FREE SEARCH

"Costa Rica Travel" on Amazon.com

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Fodor's Costa Rica 2012 (Full-color Travel Guide)

Book Description

October 18, 2011 Full-color Travel Guide
Full-color guide
• Make your trip to Costa Rica unforgettable with 54 maps, illustrated features, and over 250 color photos.

Customize your trip with simple planning tools
• Convenient overview of each region and its highlights
• Practical advice for getting around
• Easy-to-read color regional maps

Explore Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Tortuguero National Park, and beyond
• Discerning Fodor’s Choice picks for hotels, restaurants, sights, and more
• “Word of Mouth” tips from fellow Fodor’s travelers
• Illustrated features on snorkeling and diving, canopy tours, and best beaches
• Best surfing, birdwatching, and game fishing

Opinions from destination experts
• Fodor’s Costa Rica–based writers reveal their favorite local haunts
• Revised annually to provide the latest information

Added bonus: At the end of each Fodor’s hotel review, we’ve included snippets from TripAdvisor reviews. Plan your trip with the extra peace of mind that comes from knowing each of Fodor’s expert selections is reinforced by consumer experience and feedback.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 620 pages
  • Publisher: Fodor's; Pap/Map edition (October 18, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0679009396
  • ISBN-13: 978-0679009399
  • Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 1 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds


Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Frommer's Costa Rica 2012 (Frommer's Color Complete)

Book Description

November 15, 2011 Frommer's Color Complete (Book 914)
  • Full-color throughout, with a free full-color foldout map and a new wildlife chapter with photos. With Frommer's in hand, you'll experience the wonder of Costa Rica's amazing biodiversity, as we point out the best places to see hundreds of unique, colorful species of animals and plants.
  • Completely updated every year, Frommer's Costa Rica features gorgeous color photos of the lush rainforest and the spectacular beaches that await you.
  • Personally researched by a longtime resident, it's the only truly up-to-date guide that gives you such in-depth coverage of this fast-changing country, with recommended accommodations in every price category. This edition also features expanded coverage of the Central Valley, the Nicoya Peninsula, and Guanacaste.
  • Insightful commentary and opinionated reviews.
    You'll visit rugged wilderness preserves and sleepy beach towns, spectacular orchid gardens and mineral hot springs at the foot of a steaming volcano. There are adventures here to suit all ages and abilities: swooping from treetop platform to treetop platform on a canopy tour, taking a dip in a jungle swimming hole, spotting playful spider monkeys as you hike through lush foliage, windsurfing on Lake Arenal, or watching endangered sea turtles nest on the beach.

From the Back Cover


  • Hundreds of color photos
  • Free pocket map inside,plus easy-to-read maps throughout
  • Exact prices, directions, opening hours,and other practical information
  • Candid reviews of hotels and restaurants,plus sights, shopping, and nightlife
  • Itineraries, walking tours, and trip-planning ideas
  • Insider tips from local expert authors

More About the Author

Biography

Eliot Greenspan is a poet, journalist, and travel writer who took his backpack and typewriter the length of Mesoamerica before settling in Costa Rica in 1992. Since then he has traveled almost ceaselessly around Latin America, writing articles and travel guides to feed his travel habit. He feels particularly at home in the Neotropics--in its rain and cloud forests, on its rivers, and in and under its seas. Eliot has written Frommer's guides to Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Cuba and Ecuador.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Costa Rica has been called the Hawaii of Central America

Considering a romantic or family Costa Rica vacation? You're choosing one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Costa Rica has been called the Hawaii of Central America. A Costa Rica vacation is full of beauty, lush foliage, many wildlife surprises, incredible lakes, rivers, and waterfalls.

Activities on a Costa Rica vacation include bird and butterfly watching, surfing, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, tree top (canopy) tours, four wheeling, snorkeling, shopping, hiking, river rafting, horse back riding and casinos. On a Costa Rica vacation you'll find pristine beaches, tropical jungles, clear blue skies, high mountain rain forest, and tropical sun. That's why Costa Rica was aptly named ‘rich coast’ by Christopher Columbus in 1502.

Nature is Costa Rica's green card. Wildlife diversity and exceptional landscapes merge in a long list of untouched lands and protected areas that will get you involved in as many Costa Rica expedition activities and adventure sports as you can imagine.

Costa Rica is unusually blessed by the diversity of its butterflies. There exists about 20,000 butterfly species worldwide. Of these, about 1,000 or 5% can be found in Costa Rica.

With more than 850 species of birds, all found within a tight geographic area, Costa Rica offers birders of all levels of expertise an unrivaled bird watching experience. Birders out on the trail in Costa Rica's forests should keep an eye out for mixed flocks foraging on certain types of food, especially fruit, in the forest canopy.

