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

Costa Rica family travel is fun at Hacienda Guachipelin

Looking for family summer vacation ideas? Costa Rica is the place to go this year! Not only is it one of the safest places to travel in 2016, it’s also perfect for family vacations. A notable stop on your Costa Rica family vacation for unforgettable adventure tours is Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin.

Adventure tour zip lining at Hacienda Guachipelin in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is always a great place for families to travel with kids. You have incredible wildlife, rainforests and cloud forests, adventure tours, and live volcanoes. The country is known for its friendly people and good service, along with its commitment to the environment and to peace.

Costa Rica also tops the list of safe places to travel in 2016. And who wouldn’t want to visit the happiest country on Earth?

Outdoor-loving families will find the travel experience enriching for all ages. What makes Costa Rica so great for families is that each day can bring a different adventure: sighting monkeys, sloths and iguanas in the jungle, thrilling zip lining, river rafting, swimming by waterfalls, and hiking near a volcano, to name a few.

In the northwestern province of Guanacaste, Hacienda Guachipelin is a beautiful, family-friendly property. Set on a traditional Costa Rican ranch by the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, the award-winning eco-hotel offers fascinating Costa Rica nature tours and fun adventure tours. There are plenty of activities to keep the whole family busy during the day and comfortable accommodations to spend the night. Besides being sustainable and as organic as possible, meals at Hacienda Guachipelin’s restaurant are delicious. A huge breakfast is provided in the room rate.

Family vacations at Hacienda Guachipelin in Costa Rica

With Hacienda Guachipelin’s One Day Nature Pass, you can swim at waterfalls and natural volcanic hot springs, go hiking in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, learn about ancient cultures on an archaeology tour, and see exotic wildlife in the ranch’s Butterfly Garden, Serpentarium & Frog Exhibit. The dry tropical forest covering the western side of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano in Guanacaste creates an interesting ecosystem for many different animals and plants than you would see elsewhere in Costa Rica.

Horse riding tours at Hacienda Guachipelin in Costa Rica

Hacienda Guachipelin’s One Day Adventure Pass gives you the best combination of Costa Rica adventure tours: zip lining, horseback riding, river tubing, and natural volcanic hot springs.

You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy Hacienda Guachipelin’s Adventure Center, open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Many day visitors staying in other Guanacaste locations come to the popular eco-adventure hotel for tours.

Hot springs at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin in Costa Rica

Guanacaste, Costa Rica is easy to get to. Flights from North America and Europe arrive directly to Guanacaste’s Liberia International Airport. Hacienda Guachipelin is less than an hour from the airport.

Article by Shannon Farley

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Costa Rica’s Veragua Rainforest attracts scientific research groups

Abundant scientific research opportunities at Veragua Rainforest in Costa Rica have captured the attention of international university groups, who come to study the country’s wondrous biodiversity. 

 Harvard University group in Costa Rica

 Tramping around a damp rainforest in the dark with big rubber boots and headlamps is not the usual picture of a university spring break vacation. But for a group of first year Ph.D. students studying herpetology at Harvard University, it was perfect. In April 2016, on the students’ spring break, they visited Costa Rica with Harvard University professor Jonathan Losos

– Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, and the Curator in Herpetology at the Museum of Comparative Zoology
– who has led student research trips to Costa Rica since 2013. Excited to see some of Costa Rica’s rich biological diversity, the group spent their first days at Veragua Rainforest in the central

Caribbean mountains, where they went hunting for anoles. Anolis, or anoles, is a genus of lizards in the Americas that live mostly in trees and are distinguished by a throat fan that (in males) is typically brightly colored.


Anolis-pentaprion at Veragua Rainforest, photo by Harvard University

 “The trip started with a day and a half at Veragua Rainforest. We saw tons of frogs and a handful of snakes, but anoles were hard to come by except for a few individuals along shallow, slow-moving streams (A. humilis, A. limifrons, and A. oxylophus). One of our most exciting finds of the trip was along one of these streams

 – an A. pentaprion hugging a narrow stem at eye level. It was shocking to see this lizard so close to the ground as it is often found high in the canopy and has even been observed gliding between perches. While many mainland anoles don’t fall clearly into the classic ecomorph categories, this lizard, with its small legs, long body and head, and slow but sneaky evasive behavior, is very reminiscent of West Indian twig anoles,” wrote student Nick Herrmann in a blog for Anole Annals.

 Veragua Rainforest in Costa Rica

 Veragua Rainforest Park is a relatively new study area in Costa Rica, compared to the research areas used for decades like La Selva Biological Station near Sarapiqui. Yet Veragua is becoming known as a hotspot of biodiversity in Latin America.

