Costa Rica Travel and Vacation

Ponce de Leon, in his search for the fountain of youth, discovered Quepos in 1519. Named for the Quepoa Indian population he encountered, this seaside gem has evolved through the banana industry, to palm oil, to tourism; which is now the area’s leading product. In the late 1800’s, vast banana plantations were developed throughout the region. Bananas were shipped to world markets from the docks that now service the renowned sportfishing and diving operations. In the 1980’s the focus became the hearty African Palms with their high quality palm oil. Throughout all this transition the area has maintained marvelous charm and Quepos has established itself as a premier vacation destination, boasting the distinctions of world-class ecotourism and sportfishing to name just a couple of highlights.

Quepos is the gateway to perhaps the most popular National Park in all of Costa Rica: Manuel Antonio. The trails within the park lead to some of the most dazzling and secluded white-sand beaches in all of Central America. The emerald coves and a jungle-lined shoulder reaching an island of serenity will literally take your breath away. You may catch glimpses of whimsical spider monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, loud and colorful parrots, giant toucans, three-toed sloths, as well as many exotic flowering plants and vibrantly colored insects, including luminescent butterflies that inspire and overwhelm the senses. You may even see some of the last remaining squirrel or ‘titi’ monkeys left in all of Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio Park is one of the two restricted habitats of the highly endangered titi, or squirrel monkey. The birding opportunities are amazing, with more than 350 species spotted in the park’s small boundaries. Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica’s smallest national park, but no doubt one of the most appreciated by locals and tourists alike and is second in visitors only to Poas National Park. Easy walking trails boast panoramic views of Costa Rica’s dramatic coastline and meander through primary rainforest with over 300 species of trees. Stunning! The park is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. everyday except Mondays. Admission is $ 10 U.S. dollars for non-residents, and children under 12 enter free of admission. Guided tours are available and highly recommended.

The town center of Quepos is a charming blend of seaside restaurants, bars, hotels, bakeries, art galleries and gift shops. High Season runs December to April, and is mostly dry but still lush and beautiful. The Festival del Mar dominates the month of February and features concerts, sporting events, parades and a street carnival with dancers from across the country. Quepos is brimming by Christmas, which is great fun. The friendly locals are joined year round by families, surfers, ecotourists, backpackers, fishermen and take it all in stride, maintaining their own special brand of Pura Vida. For people-watching, don’t miss Playa Espadilla just before the Manuel Antonio Park entrance, with its colorful street vendors and restaurants.

The panoramic views offered by the natural landscape are truly gorgeous, and can be enjoyed in a wide variety of accommodations from boutique hotels to luxury villas. Buena Vista Villas, La Mansion, and Hotel El Parador are wonderful, each with unique charm and unparalleled views. Buena Vista Villas is great for romantic honeymoon-like getaways, featuring privacy and the utmost elegance. The Parador is great for families, with lovely service, kid and adult friendly pool with a swim-up bar, and a family friendly restaurant. The view from the Parador pool is my favorite in all of the area. La Mansion is a cozy boutique experience that provides the service and cuisine that is all luxury, but with the personal touch by the friendly staff that really makes the experience above and beyond.

The activities to choose from are impressive: canopy zip-line tours, estuary/mangrove tours, sport fishing, scuba, snorkeling, hiking, naturalist tours, sunset catamaran cruises, kayaking, river rafting, surfing, spa experiences, horse back riding, jet skiing, waterfall excursions, etc. etc. etc. Iguana Tours is a trusted and great source that is fantastic for service. Lesser known is the ‘Spice Tour”, which is very unique and intriguing. Farm Villa Vanilla is a tropical laboratory for sustainable agriculture, 10 miles East of Quepos and includes 27 acres of agriculture production and 125 acres of primary and secondary rainforest. The organic, biodynamic crops include vanilla from the vanilla orchid, cinnamon, black pepper, allspice, and a variety of exotic fruits, essential oil and medicinal plants. The tour takes you through the sights and smells of all these crops, plus informing along the way about sustainable practices such as: composting, animal husbandry, and permaculture. Some spice treats and packs are included with the tour. After the tour you can pick up the spices in the spice shop. You will come away with an unforgettable experience of what makes the tropical rainforest unique.

Another unique experience, especially if you are a nature lover or are traveling with your children, is the Kids Saving The Rainforest in Quepos. Ahh, what one young person with vision, passion, and community support can do. For more information visit http://www.kidssavingtherainforest.org/.

