The School of the World in Playa Jaco, Costa Rica has added some exciting new workshops to their already popular learning vacations. The school was founded and created 14 years ago by artist and photographer Zach McDuffie. The goal was to take a creative approach to learning by combining aspects of a language school, surf school, photography workshop and adventure travel, to create an unforgettable travel experience.

School of the World has a core program of Spanish, Surfing, Yoga and Photography and students are able to do any one of these or a combination of two. Programs are 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks and lodging is offered on location at the school. The rooms are comfortable and creatively designed. There are several common areas for the students to hangout when not surfing or in classes and a well equipped kitchen for all of the students to share. Home stays with local families are also offered.

Spanish is taught by native Spanish speakers and classes are kept small to insure that each student receives sufficient individual attention. The classes are taught for approximately two hours each day covering new material. A lab is also offered for an additional 1-2 hours and is primarily used for practice and reinforcing the class lesson for the day.

Read more

Related posts:

1. Two weeks in Costa Rica, lifetime of memories Our friends at Hotels Costa Rica posted a wonderful first-hand...
2. Costa Rican Yoga Vacations To rest, relax and enjoy are the three main objectives...

The Sarapiqui River is a bit less strenuous than other rivers. There are sections of the river where you simply lull about, animal spotting and throwing quips with friends. If you need a family adventure in Costa Rica, you might choose the Sarapiqui. Best described as a balance between wild rapids and tame between, this Costa Rica river offers the best of a Costa Rica vacation – fun and relaxing.

Costa Rica History: The Sarapiqui River

The Sarapiqui River in Costa Rica is located in the Northern Lowlands. The river was as much popular long ago as it is now, but for different reasons. In the heart of the 1800s, William Walker and his followers of servicemen arrived to fight the Battle of Sardinal here. Cartographers eventually changed the former name (“Yon” in native dialect) to Sarapiqui.

Because of the Sarapiqui’s closeness (and tributary) to the San Juan River, the area has been used in African slave to stolen gold transportation from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans. The San Juan River is key because it stretches for 190 km out of Lake Nicaragua into the Caribbean. The Nicaragua Canal (like the Panama Canal) was a proposed overland (through land) route for watercrafts and barges.

Rafting the Sarapiqui (and what you’ll see)

The Sarapiqui River in Costa Rica is the perfect environment for the duality that is the river. In not so many words, the region is home to a microcosm of Costa Rica’s wildlife richness. From monkeys, sloth, toucans and woodpeckers to river turtles, poison arrow frogs, freshwater bull shark, iguanas and wild cats, this Costa Rica river is a popular vacation adventure spot as much as an animal sanctuary.

Though most of the rapids do not exceed Class III-IV rapids, you’ll still be outfitted with lifejackets, paddles and (occasionally) dry suits. The upper half of the river is a bit more challenging while the lower half past the Puerto Viejo River snakes along the Selva Biological Reserve, full of all the postcard greenery you’ve been expecting. There are mostly primary and secondary growth trees.

Read More

Related posts:

1. Nicaragua Stakes Claim to River Tourism Source: TicoTimes SAN CARLOS – After years of sitting lazily...
2. What Can Be Learned From a Vacation Here’s an excerpt from an article writthttp://www.costaricaviews.com/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=1628en by Jennifer Conlin...

They didn’t call it the Rich Coast for nothing. By far Costa Rica’s biggest claim to fame is the vast richness of wildlife settled within its huge collection of separate ecosystems and habitats.

And it is these natural jewels that visitors on Costa Rica vacations seek out, choosing from one of the 35 national parks that are packed into this tiny country.

Deciding which national park you should visit during a Costa Rica vacation is a challenge, but the following overview should offer some assistance.

Parque Nacional Corcovado
The most remote national park in Costa Rica, getting to Corcovado National Park entails a short flight before taking a boat journey onto the Osa Peninsula on Costa Rica’s far southern Pacific coast.

The park’s isolation has made Corcovado an important biological reserve, with eight diverse habitats and an enormous array of native species.

Some of the park’s many inhabitants include pumas, crocodiles, anteaters and jaguars, who have made their home among several hundred separate species of trees, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

In addition, because Corcovado is so remote, nature spotters have a much stronger chance of catching a glimpse of these creatures than in many other national parks.

Most visitors to Corcovado National Park prefer to book a tour package that includes all transfers, several nights in a lodge-style hotel, plus professionally guided excursions. It is advisable to book tours in advance through a well established operator, in order to guarantee the best standards.

More independently-minded travelers can make their own way onto the Osa Peninsula via Drake’s Bay or La Palma and camping at sites near the ranger stations is permitted. On-site services are non existent so make sure you bring enough food and water to last your trip.

Read More

Related posts:

1. Manuel Antonio National Park of Costa Rica Source: The Costa Rica News Manuel Antonio National Park is...
2. Irazu Volcano National Park Source: Hotels Costarica The slopes north of Cartago rise gradually...

