Costa Cruises

Quetzal in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Posted by CostaRica | Costa Rica Guide | Posted on December 25th, 2009

The title of the place accurately displays the characteristic feature of this area. Located at an altitude of over 1000 meters above sea level, the reserve is always filled with a damp mist. This climatic feature formed the basis of origin of tiered local forests here. Starting from the ground, where there are wonderful plants and flowers, plant life tends upwards towards the sun, creating a colony on tree moss, mushrooms, and lianas.

The area with this green diversity is a place for 500 species of butterflies and about 600 representatives of the animal world, the main among them are birds.

On one of them deserves to be told in greater detail. The quetzal is one of the rarest, endangered species, which is included in all security categories and books; the second name of it is “Bird of Happiness.”

It is hard to say, if this is the bird, which everyone wants, but the ancient Mayas and Aztecs considered the bird to be divine. It was forbidden to kill, and even if the rite required her feathers, it was caught and, after removal of several pieces, enfranchised.

The spiritual aura that surrounds this magnificent bird from ancient times, made her a symbol of freedom (according to belief, if quetzal is put in a cage, its heart will break), as well as the name of the monetary unit of Guatemala. Quetzal is also depicted on the emblem of this country.

The best time to observe this bird is from April to May. At this time quetzals deduce chicks. It is quite difficult to meet this bird at any other time.

If you ever visit Costa Rica and want to see quetzals and other rare animals in the park, it will be a good idea to use the services of a guide. These people know the reserve very well, so in their presence, you will see and learn much more. This service is very inexpensive, but one should bear in mind that the park can host only 160 people a day, and this quota is usually ends by 10 am.

Costa Rica: Botanical Island

Posted by CostaRica | Costa Rica Guide | Posted on December 24th, 2009

One of the natural jewels of Costa Rica: Manuel Antonio National Park is located south of San Jose in the central Pacific Ocean. The 1983 hectares of land has four beautiful beaches and heady tropical moist forest ecosystems.

Perhaps it is a magical combination of sea and forest, as well as a variety of animal species, including monkeys, sloths and birds, attracts more than 200,000 people to this place every year. Among the variety of places is allocated Punto Catedral, which was an island in the past, but has joined to the mainland due to the accumulation of sediments. On the right side of this peak you can see La Trampa, building, made by Indians to catch turtles and fish.

Beside, the 55200 hectares of marine waters of the park is inhabited by dolphins, sea stars, and sometimes whales.

Extensive Flora
Manuel Antonio National Park is located in the area of tropical forests.
It includes areas of primary forest, secondary forest, mangroves, beach vegetation and marine environments. The most characteristic species of flora are Guácimo Colorado, American locust, balsa, monkey comb.

Guava
The height of guava is up to 40 m. Its wood is very hard. Every day new leaves appear on the tree, forming a kind of magical calendar.

Manzanilla
This tree has a fleshy fruit and bark of the tree provides a poisonous sap, which causes irritation to the skin and eyes.

Large fauna
In the Park of Manuel Antonio, there are 352 species of birds, 109 species of mammals and an unknown number of marine species. Among the birds you can meet pelicans, guakko, and sparrow-hawk. Also the park is home to iguanas, snakes, raccoons, monkeys. In its waters you can find angel fish, sea urchins and stars.

Raccoon
These creatures appear on the beaches at sunset and sunrise to search for crabs.

Pelican
This bird inhabits in the coastal waters and feeds on fish which it catches from a height of 10 m. In general, birds live in small flocks.

Museums in San Jose

Posted by CostaRica | Costa Rica Vacations | Posted on December 23rd, 2009

Museum of Costa Rican Art (Museo de Arte Costarricense)
This museum is a beautiful example of colonial architecture, offering works by artists from the early 1900′s. The museum has a permanent collection of woodcarving by Francisco Amighetti and pastoral paintings of Francisco Zuniga. In the museum you can also see the temporary exhibitions of works by contemporary artists of Costa Rica. The doors of the museum are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

National Museum (Museo Nacional)
This museum is located in the fortress of Bella Vista and has an extensive collection of artifacts, which will be interesting to a wide range of people. The museum promotes the study, preservation and display of flora and fauna of the country, as well as art to the Columbia period, jewelry, and archeology, printed historical documents, photographs of the period and the colonial and religious culture. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 4: 30 pm.