The reforestation, rehabilitation of animals and other projects are worthy causes. At their Saturday Camp, local and visiting children learn about the rainforest and everything in it: trees, plants, insects, and animals, such as sloths, kinkajous, and titi monkeys. Learn ways to help and try to save the rainforest and specifically to prevent the titi monkey from extinction. Create artwork, some of which will be sold to help save the rainforest in the KSTR store. It is a fun-filled learning experience to empower kids to save the planet.

These are just a few highlights of the many magical things in store for you in the Manuel Antonio/Quepos area. We can design a Quepos Costa Rica Vacation just for you, crafted by our local, passionate travel designers who live for providing the above and beyond! Ponce de Leon was on to something!

Lisa Khajavi
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/quepos-costa-rica-vacation-672288.html

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ASVO is a non-profit NGO which places volunteers in Costa Rica’s national parks and protected areas. ASVO’s objective is to improve the conditions and amount of volunteer work performed at a national and international level. ASVO places volunteers in national parks and other areas protected by the Ministry of Environment and Energy all over the country. The Matapalo Sea Turtle project needs volunteers to help protect the sea turtle nesting area of Playa Mata Palo, to help increase the number of sea turtles nesting successfully on the beach and the number of hatchlings which survive. Playa Matapalo is located 1 kilometre from the community of the same name and extends for 12km. The area protects a variety of marine life, including marine turtles, crabs, and fish, as well as a number of reptiles.

The most important activity of the park is the protection of the eggs of marine turtles and release of the baby turtles.

Volunteers must be of age 22 or above with minimum education of high school. This placement does not need any volunteers in the month of Jan,Feb,Mar,Apr and May.

Volunteers with the following special skills are preferred for the placement:-

 Forestry Environmental Science Biology Data Collection Hiking Volunteers can assist by doing following tasks:-

 From June 1 to November 30: 1. Construction of the breeding grounds. 2. Beach signaling. 3. Patrol walks to protect nests, females and for data collection purposes(Biometry, marking, etc.) 4. Transfer of nests and monitoring of the breeding grounds. From December 1 to December 31: 1. Registry of breeding ground information. 2. Liberation of newborn turtles. 3. Nest exhumation. From June 1 to December 31: 1. Maintenance and construction of infrastructure. 2. Beach cleaning. 3. Community projection.

 Basecamp International welcomes all the interested volunteers from around the world to volunteer and make a difference. If you are interested in this placement then please contact us for the details: Email: info@basecampcenters.com Website: www.basecampcenters.com Mailing Address 298 Bagot Street, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7K 3B4 Phone: 613.541.7862 Toll Free : 866.646.4693 Fax: 613.541.1604

The project is extending their efforts to promote community awareness and interaction through projects with the clinic, schools, and other local people. They are always open to new suggestions, fresh ideas from people willing to implement them.

Basecamp International Centers
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/volunteer-at-playa-matapalo-sea-turtle-project-in-costa-rica-733299.html

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Looking for a great place to invest in real estate in Costa Rica? If so, real estate in Quepos, Costa Rica is definitely a place to consider. Quepos is a beautiful area, and it is a lovely tropical inlet that is surrounded by a rainforest. While the town is a bit sleepy, it is growing very quickly and real estate in Quepos, Costa Rica is a great investment as the town begins to grow. In the town you’ll find hotels, art galleries, bakeries, shops, and more, and it is right near the beach.

If you decide to purchase real estate in Quepos Costa Rica, you’ll find that the locals in the community love to dance; in fact, dancing in the streets happens all the time. Festival del Mar is a great festival that you’ll get to attend as well, which is a party that lasts an entire month every February. Sporting events, concerts, street carnivals, dancing, and parades all happen during this festival, and it is an exciting time for everyone.

One reason to purchase real estate in Quepos Costa Rica is because there is so much diversity in this area. You’ll find families, ecotourists, scientists, surfers, and even backpackers. In fact, there is as much diversity in the people of the community as there is in the flora and fauna that surround this area.

This is an area that is a growing tourist attraction, making real estate in Quepos Costa Rica a great buy. While at one time the city used to be a banana growing area, now tourism is the main source of income for the city. People who are looking for a great place to relax and enjoy a calmer and quieter lifestyle find that Quepos is a great place to settle down, which is why real estate in Quepos Costa Rica is so popular.

