Posts Tagged ‘costa rica’
Monday, July 12th, 2010
My family and I were traveling through Alajuela, Costa Rica, and wanted to do something exciting so we decided to go on a day trip to Poas Volcano National Park. We got picked up and drove through the most beautiful coffee plantations, strawberry fields and lush green slopes filled with cattle and enjoyed the amazing scenery that this area has to offer. After we got there but before the actual tour started we saw a beautiful, scale model of the Poas Volcano and took some time to enjoy a hot cup of authentic Costa Rican coffee at the visitor’s center.
Right after that we started our walk up to the crater of the volcano which took around ten minutes. And again the walk was very scenic. I couldn’t believe how beautiful the crater was when I saw it. It has turquoise blue gurgling steam and occasionally it burped sulfurous mud and sprayed hot steamy water high into the sky. I was so glad we got there early because the clouds were starting to obstruct the view of the crater s we started our way back.
Back at the visitor’s center we were so excited that we wanted to get a little more hiking so we started walking up another trail which leads to the old, beautiful and extinct crater. Nowadays it’s filled with jade colored water. The way up is a trail between a high altitude rainforest where I had a great time looking for some wildlife.
On the way back to alajuela we stopped at Freda Fresas for lunch. This is a Costa Rican restaurant serves dishes with all kinds of fresh produce from the region. When we were about to leave we found out that it was run by the owners. But while we were there we decided to order the Casado. It is the most typical lunch there is in Costa Rica. I was quite surprised when I first saw it, it consisted of rice and black bean, picadillo, fried plantains, farmers cheese with corn tortillas and chicken in a tomato sauce. And for desert I asked for a cake called “tres leches” or three milk cake and a cup of hot Costa Rican cappuccino.
This is a great day trip for anyone, so if you are in San Jose or Alajuela you can’t miss this adventure.
Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, has been living in Central America - Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. Traveling with her family to all parts of Costa Rica and Guatemala, she now loves organizing vacations for people and offers first hand experience. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!
Tags: adventure, Adventure Travel, alajuela costa rica, casado typical dish costa rica, costa rica, costa rica travel, poas volcano, poas volcano in costa rica, poas volcano national park in costa rica, tour to poas volcano, tours in costa rica, tours of costa rica, travel, vacation
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Friday, July 9th, 2010
A friend of mine and her husband own Tropic Fins Adventures in Puerto Jimenez and invited us to join them on an afternoon In-shore fishing trip. I am not a fisherman and my husband had about as much experience as I did. So none of us knew what to expect.
The name of our captain and guide for this adventure was Cory and he has had over 15 years experience fishing. He has taken out professional fishermen and showed them the best times of their lives so you can imagine why i felt his job is a lot easier when he’s out with fellow fishermen, rather newbies such as us. Anyway he made our first fishing experience so fun, that my husband is already making plans for another one but this time off shore.
Our in shore adventure started with a 20 minute boat ride to the middle of Golfo Dulce. Once we anchored the boat Cory was kind enough to prepare all the rods. And oh my god! when the first bite happened the adrenaline that started to flow through us was hard to describe. I couldn’t believe that with just my luck, two bites came at once. Cory directed me to one while my husband was struggled with the other.
After a long and hard fight my husband, with Cory’s help, lifted out a beutiful Jack Cravel that weighed no less than twenty pounds and was breathing almost as hard as my husband. Meanwhile I was still on the other side of the boat fighting for my life with a fish that was dragging me all over the place. It was pulling so hard I was ready to throw myself over, or at least the rod. Finally after the excitement of the Jack Cravel fainted and the fish was released back to sea, all attention turned to me. Cory expertly took the rod from me and handed it over to my husband who managed to reel in a gorgeous fifty pound Rooster-fish.
But that’s not all. The best part of the trip for me was on the way back to the pier, right as the sun began to set over the Osa Peninsula. We were intercepted by a friendly group of dolphins. We had the time of our lives as the dolphins danced and jumped out of the water leading us straight to home.
