What better way to view Costa Rica than by videos.
Take a small video tour on what it would be like driving to Puerto Jimenez, crossing suspension bridges (the last bridge collapsed a year ago, killing a few) catching Dorado and Blue Marlin in Golfito, Los Suenos and Quepos, shopping San Jose’s famous Mercado Central, having a few Imperials in a couple of bars, driving through one of Costa Rica’s party towns, Jaco, checking out one of Costa Rica’s world record sportfishing captains, white water rafting and finally, watching some of the hottest girls saltwater fishing – Enjoy!
Costa Rica has become the first choice for Americans, Canadians and Europeans seeking quality and affordable medical treatment, or what is known as medical tourism and wellness.
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica. According to Mark Sydney of Americana WellcareCR, between 150,000 and 200,000 foreigners could be traveling to Costa Rica in 2011 for medical procedures.
It’s hard to give an exact figure, but based on statistics from the middle of this decade (150,000 in 2006), Costa Rica might expect almost 200,000 medical tourists this year, said Sydney, whose company, Americana WellcareCR based in San José, Costa Rica, brings people there for medical treatment.
What draws most medical tourists to Costa Rica is the low cost of medical procedures compared to their countries; the high quality of medical personnel and medical services; and the speed at which the required medical treatment can be obtained.
Cosmetic surgery and dental treatment, not necessarily in that order, are still the most popular treatment here, says Sydney. But more and more people are coming to Costa Rica for orthopedic and bariatric surgery because of the cost and the benefits of some of the best recovery centers in the world, where a patient’s post-op recovery is monitored 24/7 in an eco environment with trained professionals. Read more...(602 words, 2 images, estimated 2:24 mins reading time)
Back in April, 2009 we wrote about how Costa Rica was forming the Costa Rica Federation of American Football (FCFA) - since then, the game is becoming more popular with its 3rd season. For more info, contact Cody Gear at 321-218-9209 or via email at codygear (at) codylgearandassociates dot com.
Costa Rica has also been invited to the World Cup of American Football to be held in Mexico City July 13-20th, 2012
American football is alive and well in Costa Rica. This year the league completed its third year. The season which went from February to June culminated in the third championship being won by the Santa Ana Bulldogs. This is the second year that the Bulldogs have won the championship.
Many don’t know that a league exist here in Costa Rica much less that it has enjoyed success and growth over the past three years. The teams are predominantly comprised of Costa Ricans but there are many expats that participate as well. The Costa Ricans are learning the game and each year show steady improvement. The league is fortunate to have a number of qualified coaches but we are always looking for new blood. Read more...(536 words, 1 image, estimated 2:09 mins reading time)
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 treasure trove of possibilities. Not only can you swim, snorkel and dive in the crystal clear blue waters and walk for miles on virtually deserted beaches; you can also hike deep into the jungle, climbing to breathtaking mountain vistas. Among the areas prized attractions, The Jaguar Wild Animal Rescue Center is a real gem. Here you can see and learn about the diverse and fascinating Costa Rica wildlife. You can even go into the monkey house and play with baby monkeys.
The jungle vegetation provides a wealth of useful plants. On a medicinal plant tour with local guide Junior Palmer, you’ll smell the ylang ylang flower, used to make Chanel Number 5. Ginger, cilantro, vanilla and much more grow wild in the rain forest. Read more...(1337 words, 1 image, estimated 5:21 mins reading time)
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 side, getting to Puerta Jimenez by vehicle can be a 6-8-10 hour drive from San Jose, and that is only if road conditions are good. When traveling during the rainy season ask the locals for information on whether the road has problems or is it ONLY passable with 4WD.
To really see Costa Rica, it requires you to drive out into the rural countryside. By far, the majority of roads in Costa Rica are dirt roads. Don’t even think of a gravel road – dirt roads are dirt, which becomes mud in the rainy season. And even the gravel and paved roads like Ruta (highway) 245, the turnoff from the Pam American Highway (Highway 2) getting to Jimenez can become one adventure and one huge obstacle course dodging mega pot holes, squeezing by 18-wheelers, landslides and one-way bridges that have the looks of rust and used as targets in aerial bombings. Read more...(552 words, 1 image, estimated 2:12 mins reading time)