Contrary to belief, Costa Rica is no longer a Third World country. Its advancement in technology growth (4th in the world for micro chip processors), high literary rate (over 90%), standard of living, health, education (all three highest in all of the Latin Americans) is just a few modern identities that have jumped them into bordering a first and second world country. Unfortunately, with … [Read more...]
Archives for March 2009
Nicaraguans and Costa Ricans – Tension between Labor and Immigration Law
03/25/2009 by Leave a Comment
Costa Rica Custom Travel and Vacation Package
03/23/2009 by 2 Comments
I usually do not like to hype a single travel agency in Costa Rica, because there are so many that provide excellent services, like the ones in our directory. However, due to the increasing S & Ss (scammers and spammers) bad trips I've read about on many chat rooms and blogs, I thought I’d write about one person that provides the Royals Royce treatment. If you want to be pampered, spend … [Read more...]
San Jose – Things to Do
03/21/2009 by Leave a Comment
Time and time again, people asked the question, "I got 2-3 days in San Jose, what can I do? " I know that San Jose does get a bad rap and is not the perfect town, but if you can get away from the surfing, eco-tours and sportfishing, you will find yourself in a Latin culture that is full of arts and entertainment. Shopping for furniture, jewelry, coffee (a best seller) rum, leather goods, and … [Read more...]
Costa Rica Safe Traveling – Carrying Cash – 911
03/18/2009 by Leave a Comment
Benjamin Franklin once said, "The man with the most sense is the man with common sense." When traveling and vacationing in Costa Rica use common sense like, don’t flash a wad of money, especially when in a crowded marketplace, thats asking for trouble. And avoid the shaky parts of town (red light district) and never walk down some small alley no matter which part of town you are in, either in … [Read more...]
Costa Rica Spring Break – Jaco, San Jose, Tamarinado
03/15/2009 by 5 Comments
Costa Rica for spring break? Humm - not a bad idea! It may not be as wild as Cancun, Mexico with it's crazy parties, infamous umbrella drinks, wet T-shirt contests and drunken beer-guzzling nights, but what really defines, "Exciting!" to your personal taste? Mexico has always been the choice for Spring Breakers, but now with increasing problems (spearheaded by the Media and read this State … [Read more...]
Manners – Faux Pas – Pura Vida
03/13/2009 by 9 Comments
Like any country there is respect with the culture and Costa Rica in no different. Faux pas varies from country to country, but in Costa Rica modesty, politeness, good manners, and common courtesy are the main keys. Even if you do not speak Spanish, learn to say, Buenos Dias (Good Morning) and Muchas Gracias (thank you) and you will see a world of difference. Costa Ricans call themselves, Ticos … [Read more...]
Surfing Etiquette and Pointers – Costa Rica
03/13/2009 by Leave a Comment
So your finally going to be surfing in Costa Rica, well here are some pointers that will make your trip a life time experience. First, most first-time surfers see these sparkling sand beaches, awesome waves and chattering English, they instantly think heaven and/or Hawaii. Always remember, Costa Ricans by nature are easy going, friendly and generally eager to help you. But if you become the … [Read more...]
Billfish Agreement is Signed with OSPESCA and TBA
03/10/2009 by 3 Comments
After nearly a year, Costa Rica and remaining countries of Central America have approved an agreement with The Billfish Foundation (TBF) to create a sustainable management plan for billfish and other popular game fish vital to growing sport fishing and tourism in the region. In Jan, 2009, the TBF successfully reached a ban on exporting billfish meat. The agreement between TBF and the … [Read more...]
Ecotourism, Corporate Greed, and Development
03/10/2009 by 3 Comments
Today the Osa Peninsula's most beautiful beach, full of turtle nests, has been destroyed by bulldozer and backhoes. The municipalidad in Golfito is tearing apart everything beautiful about the OSA. HELP! Back in September, 2008 the Tico Times Directory started to receive emails like the one above. Now the questions, has the peaceful Central American nation tourist reputation on protecting … [Read more...]
Free Trade in Costa Rica – Is it working?
03/08/2009 by Leave a Comment
Back in Oct, 2007 Costa Rica (by a close vote (53/ 47) approved a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States. The vote split the country, with supporters arguing it would bring economic development, and critics warning (mostly labor unions) that it would hurt the little guy, like farmers and small businesses. This trade agreement was suppose to expand Costa Rica's access to the US market … [Read more...]
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