Tag Archives: costa rica honeymoon

Adventure honeymoon in Costa Rica

Part IV: Costa Rica Vacation – Wedding and Honeymoon

Uncategorized, ,

Costa Rica honeymoonWhether you wish to enjoy a superb adventure-filled honeymoon or simply dreaming of a romantic vacation, Costa Rica is your incomparable destination choice. But don’t just take (admittedly subjective) word for it!

PerfectHoneymoons.com rates this tropical Caribbean gem as the 3rd most-popular destination in the world, after Italy and Hawaii, for love-filled getaways. And what’s not to love? With its magnificent nature, array of luxury resorts, eco-lodges and indulgent retreats, not to mention the idyllic year-round climate and utterly unique ‘exotic’ charm, Costa Rica is the obvious choice if you want to steer clear of run-of-the-mill love-do’s and get more value for your hard-earned holiday funds.

Truth be told, the whole country is chock-full of incredibly beautiful places that are ideal for a romantic getaway, yet some are just a little more ideal due to their proximity to the capital (for that dreamy long weekend), smattering of high-end eco-lodges (for that one-a-kind splurge), stunning beaches (because if you don’t go home with a tan then you’re doing something wrong) and variety of fun and exhilarating activities.

Here are just of the amazing options for your romantic Costa Rica vacation:

Manuel Antonio National Park honeymoonManuel Antonio National Park is arguably the most popular destination for active romantic vacations and honeymoons, as it’s only a 2-hour drive out of San Jose and is, above all else, a superlative natural haven. Brimming with wildlife and offering a multitude of options for adventure-filled days, Manuel Antonio is the kind of place where you can enjoy a thrilling white water rafting trip in the morning, enjoy a delectable gourmet lunch in an exclusive lodge, delight in a romantic afternoon horse ride on a pristine beach, and end the day with a swoon-worthy candle-lit dinner under a canopy of stars.

Costa Rica romanceNot to be outdone, dormant Arenal Volcano offers an equally outstanding backdrop for soaks in therapeutic hot springs and indulgences in superb 5* spa resorts. This is Costa Rica’s tropical lusciousness at its very best. Waterfalls galore and plenty of fun pursuits are the cornerstones of the Arenal region, yet it’s all the spectacular thermal springs which hold the ultimate appeal for romantic holidays and Costa Rica honeymoons.

Lovers of the sun and surf will do well to check out the stellar options along the Guanacaste coastline. Here is where you can spend endless days playing in the waves, snorkeling, diving, surfing and lazing around on some of the world’s most coveted sandy stretches. The sand glistens, the sunsets WOW and the romance spills at every turn. The Gulf of Papagayo, along the north-western shores of Costa Rica, is where you’ll find the largest collection of exclusive and all-inclusive 5* resorts. Just a short drive from the Liberia Airport, the Gulf of Papagayo is arguably the favorite among honeymooners and makes for a brilliant base from which to explore Costa Rica.

Nicoya Peninsula honeymoonWant to feel like there are just the two of you in the world? Then the Nicoya Peninsula is your honeymoon destination of choice. You’ll find fewer people here, fewer tourists in general, and a much more remote and exclusive experience awaits you. Remote and spellbinding, the Nicoya is idyllic for couples who want to get away from the rest of the world, for just a little while. Outstanding resorts are set amidst verdant hills, overlooking sapphire and emerald waters. Quiet coves, endless stretches of pristine beaches and oodles of isolated dream spots is what makes the Nicoya Peninsula a top choice for those seeking romance and intimacy.

Costa Rica Weddings

Costa Rica weddingIn case you didn’t already know, Costa Rica is one of the most popular wedding locations on the planet, attracting couples and their delighted loved ones from every corner of the globe. The affordability and sheer uniqueness of Costa Rica weddings is a huge incentive for many couples, who can enjoy an unforgettable wedding and honeymoon in one of the world’s most coveted destinations, for only a fraction of the cost of a wedding at home. Exceptional luxury, an incredibly well-planned wedding day and a mesmerizing holiday to boot? I do!

