Hunt for the Harpy EagleDarien Jungle, Panama March 2018 Most bird watchers (Including me) have a few species on their “most-wanted” lists. Those elusive birds that we’ve been looking for, for years. We imagine the number of times we passed by them, hidden on the trail, unseen. One of my most wanted species was the Harpy Eagle. Living in Costa Rica for 12 years, I always thought I’d have a better chance, but the truth is that the population of Harpy Eagles in Costa Rica has steadily dwindled. They can be seen deep in the Osa Peninsula in the Southern Pacific area of the country, but it’s very difficult. I decided to up my chances and travel to the Darien Jungle of Panama, where I knew the population was stronger. With Rudy Zamora, our Naturalist Guide, and a group of fellow bird watchers we departed our home cities to meet in Panama City. Here is our travelogue, I’m affectionately calling it: “Hunt for the Harpy”
Day 1 – March 10Panama City » Hotel Bristol Today was “gathering day” as our group flew in to Panama City from all around the U.S. and from Costa Rica. Besides a lost suitcase (that showed up later that evening), arrivals went as planned. Everyone tried to get a few hours’ sleep, as we had a very early a.m. departure for the Darien Jungle. Harpy Eagle, here we come.
Day 2 – March 11Darien Jungle » Canopy Tent Camp 5:00 a.m. we depart Panama City, make a quick stop at a grocery store for some last-minute essentials (wine & vodka) and continue on the Pan American Highway to our destination, The Darien National Park. Of course, the bird watching begins immediately as we pass the mud flats in Balboa and look to the sky for raptors. We reach the small town of Akua Yala and Lake Bayano where we make a stop to stretch our legs and check the lake and surrounding area. It was a successful stop. Highlight Birds: Pied Water-Tyrant, Cocoi Heron, Buff-Breasted Wren, Golden-Fronted Greenlet and Bat Falcon Our trip continued to the town of Torti Medio, where we made a stop for lunch. The owner of the cute typical restaurant, being used to bird watchers traveling this route, had put up a nice array of hummingbird feeders. We were able to have a cold drink, and a good typical Panamanian lunch, watching the hummingbirds buzz through the feeders and flowering plants and bushes. We had great looks at the black-breasted mango, the Scaly-Breasted, the snowy belly, and the violet belly hummingbirds. Hitting the road again, we continued through to the Canopy tent camp located outside the tiny town of Sanson. With stops, the drive was about 5 hours. It felt good to reach our home for the next 4 nights. Our greeting from David, the camp manager, was friendly and informative, as we were given the run down on how everything worked at the camp. We were assigned our tents and after a quick check on our accommodations, everyone was back to bird watching around the grounds of the camp. Our next greeting came from a troop of Geoffroy’s Tamarins. These adorable little monkeys seemed excited to see who was invading their jungle. They squeaked and peeped, jumped through the trees, checking us out for several minutes before disappearing into the treetops. Our next noisy visitors were the Oropendolas. A large tree beside the reception area housed around 100 individual nests. The Crested and the Chestnut-Headed Oropendolas gave everyone a fantastic show. The garden around the reception was full of tanagers, honeycreepers, hummingbirds, it was nice to relax in the rocking chairs and bird from the terrace. Day 3 – March 12Quebrada Felix » Canopy Tent Camp This morning we took the van with our guide Eli and met our driver Oscar where we changed to a four-wheel drive truck. The truck had an open bed, outfitted with two long benches. This allowed us to bird watch from the truck as we navigated the dirt roads around the area. Our first stop was at Reserva Forestal Canglon. We walked a forested dirt road that followed Rio Quebrada Felix. We did two separate trails in this location Reserva Forestal Canglon: Highlight Species: Golden headed manakin, Golden collared manakin, southern bentbill Rio Quebrada Felix Trail: Highlight Species: Grey-cheeked Nunlet, white-bellied antbird, black ant shrike, black breasted puff bird
Day 4 – March 13Darien Jungle » Canopy Tent Camp Today we depart the tent camp very early as we need to get into the jungle as soon as we can, to increase our chances of finding the Harpy Eagle. We take the Pan American Highway to the very end, the actual ending point of the highway, the town of Yaviza. From Yaviza we board our dug-out canoes and travel on the Chucunaque river, to the Tuira River to the small town of El Real. In El Real, we all climb into the backs of two pickup trucks, and continue to the town of Pejivasal, where we reach the entrance to the Darien National Park. With our team of Kuna Indian guides, we start the 5-mile hike into the Darien Jungle. The jungle is alive with birds, but we keep a fast pace, hoping to reach the nesting site and catch a look at one of the world’s most amazing birds. The guides tell us that the site we are going to has been inhabited by a 2.5-year-old chick. Harpy’s tend to their young for up to 5 years, so finding a chick usually means Mama is in the area too, searching for food for her baby. We reach the nest to find it empty! The heat and humidity are oppressive, but the group agrees we’ve come this far we must wait. In the meantime, our trusty local Kuna guides set out to check other trees, and other sites in the area, with the hopes of helping fulfill our dreams of seeing the Harpy Eagle. A couple long, hot hours later, our guides excitedly return, and we grab our things and hustle down a winding trail that goes up and down, and up and down, ending in a small clearing in the forest. We have just enough room to squeeze in and there is our prize, a full view of our 2.5-year-old Harpy Eagle. It was a bit surreal, seeing something that was on my birding bucket list for so long. This majestic bird did not disappoint. We grabbed as many photos as we could, without disturbing this gorgeous creature, and set off back down the trail. Highlight Species: Harpy Eagle, Red-throated Caracara, Speckled Mourner, stripe-throated wren, scarlet browed tanager, sirystes
