Jan 25
Elenor Q. ReynoldsCosta Rica adventure Travel, Central America, Costa Rica, ecotours, Monteverde, outdoors, Spanish, tourisim, tours, travel, travel and leisure
After a smooth landing we drew in a huge breath of relief, as after an 18 hour long flight we had finally arrived in Costa Rica, which literally translates as ‘Rich Coast’ and renowned for its beauty and pure, tropical paradise.
Costa Rica is home to an abundance of natural delights. It is a small country but this doesn’t stop the 1.5 million tourists from flocking each year. The difference between beach, jungle and mountain life is so drastic and yet in Costa Rica one is lucky enough to be able to experience all of them.
Our first stop was San Carlos, La Fortuna and arriving at night we were faced by an unbelievably, immense and active volcano otherwise known as ‘Volcan Arenal’ that was spilling lava from one of its three craters. The mixture of intense, burning colors that were flowing down the side of the volcano was jaw dropping.
We stayed the night at the base of the volcano in an observatory lodge. It was like we had the best front row seats at the cinema because in the morning we had the privilege of eating breakfast accompanied by the volcano and all of its activity. It all just felt so surreal!
After our horseback ride we started on our trek down along the winding, forest trail towards ‘La Fortuna’ waterfall and within 30 minutes we were witnessing one the many incredible forces of nature. If I am honest, the waterfall was one of the highest and most powerful waterfalls that I have ever seen before.
That afternoon we were on our way up the mountain side. Next stop, the Monteverde Cloud Forest! The intensity of the views as we snailed up the bumpy, dirt roads grew with each curve that we took. It was truly breathtaking and we both felt completely at peace.
We had arrived! The road changed from one of dirt and stones to one of concrete and we slowly entered the small, mountain top town. We found a place to stay in this cool, hip run hostel and before we knew it, with the help and advice of the superb staff we had everything planned out for our day ahead. Time to relax!
I have never felt more like a monkey until I hit the canopy. We were going from tree to tree in the vast forest and then came the time to do the tarzan swing. This is a definite for those who like an adrenaline rush, as from the time I stepped off the platform to when I finished my body was tingling with pure excitement. As I was swinging through the trees I felt so free from everything!
That evening after a fun packed day in the forest we were blessed with the perfect sunset! We sat on a rock and starred up into the hypnotizing night sky. The fusion of oranges, yellows and pinks was undeniably magical and although we took photos the real memories will remain in our heads. Photographs can never really capture the true beauty that surrounds us! Costa Rica is the perfect paradise!
Costa Rica is a great place to travel to, filled with much beauty and life. The author has lived for many years in Monteverde Costa Rica. If you ever decide to visit Monteverde make sure to check out How to get Transportation to from Monteverde.
Jan 24
Leslie J. RiannenCosta Rica car rental, Central America, Costa Rica, costa rica car rental, outdoors, travel, travel and leisure
Costa Rica is one of the most peaceful countries in Central America. This may come as a surprise to those who do not know that Costa Rica is the only Central American country that has not had an army since 1948. Since that time, peace and tranquility have been a common attitude in this beautiful little country.
While traveling to any foreign country there are just unspoken safety tips you should always follow. Costa Rica is no different. Having a vacation that you enjoy and is free of stress is easy in Costa Rica so make your plans and don’t forget these simple things.
Costa Rica accepts American dollars and their currency, colones. Many establishments frown upon traveler’s checks because they take a long time to collect from the bank. There are stories from many business owners who will tell you that they have been burned with Traveler’s check either by the bank or patrons therefore, they are leery to accept them.
If you choose to bring travelers checks to Costa Rica, it’s best to take them into the bank and exchange them for local currency or American dollars. Write down all the numbers on your traveler’s checks and keep them in a safe place separate from the traveler’s checks. Also, never exchange your money on the streets.
Traveling throughout Costa Rica, it’s ok to keep your passport in the hotel safe and just carry a copy of the face page and current stamp page. Best to put your plane tickets, passports and extra checks in a safe spot at the hotel. If you decide to rent a car, it’s the law that you have your rental documents and driver’s license with you while driving.
When traveling through populated areas like San Jose, we suggest you keep your doors locked and the windows up. Valuables left on the seat in the car can be fair game for petty thieves; so don’t risk loosing your valuables. There are many hitchhikers on the roads and we recommend that you do not pick them up.
My Uncle has visited Costa Rica many times and always says, “Costa Rica is the only place I know where you can pick up a hitchhiker carrying a machete and not feel threatened.” Costa Rican’s use these uncharacteristic tools to cut the grass and overhanging tree branches from the roadways. So don’t freak out when you see them traveling down the road brandishing their gardening tools.
