Traveling during the rainy season has become quite popular during recent years, but August enjoys an interesting time: little summer. It starts in July and during this mini dry season, it stops raining for about three weeks.

Weather

August falls during the rainy season, but most of the rain occurs in the late afternoon and evenings. The mornings are bright and sunny. However, “little summer” occurs in July and stretches until August. It’s a mini dry-season right in the middle of the wet season and you can enjoy the lovely weather in the northwest part of Costa Rica.

The Caribbean side is during the wet season, with rain falling almost every evening.

Just like in July, the beaches and lowlands have high 90s during the day and upper 70 or low 80s during the night. If you look for relief from the heat, go to the mountains where the temperatures drop as you go up.

Some temperatures in August

Alajuela avg 69F/21C
Puntarenas avg high 87F/30C; avg low 75F/23C
San Jose avg high 78F/25C ; avg low 61F/16C

>>read more about Weather in Costa Rica

Facilities

Traveling during the rainy season has increased in popularity but it still doesn’t match the crowds during the high and peak season. You can get away with coming to Costa Rica without booking your hotel or hostel , in advance, but do book the airfare at least several weeks in advance and you can even find special sales for August.

Many accommodations offer discounts of up to 40% because of the lower numbers of travelers during this time of the year.

Read more about:
>>Cheap Flights to San Jose
>>Cheap Flights to Liberia
>>Cheap Hotels in San Jose
>>Cheap Hotels in Arenal
>>Cheap Hotels in Manuel Antonio
>>Cheap Hotels in Monteverde
>>Cheap Hostels in San Jose
>>Cheap Hostels in Arenal

Alternatives to traveling in August

If you cannot manage to plan your vacation in August, try July – which has a similar weather pattern in Costa Rica. Other good options are May, June and November, with little rain and low season price and crowds.

Things to Do

August is a good month for surfing, but you can also practice other water activities. Don’t forget to use sun screen all the time. Jaco and Playa Hermosa are excellent spots for surfers.

Try a more adventurous approach towards your vacation. Zip lining is fun for both adults and children (of at least 7 years old). White water rafting can be an exciting way to explore a river, while sea kayaking is a less challenging way to explore the waters. Hiking on a volcano will reward you with lovely views of the surrounding area. Poás Volcano is located close to San Jose and can be climbed.

Costa Rica is known for the coffee farms so you can enjoy a strong coffee and see how the trees are grown and the coffee is processed.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the wildlife very close to you. In Manuel Antonio National Park , the capuchin monkeys swing overhead and you can take lovely photos of them.

Should you stay in San Jose for a while, don’t miss the Jade Museum and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. Pick up some souvenirs from the Central Flea Market and enjoy the local cuisine.

Read more about:
>>Things to do in San Jose
>>Things to do in Manuel Antonio
>>Things to do in Tamarindo

Photo credit

Original article can be found here: Costa Rica in August

Not long ago only locals and insiders knew about traveling to Costa Rica in July and why it’s a good idea to plan your vacation during this time of the year. But now the secret is out and tourists come here during “little summer”.

Weather

The weather is bright and sunny in the morning and eventually rains in the late afternoon or evening. This pattern dominates the weather in Costa Rica from May to November, but July is somewhat different. Although right smack in the middle of the rain season, for three to four weeks, the country experiences “little summer” or a mini-dry season especially in the northern Pacific. So July is a bit drier than the rest of the month during the wet. However, it might as well be very wet but it doesn’t happen too often. The Caribbean side, however, experiences heavy rain fall.

The beaches and the lowlands experience low-90s during the day and low-70s during the night. In San Jose , the temperature is typically 5-10 degrees cooler.

Some temperatures in July

Alajuela avg 71F/22C
Puntarenas avg high 87F/30C; avg low 76F/24C
San Jose avg high 77F/26C ; avg low 62F/16C

>>read more about Weather in Costa Rica

Facilities

July has grown immensely in popularity during the last few years and now rivals December and January in terms of travelers arriving here. Booking the airfare and accommodation in advance is strongly recommended especially if you head to the volcanoes, Nicoya peninsula and the central beaches.

In July, you can still find some low season discounts, but as the number of travelers increases , so do the prices. However, when it comes to airfare, you can still find excellent deals if you are flexible and book 2 to 12 weeks in advance.

Should you want to save some money, consider staying in a hostel , but remember to book the bed ahead of time. If you arrive early in the day you might be able to find some available beds even without a reservation but that’s the case if you don’t mind too much about where you’ll end up staying.