Day 5 – March 14Darien Jungle » Canopy Tent Camp » Local Guide: Eliecer Rodgriguez Today we took to the Penitas Road through the small Embera Indian village called Nuevo Vigia. We did our due diligence and visited the village and then continued back to the lodge for lunch. The Penitas road was excellent yielding us the blue cotinga, spectacled parrotlet, mustached ant-wren, and the one-colored becard. After lunch, those of us who could withstand the heat went on our open-air truck to a dirt road called Lajas Blancas. This afternoon was incredible. We saw the common potoo, the 3 jacamars (dusky back, great, and rufous tail), russet winged schiffornis, the orange-crowned oriole, and the yellow-backed oriole. We will never forget the amazing sighting of the potoo by Eli from the truck. HOW DID HE SEE THAT? That evening we enjoyed our farewell dinner at the Tent Camp preparing for an early departure back to Panama City. Highlight Species: Blue Cotinga, Spectacled Parrotlet, 3 Jacamars. Day 6 – March 15Darien Jungle » Canopy Tent Camp » Local Guide: Eliecer Rodgriguez This morning we left very early to arrive at the San Francisco reserve for our last day of birding in the Darien region. We took a nice dirt road, starting our walk, and to our surprise encountered what was by far the best mammal of our trip. A mother jaguarundi with 2 cubs. We had an amazing look as they languished in the road, and then leapt into the forest. Wow! This area was rich for mammals as we also encountered a 3-toe slot and a tamandua. Highlight Species: Stripe-cheeked woodpecker, Harrier, black-breasted puffbird The post Hunt for the Harpy Eagle appeared first on Costa Rica Focus. from https://costaricafocus.com/hunt-for-the-harpy-eagle-bird/
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6 Costa Rica Book RecommendationsHave you bought the best “Birds of Costa Rica” book for your bird watching tour? or do you know which books to buy for your trip in the country? As your trip to Costa Rica approaches you may be thinking about which books you should be reading or bringing with you on your trip. Let’s start with the best field guide. Our preference above all others is “The Birds of Costa Rica” by Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean. The book is in its 2nd edition. This edition includes all the updates and changes to the species list for the country. Richard has spent his entire life in Costa Rica, raised a lovely family of avid naturalists and birders, and is a passionate birder himself. He watched guides and birders struggle with the large cumbersome Stiles & Skutch field guide for many years and then decided to create a smaller, easy to carry version. The book is nicely illustrated and includes the ever-important distribution maps for each species. This way you can check your sighting and make sure you saw what you think you saw. The back of the book includes a checklist for the birds of Costa Rica, but most guides will provide those for the members of their birding group. Our guides, with Costa Rica Focus, do provide those birding lists to everyone on the trip. I asked Birding Guide Extraordinaire, Rodolfo “Rudy” Zamora which guidebook he prefers, and he immediately answered, “Oh, no doubt the Garrigues book, The Birds of Costa Rica.” “It fits easily in my backpack, the illustrations are solid, and the distribution maps really help me if I’ve seen a highly uncommon bird, and I want to check to be sure it was what I think it was.” “I also like supporting a local person, who has lived his life an advocate for birds, animals, and conservation and ecology in Costa Rica.” So, pick up your own copy of the Birds of Costa Rica, by Richard Garrigues and Robert Dean. It will give you everything you need to help you identify the many new species you’re about to see during your trip to Costa Rica. Other Costa Rica Book Recommendations:A Neotropical Companion by John KricherIf you have a keen interest in biology, and the relationships in nature, the Neotropical Companion is a fascinating read. It acts as an introduction to the ecosystems of the New World Tropics. Reading this book will give you a deeper appreciation and understanding of the world around you as you trek through the cloud forests of Monteverde or the lush tropical rainforest of the Osa Peninsula. This book helped me to see the tropics in a more complete way and understand the fragility and strength of the rainforest and its inhabitants. A Naturalist in Costa Rica by Alexander SkutchI recommend ANYTHING, and EVERYTHING written by Alexander Skutch. A renowned naturalist, Skutch lived 35 years in the Southern Zone of Costa Rica. His book “A Naturalist in Costa Rica” picks up where his memoir stops. His stories are rich with detail and charm. Skutch was a pioneer in Ornithology in Costa Rica and a true leader in ecology. He writes about his early days on his farm (which he called his sanctuary), and his studies of birds, butterflies, and animals. It’s a must read for anyone coming to Costa Rica. Monkeys are made of Chocolate by Jack EwingThe author, Jack Ewing, lived 3 decades in the Southern Pacific of Costa Rica. This book is his testament to the wonders of living in and around the Tropical Rainforest. It’s a collection of essays and observations on how people, plants, and animals interact with one another in the jungle. For the inquisitive traveler, the book will get you very excited to visit Costa Rica.
