The Travel Journals

12/09/2024

A spectacular trip for my favorite month!

02/23/2021

Costa Rica is an agricultural society. There are thousands of small farms sprawled throughout the country that grow produce to sell at farmers' markets, along the side of the road, or local supermarkets. It's very safe to eat fruits and vegetables in Costa Rica due to their excellent quality.

It's a highlight in itself to explore local markets and roadside fruit stands to see and sample the diversity of Costa Rica's agriculture. Going to a feria, a local farmer's market, for the fresh, organic, and local-grown produce is an authentic social and cultural event, and the savings are fantastic!

From the mountains in the Central Highlands to the beaches of Guanacaste, you won't encounter any trouble at all, finding an abundance of fruits and vegetables to enjoy during your trip to Costa Rica. I'd love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to call me or send me an email.

02/22/2021

One dish that is quite common among other cultures is beef stew. In Costa Rica, it's called Olla de Carne. In many other parts of the world, they have their own signature beef stew recipe or other typical food that incorporates broth, vegetables, and spices along with the meat. These kinds of dishes have been around for hundreds of years because of their ability to combine locally produced vegetables with a central meat staple, beef.

During the cold months, people from North America make a traditional beef stew or pot roast to fill hungry bellies and make cold nights a bit warmer. Of course, it's best to try the Costa Rican version when you come for a visit.

02/21/2021

The magnificent shrine devoted to the Virgen de Los Ángeles is called Nuestra Senora de Los Ángeles Basilica in Cartago. It's one of the most famous churches in Costa Rica. It's commonly known as La Negrita, patroness saint of the country. According to legend, a peasant of the name Juana Pereira found the virgin on a rock. Later on, the first basilica was placed in her honor. What's impressive is the shrine's Byzantine architectural style, which stands out in its remarkable façade. Furthermore, its large nave has the form of a double-cross and is protected by beautiful enormous columns.

02/20/2021

Traditional Costa Rican dishes typically contain inexpensive yet delicious ingredients such as chicken, vegetables, fish, rice, and beans. Their breakfast or "Desayuno" is quite similar to dishes served in the U.S. but with a few Costa Rican twists. You can find eggs, bacon, and sausage almost anywhere, as well as Gallo pinto, a local favorite. It's fried rice and beans served with Lizano sauce. A tortilla is typically used to eat rice and beans. Lunch and dinner are very similar.

No trip is complete without trying the local food!

02/19/2021

Also called white-faced monkeys, the capuchin monkey is a common sight throughout Costa Rica. These small primates are easily identified as the most intelligent New World monkey. They are native to Central and South America and are frequently spotted in many of Costa Rica's national parks.

Capuchin monkeys have small, slender bodies covered in brown or black fur. Their faces, necks, and chests are usually a white or cream color, meriting them the name mono Cara Blanca in Spanish, or white-faced monkey. The capuchins live in troops of 10 to 15 individuals and are considered highly sociable. The average group has roughly 15 members led by a dominant male. They are arboreal creatures, and you will not see them descend to the forest floor.

02/18/2021

Costa Rica offers visitors diverse accommodation. Whether you want to stay at a lavish all-inclusive resort or at one that can provide the basics, there is an option for every traveler's taste and budget. You might plan to stay in San Jose or check out smaller cities near the ocean. You may even try to explore some off-the-beaten-path destinations which are more secluded from the otherwise dense tourist attractions.

The smaller hotels feel laid-back and home-like. The environment is inviting and cozy. If you don't want to worry about anything else, an all-inclusive resort might be the best option for you. Checking out the places to stay will kick off your adventure in Costa Rica!

02/17/2021

If you would like to witness the most scenic waterfalls in Latin America, then Costa Rica is the perfect destination. It's going to be an absolutely memorable day trip no matter what region you visit. More than anything, the views you get from the top are the main attraction, but equally so are the biodiverse nature trails with rare species of plants, birds, and wildlife.

Between September and December (the wet season), is the best time to explore the gushing waterfalls. The must-visit ones are located in Guanacaste, the Pacific Coast, and Central Valley. Don't you love the sound of roaring waterfalls? It's enticing enough to jump in for a swim, especially after a beautiful jungle trek down.

02/16/2021

Game for something more exciting? How about exploring the rainforests through suspension bridges? You will find a lot of suspension bridges spread amidst the forest canopy. Being higher lets you observe and appreciate the complex ecosystems that emerge through the trees and in the valleys. The bridges are safely and smartly constructed so tourists can marvel at nature's beauty. Suspension bridges come in different sizes, ranging from 100 to 1000 feet. Guided tours present vital information to bridge trips, including pointing out the plants and animals that otherwise remain invisible. Monteverde, Arenal, and the Caribbean have the most famous of all suspension bridges.

Bridge tours are the perfect activity for those who are looking for an adrenaline rush! I'd love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to pick up the phone and call me or send me an email when you're ready to start planning.

02/15/2021

Spotlighting Costa Rica*
The Arenal Volcano is an extraordinary presence in Costa Rica's fertile lowlands. It stands majestically at 5,437 feet (1,657 meters). The Arenal Volcano looms large and inauspicious over the pastured green hillsides that surround the area. It is the country's most active volcano for 43 years, but currently, it's in its resting phase. What makes the volcano captivating to tourists is its symmetrical shape. There are also several outdoor activities you can try throughout your visit, including rainforest hikes, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and much more. This place should make your "must-do in Costa Rica" list.

01/18/2021

https://www.travelpulse.com/gallery/hotels-and-resorts/all-inclusive-resorts-offering-on-site-covid-19-testing.html

Brands are introducing complimentary and discounted coronavirus testing programs to meet the latest CDC requirements.