Costa Rica’s Southern Caribbean – A Pirates Treasure

Costa Rica's Southern Caribbean Coast

In the 1600s pirates combed Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast in search of Indian gold and trading ship’s merchandise. However their greatest find is still undiscovered by many today. Its enchanting, uncrowded beaches, distinctive climate and charming, carefree culture make Costa Rica’s south Caribbean a true treasure yet to be known. For nature lovers, Costa Rica’s Caribbean holds a … [Read more...]

Driving and Road Conditions to Puerto Jimenez Costa Rica. Highway 245

Puerto Jimenez Costa Rica - Highway 245

A once was quiet remote town of Puerto Jimenez has grown to become the largest town on the Osa Peninsula today. Located in the southern part of the Puntarenas province, this kick-back town is one of the main gateways to the beautiful Corcovado National Park. With said, it has become one of the hot eco destinations in Costa Rica. Many will take a plane, but those that like to see the country … [Read more...]

Hilton Hotel & Restaurants Stops Serving Marlin & Sailfish Meat

No Grilled Marlin

In a bold move, Hilton Hotels and Resorts in Costa Rica's restaurants set example for others in promoting sportfishing ecotourism by taking sailfish and marlin off their menus. They adopted the stance after working with The Billfish Foundation and  the Costa Rica Sport Fishing Federation (FECOPT). FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. USA. – The Billfish Foundation (TBF) entered into an agreement with … [Read more...]

Costa Rica Tourism; Quest for Pura Vida & National Convention Center

National Convention Center In Costa Rica

Costa Rica Tourism is back on the rise after a relatively flat 2010. Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) reports that total number of visitors is up 7% or 45,000 more visitors in the first quarter of 2011. This is great news for tourism and there are even bigger changes on the horizon. Tourism is Costa Ricas’ number one industry and if the size and scope of many projects and initiatives on the … [Read more...]

Plastic Surgery in Costa Rica – Low Costs, Hospitals, Recovery

Plastic Surgery In Costa Rica

It has not been a surprise to some how Costa Rica has become a desired and popular medical tourism hub attracting thousands of medical tourists every year. They are coming in for all kinds of different medical treatments, starting from necessary surgery to elective procedures and prolonged treatments. In the last few years, the medical tourism industry has jumped up 200% and that is expected to … [Read more...]

The Future for Guanacaste – Vacation, Invest and Retire

GUANACASTE

Guanacaste has posted some great numbers in 2011 however things still seem to be slow in talking with many hoteliers, restaurateurs and retailers. Our real estate friends in Guanacaste are positive and things seem to be picking up a bit, but our friends in Atenas are talking about a slump. Their situations were completely reversed a year ago. Many other factors on the table are very positive for … [Read more...]

Taking Professional Photos in Costa Rica – Traveling

Costa Rica Crocodile

Costa Rica offers some of the most stunning imagery for photographers. On the Osa Peninsula, I've swam with sailfish, cavorted with crocodiles, and photographed monkeys, butterflies, and rare birds in the span of a single day! To capture all the incredible things you'll see on camera, you should follow a careful game plan. Here are some essential elements to consider. PLANNING Bring the … [Read more...]

Travelers Checks, Credit & Debit Cards, Cash, Traveling to Costa Rica

Skimming Device

One of the questions we get asked all the time,  what is the best form of money to take, travelers checks, credit or debit cards, or cash when traveling to Costa Rica? Travelers checks are probably the worse, because in Costa Rica, many establishments don't take them anymore and when you do find one that will, some places have been known to charge a outrageous fee. Banks are still the … [Read more...]

Walking and Hiking in Costa Rica – Coastal and Mountain Areas

Costa Rica Frog

In Costa Rica  what better way of seeing nature is  walking from point A to B and back to A.  For almost 20 years they have a long-established reputation for being  environmental protective and conversational that is the envy of many other countries around the world. So if you like to hike, Costa Rica is a superb country for you to explore a wide variety of countryside and wildlife and can … [Read more...]

Cell Phone Service In Costa Rica – PrePaid SIM, Types of Phones

Nokia 3120 Classic

A couple of years ago we wrote about cell phones in Costa Rica and since that time, things have changed. About 2-4 times a week we get questions on  whether or not someone personal  phone will work in Costa Rica.  So this is all about common questions and answers on Costa Rica cells phones. I HAVE A BLAB BLAB PHONE, CAN I USE IT IN COSTA RICA? One of the first things you have to … [Read more...]

Puerto Jimenez – Osa Peninsula – Costa Rica

Punt

The first time I went to Puerto Jimenez was back in the mid 1970, and it took us about three days traveling on very pot-hole ridden, one-lane dirt road. And thinking back, I think we were heading to Panama or Golfito, made a right instead of going straight at Chacarita,  and ended in this very remote town. About the only Gringos we saw were surfers who were headed to Cabo Matapalo, a small town … [Read more...]

Costa Rica’s Non Smoking Policies and Laws

No Smoking In Hotel

If you smoke, you may have problems in Costa Rica. Back in May, 2009  the government imposed a tax hike on cigarettes which pretty much outraged smokers when the price jumped about 30%,  then it followed with a year later the countries first international say “No” To Smoking Day. A few days later thousands of school children in Cartago gathered to unite against smoking at “Fello” Meza … [Read more...]