 The Veragua Foundation for Rainforest Research engages in ongoing scientific investigations within the 3,212-acre (1,300-hectare) private reserve of the Veragua Rainforest Eco-Adventure Park. Its location in the Talamanca Mountains by the La Amistad International Park

– both UNESCO World Heritage sites – has largely been unexplored. More than 11 new animal species have been discovered there by the Veragua scientific research team, and 15 endangered species have been recorded living in the area.


Talamanca Glass Frog discovered at Veragua Rainforest

Professional scientists, along with university and high school student groups, come to Veragua mainly to study frogs, reptiles, amphibians and plants. They stay at the Veragua research station, working in cooperation with resident biologists from the University of Costa Rica.
 Some notable mentions of university groups who have visited Veragua Rainforest include Harvard University, Colorado State University, Virginia Tech University and Northwest Michigan College from the USA; University of São Paulo in Brazil; University of Guadalajara in Mexico; and from Costa Rica, the University of Georgia Costa Rica program, EARTH University, Peace University and the University of Costa Rica. Article by Shannon Farley          

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Birdwatching in Costa Rica – an Introduction

Emerald Toucanet

Birdwatching has become one of the most important tourist activities worldwide, with approximately nine million people registered as members of international organizations specialized in this niche, and many millions more enjoying this activity on a regular basis.  Costa Rica is a favorite place for birdwatchers due to its biodiversity, protected areas, its tourist infrastructure and the sheer concentration of bird species per square mile. 

Scarlet Macaws

Costa Rica registers more than 900 bird species and has as many birdwatching hotspots as there are birdwatchers! The country is divided into areas called eco-zones or ecoregions, their characteristics and tips on where to stay at each one follows:

La Selva, Braulio Carrillo, Arenal and Tortuguero are some of the areas included in the Caribbean Lowlands. There are many lodging options in the Arenal Volcano area to choose from including Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort as well as The Springs Resort and Spa.  Species you will have a chance of seeing in this area include Woodpeckers, Antbirds and Wrens.  There are a variety of lodging options in the area of Tortuguero for you to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences, including the Evergreen Lodge, Manatus Hotel, Laguna Lodge, Mawamba Lodge and Pachira Lodge.  The list of birds to observe in this area is extensive and includes Herons, Vultures, Sandpipers, Pigeons and Parrots.

Brown Hooded Parrot

The Highlands include the Central Valley, Turrialba and the Cloud Forests of Savegre and Monteverde. The Peace Lodge located in the Poas Volcano area, has a private birdwatching tour as one of its activity options, which takes you through the trails of the Waterfall Gardens with a professional guide who can point out local fauna. Trogon Lodge is located in the Savegre Valley, and their activities feature a Quetzal Quest.

Quetzal in Monteverde Area

The Lowlands of the Northern Pacific Area include the province of Guanacaste and the Gulf of Nicoya. An excellent lodging option is Rancho Humo, a hacienda in a private reserve of 500,000 acres which boasts wetlands, mangroves and tropical rainforests.  The elusive Jabiru can be observed here, as well as Herons, Storks, Spoonbills, Gulls and Cormorants.  Hacienda Guachipelin, bordering the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano protected area, is a lodging option in this area as well and hosts yearly bird counts.  Some of species that may be viewed here include the Spectacled Owl, Laughing Falcon and Emerald Toucanet.  Rio Perdido, close to Bagaces in Guanacaste, offers adventure off the beaten path and eco-friendly lodging in the area.

Jabiru in Flight

The Lowlands of the Southern Pacific Area include most of the province of Puntarenas and the Gulf of Dulce.  Varied lodging options include: La Cusinga Eco Lodge in Uvita, nestled inside a reserve from which you can tour Isla Ballena Bird Sanctuary.  At Casa Corcovado on Drake Bay you’ll have the opportunity to see Scarlet and Summer Tanagers, Eastern Meadowlarks and many more species. Located in the Osa Peninsula, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge offers early morning birding tours into the primary and secondary rainforest, wetlands and coastal lagoon areas.

Owl at Hacienda Guachipelin

The Costa Rican Tourism Board launched the the “National Birding Route” this month, composed of twelve strategic observation spots that boast a large diversity of bird species.  They also coincide in most cases with Centers of Touristic Development that integrate local communities and reserves or national parks. Even though birdwatching organizations in the country in tandem with hoteliers had already identified these and more birdwatching hotspots, the attention of the Tourism Board shows that this is a niche that will be supported and developed in the future.

Article by Katie Widdowson

Pranamar Villas Montezuma visit

Day trip adventure to visit Montezuma waterfalls during your stay at Pranamar Villas

Side view of first waterfall on Montezuma river

Montezuma town, a short drive from Pranamar Villas, offers visitors the opportunity to hike up a river ending in beautiful waterfalls and to bathe in fresh water while enjoying the surrounding forest.  Another option is El Chorro, an impressive jet of water falling directly on the beach. 