The Mammals of Costa Rica: A Natural History and Field Guide by Mark WainwrightIf you’re looking for the definitive guide to mammals in Costa Rica, this is the guide book for you. It’s small and easy to carry, includes accurate illustrations and solid distribution maps to aid in correctly identifying everything you see. The text is clear and entertaining, and the author includes local folklore and mythology. This is a fantastic book for animal lovers and naturalists alike. Costa Rican Natural History by Dan JanzenThis is a great book for anyone who really wants to deep dive into the Natural History of Costa Rica. It reads more like a science book than anything else, but if you want the hardcore information without any prose or pretty pictures, this is the book for you. It’s a unique work from a committed naturalist. While not a page turner, it is filled with excellent information on all things natural in the tropics. The post Best Books – Birds of Costa Rica appeared first on Costa Rica Focus - Costa Rica Bird Tours. from https://costaricafocus.com/birds-of-costa-rica-books/ Top Tree Costa Rica Birding HotspotsDo you know the top tree Costa Rica birding hotpots? Imagine a 7-night birding trip to a small country that is just 288 miles long and 170 miles wide and imagine seeing 400 plus birds in those seven nights. This is birding in Costa Rica. With twelve climate zones and a wide array of regions that include mountains, paramo, tropical rain forest, tropical dry forest, cloud forest, beaches and rivers, Costa Rica is home to over 900 species of birds. Whether with an experienced birding guide in Costa Rica or on a self-drive adventure, visitors can be assured of adding many new species to their life lists. Here are some of our top picks for your 7-night birding adventureTalamanca Highlands: The Talamanca Highlands parallel the Continental Divide and are covered by montane forest and at the highest levels a treeless paramo. This area is rich with high elevation bird species like the Resplendent Quetzal, the Volcano Junco, and the Yellow-thighed finch. Following the main road, Cerro de la Muerte, visitors can follow a utility access road to a flat area where they’ll find several radio towers. This is a great spot to stop and search out the unique species of the area.
Caribbean Lowlands: The La Selva Biological Station sits at the confluence of two rivers in the Northern region of Costa Rica. This hot, sultry area is teeming with tanagers, fly catchers, raptors, parrots, and trogons. For visitors who do not require much in the way of creature comforts, stays at the Biological station can be arranged, otherwise, there are several good hotels nearby. The trails around the station are well marked and besides birds, guests are sure to see a wide array of mammals and reptiles.