Planning a Tropical vacation full of lush jungles, secluded beaches, and friendly people but not too expensive? Costa Rica is the place to go! But where do you stay, a resort or a private villa? Do you want long lines, crowded pools, kids running up and down the corridors? I think not.

Selecting the best Costa Rica vacation rental can be the difference between a great vacation and one where you feel like you are ‘doing without’.

Many vacationers consider the Costa Rica vacation rental as ‘just somewhere to stay’ since most of your time will be spent in or on the water, or enjoying local attractions. Don’t make that mistake. There is no reason to settle for less when, with a little planning, you can find a great Costa Rica vacation rental that you’ll enjoy as much or more than the other parts of your vacation.

Remember, your vacation home is where you’ll be sleeping, waking up, having many of your meals, and resting.

If it rains or is unseasonably hot outside, you may end up stretched out reading a book to while away the day or wanting to watch one of your favorite movies on the DVD – assuming there is a comfortable sofa. And when you meet new friends, you’ll want someplace nice for entertaining. Shouldn’t your vacation rental be a pleasant get-away with the amenities that make vacations a real treat? “A home away from home”

Here are 10 tips for selecting the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental:

1. The single most important factor is whether or not you can “see” actual recent photos of the interior and exterior of the vacation rental. It’s one thing to read a great description – and some of them are quite ‘complimentary’ (sometimes overly so) – but you need to see what you are getting.

With the Internet, a website is the quickest most convenient way for you to get information on prospective Costa Rica vacation rentals. If there are no pictures, you’ll know right away to keep looking. Brochures, books and guides are nice, but may have out-dated information.

Read More

Related posts:

1. Vacation Rental Homes – Baby Boomers Lead Luxury Vacation Rental Travel Trend in Costa Rica Source : PR Log Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, August 26,...
2. Home Buying Tips for Retirees in Costa Rica Source : Live In Costa Rica When considering purchasing the...

Since the arrival of international traffic, many travelers have the night in San Jose to come and go from Costa Rica. There are many attractions and activities, the costs for accommodation support, perhaps two or three out of San Josà del Valle Central. But the vast majority of the tourist destinations outside of San Jose. There are several options, including public transport, bus, driver of the truck, bus, taxi, car rental and flight. Public buses are very cheap, but most of the time with many stops. Mini-vans and buses are the main tourist slowly. Taxis are only useful if the trip because of the local costs and the lack of comfort on long rides. Most tourists to rent a car to try. Traffic signs and little or no numbered addresses every system we have at the end of the drive in circles looking for the first road right after the construction of the Coca-Cola is not that this person mentioned!

I love driving and I have my own car here in the Central Valley. However, when I travel on weekends or vacation in San Jose, you choose to fly forever.

It is picturesque, relax, save time and is the greenest option in Costa Rica. For example, to 208 miles from San Jose to Quips travel almost four hours by car but only 25 minutes from the nature of the air, four hours is not something about the construction of roads, cattle crossing, accidents, or drilling holes, and more! These events are frequent and frustrating to add, unfortunately without the knowledge of your journey. In addition, the shoulders of the escape routes or emergency exits and the bus. If a bus stop, it will block traffic.

I appreciate the twists of life, but I found in Costa Rica to reach my goal, and then (if desired) to rent a car and explore the areas that I am me, if you have an interest here for you to seriously to participate have to go on an adventure and enjoy the views of the region, but not as likely to compromise your itinerary. I heard many stories of people who drive a car or at your destination, but to cancel their trip and return home!

It is easy to see why the air has to travel flight, and the nature of a value for a panoramic view and time efficient. They come and go in a relaxed mood Pura Vida, make the most of precious vacation time.

Read More

Related posts:

1. Traveling to Costa Rica During Semana Santa Since it’s now Semana Santa, I have been looking for...
2. Top 5 Overlooked Costa Rica Vacation Destinations Source : Costa Rica Pages Vacationing to Costa Rica often...

Costa Rica is blessed with warm weather and lovely sun kissed beaches. One can experience the reefs, tropical water, national parks, etc. in this country. One can also go wind surfing and experience warm water surfing as well. In other words, everything that you would want in your vacation is there is Costa Rica. With so much to do, a natural question is which are the Costa Rica vacation spots. There are a number of cheap vacation spots in Costa Rica, which you can make the best use of. Let’s find an answer to the question where to vacation in Costa Rica.

Best Costa Rica Vacation Spots

One can certainly say that the land of Costa Rica was made at leisure. There are various options available for relaxed vacation in Costa Rica, as there are options for adventures. During a Costa Rica vacation one can do all the possible adventure activities like diving, river rafting, snorkeling, hiking, etc. In other words, you name the activity and you can do the activity there. Let’s see the best place to visit in Costa Rica during Costa Rica travel.

