Tag Archives: Costa Rica family vacations

Flowers Fill the Sights and Smells of Costa Rica

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If you love the sights and smells of blooming flowers, be sure to schedule in some time to see them on your next adventure in Costa Rica. The variety of different climates here make it possible to see a wide range of flower species. When most people think about the different types of flowers found in the wild of Costa Rica, the first one that comes to mind is the orchid. There are more than 1,300 different types found within just 19,730 square miles.

Guaria Morada

The national flower is the guaria morada, a purple orchid believed to bring good luck. Well-known for its generous and shimmering blooms, it grows mostly in elevations between 1,600 and 3,000 feet, and in areas near the Pacific Coast. Guaria morada was once quite easy to spot, but because it became so popular it is now harder to find. The air plants sprout in the wild along tree branches they use mostly for support. Many locals grow them in their front yards for their beauty and for hopes of good fortune. You can catch the light floral scent of the guaria morada orchid during its peak, between January and April.

Scenic Flowers

Although orchids are among the most plentiful flowers in Costa Rica, there are other flowers that will capture your attention, whether you’re driving down the road or you’re out exploring on one of our Costa Rica guided tours.

  • Cortez Amarillo – This tree has bright yellow blossoms that flower for just a few days during the rainy season, particularly in the Central Valley region. They are a favorite snack among small howler monkeys that roam among the treetops.
  • Red Ginger – Sometimes called the ostrich plume, the red ginger has red bulbs and tiny white flowers. Believed to be native to Malaysia, it is found in the moist conditions and shady surroundings of Costa Rica. The red plumes are popular additions to floral arrangements.
  • Dahlia Imperialis –Dahlias grow on shrub-like bushes in the mountains and along the roadside in altitudes from 1,500 to 2,700 feet. These flowers have pale purple or white petals surrounding a large yellow center. They grow about two inches wide and create a beautiful scene when they’re in bloom.

If you love flowers in their natural state, you’ll love the wide range of blooms you can see in any season in Costa Rica. Whether you’re in the city or off the beaten path, the vivacious colors and heady fragrances will capture your attention on your next adventure in Costa Rica.

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Costa Rica Rios: Our story.

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My name is Fraser Tyrrell, and I’m one of the owners of Costa Rica Rios. The year 2000 was when it all started for us. We were both living in the British Virgin Islands, working on yachts, when Jane literally sailed into my life. Almost 14 years later, we are still going strong and things just seem to be getting better and better.

When we met each other, it was clear from the outset that we came from similar backgrounds and that we were destined to do great things together. Before meeting around the Millennium we spent quite a bit of time traveling the world, and between us we have visited more than 100 countries. When I first met Jane, she was working as a yacht skipper, one of only two female skippers in the Caribbean at the time. We immediately realized that we shared a passion for travel, and with backgrounds in tourism, we thought it was time to make our mark.

Our first foray into the world of business started in Queenstown, New Zealand, where we bought our first house and turned it into a high-end bed and breakfast. It was an incredible experience turning a house into a business, and we had four years of fun doing it. We learned some valuable lessons during this time that have helped us get to where we are today. We realized quite quickly that Queenstown was never going to be a long-term home for us, and we were desperate to get back to the tropics and to a climate that we both love.

The decision was made, and it was time to start searching for our new venture. We had two criteria that were non-negotiable when deciding on what we wanted to do: Our new business had to be in tourism, and it had to be in the tropics. Our attitude was that we could live anywhere and do anything, and when we found the right business we would know it. Our search lasted over a year, and every time we found a potential “goer,” something put us off until we found Costa Rica Rios.

We discovered that the company was for sale by three American guys who had been running it for four years after having bought it from the founder, who started it all in 1995. This was our chance and we knew it! We saw massive untapped potential in Costa Rica Rios, and with a combined 35 years of experience working in the tourism industry, we thought we had the ability to realize that potential.

Of course, we had to ask ourselves some serious questions. Can we live in Costa Rica? We didn’t know the country at all! Jane had very little Spanish, I had none. Will it be an easy language to learn? Will it be easy, as foreigners, to work, employ, do business and be accepted by the local community? Luckily, after visiting the country and the company, we decided the answer was yes to all of these questions.