Marina K. Villatoro, lives in Central America - Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. She has traveled all over these areas with her family and now she loves to organize vacations to Costa Rica and Guatemala. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!
Tags: adventure, Adventure Travel, central america travel, costa rica, costa rica travel, fishing, fishing tour in costa rica, in shore sport fishing in costa rica, puerto viejo, puerto viejo costa rica, sport fishing, sports fishin in costa rica, tour, tour in costa rica, travel
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Sunday, June 20th, 2010
Overview
Whilst becoming acclimatized we took an amiable stroll around the unforgettable sites of Cusco, starting at the Plaza de Armas. I’m afraid our amble took on all the characteristics of a route march which left us thrilled, but exhausted. However, we did see Sacsayhuaman Fortress and the Tambomachay ‘Virgin Baths’ during our short stay in Cusco. There is a wide range of really good hotels in Cusco and, no matter whether you can afford to spend a lot, or just a little, there is a hotel to suit you. In fact, we found that all the Cusco and Machu Picchu hotels we came across were superb, both in their treatment of guests and in the standard of the accommodation on offer.
Dizzying Altitude
Splurging out at the start of our holiday, we had booked into La Casona - mainly to enjoy an opulence that normally we could never have experienced in our wildest dreams. Of all Cusco and Machu Picchu hotels, this is certainly the most opulent one. Aside from being the very first boutique hotel opened in Cusco, its other claim to fame is its total privacy in the midst of such a busy city. La Casona, one of Inkaterra’s hotels, has just 11 suites in which to accommodate guests. Nevertheless, it is worth the expense because you really do need to get used to the particularly thin quality of the air that can leave you gasping for breath and make you dizzy if you do too much too quickly.
Peace and Tranquillity
Once we arrived at Aguas Calientas, the village just a 15 minute drive from Machu Picchu, we booked into our hotel which held a further surprise for us. It was set amongst 12 acres, complete with waterfall and trickling streams, flotillas of butterflies. This is Cusco and Machu Picchu hotels at their best! Aside from Machu Picchu itself, which is unforgettable, staying at this hotel there are plenty of other things to do. The hotel itself is situated alongside the Vilcanota River and you can just want to enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the gorgeous gardens around you whilst eating a gourmet meal in the hotel’s restaurant.
There are plenty of other Cusco and Machu Picchu hotels of different standards, both in Cusco itself and in Agua Calientes. In fact, there is even a hotel up at the Machu Picchu site itself. Personally, however, I would choose to stay at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, amidst its 12 acres of peace and tranquility in what is, generally, quite a strenuous holiday.
Want to find out more about Cusco and Machu Picchu hotels, then visit Mark Zagastegui’s site on how to choose the best Cusco and Machu Picchu hotels in Peru for your needs.
Tags: adventure, costa rica, cusco hotel, destination, family, hotel, Inkaterra, leisure, lodging, machu picchu hotel, peru hotel, resort, Resorts, travel, vacations
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Thursday, May 13th, 2010
Costa Rica hotels cater for a wide range of visitors, from the fun-loving families to surfers and those visitors who really prefer to stay in a hotel that offers their clients the full extent of the latest an international hotel can offer. Hotels such as the Best Western Jaco Beach Resort are ideal for a family holiday due to its proximity to an excellent beach and its delightfully joyous holiday atmosphere.
There are many such Costa Rica hotels dotted along the Pacific shoreline, each one with a range of excellent facilities that attract visitors with their wide range of excellent facilities. If you feel like getting away from poolside and beach most Costa Rica hotels organise tours for guests staying with them.
If you fancy visiting the Manuel Antonio National Park to get a glimpse of uncommon animals that live in the wild, such as iguanas, macaws and sloths, visit the reception desk at whichever one of the Costa Rica hotels you are staying at and they will arrange the booking for you. For the very brave, come face-to-face with the native crocodiles with a tour of the Crocodile River, or if you have a head for heights, arrange a canopy tour to experience the treetop world amidst the Costa Rica rainforest.
