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 table … [Read more...]
Plastic Surgery in Costa Rica – Low Costs, Hospitals, Recovery
06/15/2011 by 2 Comments
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
04/26/2011 by 4 Comments
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
04/12/2011 by 3 Comments
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
03/30/2011 by 2 Comments
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
02/19/2011 by 3 Comments
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
02/04/2011 by 53 Comments
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 remember, … [Read more...]
Puerto Jimenez – Osa Peninsula – Costa Rica
12/29/2010 by 3 Comments
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
11/13/2010 by 3 Comments
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 Stadium – … [Read more...]
Road Conditions in Costa Rica – Mudslides, Construction, Closed Bridges
11/11/2010 by Leave a Comment
When you vacation in Costa Rica, you will most likely rent a car when you arrive in San Jose. The highway system in the capital city of San Jose is comprised of modern multi-lane freeways that look very much like freeways in other large cities around the world. Road conditions in Costa Rica can change very quickly during heavy rains, etc especially in the rural countryside. During Tropical … [Read more...]
Traffic Cameras To Be Installed in San Jose
09/25/2010 by Leave a Comment
This week, I had to laugh when I learned that sometime before the end of this year the Policía de Tránsito (traffic police) are expecting to put in cameras to control traffic and ticket offending drivers in various parts of San Jose. The areas targeted for this is Parque La Paz, the autopista General Cañas and the autopista Florencio del Castillo and other "unnamed" locations. Cesar Quirós, … [Read more...]
Tips on Renting a Car in Costa Rica – Insurance and Extra Costs
09/05/2010 by 7 Comments
Costa Rica is a very popular tourist destination, drawing millions of visitors each year to its breathtaking landscapes, and world-renowned points of interest. With a wide-spreading picturesque coastline and a massive forested wild terrain, cruising around with your own vehicle can be very handy and convenient. The good news is that there are numerous Costa Rica car rental agencies … [Read more...]
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