Costa Rica is home to roughly 150 species of amphibians, some of which are extremely colorful and exotic. There are tree frogs, which spend their entire lives above the forest floor, breeding in the water of tank bromeliads or in holes in the trunks of trees. Others, like the poison-arrow frog, are exuberantly colored, ranging from bright red with blue or green legs to bright green with black markings. There are over 200 species of reptiles in Costa Rica. The 14 turtle species include both marine and freshwater varieties. The largest of the marine turtles are leatherbacks. Their shells are up to 5 feet and they weigh upwards of 800 pounds! Marine turtles climb up sandy beaches to lay their eggs, a spectacular sight because it happens en masse.

Costa Rica is home to over 9,000 identified species of vascular plants, including over 900 different species of trees. Costa Rica is home to some 1,500 species of orchids. From sub-alpine dwarf vegetation, rainforest flora from sea level to mangrove swamps and seasonal dry forest with its deciduous trees, there is an astounding range of floral habitats for a country so small.

The protection of Costa Rica's natural heritage is managed by the respective national parks and reserves. These areas protect many species of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fresh and salt-water fish, and a vast number of identified vascular plants-representing 4% of the world's total floral and faunal species.

In addition, these management groups protect examples of almost all the existing natural habitats such as deciduous forests, mangrove swamps, rain forests, herbaceous swamps, cloud forests, paramos, hilillo forests and marshlands. They also protect areas of historical and archaeological interest, such as pre-Columbian settlements and early battlefields, as well as beautiful areas of scenic interest, such as beaches, valleys and waterfalls. But above all, the areas of particular interest to the conservationist are the zones which protect the last remaining examples of Central American dry forest and the beaches where the sea turtles nest.

The protection of Costa Rica's natural resources has implications beyond its borders because they encompass an incredible biodiversity, including numerous species on the verge of extinction. All of this is the reason the country has become one of the most popular destinations for visiting ecologists and biologists. On the whole, access to these areas and facilities are freely available provided the visitor respects the need to protect them. These protected areas are ideal for hiking and rafting, for watching the birds and other wildlife, for camping and just for enjoying in general, their rivers, beaches, jungles, mountain forests, volcanoes as well as their historic and archaeological sites.

A Costa Rica vacation is fast becoming the #1 romantic honeymoon and family vacation destination in the world. Whether it's your honeymoon or family vacation-- Exotic, Romantic and Nature-- the perfect ingredients for that special get away, what more could you ask for on your vacation. An unbeatable choice for those travelers looking for a combination of relaxation, romance and activity. The atmosphere on a Costa Rica vacation is "Pura-Vida", the pure life.

Retrieved from "http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/costa-rica-has-been-called-the-hiawaii-of-central-america-1627782.html"

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

One Women’s Experience: a Look Into Costa Rican Rejuvenation

With the powerful ride of our daily lives, sometimes creating vertigo, our search for an
emotional and physical break, and a combined rationalization to justify it, will continue to rise. Though the ride of life will continue, there are some things we can do to make it smoother from time to time.

For the past few years, I have had the assorted delight of exploits and objection of living in a
small resort town in Costa Rican, one of foreign tourism's most sought destinations. In my
endeavors in the spa industry both here and in the US, I have found varying assumptions, real life
options, along with what works for that illusory thing we call rejuvenation.

Costa Rica, a country comparable to the size of West Virginia is, in and of itself is a Mecca
of natural wonders made for revivification. With my own inner desire to seek out some renewal for
myself, and being right here in "Mecca land" I decided to take it upon myself to find out what is out there not only for me, but for those around me who look to me for knowledge in this area.

Hundreds of auspicious companies now acknowledge the commitment needed to redirect the
unhealthy and unhappy workforce created by the demands of the job. Many are realizing that these
sedentary and high pressure positions may be causing employees a loss of physical health, leading to further preoccupations and overworked psyches. The return, high cost healthcare, and less productivity. Health oriented firms are taking advantage of this shift by craftily applying well planned, results oriented programs to increase worker productivity and reduce stress, while setting markers to measure goals and savings. Firms will work one on one with your company to implement on site healthcare facilities, work out centers, meditation rooms, weekly massage, nutrition and stress management classes, among other incentives. Giving back to the employee and acknowledging they are more than a 9 to 5. This provocation of our spiritual search and looking into our own behavioral patterns and how they lock us into our external lives is increasing. Our need to reclaim our behavior is a reason to seek places of divine retreat.

We seek rejuvenation centers for solace, to manage stress, detoxify, find alternative healthcare or for motivation for a lifestyle change, all while satisfying our craving for euphoria. What if we could bring about a radical change within ourselves, and let that ebb and flow in our daily lives. What is that worth to us?