All Costa Rica hotels are able to arrange organised trips for you so you get to experience the very best the country of Costa Rica has to offer. The Jaco Beach Hotel is a particularly secure area and, with a security guard wandering around the grounds, the resort is possibly safer than many other Costa Rica hotels after dark.
The pool is lit in the evenings and remains open quite late, guests can take advantage of the tennis courts on site while the children have enticing play areas to keep them thoroughly occupied. For those guests who prefer to entertain themselves inside during the evening there are excellent bar facilities as well as free WiFi access and a really good restaurant.
Overall, the Jaco Beach Hotel is probably one of the best Costa Rica hotels around this particular length of coast and guests who have stayed there have commented on how enjoyable their sojourn was at this particular hotel.
Want to find out more about Costa Rica Hotels, then visit Mirella Rodriguez’s site on how to choose the best Web Go Travel for your needs.
Tags: adventure, costa rica, destination, family, hotel, leisure, lodging, resort, Resorts, travel, vacations, Web Go Travel
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Thursday, May 13th, 2010
The Irazu Hotel is a San Jose Costa Rica hotel with a casino attached to it, easy to find and just a 15 minute drive from Juan Santamaria International Airport and even closer to Tobias Bolanos Airport. This San Jose Costa Rica hotel belongs to the Best Western hotel chain, with the kinds of facilities and services you would expect from a hotel of this calibre.
Apart from the casino guests have access to an outdoor swimming pool and a tennis court that lights up as dusk falls, sauna and massage facilities to help you unwind, as well as a gift shop onsite to purchase those last minute presents to take home.
If you decide to travel around and see a bit more of the lovely countryside you can arrange car rental from your San Jose Costa Rica hotel, perhaps visiting some of the nearby museums. Not too far away is the particularly interesting Children’s Museum, just 5 kilometres away. Other museums within easy reach of your San Jose Costa Rica hotel include the Jade Museum, the Gold Museum and the Art Museum.
You may decide to visit the National Theater while staying at the San Jose Costa Rica hotel: it is certainly worth visiting, and would round off your museum visits perfectly. When it comes to finding places to eat in the evenings you really are spoiled for choice.
Aside from Denny’s Restaurant, available on-site at your San Jose Costa Rica hotel, and open 24 hours, there is La Gallera restaurant that is just across the road from the hotel, not to mention the various eateries located close by your San Jose Costa Rica hotel.
The ubiquitous Subway chain can keep you going with sandwiches during the day; there is also an excellent Italian restaurant called La Piazzeta as well as El Chicote Steakhouse and Rosti Pollos not too far away. In fact, all these eateries are within a three kilometre radius of your San Jose Costa Rica hotel.
Want to find out more about San Jose Costa Rica Hotel, then visit Doris Rojas’s site on how to choose the best Web Go Travel for your needs.
Tags: adventure, costa rica, destination, family, hotel, leisure, lodging, resort, Resorts, travel, vacations, Web Go Travel
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Tuesday, May 11th, 2010
In planning our wedding, my now husband and I decided to honeymoon in Costa Rica since we figured we may never have the opportunity to go back. I was so glad that we made the decision to go and take advantage of getting married in order to go on this trip that I still think about it.
We chose the Natural Love package and wow was it great. It was eight days of bliss together without any family or friends ringing our phones off the hook. We started out at the Villa Blanca and went horseback riding through some of the most beautiful country I have ever seen.
During our time there we also got the opportunity to see the Arenal Volcano which was positively amazing and then our honeymoon in Costa Rica took us to another hotel where we could enjoy even more in this beautiful country.