Read more about:
>>Cheap Flights to San Jose
>>Cheap Flights to Liberia
>>Cheap Hotels in San Jose
>>Cheap Hotels in Arenal
>>Cheap Hotels in Manuel Antonio
>>Cheap Hotels in Monteverde
>>Cheap Hostels in San Jose
>>Cheap Hostels in Arenal

Alternatives to traveling in July

August is quite similar in terms of weather and you can find low season discounts again. May, June and November are also months with little rain and even less tourists, so you get to experience the country without the hustle and bustle of the tourist season.

Things to Do

Unless you plan to drive on a mountainous road while it rains, there aren’t any restrictions to the things you can do in Costa Rica in July. Plan to visit one of the volcanoes – Arenal Volcano is a very popular choice, while Paos Volcano can be climbed all the way up to the crater.

Spend the time on the beach in the mornings , when it’s hot, and finish the day with a traditional meal while enjoying the weather which cools down the area. The Gold Coast beaches of Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Flamingo, Conchal and Ocatol are excellent choices.

Visit a coffee farm and learn about how they grow and process it. Enjoy a nature walk, regardless of your fitness level.

Should the weather be too rainy, stay in San Jose and visit the Jade Museum or the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. Spend some time in the Central Flea Market and shop for souvenirs.

Read more about:
>>Things to do in San Jose
>>Things to do in Manuel Antonio
>>Things to do in Tamarindo

Photo credit: Tamarindo Beach

Original article can be found here: Costa Rica in July

December starts with lower prices but ends right smack in the peak season, with airfare and hotel prices reaching their maximum during the year. It’s a busy time to visit Costa Rica and all the activities are in full swing.

Weather

Early December weather in the Costa Rica Mountains is a bit of gamble. The rainy season is typically gone and it’s common to have beach weather during the entire month. However, occasionally the rainy season ends only a week before Christmas , but overall it’s sunny in the morning and it showers in the afternoon or evening.

On the Caribbean side of the mountains, it’s wet at the start of December and gets even wetter by the end of the month.

Beaches and lowlands experience perfect weather for sunbathing (mid-80s during the day and mid-60s at night). Around San Jose , the temperatures are usually 5-10 degrees cooler.

Some temperatures in December:

Alajuela avg 69F/21C
Puntarenas avg high 87F/30C; avg low 76F/24C
San Jose avg high 75F/23C ; avg low 58F/15C

>>read more about Weather in Costa Rica

Facilities

December is the most popular month to travel to Costa Rica and definitely competes with Easter in terms of bookings. It’s the peak travel month for international travelers but it also falls during the school break, so the accommodations fill up quickly. So do the activities and tours. Booking ahead – as far as 6 months in advance – is recommended.

Hotels http://www.costaricatravelscout.com/hotels have higher peak season (up to 50% higher than during the high season) around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. At most resorts the festive dinners are mandatory (and add additional costs to the vacation). Minimum stays range from 3 to 7 nights during this time of the year.

Should you plan to visit Costa Rica in the second half of December, book the hotel and airfare at least six to three months in advance. A good alternative for saving money is to book a hostel bed , but also remember to start your search way in advance.

Read more about:
>>Cheap Flights to San Jose
>>Cheap Flights to Liberia
>>Cheap Hotels in San Jose
>>Cheap Hotels in Arenal
>>Cheap Hotels in Manuel Antonio
>>Cheap Hotels in Monteverde
>>Cheap Hostels in San Jose
>>Cheap Hostels in Arenal

Things to Do

Your first encounter with Costa Rica will most likely be San Jose, its cosmopolitan capital. Before heading to another place, take some time to enjoy the city’s most important sights. Visit the Jade Museum and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. You can also take a day trip to the Arenal Volcano.

If you don’t manage to visit Arenal Volcano, then just at an hour drive from San Jose you can visit Paos Volcano and you can walk up the crater for some lovely views of the area.

Should you decide to spend some time in the Manuel Antonio National Park, don’t forget your swimsuit and sunscreen because you’ll want to spend some time at the beach. Learn to swim, watch the wildlife or try zip lining in the forest.

If you didn’t have a chance to visit the beaches at Manuel Antonio, head to the Gold Coast beaches in the Guanacaste area. Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Flamingo, Conchal and Ocatol are some of the best choices.