Museum of Gold era before Columbus (Museo de Oro Precolombino)
Perhaps this is the best Museum in Costa Rike. In Museum of Gold, there are about 2300 units of gold and is the home of one of the most valuable collections of gold in the era before Columbus. Archaeologists have discovered a lot of gold in the field of Costa Rica, where the steel industry was booming. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am. to 4:30 pm.

Insect Museum of the University of Costa Rica (Museo de Insectos de la Universidad de Costa Rica)
This is the only museum in Central America. The Museum is known for its collection of butterflies, beetles and other insects. The exhibition has almost one million species of insects, collected for scientific research. It is open Monday to Friday from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.

Jade Museum (Museo del Jade “Fidel Tristan”)
This museum, with the world’s largest collection of American jade, presents pre- Colombian objects of jade, jewelry and precious objects made of ceramics. The museum is open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Museum of Science and Culture (Centra Costarricense de la Ciencia y la Cultura (Museo Nacional del Nino)
In this museum, children can improve their knowledge about space, mass communications, science, art, technology and processing. There are 22 rooms in the museum, which allow you to learn science. You can visit the museum Tuesday-Friday from 8:00 – 3:00, Sunday from 10:00 – 5:00.

Banana Tours in Costa Rica

Posted by CostaRica | Costa Rica Vacations | Posted on December 22nd, 2009

Banana Tours are currently offered in Costa Rica on three farms: Bananito, Esperanza and Zurqui.

Bananito farm is located twenty minutes south of Limon. Farm Esperanza is in Siquirres, while Farm Zurqui is in Puerto Viejo in Sarapiqui. Banana tour introduces visitors to the world of bananas in a very realistic manner. Standard Fruit Company of Costa Rica, which exports bananas named Dole is a recognized leader in the production practice, which is favorable to the natural and social environment.

Esperanza and Zurqui have special paths for excursions that start from the packing plant and lead visitors to the surrounding area. There, visitors will be introduced to the agro-cultural processes. The network of paths is made so that farms can organize up to six trips at a time. Each group consists of approximately 25 people, and a guide, prepared for Banana tours.

All the farms have a large area for parking, with a capacity of 10 buses. Zurqui and Esperanza offer demonstrations in agricultural practices, such as: garter plants, covering banana penny with plastic bags, harvesting and fruit packing. Tour operators offer to demonstrate this process in the form of fairy tales.

Visitors will be able to buy many different gift items related to the topic of bananas and agro-culture. You can purchase banana paper, banana and coffee liqueurs, and many other interesting souvenirs.

You will be prompted to try such products as bananas, coffee and other delicacies.

Bananito Farm offers tours that differ from the tours of Zurqui and Esperanza, as it is designed for passenger cruises, which are limited in time. Visitors of Bananito have the opportunity to visit the camp. There they will see a town with good planning for housing, education and commerce. The settlement is designed so that no prejudice to the environment. In the local shops, visitors can buy souvenirs.

Costa Cruises on Star Flyer (Star Clippers)

Posted by CostaRica | Costa Cruises | Posted on December 21st, 2009

Sailing ships of Star Clipper and Star Flyer are as fast as the wind and as graceful as swans. Literally every centimeter of the ship can evidence of its rich heritage. Once on board of the ship, you will immediately feel the tradition of past years, perfectly combined with modern technology.

Length of Star Flyer is 112 meters and each can accommodate 170 people. Life on board is held in such a relaxed pace, which sometimes may seem that you are traveling on your own yacht. You never feel in the crowd here, as apartments and the walking decks of teak wood will delight you with their spaciousness. You will notice that sailing ships Star Clipper and Star Flyer offer much more space per passenger than most cruise ships.

The design of the ship reminds of sailing ships from the great era of navigation. Antiques and a variety of works of art of known liners are pleasing to an eye, while decor of the ship, made of teak wood, is reminiscent of the rich heritage of the Star Clipper.

The guests will be able to relax in the Tropical Bar, Piano Bar, or in the library with a fireplace, which emanates warm and once again reminds us of sensitivity in your stay.