During the last few days we were able to go to a spa, go kayaking, fishing and even scuba diving. Of course the beach was amazing and I could not have asked for a better way to work on my tan. It was a great way to relax as well.
At the end of our honeymoon in Costa Rica tour, they took us to the airport so we did not have to worry about transportation and made sure that we had plenty of time to get through customs.
Once we got back all of my friends were asking how the trip was and I told them that words could not tell them enough. I gave everyone the website so they could see for themselves just how great our honeymoon in Costa Rica really was. My best friend was so jealous that she plans on talking to her husband about making this a second honeymoon for them.
Looking to find the best deal on Honeymoon in Costa Rica, then visit www.travelershaven.com to find the best advice on Travelers Haven for you.
Tags: adventure, costa rica, destination, family, Haven, hotel, leisure, lodging, resort, Resorts, travel, Travelers, vacations
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Monday, May 10th, 2010
The Arenal hotel Kioro is a fascinating choice for those who wish to spend their vacation in a La Fortuna Hotel Costa Rica, indulging to the amazing quality of services and amenities provided.
The hotel is built and equipped in a luxurious, yet friendly and cosy way, aspiring to making the guests feel like home. This is the philosophy behind the decoration and furnishing of the 52 guestrooms and suites.
All the rooms of the Arenal Hotel Kioro are decorated in a modern way, with colorful Costa Rican traditional articles of furniture, using local elements and materials that add charm and warmth to the room. The guestrooms have all necessary amenities that ensure a pleasant and comfortable stay, as well as spacious balconies with breathtaking views, overlooking the volcano or the gardens of the La Fortuna Hotel Costa Rica Kioro.
La Fortuna Hotel Costa Rica Kioro in Arenal, boasts a vast array of services and facilities onsite; there are a few dining options for the guests and visitors of the hotel, catering local and international flavors. There are also bars and cafs, for those who wish to enjoy their coffee or drink before an exciting day exploring the sites of Arenal and La Fortuna.
Guests who wish to rest and spend some time in the hotel premises can make use of the numerous facilities, such as the spa and wellness center with the numerous body and facial treatments offered in it.
The lobby of the hotel is equipped with Wi-Fi internet connection and there is a selection of indoor activities in the entertainment rooms of the hotel. A large and inviting pool is located in the gardens of the hotel, along with umbrellas and sunbeds for those who wish to bask under the Costa Rican sun and enjoy being pampered and well taken care of at the La Fortuna Hotel Costa Rica Kioro.
Want to find out more about La Fortuna hotel Costa Rica, then visit Miguel Flores’s site on how to choose the best Arenal Kioro Hotel in Costa Rica for your needs.
Tags: adventure, arenal, costa rica, destination, family, hotel, kioro, leisure, lodging, resort, Resorts, travel, vacations
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Monday, May 10th, 2010
A Costa Rica travel vacation is like visiting another planet. From lush tropical rainforests to active volcanoes, Costa Rica runs the gamut of natural adventure. White water rafting, horseback riding, hiking, and kayaking are also available in this beautiful vacation spot.
One of the more unique aspects of a Costa Rica travel vacation is the chance to ride a zip line over the top of the rain forest. This thrilling ride offers a spectacular aerial view of the jungle from a very unique perspective. If you prefer to keep your feet on a solid surface, you can ride through the treetops on the rain forest aerial tram.
The volcanoes that crafted your Costa Rica travel vacation landscape are still active, and you can take a tour to watch them in all of their powerful glory. The Arenal volcano is surrounded by hot springs, which send plumes of steam into the air regularly.
Powerful rivers run through the rain forest, and there are tours available for you to spend your Costa Rica travel vacation riding the rapids on a raft or kayak. If you’d prefer a dry exploration of the rivers, there are horseback tours as well as hiking or bicycling tours.
When you’re done exploring the natural wonders of Costa Rica, you will find plenty of shopping along the city streets. Vendors sell hand made items from carts and booths, and you will find unusual treasures that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Official art and craft tours are available on certain days of the week.