While in Costa Rica, don’t miss taking a coffee tour – you can visit a coffee farm and a processing facility – and enjoying the hot springs. Nature walks are an excellent way to enjoy the natural beauty and don’t worry if you are not a fitness enthusiast. There are 1-3 hours tracks suitable for anyone.

Read more about:
>>Things to do in San Jose
>>Things to do in Manuel Antonio
>>Things to do in Tamarindo

Photo credits: Coffee farm – baby plants , Arenal volcano

Original article can be found here: Costa Rica in December

Manuel Antonio is a national park, located on the mid-Pacific coast, close to the town of Quepos. The park is open daily, except on Mondays, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is one of the most popular national parks in Costa Rica. It’s advisable to plan your visit early in the day. Entrance to the park costs US$10 and you can hire a guide to show you around.

Before reading about what you can do in Manuel Antonio, make sure to also read about the Things to do in Quepos , as this is where you’ll most likely be looking for accommodation.

Here is a list of some of the things to do while visiting Manuel Antonio

Spend some time at the beach

There are quite a lot of beaches within the national park where you can spend your time but Playa Manuel Antonio is ,by far, the best within the park The waves are gentle and the current is not strong. You can spend some time soaking up the sun or enjoying a picnic after you’ve hiked in the jungle. Just make sure that someone is guarding the backpack all the time as the coatimundi really like to try to get to any food you might carry.

Hike in the jungle

There are four short trails (1-3 km) which can be tackled easily by anyone. Just make sure you wear comfortable and appropriate shoes.

Take a wildlife watching tour

Such tours cost from US$20 per person and the guide will tell you more about the animals you spot.

However, it is possible to see the animals on your own. The Capuchine Monkeys are known to move fast from one place to another , while the arboreal porcupines are high in the palm trees (use the zoom option for best photos). You may even spot some iguanas in some logs near the beaches.

Try some water sports

You can book an adventure trip and enjoy whitewater rafting on Rio Savegre or Rio Naranjo. Or if you’d rather stay away from the extreme sports, try snorkeling or sea kayaking.

Take a horse ride on the beach…or mountain

Horse riding on the beach can be a lovely, romantic way to explore the nature. While riding a horse on a mountain gives the opportunity to see views you might have not experienced otherwise.
There is a ranch located about 40 km from the park where you can book such tours. You don’t even need to have riding experience to try this.

A day at the spa

There are quite a lot of spas to choose from , all located close to the National Park. After a day exploring the park, you can invest some money for you own pleasure and relaxation.

Learn to surf

Kids and adults alike will have a lot of fun learning to surf. There are several companies which offer surf lessons.

Sport fishing

If you like to spend your time waiting for a fish to bite, then the park is a perfect place to nail a marlin or a sailfish. There are tour companies which offer sport fishing options.

Sunset Sail

There are companies which offer the possibility of sailing at sunset. The boat makes a stop along the way and you can swim or snorkel in the calm waters. The sunset sail also includes dinner. So you can easily turn this activity into a romantic escape with your loved one. Such a sunset cruise costs US$75 for an adult.

Ziplining in the rainforest

There are four companies which offer such activities. For example, Canopy Safari’s adventure includes 17 platforms, 19 zip lines and 3 rappels. The 5 hour safari costs US$75 for both adults and children. A meal is included in the price. Along the safari you’ll be able to spot different tropical birds, plants and flowers. A visit to the butterfly farm and serpentarium are also included in the price.

Photo credits:Playa Manuel Antonio , Wildlife , Horse ride on the beach , Surf lesson , Zip line

Original article can be found here: Things to Do in Manuel Antonio

San Jose is the most cosmopolitan city in Costa Rica. Anyone visiting the country will have to travel through or stay for a while here, as it’s the main transportation hub in Costa Rica. But, don’t worry, you won’t be getting bored. At most you’ll get tired of the urban life and want to get somewhere relaxing pretty fast.
The city is filled with quality museums , the parks which offer the best option for unwinding, while the many restaurants offer the traveler the possibility to enjoy the local cuisine.

Here is a list of some of the things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica:

Visit the Jade Museum

For someone who loves jewelry and precious or semi-precious stones, this is heaven. The museum is located on the 11th floor of the Institute for National Security and exhibits the largest American jade collection in the world. You can see over 6,000 items of pre-Columbian art and jewelry.
Open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A day trip to the La Paz Waterfall

The waterfall is located about 50 km from San Jose, so rent a car and drive there in the morning. The River La Paz forms the waterfall after traversing 8 km of volcanic terrain to continue through a rainforest.
Upstream from the fall, there is the La Paz Waterfall Gardens , which features a hotel and a park (where you can see the local wild life). There are also hiking trail available for those who want to spend more time in the nature.
Admission to the park is US$35 for an adult and US$20 for a child. Tours are available.

