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What's New in Costa Rica

Latest News

One of the top Whale Tourism Destinations Costa Rica attracts many visitors to watch whales during the months of August-October and December-April. Visitors can see these majestic mammals at Drake Bay and the Cano Island National Park in the Southern Pacific Coast.

According to the Costa Rican Tourist Institute, whale watching has increased by 74 percent in the last 10 years. Humpback whales are the most common species in Costa Rica which is been protected since 1967. The Costa Rican government created the Ballena National Park in the southern Pacific coast to encourage the migration of whales to this area. The Ballena National Park is located between Punta Uvita and Punta Pinuela.

Growth in tourist visits Costa Rica increased it’s tourism visits by 12.5% in the first quarter in 2008, compared to the same period in 2007.

Progress continues on the Papagayo Marina Construction on the Papagayo Marina in Costa Rica advances according to schedule and the developers of the project announced the inauguration of the first phase in January next year. The marina at Papagayo will be the second yacht marina in the country, covering 44 hectares with an initial 180 slips and an additional 200 on dry dock. Infrastructure and facilities at the pier will house ships from 12 to 87 meters in length providing services such as immigration, refueling, high speed Internet, electricity, phone, minor repairs and waste water management. The Project is expected to reach an investment of $15 million and will provide 470 jobs for the local community.

Source: La República

Date: September 12, 2008

Awards

2008 Award Winner of “Costa Rica’s International Promoter”

Letter of Acceptance:

San José, Costa Rica, April 24th 2008

Mr. Michael A. Sherman

WAY TO GO COSTA RICA

Dear Mr. Sherman :

It is a honor to communicate you that the Board of Costa Rican Association of Professionals in Tourism –ACOPROT-, according to the yesterday session, decided to award you the Prize “Costa Rica’s International Promoter”.

As a tradition, EXPOTUR (the Costa Rica Travel Mart) recognize the efforts of people, who have contributed to the Costa Rican tourism industry development.

It is a pleasured to invite you to receive this Prize during the Inaugural Ceremony of EXPOTUR 2008, on May, Tuesday 13th, at 5:00 p.m., at the Corobici Hotel –San José-. We will appreciate you to confirm us your attendance, as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Carlos Lizama Hernández

President

Guide of The Month

Mother’s Day at Four Seasons

My visit to the Four Seasons Papagayo Resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica could not have been more needed to for this weary working mother. I was fortunate enough to had been invited by the resort to spend Mother’s Day on the Papagayo Peninsula. I was escorted by my excellent DCR guide and driver on the curvy well manicured road that led to the tropical gem of the Four Seasons family.

I was met by a most pleasant staff and offered a cold towel for my very damp forehead. This would domino into a series of wet towels offered to me for the next 36 hours. They saw this Polish/German American gal melting like the wicked witch of Oz in the last scene of the movie. I had not been in Costa Rica since the previous May and my internal temperature had not yet adjusted to tropics. By the time I had put my purse down in my room I was on cold towel number 3. I went to have a late lunch at their outside pool venue and I was on towel number 6. I think a radio broadcast had been transmitted throughout the resort notifying all staff of my sweaty condition. “Mrs. Rakowski table 4 at Tico’s Grille – emergency perspiration situation!” This typifies the small details the staff at the Four Seasons Papagayo will attend to during your stay. They want to think of your needs before you do and act promptly.

After a delicious Ceviche and Gaspacho lunch, I went back to my room. I was booked in the Premium category which had a view of the ocean framed heavily by the natural trees and foliage. If I had some stones, I could have thrown them onto the beach sand. If I was a ball player, I might skip a few on the calm Pacific water though I am sure the resort would have objected as all the balconies are fully screened. There are 2 key items about the oversized richly earth colored room I would like to point out. The first one presented itself on the desk in 2 over sized glasses. The scent of fresh mint and rich sugar cane welcomed me to imbibe in a do-it-yourself Mojito. Clear instructions directed me to be my own Cuban bartender. The second item came to me when I sat in the deep Roman bath tub. The well designed bath has large plantation shutters that open at your shoulders. From there you look past the bed to the balcony where I had opened the floor to ceiling wooden doors. As I enjoyed my relaxing bath, I gazed at the bay and listened to birds sing as they flew in and out of view. Kudos to the architect and the room designers!