The Manuel Antonio National Park alone could provide everything you need for a memorable Costa Rica travel vacation. Lush natural forests and pristine coastline are untouched by modern machinery. You can see how the landscape must have looked centuries ago before mankind ever set foot in Costa Rica.
Looking to find the best deal on Costa Rica Travel Vacation, then visit www.graylinecostarica.com to find the best advice on Costa Rica Travel Vacation by Grayline for you.
Tags: adventure, costa rica, destination, family, Grayline, hotel, leisure, lodging, resort, Resorts, travel, vacations
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Monday, May 10th, 2010
A Costa Rica vacation offers everything from natural rain forests to long white sandy beaches. You can visit ancient volcanic sites and lush botanical gardens. Raging rivers provide whitewater adventures on rafts or kayaks. Hikers will appreciate the challenges of the rain forest floor, while sunbathers will adore long lazy days near the surf.
One of the most popular Costa Rica vacation tours is the Irazu Volcano, which includes the Orosi Valley and Lankester Gardens. On this single tour you’ll see the tallest volcano in the country, as well as a colonial city and beautiful botanical gardens.
You can take advantage of several day trips during your Costa Rica vacation. One of the more interesting tours will take you to visit a historic coffee plantation near the city of Sarchi. You’ll see how simple coffee beans become gourmet coffee, from the field to the cup. Local artists sell their handmade products from oxcarts in this ancient city.
Maybe your Costa Rica vacation will center around the incredible Monteverde Cloud Forest. You can schedule to stay for a few days among the lush tropical foliage, with hiking tours to the Monteverde Biological Reserve as well as visits to the Hummingbirds Gallery.
Sports enthusiasts will love the opportunities for water adventures on a Costa Rica vacation. Dive deep into the Pacific Ocean on a guided tour of these crystal waters. You could go deep sea fishing and catch one of the spectacular specimens that live off the coast.
Another popular Costa Rica vacation tour takes you right into the canopy of the rain forest. It includes a thrilling ride through the trees on zip lines that are arranged through the treetops. The tour guides will teach you everything you need to know to enjoy this exciting new perspective on the tropical rain forest.
Learn more about Costa Rica Vacation. Stop by Joseph Prescott’s site where you can find out all about Costa Rica Vacation by Grayline and what it can do for you.
Tags: adventure, costa rica, destination, family, Grayline, hotel, leisure, lodging, resort, Resorts, travel, vacations
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Monday, May 10th, 2010
My friend and I kept saying that we needed to get away from it all and leave the men and the world behind. She surprised me one day with reservations at the Monteverde Hotels and said that I had plenty of time to take off from work.
I was so excited that one of us finally stepped up to the plate and planned a vacation that I started to cry. When we got there I could not stop hugging her. Of course after we checked in I told her that the spa was calling my name.
Not only did the Monteverde Hotels have a spa but they also had an indoor swimming pool that we enjoyed each and every day. Even though there was a gym we decided that we were on vacation and working out could wait till we got back home.
Our room was beautiful with our own beds and a mattress that felt like heaven. We even had a coffee maker so I could start my day off the right way. I watched the sunrise each morning with a fresh cup of coffee to an exquisite view. It was better than any sunrise at home.
She had rented a suite so we had a mini bar and even a private balcony. Even though there was cable television in the room we were so tired by the end of the day that all we wanted to do was sleep.
When we got back I showed my boyfriend were we stayed on the website. He was so impressed that he decided that maybe we should take advantage of one of the special packages they had and go away together for a special trip. I am looking forward to going back and having a romantic trip and show him what I saw.
Want to find out more about Monteverde Hotels, then visit Johan Fabrich’s site on how to choose the best El Establo Hotel for your needs.
Tags: adventure, costa rica, destination, El Establo, family, hotel, leisure, lodging, resort, Resorts, travel, vacations
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