From coastal plains to rugged mountains, and over 100 volcanic cones, several that are active, the humble country of Costa Rica depends on tourism to bring in foreign income that allows them to tackle environmental and social issues. The past year has brought that tourism, and foreign direct investment, over 480 million dollars of it. It has also brought advancement, with spas popping
up in rapid succession, and a seeming rush to beat out the next guy. According to the Coyle
Hospitality Group, a New York based market leader in quality assurance, the average person, 57% of
us in fact, have visited a resort or hotel spa 1-5 times in the past year. With spas at almost every edge of Costa Rica, from the south end of the Osa Peninsula, to the far north where you can visit a Four Seasons, I agree we will see our share of the 59% of consumers who now want more time to explore their spiritual side, according to the 2001 Leisure Travel Monitor.

R &R Resorts is the management operation of three well known and highly sought international wellness centers with spa and retreat villas. Providing the total "mind, body, spirit"
connection before it was trendy to include this slogan on every youngling spa brochure. One of their three facilities, aptly named Pura Vida, or Pure Life, a national anthem and frequent greeting for the Costa Rican People, symbolizing to take it easy and enjoy life. In other words most things can wait until tomorrow, not a mentality easily ingrained into our work harder, get more,
puritan roots.

I decided it was time to take advantage of my location and experience this for myself. As I passed through a small country town, they call Cerrysel, I am amazed at how much of this small country still remains for me to see. High green mountains, surrounded by coffee fields,
and winding small roads that lead to a remote hilltop location, needing a little navigation, almost as if you need an exclusive password for the privilege of the location. A seeming world away from my four hour drive from the coast, with fog misted mountains and a quiet calm, I looked forward to sharing with the staff. Having previously arranged a meeting with the general manager and marketing coordinator, I knew I only had the day to enjoy this getaway, because of my schedule.
Ads by Google

Promising myself I would make a return visit for the much talked about week of transformation.
Upon my arrival I was greeted with a warm welcome by Manrique Gomez, the GM here for the past
three years with 20 years of management experience. I was immediately taken through the grounds, as we discussed the types of accommodations, classes, treatments and pricing they have to offer.

The walk was colder than I am used to, quiet, with only the wind moving the palm and almond trees
with a perpetual breeze, and a refreshing clear view of the valley and surrounding hills. With a
review of the 22,000 square meter grounds, of comfortable sturdy "toldos" or tents, and pagoda
style villas, 53 in all, I was invited to lunch. In the Garden Restaurant a cozy cafeteria style center, I sat down with some very sincere and enthusiastic staff. More rightly referred to as part of the community, at least that is how they like to view themselves. I was pleased to find some of my favorite combinations, tofu dishes, lots of fresh vegetables, cheeses, fruit juice and salad. A light healthy fare, that blends well with a weeks retreat of healing therapies from Bioenergetics, Watsu, Inner Guidance, Thai, Reflexology, Reflective time and all other customary treatments you may think of.

Everyone I spoke with was honest and open, not at all excessively protective of their
proprietary works as some who shrink from the interest of other trade professionals. Proud of their success and innovative programs they were happy to share. With members of the "community"
from Israel, Australia, USA, Germany, Britain, and of course Costa Rica, they have no shortage of
people who seek a chance to live and work here. Isvari, a Sanskrit word for the feminine of God, is the name the resident yoga instructor takes. Trained in Kripalu, Holistic Nutrition, Danskinetics, and Iyengar theories, she brings an open minded vision to her teaching. When I asked another member, what she enjoyed most here, the response was "touching hearts", which is what she sees in the responsive and physical difference in her clients, at weeks end. Trained in Israel, Switzerland, and India, she has a friendly face, wide, clear eyes, and a true dedication to her work. Management, instructors, therapists, enthusiasts, solace seekers, and Pura Vida regulars all eat, live, practice, and
heal together.