I had to spend Mother’s Day without my 2 darling girls and hubby, so I had to find a substitute for my day of personal worship and gratitude. The resort’s spa was just that place. I put on my fluffy robe and spa slippers and off I went to my aromatherapy massage. My gentle and kind masseuse gave me 4 oil scents from which to choose. I went with the orange ginger mixture. About half way through, I had a pang of guilt as I thought of my hubby holding down the fort of dirty diapers and math homework, but the ambience of my dimly lit treatment room, soothing music, fresh citrus scents and a professional masseuse seemed to make it all drift away for 60 minutes. After the massage I stumbled to a relaxing area where the staff served the best iced tea I have ever had. Considering I live in the iced tea state of North Carolina, it is an honor I give to the Four Seasons. I ate a few nuts and stared at a 2 story sculpture of series of jelly fish that seemed to be made of brown gauze. They floated in the air in front of the scenic backdrop of the green trees and sand. This was a pretty good afternoon.

Costa Rica offers so many exciting adventures that could lead up to your stay at the Four Seasons. Now as a veteran visitor to Costa Rica, I have zip-lined, white water rafted, hiked the cloud forests, kayaked the mangroves and stood on hanging bridges overlooking the rain forest canopy. I design tours for the individual traveler who may want to do the same or choose to find a new adventure in Costa Rica. Seeing the country side, meeting the warm Tico people and taking adventures unlike your home life is what this wonderful country is all about, but a nice cold towel, mojito and a fluffy robe is not too shabby either.

By Jennifer Rakowski

WTG Sales Manager

The sounds of Silencio

Close to the town of Sarchi in a magical, undisturbed cloud forest lies the El Silencio Lodge, our first stop on our Costa Rican vacation in July. Our family is no different than most. We have been running crazy from our work to school, daycare, supermarket and back again. We were ready for a quiet retreat.

After a big day of air travel from Raleigh to San Jose, Costa Rica with a total of 5 checked and 7 carry on bags our arms and minds were tired. We drove our Adobe Rental SUV through little local towns on winding roads that seem to lead to nowhere. This was the first time we had a GPS in Costa Rica and it made the trip to Silencio a breeze. After seeing the last street sign for the hotel, it started to drizzle and the mountains turned into deep green lush with secret waterfalls and purple flowers at each elbow curve. Our entire car gave a joyous group cheer as we made our final right turn into the property.

El Silencio Lodge is in a quiet valley surrounded by verdant, green, misty mountains only 1.15 hours from San Jose. Upon entry to the main lobby, we were greeted by 5 uniformed staff with umbrellas who whisked our luggage and rental car out of site. We entered the lobby and sat by the fireplace for our check in. There was no waiting in lobby lines or finding a place to park the car as it was all taken care of by El Silencio. Then as if a dog whistle went off in my head, I heard the babbling brook behind me. I grabbed my 18 month old and walked out behind the glass lobby to see a small river running. The sound was not interrupted by car brakes or blue light special announcements. It was intoxicating.

Our personal Eco- Concierge guided us to our bungalows. El Silencio includes this concierge service, 3 ala carte meals daily, deluxe bungalow, guided hike and daily mini bar. It was a 5 minute walk from the lobby up an incline to our units. We did notice 2 bungalows by the lobby for those who might need easy access but, I needed as much exercise as possible to balance the meals I planned to eat on this vacation. My eyes spotted the “piece de resistance”, the outdoor circular whirlpool that was already warming and bubbling up. It was singing to me like a lover on a cliff waiting for her sailor. The décor of our bungalow consisted of hardwood floors, huge bathroom with vessel sinks, rain shower, L’Occitane bath products, gas fire place, 2 Twin sized daybeds and a luxurious fluffy king bed. I did have the best nap of my life on the “million” thread count sheets and pillows I would have put in our luggage if there was room.

