COSTA RICA Vacation Rentals

• 

prev next

Where Have All the Bananas Gone?

Where Have All the Bananas Gone?

By Guinn Terry Davis
Click here for recording

No one uses the ol’ “slip on a banana peel” routine anymore. Used to be that a stunt like that would serve as a pivotal point in a plot.

Reference: Guinn Terry Davis (2012) Where Have All the Bananas Gone?
Retrieved from: http://guinnterrydavis.com/where-have-all-the-bananas-gone/;

Author: Guinn Terry Davis

December 18, 2012

10 Must-See Attractions of Costa Rica

10 Must-See Attractions of Costa Rica

By Skip Davis

While Costa Rica has many sites you must see, these 10 stand out above the rest. Be it surfing at Witch's Rock and Nosara, or observing nature at Monteverde and Manuel Antonio, the top Costa Rican destinations will take your breath away and make you ready for a return trip. Most of these attractions are short day trips from Good Life Retreat's properties in Guanacaste and Puntarenas.

Witch's Rock

One of the most sought after surfing destinations in Costa Rica is Witch's Rock. Locally known as Roca Bruja, Witch's Rock also received pop culture attention by being in the motion picture, “Endless Summer 2.” Be sure to check when Witch's Rock's best surf times are and how to get there. (read more)

Leatherback Sea Turtles in Playa Grande

The Guanacaste region of Costa Rica – Playa Grande in particular – is one of the only locations in the world where you can witness leatherback sea turtles on land. If you go to Playa Grande at the right time of year, you may be able to see the leatherback sea turtles for yourself. (read more)

Palo Verde National Park

Nature and wildlife lovers should visit Palo Verde National Park, one of the largest national parks in southern Guanacaste. The park's 45,000+ acres are home to wetland birds and flowers you can only see in this region of the world. (read more)

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is in Costa Rica's Puntarenas province and one of the most sought after oceanside parks in the country. Less than 20 minutes south of Quepos, Manuel Antonio has received recognition from Forbes as one of most beautiful parks in the world. The park's diverse terrain allows for swimming, snorkeling and wildlife observation. (read more)

Rincon de la Vieja Volcano

Catch Costa Rica nature at its best by visiting and climbing to the top of Rincon de la Vieja, the tallest volcano in the Guanacaste Mountain Range. Standing at over 6,200 feet tall, Rincon de la Vieja National Park allows you to hike in a lush rainforest setting or wade in waterfall swimming areas. Rincon’s volcanic activities are also responsible for natural mud pools on the mountain.(read more)

Nosara Wildlife Rescue

Nosara is reminiscent of the Land Time Forgot with its untainted natural beauty and relative isolationism. This paradisaical getaway is home to the Nosara Wildlife Rescue (NWR), which serves as a place of healing for Costa Rican wildlife – especially howler monkeys. If you are an animal lover, NWR offers an enriching experience of close encounters with Costa Rica's wildlife in their natural habitat. (read more)

Monteverde Cloud Forest

The Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of Costa Rica's most sought out ecotourism destinations. At 26,000 acres, Monteverde is not the largest park in Costa Rica, but with lush greenery shrouded in mesmerizing clouds makes it one of the most beautiful. National Geographic describes Monteverde as the “crown jewel of Costa Rica's cloud forests.” (read more)

Grecia and Sarchi

For those interested in Costa Rican art, the county's mecca is Sarchi. Many of the town's buildings have lovely, ornate décor and Sarchi is the main production hub for miniature oxcarts, which are seen all over Costa Rica. The nearby town of Grecia is home to the World of Snakes, the county's largest serpentarium with over 150 snake species.

Puerto Viejo and Cahuita National Park

Cahuita National Park is one of the premier beachfront parks on Cost Rica's Caribbean side. This park provides opportunities for snorkeling in coral reefs with over 500 native fish and watching for tropical birds such as toucans and kingfishers. Puerto Viejo is the nearest town to Cahuita and has a welcoming, Caribbean-style vibe.

Dominical and Costa Ballena

One of Puntarenas' best kept secrets is Dominical, a sleepy beachside community near the province's southern end. Much like Nosara, Dominical is purely surfing attraction with rainforest-lined beaches, including the increasingly popular Costa Ballena. Dominical and Costa Ballena are part of Costa Rica's Whale Coast, an area where whale sightings frequently occur.

