Krishnan were exploring the beautiful canyon on the outskirts of the Children's Eternal Rainforest at Arenal that was so “lost” it wasn't even on the topographical maps at the time.

You don’t need experience for this canyoning tour; just a good sense of adventure and good physical condition. What’s involved? You will hike through the rainforest, get drenched rappelling down huge tropical waterfalls – the largest is almost 200-feet-high, navigate the natural obstacle course of a river canyon, jump into refreshing pools, slip down natural water slides and splash in pure rainforest water. When you’re done, the tour serves you a great typical Costa Rican lunch at their café.

Professional guides thoroughly explain important rappelling and down-climbing techniques, along with safety procedures before you start. You will use high-quality technical climbing gear, like Edelrid helmets and Sit Work harnesses. All rappels are controlled by guides.

There are four rappels on the tour, including the first confidence-building 10-foot drop aptly named “Baby”, the 150-foot waterfall known as “Big Boy”, and a guided rappel and guided free-fall drop down a 200-foot majestic cascade. Feel the adrenaline surge! A photographer accompanies all trips, and during lunch after the tour, you can review the photos for purchase.

Desafio also combines Lost Canyon Canyoneering with horseback riding to the La Fortuna Waterfall or whitewater rafting; or you can do a private canyoneering tour. Extreme adventure enthusiasts will want to also try the new Gravity Falls Jumping Canyon Rainforest Adventure Course – an intense canyoning tour that involves rappelling and some waterfall jumps.

Desafio Adventure Company is an owner-operated, family business that operates Costa Rica adventure tours in Arenal of whitewater rafting, canyoneering, kayaking, mountain biking and hiking, as well as activities in other popular Costa Rica destinations.

Article by Shannon Farley

The famous Friday Farmers’ Market in Atenas Costa Rica

It is a Friday morning in my little mountain coffee town of Atenas, Costa Rica. The traditional Friday Farmers’ Market, called a “feria” in Spanish, is abuzz with shoppers and vendors.

Mounds of mangoes, melons, watermelon, pineapples and a myriad of other fruits juicily beckon buyers. Crisp lettuces, spinach, cilantro and other greens glisten with water droplets. Fat potatoes, onions, sweet potatoes, yucca and carrots stack in pyramids.

The flower man is doing brisk business cutting stems and wrapping up bright yellow sunflowers, lilies, Gerbera daisies, and a rainbow of other flowers. The herb man sits in his aromatic stall surrounded by cooking and medicinal herbs in packets, bunches and plants. 

The back corner of the market resembles a mini-nursery with the amount of potted flowers and starter trees on sale. Just beyond, gleaming glass cases proudly display fresh meats, cheeses and fish. And who can pass up the sweet frosted cinnamon buns, fresh breads, and tempting pies and cookies of “Buen Pan, Tomas!” bakery run by Atenas residents Tom and Jan Yatsko, from Pennsylvania.

A hallmark of Atenas culture and tradition, reflecting small town country life, the famous Atenas Friday Farmers’ Market is one of the things I love best about living in Atenas, Costa Rica. The market is so well-known, it has been written about in most travel guides to Costa Rica and blogged about regularly by new transplant residents.

The Farmers’ Market recently changed location and got an upgrade at the end of August. Once spread around the edge of a small park by the Central Elementary School in the center of town, the new Farmers’ Market has relocated to the radial road connecting Atenas to Highway 27 (the main highway from San Jose to the Central Pacific Coast). The new locale is quite capacious with open sides and a cavernous permanent roof – in the past vendors suffered under tents and tarps in the rain or blistering summer sun. The floor is smooth, clean concrete, and there are two little lunch counters and modern public restrooms. A free bus shuttles shoppers back and forth to the center of town (5 minutes) every hour.

Whether you are visiting Atenas in one of the many vacation homes, or have already moved to Costa Rica, the Atenas Friday Farmers’ Market is a fun way to spend an hour or two and soak up the local culture. The market is open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Fridays.

Live in Atenas, Costa Rica

The small country town of Atenas has been named a top place to retire and is renowned for its great climate. Looking to buy real estate in Costa Rica? Reliable realtors Dennis Easters and Gerardo Gonzalez-Porras of Pure Life Development of Atenas specialize in Atenas homes for sale, home rentals, and Atenas real estate.

Article by Shannon Farley

6 Reasons Why Beach Yoga in Costa Rica is Best

Practicing yoga outdoors has many benefits, especially at the beach. In addition to beautiful scenery and fresh air, it takes balance, concentration and strength to hold yoga poses in the sand, so you get more of a workout.

Here are six reasons why yoga is fun on the beach, from Nancy Goodfellow, resident yoga instructor and co-owner of Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.

1. You tune into nature. Sunshine, sand, salt air and fresh breezes are invigorating.

2. It’s relaxing at the beach. The sound of waves and seabirds, soft wind, and warm sand all have a calming effect. Doing yoga at sunrise or sunset on the beach adds an extra gentleness.

3. Rhythm of waves and breath. One of the most important elements of yoga is breathing – stimulating calmness and giving your muscles oxygen. The sound of ocean waves mirrors the sound of deep breathing. Fresh ocean air cleans out your lungs and gives you an energy boost, along with the positive vibes from negative ions.

