Costa Cruises

Volcanoes in Costa Rica

Posted by CostaRica | Costa Rica Guide | Posted on January 18th, 2010

Costa Rica is famous for its active volcanoes. There are a few live steaming volcanoes placed around it, which is really worth seeing.

Poas Volcano
The Poas Volcano refers to the Central Volcanic Cordillera. However, gazing at the Poas from the Central Valley – as well as at the other volcanoes of Costa Rica, it can be really very hard to guess what a mad temper these wooded mountains conceal themselves. To imagine the force the volcano keeps in itself becomes much easier by tending at the top of the edge of the crater.

Just below the crater of the volcano Poas begins the 1.5-kilometer trail that leads to Lake Botos which is filled with rain waters and covered with thick vegetation. One section of the road passes through a rather creepy area covered with small, stunted forest. The branches of the local trees, gnarled and turned out are the reason of the harsh climatic conditions and the vulnerability to such a considerable height. When climbing to Lake Botos, the highest point of the park (2704 m) can be reached. Here, as a rule, one can observe a very interesting and diverse species of birds, such as the fired-necked hummingbirds.

Barva Volcano
The misty top of the volcano Barva is covered with a densely mountain vegetation, and as it’s considered a sleeping volcano, the variety of wildlife in its territory is wider than the one above mentioned. Balanced on at more than 2900 meters above the sea level, Volcano Barva is covered with forests 200 meters higher than the volcano Poas, although it is far from the volcano Irazu, with its 500-meter mark.

Right at the entrance path of Braulio Carrillo National Park the virtually flat land route to 1,5 km will open in front of any visitor, which leads to Laguna Barva, that’s lake of the rain water formed inside the extended inactive crater. La Selva Biological Station offers a special path for the brave travelers with a good physical education, which moves down to a depth of about 35 feet below the sea level, which is in other words, by overcoming the 60 km road, one can go down for up to 3000 meters!

Irazu Volcano
Volcano Irazu, which is 3.432 meters high above the sea level, is considered the highest one in the Central Volcanic Cordillera. The fields of potatoes, cabbages and other vegetables are spread on the southern angle, like a patchwork cover, with some dairy farms on higher altitudes. This peaceful picture, towering over the town of Cartago, is not combined in any ways with the turbulent past of the volcano.

However, as approaching the top of the volcano, its destructive forces are becoming more and more vivid which is proved by its burnt but still standing trees. There are some deep craters surrounded by unproductive, constantly sweep opt wind soil at the top of the volcano which makes the local landscape more like the Moon than the familiar to us Earth. The top of the volcano is located just slightly above the growth of the trees that makes them grow in their full force. Among the small birds living here are the quite concisely named: Junko volcanic and the volcanic hummingbirds.

Province of Guanacaste

Posted by CostaRica | Costa Rica Guide | Posted on January 15th, 2010

The north-western part of the country, which unites the province of Guanacaste resorts starting from the Gulf of Papagayo and reaching the Gulf of Nicoya are the most attractive sightseeing places for the majority of tourists. The climate here is milder while the rainfalls are less than in other places of the country.

Playa del Coco is situated in the far northern part of the coast, which can be considered as a real sea coast for a family vacation. There are also other sea coasts, namely, Playa Flamingo, Playa Grande for which the surfers are very fond of and where for thousands of years the giant leatherback turtles are laying their eggs.

It is in the province of Guanacaste, where one of the most attractive cities in Costa Rica, the so called “white city” Liberia, Guanacaste National Park with volcanoes Oroshi (1486 m) and Cacao (1660 m) can be admired. Numerous mud volcanoes and sulfur springs in the National Park Rincon de la Vieja, Tabakon hot springs, waterfalls, rain forest Monteverde Reserve, the National Park Manuel Antonio can also be found near the north-western coast of the province.

The grounds of the golf, tennis, horseback riding and the water sports are placed at the north-western side of the resort place.

Throughout the year the north-west coast of the Pacific offers excellent opportunities for scuba diving. One can discover the secrets of the rocky reefs which clear waters make it possible to maintain visibility at a depth of 6 to 24 meters. There are special hours for the courses of the beginners.

Tortuguero

Posted by CostaRica | Costa Rica Guide | Posted on January 13th, 2010

Tortuguero is a small resort located in the north Atlantic coast of Costa Rica. The national park lies near the town Tortuguero. The town is located about 254 km away from San Jose. This park is considered to be one of the most famous parks in the country and is known worldwide with its unique ecological system.