Central Pacific: The last but not least of the best Costa Rica birding hotspots is the Central Pacific which is located just 90 minutes from San Jose, Carara National Park is a “must visit” for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. This park has one of the highest diversity of trees in the world, and its native trees are the favorite spot of the beautiful Scarlet Macaw. Visitors will want to be on the lookout for ant birds, hummingbirds, warblers, raptors and much more. The system of trails takes guests along ponds as well, a great place to see herons, kingfishers, and rales. If you want to visit any of these top three Costa Rica birding hotspots, contact us and we can arrange a complete personalized tour. The post The Best Costa Rica Birding Hotspots appeared first on Costa Rica Focus - Costa Rica Bird Tours. from https://costaricafocus.com/best-costa-rica-birding-hotspots/ Best Lodging Options in Costa Rica Costa Rica tourism ensures to provide some fantastic accommodations for the travelers. These shelters are as per the taste and preferences of the tourists. Whether a lavish villa or a cottage in a tropical paradise, the country offers fantastic lodging options at affordable prices. From secluded regions to locations near oceans, every place offers an incredible experience. The place where you stay enhances your encounter of tropical adventure many folds. So, let us make it little easy for you. Here, we are offering you the detailed analysis of all the lodging facilities. This will help you decide your temporary nest of Costa Rica holidays. 1. Hotels Hotel Industry in Costa Rica eagerly welcomes their guests every year. They offer both homely environment and excellent facilities. While small hotels are cozy, they offer amazing hospitality. They are mostly family-run businesses. They render a rare combination of charm and warmth. of volcano, Costa Rica hotelsare everywhere. These hotels cater to every demand of the travelers. Some provide a thrilling experience, while others offer solitude in natural habitat. Staying in these hotels is a lifetime experience. Their hospitality is splendid. And the facilities they offer, make you feel home. 2. All-Inclusive Resorts All-inclusive resorts are the best choice for people who want a hassle-free stay. They render their guests with everything in place. Most of these resorts are available in the best spots and famous tourist attractions. These resorts are family-friendly. Whether premium amenities or transportation facility, they cater to your every requirement. Some of these resorts offer luxurious outdoor pools with breathtaking views. And a few others are popular for best spa and relaxing massage therapies. 3. Vacation Rentals A vacation rental is a great option for visitors who want to enjoy the incredible lifestyle of the Costa Rica. Any tourist can occupy the vacation rental for weeks and even months. These are present on every paradise of this stunning country. Vacation rentals are mostly a preferable choice for explorers who want to visit every location. These vacation rentals suit the pocket of every traveler. They range from cost-effective accommodations to five-star lodges. These rentals are ideal for a family holiday. In fact, they offer a great deal of space for family or friends reunions. 4. Eco-Hotels Costa Rica is an eco-friendly country. It has a significant number of eco-conscious hotels. These hotels get blue flag award every year. This flag means the beaches are clean, safe and adequately maintained. These eco-hotels allow the nature lovers to stay in the natural environment. They are mostly present along the coastline. Some of these hotels sit on the edge of dense and lush rainforests also. Many of these hotels use solar power for their daily activities. These offer suitable locations for visitors who are want to participate in activities like yoga, hiking or surfing. These hotels get healthy and fresh produce from the local markets. Their guests get to taste exquisite indigenous cuisine. Anyone who wants to rejuvenate from the hectic life gets solace at an eco-lodge. 5. Guanacaste Beaches They are known around the world for vacations as the 200 km of the Pacific coast is blessed with amazing weather and clear water that makes it a perfect destination for surfing, diving, fishing, swimming, and many more activities. The nearest airport is the Daniel Oduber International Airport and it takes less than an hour to reach here from the airport. This destination is recommended for family vacations, adventure vacations including surfing, diving and other water activities. Some Unique and Unusual Places to Enjoy Your Vacations In Costa Rica Real Tree-house at Finca Bellavista!Finca Bellavista is a residential area. This place is the tree-house community of Costa Rica. The locals manage these tree-houses. Every house has an owner who operates it. These are the best opportunity for people who have been dreaming about staying in a Treehouse all their childhood. Locals here offer cooking, art, gardening and other such classes to travelers. There are arrangements for massage parlors and beauty treatments also for the visitors. Arenal Observatory Lodge- Residing Close to Volcano The Arenal Lodge is in proximity to Arenal volcano. It allows visitors to hike along the lava trails. It is quite adventurous to sleep close to the active volcano. This place is 1.7 miles away from the volcano and lies in the safe zone. Tourists can also explore other volcanoes also. One of these is Cerro Chato Volcano present in the same area. This is not an active volcano. The peaceful stay in the Arenal lodge is worth your attention. It is not every day that you get such kind of ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity. Costa Rica provides unlimited lodging alternatives to its tourists. With so many options to choose from, travelers have a win-win situation. We, at Tiara Travels, offer best of the services and accommodations. Our travel operators provide you all kind of assistance for your lodging requirements. We plan your stay as per your budget and specifications. We ensure everything to make their stay incredible and unforgettable. Tiara Travels fulfill all your individual and family demands. We also cater to every small need to make their trip a dream vacation at affordable prices. From: http://tiaratravelcostarica.com/where-to-stay-in-costa-rica/