The service at El Silencio was spectacular! The restaurant staff accommodated my special meal requests for our baby fast and with delicious treats of homemade organically grown squash pate with tortilla chips and a Tico chicken soup with rice that resonated “MMMMM’s” from her little mouth. They recommend children 8 and older at the resort, but accommodated us. I can understand that they want to keep the “silence” for all their guests. We reminded our kids to have fun, but screaming would wake the neighbors.

Our meals were well presented and delicious. My older daughter ate some spicy edible flowers that were grown in the garden. The chef will give you a tour of the garden if you ask. The hiking trails are well laid out and lead to 3 waterfalls on the acreage. Many tours are available in the area including zip lining, white water rafting, Arenal or Poas volcanoes and horseback riding to name a few. It is your option to lounge in the whirlpool with a glass of vino or tropical juice smoothie or tour the many activities at your disposal. One main activity we were looking forward to was the spa. I had been debating which option to take and choose the Brown Sugar, Coconut and Vanilla Body Polish. We had a double treatment room as my daughter, age 9, joined me for her first hand and foot treatment. She told me later, “ Mom, at first I was like this is kinda weird but then I just said to myself GO FOR IT!” We went for some true relaxation in this Cloud forest setting as the spa is an easy stride through a canopied walkway, over the brook and down a trail. In addition, the spa has a Conical Room that is circular and partially open to the flora outside that channels your Chi while you receive your massage. I booked a Deep Tissue Massage for my husband and he met us for dinner later that evening with this odd smile looking like he just left Woodstock.

The next morning I awoke early and sat on my rocking chair on my private deck. Hummingbirds whizzed by and the clouds hovered on the tops of the mountains. It was so peaceful. I thought about how amazing the place was and felt as if I had truly escaped. I was saddened by our departure but knew we were off to another adventure in Costa Rica. Our friends Paul and Art would feel differently about the “sound of silence” had they vacationed at El Silencio.

By Jennifer Rakowski

WTG Sales Manager

Wildlife of The Month

Ocelot “According to Wikipedia the Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), also known as the Painted Leopard, McKenney’s Wildcat, Jaguatirica (in Brazil) or Manigordo (in Costa Rica), is a wild cat distributed over South and Central America and Mexico, but has been reported as far north as Texas and in Trinidad, in the Caribbean.

The Ocelot’s appearance is similar to that of the domestic cat. Its fur resembles that of a Clouded Leopard or Jaguar and was once regarded as particularly valuable. As a result, hundreds of thousands of Ocelots have been killed for their fur. The feline was classified a “vulnerable” endangered species from the 1980s until 1996, but is now generally considered “least concern” by the 2006 IUCN Red List.

The Ocelot is mostly nocturnal and very territorial. It will fight fiercely, sometimes to the death, in territorial disputes. Like most felines, it is solitary, usually meeting only to mate. However, during the day it rests in trees or other dense foliage, and will occasionally share its spot with another Ocelot of the same sex. When mating, the female will find a den in a cave in a rocky bluff, a hollow tree, or a dense (preferably thorny) thicket. The gestation period is estimated to be 70 days. Generally the female will have 2–4 kittens, born in the autumn with their eyes closed and a thin covering of hair.

While the Ocelot is well equipped for an arboreal lifestyle and will sometimes take to the trees, it is mostly terrestrial. Ocelots hunt over a range of 18 km² (7 sq mi), taking mostly small mammals (deer, rabbits and various rodents), reptiles and amphibians (lizards, frogs, and turtles), crabs, birds and fish.[8] Almost all of the prey that the Ocelot hunts is far smaller than itself. Studies suggest that it follows and finds prey via odor trails, but the Ocelot also has very keen vision, including night vision.”

Where to see Ocelot?

Corcovado National Park, Santa Rosa National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, La Selva, San Jose, San Vito, and Cerro de la Muerte.

