The Asis Project Costa Rica is interestingly place to visit for vacation in or to perform environmental based volunteer work, relax, or learn about Costa Rican culture. There are not many places in the world where you can experience life with a local family, learn the language from native speakers, and see local wild animals. People of all ages can come and experience the paid tours and learn from the Costa Rican people.

There is a special wildlife preservation area, at the Asis Project Costa Rica that visitors can visit and contribute to with their volunteer work. The purpose of the Asis project is to work with the Ministry of the Environment and Energy and with the Monteverde Conservation League. This is a non profit that maintains to the 54,000 Children’s Eternal Rain Forest.

What to Expect

The wild animal rescue experience was designed with MINAE’s purpose of preserving the wildlife and participating in environmental conservation programs. With an increasing number of people living in modern cities and towns, it may be at once in a lifetime chance to experience this type of natural forest environment. This Asis Project has animals on display that have been rescued from harmful situations in the wild.

Volunteers that arrive are able to help with animal medical treatments, food, and introducing new animals to their new natural habitat home. Each volunteer has the ability to clean out cages, build cages, and interact closely with some of the animals.

In other areas of the Asis project volunteers can also help with local recycling ongoing projects, plant tree seedlings, participate in construction in the local community, and the assist the local rural English teacher. The voice of a naive English speaker helps the glass immensely.

Learn Spanish

Learning another language is a goal that many people have. However, there are not always abundant opportunities to learn a language from an authentic Spanish speaker. There is a Spanish institute that operates for four hours each day. This is plenty of time to practice of authentic Spanish while in Costa Rica. Spanish students are able to practice their language skills immediately. It is not always possible to hear, speak, and practice a new language around native speakers. The four hour study format leaves enough time during working hours for visitors to experience the rest of the Asis Projects tours. Touring programs are held Monday through Friday during the business week. There is an Animal Science program that helps explain details of raising cattle and acquiring dairy products. There are touring programs for entire families to come and experience Costa Rica together as a group.

Live with a Host Family

Host families open up their home so that visitors can experience daily Costa Rican family life. Visitors are allowed to become one of the family and live in their homes for an additional charge. A visitor can expect clothes to be laundered for them, prepared meals, private room for sleeping, access to the family bathroom, and hospitality. The house that the visitors stay is is similar to a modest middle class home.

While visiting all visitors have the option of exploring eight acres of the ecological reserve. In the reserve there are wild boars, monkeys, parrots, and many other animals native to Costa Rica.

Whos it For?

Touring the Asis Project Costa Rica is available for children as well as adults. There are programs for families, college students, groups on tour, professional corporate groups, and high school students. All visitors are encouraged to contact the Centers for Disease control to find out which vaccines they need to acquire if any, before traveling. A valid passport will be needed for travel and to exchange money once arriving in Costa Rica. It will be helpful for visitors to bring their own supply of bug repellent in travel size containers that are allowed in carry on luggage for travel. Use these travel tips when planning a family, corporate, or school trip to the Asis Project Costa Rica.

Original article can be found here: The Asis Project Costa Rica

As with any big city, San Jose is filled with a variety of nightlife. Bars and dance clubs can be found on just about every corner of this large city. However, if you are new to the country, finding a popular and safe one can be a bit challenging. IT is always a good idea to ask your hotels front desk what they think of the particular club/bar you are thinking about going to. They can let you know if its any good, and more importantly they can let you know if its safe to go to or if its in a bad part of town.

If you are looking for stuff to do during the day, check this list of day trips from San Jose.

Below are a list of some of the popular nightlife spots in San Jose.

Dining and Restaurants

Café Expresivo
Café Expresivo is a very relaxed café restaurant, there is a wonderful story telling session that is presented occasionally and on scheduled days there is live music. This is a wonderful atmosphere to sit and chat with your friends. Some of the finest talent in the area entertains at Café Expresivo. This is also a place for folk concerts.

Chelles
Chelles is a bar and restaurant that you might call local, the customers are diversified which keeps the atmosphere from being boring. This is a great place to really get into the culture. The food in this bar is down to earth and the décor of mirrors is certainly reflective, so sit and critique yourself.