Must-To-Do Bucket List Experiences to Include in Costa Rica Vacation Packages Planning a trip to Costa Rica but confused about the activities to include into your bucket list? We know how difficult it can be. Visitors traveling to Costa Rica have the advantage of being able to experience number of activities in a single trip. The strikingly diverse terrain, lush forests, wildlife reserves and tropical beaches of Costa Rica offer a little something for every traveler. To help you narrow it down, here is a list of top things to experience in Costa Rica. Ziplining Ziplining is one of the most adventurous things to experience in Costa Rica. The ziplines in Costa Rica are world famous for their long cables and impressive views. Ziplining in Costa Rica does not mean that every zipline is the highest. There are low ziplines for the people who are scared of heights and still want to enjoy this adventure. The thrill seekers will love the kilometer long cables in Selvatura park in Moteverde and Diamante Adventures in Guanacaste with the longest ocean view zipline. Ziplining costs from $35 to $75 depending on the transportation and other activities that you combine with it. Horseback Riding It is a common activity in Costa Rica which is done at the beach or the mountains. It is a great group activity and is an amazing way to see the landscapes and scenery of Costa Rica. Horseback riding is available in almost every touristic destination of Costa Rica and one of the best places to do this is in Guanacaste farms. Local farmers in Costa Rica rent out their horses for tours at reasonable prices ranging from $35 to $55 depending on how long the tour is. You can also experience the epic horseback ride gallop on the beach at the time of sunset in Playa Samara. Bird Watching Costa Rica is home of over 800 species of birds. It is considered as a paradise for wildlife and bird lovers. You can click pictures of humming birds, parrots, toucans, macaws and other gorgeous tropical birds throughout the country. Many tour companies and hotels offer bird watching tours in Monteverde, Osa Peninsula, Arenal as these are the top places to see wide species of birds. These bird watching tours start around 5:30 AM since birds are more active in the morning. Hanging Bridges in Cloud Forests By walking on the hanging bridges in Monteverde one can go higher and higher and can get a great view of the cloud forests. All you can see is lush green forest all around you and even some wildlife if you are lucky and have a good eye.These bridges are secure as well as stable and are considered as one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica. The adventure parks like Selvatura and Sky Trek have their own hanging bridges. Hot Springs Costa Rica has some of the best hot springs in the world. You cannot find the hot springs around the world like Costa Rica. Arenal hot spring has Tabocan river supplying natural hot water to it. The hotels surrounding that area have their own private hot springs and you can also visit the free access parts of the river for ultimate relaxation, lush rainforest surroundings and jaw dropping spectacular views. These experiences will give you a good mixed taste of adventure with touristic and local activities. Now, if you want to zipline through the cloud forest or want to have an experience with the countless species of birds early morning or wish to get into a hot water spring. Tiara Travel is offering all these fun activities in Costa Rica vacation packages for all the active souls who are planning a travel to Costa Rica. Our hosts have personally explored all these places and are eager to share their experiences with you. Our in-depth knowledge and long established relationship allows us to craft a unique vacation package for you that brings out the best of Costa Rica. Several Popular Hotels in Costa Rica With the connectivity to most of the ace cities in the US, Costa Rica has become a prime location for destination vacations. It does not only offers adventurous trips but also relaxed laid back holidays to many travelers. It is full of natural blessings. Every highlight on earth including incredible oceans, high mountain peaks, active volcanoes, and lush rainforests is present here in the country. This is the place where fresh breeze wakes you up. Splashing waterfalls fill your ears with magical songs. And fragrance from the exotic flowers makes you feel calm and relaxed. Days, as well as nights in Costa Rica, are filled with wonderful moments that one can cherish for a lifetime. The mesmerizing environ of this place can make you feel wondered if it is a scene from a fairytale movie. However, Costa Rica makes every such dream a reality. Not only eco-tourists, but Costa Rica is also a perfect destination for honeymooners and family outings. And above all, these amazing hotels in Costa Rica wait for their tourists, to offer them their excellent services, and outstanding hospitality. Hotel Punta Islita It is one of the most engaging hotels of the country. Punta Islita offers an authentic Costa Rica Program to its guests. It includes involvement of tourists in various cultural activities. Besides, they also provide complimentary eco-adventure trips along with learning session. The hotel tries to make the vacation of every guest a memorable experience. Their fun-filled ride is not only enjoyable but meaningful also. This place is fabulous for families and groups who want to explore the original Costa Rica’s culture and traditions. Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Unlike its chain of other Marriot hotels, this destination has an exclusive character. It is designed with Spanish touch that you can see in every construction. Whether it’s beautiful porcelain tiling or terracotta roofs, every area has unique character influenced by the art of Spain. In spite of some amazing facilities such as spa, tennis court, driving range, etc, it is not a favorite choice for many visitors Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica (Papagayo Peninsula) Papagayo Peninsula is a luxurious resort and a perfect destination for affluent people. This place offers an all-inclusive hotel with all luxurious facilities and amenities. It comprises of a high-end golf course, beautiful settings, and world-class installations. It is the most appreciated hotel in the upscale market. The Springs Resort & Spa The location of the Spring Resort is near Arenal volcano. It consists of grandiose rooms with deluxe bathrooms. There is an array of carved hot-spring pools. They offer a broad range of high-end services. The scenic view from the resort is breathtaking, and the food is to die for. The Conchal Hotel It is a fantastic hotel with colorful décor and lush gardens. The hotel is quite affordable and has nine rooms. The hotel consists of a stunning courtyard pool with a striking view. The Conchal Hotel is a favorite nesting place amongst many tourists. With such lower charges and complimentary continental breakfast, this hotel has been able to win the hearts of many guests. Hotel Parador Resort and SpaParador resort is a family-friendly hotel with newer rooms and fantastic facilities. It offers a pleasant oceanic view. It provides services like spa, tennis court, three pools and several bars and restaurants.It is a prestigious eco-hotel of the country. This hotel is a paragon of responsible luxury. Its location is between the beach and the forest. It is an ideal stop for incentive groups and families. Harbor Reef Hotel 3.0