Star Flyer offers 8 day/7 night cruises in Carrebean sea with the visits to the following cities:
1 Puerto Caldera (Costa Rica)
3 Coiba (Panama)
4 Golfito (Costa Rica)
5 Drake Bay (Costa Rica)
6 Heredia (Costa Rica)
7 Tortuga (Costa Rica)

The cruise includes:
Accommodation in the cabin of your choice;
Feeding program all inclusive (except drinks);
Entertainment on board;
Use deck inventory (swimming pools, jacuzzi, sauna, etc.).

The prices oh tickets for Costa cruise on Star Flyer range from $1975 to $4465

Costa Rica Aerial Tram Tours

Posted by CostaRica | Costa Rica Vacations | Posted on December 19th, 2009

Aerial trams of the rainforests are located on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Costa Rica, as well as on the islands Dominniki and Santa Lucia. They provide the most exciting and fascinating ecological tours in the world, with a unique view from the bird’s-eye view of the most impressive tropical forests of Central America and the Caribbean.

You can also enjoy a relaxing stay in lovely gardens, situated in the woods on the outskirts of the wild, impassable jungle. You will discover the marvelous panoramic spectacle of the rainforest during your walks in a convenient, well-marked paths. This is ideal for the whole family, retirees, and for a romantic honeymoon for the newlyweds!

The aerial tram consists of cabins, suspended on steel rails, on which you will be comfortable to travel over the jungle and thematic gardens. Tours may be carried out at any climatic conditions. Aerial tramway is designed so that you can observe the tropical forest at all levels. The cars are designed to provide comfort, thanks to this, the tour is ideal for those who do not want or can not walk on the traditional paths cut into the forest.

Travel by an air tram takes about an hour and covers a distance of half kilometer. The capacity of each carriage is two people. Electric cars are moving slowly, and are hung on the rails. Each car is autonomous, so travel is possible at any time. The trip allows you to view tropical forests at all levels, as well as a view of the distant pastures. Passengers can stop the aerial tram, whenever and wherever they want to. Thus, there is opportunity for taking photos. You will see a wonderful tropical scenery, unforgettable view of the Nicoya bay and you will have a unique chance to see the abundance of exotic birds, butterflies and rare animals. You can ride in the sun, and in rainy weather. Night tours are also offered.

Silver King Lodge Hotel

Posted by CostaRica | Costa Rica Guide | Posted on December 18th, 2009

Silver King Lodge Hotel is located in the reserve “Barra del Colorado”, about 220 kilometers from San Jose to the north-eastern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. This is a fantastic place as if nature has designed it specifically for fishing.

Snook, snapjack, mackerel and tarpon are found in these waters everywhere and in large quantities. The surrounding landscape consists of many rivers flowing into the ocean, islands and mangroves and lagoons.

Hotel rooms, an area about 140 sq.m., are fully equipped with everything necessary for comfortable living and recreation. Air-conditioning and bathroom in complete set is in each of them.

In addition, the hotel Silver King Lodge has its own well stocked pool with waterfalls, where you can also order something to drink from the bar if you want to. And in order for the rest after the fishing is even more consistent, there are experienced masseurs, a Jacuzzi and a large seating area with seating in the shade of palm trees at your service.

The hotel bar is open all day long and has a menu with full range of alcoholic drinks and cocktails, and in the restaurant there are perfectly cooked meals and continental cuisine of Costa Rica waiting for you. Excellent wine list, as well as the refined fish dishes, masterly cooked by the chef, will give you unforgettable memories of the days spent in Silver King Lodge.

The hotel is especially proud of the fishing fleet, which is unparalleled throughout the district. Boats are equipped with the latest fishing techniques for catching, as in the coastal zone and in the open ocean, and experienced guides organize your fishing with maximum effect.

Papagayo Resort Costa Rica – Luxury Resort in Costa Rica

Posted by CostaRica | Costa Rica Guide | Posted on December 17th, 2009

A resort Papagayo Resort Costa Rica hotel from the Hilton chain has opened its doors for tourists and visitors in January 2008. There is a tropical paradise around the hotel. The northwestern part of Costa Rica is famous for the beauty of untouched nature. In addition to the beautiful beach and flowering gardens, the resort offers visitors water sports, flying in helicopters, parachutes and par gliders, and much more. Excursions to the volcano Arenal and Rincon de la Vieja, to the hot springs in tropical forests and rafting are also offered.