Half a day at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

If you like jade, chances are you also like gold, so don’t miss this museum either. It is located in a subterranean building underneath the Plaza de la Cultura and features over 1,600 artifacts of pre-Columbian gold dating back to AD 500.
You can see the first coin minted in Costa Rica , as well as amulets, figurines, earrings and erotic sculptures.
Entrance is US$10 (5500 Costa Rica colones) for International visitors. The museum is open year round from 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The same building houses the Central Bank Museum , the Numismatic Museum , temporary Exhibition Galleries and various cultural activities.

Day trip to the Arenal Volcano

It takes about 2 hours (137 km) to drive from San Jose to the La Fortuna Entrance of the Arenal Volcano National Park. Arenal used to be the most active volcano in Costa Rica but has been dormant since late 2010. However, no one knows when it might erupt again. While you cannot see the eruptions now, take the time to explore the area , spend time on the bank of Lake Arenal and visit the near-by waterfall.

Read more about:
>>Cheap Hostels in Arenal
>>Cheap Hotels in Arenal

Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral

Where you visit churches because you want to stop and pray for a while, or because you want to see the beautiful architecture, don’t miss the Metropolitan Cathedral. It was built in 1802 but was destroyed by an earthquake. It was rebuilt in 1871 and in the interior you can see the fine colonial style tiled floor and stainless windows.

The morning at Mercado Central (Central Flea Market)

The market spans over 3 blocks near Coca-Cola train station and it’s the best place to shop for variety. You can find anything from fruits to t-shirts, crafts and baked goods.
It may fell into the “tourist trap” badge, but if you are careful and watch your back, it should be fun and fine.

Take a break at Parque National

This park provides a green “escape” for those who spend most of the time in the city. Pick some food at the market and then head to the park for a short lunch break in between sightseeing. Concerts are held here on Sundays.

A weekend in the Parque Nacional Santa Rosa

Rent a car and drive to Liberia (or grab a local bus, but it takes longer) and set your base for further explorations. Most travelers come to Parque Nacional Santa Rosa for a chance to surf the Playa Naranjo.
Since the access to the park is quite difficult, you won’t need to worry about the crowds especially during the week days. In the wet months (July to December) you surely feel like you have the entire park for yourself.

>>read more about Getting from San Jose to Libera

>>read more about What to do in San Jose


Photo credits:Jade Museum , La Paz Waterfall , Pre-Columbian Gold Museum , Arenal Volcano , Metropolitan Cathedral , Mercado Central , Park , Playa Naranjo

Original article can be found here: Things to Do in San Jose

Costa Rica has long been known as great beach destination that also offers eco-activities like jungle tours and ziplining. It’s also a legendary surf spot, but riding the waves isn’t the only way to make a splash in Costa Rica. There are actually several other water sports in Costa Rica that are easy to do and will show you another side of this beautiful country.

If surfing isn’t you thing, you can try sea kayaking, go diving or snorkeling, set sail on a boat, or simply cast a line for some fresh fish. For a lightly more active experience, try white-water rafting or try your hand at rappelling down a waterfall which provides an adrenaline rush that hiking just can’t do.

Some of the activities can be done on your own, but to make the most of your time check out adventure tours in Costa Rica. A guide will provide transport and all the equipment, plus they’ll know exactly where to go for the best experience. Some tour companies can even provide you with an entire package – from flights to San Jose to all accommodations, activities and transfers – all for one price. Costa Rica offers the best of both worlds in that respect for adventure tourists; there is enough infrastructure to make planning your trip a breeze, but the country is still undeveloped enough to offer plenty of wild spaces for adventure.

Photo by geekgirlnyc

Original article can be found here: Unique Ways to Get Wet in Costa Rica

For many people, cruising is the preferred method of exploring the Caribbean. You can enjoy leisurely days at port, experiencing a new town or beach every day, while only having to unpack once. All your transport is taken care of, there are plentiful excursions to enjoy and someone else handles all the logistics. What many people don’t realize – or at least what I didn’t realize -  is that you can also explore Costa Rica this way. Star Clippers recently added two Costa Rica itineraries to their small-ship cruises and I was invited to come aboard and check out their offerings.