The setting of Harbor Reef Surf Resort is in Nosara Beach of Costa Rica. It is the best location to relax as well as enjoy adventures. It is an ideal place to stay for surfers. The place has an outdoor pool that offers magnificent experience. The beautiful beaches of Nosara are just a walk away. It is a perfect destination for enjoying peaceful vacations. It is a place to explore Pacific Coasts of Costa Rica and experience scenic beauty. Harbor Reef Hotel provides a tranquil environment to its guest. It has earned an unparallel reputation for its exceptional services and excellent placement. Top Resorts In Costa Rica Costa Rica is emerging as an ideal Holiday Destination. The scenic beaches along with fascinating wildlife make it a perfect place to spend your vacation with family. Besides, anyone can reach the place in just three hours from the ace regions such as Houston, Miami via airways. With direct connectivity to all the major hubs, Costa Rica has become a thrilling choice for many travelers across the globe. The country is full of wonders and wildlife mysteries. Therefore, it has been able to attract many families to enjoy the ultimate vacations. And that is the reason why we are offering you a list of perfect family resorts in Costa Rica. These are the places that have gained popularity amongst many tourists. It is mainly because these Costa Rica resorts offer excellent services at lowest prices. 1. Occidental Tamarindo Occidental Tamarindo is a great option to make your stay memorable. Its location is on the shore of picturesque Playa Langosta Beach. In fact, Las Baulas National Park is also in proximity. The highlights of the resort are an outdoor swimming pool with luxury spa facility. Every room of the resort offers the pleasant view of blue waters of Pacific Ocean. There are more than 198 rooms in the hotel that include luxury suits also. All the rooms are well-equipped with a mini bar, telephone, TV, AC, and other essential amenities. The resort staff makes your stay an unforgettable experience. They arrange not only various beach activities, but also indoor dance and karaoke nights. There are casino, club and other entertaining places also to keep you engaged during the day. 2. Westin Golf Resort & Spa The Westin Resort & Spa in Playa Conchal is one of the best luxury resorts in Costa Rica. This family resort has earned the five-star rating for its fantastic services. Its location is on the coast of incredible beaches that go along lush green forests. The resort has over 405 luxurious family suites with exclusive services and deluxe amenities. The hotel also offers a unique concept called Family ‘Concierge Club Service.’ It includes the all-day assistance of the Family Concierge. The Club Rio Outdoor Center of Westin Resort provides a great site for adventurous activities also. These exciting activities include horseback riding, river tubing, etc. It also has a golf court, two large swimming pools and luxurious Ahuia Spa facility for their clients. 3. The Springs Resort and Spa This resort is a wonderful option for travelers who want to enjoy their vacations in hot springs, relaxing. The hotel features the breathtaking view of the spectacular Arenal volcano. The Spa of the hotel offers various beauty treatments and relaxation therapies. Their spa range includes therapeutic volcanic clay wrap and floating water massage. The resort proudly boasts of their four restaurants. These provide a fine dining experience with their gourmet buffet, grill, and other cuisines. Five waterfall pools surround the dining area. The hotel also owns a few bars including the sushi bar and sports bar. It also has 18 hot spring pools along with a fitness center. 4. Dreams Las Mareas This luxurious resort is situated in the rainforests adjacent to El Jobo Beach. It offers some amazing facilities. These are balcony Jacuzzi, free Wi-Fi, flat screen TV, iPhone or iPad docks, coffee maker and much more. The hotel also facilitates its residents with 24 hours room service along with complimentary drinks and food. Families that stay in this hotel can avail several exclusive services through their Unlimited-Luxury program. 5. Parador Resort & Spa This resort is known as the epitome of ‘responsible luxury’ in Costa Rica. It has earned the hotel a high prestige. The hotel offers a panoramic view of Manuel Antonio and the Pacific Ocean. The rainforest surround the resort, making it a magnificent location for wildlife enthusiasts. The Parador resort is just 4-minutes walk away from the beautiful beach. A variety of birds are also visible from the balconies. The spa section of Parador offers a huge range of treatments. These include different massages and wraps. The spa center also has a plunge pool and hot tub that is available for guests who want to relax. 6. Secrets Papagayo Resort & Spa A captivating region of Papagayo Peninsula nestles the Papagayo Resort. Its location is amongst the serene hills. And stunning black volcanic sand beach surrounds these mountains. It is an all-inclusive hotel for relaxation and intimate experience. The hotel organizes various activities during day and night to keep their visitors entertained. It is also a popular choice of resort amongst food lovers. Papagayo is famous for providing some finest delicacies. It presents several most exquisite dishes of the Costa Rica cuisine. Its ‘Preferred Club’ program renders their guests with an unparalleled experience. With five bars, four restaurants, and a cafeteria, it offers an enjoyable and pleasurable experience to its guests. Yeah Tiara Travels help you with your bookings at the resort of your choice without burning a hole in your pocket. Let us know your budget for the stay and we shall suggest you the best all-inclusive resort according to that without compromising on your comfort and amenities.