Getting married in Costa Rica isn’t nearly as complicated as you may think, most especially when you consider most resorts will put you in contact with a wedding planner who will look after you from beginning to end. Here are a few guides to help you get started:

Costa Rica Destination Weddings: Everything You Need to Know

Costa Rica Wedding: How to Time it Right

How to Find the Best Planner for Your Costa Rica Wedding

All-inclusive Costa Rica honeymoon packages are undoubtedly the best value-for-money deals you’ll find anywhere, and it is something in which Costa Rica Rios specialize. After the vows have been exchanged, cake has been cut and teary hugs have been shared, let us propel you into an adventurous week of ‘love + adrenalin’ to get your married life off to a heart-pumping start.

Part I: Costa Rica Vacation – Getting Here is Now Faster…and Cheaper!
Part II: Costa Rica Vacation Accommodation to Suit All Tastes and Budgets
Part III: Costa Rica Vacation – Family Adventure Vacation

[ssba]

How to Find the Best Planner for Your Costa Rica Wedding

Costa Rica Adventures, Costa Rica Honeymoon, Costa Rica Rios,

Costa Rica weddingAnyone who’s ever planned a wedding will attest to it being a tad stressful. There are 101 things to think about, all simultaneously, and 101 more that will slip one’s mind until the time it becomes obvious that they have been all but forgotten. When you plan a wedding abroad, however, you can just about quintuple the stress! Not only do you have countless things to think about and organize, but you and your wedding venue manager, cake maker, florist, make-up artist and string quartet are in different countries. How on earth does one organize a seamlessly beautiful and breathtaking wedding in Costa Rica?! With a fantastic wedding planner, that’s how.

Costa Rica wedding planners are renowned for being exceptional at what they do. They live in a country that has become the epitome backdrop for a destination wedding, and they have the know-how to make your special day something extraordinary.

Need some help scoring that one-in-a-million-planner that will make your day an unforgettable experience?

We’re here to help.

To Plan or Not to Plan

Costa Rica weddingMany couples will indeed be wondering if they can actually organize their Costa Rica wedding without a local planner. The short answer is ‘Yes, you can!’ yet the more comprehensive response would be ‘Of course you can, yet you may find it too time-consuming and stressful to make going it alone worthwhile’. Whilst many resorts in Costa Rica offer wedding packages which include reception dinner, flowers, wedding cake and the likes, you will be left to organize quite a few things on your own. Moreover, if you wish to do anything out of the norm, like have a beach wedding or organize a full week-long event held in a private villa, a little external help will be not just helpful, but rather essential.

Dedicated Costa Rica wedding planners are adept at bringing all the pieces of the puzzle together effortlessly, leaving you and your beloved to simply show up, make your vows, and celebrate. The best part? Hiring a wedding planner in Costa Rica costs just a fraction of what it does at home, making their services even more enticing.

Locate the Perfect Costa Rica Wedding Planner

Costa Rica weddingTrusting the most important day of your life to a complete stranger may be daunting, we know. Yet there are plenty of things you can do to ensure you catch yourself a priceless ally. Someone who understands you, knows your likes and dislikes and totally gets where you’re coming from. Someone on your wavelength. To this end, here’s our list of tips and hints to help you find that perfect Costa Rica wedding planner match made in heaven:

