If you only have a limited amount of time to vacation in Costa Rica, I would highly suggest spending it in La Fortuna. This area has one of the highest concentration of all type of activities that are purely Costa Rica. You might not get the sun and beaches, but you get hot springs and volcanoes! Just about any sort of activity you want to partake in can easily be found in the area. And with a wide variety of accommodations, you can easily find one that fits your budget! There is even a super nice backpacking hostel that puts some area hotels to shame. It is called Arenal Backpackers.

The Volcano Arenal

Arenal in Costa Rica is a certain ‘must see’ on your list of travels around the world. One of the most famous sights in Arenal is its spectacular volcano. People flock from all over the world to see one of the most active volcanoes on Earth.

Almost everyday you can see hot lava flowing from the volcano as it rumbles into action sending columns of ash spewing into the atmosphere. Amazingly you can view these events in total safety from one of the many locations around the volcano itself.

Arenal Volcano is actually surrounded with many geological features and activities to entice your appetite for adventure and sightseeing with magnificent views.

The Hot Springs

There are many hot springs around the volcano including Baldi Springs which is 10 miles into the safety zone around the Arenal Volcano. There are ten hot pools which are serviced by a network of springs; these pools offer different temperatures ranging from warm to hot. You will also find two swim bars, a restaurant and changing facilities so you can change into your bathing attire before going for a warm swim in the pools. The Baldi springs are conveniently situated near the small town of La Fortuna making them easily accessible to travelers.

Baldi Springs is located nearer the inactive crater of Arenal Volcano and well situated so you are not to far from other activities that are available to the area such as; the more private Eco Thermales which has four hot pools a nearby waterfall, some amazing scenery and what better way to top it all off than have a delicious meal at the restaurant close by. Here is a complete list of hot springs in La Fortuna.

Town of La Fortuna

The nearby town of La Fortuna is itself a hive of activity and places to see. The town also has many hotels, banks, services, supermarkets and stores; so your every need is well catered for in the locality. The majority of which are nicely located within one or two blocks of each other in the town center.

La Fortuna offers some spectacular views and is only 4 miles away from Arenal Volcano. This is a picturesque town full of history and friendly people. You will find easy access to all activities in the region from horse riding, hikes and tours.

Famed as one of Costa Rica’s adventure centers you will definitely need to spend some time in the locality as there is just so much on offer to the region. It is actually quite difficult to put a time frame on your visit to La Fortuna as you will always find something that is new and exciting to experience.

Things to Do

Among the other experiences and adventures you will find situated in or around La Fortuna are; cave exploration, whitewater rafting, climbing, and various waterfall activities, plenty of hot springs and canopy expeditions around the volcano.

>> Paradise Adventures Costa Rica – Costa Rica’s Top Rated Wakeboard, Wakeskate and Adventure Company.

Also local to the area is Costa Rica’s largest body of water inland. Lake Arenal is full of activities; again with so much to experience you will need more than a couple of days stay in the area. The lake was increased in size by three times in 1968, and hosts Arenal Dam a hydroelectric facility that services 9% of Costa Rica’s electrical energy; a sight that is a must see on your visit to the Lake.

The lakes activities include many water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking and boating, fishing and excursions. You will experience beautiful scenery and views of the more active side of Arenal Volcano, especially night time displays from the lava flows and minor eruptions of hot ash from the summit.

Rainbow Bass sport fishing is one of the big attractions for the fishermen and women who visit the Lake, which is usually best experienced at sunset of sunrise for the best catches.

The main activities are centered around El Castillo which is on the southern most tip of the lake and nearer to the Arenal Volcano. There you will find hotels and inns, places to eat and Arenal Observatory Lodge where you can safely experience the views of Arenal Volcano and the amazing surroundings of Lake Arenal.

Why not try ‘Guapote’ a fish that is caught locally with a tasty white meat. These fish are known for there fighting characteristics and sharp teeth, so if you do go out and catch them before eating the fish be sure to expect to put up a fun fight with these members of the Cichlid family.

One thing is for certain that when you visit the area surrounding Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica you will have a world of experiences that are unique to the region, even the world. Once campaigned to be included in the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’, Arenal Volcano is definitely a place that will never leave you. Often people return again and again to take in more of what they didn’t get round to see on their previous visits as there is that much to experience.

Arenal, Costa Rica is a place memories are made of, and a place for the whole family to enjoy. Only one thing is left to do; pack your cases and get yourself out here as words to describe this magnificent land are hard to find.

Original article can be found here: Tips on Visiting Arenal and La Fortuna

Spring Break in Costa Rica – Making your spring break dollars go further.

Vacationing to Costa Rica for spring break might not be quite as exciting as spring break in Cancun, but it shouldn’t be over looked as an option. If you are looking to party in a tropical setting for spring break, but are a little put off by the massive crowds in places like Cancun, then Costa Rica might be the perfect spring break destination for you.