The Star Clippers sailing vessels are nothing like the ships you’ll see in the Caribbean. For starters, they aren’t traditional cruise ships, they’re working sailing vessels. The ship that currently plys the waters off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica is the Star Flyer, which holds about 170 passengers, so it’s not exactly the floating mall you might associate with your average cruise. Six and seven night cruises visit northern Costa Rica and Nicaragua or southern Costa Rica and Panama, departing from Puerto Caldera, a tiny port town about two hours by car from San Jose.

The seven night Costa Rica and Nicaragua itinerary includes one day at sea as the ship makes its way from Puerto Caldera to the sleepy surf town of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. There, passengers can choose from a range of excursions that include a day trip to Granada and a visit to the Masaya volcano. Or, they can simply explore the town, hit the beach or arrange their own activities, like horseback riding or surf lessons.

From there it’s on to another beach town, this one popular with surfers and expats, and blessed with a dark sandy beach that gives the town its name – Playa del Coco. A main drag bisects the beach, with both areas lined with souvenir shops, tour outfitters, and inexpensive  bars and restaurants. Sample some ceviche or kick back with a local Imperial beer, which goes for about $2. Many passengers on the ship choose to linger here, while others go white-water rafting or ziplining through the canopy.

The next stop is Santa Rosa, Costa Rica’s oldest National Park. Guests who aren’t taking the guided walk of the park can hop in a zodiac and be ferried to the shores of an empty dark sand beach. Here the Star Flyer is often the only ship on the horizon, as there’s not much to the beach aside from a few ramshackle houses and thousands of shells strewn along the shoreline. One of the benefits of a small ship cruise is the ability to go places where larger ships simply can’t.

After Santa Rosa, the ship continues south to Samara where guests can choose from a kayaking adventure or a coffee tour, and then it’s on to Isla Tortugua, a private island that serves as a day playground for locals and tourists who come to swim and snorkel in the crystal clear water, lounge on the sand with a cold beer, or go for a hike or horseback ride through the jungle. At noon, the ship’s crew sets up a massive lunch spread on shore and takes small groups out to a rock formation for snorkeling. On shore, you can also book banana-boat rides and jet ski rentals. On the final day of the cruise, the ship returns to Puerto Caldera early in the morning.

Because the itinerary is so new (Star Clippers has been cruising Costa Rica since November, 2010), there are still some kinks to work out. Our group was the first to be ferried directly to the beach at Santa Rosa; previous groups were tendered into town and then walked 45 minutes to the beach. On day five, on which we were supposed to go on a coffee tour, large swells made getting onto the tenders too dangerous and our day in port became a second day at sea. Luckily, the Star Flyer offers plenty of activities on board, like nature lectures, organized nightly entertainment and games, mast-climbing, spa treatments and full library of DVDs for when you just need to relax in your cabin.

Despite a few hiccups, I would recommend cruising as an alternative way to see more locations in Costa Rica in a shorter amount of time. Because the roads in the country tend to be of the nausea-inducing twisty variety, it can take a long time to get from place to place. On a cruise like this, you’re able to see smaller towns and national parks while transitioning from place to place each night. The downside for night owls of course is that you miss out on seeing a town’s nightlife, but if nature, relaxation and luxurious accommodations are your primary concerns, a Star Clippers cruise can help you see Costa Rica in comfort and style, without the crowds found on a larger cruise ship.

What you need to know

Length of cruise - 6-7 days, depending on which itinerary you choose
Dates of availability - November to March
Number of passengers - 170
Ports of call - (on northern cruise) San Juan del Sur, Playa del Coco, Santa Rosa, Samara, Isla Tortuga
Days at sea - One planned, though the schedule is subject to change due to weather
On board activities - Two pools, fitness classes, library/DVDs, snorkeling, waterskiing, nightly entertainment, nature lectures, sailing instruction, spa, engine room tours, Captain’s story time
Costs – starting at $1875 per person, not including alcohol, flights, and $215 in port charges

Disclaimer – Star Clippers hosted me on the cruise, but my opinions are my own.

Original article can be found here: See Costa Rica by Cruise

I’ll never forget the stories I heard from a guy I met in a hostel who had rented a motorcycle in Canada. Yes, the guy had rented a motorcycle in Canada and rode it all the way to Costa Rica. But, his trip wasn’t ending there! He actually had plans of going as far South as he possibly could go. The guy had some awesome stories. Come to find out, a lot of bike enthusiasts make this sort of trip in some form or fashion. If I was a biker, I know I would. If you are an experienced biker or just interested in a more organized sort of motorcycle trip around Costa Rica, this list should help you out. This is includes both guided and self guided motorcycle trips and rentals.