Jazz Café
Jazz Café this is a place filled with the mood of jazz, the place has live music and plenty of patronage. Jazz Café continues to be one of the favorites in the area. This pub has continued to have a well designed formula for jazz entertaining.

Dance Clubs

Castro’s
Castro’s is a dance club that plays host to a variety of music, there are quiet little corners throughout the club where you might sit and have meaningful conversations while you enjoy the ambiance. While you are dancing maybe you will pick up a new step as you twirl around the dance floor of this glitzy nightspot.

Copacabana
At Copacabana, disco the night away in this spacious and unique dance club, the clientele is filled with energy and so is the music. Music comes to you in double doses in this faster than sound atmosphere, as clients dance to reggae and salsa just to name some music. Take your turn to swing into the Costa Rican night.

El Tobogan
El Tobogan has a wonderful dance floor; you might call it a dance capital. The club always has live music and is the place to bring your significant other. This dance club is made for active people, no conserving energy here, just ride the live music wire of entertainment.

Mosaikos
Mosaikos has a truly young and extremely energetic crowd. The entrance into the club is close fit, once you are in you will find it will become wall to wall party goers. There is a DJ and the patrons can get a little unruly. If you love adventure this is the place you have been looking for.

Salsa 54
Salsa 54 is the place where you find your finest Salsa dancers. If you want to watch great Salsa dancing, this dance club is a real treat. This is not a tourist hot spot, but you can take Salsa lessons at the club. If you can already dance you should have fun and if you cannot, observe, you may pick up a few steps.

Vertigo
Vertigo has high ceilings and high flying music this fast moving night spot is set in the center of the business world, the club is handling business. This dance diva is new, popular, and the music is swinging into the night. As with the name the music and the atmosphere will keep you dizzy with excitement.

Bars

El Cuartel de la Boca Del Monte
El Cuartel de la Boca Del Monte is a bar and pub with its influx of students and adventurers, conversing about world affairs while listening to live music. It is a busy establishment with the energy of what the future might be.

El Observatorio
El Observatorio bar and pub is a very popular nightspot owned by a local celebrity. The décor reflect the film industry and has a very nice appetizer selection. Be careful not to bypass it, the entry way is tucked away, leaving you totally unprepared for the luxury you will find inside.

Key Largo
Key Largo is a beautifully renovated bar with old world pizzazz. A favorite place for couples out on the town but a more interesting place for those wanting the company of ladies for hire. A fashionable pick up area, you can play pool or listen to live music being played as you muse away the evening.

Shakespeare Bar
Shakespeare Bar is a quiet, conservative spot, meet your best friend after an outing and drop in for a chat. There is nothing especially dramatic going on, it is simply a great place to just go and spend time. You might say the Pub has a theater mood, classic, with the needs of the weary traveler in mind, rest and sustenance.

Photo By: mallalai140

Original article can be found here: Nightlife in San Jose

While Costa Rica might not be well known for festivals, parades, and parties; there are still a number of major events that happen though out the year. This list represents most of the major holidays and events that happen in Costa Rica thought out the year.

A word of caution; not all of these events are tourist friendly. By that I mean they can be very unsafe situations for tourist. Even if you travel in a group, some of the larger events can draw some locals with bad intentions. Use your best judgment, never travel alone, and be smart with your money and valuables.

JANUARY

• Palmares Civic Fiestas – This is festival rich with culture. During the festival you will see a vast amount of folk dances, rides, music, bullfighting, and more.
• Alajuelita Fiestas – This festival is held honoring the Black Christ of Esquipulas, Alajuelita’s Patron Saint.
• Santa Cruz Fiestas – A typical festival that consists of dancing, marimbas and bullfighting.

FEBRUARY

Check out this post to see what is like during February in Costa Rica.

• San Isidro del General Fiestas – This is the annual agricultural and industrial fair. You can expect to see bullfights and a flower exhibition among other things.
• Fiesta of the Diablitos – This is the annual reenactment of the fight between Indians and the Spanish.
• Puntarenas Carnival – A large carnival like festival that draws a crowd from all over the area.