Upcoming Events

For The Month of November:

November 2 – All Soul’s Day

Church processions, pilgrimages to cementeries

During the month of November – Meseta Central Coffee picking contests, music and dancing

Upcoming Hotels

Kiana Resorts located at the Dominical Beach will open it’s doors in 2009. This luxury beach resort and spa uniquely situated at the crossroad between Costa Rica’s central and southern Pacific coasts. The 26 beachfront villas can be reserved as two-bedroom villas, one-bedroom suites or individual bedrooms.

Here some of the features that Kiara can offer:

· Attractively landscaped with exotic, tropical lushness

· Open-plan lobby with a sit-down reception and personalized guest services

· A signature restaurant offers innovative modern cuisine with seafood emphasis

· Four pools, each different in style and ambience

· The Spa at Kiana with a dedicated team of masseurs and therapists

· Fitness gym with state-of-art equipment

· Tours and Activities concierge desk

· A multi-purpose library and boardroom

Mandarin Oriental the 130-room Mandarin Oriental, Costa Rica will open in 2010 as the cornerstone of an exclusive 538-acre gated golf and residential development, Rancho Manzanillo, which will feature branded Mandarin Oriental residences, beach and golf villas, and exclusive private homes. The stunning retreat will offer an array of leisure activities, from the 18-hole Fred Couples Signature Championship golf course, to exotic wildlife viewing from the property’s 200 acres of protected tropical dry forest, home to some of world’s most diverse flora and fauna. The resort’s natural beach, lined with coconut palms, will also provide the perfect backdrop for active watersports or total relaxation.

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa the seventh JW Marriott Hotel in Latin America will open in 2008 in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, under a franchise agreement reached between Marriott International, Inc. and Hotel Real de Pinilla, S.A. The resort’s 310-room spacious accommodations will include up to 30 executive level guest rooms and up to 10 stand alone casita units. It will be located on a Pacific beachfront site in the 4,000-acre Hacienda Pinilla Beach Resort and Residential community development that also contains an existing 18-hole golf course, an equestrian center, tennis courts, villas and beach houses.

For dining and entertainment, the resort will have an all-day restaurant featuring terrace seating; two specialty restaurants serving lunch and dinner, a pool bar and grill, a café kiosk and a lobby lounge and bar.

Recreational amenities will include a 13,500 square-foot health club and spa featuring 18 treatment rooms, saunas, steam rooms, a beauty salon, a spa shop and a fitness center. Water sports activities will include a swimming pool, jet-skiing, diving, snorkeling and fishing. A kids club will be located near the Spa. Golf will be available at an 18-hole golf course and club house included in the overall complex. Additionally, the resort will have a business center.

For conferences and social events, the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa will boast more than 5,500 square feet of flexible meeting space. Included will be a ballroom offering more than 3,000 square feet and three meeting rooms in varying configurations.

Hotel Riu Guanacaste Opening winter 2009/10 situated in northern Costa Rica, in Guanacaste. Located on Playa de Matapalo beach. Complimentary sun loungers on the beach, 6-storey main building surrounded by 35,000 m2 / 41,86 sq. yards of lush gardens.

The Hotel offers: Main restaurant with non-smoking section and terrace, Asian restaurant, Italian restaurant, Poolside restaurant/grill and steak house, Lobby bar with terrace, Lounge bar with terrace, Sports bar, “Plaza” Bar, Poolside bar with swimup bar, Swimming pool with adjoining jacuzzi, Children’s swimming pool, Complimentary sun, loungers, towels and parasols by the pool, Sun terrace, Children’s playground, Mini-club, “Renova Spa” with different treatments, and much more.

The Royal Corin Resort & Loto Spa It is located at La Fortuna de San Carlos. This area belongs to the province of Alajuela and joins the Arenal Volcano area with the Monteverde forest and Santa Elena in the province of Puntarenas.