Ensuring a Truly Magical Costa Rica Trip With These Essential TipsCosta Rica is one of the most visited countries in Central America. No matter how many sunsets you watch, how many beaches you walk down, how many oceans you bathe, how many mountains you climb, no destination stirs a soul like Costa Rica does. It is undoubtedly one of the most magical places of the world because of its cheap living, great weather and amazing beaches. It is a natural playground for divers, hikers, animal lovers, surfers and anyone who feels happiest in nature. These are the top tips for you to ensure your trip to Costa Rica is truly magical: Bring What You Need It is difficult to shop in Costa Rica. Electronics are expensive, you will not find proper clothes, and it is hard to find your favorite snacks and toiletries in Costa Rica. While packing your bags for Costa Rica, you need to assume that you won’t be able to find thing sion Costa Rica. So, packing comfortable beach wear, long dresses for evenings, hiking clothes, loose linen, inexpensive digital camera, smartphone is a good decision. Expect the Unexpected The one thing that you can truly learn from traveling Costa Rica is surrender to the unexpected twists. Before the trip starts, you do your research, plan the itinerary and make ideas about where you want to go. But you need to be open to throw it all out of the window if you are traveling to Costa Rica. You can never expect the twists and turns the Costa Rica roads can take which makes it an adventure. Protection from Health Issues While traveling, you may get ill as you will be exposed to different bacteria in Costa Rica. In many towns, it is completely safe to drink water; however, in Puerto Viejo in South Caribbean, tap water is not at all advised. Drinking fresh young coconuts and papaya seeds help in killing bacteria and prevent parasites. Have Plenty of Time People often look for guidance to plan their one week vacation in Costa Rica. It maybe a small country but it takes an entire day just to travel from one coast to another due to its rugged terrain. While rushing from one destination to other, you will miss the magic you can have while sitting and relaxing. Overestimate Your Budget You may experience some sticker shock, when you land in Costa Rica as it is a downright expensive country. Expect to spend about the same as you would in the USA for meals, travel and hotels. If you have budget more than you think yo will need it, it will be easier to enjoy yourself when you get there. Top Tour and Travel Companies in Costa RicaExploring Costa Rica is a fun-filled ride, and every location in the country is full of adventure. This amazing odyssey is most pleasurable when your tour company provides you best of the services. There are many tour and travel companies in Costa Rica. These travel agencies offer guided as well as self-guided tours. Over 200 such companies are certified with Costa Rica tourism board. Whether you like thrilling endeavor or leisurely nature walks, Costa Rica is one of the extremely venturesome places to be in. These tour companies in Costa Rica ensure that you have it all covered. Most of these companies organize the trips on a small scale so that every individual gets equal attention and care. They try to make your trip entertaining as well as memorable. The instructors or guides of these companies are experts. They not only show you amazing flora and fauna along the way but also enlighten you on some significant facts about the sites you visit. So, if you are planning a trip to Costa Rica and do not know where to start, here we are to help you. We are giving you precise details about the best tour companies in Costa Rica. Read on to select your travel partner. Desafio Adventure CompanyThis company is famous for its adventurous trips. It is located near Arenal volcano. The mission of the agency is to challenge, to explore or to inspire. Desafio offers an all-inclusive vacation that includes canyoneering, water rafting along with preservation and volunteering programs. The company offers you some real fun. Their motto is “be safe and enjoy the excitement.” They offer a huge selection of some great action-packed tour packages. TachizTravel Costa RicaTachizTravel offers a wonderful time in Costa Rica to the travelers. The company ensures that your trip is memorable, enjoyable and within your budget. TachizTravel offers amazing hospitality to their clients. Their staff is also reliable and knowledgeable. They make your stay in Costa Rica, an excellent experience. Tiara TravelsTiara Travels is a leading tour and travel company in Costa Rica. It is specialized in providing personalized and lively tours. The staff of Tiara is highly professional and supportive. They make sure that you have the best time of your life during your Costa Rica Vacations. Whether waterfall jumping or leisure safari, bird watching excursion or wildlife escapade, every adventurous tour that the company organizes is always innovative and customer-centric. The tours by Tiara Travels are all-inclusive and yet exclusive! Their guides take you to the fantasy world of Costa Rica that are blessed with Nature’s essence and richness. Tiara customizes all your tours as per your requirement and budget. And they deliver you the unique experience beyond your imagination. Costa Rica Sun ToursIt is one of the excellent companies in Costa Rica. They provide exceptional customer service. Their tours are family friendly. The company