MARCH

Check out this post to see what is like during March in Costa Rica.

• Dia de los Boyeros (Oxcart Driver’s Day) – This a kind of cool sight to see. On this day the farmers parde oxcarts around down to have them and their crops blessed by local priests.
• National Orchid Show – A small festival that showcases a wide variety of extremely beautiful orchids in COsta Rica.

APRIL

Check out this post to see what is like during April in Costa Rica.

• Holy Week – Being a major Catholic country, you can expect to see lots of festivals and parades all over the country.
• Juan Santamaría Day – This is a national holiday that remembers a soldier who gave his life in the battle against William Walker’s troops in 1856.

MAY

• Puerto Limon – There is usually a carnival and/or festival of sorts every May.
• San Isidro Labrador’s Day – A small holiday that honors the patron saint of farming.
• Corpus Christi Day – A religious holiday that happen on May 29.

JUNE

• Saints Peter & Paul Day – Small religious holiday that falls on June 29. No big festivals, but occasionally there are parades in small towns.

JULY

• Virgin of The Sea – This festival takes place in the fishing town of Puntaranes where the fishing boats honor Puntarenas’ Patron Saint. You will also find parades, dances and fireworks.
• Guanacaste Day – A typical festival in the Gunacaste area.

AUGUST

• Virgin of Los Angeles – A religious holiday that honors Costa Rica’s Patron Saint , “La Negrita” with nationwide pilgrimage to the Basilica in Cartago.

SEPTEMBER

• Costa Rica’s Independence Day – This celebrated on September 15th. There are a variety of festivals all over the country. Some places have parades filled with children and lanterns.

OCTOBER

• Limon Carnival – This is the biggest festival to hit the Carribean side of Costa Rica all year.
• Tres Rios Virgen del Pilar’s Day – Another religous holiday the honors the Patron Saint with parades and costumes made entirely of corn husks and byproducts.

NOVEMBER

• All Souls day – On November 2 Costa Rica celebrates its day of the dead. While its not nearly as exciting as in other countries, you may find a random parade here or there.
• Central Valley Coffee Festival – An all around fun festival with a coffee pick contest, music, food, vendors, and more.

DECEMBER

• Fiesta de los Negritos – This is a popular event held in the Indian village of Boruca. At it, they perform an ancient Indian ritual that honors the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception.
• Nicoya Fiesta de la Yeguita – Another typical Costa Rica festival that is complete with bull fights, music, dancing, fireworks,a nd more.
• Carnival – This is San Joses equivalent of Mardi Gras. A large festival full of music, drinking, food, and events.

Original article can be found here: Festivals in Costa Rica

April in Costa Rica is still very much part of the dry season. So much so in fact, that it is one of the dries months for the Caribbean coast. The result of this is very little rain and some really hot days on the coast. April is when I would personally classify the end of the high season. By the end of the month, many of the major crowds are gone in all the amjor tourists areas. Less popular areas are almost deserted with the exception of long term travelers and round the world style travelers.

April Events in Costa Rica

There are a lot of religious celebrations going on all over the country. Don’t be surprised to see small parades or celebration in any sized city in Costa Rica.

Holy Week
The Easter celebration, or Semana Santa, is one of the most celebrated holidays in all of Costa Rica. This holiday celebration usually starts the Sunday before Easter Sunday and last the entire week. Much of the country shuts down from Thursday until Monday in honor of Easter. Parades, festivals, celebrations, and other activities are not uncommon to see all over the country.

Juan Santamaria Day
This is a small holiday that really only effects government offices. This holiday celebrates the countries national hero.

April Weather in Costa Rica

The weather in Costa Rica is very mild across most of the country, with limited rain fall and warm temperatures.