Cerro Fresco
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/real-estate-in-quepos-costa-rica-374356.html

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Like all thriving tourist economies, Costa Rica’s tourism industry has its share of shady operators.  While they are far outnumbered by the honest and friendly tour operators and Ticos, you don’t want an encounter with one of them to spoil what could otherwise be the best vacation of your life.  We’ve collected just a few tips to help you negotiate your way around some of Costa Rica’s more notorious tourist traps:

Having  a travel agent book your trip to Costa Rica may not be necessary and could end up costing you more than you need to pay, because some travel agents tack on as much as $50 per night to the cost of you hotel in Costa Rica.   Spending a few hours to confirm your hotel reservations online could pay off with enough savings to let you extend your stay.

While you’re making your hotel arrangements, be sure to check on the distance from each hotel to the major tourist attractions.   The closer they are, the less you’ll have to spend in cab or bus fare. 

If you’ve decided to rent a car and drive yourself to the sights of Costa Rica, be aware that the metropolitan police have a habit of appearing out of nowhere to nail drivers on traffic violations.  What most tourists don’t know is that if they are tickets, they can pay the tickets at any Bank of Costa Rica and should never hand money over to a policeman who says that for a fee he will take care of the ticket himself.

But why risk any encounter with the local law enforcement if you don’t need to?  Taxi and bus service extremely easy to find in Costa Rica, and  it will remove any chance of your winding up with your rental car stuck in a muddy ditch on some one-lane mountain road with the nearest help hours way.  Simply include carfare in you’re your travel budget, and keep some extra cash hidden in your sock or other safe place for a cab should an emergency arise.

If you’re tempted to spend money on the Canopy or Sky Bridge Tours of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, stop and think.  It’s called a cloud forest for a reason, and if the clouds are present during your visit, the chances are that you won’t see much in the way of forest wildlife.  Even if you arrive at the Cloud Forest on a clear day, you shouldn’t attempt the tours unless you have a streak of daredevil.

The Sky Bridge will have you walking on a bridge high enough to clear the forest canopy, and the Canopy Tours will have you riding a ski-lift type of car attached to the forest trees. While both may provide tremendous views on the wildlife, neither is meant for people who suffer from vertigo. 

One rather disturbing facet of traveling to the remote areas of Costa Rica is that the public restrooms lack not only toilet paper, but toilet seats!  If you know you have an adventure in the Cost Rican wilds scheduled, make use of the restroom at your hotel or restaurant before you start, and bring along your own toilet paper to be on the safe side.

Remember to book your Costa Rica vacation at http://www.myroadtotravel.com

Tim Roseland
http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/avoiding-the-worst-costa-rica-tourist-traps-745071.html

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No se puede ignorar a pesar de la crisis financiera mundial que el mundo afronta, el hecho de que se ha dado paso a la operatividad del nuevo Tratado de libre Comercio entre Costa Rica y los Estados Unidos.

 Lo cierto,  que el presidente electo  de los Estados Unidos Barack Obama que empezará este año a gobernar el destino de este país,  encontrará un nuevo Tratado que se ha iniciado el primero de este nuevo año 2009 de Libre Comercio con Costa Rica

Es conocido todo lo que se ha transitado para que este Tratado sea una realidad y que realmente favorezca a Costa Rica, a Centroamérica, desde el año 2004 se viene luchando para alcanzar su firma y dar paso a su operatividad .

Recuérdese, que Costa Rica suscribió el TLC el 5 de agosto de 2004 junto con Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua y República Dominicana. En todos estos países el tratado, conocido por las siglas en inglés CAFTA, entró en vigor desde hace al menos un año y medio.

El intercambio comercial entre estos países centroamericanos y República Dominicana con Estados Unidos fue superior a los 32.000 millones de dólares durante 2007, pero se prevé que caiga en 2009 por la crisis financiera.

Para Costa Rica será su séptimo tratado comercial vigente, pues tiene convenios con el Caricom (Comunidad del Caribe), México, Canadá, Chile, República Dominicana y Panamá, que entró en vigencia en noviembre, pero cuya desgravación comenzó también este 1 de enero.

El gobierno de Oscar Arias anunció que planea iniciar negociaciones para un TLC con Singapur y eventualmente con China, país con el que estableció relaciones en junio de 2007.

 Ahora lo hace en medio de una crisis económica mundial, especialmente para los Estados Unidos que lo ha generado, una crisis financiera que ha repercutido seriamente en las Bolsas de valores del Mundo capitalista.