Now, almost seven years in, we believe we have made the best decision of our lives. We love where we live, we love what we do, we have two young boys who were both born in Costa Rica (both fully bilingual, which still blows us away!) and we have expanded our company from a small local business into a Costa Rican wide one.

We are now the largest kayaking company in Costa Rica, taking more paddlers down more rivers than anyone else. We have quickly established ourselves as one of the premier honeymoon providers in the country. After having spent the last six-and-a- half years discovering the country and what it can offer, we believe we can give any newlyweds a honeymoon they will never forget, whether it be a romantic relaxing beach honeymoon to a more adventurous one, with anything from ziplining to whitewater rafting to even staying a night in a remote cave, right in the heart of the rainforest set behind twin waterfalls. We have expanded into family adventure vacations, and we guarantee you will never have a family bonding trip like you will in Costa Rica.

Our guides are a huge part of what makes us what we are. They are some of the best adventure guides in the country, with two of them having represented Costa Rica at the world kayaking championships, two at the world rafting championships and one of them is one of the top triathletes in the country.

Jane and I are still very hands-on and any guest that chooses an itinerary that comes through our town will meet us, so if you are planning your next vacation and Costa Rica is on your radar, drop us an email or give us a call and hopefully we will get to meet you at some point in the future.

Adventure tour operators in Costa Rica
Living the dream
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Costa Rica Adventure: Natural Perfection Inspires Video Game Designers

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“We want to recreate the most amazing nature that you see in any video games,” says Andreas Öberg of Avalanche Studios, creators of the best-selling Just Cause video game series. That’s why he and a team of designers, artists, photographers and sound engineers traveled to Costa Rica in 2013 to gather inspiration for games in development. They knew they would find the perfect backdrop in a Costa Rica adventure.

The crew spent time in and around the Braulio Carrillo National Park, also known as Parque Nacional Braulio Carillo, recording every aspect of their surroundings. They captured the complexity of the vegetation, the precise curve of the toes of a three-toed sloth, even the sounds of the jungle — monkeys, birds and all. With time-lapse photography, they captured the changing patterns of the clouds in the sky and the colors of the sunset over the sea. They used super-slow motion to record the rolling surf and every subtle movement of the water droplets clinging to the rainforest plants, because depicting water realistically is one of the more difficult challenges for video game artists.

As imaginative as these game creators are, they know that nothing beats working with original material. And Costa Rica, with its pristine natural environments, provided them with all of the inspiration they could have hoped for to make an amazing game.

Even though it’s just minutes from San José and accessible via a major highway, Braulio Carillo National Park is one of the most carefully preserved natural places on earth, and one of the most ecologically diverse. It spans more than 100,000 acres with altitudes that range from the beach at sea level to more than 9,500 feet above sea level, encompassing micro-climates from sultry rainforest to misty cloud forest as well as several volcanoes. There are miles and miles of walking trails for visitors to follow and an aerial tram that will carry you if you prefer to see the view from above. Either way, you won’t need a full camera crew to appreciate this spectacular natural beauty!

For a closer look at Costa Rica’s wildlife, the crew also visited the Toucan Rescue Ranch, a licensed rainforest wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and release facility. All creatures are welcome and cared for here — toucans, of course, but also sloths, kinkajous, otters, and even rare and endangered animals like the oncilla, a beautiful spotted wildcat that’s native to Central America.

To experience some of Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity during your adventure vacation or honeymoon, contact us today!

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28 Costa Rica Locations Listed Among the World’s Most “Irreplaceable” Places

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A team of international scientists recently compiled a list of the world’s most “irreplaceable” natural environments. These 2,300 places were recognized for their “unique habitats” that support rare plant and animal life.

Not surprisingly, some beautiful places in Costa Rica featured prominently in this survey. All told, 28 locations — many of them national parks or other preserves — made the list. Among them are Los Quetzales and Guanacaste national parks, Cocos Island World Heritage Site and Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve. These areas are home to exquisite plants and animals, including , multitudes of frogs, parrots, orchids, tapirs, monkeys and other exotic creatures. Perhaps one of the most striking is the quetzal, a bird with beyond-belief plumage.