  1. Trust personal recommendations – with a tiny grain of salt. Professionalism, great communication skills and competency are the main attributes you ought to look for in a wedding planner. Everything else, becomes very objective. Just because your friend just lured her wedding planner in Costa Rica, it doesn’t mean you’ll be able to build the same rapport with him/her. You can’t expect the same result just because you choose the same wedding planner. Costa Rica destination weddings are always unique, as is every couple, and your aim is to find a planner that’s just right for the two of you. Recommendations are wonderful and should be graciously accepted, but don’t rely on them completely. Contact as many planners as you can and make your decision based on your heart and gut feeling, primarily.
  2. Make sure you and your planner can communicate well The great majority of the time, you’ll be communicating with your planner via email. It is imperative that you understand each other and can communicate well. Perhaps you speak Spanish fluently, but if you don’t, you really ought to ensure your planner can express her/himself clearly in English. A slight misunderstanding via email can translate into a huge disappointment on your big day.
  3. Know what you’re getting Be very clear and knowledgeable about what you planner can and can’t organize. Ask your planner to make a precise list of what they can do for you, and to outline what is needed for a Costa Rica wedding (they will know this) and the details with which they cannot help.
  4. Only choose a planner who’ll be there on your wedding day Make sure your wedding planner and the whole planning team will be on hand to take care of your special day on the actual day. They must be there, from beginning, to end. If they can’t – because they are booking 4 weddings on the same day – look for someone else. You will only have a stress-free day if you know your planner will be by your side and available to fix any problems should they arise.
  5. Experience and accreditation are a must Choose a wedding planner who’s been at it for a while, a few years at least, and who is certified and a member of the Costa Rica Tourism Board.
  6. Short of ideas? Ask your planner! They are a boundless source of info and creative ideas, and can incorporate a myriad of crazy beautiful wishes into your event. Never mistake your wedding planner for a simple logistical facilitator: these guys are artists. They have visions, experiences and know what works best where and when.
  7. Trust is key Once you find a planner you absolutely adore….trust them. When it comes to planning unique and amazing wedding in Costa Rica, they really do know best.

Before heading out into the virtual yonder to seek your one-of-a-kind wedding planner, you may appreciate a little more info:

*Want to know when you should plan to get married? Read our Guide on How to Time Your Costa Rica Wedding Right

*Want to know the legalities involved in getting married here? Read our Everything You Need to Know About Costa Rica Destination Wedding Guide

*Want to know what the best part of a Costa Rica weeding is? Then do read our guide to Planning the Perfect Bespoke Honeymoon in Costa Rica

[ssba]

Top 5 Favorite Honeymoon Locations in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Honeymoon, Costa Rica Rios, , ,

Costa Rica honeymoon

Are you planning your honeymoon and looking for that perfect nook of the world, near your nook of the world?

Well, stop looking right now!

With two pristine coastlines just a short plane ride away from each other and an astounding collection of tropical forests, jungles, volcanoes and mountains to explore, you’ll never find a more ideal honeymoon destination than Costa Rica. Whether you want to spend your days sunbathing on pristine beaches, hiking up volcanoes, canyoning raging rivers, or simply relaxing in an idyllic forest resort, Costa Rica has just the spot for you. Several of them in fact!

Most Popular Honeymoon Destinations in Costa Rica

What: Manuel Antonio
Where: Central-western Coast
Why: for the wildlife, beaches and adventure sports

Manuel AntonioIt’s really no wonder that the Manuel Antonio region is the most popular choice for discerning honeymooners. Easy to reach from San José (either by half hour plane ride or 2-hour drive) this stunning nook of Costa Rica is home to an amazing National Park brimming with endemic wildlife offering an array of active pursuits, like kayaking, zip-lining, rafting and hiking.

If that’s not enough, on the heavenly beaches framing the revered nature reserve, you can surf, parasail or enjoy an incredibly romantic sunset horseback ride. Most of the resorts in Manuel Antonio are found along the base of the mountains facing the coast, so you’re guaranteed simply breathtaking sunset views no matter where you choose to stay. If you’re a nature lover looking for luxury comforts on your honeymoon escapade, then Manuel Antonio is the ideal spot for you.