It has 54 rooms with an elegant design, quiet atmosphere in harmony with natural wealth of the area of the majestic Arenal volcano. Each room has fantastic view of the volcano mainly because of the excellent architectural design of this five stories hotel. Three floors are strictly for lodging.

Hotel Reviews:

Conde Nast Traveler, Andrew Harper and Travel & Leisure magazines recommend Costa Rican hotels!!!

Arenas del Mar Beach and Nature Resort, and El Silencio Lodge & Spa were selected among the top Hotels for 2008.

Featuring Tours

Pure Trek Canyoning Tour! The Ultimate Waterfall Adventure!

This is an amazing half day tour an hour away from Arenal. We trek through the forest on magical trails that lead to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Costa Rica, a place very few people get to experience. Along the way we will have the chance to discover the secrets that lie hidden deep within the canyon. You may even see monkeys, sloths, parrots, and more. This tour is for anyone in moderate physical condition, ready to get wet and have a blast in an amazing Rainforest Canyon! We have two tours a day, 7:00AM and 12:00PM, they are approximately 4 hours in duration. Both tours include lunch at our base camp and snacks in the canyon.

Duration: Half Day with lunch and snacks.

What to bring: Your adventure spirit, water shoes/sandals or hiking shoes, fast drying clothes (surf clothes or synthetic wear is preferable), change of clothes and camera.

For Reservation and Information

Please Call 1.800.835.1223 or Contact

Rio Celeste Hiking Tour! Tranquility, Mystery and Adventure!

Mysterious and imposing, in the very depths of the Tenorio Volcano, manifestations of hidden power transform the union of the Buena Vista and Roble rivers into a sky blue stream, giving birth to one of the most extraordinary phenomena of nature. Along the river we’ll find hot springs, bends of heavenly tranquility and waterfalls of singular beauty, all surrounded by a variety of flora and fauna.

Duration: Full day with breakfast and lunch included.

What to bring: Light clothing, swimsuit, sneakers, camera and binoculars.

For Reservation and Information

Please Call 1.800.835.1223 or Contact

Nicaragua One Day Tour! Volcanoes, Colonial City and Market!

Within a few hours of the Costa Rican border, you will discover the wonders, culture and nature of Nicaragua. Start your adventure by visiting the oldest city in Central America, Granada. Travel through Granada by horse drawn carriage viewing its 500 year old architecture including Colonial homes, Neo-classical cathedrals and historic buildings. After a delicious local style lunch, experience the active Masaya Volcano. Its three craters and lava flows are the unlikely home to the green parakeet. We stop to the Masaya Market for locally made handicrafts and goods. Pull out your cameras, as we finish our day with the most panoramic views of Nicaragua! See the Catarina water filled crater and spectacular views of the famous Lake Nicaragua surrounded by the Maderas and Conception Volcanoes.

Includes: Departure and tourist board taxes, Tourist card, Entrance fees, Guided AC transportation, Light breakfast and lunch, Coolers with soft drinks and waters.

Duration: Full Day with light breakfast and lunch included.

What to bring: Passport (mandatory), camera, hat, light jacket, shorts, sunscreen and insect repellent, walking shoes.

For Reservation and Information

Please Call 1.800.835.1223 or Contact

Weekend Folklore Show at Pueblo Antiguo! Experience culture at it’s best!

Enjoy a bilingual show in which professional actors dramatize the most relevant points of Costa Rica’s history at the turn of the 20th century. Music, dance groups and masked mythical figures can be seen throughout this lovely theme park.

Duration: Half day with dinner included.

What to bring: Camera, sweater or jacket and comfortable shoes.

For Reservation and Information

Please Call 1.800.835.1223 or Contact

Rainmaker Tour! Be one with Nature!

The Rainmaker is a 1500 acre reserve consisting of mostly primary rainforest and is part of the Quepos Corridor – where birds and other wildlife migrate throughout the year. Rainmaker’s mission is to save this valuable nature laboratory and watershed. The canopy walk consists of a suspension bridge system engineered to US safety standards. The design allows minimal impact to the trees and forest below, providing guided tours limited to eight guests, an opportunity to explore the majesty of the forest canopy from a birds eye view. The six sections total 250 meters spanning from platforms attached to massive hardwood trees, creating the most impressive canopy walk in Costa Rica.

