“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead Walk down the Pacific beaches of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica and you’re likely to see long, empty stretches of white sand, beautiful blue rolling waves, multicolored crushed seashells and interesting rocks...Read More
The famous international adventure race, The North Face Endurance Challenge, is once again coming to Rincón de la Vieja Volcano in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The 3rd edition of The North Face Endurance Challenge Costa Rica – four trail-running endurance races – will be held on May 30, 2015 from the headquarters at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin....Read More
Costa Rica welcomes rainy season (also called the “green season”) like a parched traveler reaching an oasis after a long, dry desert-crossing. Dry season dust is gone and Costa Rica’s landscape springs back to life with lush green vegetation, carpets of blooming flowers, and new animal life. Costa Rica in general has two major seasons...Read More
Tucked between the Osa Peninsula and the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica, the “Sweet Gulf” of Golfo Dulce is the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure-seekers. Circling the warm blue waters of Golfo Dulce is a tropical rainforest with secluded beaches and an amazing biodiversity. Here you can encounter all four species of...Read More
For tourism companies interested in Latin America’s hottest destination, the Costa Rica travel trade-mart – Expotur 2015 – is an opportunity to build business relationships with Costa Rica’s hotels, tour companies and travel agencies. Costa Rica’s biggest tourism fair will be held May 7 to 10, 2015 at the Wyndham Herradura Hotel in San José,...Read More
If you are a Pack Light traveler, you probably often find yourself with extra room in your luggage when you go on vacation. Have you ever thought about using that available luggage space to provide supplies to communities you visit? The desire to give back or contribute to the place people visit as tourists is...Read More
The trash problem of the world’s oceans has reached epic proportions. However, in the small Central American nation of Costa Rica, 108 beach communities have taken a stand against litter and pollution and are working to make a difference in the world predicament. The record number of Costa Rica beaches received Ecological Blue Flag Awards...Read More
It’s no wonder that Jacó Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Costa Rica. There is so much to do on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica – beaches, surfing, outdoor adventure sports, the Carara National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, and the Tarcoles River with its famous huge crocodiles. The thing...Read More
In celebration of Earth Day 2015 – celebrating its 45th anniversary on April 22, 2015 – Horizontes Nature Tours in Costa Rica asked one of their long-time naturalist guides what was his favorite element of Costa Rica nature. Costa Rica’s national parks were his answer. From a country that was nearly devastated by deforestation by...Read More
Ever wonder who is Juan Santamaria, for whom the San Jose international airport in Costa Rica is named? This week is a good time to find out. Costa Rica will celebrate its national holiday Juan Santamaria Day on April 11. On this day, Costa Rica celebrates this drummer boy in its national army who heroically...Read More
The way Omar Arce sees it, the Costa Rica tradition of the oxcart driver and his oxen is an important cultural heritage that must be kept alive. Nowadays in his country town of Atenas, Costa Rica most roads are paved and cars zoom everywhere. But when Arce, 73, was a boy, the only way to...Read More
With more than 2 million visitors last year to Costa Rica, more and more airlines are adding flights to the Central American tropical paradise. Delta Airlines, United Airlines and JetBlue Airlines all increased flights to Costa Rica during peak tourist season this year, and Southwest Airlines opened new routes to Costa Rica. Costa Rica is...Read More
The two coastlines of Costa Rica – Caribbean and Pacific – are about as opposite as you can get in landscape and lifestyle – kind of like New York and California. Most tourists to Costa Rica head west to the Pacific Coast beaches. It is the adventurer looking for the unique Costa Rica who chooses...Read More
I’m sitting at my desk, meant to be working. What I’m really doing is daydreaming about snorkeling in Costa Rica. I’m plotting how I can get back to Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge on Golfo Dulce. I’m remembering swimming in that calm sea and the feel of delicious water – not bath-water warm, but not cold...Read More
After a big day of hiking, zip-lining, horseback riding or other adventure tours in Costa Rica, there is nearly nothing better than soaking in steamy thermal springs so hot they make you tingle all over. Your tired muscles are soon relaxed into spaghetti-like existence and the cares of the world melt away. Mineral-rich hot springs...Read More
I’ve been to a lot of beaches in Costa Rica. Most of them I like, some of them I don’t. Then there are others that are so off the charts in fabulousness that I nearly don’t want to tell anyone about them. All right, I’ll tell you. I’ve discovered a hidden gem. A place I...Read More
When world traveler Susan Money chooses where to stay on vacation, she prefers smaller family-run hotels. Not as small as a B&B, but preferably not a corporate establishment. “I feel taken care of at a well-run corporate hotel or resort, but I like the friendships you create at smaller family-run hotels,” said Money. “This is...Read More
Orchids have a mystique. A magic, beguiling beauty. Their complex patterns, colors and forms in a flower so delicate and fragile, simply boggle the senses. They are coveted like an elusive, exotic treasure, and bought, sold and traded around the world. Whole societies and organizations are dedicated to preserving these amazing beauties. This weekend in...Read More
Spring means a return to sunshine; and if the sun is not shining yet in your part of the world, it’s time for a sunny Spring Break getaway. There is a reason Spring Break is called what it is – a break from winter’s chill to tide you over until summer. But if you are...Read More
The southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica is a big melting pot of traditions and cultures. It is the heart and soul of the country’s Afro-Caribbean community, as well as home to indigenous populations of Bribrí, Carib, Miskito and Cabécar. There are descendants of Spanish conquistadors, North Americans who worked for United Fruit Company during...Read More
Famous for its year-round surf, spectacular sunsets and friendly beach town, Santa Teresa Beach in Costa Rica was once again named a top beach in Central America in the newest TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards. The global travel site announced its 2015 Travelers’ Choice Awards on Feb. 18, awarding Costa Rica the honor of having some...Read More
Renting a vacation home in Costa Rica, especially one at the beach, is a great idea. Stay steps from the sand at beautiful Santa Teresa, Costa Rica in the new beachfront vacation home Martha’s House. The two-story octagon-shaped house is just off the beach and surrounded by lush tropical gardens. The house sleeps up to...Read More
Continuing to be a favorite with world travelers, beaches and hotels in Costa Rica were named among the best in the world according to the latest TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards. The popular global travel site announced on Feb. 18 its 2015 Travelers’ Choice Awards for the best beaches and hotels in the world. The annual...Read More
Article by Shannon Farley In the easy-going surf and yoga town of Playa Guiones, Costa Rica, there is a very strange smell in the air this time of year. Besides the fresh scent of the ocean, from January to April, it smells like a giant stack of maple syrup covered pancakes. What is that gingerbread...Read More