San Jose
Highs of 78ºF Lows of 60ºF Average Rainfall: 1.7 inches Humidity: 79%

Manuel Antonio
Highs of 89ºF Lows of 71ºF Average Rainfall: 6.6 inches Humidity: 84%

Limón
Highs of 87ºF Lows of 71ºF Average Rainfall: 10.9 inches Humidity: 85%

Getting to Costa Rica

The middle and end of April are when you can really start finding the best deals and cheap airfare to Costa Rica. If you book way in advance you can find some really great deal on the major ticketing sites. Even last minute tickets to Costa Rica will be fairly cheap this time of year.

Where to Stay

Rooms and reservations are starting to slow down now. Most of the hotels, hotels, and resorts in Costa Rica will be back to their off season rates. You will probably be able to get away with visiting major tourist areas and finding a hotel without a reservation. However, on the weekends it may be another story. If you plan on traveling on the weekends, you may still want to call ahead.

Original article can be found here: April in Costa Rica

March in Costa Rica is still part of the dray season. This means there is a lot less rainfall in many parts of the country. However, the downside to this is that it can be exceptionally hot and humid in some areas. Some will also say that March also marks the end of the busy season. In my opinion, this is only partly true. You still have large groups of tourists anywhere you go, there is just a little less of them in the more remote places.

March Events in Costa Rica

There isn’t too much going on in Costa Rica during the month of march as far as festival and activities go.

St. Joseph’s Day
March 19 – This is a religious holiday that honors the patron saint of San Jose. You may see a small parade or gathering near churches in San Jose.

March Weather in Costa Rica

San Jose
Highs of 77ºF Lows of 60ºF Average Rainfall: 0.5 inches Humidity: 78%

Manuel Antonio
Highs of 89ºF Lows of 71ºF Average Rainfall: 2.4 inches Humidity: 80%

Limón
Highs of 87ºF Lows of 69ºF Average Rainfall: 9.2 inches Humidity: 85%

Getting to Costa Rica

As I mentioned earlier, so travel professional will say that March marks the end of the busy season. I tend not to agree with this as far as crowds go, but you do start to see price drops around March. If you are planning your trip in advance, look into ticket prices from mid March and beyond. This is when you can expect to start seeing some more affordable flights to Costa Rica.

Where to Stay

As with the drop in airfare prices, you may also start seeing hotels in Costa Rica start going back to their off season rates. Likewise, it may be a bit easier to find rooms in hotels and hostels without a reservation. It is still a good idea to call ahead and make a reservation if you can though.

Original article can be found here: March in Costa Rica

Canadian Embassy in Costa Rica – Where to find the Canadian Embassy

Canadian citizens traveling to Costa Rica or living in it, should know where the Canadian embassy is located in Costa Rica. The Canadian embassy in Costa Rica is located in the capital city of San Jose. It is here that you will be able to get in touch with your local embassy for things dealing with passports and other country specific issues.

Street Address:
Located west of downtown San Jose, in Sabana Sur, behind the Contraloría in the Oficentro Executive complex.
Building 5
Map (IMG 26 KB)

Mailing Address
Embajada de Canadá
Apartado Postal: 351-1007, Centro Colón
San José, Costa Rica

Telephone
(506) 2242-4400

Fax:
(506) 2242-4410 – Administration, Assistance to Canadians (Consular), Public Affairs
(506) 2242-4411 – Political
(506) 2242-4415 – Commercial
(506) 2242-4416 – CIDA

Email
General: sjcra@international.gc.ca

Hours of Operation
Monday – Thurday: 7:30 – 16:00.
Friday: 7:30 – 13:00

After hours emergency contact information (for Canadian citizens only)
Call collect: (613) 996-8885 / (613) 944-1310 (TTY)

Official Canadian Embassy in Costa Rica Website

Services Offered By the Canadian Embassy

The Canadian government is happy to helps is citizens while traveling or living abroad in Costa Rica. The embassy can help you with a number of problems you may encounter while traveling abroad. Some of these problems and services include:

• Arrest or Detention
• Child Abductions
• Evacuations
• Natural Disasters and Civil Emergencies
• Financial Assistance
• Lost or Stolen Belongings
• Medical Matters
• Missing Persons
• Passport
• Transportation Accidents

Original article can be found here: Canadian Embassy in Costa Rica

One of the most common reasons for locating a Embassy in Costa Rica has to do with passport issues. If you have lost, or had your passport stolen, the local embassy is here to help. While the local embassies take care of many passport related issues, they can also help you with a wide range of things. From moving into the country, to helping you get out of jail; your local embassy is there for you.