As Costa Rica residents and tour operators, this news doesn’t surprise us. We have long known that Costa Rica is recognized worldwide as an important country for biodiversity. The unique rainforest environment here attracts birds, plants and animals that are rare global treasures.

Costa Rica is unique because so much of our country is untouched by civilization and technology. Many visitors come to Costa Rica each year to explore these beautiful natural areas and witness sights they simply can’t find anywhere else. This makes Costa Rica one of the top-visited countries worldwide.

If you are interested in gathering more information about the Costa Rica trips we offer, feel free to explore our website or contact us. We can put together some private guided tours for your group that feature some of the 28 most irreplaceable places on earth. Don’t forget to bring your camera and pack your binoculars.

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Costa Rica trips aid your Spanish exploration

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Among the native Spanish speaking community Costa Ricans are known for their very clear and correct Spanish usage. An emphasis on education has been an enduring point of national pride since the military was abolished in 1949. For decades since, Costa Rica’s literacy rates have consistently ranked highly among all nations in the Western Hemisphere. As a stable democracy and peaceful nation Costa Rica has naturally become a destination for exploration and Spanish language development. International institutions of learning are fostering partnerships with Costa Rican universities to develop accredited college Spanish immersion courses. It is a common sight now in Costa Rica to find visitors attuning their Spanish skills in restaurants, stores, hotels, with tour guides and the locals.

Foreign visitors on Costa Rica trips or Honeymoons will at first be greeted by friendly and personable nationals that are welcoming and helpful. The Spanish you will hear is very clear and discernible, very much akin to what perhaps has been provided to you through years of Spanish courses, textbooks, dvd programs, online classes and so on. Being in Costa Rica provides an excellent opportunity not to be shy with your Spanish. The locals appreciate your efforts to communicate in their native tongue. A wide number of Costa Ricans have a cursory knowledge of English and many other languages which ensures that communication is always possible.

Working on your Spanish in Costa Rica is great, but take the time to note those Spanish words that are uniquely Costa Rican. Your knowledge of them will take you far in conversations, win you points with the locals and get you out of an awkward silence perhaps. Here’s a list of some of the most widely used Costa Rican colloquialisms. You’ll hear these a lot through your travels and interactions with the locals so we hope they come in handy.

Tico: An affectionate term for a Costa Rican (Tica: feminine, Ticos: plural)

Pura Vida: This is the national mantra, translated directly: Pure Life. Meaning: Everything is good!

Mae or Maje: A man, as in “Hey, man!” or “dude”

Tuanis: This simply means “cool.”

Tipico/a: That which is in the local style, native way.

Gallo pinto: Classic Costa Rican rice and beans dish.

Casado: Traditional Costa Rican meal; normally represented with rice, vegetables, salad and choice of protein.   The word also means married, so a must try for you newlyweds on your Costa Rican honeymoon.

Güila: A child.

Carajo!: Oh my!

Contact us to learn how to put all that Spanish studying to good use!spanish for your costa rican adventure vacation package

 

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Explore The Amazing Cuisine During Your Costa Rica Honeymoon

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A costa rica honeymoon is full of exploration, the glowing sun, gorgeous natural sights and the embrace of the beach. Because of all this, perhaps food isn’t the first thing that jumps to mind when you consider this unique country. However, Costa Rica is home to a unique, widely varied and ubiquitously delicious cuisine. Whether you prefer mingling with locals in small, scrumptiously authentic eateries or dining on the succulent and original delicacies of five star restaurants, your taste buds will have a blast in Costa Rica.

So what’s the food like exactly?

Gallo Pinto, the country’s national dish, is a simple and satisfying combination of flavorful black beans and pure white rice mixed with onions, bell peppers, and a wide variety of other possibilities–whatever tickles your fancy. Lunch often includes fresh corn tortillas, fresh white Costa Rican cheese, meat or fish, eggs, and Salsa Lizano–a flavorful sauce with just enough heat and sweetness to make your eyes roll back in bliss.

Although these staples can be found in nearly every household in the country, it is far from the limit of Costa Rican cuisine. With fresh vegetables as the main ingredient, the food is remarkably healthy and tends to be well seasoned without too much chili, as some other Latin American cuisine often is (though ask for Chileros–fresh salsa made with Habanero peppers if you are a fan of spicy food). Arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), delicious salads, savory plantains that are fried, mashed, or cut into soups are a few of many mouth-watering dishes.