Papagayo Resort Costa Rica has 220 rooms and suites, as well as 71 two-bedroom bungalow, with the possibility to choose from the view to the sea, and to the park. Rooms are equipped with the latest technology, including high speed internet. The bedrooms are equipped with typical for high-end Hilton hotel beds Serenity. Three restaurants and a bar are available for guests of the hotel. Classic dishes are served in restaurants La Cosecha, traditional dishes of Costa Rica are offered in the restaurant El Dorado, while Italian cuisine is available in the restaurant Grill del Fuego. El Ritual Bar, located next to the pool, will offer traditional drinks, delicious cocktails and snacks.

According to the resort representatives, besides the traditional beach-sports entertainment, the resort Papagayo Resort Costa Rica also offers to its guests spa-procedures. The 13 specially equipped salons offer a full range of standard services. Furthermore, the Jacuzzi, sauna and beauty salon are present as well. It is also worth noting that resort Papagayo Resort Costa Rica offers special programs for newlyweds.

Windsurfing in Costa Rica

Posted by CostaRica | Costa Rica Vacations | Posted on December 16th, 2009

District of Lake Arenal is a paradise for windsurfers. This place is considered to be one of the best in the world for sailing with a strong wind. Warm water, strong winds, moderate temperatures and excellent opportunities for living are creating the best conditions in the world for windsurfing! Trade winds, together with satisfaction surfers get make the northern tip of Lake Arenal world leader in the windsurfing. This place offers excellent sailing, which will give a feeling of complete freedom and enjoyment.

The best time to windsurfing is from December to March. The same wind that blows at Lake Arenal, continues on his way to the lower region of Bahia Salinas (also known as Bolaños Bay) near La Cruz, Guanacaste, where you can also have a great time, doing windsurfing. However, at any time of year the windsurfing depends on the intensity of the wind.

During the dry months in Costa Rica, the trade winds blow with the incredible strength and permanence, creating perfect conditions for windsurfing in the north-western part of the country. Western extremity of the lake occupies the leading place for windsurfers, compared with Italy’s Lake Garda and the river Columbia. In the dry season the wind speed is 53 km / hour, so only an experienced windsurfer can handle it.

For beginners who want to take a few lessons Lake Arenal is the ideal place to swim in the water with phenomenal speed.

Along the Pacific coast there are a few places with favorable conditions for sports. The best area for experienced surfers is Puerto Soley, near the border with Nicaragua, while the Gulf of Papagayo is ideal for less experienced surfers, as It is characterized by calm water and not so strong wind.

Poas Volcano National Park

Posted by CostaRica | Costa Rica Guide | Posted on December 14th, 2009

Poas Volcano, gave its name to the National Park, which surrounds its environs, is considered the world’s largest active volcano. Its age is impressive – according to the research, its activity began 11 million years ago. However, you will not be able to see the rushing streams of lava and ash here.

Poas is now a geyser, rhythmically emitting jets of hot steam and muddy water.

In 1828 Poas Volcano erupted 39 times. The last terrible eruption happened in 1910, when the volcano emitted to the surrounding area of about one million tons of ash and incandescent rocks. The last time the National Park was closed because of the release of toxic sulfur gases in 1989, but now it is open to tourists.

The best time to visit the volcano is in early morning. If you have time to arrive here before clouds gather here, then you will see all the details of volcanic activity.

Volcano and the National Park have great popularity and attendance. There are numerous hiking trails around the crater and on slopes, where excursions are organized. The most popular is Crater Overlook Trail with a length of 750 meters, allows having a glimpse of the crater itself and observing its activities.

Also, interesting for its spectacular scenery is the trail leading to the lagoons of Botos Lake, which gives a complete idea of the variety of wildlife, presented in the unique ecosystem of the Park. Coyotes, skunks, long-tailed weasel, a wide variety of birds – and this is not all that you can seen here. The Poas National Park is home to the famous green-yellow squirrel, which can be found only in those places.

Flora of the volcano is peculiar and exotic. Because of acid rain, regularly coming here, many trees and shrubs are not able to grow to its normal size, and are presented here as a dwarf species, reminiscent of Japanese bonsai.

Also, if you managed to get into the Poas National Park, do not miss the opportunity to visit the waterfall of La Paz, the most recognizable waterfall in Costa Rica. It is just twenty minutes away from the park.