Duration: Half day with lunch included.

What to bring: Camera, binoculars, poncho, bathing suit, towel, hat and long pants.

For Reservation and Information

Please Call 1.800.835.1223 or Contact

Kayak Jaco Outriggers Tour! Are you ready to rowww!

Outrigger canoes have been plying the warm waters of the world for centuries. Long before Columbus or even the Vikings, the Polynesians were paddling to discover new worlds. The craft they invented remains basically unchanged and you will get a bit of that exploratory feel as you paddle to the most beautiful beaches in Jacó area. With 8 paddlers and a guide in your canoe, you will glide past spectacular cliffs filled with frigate birds and pelicans and land on secluded beaches that offer the best snorkeling to be found on the central pacific coast. Our guides will make you feel at ease as they point out colorful fish and show you some of the underwater world. Upon landing, take a moment to relax and enjoy a fresh fruit buffet before heading back to home base.

Duration: Half day.

What to bring: Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, camera and beach clothes.

For Reservation and Information

Please Call 1.800.835.1223 or Contact

Turu Ba Ri Tropical Park Tour! Explore Costa Rica’s Natural History!

The natural surrounding of the Turu Ba Ri Tropical Park is the ideal place for visitors who are looking to learn more about Costa Rica’s natural history, discovering its ancestor’s life style, having an adventure experience or simply taking in the beautiful landscape. Visitors will enjoy guided tours into the Tropical Gardens, featuring a Butterfly Garden, nature trails in the forest, an orchid garden, a herbarium and collections of cacti, bromeliads and bamboo. There are also two mazes to have fun with your family and friends! At the Countryside Farm (Finca Campesina) you will learn how the Costa Ricans used to live, its culture and pre-Columbian traditions. Visitors access the park by using the Turu Ba Ri Sky Ride, which is an aerial tramway. The most adventurous will be able to tour the Tropical Gardens by horseback or by descending the platforms of the Canopy Tour.

Duration: Half day with lunch included.

What to bring: Long pants, camera, light jacket, binoculars, walking shoes and insect repellent.

For Reservation and Information

Please Call 1.800.835.1223 or Contact

Nauyaca Waterfall Tour! Jump into the crystal pools!

This full-day experience starts with a trip through breathtaking countryside between Manuel Antonio and Dominical, and comes with many perks. First, stop for an authentic Tico style breakfast at a local rancho along the way, then meander through the majestic forest for stunning vistas of the San Isidro mountains. Once on horseback, get close to Costa Rica’s unique flora and fauna as you ride towards an unforgettable experience – the Nauyaca Waterfalls. Dip in the deep pools of crystal clear, pristine mountain waters as cascading 120 foot waterfalls dance over your head. After enjoying the refreshing pools, you will make your way back to the local rancho for a Tico style lunch. Once again, come for adventure, get an education and leave a changed individual.

Duration: Full day with snacks and lunch included.

What to bring: Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, walking shoes, camera and shorts.

For Reservation and Information

Please Call 1.800.835.1223 or Contact

Rincon de la Vieja Volcano Tour! Feel closer to Nature!

The Rincon de la Vieja National Park is home to one of the most astonishing active volcanoes. The volcano has two craters: one active crater with a hot-water lake at the bottom and another dormant crater with a cold-water lake covered with vegetation. The biodiversity of this park creates one of the most important attractions in the area. The tour will not only give you the opportunity to appreciate the geothermal wonders, but it will also allow you to experience the different types of vegetation of the area. A two and a half hour hike will show us a huge diversity of birds, millenary trees, and many mammals.

Duration: Full day with lunch included.

What to bring: Comfortable shoes, shorts, insect repellent and camera.

For Reservation and Information

Please Call 1.800.835.1223 or Contact