Corn is utilized well in Costa Rica. From tortillas to pancakes, soups to dessert breads, this staple can be found in a huge variety of dishes. Try the tamales–puréed corn steamed in a banana leaf and mixed with whatever cheeses, vegetables, meats, and chilies you desire.

For desert try plantains baked in a sugar based sauce. Tres leches (three milk sponge cake), pudina (bread pudding), and pan de elote (sweet cornbread) are also unbelievably tasty, and not overly sweet.

Ready to take your taste buds on an adventure? Just contact us and let us know what we can do for you. We’re happy to answer questions, give advice, or create a tour for you. Hope to see you soon!

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Visit the Backdrop for ‘Runner, Runner’

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The new movie Runner, Runner has the setting backdrop of beautiful Costa Rica. The film shot there for a week so they could get the authentic and adventurous feel of the country first hand.

One of Brad Furman’s reasons for signing on to direct the picture was the attraction of the setting. It would be like a working vacation. However, when he was told by studio heads that he would need to shoot in Puerto Rico instead, he fought hard and won in the end.

After fighting concerns by studio heads, Furman won the chance to shoot for a week in the beautiful locale of Costa Rica and he has nothing but praises for the country.

“…there is an incredible spirit in Costa Rica…it is really beautiful,” the director said in an interview with movie website Collider about his want to shoot in the country and his experience in absorbing the culture and adventures there.

Runner, Runner is about online gambling and how Justin Timberlake’s character gets sucked into the beauty, majesty and spirit of Costa Rica. He has his own Costa Rica adventure in a way.

If you’re planning a vacation then try something new and fun. Go see the movie Runner, Runner (which is currently playing in most theaters) and pay attention to the overhead shots, the backdrop settings and the beauty of the movie’s locales. If it looks appealing then perhaps you should be a little adventurous and head to Costa Rica for your own vacation this holiday season.

If you’re ready to have your own costa rica adventure then contact us today and see Runner, Runner before you do.

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A Costa Rica adventure, custom-made just for your family!

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When you think of having a vacation with your family, have you considered a Costa Rica adventure? Costa Rica Rios has a package for your adventurous spirit! From surfing the waves to zip lining above the trees; whitewater rafting or kayaking, to mountain biking; lying on the beach or a thrilling canopy tour… Just think, we can put a custom package together for the vacation of a lifetime…Depending on your budget and your ability level, add in your desire for adventure or relaxing, and all you have to do is be there and enjoy it.

So, say your family is made up of Mom and Dad; your oldest is a teen girl; next is a ten-year-old all boy; then there is your three-year-old (surprise!) girl. Oh, and everyone has agreed to bring Grandma, because she’s never been out of the country. OK, Mom and Dad are definitely looking forward to SOME relaxation, and maybe even some romance. Maybe some beach time, and at least one dinner for two? Miss Teen seems bored with almost everything, but her eyes light up at the mention of horseback riding. And maybe some surfing lessons? (Probably a cute instructor.) Now, Mr. All-Boy wants to do everything active…twice! Grandma has heard about the unique shopping opportunities, but has always secretly wanted to learn scuba diving. Hey, she’s not too old! And Miss Surprise? She won’t be able to do some of the activities, but she will enjoy being with her family, doing what three-year-olds do best: being cute!

There are several packages to choose from, like the Week of Adventures, the Week of Rivers Kayak, and the Week of Rivers Canoe, but the best bet for your family of various desires is the Custom and Family Tour.

When you are ready to customize your family vacation at Costa Rica Rios, our knowledgeable and friendly staff would love to hear from you. They will help you figure out what to bring, which additional costs you will be responsible for, and they will help bring the variety of your family’s wishes together. Start here to begin your adventure!

If you have questions, please contact us… We would love to help!

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Useful Spanish Phrases for Your Costa Rica Adventure

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While there’s no language requirement on Costa Rica Rios trips, it’s always fun to use a bit of the local dialect, right? Here are a few phrases to get you started; the locals might even mistake you for a Tico/Tica.