Moto Adventures

If you are looking for a custom fit, off road adventure that takes on some of the most versatile trails available, visit with founder and principal guide, Larry Larrabure. In a country rich in rain forest, jungle areas, and volcanic mountains, Larry and his expert crew will escort you on a motorcycle tour certain to satisfy the daring spirit. The off road itinerary comes in one, two, or three day tours, and features the likes of a 12,000 feet high ride through cloud-blanketed forests. Though sharing locations, the adventure tours are mostly smooth, blacktop riding. Gear up and ride through the scenic Central Valley region, along the Pacific beach line, through the coffee plantations, and then visit the volcano of your choice. As some of the tours include accommodations and food, the tour pricing is variable and sometimes costly. All MotoAdventures motorcycles are well maintained, and the guide knows his stuff. You can contact them at MotoAdventures Inc., USA Phone 440-256-8508.

Costa Rica Motorcycle Tours

This family owned business will personalize your tour. Here you will meet a knowledgeable staff of trained professionals, all intimately acquainted with the Costa Rica landscape. After helping you plan and budget a tour that reflects your expectations, they will set you up on a well-maintained and carefully selected motorcycle. The tours are “Easy Rider” style: paved roads. You travel along the Pacific Coast, reside in bungalows, and experience the Arenal Volcano. Costa Rica Motorcycle Tours strives to avoid technical riding. The accommodations are user-friendly, bed and breakfast lodges along with select off the mainstream hotels. The tours are not forced escorted, but rates are reasonable to what value you receive. Full tours include airport pickup and coach ride, motorcycle rental, accommodations, and breakfast. Your contact information is: P.O. Box 2907-1000, San José, Costa Rica, Telephone: (506)2225-6000.

Moto Tours Costa Rica

Wayne and R.J. Faddis have a passion for motorcycling. As long time off-road riders, they know the joy of a good adventure. They pick their equipment with care, and they plot for tours in places where motorcycles are welcome. This creates for cultural immersion such that riders can share something deeper than a mere roadside view. Though trips can be self-guided, perhaps you prefer the Southern Peninsula and Jaco tour. Here you ride the mountain ridgelines and peer down at the Pacific throughout the day. You can cross the Nicoya Peninsula, then ride dirt all the way to Samara. Come evening, you can sit on the deck, watch the beach across the street, and sleep in air conditioning. Samara is a surfer town, with great restaurants, quiet nights, and cool air. The rides are sometimes exhausting, but you will see and experience parts of Costa Rica that are beyond the reach of standard means of transport. Prices are comparable with other tour services. You can reach Moto Tours at Toll Free U.S. Number: 1-877-660-3832, Local U.S. Number: 540-230-7618, or Costa Rica Number: 506-8314-8053 or 506-8314-8108.

Motos Costa Rica

Welcome to Atenas where you will rest at B & B Villas de la Colina in Barrio Mercedes just thirty minutes from the San Jose Airport. Featuring a duel sport, eight day, deluxe volcano and beach tour, the Suarez family and Motorcycles Costa Rica will start you out on a short exploration of the area around Atenas. Day two affords scenic roads, topiary gardens, and perhaps the sounds of eruptions from Volcan Arenal. Nighttime is sometimes enhanced by lava on the hillside and a shower of sparks. Evenings are relaxed with opportunity to hike through the jungle and perhaps hear and see the howler monkeys as they move from tree to tree. Road tours include volcano and beach road routes through southern Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua. Pricing is based on double occupancy with reduced rate for non-riders. Evening meals are not included. And a 50% deposit is required to confirm bookings. These are standard conditions for all of the motorcycle tour services. Your contact information is: Hotel Villas de la Colina, 2446-5015, or Fred Brown 276-228-3118,

H-C Travel

Established in 1994, H-C Travel is a worldwide tour agency. They have the knowledge, expertise, and experience to provide customers with a ride to remember. They were the first motorcycle tour operator in the UK to wind a national travel award. As a customer conscious agency, they offer 100% guaranteed financial protection for your holiday money. Holding an ATOL license, they can book your flights as well as accommodations. They handle guided tours, self-guided tours, and rentals. Rates are average, and time waste is minimal. Basic trail highlights are Turrialba volcano, airplane trail, Pacific Ocean, and skyline trail. Contact information is H-C Travel, 16 High Street, Overton, Hampshire RG25 3HA, England. Phone 01256 770775.