Because almost no where in Costa Rica is as built up with hotels and resorts as Cancun, you will be able to get a lot more for your money here. Less money on a hotel room means more money for beer, liquors, and other sins of choice. Excluding your airfare, one could easily celebrate a week long vacation in Costa Rica for just a few hundred bucks.

You have probably heard that Costa Rica is cheep, but you aren’t really sure how cheap. Lets put it this way, in some coastal towns in Costa Rica it is not uncommon to get a beer at a bar for US$2 or less. Many of the clubs will usually have some sort of free shot during the week and rum and cokes are almost always less than US$5 at the bar.

What to Expect

You can pretty much find any type of vibe you want in Costa Rica. From the high class dance clubs in San Jose to the small reggae clubs of Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica has a little bit of it all. For the most part though, you will find the reggae clubs, dance halls, and beach bars offer the most fun.

The parties here are usually a lot more intimate than the ones you would find during spring break in Florida or Cancun. The amount of people in any given town will be much smaller that that of popular spring break destinations. This means you are much more likely to find a group of cool people to hang out with. Spring break parties in Costa Rica are more similar to a house party or a party at your local bar.

Where to Go

As I said before, you will be able to find clubs and parties at just about any popular tourist destination in Costa Rica. That said, there are a few places in particular that are a bit more Spring Break style than others. These prime spring break locations in Costa Rica are listed below.

Puerto Viejo
If you are on a tight budget, but still looking to party during your spring break, Puerto Viejo is where you want to go. You won’t find any flashy dance clubs here, but there are plenty of bars, reggae clubs, live music venues, and tons of party hostels. One of the most popular party hostel in the area is the famous Rocking Js Hostel. You don’t have to go far to party here. The owners brothers has a top notch bar and restaurant on the property. You could easily spend your entire spring break at this hostel without ever stepping a foot in town.

Should you feel like heading in to town, there are a number of options that offer every type of vibe. Some of the more popular spots include Stanfords Club right on the beach, Johnny’s Place a reggae club on the beach, and Sunset Sports Bar and Pool Hall.

San Jose
If you are really into clubbing and dancing, you will probably want to stay in San Jose. They will offer the best “typical” nightlife scene in the country. There are a large number of extremely popular dance clubs, both gay and straight in the city. There is also a high concentration of students, both local and foreign in the area, which means you will be able to mix and mingle with a larger crowd of people.

If you are new to the city and don’t know where to go, I suggest checking out the hostel Pangea. This is a straight party hostel. So much so that they actually have a dance club on the property. You can hang out here all night or just meet some other like minded partiers and head out on the town from there.

Jaco Beach
If you are looking for your stereo typical beach party destination, then Jaco is where you want to go. This popular surfing town is filled with plenty of bars, clubs, and music venues. What is a calm and laid back surf town by day, turns into a lively party town by night. It is not uncommon to simply meet some folks at the bar and then end up parting with them all night long. If booze isn’t your first drug of choice, have no fear, as there is almost everything from weed to women available here.

The cost here is slightly higher than that of Puerto Viejo, but has the same basic vibe. The only major difference is that Jaco is more well known as a tourist destination and is much closer to San Jose. So, those who don’t want to waste half a day of travel to get to Puerto Viejo, may want to opt for Jaco.

Original article can be found here: Spring Break in Costa Rica

One of the common questions people ask themselves before visiting Costa Rica is which coast to go to. For backpackers, this is an easy questions to answer: both. However, for those honeymooning, going on a family vacation, short on time, or seeking a fixed local to spend a relaxing week this is an important question. The east and west coasts of Costa Rica vary from one extreme to the other. Many tourists to the country have a specific idea in mind of how they want to spend their vacation and what they are looking for. The first question to ask yourself isn’t where to go, but what you want to achieve. Here is Costa Rica coast to coast broken down for all of you asking yourself these things.

West Coast – Pacific Ocean

What it’s Like
The west coast his built up and luxurious. A majority of the cities and provinces bordering the Pacific have a large European and N. American expat population. Because of this, the natives have thrived on the tourism rates and built concrete villages. This side of the country has less culture and more luxury comforts than the east coast. Here you can find common chain restaurants and fast food joints, concrete sidewalks, and upscale resorts and shopping. Because the west coast is a popular destination for most travelers the beaches tend to be a bit more crowded and hotels fill up quickly.

Who Should Visit
The west coast is perfect for those who seek a vacation that is family friendly and comforting. If you are traveling on business or on a honeymoon, you may prefer the west coast. Business travelers will find that required amenities for work will be easier to find here. Honeymooner’s can relax in lush beds, spacious bathrooms, and spas. Those with families will appreciate the access to more family actives and amenities.