What: Gulf of Papagayo
Where: North-western Coast
Why: for the optimal SCUBA diving, beaches and pampering in luxury resorts

Gulf of PapagayoOn the north-western corner of Costa Rica, in the region of Guanacaste, right near the border with Nicaragua, is where you’ll find some of the most exclusive 5* resorts in the country. One of the most popular diving destinations of all, the Gulf of Papagayo offers a plethora of fantastic dive sites including über-popular Bat Islands (Islas Murciélagos), a mesmerizing marine park home of bull sharks, manta rays and more.

If you’re a diving fanatic, planning a wedding between May and September (the best diving times!) and wish to luxuriate in superlative all-inclusive resorts, then you really shouldn’t fly past this little corner of heaven.

What: Tortuguero
Where: North-eastern Coast
Why: for the astonishing remoteness, startling natural beauty and turtle nesting

TortugeuroOn the opposite side of Costa Rica is where you’ll find Tortuguero, the ideal honeymoon destination for nature lovers looking for a more rustic experience. One of the country’s most remote areas (reachable by plane from San José), this is a renowned turtle nesting haven, completely surrounded by superlative wilderness.

Accommodation options here are not nearly as extensive as in Manuel Antonio, but if you’re looking to add a few days of sublime relaxation after a week of adrenalin-pumping action with Costa Rica Rios, and have a chance to explore rain forests and spot manatees, then this is where you need to head to.

What: Osa Peninsula
Where: South-western Coast
Why: for the untouched wilderness, biodiversity and whale watching

Osa PeninsulThe Osa Peninsula is home of the superb Corcovado National Park, the most biodiverse corner of Costa Rica. Virgin rain forests, thousands of plant and animal species and jaw-dropping pristine beaches are what await your arrival here. Accommodation choices here are fabulous, but when you set foot in one of the least developed nooks of Central America, modern mod-cons are the last thing you’ll seek.

The nature reserve offers exhilarating hikes and canopy tours, whilst rewarding diving trips can be had just off the shores of nearby Cano Island Bio Reserve. Visit here in the months between July and March, and you may be lucky enough to encounter several types of migrating dolphins and whales, including humpback and killer whales.

Drake Bay is the ideal whale watching spot on Osa Peninsula and an easy 5.5-hour drive from San José. Some of the best eco-lodges in the country are found here, so if you want luxury of the natural kind (share your breakfast with toucans and wake to the sound of howling monkeys) then this is a definite must-stay spot.

What: Nicoya Peninsula
Where: Central-western Coast
Why: secluded stunning beaches, amazing surfing and top resorts

Nicoya PeninsulaThe Nicoya Peninsula juts out only a few kilometers north of the Manuel Antonio National Park, and is often described as Costa Rica’s most (un)hidden secret. Crowds are still limited however, and the peninsula’s amazing array of accommodation and activity options make it ideal for those who want to have a little of bit everything available right outside their doorstep.

The town of Mal Pais has a fantastic beach and is perfect for surfing. Once here, however, all your transport efforts will be handsomely rewarded. This is Costa Rica heaven at its very best.

To begin your once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, please contact Costa Rica Rios at (888) 434-0776 or visit plusaim.co.uk/newprojects/costa_rica.

[ssba]

Hot Surfing Spots in Costa Rica

Leave a comment
Costa Rica Adventures, Costa Rica Honeymoon, Costa Rica Rios, , , , , ,

If you dream of surfing in Costa Rica, you’ve probably heard that there are at least 1,000 surf-able breaks and beautiful beaches here. The culture is very accepting of surfers, and you’ll find a number of shops near our busiest beaches. The best surfing spots in Costa Rica are legendary, but there’s a great mix of lesser known beach breaks that can give you an unforgettably great ride. While it was hard to pick out just a handful of favorite surfing destinations, we’ve highlighted a few hot spots located around Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo and Pavones that are well worth mentioning.

Tamarindo

One of the most appreciated surfing spots in Costa Rica is Tamarindo. Located on the northern end of the Pacific Coast, there are several breaks to surf in the area. If you want to experience as many surfing spots as you can find close together, Tamarindo could be the place to start your quest. Witch’s Rock and Ollie’s Point are among the favorites, and both are accessible only by boat. If you saw the movie “The Endless Summer II,” you already know about Ollie’s Point.