Costa Rica has been home to me for over two years and it’s been a pleasant and peaceful experience. The Tico’s, as they are commonly called, are incredibly special people. They are bighearted and enjoy the visitors who come to experience their amazing country.
The locals are hard working and on average, their monthly income is around $400 to $500. They will give you their last meal with love in their heart. Be respectful of them and their country and remember that as a guest in their country, we must respect their culture.
Coming to Costa Rica? Leslie J. Riannen Asks that you visit in style while staying Eco Friendly by choosing the only Green Costa Rica Car Rental Company. Mapache offers Car Rental in Liberia for its total fleet of low emission cars. Visit their site to reserve safely and securely before your next trip.
categories: costa rica car rental,costa rica,car rental,central america,travel,outdoors,travel and leisure
Jan 24
Elenor Q. ReynoldsCosta Rica adventure Travel, Central America, Costa Rica, ecotours, Monteverde, outdoors, Spanish, tourisim, tours, travel, travel and leisure
Are you trying to learn another language but it is really not creating anything but frustration? Why not come to Costa Rica and take advantage of the opportunity of being completely immersed within a Spanish culture? It is a once in a life time experience, that cannot be missed!
Studying another language should not have to be a tedious, daily battle, it should be an exciting challenge! If you book today that Spanish course, then you will be securing the chance of an adventure in a country, notorious for its nature and wildlife !
There are an abundance of Spanish schools to choose from here in Costa Rica, but from experience I would highly recommend CPI (Centro Panamericano de Idiomas) Spanish Immersion School. It is made up of three spectacular schools and each school is located in a highly, unique place. Why not make the most of being able to divide your studies and time between heaven and well, I suppose heaven and heaven!
The first campus is located in San Joaquin de Flores, Which is a typical Costa Rican town set in the suburbs of Hall and only a 30 minute drive to the capital, San Jose. It is perfect for those who want to be located in a peaceful community and yet be within easy reach of the big, bustling city. The school grounds compromise of a gorgeous garden in which to relax between classes and there is a ping pong table, mini soccer pitch and basketball court for those active ones!
The second campus is perched on a green mountain top between the small, Tico (Costa Rican people) town of Santa Elena and the famous Quaker village of Monteverde, however the area is best known as ‘Monteverde’. The area consists of extensive cloud forests , wondrous wildlife, panoramic views and spectacular sunsets. One of the best viewing points in Monteverde is actually located right in front of the school. Imagine bringing an end to a day of Spanish classes, to work out in the mini gym and a long soak in the jacuzzi, with the picture perfect sunset!
The third school was founded in the Guanacaste area, which lies on the North West coast of Costa Rica. Just a 5 minute walk away from the school is Flamingo Beach. It is the perfect place to relax and take a swim after your Spanish classes. with its white, sands and clear, blue waters. However, if you are simply too tired and just want to relax at school, then you can always take a dip in the swimming pool. The school also offers a place to play basketball and ping pong.
At ICC you can start your Spanish language course at any time of year and you decide if you want to study for a week, a month or even a whole year. Specialized Spanish programs are offered, catering for all individual needs. The three schools are interconnected so if you want to divide your course between them, then moving is hassle free. All you need to do is sit back, relax and take in the views, one after the next …. after the next. Need I say more?
Once CPI has selected the right Spanish Program for you it doesn’t stop there. It can arrange your accommodation. If you don’t want to speak anything but Spanish then a home stay would be ideal. Nevertheless CPI also offers stay in one of its fully equipped and furnished studios, which are located close to the school.
Take advantage of the exotic paradise In which you room. When you have free time be it an hour, a day or a weekend, why not get out there and explore those surreal surroundings, Because I promise you that there is nowhere in the world quite like Costa Rica. It is a country that possesses beautiful beaches, xxx jungles, mysterious mountains and vicious volcanoes.
Costa Rica is a wonderful place to visit, filled with much beauty and life. The author has lived for many years in Monteverde Costa Rica. If you ever decide to visit Monteverde make sure to check out How to get Transportation to from Monteverde.
Jan 20
Rafael ZabalaCosta Rica car rental, Central America, Costa Rica, costa rica car rental, outdoors, travel, travel and leisure
Traveling to a foreign country can always be a little bit nerve racking. The unfamiliarity of your surroundings is something that many people find difficult. However, that’s part of the adventure right?
Costa Rica is no different so I would like to share some traveling tips with you when traveling to this small but amazing country. Driving can be very stressful and at times difficult so take caution when you hit the roads. It’s a good idea to brush up on your street signs if you don’t speak Spanish.