All embassies are generally located in the capital city of San Jose.

Consulates and Embassies in Costa Rica

There are currently 47 countries that have embassies in Costa Rica. Some larger countries includes, the United States, Canada, China, and the United Kingdom; all of which will offer services to those holding passports of the said country.

More Detailed Information on the Embassies

British Embassy in Costa Rica

US Embassy in Costa Rica

Getting to San Jose
Many visitors to Costa Rica will have flown into the San Jose airport. Finding your way back to the capital should be no problem. For those of you who are unfamiliar with how to get to San Jose, don’t worry, it is very easy.

Every major bus terminal usually has several buses heading to San Jose daily. If you are unsure of the closest bus station with transportation to San Jose, simply ask anyone who lives in the area. Everyone will know how to get to San Jose.

Original article can be found here: Embassies and Consulates in Costa Rica

British Embassy in Costa Rica – Embassy and Consulate Information
There is a British embassy located in the capital city of San Jose. If you are a British resident who is having problems while abroad or just needs a connection to the British officials, the British Embassy in Costa Rica can help. Below is the official contact information.

Telephone: + (506) 2258-2025
24 hr Emergency telephone: + (506) 2225-4049*
(*Pager -please leave message for British Embassy Duty Officer)

E-mail: britemb@racsa.co.cr
Fax: + (506) 2233-9938

PO Box 815-1007, Centro Colón, San José, Costa Rica

GENERAL OFFICE HOURS
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm / 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

CONSULAR OFFICE HOURS:
Monday to Friday
8:00 am – 1:00pm GMT – minus 6 hours

Official British Embassy in Costa Rica

Services Offered at the British Embassy

Aside from obvious solution for probl;ems related with lost or stolen passport, it can be a bit confusing knowing exactly what services are offered at the British embassy in Costa Rica. Below you can find a list of services offered by the embassy. If you are unsure of anything, call the embassy and they can help point you in the right direction.

• Issuing replacement passports
• Providing information about transferring funds
• Providing appropriate help if you have suffered rape or serious assault, are a victim of other crime, or Are in hospital
• Helping people with mental illness
• Providing details of local lawyers, interpreters and doctors and funeral directors
• Doing all we properly can to contact you within 24 hours of being told that you have been detained
• Offering support and help in a range of other cases, such as child abductions, death of relatives overseas, missing people and kidnapping
• Contacting family or friends for you if you want
• Making special arrangements in cases of terrorism, civil disturbances or natural disasters

Original article can be found here: British Embassy in Costa Rica

The US Embassy in Costa Rica is located in the capital city of San Jose. It is here where any embassy related paperwork can be handled. It is here that you would report a lost or stolen passport, get specific paperwork for residency, and more. The embassy provides services for both Costa Rican and Americans depending on the services needed.

Address for the US Embassy

U.S. Embassy Office in San Jose
Calle 120 Avenida 0
Pavas, San José, Costa Rica

Phone: (506) 519-2000
Emergency after-hours assistance for U.S. citizens can be reached at (506) 519-2280, (506) 519-2279 or (506) 220-3127.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 8:00am- 4:30pm. Closed U.S. and Costa Rica holidays.

Official US Embassy in San Jose Website

Services Offered at the US Embassy

If you are confused about what services are conducted at the US embassy, perhaps the list below will help. Remember, if you are unsure if the embassy can help you, just give them a call. If they can’t help you, they may be able to direct you to someone who can.

• Help on the application for the renewal or expiration of passports.
• Registration of citizens that are traveling, relocating or in case of an American child being born in Costa Rica.
• Reports births and deaths abroad of U.S citizens.
• Voter registration for presidential elections.
• Social security matters, veterans benefits, etc.
• Provide tax forms for federal income.
• Notaries services for U.S citizens.
• Prisoner’s protection and documentation of the diseased, emergency services.