Corcovado National Park

A visit to the Corcovado national park should be on every tourists itinerary, while in Costa Rica. Corcovado national park has the largest tract of rain forest. The park covers as much as half of the Osa peninsula. If you are fond of wildlife then a visit to the park is going to be a treat for you.

Cahuita

One of the best vacation spots in Costa Rica is Cahuita. It has laid back feel to it. One can rest and rejuvenate all through the day and while away the night with dance and music. You can make the most of your time by visiting the two beaches. The specialty of the beaches is that one of the beaches is white while the other is black. There are different activities like biking, snorkeling, camping, etc. which you can enjoy at the Cahuita national park.

Read More

Related posts:

1. Costa Rica Vacation Costa Rica, bordered by Nicaragua, Panama, Pacific Ocean and Caribbean...
2. What Can Be Learned From a Vacation Here’s an excerpt from an article writthttp://www.costaricaviews.com/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=1628en by Jennifer Conlin...

With everything from forest-clad mountains, to lowland tropical jungles, to two beautiful coastlines to gushing, foaming rivers, where could be better than a Costa Rica vacation for thrill seeking adrenaline junkies?

Costa Rica vacations offer an adventure activity for everybody and this overview, based on real-life Costa Rica travel experience, gives an introduction to the very best spots in the country.

River Running
White water rafting is one of the most sought after excursions in Costa Rica, and the country is home to plenty of fast flowing rivers with excellent rafting opportunities.

A good place to find convenient river running tours is in the town of Quepos, near the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park.

This region has several good rafting rivers, the Naranjo and the Savegre, which offer a range of difficulty from class two to class four, making both rivers suitable for intermediate and experienced rafters, but possibly not the best choice for beginners.

Rafting novices are more at home on trips that operate from San Jose, with a wide choice of rivers available, including the Reventazon, the Sarapiqui, the Pejibaye and the Pacuare. Rapids range from class one to class three, depending on the conditions and recent rainfall.

Things to consider when booking a rafting excursion include: choose an operator with the proper safety and first aid training, be clear on the period of time spent on the river itself, and only take a trip that includes a support canoe for emergencies.

Read More

Related posts:

1. Sarapiqui River: Best of a Costa Rica Vacation Source : Buzzle The Sarapiqui River is a bit less...
2. Rafting the Rio Pacuare in Costa Rica Source: Examiner Author Name: Austin Smith Costa Rica is well-know...

As a travel planner, I often times hear clients with similar concerns, “how much rain falls in the rainy season” or “I was thinking to come in July but then heard it’s the rainy season so I think I may postpone”. The first thing that always comes to my mind is “not rainy season, Green Season”.

The Green Season in Costa Rica is my favorite time of year and really has a bad reputation that is undeserved. People, who avoid traveling to Costa Rica because of the fear of rain ruining the trip, are missing some of the best times to come and enjoy this magical place.

Read More

Related posts:

1. Outlook For 2011 Costa Rica’s Tourist Season Positive Source : Inside Costa Rica The outlook for the 2011...
2. Hotel Operators In Costa Rica With An Eye To A Good “High” Season Source : Inside Costa Rica Hotel operators see this “high”...

EXPOTUR is the industry marketer for the commercialization of tourism in Costa Rica and the regional industry leader for Latin America. This event is held annually by the Costarrican Association of Tourism Professionals. This association groups together more than 1200 distinguished professionals from the tourism sector.

This event has been celebrated without interruption for more than twenty five years promoting Costa Rica and its great variety of offers to the international tourism sector.

Expotour benefits many facets of the industry such as ecotourism, educational tourism, youth tourism, rural tourism, adventure, heath, beauty and relaxation, seniors tourism and tourism conventions and congresses.

The following list shows the success of Costa Rica in its International tourism positioning with impressive designations from World recognized tourism Experts:

Related posts:

1. Expotour 2010, este 22 y 23 de Mayo, 2010 Por Richard Barone Expotour 2010 estará celebrando su evento de...
2. Nicaragua Succesfully Promotes its Tourism Sector in EXPOTUR 2010 Source : PR Log As part of Nicaragua’s strategy to...

Photo: Safari Surf School

Source: Inside Costa Rica

Safari Surf School, Costa Rica’s premier surfing school and camp, is offering a new “Family Surf & Save” package as well as reduced seasonal summer prices for all visitors beginning May 1 and ending August 31.

While seasonal summer rates already offering significant discounts on single and double occupancy packages, the new special delivers fully customized itineraries that will offer families of four or more a discount of up to 20 percent off normal family rates. That equals a savings of up to $1200 on 7-day family surf packages.

Read More

Related posts:

1. Costa Rica Offers Vacation Packages To Beat Upcoming Winter Blues Source : Inside Costa Rica Costa Rica, the jewel of...
2. Costa Rica Humpback Whales have arrived – Waterfall Villas Eco-Safari Specials August and September Source : PR Log Whale Watching Season has started in...