Costa Rica is a country blessed with an abundance of fresh water springs and rivers, and as this water meanders towards the ocean, it often falls over cliffs creating  pools to bathe in and scenery to admire.  Such is the case of the Montezuma Falls about a 40 minute drive from Pranamar Villas in Santa Teresa, perfect for a day trip.

Montezuma waterfall view from forest

There are three levels at the waterfalls, all accesible depending on your fitness level and adventurous streak. The 20 minute hike up the Montezuma river takes you to the first pool, and boasts tallest waterfall of almost 80 feet.  This is most popular stop on the trail, where you can swim, sunbathe and picnic the day away.

One of the upper pools at Montezuma waterfall

Want to keep going? Look for a trail on the side of the first waterfall to the upper pools.  A canopy has recently been set up in the area, and you can reach secondary pools by accessing trails and bridges built by tour operator for a $4 charge per person.

Another one of the waterfalls in Montezuma is known at El Chorro and surprises you after a two hour walk at the end of the secluded Cocolito Beach. If walking under the sun for hours isn’t your cup of tea, how about going there on horseback?

El Chorro Waterfall on Cocolito Beach in Montezuma

Consider these adventures and add them to your yoga retreat experience at Pranamar Villas Oceanfront Villas and Yoga Retreats, and remember, when in Costa Rica, DO go chasing waterfalls!

Tips:

• Look for Amor de Mar Hotel, trail to Montezuma waterfall starts close to its entrance.
• Wear rainproof hiking shoes or comfortable strong water sandals during walk for better protection and grip on slippery rocks.
• Do not swim right below waterfalls as currents can drag you under and make it difficult to surface.
• Wade into pools versus jumping in, water may be shallow in some places and rocks not visible.

Article by Katie Widdowson

Nicuesa Lodge welcomes whale watching in Costa Rica

Starting in July, the tranquil blue waters of the Golfo Dulce in southern Costa Rica will receive the astounding phenomenon of the thousands-of-miles-long migration of Pacific humpback whales. See whales in the wild on a whale watching tour from Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge.

Humpback Whale in Golfo Dulce, photo by Lenin Oviedo of CEIC

A spray of water erupted from the placid blue-green water a few hundred yards off the beach. The long, black and barnacled form of a mother humpback whale surfaced gracefully for air. Our little group standing on the concrete pier pointed excitedly at the huge whale. Then we gasped in delight as we suddenly caught sight of the smaller shape of her baby swimming by her side.

The first time I saw a humpback whale in the wild will live in my memory forever. The special moment occurred in southern Costa Rica on the Pacific gulf of Golfo Dulce at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, by the Osa Peninsula. I was finishing 10 months of working at the Costa Rica eco-lodge as operations manager, and this quiet and sunny September afternoon was the final flourish to an extraordinary and life-altering experience of Costa Rica’s raw natural beauty.

My colleagues and I, and the few guests staying with us at the end of tourist season, jumped into one of Nicuesa Lodge’s boats. And at a respectful distance, we cruised along with mother and baby as they slowly swam along the dark green coast thick with rainforest. Pairs of Scarlet Macaws flew overhead as sunset neared, heading to roost in tall shoreline trees for the night. The whales disappeared out of sight, and we motored back to Nicuesa’s protected cove, scarcely able to believe the magical fortune that had befallen us.

Humpback Whale mother and baby by Nicuesa Lodge in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica

Humpback whales in Costa Rica

After spending Southern Hemisphere summer feeding in the krill and plankton-rich icy Antarctic, Pacific humpback whales swim north in June to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia and as far as Costa Rica for its warm tropical waters to mate, give birth and socialize. From July to October, these southern whales hang out in the protected waters of the Golfo Dulce and the Ballena National Marine Park at the north end of the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica.

Both areas offer shallow coastal waters and protection from natural predators like sharks and Orcas, and are important habitats vital to the endangered species’ survival, according to the Center for Cetacean Research of Costa Rica (CEIC). Northern Pacific humpback whales swim from Alaska to the Ballena National Marine Park to do the same things from December to April.

Humpback whale tail in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica, photo by CEIC

Plentiful sightings of these gentle giants of the sea prompted National Geographic to rate Costa Rica the 7th best place in the world for whale watching. Extravagant tail-slapping displays, breathtaking breaches through the water, and their distinctive hump rising above the water’s surface are the unforgettable sights everyone wants to experience on a Costa Rica whale-watching tour.

Humpback Whale breaching in Golfo Dulce, photo by CEIC

You can see whales and dolphins in their natural environment on whale watching tours from Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge starting toward the end of July through the end of September. Keep a look-out also for visiting whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea.

Nicuesa Lodge is giving a special offer of one free night when you stay a minimum of three or more nights; valid through Sept. 30, 2016.

Article by Shannon Farley

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