  • Witch’s Rock is a two-mile stretch that’s best at high tide. Be prepared for some steep waves. It’s considered one of Costa Rica’s best places to surf, so it gets crowded on occasion.
  • Ollie’s Point is a year-round surfing destination that is loaded with hollow waves. If you’re looking for a place to surf when the tide is going out and the swells are southwest, try this one.

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is located on the southern Caribbean Coast. It’s not as busy as Tamarindo. There are a few surfing spots close to each other that give you a great experience, but it can be inconsistent, depending on the time of year you visit.

  • The waves at Puerto Viejo, sometimes called Salsa Brava for its powerful big tubes, build from deep water and break on a shallow reef. Bring your A-game. An easterly swell produces the best surfing conditions.
  • Black Beach is a year-round surfing destination with best results from a southern or easterly swell. If you’re looking for something less crowded, put this one on your list – especially if you’re an early riser who likes good waves before breakfast.

Pavones

Pavones is among the legendary surfing destinations in Costa Rica. Located on the South Pacific Coast, this small town enjoys a big reputation. Pavones is a popular destination for the avid surfer. If it’s too crowded or not a great day for swells, consider nearby Punta Banco.

  • Pavones offers about three-quarters of a mile of left, and it’s considered one of the longest in the world. It has fast waves with good shape. It can be inconsistent and small at times, but when it’s on, it’s on.
  • Located about two-and-a-half miles south of Pavones, Punta Banco has a reef break and generally a smaller crowd. It’s a good choice at middle to high tide when there’s a western or southern swell. It can be a little hard to paddle into at times, which is why it’s less crowded than Pavones.

If you love to surf, Costa Rica holds an adventure for you. There are many surfing hot spots with different types of breaks, from big waves to short and strong ones. When you’re ready to book a scenic surfing vacation in Costa Rica, contact Costa Rica Rios. We’ll help you build your own vacation, finding the best breaks for your skill level and plan some great accommodations for your stay.

 

 

[ssba]

My Honeymoon: Costa Rica Guided Tours

Leave a comment
Costa Rica Adventures, Costa Rica Honeymoon, Costa Rica Rios, , , ,

My name is Janet. My husband Bobby and I spent two weeks on our honeymoon in Costa Rica in August, traveling over different parts of the beautiful country. We flew into San  Jose and were immediately welcomed by the warm air and friendly atmosphere, even at the busy, busy airport!

We spent the first day touring the city and really grasping parts of Costa Rica’s rich history and culture at the museums, which are well located and well managed.

We then packed our bags and traveled a few hours out of the city into the more tropical climate of the Arenal area. Reading about the rainforest and volcano just doesn’t do them justice. Vibrant colors and fascinating sounds filled our eyes and ears as we came to our next stop in Costa Rica’s rainforest. And the volcano is truly magnificent, rising up right next to the town –impressive! Bobby and I stayed in a cozy cabin that had windows that opened and a surrounding balcony with French doors so we could really feel like we were sleeping in the jungle. On the nights that were a bit warmer, we were able to leave the windows and doors open, turn on the fan and listen to the captivating sounds of the rainforest.

While in the Arenal area, we were able to go on a couple of guided tours and do a little ziplining and white water rafting. I was a little worried before we got there because I am not much for heights or water, but our guides for both activities fully explained the equipment and taught us the safety precautions, putting my mind at ease. My husband is an adrenaline junkie, so he wasn’t worried at all. Our raft did not flip once, and we were rafting on class four waters. I was thoroughly impressed! Our ziplining excursion provided beautiful views of the canopy and the spectacular forest as we traveled back to the forest floor. We didn’t have a single a scratch or bruise after our adventures.