Más rápido, mae – Faster, dude; may be useful with your whitewater rafting guide if you want to pick it up a notch (loco = crazy, by the way).

¡Pero tengo miedo! – But I’m scared! This phrase is often followed by delighted screaming and laughing; say this right before you zip-line across a canopy.

¡Otra vez! – Again! You loved that flight through the trees, didn’t you?

Te amo – I love you. Surprise your new husband or wife with this phrase on your honeymoon as you gaze off into the Caribbean horizon.

¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost? This will be useful in between adventures if you choose to snatch up a Costa Rican souvenir or two, like a bag of local coffee or artisan pottery.

¡Qué ola tan grande! – What a big wave! While surfing, this may mean you either rush out to sea or rush back to shore, depending on your skill level. Or maybe you’re on the beach and want to warn your friends to pick up their towels.

¿Cómo se llama (pointing at something)? – What is that called? When you spot unknown exotic wildlife while snorkeling or hiking, use this phrase to learn their names, or ask about that volcano up ahead or the bright blue butterfly that landed on your bike.

Me duelen las piernas – My legs hurt. Speaking of bikes, your quads or hamstrings might burn a bit from that mountain biking portion of the trip; use this excuse to take a breather and a snap a few pics of the scenery.

¡Qué lindo/bonito! – How beautiful! Use while pointing to that view, that flower, that sunset, that bird, etc. You’ll probably be using this one at least every five minutes if you’re not busy catching your breath or laughing.

¡Qué rico! – How delicious! Compliment your chef or server, or just rave to your trip companions about the fresh fish on your plate or the fruit smoothie you’re slurping down.

¡Pura vida! – this ubiquitous Costa Rican phrase has a dozen meanings, which makes it applicable in most situations. Literally, it means “pure life” and often refers to the relaxed attitudes of Ticos (Costa Ricans). But it also can be a greeting, an exclamation of approval, a descriptor of how you’re feeling, a synonym for excellent, or just something you scream as you kayak down a rushing river.

For all your other language needs, our staff and guides have got you covered. Find the trip that’s right for you and contact us for more information. ¡Pura vida!

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Plan Your Own Costa Rica Adventure

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What would your perfect vacation be? Do you think about riding around on a hot, sweaty tour bus? Or wandering around in a large group of people listening to a tour guide describe a long history of some building? Or are you looking for a wild ride down some whitewater rapids? How about a bike tour of a volcano? A zipline ride across rainforest treetops? What about all of them? Creating your own Costa Rica adventure means that you don’t have to choose just one. You can plan all the excitement you want into one big adventure.

Costa Rica offers all the adventure your family or group can handle. With a tropical climate and a variety of terrain, you can pick from the many activities that appeal to your outdoor spirit. Instead of being stuck in a pre-planned selection of a package deal, you can decide how short or long you want to go for, and what activities you do, creating your own vacation package.

If water is what you are dreaming of, you can choose to kayak, raft, or canoe on the Pacuare River where you can experience the beauty of the surrounding rainforest, with many chances to stop and swim, rest, and take in the views. Rather swim than paddle? You can take advantage of scuba diving or snorkeling in the waters off the Manuel Antonio National Park. If surfing is your thing, try catching a wave in Puerto Viejo. Or include a day to relax at one of the stunning beaches the country has to offer.

Waves and water not your thing? Try taking on mountain biking. You can choose to bike through the cloud forest as you journey to the shoulder of the Turrialba Volcano, with small villages along the way. Or choose to bike through the Orosi Valley. Pedaling too tiring? Try a saddle instead with horseback riding. You can mount up and travel up to the La Fortuna Waterfall or ride to the observatory of the famous Arenal Volcano.

Looking for a ride of a different kind? Zip line rides will have you flying above the jungle. Rise above the treetops to experience the adventure of a lifetime. Experience the rainforest like never before with a canopy tour that takes you across suspension bridges, rappelling down trees and even offers adrenaline pumping zip line rides over the trees.

With these and many more activities to choose from, you can find the perfectly balanced adventure. Take the worry and stress out of planning with all meals, lodging, entrance fees and permits taken care of. No need to have your own equipment or search for guides.  We can take care of everything.  Contact us and start planning your perfect Costa Rica adventure today.

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