The City of Tortuguero is located on a narrow strip of the land between the Caribbean Sea and the shadowy muddle of the jungle. Very often the city is called “Venice of Costa Rica”, but, in fact, the landscape and the nature has much more in common with the South American Amazon. The green sea turtles lay eggs on the beaches of the resort from June to October. This region is really a remarkable sightseeing which attracts tourists from all over the world.

One of the popular tourist services is boating through Tortuguero.

The climate is very favorable and is rather stable. The climate here is only changeable during the dry and rainy season. The temperature variations during the year are very slight. A great difference between the night and the daytime temperatures are observed during the “dry season”, but they do not exceed five degrees of Celsius. “Rainy Season” is characteristic of a rainfall in the afternoons.

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.

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.

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.

Wilson Botanical Gardens

Posted by CostaRica | Costa Rica Guide | Posted on December 10th, 2009

Wilson Botanical Gardens was founded in 1963 by Robert and Catherine Wilson, and is located along the southern Talamanca mountain range of Costa Rica, near the border with Panama. When starting the garden they were inspired by the famous Brazilian botanist Robert Burle-Mark, who highly valued internal microclimate, which nature has in that area.

Now gardens cover an area of about 10 hectares, and hiking trails totaling more than 10 km. Surrounded by a rich flora, consisting of 2000 species of a variety of plants, flowers and trees, the gardens contains 400 species of birds, 800 species of exotic butterflies, hundreds of species of animals. In addition, in the Wilson Botanical Gardens you can see about 40 species of bats, as well as many different reptiles and amphibians.

Of course, one day is not enough for a full visit to these places. Therefore, many visitors are provided accommodation and meals. Here the visiting tourists from around the world are offered rooms equipped with all necessary things and restaurant, which regularly prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner for guests.

Wilson Botanical Garden is deservedly popular among plant lovers, as well as researchers, conducting research in this area. An extensive collection of palms, lilies, cacti, ferns, is constantly updated with new models, which allows in-depth study of the subject. Many scientists live here for years to finally give the world an excellent monograph or dissertation.

For ordinary tourists the garden is a real eldorado for photographing and inspection of the plants which usually grow in places difficult and inaccessible without deep penetration into the jungle.

The climate in these places is quite dry; the rainy season is short and usually lasts from September to December. Arriving in Wilson Gardens at this time, do not forget to take with you a waterproof jacket and shoes and make sure that the memory card in the camera or camcorder has enough room – you have to shoot a lot. Each visitor of the Wilson Botanical Garden took with him/her an unforgettable experience and a lot of great photos.

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

Posted by CostaRica | Costa Rica Guide | Posted on December 9th, 2009

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is located to the north-west of San Jose at a distance of 120 km. The reserve territory is located at 10000 hectares and is home to many wintering birds.

In addition, the climate and natural environment unusual for Costa Rica created in the Caño Negro incomparable natural balance and diverse animal life, some of which can be found only here.

Starting from December, huge number of wintering birds, migrants from North and South America start to gather on the territory of the refuge. Being at the crossroads of migration, Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge gives nature lovers a unique opportunity to see almost all species of birds of the continent. White ibises, wood storks, green herons, a great number of different prey and waterfowl are found here in winter. Special tours are organized in the refuge, during which the tourists have the opportunity not only to photograph and record the voice of rare birds, but also listen to a qualified lecture, containing complete data on the habits and customs of a particular species.

The variety of wildlife inhabiting the refuge will impress all visitors to Caño Negro. It is impossible to think of a better cognitive Safari.

A variety of monkeys, including spider monkeys, capuchin and howler, rare spectacled caiman, crocodiles, exotic lizards, iguanas – they all accompany any informative tour, organized by the ministers of the refuge. In addition to the above listed animals, tapirs, white-tailed deer, jaguars, and lots of other terrestrial animals live in Caño Negro.

Talking about the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge it is, of course, impossible not to mention the excellent fishing prospects opening up for everyone who decides to visit these unique places. The abundance of rivers, with many creeks and bays, drowning in the mangroves, area place of permanent habitation for tarpon, gaspar, guapote, sharks and other exotic fish.

The fishing season here starts in July and ends in late March. During this period, thousands of amateur and professionals of great fishing sports visit these protected places. Fisherman may use the services of qualified fishing guides, or simply rent a boat for independent fishing, which further enhances the fishing intrigue and stirs the hunting excitement.

To ensure a good rest after fishing near Caño Negro there is a well developed network of hotels and tourist service. Tourist will be able to sleep comfortably, eat and relax, so the next day to fully enjoy all the unforgettable beauty.