 Tal como lo expone noticias.latam.msn.com de acuerdo con el ministerio de Comercio Exterior, desde el primero de Enero  2009, Costa Rica ingresará al mercado norteamericano sin pagar gravámenes el 99% de su oferta exportable, que va desde frutas tropicales a circuitos de computadoras.

Estados Unidos es el principal socio comercial de Costa Rica, pues le compra la mitad de sus exportaciones, de más de 9.000 millones de dólares al año, pero la demanda podría caer por la crisis financiera que golpea su economía. Hasta noviembre, las exportaciones a Estados Unidos sumaron 3.610 millones de dólares.

Es diversa la oferta de productos que Costa Rica exporta  y que va desde jeringas, agujas, catéteres y similares, partes y accesorios de computadoras, artículos y aparatos de ortopedia, instrumentos y aparatos de medicina, cirugía y veterinaria, banano, piña y café.

En cuanto a inversiones, las expectativas son esperanzadoras de que mantengan cifras que bordean los mil millones de dólares, según el ministerio.

Se prevé que las telecomunicaciones y seguros absorban el grueso de las inversiones extranjeras, sectores que estarán abiertos pronto a la competencia privada tras décadas de monopolio del Estado, como consecuencia del TLC.

Nos señala Gerardo Fumero Paniagua, que Costa Rica ocupa en Telecomunicaciones, el primer lugar en América Latina, en densidad telefónica fija, con 31.62 líneas por cada 100 habitantes . Si consideramos la telefonía celular, Chile nos supera, pero para diciembre de este año 2005, con la instalación de 600.000 líneas celulares adicionales, superemos aun a Chile, con una densidad total (telefonía fija y móvil) de 67.83%.

Ocupamos además el primer lugar en América Latina, en completación de llamadas desde los EE.UU. , el indicador que más integralmente podría reflejar la calidad de la red telefónica de un país, con un 71.47%.

En relación con la productividad, Costa Rica exhibe una de las más altas del mundo, 5.35 empleados por cada 1.000 líneas telefónicas. El promedio para el Continente Americano es de 5.49, para Europa 6.10 y para África 12.82. Ese parámetro, para nuestro país, mejoró 4.16 a diciembre del 2004.

En relación con las tarifas, las nuestras son de las más bajas del mundo. Cuando la tarifa básica mensual para telefonía fija en Costa Rica era de 4 dólares, en Panamá era de 19 y en Nicaragua de 20. El minuto adicional costaba 1 centavo de dólar en Costa Rica, cuando en Guatemala costaba 10, en Honduras 15, en El Salvador 12, en Panamá 15 y en Nicaragua 50.

En telefonía celular sucede algo similar, cuando en Costa Rica la tarifa básica mensual era de 7 dólares, en Guatemala era de 28, en Honduras 15, en El Salvador 15, en Nicaragua 30 y en Panamá 12, mientras que el minuto adicional costaba 7, 11, 25, 27, 35 y 45 centavos de dólar respectivamente.

Estas tarifas justifican que Costa Rica ocupe el tercer lugar en el mundo, en consumo por persona en telefonía celular , con 286 minutos mensuales, después de EE.UU. con 474 y Hong Kong con 350.

No hay que olvidar como lo indica noticias.latam.msn.com el TLC con Estados Unidos enfrentó la férrea oposición de sectores sociales como educadores y sindicatos, bajo el argumento de que traería perjuicios al país. Las organizaciones alegaron que el TLC perjudicaría a pequeños agricultores, el medioambiente, así como la explotación de recursos naturales como el agua, además de la privatización de telecomunicaciones y seguros. Para sortear la situación, el gobierno convocó a un referendo en octubre de 2007, el primero en la historia del país, en el que la mayoría apoyó el acuerdo. Sin embargo, tras el referendo surgieron otros escollos para la aprobación de algunas leyes complementarias, la última de las cuales, sobre propiedad intelectual, fue aprobada por el Congreso a mediados de noviembre. Las demoras obligaron al gobierno de Arias a pedir dos prórrogas a Washington.

Finalmente, el 23 de diciembre, representantes de los dos países intercambiaron en Washington las notas diplomáticas, en las que Costa Rica notificó que había cumplido todos los requerimientos.