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) 10 Must-See Attractions of Costa Rica
Retrieved from: http://www.forbes.com/sites/janelevere/2011/08/29/the-worlds-most-beautiful-national-parks/; http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/books-excerpts/top-ten-costa-rica-text#7; http://www.goodliferetreats.com/costa-rica/attractions/;

Author: Skip Davis

February 22, 2012

Top Activities of Costa Rica

Top Activities of Costa Rica

By Josh Huddleston

Surfing. Day trips. Seeing the famous leatherback sea turtles. ATV rides. The amount of things to do in Costa Rica reads out like a long, overdue laundry list. The question is not whether or not if there is anything to do, but what do you want to do. Knowing what activities each town offers helps you make a decision on where you will spend your vacation.

Top 5 Things to Do When Visiting Costa Rica

1. Enjoy the Beach 2. Leatherback Turtles 3. Surfing 4. ATV Rides 5. Day Trips Where to Go: Playa Grande Where to Go: Tamarindo, Nosara, Samara, Playa Langosta, Playa Grande Where to Go: Tamarindo

#5 Day Trips

It is hard to choose just one day trip from the many excellent locations nearby. Some suggested day trips: - Witches Rock Surf Camp in Tamarindo - Monteverde Cloud Forest - Arenal Hot Springs - Any of the 10+ beach towns under an hour away from Liberia International Airport OTHER FAVORITES: White water rafting, Eco- Tourism in Samara and Nosara, Rainforest hikes and wildlife observing, go view the massive Arenal Volcano, Volunteer at a local school or organization.

Reference: Josh Huddleston (2011) Top Activities of Costa Rica
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/costa-rica/activities/;

Author: Josh Huddleston

October 2, 2011

Costa Rica’s Ultimate Destinations

Costa Rica’s Ultimate Destinations

By Skip Davis

Costa Rica's destinations bring something unique to your vacation experience. Certain destinations, such as Tamarindo and Playas del Coco, have nightclubs where you can party down after a day of surfing. If you are looking for a more zen experience, perhaps Nosara or Playa Grande is the place for you. All of these exotic, Costa Rican destinations have properties listed by Good Life Retreats.

Tamarindo

The most developed area on the Nicoya Peninsula is the bustling town of Tamarindo. Beautiful beaches and a vivid nightlife makes Tamarindo a popular destination for vacationers. Tamarindo is also teeming with surf shops and a diverse dining scene. (read more)

Playas del Coco/Playa Hermosa

Staying at a vacation home or condo in Playas del Coco or Playa Hermosa gives you access to all the sea faring activities and natural beauty the Gulf of Papagayo area has to offer. Fishing or snorkeling near Monkey's Head and grabbing a charter to Witch's Rock are only some of the adventures you can tackle while visiting Papagayo. (read more)

Samara

Samara's clean, pristine beaches draws tourists from all over the world to Costa Rica's Gold Coast region. Not only is Samara is a beautiful and tranquil destination, the beach does not have the hustle and bustle of cities such as Tamarindo and Playas del Coco. (read more)

Nosara

Nosara is a magical destination on the Nicoya Peninsula that provides a well-preserved habitat for its native wildlife and plants. The Nosara Wildlife preserve prevents the urbanization of the area, so you will not find many restaurants or shops in Nosara. However, if you are seeking a spiritual closeness with nature, Nosara is the place for you. (read more)

Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park

Quepos is one of the most vibrant beachside towns in the the Puntarenas province and the “Gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park". Eat, shop or go fishing in Quepos before visiting the Park. While it is one of Costa Rica's smallest national parks, Manuel Antonio is still one of the country's top destinations thanks to its beautiful ocean views and biodiversity. (read more)

Reference: Skip Davis (2011) Costa Rica’s Ultimate Destinations
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/costa-rica/destinations/;

Author: Skip Davis

September 30, 2011

When To Visit Costa Rica

When To Visit Costa Rica

By Josh Huddleston

Costa Rica is a premier travel destination because of its biodiversity natural beauty. Over 25% of Costa Rica has been put aside for national preserves to ensure the land remains protected and rich with wildlife. Unspoiled beaches occupy 800 miles of the coast providing ideal vacations for surfers, divers and sun-seekers. You will enjoy Costa Rica because of the wide range of activities, from white water rafter to relaxing in a beach villa. Travelers are also drawn to Costa Rica because of the welcoming Tico hospitality. Costa Ricans are known to be extremely polite, helpful, and warm to travelers.

More About Costa Rican Climate

Costa Rica is a small country in terms of size. However, the weather covers all ends of the spectrum. This little country has almost every micro-climate the world can offer. Costa Rica is mostly classified as a tropical country due to its proximity to the equator. With no winter season and sun almost every day of the year, this country appeals tourists seeking warm climate, outdoor activities and, of course, beaches. So to sum it up in as few words as possible... December to April = Dry Season May to November = Wet Season

Reference: Josh Huddleston (2011) When To Visit Costa Rica
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/costa-rica/when-to-visit/;

Author: Josh Huddleston

September 29, 2011