4. Challenge your balance. Practice doing yoga poses on unsteady sand, and you’ll soon find a whole new level of balance and stability you didn’t know you had.

5. No mats needed! Sand is much softer and more shock-absorbent than a wooden or ceramic floor. It is gentler on your joints and a good cushion for practicing challenging postures like handstands or crow.

6. You can go for a swim afterward!

Costa Rica beach resorts for yoga

At the beachfront Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, hotel Pranamar Villas, you have the best of both worlds for practicing yoga. Yoga in Costa Rica and yoga retreats at Pranamar Villas are held in their stunning open-air Yoga Shala, looking out to the blue Pacific Ocean, palm trees and white sand. Step outside and you are right on the beach.

Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat holds daily yoga classes open to hotel guests and the public. International yoga retreats are open to anyone to join. Private and semi-private classes may be scheduled at any time.

Article by Shannon Farley

Celebrate Costa Rica Independence Day 2014 in Guanacaste

Parades, lantern ceremonies, traditional music and dancing will take place all over Costa Rica this weekend to mark the day that Costa Rica and four other Central American nations gained their independence from Spain.

Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras are all celebrating 193 years of independence from Spain on Sept. 15. On this day in 1821, a Central American congress signed “The Act of Independence” asserting they were free of the Spanish Empire.

Unlike other independence declarations in the Americas, the Central American states did not have to fight for their liberation. Spain actually supported Central American independence because the region had become a burden for the empire, which was exhausted from other wars.

Although Sept. 15 is the day when independence was declared, news of Costa Rica’s new freedom did not reach the territory until almost a month later on Oct. 13, because a messenger had to travel on horseback from Guatemala. Costa Rica finally became a completely independent state in 1838, when it separated from the Central American republic.

For the Mes de la Patria, or “Month of the Nation,” buildings, businesses and even cars are adorned with blue, white and red Costa Rican flags, streamers and decorations throughout September. Monday, Sept. 15, is a national holiday and businesses, banks and government institutions will be closed.

Liberia, the capital city of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, traditionally celebrates Independence Day with colorful events.

On Sunday, Sept. 14, the patriotic party begins at precisely 6:00 p.m. with the Costa Rica National Anthem broadcast nationally on TV and radio. Then comes the traditional nighttime lantern parade (Desfiles de Faroles) reenacting the “freedom torch” that notified Costa Rica of its freedom. Children carrying colorful homemade paper lanterns in the shape of little houses and other objects will parade with their families in town squares. There are usually also typical dances and fireworks.

Monday morning, Sept. 15, school bands and dancers in traditional costumes march through the town streets. Traditional foods are usually sold by street vendors. The celebrations are well-attended by families and are a lot of fun.

Guanacaste Costa Rica hotels

One of the best places to stay in Guanacaste near Liberia is Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin. In the foothills of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, the adventure eco-tourism hotel is also a working horse and cattle ranch. Now in green season, you can enjoy great Costa Rica travel deals at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin.

Article by Shannon Farley

Does real eco-tourism exist in Costa Rica?

There is a lot of talk in travel about eco-tourism and being sustainable. But what does that really mean? Is that simply turning off a few lights, not wasting water and recycling the trash?

According to the United Nations, sustainability is “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Costa Rica pioneered sustainable tourism over the past decade through its Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program (CST), validated as a global model by the United Nations.

Created by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), the CST program rates and certifies tourism businesses based on their compliance with natural, cultural and social resource management. CST consists of five levels, called “Leaves”; Level five, or Five Leaves, signifies that the company is considered “outstanding in terms of sustainability.” The rating process can take more than a year to complete, with frequent inspections and evaluations, and the highest levels are very difficult to obtain.

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is one of only three dozen hotels in Costa Rica that have received the highest rating for sustainability of Five Leaves. 

The extraordinary Costa Rica eco-lodge was constructed in harmony with the environment from naturally fallen trees and recycled materials. A true Costa Rica rainforest lodge, it is located on a 165-acre private preserve in the dense tropical rainforest bordering the Piedras Blancas National Park and the pristine Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf) by the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica. 

Since the only way to get there is by boat across the pristine waters of the Golfo Dulce from either the towns of Golfito or Puerto Jimenez, you can imagine how difficult it was to build.

“We traveled all over Costa Rica and other parts of Central America to find and create a special place where one can intimately experience the natural world of both the tropical rainforest and the Pacific Ocean,” explained Playa Nicuesa owners, Michael and Donna Butler. “Our plan was to create a place that offers the comfort of a lodge and the activities and diversity of an adventure tour.”

Playa Nicuesa sustainability highlights:

• Lodge buildings are located on less than 2% of property – 98% is a private protected area.
• Used recycled construction materials, such as: roof tiles on the lodge and cabins made from recycled plastics, including banana bags.
• Wood came from naturally fallen trees, permitted by the government to be pulled out of the forest by oxen, or from farmed trees.
• Electricity is provided by solar energy. Panels are located on main lodge structure. Back-up generator runs on recycled vegetable oil.
• Solar drying room used to dry all of the lodge wash.
• Hot water is provided by on-demand propane which means that the propane is used only when the hot water faucet is turned on.
• Received the Ecological Blue Flag Award for clean beaches.

Check out Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge “Green Season Specials” for adventure, nature, yoga, relaxation and comfort at great prices through Sept. 30, 2014.

Article by Shannon Farley