Original article can be found here: US Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica

Long term rentals in Costa Rica are perfect for both tourists and those wishing to move to Costa Rica. However, finding a good long term rental is not as easy in Costa Rica as it is in some other more developed countries. This means that the search for a good long term rental in Costa Rica might take a bit longer than you anticipated and be a lot more research than you bargained for. But, if you are reading this post, you will be well on your way to cutting that work load down a bit.

Below you will find a plethora of information and resources on finding a long term rental in Costa Rica.

Why a Long Term Rental

As I mentioned above, long term rentals are great for both tourists and wannabe expats. The pros for would be expats are obvious. A long term rental allows someone to really experience living in Costa Rica before they make the plunge of moving here for good. All too often people come here on vacation, fall in love with it, and automatically start looking for a place of their own to buy. Only to realize after six months of living here that it is a bit different than vacationing. That said, lets talk about why long term rentals in Costa Rica are ideal for tourists.

If you are looking for a long term rental because you want to move to Costa Rica, I suggest reading my post on planning your fact finding trip to Costa Rica. If you have pets, you might want to read this post about bringing your dog to Costa Rica as well.

If you are the type of traveler who wants to explore the entire country and stay in various locations for weeks at a time, a long term rental probably isn’t for you.

But, if you like the ideal of “living” in a specific area and getting to know people, a long term rental can make for a good basecamp for your vacation. Renting long term doesn’t mean you can’t see the rest of the country though. Many people rent houses in areas of the country they like and take regular multi-day excursions to other parts of the country. The people that tend to rent long term are those who want their own privacy or don’t feel like dealing with the crowds at hostels. A long term rental allows you to live more comfortably than a hostel would and a lot less expensive than a hotel would.

Another cool thing about long term rentals is that they allow you to get to know locals and expats that live in a certain area. Building up these sort of relationships is nice because it allows you to get inside knowledge of the area and find out about “local only” spots and other cool things that are way off the beaten path.

Advice on Renting long Term

The best piece of advice I can give about renting long term is to try and see if you can pay for one months rent with the options to continue renting. This won’t always be an option due to busy seasons and popular rental houses with many reservations. But some less popular rentals and those during the slow season might be willing to offer something like this.

Why do I suggest this? Mainly because a rental house you see online might not be all the ad said it would be. Main times people tend to exaggerate things in their ad. They may advertise a two bedroom house with internet and it end up being a one bedroom apartment with a community laptop. Sadly, that is not an over exaggeration on my part.

Also, if you don’t know the are well, you may find something that looks like its only a few minutes from town, but in actuality its a 30 minute walk or a US$10 cab ride. Sometimes rental ads will say they are only a 15 minute bike ride from town. They very well only be 15 minutes from town, but if you haven’t rode a bike in a while, that 15 minute ride in the scorching sun can seam like forever.

The other reason I suggest this is that there are probably a ton of rentals in the area that are not listed on the internet. These rentals are usually a lot cheaper than the ones you find online. So secure a place you find online for a month and then use that time to ask around about rental properties in the area.

Finding a Long Term Rental

Costa Rica doesn’t have any sort of MLS for rel estate, which means finding one central site to look for rental properties is impossible. More than likely you will have to search a variety of sites and Google various terms to find something to your liking. Below, I have included some popular rental houses and websites that are a great place to start your search for a long term rental.

Craigs List – If you are on a budget and looking for a cheap long term rental, this is going to be your best bet. As with anything Craigs list, be cautious about sending money ahead of time.

Properties in Costa Rica – website – This is a great site that offers house for a variety of budgets. Every now and then you will find super cheap rental properties here, but the majority of the rentals are mid to high price wise.

Vacation City – website – These guys probably have the largest selection of rental properties listed anywhere on the internet. The budget ranges from low to extra high. They are also one of the more reputable online reservation systems for renting a house in Costa Rica.

La Salvetica – I personally live here for several months and loved it. Read my review of La Salvetica.

Casa Mono – I also lived here for several months. Read my review of Casa Mono.

Original article can be found here: Long Term Rentals in Costa Rica