The last leg of our trip we spent on the beach at Manuel Antonio, near the national park. After all the adventu

res we had in the rainforest, we decided to spend the rest of our time in Costa Rica relaxi

ng at the beach. We did meet a couple of sloths hanging out, and made friends with the

monkeys playing outside our balcony. Bobby and I loved hiking into the national park to the gorgeous beaches there and, on our last day a couple of monkeys sat in a tree above our heads and playfully tossed nuts at us while we ate our lunch. We found this quite harmless and very amusing. Bobby likes to tell that story. He says it must mean the monkeys didn’t want to see us go. We’re planning to spend many anniversaries in Costa Rica, and one day, if we decide to have children, we will bring them to experience Costa Rica with us. It’s such a wonderful place to visit. I am so glad we chose to spend our honeymoon there.

Beach art
[ssba]

5 Things to Pack for Your Costa Rica Adventure Tour

Leave a comment
Costa Rica Adventures, Costa Rica Honeymoon, Costa Rica Mountain Biking, Costa Rica Rios, Kayaking, , ,
Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River

You’ve purchased your package and are counting down the days until the big trip to include hiking, zip lines, swimming, sea turtles and other exotic animals, surfing, and kayaking. But, are you really ready for your Costa Rica adventure tour? Here are a five quick tips for what to pack for your Costa Rica vacation.

  1. Head Lamp – This little gadget is a favorite among hikers, cyclists and kayakers for its hands-free function. A headlamp with LED lighting, adjustable elastic band and adjustable light direction is ideal. Many are quite lightweight and comfortable.
  2. Quick Dry Attire – Athletic apparel companies manufacture quick-drying attire for sports activities. These types of clothes are great for kayaking and rafting, but also for boat trips and stand-up paddle boarding. Made to wick away moisture, these shirts, shorts and other garments help prevent skin rash and cold body temperatures that can be caused by wet clothing.
  3. Small Package of Laundry Detergent – When you’re having lots of fun, it’s hard to stop for the boring shopping activities like buying laundry detergent. It’s easier to plan ahead and take along a travel-size package. With the warm and humid temperatures found in Costa Rica, it’s easy to quickly soil your clothes with sweat and dust. A simple wash in the hotel bath or sink can fix that.
  4. Waterproof Bags for Electronics – With all the water sports activities you likely have planned for your trip, it’s best to bring a few waterproof pouches to protect your electronic items. Digital cameras, film recorders, cell phones and computer devices can easily be damaged without proper care.
  5. Quick Dry Towel – Usually made of super-absorbent and finely woven micro-fiber or micro-terry, these towels are very handy in many kinds of adventure activities. Quickly towel off after a dip in the ocean, a splash from the raft or an unexpected jungle rain shower.

Contact us for more tips and travel advice when you book your Costa Rica adventure through Costa Rica Rios.

[ssba]

Have a Blast on Vacation at La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano

Leave a comment
Costa Rica Adventures, Costa Rica Honeymoon, Costa Rica Rios, , , ,

 La Fortuna is one of the most visited areas in Costa Rica, with visitors and locals flocking to the region to see one of the country’s most famous landmarks, the Arenal Volcano.

Scientists believe that, geologically, Arenal is still a relatively young volcano at less than 7,500 years old, and that it laid dormant for hundreds of years before exploding on July 29, 1968. The explosion lasted several days, burying an area of 15 square kilometers under ash, lava and rocks. 87 locals lost their lives in this explosion. The three local towns of Tabacon, Pueblo Nuevo and San Luis were destroyed It prompted the locals to change the name of their town of “El Borio” to “La Fortuna,” meaning The Fortunate, as it was untouched by the explosion.

Since October of 2010, the Arenal Volcano has slowly seen its activity decrease, with no explosions recorded between December of 2010 and the present day.