East Coast – Caribbean Ocean

What it’s Like
The east coast is very quaint and minimal. While luxury does lurk in corners here and there, this side of the country is built itself on eco-tourism. The cities here are more like villages where everybody knows everybody and the Costa Rican way of life is still in tact. Culture and minimalism without comforts of home can be found on the east coast. Dirt roads are lined by open air typical restaurants, hostels, and homes. The east coast is where people surf, relax, run from bugs, and hang their clothes on a line.

Who Should Visit
Those who seek to truly immerse themselves in the culture of the Costa Rican people. Anyone who wants to stay on beautiful, quiet beaches and ride a bike everywhere. Backpackers, environmentally conscious individuals, and those who truly want to get away from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives will feel at east on the east coast.

Remember though, as a tourist anywhere, especially Costa Rica safety and caution should always be on your mind. Because the coasts of Costa Rica have such high tourism rates, danger lurks everywhere.

Original article can be found here: Which Coast to Visit?

It’s no joke that golf fanatics are always in search of a new course to challenge them. Many golfers travel the globe in search of pristine greens in a beautiful atmosphere. Costa Rica is one of few places in the world that offers both these things as well as unknown and untouched land. The courses in Costa Rica are relatively new and thus, undiscovered. The country offers courses in the high mountains of San Jose, the dry rainforest of the pacific, and the lower wet forests of the Caribbean. All the golf courses in Costa Rica have been designed by world renown golf architects and feature beautiful settings.

If you are planning a vacation to Costa Rica and have golf on your mind, Costa Rica Golf Adventures Travel Ltd. Is the official travel company for the PGA in Costa Rica. Together with the U.S. company Costa Rica Travel Inc. they can plan the a unique vacation for golfers. The company has daily contact with all the golf courses throughout the country as well as golf hotels and resorts. The company will plan your golf itinerary and provide you with information about course locations that best suit your personal style.

If you are traveling with children or other non golfers, Costa Rica Golf Adventures Travel Ltd. Can assist you with planning activities for them as well.

Recommended Golf Courses in Costa Rica

Hacienda Panilla Golf Resort
Hacienda Panilla Golf Resort located on the Pacific coast just outside of Playa Tamarindo in the province of Guanacaste is Costa Rica’s finest course. The resort is a 7,500 yard par 72 golf course that was designed by architect Mike Young. During the high season green fees are US$125.

Costa Rican Country Club
In the capital city San Jose there are a variety of courses to choose from. The Costa Rican Country Club located in Escazu has many amenities aside from golf. However, the course here is only 9 holes.

Located near the international airport in San Jose is a Championship golf course with 18 holes for an affordable fee of only US$40. However, this course tends to get a bit crowded due to its easy access so you may want to choose your play dates accordingly.

Original article can be found here: Golfing in Costa Rica

Volcanoes…just the thought of them sends a thrill down the spine. Witness for yourself the beauty and majesty of the world’s most active volcano. Arenal Volcano National Park in Costa Rica houses two volcanoes. The namesake, Arenal Volcano, had is last major eruption in 1968 and for the last 9 years has allowed lava to flow from it’s bowels. Chato, the dormant one, is situated right in the middle of the forest with a lonely green lake filling its crater.

Not only does this national park boast two incredible volcanoes but also amazing rivers, spectacular waterfalls, and an area of hot springs that will take your breath away. Arenal Volcano National Park also houses a few of the world’s extraordinary species of animals. Howler monkey’s, jaguars, sloth and pumas, to name a few, all make this Costa Rican National Park their home.

When planning to visit Arenal Volcano National Park, take a few moments to decide where it is you would like to lay your head. Just in the Arenal area alone are several beautiful properties from which to choose. Listed below are just a few of the options available:

• Arenal Kioro
• Arenal Manoa
• Arenal Lodge
• Arenal Observatory Lodge

If you’re more of a seasoned traveler, Costa Rica is also home to several world class hotels from which to choose. Some of those options are:

• Britannia Hotel
• Clarion Hotel Amon Plaza
• Colonial Hotel
• Crowne Plaza Corobici Hotel, Spa & Casino

Costa Rica offers many different types of accommodations for the convenience of all travelers. Other costs may include:

Park Admission $6.00
An 8 day 7 night adventure package for two can be purchased for approximately $900/person.

During your excursion through the Arenal Volcano National Park, you may choose to stop by the Museum of Vulcanicity to expose your mind to interesting facts about Volcanoes or stop by the the Arenal Observatory to witness for yourself the many faces of the volcano as it errupts.

Treat yourself to the spectacular beauty of Costa Rica in all it’s glory and visit Arenal Volcano National Park in Costa Rica.

Original article can be found here: Arenal Volcano National Park