Original article can be found here: The Best Costa Rica Motorcycle Rides and Tours

If you are anywhere outside of San Jose, it might seem like you are always on an off road trail! But if you are looking for something a little more exciting than an unpaved road that is riddled with potholes, don’t worry, there are plenty of great off road trails for both motorbikes and other off road vehicles. Some of these trails are for experienced riders and drivers only. Otherwise, you run the risk of getting stranded in the middle of the jungle, which is no good. Not to mention there is no tow truck service out there!

Pit Bull Pass

Located near Orosi, Pit Bull Pass is not for the faint of heart. Starting at the town’s church the trail follows a gravel path towards Tapanti National Park. At Kiri Lodge a steep gravel road leads up to the mountain, taking about 35 to 45 minutes to reach the summit. Once at the top of Pit Bull Pass there are incredible views of the Turrialba Valley. The trail descends into primary and secondary rainforest, is quite scenic, filled with wildlife and offers a very technical, challenging ride. The route winds through the villages of Pejibaye, Tucurrique, Cachi and back to Orosi. The trail is 45 miles long (72.41 kilometers) and is recommended for advanced riders. Most riders take about six hours to complete the journey.

Drake’s Bay – Aquila de Osa Inn

Isolated, self sufficient and eco friendly, this rainforest inn has added mountain biking trails to their list of offerings for adventurous travelers. Drake’s Bay is accessible by boat or by a handful of dirt roads through the rainforest. The bike trails make use of some of these roads on routes that begin at Drake Bay’s beach and, depending on the route chosen, take from 1 ½ to almost 3 hours to complete. The simplest, known as Drake’s Planes takes you down into a river canyon, across a rope and wood suspension bridge and then uphill to Los Planes. Riders then can head back down towards the beach or take one of the side trails that loop through more old growth forest and pastures. The initial trail is suitable for beginners; the side trails are steeper and perhaps best for those with a bit more mountain biking experience. Bikes and helmets are available at the inn.

Irazu Volcano

Irazu Volcano tops out at over eleven thousand feet and last erupted in 1963. This intermediate trail starts in the parking lot, starting off on pavement then switching to a rough semi-graveled jeep trail after about 2 miles (3 kilometers). Working your way through ruts, loose rocks and segments of sand you are rewarded with impressive views of the valley, rich farmlands and lush primary rainforest. The trail has three options to finish. One is an off-road descent suitable for advanced riders that leads to Santa Cruz, the second is an easy ride on a paved road down to Capellades and the third is an incredibly scenic paved trail all the way to Turrialba.

Lake Arenal North and South Shore

Costa Rica’s Lake Arenal is the largest inland body of water in the country and is also home to the very active Arenal Volcano. Two distinctive bike trails ring the lake and offer impressive views of not only the surrounding countryside but of the imposing volcanic cone on the eastern shore. The northern trail is great for beginners offering a relaxing ride on a gently sloping, paved road starting in either Nuevo Arenal or Fortuna. The southern route is more challenging. A thirty minute boat ride takes you from Lake Arenal dam to Rio Chiquito. From there, a dirt road crossing several creeks leads you to the village of El Castillo and then the ride becomes a bit easier. A gravel road travels along Arenal National Park eventually meeting up with the paved road to Fortuna. Most riders take about three hours to make the trip from Rio Chiquito to Fortuna.

Poas Volcano to Doka Estate Farm

Beginning riders can combine the fun of chasing rainbows and looking for Quetzel birds along a part paved, part graveled trail with a visit to one of Costa Rica’s most productive and prized coffee farms. Start your ride at the Poas Volcano parking lot and follow the road down to the town of Poasito. Continue downhill to Sabana Redonda, home of Doka Estate Farms. Take a tour of the mill and roasting facilities, enjoy a buffet lunch and of course sample the coffee. The total ride distance is 13 miles (21 kilometers) and is rated easy.

Fortuna to Nuevo Arenal Epic

One of the most challenging and scenic rides in Costa Rica starts on a dirt road near a cemetery leading to La Guaria. After crossing the Arenal River (in the water, the bridge is past its prime) the trail climbs toward Monterrey and Lindavista ending at a mountain top overlooking the Vanado Valley. Continuing south takes you past the Vanado Caverns and the town of Tigra and eventually to the six thousand foot ridge that overlooks Lake Arenal’s northern shore. The return is on a downhill dirt road that takes you to Toad Hall. From there it is 28 miles (44 kilometers) of paved road back to Fortuna. The ride itself is about 6 or 7 hours, but when taking in the scenery becomes an unforgettable all day journey.