Of course, La Fortuna has reinvented itself. It’s not only as a place to visit to see a volcano, but one of the top adventure destinations in Costa Rica, if not the world. Any vacation to Costa Rica is incomplete without a few adventures in this part of the country. You’ll find travelers from all walks of life and from all over the world when visiting the region. The town is family-friendly, with various activities suitable for younger children. It’s also a romantic destination for honeymooners searching for their own private piece of paradise as newlyweds. There’s a wonderful variety of hotels surrounding the town, from low-budget places to extreme luxury accommodations. Many have volcano views from the rooms.

So, what can you expect from a tour of La Fortuna? Here are a few suggestions:

·      Whitewater Rafting

·      Ziplining

·      Hanging Bridges

·      Canyoning

·      Caving

·      Guided Rainforest Hikes

·      Mountain Biking

·      Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

·      Fishing

·      Tubing

After some adventure, you’ll need to relax. Try a visit to one of the natural hot springs in the area. There are several springs and pools open to visitors, offering therapeutic soaks. This is one of the best ways to top off your visit to La Fortuna before heading to the beach.

Plan your next Costa Rican vacation with La Fortuna as a stop-off point. Contact us today, and we can recommend how to fit this enchanting destination into your itinerary.

[ssba]

Newlywed Interview – Honeymoon in Costa Rica

Leave a comment
Costa Rica Adventures, Costa Rica Honeymoon, ,

Costa Rica is a popular honeymoon destination for those who want an adventure to remember. From sunny white or black sand beaches, to rainforest canopy ziplines, to rural villages and days spent at artisan markets, there are many activities and joys to be shared for the newlywed couple.

Here’s our interview with a recently married couple from North Carolina, Alan and Arlissa, who honeymooned in Costa Rica in December. We’ve asked them to share some of their thoughts and experiences.

Costa Rica Rios: Out of all of the destination you could have chosen for a honeymoon, what drew you to visit Costa Rica?

Arlissa:  I’ve always dreamed of visiting Costa Rica, mostly because I love nature. I wanted to see first-hand the exotic animals and plants found throughout the country. I wanted to visit the rainforest.

Alan: I was intrigued by the rainforest, sure, but I can’t lie. I really wanted to go there for the surfing. I’ve been surfing since I was a kid, and I wanted a totally new experience. Visiting the Pacific Coast and hitting the surf was really high on my list.

Costa Rica Rios: During your honeymoon in Costa Rica, what were some unexpected delights you encountered?

Arlissa: The very first morning after we arrived in Costa Rica, I got up early because I was just so excited to be there. Alan was still sleeping, so I decided to take a walk around the hotel’s gardens and was delighted to see a sloth in the tree right next to our bungalow! I took it to be a sign of a great honeymoon to come and the experience was breathtaking and priceless.

Alan: I’m not sure if you’d call this a delight exactly, but more of a funny and memorable experience. While visiting the Manuel Antonio National Park near Quepos, we went in for a swim. While in the water, we spotted a pesky monkey trying to sort through our bags on the beach. We rushed up to scurry him off, and discovered he had been smart enough to unzip my backpack and open a package of plastic wrapped crackers! It was one of many little things that made our trip memorable. It’s something we still joke about now and then, especially when there are raccoons in the discussion.

Costa Rica Rios: Do you have any advice for other couples planning a honeymoon in Costa Rica?

Arlissa: Take as long of a trip as you can. We were there for almost two weeks and still didn’t get to do everything we wanted. We had a wonderful time, and we plan to go back sometime – hopefully soon, maybe for a special anniversary trip.

Alan: Don’t let anyone spoil your honeymoon ideas. There were some well-meaning people who tried to talk me out of a honeymoon in Costa Rica or from surfing while on our trip, but Arlissa and I were so excited to go there, and I’m so glad we did. We have some awesome memories and great pictures that we took.  I really think it was great for our relationship to take an adventurous trip together like that.

Costa Rica Rios: Thank you both for your time in answering our questions about your honeymoon in Costa Rica. For our readers interested in planning a special newlywed getaway to our lush and exciting destination, contact us for suggested itineraries and travel advice.