Desde luego, ante esta realidad hay opiniones cruzadas, como la del premio Nóbel  de la Paz. 1980 , Presidente Internacional SERPAJ-AL. Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, cuando en carta enviada al presidente de la república de  Costa Rica Oscar Áreas (también Premio Nóbel de la Paz, le señala en algunas de sus líneas:

 Hay preocupaciones que hacen a la situación de llevar al país a la firma del TLC con los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica. Tanto usted como los legisladores saben que esos acuerdos de “libre comercio” no tienen absolutamente nada; la dependencia será total, como usted bien sabe, las grandes potencias son los que imponen los precios y condicionan la vida y desarrollo de los pueblos.

Es necesario recordar y tener presente los subsidios agrícolas a los productores de los EE.UU. , la asimetría y desigualdad son enormes, el beneficio de unos será a costa del hambre y miseria del pueblo costarricense.

Es necesario generar los espacios de participación y comercialización con los EE.UU., son importantes y necesarios, pero sin perder la soberanía y el derecho del pueblo.

La firma del TLC con los EE.UU. llevaría a Costa Rica a transformarse en una colonia norteamericana; agregar una estrellita más a su bandera.

El fracaso de los EE.UU. de implantar a nivel continental en el 2005 el TLC, es una muestra clara y contundente que hay pueblos que no claudican que resisten a las fuertes presiones y que tienen el coraje defender sus derechos.

Frente a estos desafíos cabe preguntarse que quiere el pueblo costarricense.

¿Si se ha efectuado una consulta al pueblo para que pueda democráticamente decidir sobre su presente y su futuro?

Permítame decirle Señor Presidente; estoy seguro que la mayoría del pueblo de Costa Rica no quiere ser colonia y perder sus derechos soberanos, su identidad y valores.

Estamos frente a grandes desafíos en nuestros países y en el mundo. La dinámica y vida de los pueblos es permanente y es necesario buscar los caminos de integración con los pueblos latinoamericanos.

Tener voz propia y posibilidades de crecimiento y desarrollo integral, como son educación, salud, vivienda y trabajo en un Estado libre y soberano, con la vigencia de los derechos humanos desde su integridad en la construcción democrática.

 Sr. Presidente tome mis palabras como un aporte solidario de un hermano que desea lo mejor para el pueblo de Costa Rica y cada Pueblo del continente latinoamericano o como preferimos muchos llamar ABYA YALA, el “Continente de la tierra fecunda”.

 www.entorno-empresarial.com

carlos
http://www.articlesbase.com/negocios-internacionales-articles/en-operatividad-el-tratado-libre-comercio-entre-costa-rica-y-los-estados-unidos-706471.html

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My girlfriend and I are thinking about going to Costa Rica in late july early august and are wanting some information such as where to stay and things to do. We are hoping to stay somewhere on the atlantic side of the water, but would also maybe like to do some outdoorsy activities in addition to water activities such as fishing or snorkeling. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Well if you hit San Jose and visit their World famous "Jade Museum" as well as the Gold Museum, then fly to Quepos on the Pacific side of CR to visit Manuel Antonio Nature Park and its "World Famous" Beach along with all of the other tourist attractions that are only minutes away you would have seen the best that Costa Rica has to offer in the way of tourist entertainment!

You can fly from San Jose to Quepos in only 29 minutes for $98.00 round trip on Sansa Air out of the San Jose air port.

Hotel Kamuk – a Great Western Hotel in Quepos is a First Class Hotel by any stretch of the imagination with very inexpensive rates of like $50.00 per night and Quepos is known though out the world for their Huge fish that they catch in the blue waters of the Pacific right off Quepos! – This is where they have all of those Marlin and Sailfish Tournaments!

This is what I am going to do the last week of this month!

Have a good trip!

VIVA LA PURA VIDA!

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If so, are they recommended or required and what are they?

Malaria medication is not needed as there is no Malaria. I do suggest all your Hep shots (A & B) but that is good to have anyway. There has been small outbreaks of Dangue Fever but they are rare and I would not worry about them. Have fun….

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We are furnishing a place near Tamarindo/Playa Grade area. Are there any good furniture stores in Liberia? Santa Cruz? San Ramon? Do you know contact information? Any other ideas?

Many people on the Islands choose to purchase from Miami and ship their items in more selection and often times better pricing. Visit Loft Sofa, they ship all over the world.

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1. Marriott Hotel, San Jose;
or
2. InterContinental Real And Club Tower Hotel

Me and my partner have planned a luxurious vacation to San Jose, Costa Rica. Out of the two which one is more gay friendly? Any experiences? Any other suggestions?

I don’t know about those places, but I recommend any hotel in Manuel Antonio…
That place is full of Faggots!!!

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March 28, 2009

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