strives towards rendering unique trips for an unforgettable experience. They are an ideal choice for romantic escapades, birding trips, etc. Whether water rafting or jungle exploration, breathtaking Mountain View or paradisiacal beach, Costa Rica Sun Tours designs their trips as per individual requirements. Travel ExcellenceTravel Excellence offers some fantastic services to their clients. The company is very reliable. They not only arrange for your exploration in Costa Rica but also take care of your car rentals, cheap flights, and other reservations. The itinerary of the company is made as per customer’s request. Their trips are fabulous for small groups. The firm organizes tours that are fun-filled and action-packed. Their operators craft your vacations in such a way that it becomes a perfect vacation. They are known for satisfying the desires of thousands of visitors who come to Costa Rica every year. ConclusionOn one hand, Costa Rica is a place of Natural beauty and tranquil serenity. On the other side, it is full of adventures and most exquisite escapades. Thousands of travelers come to the country every year to have a dream vacation. And these are made possible by these travel companies in Costa Rica. The tour companies in Costa Rica are famous for their hospitality and world-class assistance. They believe in offering customized trips as per the visitor’s expectations. So, if you also want to explore the wonderlands of Costa Rica, go ahead and have an incredible trip in the heavenly country! The post appeared first on Tiara Travel - Costa Rica Tours. from http://tiaratravelcostarica.com/1103-2/ Tips for an Adventurous Trip of Costa Rica Bird WatchingCosta Rica has several exotic varieties of bird that attract thousands of explorers to come to the country. It has diverse geography and ideal climatic conditions. Poas Volcano National ParkThis is one of the most visited attractions of the country because of its proximity with the San Jose city. It is about 30 km from Juan Santamaria Airport which takes around 45 minutes to travel by road. Its main crater is one of the largest in the world and the expedition consists of a hike to the crater rim. Mention about volcano. The weather in this park is humid and cold, with rain possibilities all year round and an average temperature of 15ºC. Arenal Volcano National ParkThis park and its surroundings are full with a variety of attractions to please everyone. It is 135 km from Juan Santamaria Airport and takes about 3 hours to reach here. It is a perfect destination with variety of hotels and activities suitable for you if you are looking for adventure, relaxation or an engagement with nature. Its main attraction is the Arenal volcano which is currently in the sleeping phase but is a source of many hot springs in the surrounding areas. The adventure experiences in this park include whitewater rafting, zipline tours, hanging bridge walks and many more. The spas in the hotels of the area also offer hot stone massage and volcanic mud wrap. You can also have quality time with your family by simply relaxing in the hot spring pools while enjoying the incredible view of the volcano. Arenal Volcano National Park has two additional sites nearly located which you would not like to miss out. La Fortuna WaterfallIt is located at a short distance and you can get there by a car and then hike or a horse ride. You need to be physically fit to get there and once you reach this 200 ft waterfall you can have a swim or simply relax by having a picnic around. Celeste RiverIt is one of the natural wonders of the country and one of the most famous places of Costa Rica. The incredible light blue color of the water seems to be artificially colored which makes it special. Getting here also requires to be physically fit as there is a hike of around 3 hours through the rainforest. You cannot swim in this river; however, getting here and simply relaxing around this spectacular phenomenon is amazing. Guanacaste BeachesThey are known around the world for vacations as the 200 km of the Pacific coast is blessed with amazing weather and clear water that makes it a perfect destination for surfing, diving, fishing, swimming, and many more activities. The nearest airport is the Daniel Oduber International Airport and it takes less than an hour to reach here from the airport. This destination is recommended for family vacations, adventure vacations including surfing, diving and other water activities. TamarindoTamarindo is popular for its great nightlife and amazing surfing culture. In fact, most of the surfing packages include this destination as it is recommended for beginners as well as for the pro surfers. It also has an airstrip and therefore, it becomes easy for the travelers to pick this destination for vacation as the road trip from Juan Santamaria International Airport is around 3 hours long journey. Tamarindo has wide range of accommodations for every budget and every type of visitor. This guide has been prepared taking into account all the popular places, considering what you want to experience during your Costa Rica vacations. Tiara Travel can help you explore these places and enjoy the beauty as well as the exoticism and therefore, every vacation package is tailored to suit your needs. The post Costa Rica Bird Watching appeared first on Tiara Travel - Costa Rica Tours. from http://tiaratravelcostarica.com/costa-rica-bird-watching/ |
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