[ssba]

Take a Costa Rica Biking Adventure

Leave a comment
Costa Rica Adventures, Costa Rica Honeymoon, Costa Rica Mountain Biking, Costa Rica Rios, , , ,

One of the more unusual ways to take in Costa Rica is by bike. Because some of the outlying areas have rough roads, a mountain bike is the best option. Seeing the gorgeous countryside at the slower pace of a bike will allow you to get an inexpensive and unique perspective of life in Costa Rica.

There are more than 80 different bike routes to choose from, including gentle hills and rugged mountains. Here are a few areas you don’t want to miss.

Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano:  This is one of the best areas in Costa Rica for biking. Trails take you through primary forests and waterfalls. There’s also a hot springs nearby where you can relax after a day’s ride. Some uphill routes take bikers on roads normally travelled only by local farmers and horses.

Ruta de los Conquistadores:  One of the world’s most challenging bike races takes place in Costa Rica from Thursday, Nov. 6 to Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014. Bikers cross Costa Rica from the Pacific to the Atlantic Coast, about 400 kilometers or 250 miles, over three days.

Turrialba:  Bike routes in this area pass by archaeological sites and refreshing freshwater pools. There are more difficult single rider trails as well as remote backroads. The Pacuare and Reventazon Rivers of the region are some of the most famous in the world for whitewater rafting. There are also several volcanos to investigate.

Irazu:  One bike route takes you from the top of Irazú volcano passing coffee plantations and cattle farms. This is one of the best downhill rides in Costa Rica. The Irazu Volcano National Park has an unusual landscape that almost feels like the moon, with craters lined by scorched trees. There are also sparkling mineral pools fed by rain.

Nicoya Peninsula:  This is an area of Costa Rica that most visitors miss. Biking routes in this area include beaches and fishing villages, as well as coffee plantations. Stop en route to take in some water sports like surfing, fishing, snorkeling and diving. The Nicoya Peninsula is rich with natural assets including  turtle beaches, subterranean caves and excellent birding locations.

For your next Costa Rica adventure, consider a bike tour. What better way to take in the majestic nature of Costa Rica than by traveling in a green, sustainable way?  For more information about adventures awaiting you in Costa Rica, contact us today.

[ssba]

Finding Some Peace On Your Costa Rica Adventure

Leave a comment
Costa Rica Adventures, Costa Rica Honeymoon, , , ,

From a zip-line jungle canopy tour to whitewater rafting, the adrenaline pumping options for your Costa Rica adventure are endless. But Costa Rica also promises world-class PEACE at the United Nations University for Peace, which is headquartered in Ciudad Colón, San Jose, Costa Rica.

The UPEACE system was created in 1980 with a mission “to provide humanity with an international institution of higher education for peace and with the aim of promoting among all human beings the spirit of understanding, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, to stimulate cooperation among peoples and to help lessen obstacles and threats to world peace and progress, in keeping with the noble aspirations proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations”. The University for Peace offers master’s degree programs in Peace and Conflict Studies. It also conducts training programs, study abroad programs and undergraduate credit building programs, all aimed at building a community of people who want to further peace and reduce conflict throughout the world.

UPEACE’s main campus in San Jose boasts a Nature Reserve, Recreational Park and Monument to Disarmament. While visiting the campus, enjoy tours focusing on natural history and Central American history, as well as UPEACE’s history and ongoing work. With biking paths, walking trails and observation points in place, and a hummingbird garden coming soon, a stop at the Reserve is a wonderful addition to your Costa Rica trip.

The University for Peace offers several activities for students. They include the 1 Billion Rising movement held this past February, and coordinated dances held in 207 countries with 1 billion participants to draw attention to the problem of violence against women. More than 30 UPEACE students participated in flash mobs at two of the university’s Costa Rica campuses. Contact us at Costa Rica Rios to plan your custom Costa Rica adventure today.

[ssba]