My first experience was my drive from the airport in Alajuela to San Jose. Most of the streets do not have names or numbers, which was strange to me. I was also told at to keep my windows up and be sure that there were no valuables in the seat while I was driving through the San Jose.
There are petty theft criminals who I have seen steal a purse right of the passenger seat of a woman’s car who was stopped at an intersection with her window open. It’s best if you are cautious just like you would if you were in the states because the crooks prey on the unsuspecting. Always be careful of your baggage and personal belongings.
Costa Rica does have laws for the roads but they are broken all the time. The police have to be there to enforce the law but with so much traffic on the road, it’s difficult to be everywhere. Be careful at intersections because drivers are notorious for running the red light and will continue to pass through after you receive your green light.
The good thing about Costa Rica as with most tourist places, taxi’s are in abundance. Their prices are reasonable and they can get you from one location to the next. Better to arrive to enjoy your day then to get lost and stress with the crazy driving.
Another hazard on the roads in Costa Rica are the motorcycles. They basically obey none of the laws. They drive extremely fast and can come literally out of nowhere. Be extremely cautious when you are going to make a turn to be sure that there is not a motorcycle coming because they are notorious for pulling around cars that are slowing for a turn.
There are so many people who come to this amazing little country per year. If you figure that many of those are going to rent a car, then that increases the traffic on the roads. It’s difficult at times to decide who is making the roads unsafe, the tourist who are not familiar with the driving here, or just a combination of both the crazy Costa Rican drivers and tourist.
I highly recommend renting a car but like I said, driving can be an adventure in itself. Having the freedom a car provides will afford you the time to travel at your leisure. Just remember, stay alert, watch out for other drivers and do not ever let your car get below a quarter of a tank of gas because gas stations can be hard to find.
Visiting Costa Rica? Leslie J. Riannen invites you to go in style while being Eco Friendly by picking the only Green Costa Rica Car Rental Company. Mapache offers Car Rental in Liberia for its complete fleet of low emission cars. Visit their website to reserve safely and securely before your next trip.
Jan 16
Leslie J. RiannenCosta Rica car rental, Central America, Costa Rica, costa rica car rental, outdoors, travel, travel and leisure
When you choose to travel to any foreign country, there are several things that it’s best to know. With Costa Rica being one of the fastest growing vacation destinations of today, how about some important facts. Just remember that laws do change so it’s best to recheck before you leave.
When traveling to all countries in Central America, you must present your passport to cross the boarders. When you are out and about doing your daily activities however, it’s only necessary to have a copy of the face page and current stamp page on your person. Leave your passport back at the hotel for safekeeping.
Car rental deposits in Costa Rica are very high but refundable so make sure to inspect your car before leaving the rental lot. Carry your driver’s license with you at all times and the copy of your passport while driving. Also, check your gas regularly because many stations can be hard to find.
Costa Rica has some driving laws that we were not familiar with. The law states that if you get into an accident, not only are you to wait for the police but you must also wait for the adjuster for the insurance company to arrive. As you can imagine, this can take a long time so best to drive defensively so you won’t have this delay on vacation.
Another driving fact you should know is that that in Costa Rica, like many other Central American countries, there are not typical number and names as street addresses. Addressed can be something like 250 metros este y Fabrica de Queso so keep your eyes open when driving.
In Costa Rica, the currency is called colones or colon in the singular. The denominations range from c1,000 to c10,000. Twenty US dollars is about c10,000, depending on the exchange rate. They also have coins ranging from c5 to c500; c500 is about $1.00 US and US dollars are accepted in most places.
The exchange rate fluctuates as it does in many countries, but as of December 2009 it was about 570 colones to the dollar. To figure out the price of something in colones, divide the colones price by the exchange rate. For something priced in dollars, you take the dollar amount and multiply it by the exchange rate.
Driving in Costa Rica can be tricky because all the street and road signs are in Spanish. You might want to brush up on your recognition of those signs before your trip. Spanish is the native language of Costa Rica but there are many locals who speak English, especially in the more popular spots.
Costa Rica abolished its army back in 1947 and is still a peaceful and magical place. Costa Rica is the smallest and still the safest country in Central American for traveling. While there are reports of petty theft in some areas, it is suggested that you continue to keep an eye on your belongings while traveling through this beautiful and peaceful country.
Visiting Costa Rica? Leslie J. Riannen Asks that you go in style while being Eco Friendly by picking the only Green Costa Rica Car Rental Company. Mapache offers Car Rental in Liberia for its total fleet of low emission cars. Go to their site to reserve safely and securely before your next trip.
categories: costa rica car rental,costa rica,car rental,central america,travel,outdoors,travel and leisure
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