Above NASA map shows the tracks of all Atlantic hurricanes which formed between 1851 and 2005, so in reality Costa Rica never receives the blunt force, but they sure can receive the effects when it is downgraded to a major Tropical Storm.
We get asked all the time, does Costa Rica get hurricanes? Well, yes and no, meaning “yes” they do receive the tropical aftermath of one, like heavy rains of what Tropical Storm Tomas did in November 2010 that caused sever damage and deaths.
In meteorology; a tropical cyclone (or tropical disturbance, tropical depression, tropical storm, typhoon, or hurricane, depending on strength and location) is a type of low-pressure system, which generally forms in the tropics. Hurricane is the term used to describe tropical cyclones that form in the Caribbean where we are located.
Hurricanes need the warm humid air above tropical oceans in order to develop. That’s why they form over ocean waters close to the equator. In addition, that’s why they form only during the summer and early fall, when those waters are about 80 degrees Fahrenheit or above. However, you won’t normally see hurricanes form right at the equator. That’s because at zero degrees latitude there isn’t enough turning of winds in the atmosphere to give tropical cyclones the “spin” they need to get started.
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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...(603 words, 2 images, estimated 2:25 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)
This Grilled Marlin (including Sailfish) are no longer on the menus at four of Costa Rica's Hilton Hotels.
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.
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. USA. – The Billfish Foundation (TBF) entered into an agreement with its conservation partner, the Costa Rica Sport Fishing Federation (FECOPT) and four participating Hilton Worldwide hotels in Costa Rica, pledging to stop serving all sailfish and marlin.
Because of a socio-economic study released last year by TBF showing the huge economic value of sportfishing tourism to Costa Rica, the participating hotels adopted the ban on billfish from their restaurants in part to promote responsible and sustainable tourism in the nation.
The four properties include the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Costa Rica in Puntarenas, the DoubleTree Cariari by Hilton San Jose, the Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort and Spa, and the Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport. The bold conservation move with the hotels and resorts came after two months of discussions with FECOPT Executive Director Enrique Ramirez. Read more...(620 words, 1 image, estimated 2:29 mins reading time)
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