Original article can be found here: Off Roading Trails in Costa Rica

Are you going to Costa Rica to take advantage of its great fishing, but don’t want to go a fishing charter? If you are lucky enough to have your own boat, or know someone who does, you are in luck. There are a ton of great fishing spots both on the coast and inland. So no matter when you are in the country, there is probably a great fishing spot nearby. Below are some of the most popular fishing spots in Costa Rica.

Northern Pacific – Tamarindo/Ocotal

This is the warmest area in Costa Rica and it also receives the lowest amount of annual rainfall. Despite these climatic facts, the fishing remains excellent offshore, inshore and in fresh water. Sailfish are a very popular species that fisherman pursue and great underwater habitat for these fish can be reached in a relatively short period of time, usually under an hour. Other hidden benefits of the fishing trips include the incredible scenery and the sightings of the occasional whale and sea turtles. For some people who go fishing the tuna may be the ultimate quarry to pursue or perhaps the roosterfish. Grouper also command a great deal of attention from anglers and those that chase them often wind up catching other species of reef fish, too. The fact that the local restaurants will prepare and cook your catch for you also, makes fishing in this area even more appealing.

Central Pacific – Manuel Antonio/Jaco

This centrally located area in Costa Rica remains the most commonly visited area for deep sea fishing. Anglers will find that deep waters produce large numbers and high quality specimens of popular fish species all year long. A testament for the excellent fishing points to the fact that fishing tournaments, that attract a great deal of attention, are held in this area annually. Jaco is attractive to the sport fisherman who seek a battle with a marlin or a sailfish. Deep water is crucial to sustain these popular billfish and the depths are less than an hour away. Manuel Antonio is consistently, the most popular fishing destination in Costa Rica. The reasons for this includes the predictably calm waters and the dense population of billfish species. The inshore action is very hot as well, so there are great opportunities for anglers with a wide variety of fishing interests.

Southern Pacific – Osa Peninsula

This area of Costa Rica accounts for a majority of all IGFA fishing records. This kind of history gives these fishing waters great appeal and allure for novice and experienced anglers, alike. The fertile shallow waters contain huge numbers of baitfish, which contributes heavily to the large concentrations of game fish species. The sail fishing opportunities are so good here that it is common for one boat to land over a dozen fish in a single day. Trolling also offers another method in which anglers can target additional species like the tuna and the huge dorado. Jacks and roosterfish are two more species that are known for their strong fights, which also are found here in great abundance. Whales and several species of sharks are commonly seen in this area also, which adds to the overall experience and helps to create vivid memories for a lifetime. Like other areas in Costa Rica, deep water is nearby which allows fisherman to quickly travel between inshore fishing and the highly desirable, big fish opportunities in deeper waters.

Carribean – Barra del Colorado/Tortuguero

This northeastern section of Costa Rica is very remote and only accessible by small plane or boat. The land is blanketed in rain forests and is home to a large population of sea turtles that return each year for nesting purposes. The Tarpon are responsible for the great fishing reputation that this location has developed over the years. While 100lbs is a big fish, these monster Tarpon occasionally break the 200 lb mark, which makes for quite a challenge since this fish are really strong fighters at any size. Tarpon are actually classified as one of the most difficult fish to land because they frequently jump up to 8 feet in the air and are known for their hard runs, away from the boat. These two factors result in the fish being natural experts at getting off of the hook too. Deep waters are nearby if additional fishing opportunities are sought and excellent snook fishing exists in inshore areas.

Lake Arenal/Caño Negro

Lake Arenal is the choice destination of fresh water anglers who are in pursuit of the rainbow and tiger bass species. This lake is man-made and is also the largest lake in Costa Rica. The experience here goes well beyond the fishing with the screams of howler monkeys, in the area, and the with the abundance of true rainforest scenery. There is ample natural cover in the lake, coupled with the large populations of fish, which create a winning combination for fisherman who enjoy the challenge of using artificial lures to catch the fish. Caño Negro is not well known, but it offers some truely unique opportunities in the eyes of any fisherman. There are freshwater Tarpon that call this area home as well as stable snook populations. These dark-colored Tarpons can reach a massive 7 feet in length and, like there salt water cousins, put up a legendary fight that is sure to test the strength and stamina of the most experienced fisherman.

Original article can be found here: Best Fishing Spots in Costa Rica