Built on an old coffee farm, significantly more developed than when it was purchased 20
years ago by the founding couple of R & R Resorts, Pauline and Michael Klegg.
Now a prosperous company, it is comprehensibly managed by a couple of "corporate refugees",
Rakesh and LuAnn. Based in Dahlonega, Georgia, near the Pura Vida USA wellness center, they
travel monthly to their sister properties in Tulum, Mexico, and Alejuela, Costa Rica. Rakesh, a former corporate financier, and LuAnn a lawyer by training, make for a well designed management
team. For two and a half years they have been behind the properties and programs you can find
available. In speaking with the management team I was able to relate to the dedication and skill it
takes to keep these wellness centers going. With my own recent work in boutique, and resort spa
start up on the Pacific Coast, I'd had my days of rewards and set-backs. The couple, having visited
the Costa Rican property three years ago on vacation, decided to modify their lives and upon their return, applied with R& R Resorts, later finding themselves heading up the project. Attracted to the wellness industry by a desire to do something more thrilling than the routine corporate world, and I'm guessing a little healthy self-interest to do something for themselves, they took it on with enthusiasm. With no misconceptions about the industry, they admit, it is just as hard, if not more, to manage these properties, as it was in high demand jobs. Travel is frequent and quality checks are consistent, along with ensuring that each property reflects and represents what they advertise, and is homogenous with the whole body connection put into place at the original MayaTulum property 20 years ago. The founding couple had some healthy discernment in bringing together yoga, and spa awareness when it was not mainstream, an became an inspiration to others.

LuAnn tells me there are no immediate plans for expansion on the Costa Rica property, but
that they are always looking to improve the look and "deepen their offerings" to the guests, and
leave them with something to take home. As we all know, our guests can be the greatest reward, and
the greatest challenge, all at the same time. The reason they always look for staff with the ability to deal with the public, and amongst it all, smile! A pre-requisite to be a staff member, I am told, is quality training, knowledge, and of course the right attitude. As I've heard throughout my career from therapist, to manager, through development and consulting, people can be trained, but if they are inherently unhappy, that will reflect in their work.

It must be working, as LuAnn informs me they consistently receive compliments from
clients around the world on the positive fulfillment of expectation and forceful energy of Pura Vida retreats. From experience I know how hard it can be to execute countless biddings, the feeling to out perform, and surpass your guests expectations. In this aspect LuAnn put it so objectively, "Some may have better rooms than us, others may have better treatments, but it is what we put into it, and the service and caring that our clients receive that make it an experience to remember."

This is the attitude that has made this one of the most popular destination locations in Central
America, and the management awareness is key.
With the average vacation being 10-14 days out of 365, some of us, myself included prefer a new experience during our time away, where our personal needs will be addressed,
and you can really take some, YOU time. Sometimes that takes seclusion, and lifestyle change,
which is part of what Pura Vida does in taking pride in raising a level of consciousness for their clients, and creating a safe space for transformation to happen. Where as one staff member put it, "giving them time to return to the beautiful person they have forgotten they are"

LuAnn maintains a belief that nature has a way of healing us, if that is the case, then this is
a perfect tropical location to begin your renewal. Not only a popular spa with 9 mountain view
rooms dedicated to treatments and a private Watsu pool. Their wellness center can also be reserved
for yoga teacher trainings, therapist CEU's, and seminars for all types and levels of the trade.
Destination spas are one of the things people think of when looking for a much needed
escape and to allow our overworked minds to be swept away, to contemplate a recent change, a
divorce, work, or life. Each of us will look to have a different expectation filled, seeking our own path, transcending age, health and circumstance. We all need, and deserve to function at our best physiologically and emotionally. Personally I look forward to taking them up on an invitation to return and participate in their wellness program and trying out the ‘Unwrap Journey Paradise" package , floating from massage to wrap to detox steam and facial. Exploring the boundries of my yoga stretches, and taking some time for introspection of my own to re-direct some goals that may have slipped off track.

Costa Rica can be a place where your daily rejuvenation rituals and healthy habits may be
challenged, you certainly will be hard pressed to find a turkey burger or raw foods juice bar,
especially disadvantageous to those of us living day to day lives here. Whether we are traveling or a long term guest in a foreign location, our well being is within our reach. Inside the borders of this little country I currently call home, I now have one more channel to access in my personal search for the sometimes misleading or unbridled spirit. Rejuvenation is deeply personal to each of
us, as we create our rituals to get through the day, deep breaths when needed, a private minute for a mantra, or scanning trade and travel magazines for the next get away. We find our way.

I look up as I am writing this, into a tranquil ocean cove, a friends' sloop moored below, the
sun is setting, soon I will see the capricious pattern of shades on the horizon, a bird swoops
in to pick up a wandering gecko, and I move to the sounds of distant titi monkeys, and a subtle
background beat of a locally bought c.d., ‘Sounds of the Coffee Lands'. An echo of breaking surf
moves up the hill, like a chant, a sound that has always been my soul rejuvenation, that wraps me in
contentment. I guess this is the beginnings of my dream, my chance to re-invent myself and
capture the empowerment to appreciate it, and what enables me to provide a center of renewal
for myself and those around me. So my daily ride, once a roller coaster has slowed to a tranquil
merry go round, with an exceptional view… at least for the time being. After all I am working the controls.

Retrieved from "http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/one-womens-experience-a-look-into-costa-rican-rejuvenation-235225.html"