Dictionary of Costa Rican Words

Here are some of the words most used by Ticos and Ticas, and that you may want to know when visiting the country during your vacations:

Tuanis - Some people say that it comes from the expression "too nice", it means that something is good or ok.

Maje or Mae - Used a lot by people of all ages; it means "dude", and can be used in femenine or masculine.

100 metros - "Cien metros" means "one block" and "cincuenta metros", means "half a block" – all regardless of the actual length of the block.

Aguevado or Bostezo - bored or boring.

Brete - work or job.

Chunche - Thing.

Di/diay - With no exact translation, diay is best thought of as an interjection at the beginning of a sentence, similar to "um" or "well."

Dolor de jupa - a headache.

Chante - home, place.

Estar de chicha - to be angry.

Estar de goma - to have a hangover.

Guila - A guila in Costa Rica is merely a "girl."

Jama - food.

Jumas - drunk.

Choza - home.

No joda!/no jodás! - don't bother me! / leave me alone!

Pura paja - crap; bullshit.

Pulperia - A small corner store.

Que tigra! - ugh, what a drag!

Salado - unlucky.

Soda - A small, family-run typical restaurant.

Soque! - hurry up!

Una teja - Is 100 of anything, usually money (100 colones).

La vara - the thing.

Upe! - hello? anyone home?

Monthly Calendar 2011

If you are looking for a small version of a monthly calendar 2011, you came to the right place. From here you can download a printable version of the Calendar 2011 completely free. It has a resolution of 600 x 800.

Link: Calendar 2011

Feliz Navidad! Costa Rica Merry Christmas!

Banana Adventure Tours

Information about Coronado

The offices of Banana Adventure Tours are located in Coronado, in the canton Vazquez de Coronado, in the suburbia of San Jose.

The regional symbols of Coronado are:

1. The Flag: Designed by Roger Arias Zuñiga Cristian Sanchez Cabrera and Cristian Rodriguez Brenes. They were the winners of a contest created by the Dulce Nombre Municipality. It has three colors: light blue, which represents the pure and clean sky of Coronado; white representing the work of its people in the dairy farm; green, representing the fields of Coronado and the 5 gold stars symbolizing every district.  

     2. The Shield: it was desinged  byt the professor Amaparo Cruz Zuñiga, and talken by the municipality
         on September 8, 1975.

Merry Christmas from Banana Adventure Tours

Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año Nuevo

COSTA RICA MULTI ACTIVITY CHRISTMAS TOUR

Sunset at Coronado

Poas Volcano National Park

Poas Volcano is an active stratovolcano with frequent small geyser and lava eruptions, and with some of the most beautiful scenery in Costa Rica. It is located in the Alajuela Province, at about 2,708 meters above sea level and lies within two vast calderas. The last major eruptions at Poas Volcano were around 1954. The southernmost of two summit crater lakes, Botos, is about 2 km in diameter and over 1000 meters deep, it is cold and clear, and its last eruption was about 7,500 years ago. The other is warm and acidic crater that has a beautiful blue-green crater lake, and has been the site of frequent eruptions since the first was reported in 1828.

Poas Volcano National Park, founded on 1971, is the most develop of all national parks in Costa Rica and it has the most visitors of every other National Park in Costa Rica. It is a popular attraction located only 37 km from San Jose. This park may become crowded and cloudy so it is always better to visit the park early in the morning. Also the best time to view the crater is early in the morning before the clouds cover the crater and the lake.

This National Park is a great place for a one day tour because of its location, just an hour and a half from Downtonw San Jose. After arriving to the park, visitor can check out the Visitors Center, where is a coffee and volcanoes exhibition. There are very well developed trails that go to the main crater lookout point. The main crater is around 1.5 km wide and 300 meters deep, and is one of the biggest of the world. Another trail, around a 20 minute hike, goes to a second crater now a lake called Laguna Botos. The park is also an important power plant of the hydroelectric and geothermal generation.

There are many options to get to the park; the road is in good condition. There are many tours that visit the park, as well as other touristic sites in the surrounding area, such as the coffee plantations, coffee tours, and beautiful landscapes, among others. There are also public buses that go close to the Poas Volcano. The Poas Volcano bus station, Tuasa Co., is located in the Street 12-13, Ave. 2. The public bus leaves daily at 8:00 a.m. in the morning and returns around 2:00 p.m. The distance from San Jose to the National park is 55 km and the trip takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. To communicate with Tuasa Co., the phone numbers are (506) 2222-5325 and (506) 2442-6900.

Turrialba Volcano National Park

Turrialba Volcano National Park was created in 1955, and it is located in the Cartago Province, around 40 miles East of San Jose, in the Central Volcanic Conservation Area. Turrialba Volcano, of 3.328 meters high above sea level, is a stratovolcano that was dormant for over 100 years until it became active again recently. In January of 2009, some acid rain killed a lot of vegetation around the volcano.

The volcano is located in the Cartago province in Costa Rica and was named by early Spanish settlers as Torre Alba or White Tower; its name was changed to Turrialba. The reason of its name is the observed plumes of smoke pouring from its top.

Turrialba Volcano was declared a national park in 1955, and protects a 4 km diameter around the volcano. The volcano has three main craters; however, only the largest one shows any signs of volcanic activity in form of steam and sulphur vents. Although it has relatively easy access, the summit can only be reached by foot. It is surrounded by cloud forest, full of ferns, bromeliads and orquids.

There are many options to get to the park; the road is not in good condition. There are many tours that visit the park (although they required 4 x 4), as well as other touristic sites in the surrounding area, such as the Guayabo, Rivers, and beautiful landscapes, among others. There are also public buses that go to the closes city, Turrialba.

The bus station for Turrialba is Transtusa Transportation, which is located in the Street 13, and Ave. 6. The public bus leaves daily, every hour from 5:15 a.m. in the morning until 10:00 p.m., and returns (Turrialba - San Jose) hourly from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The trip takes 2 hours. To communicate with Transtusa Transportes, the phone numbers are (506) 2222-4464 and (506) 2556-4233.

Irazu Volcano

The Irazu Volcano is one of the seven active volcanos in Costa Rica. The Irazu Volcano National Park is located in the Cordillera Central close to the city of Cartago, specifically in the Central Volcanic Conservation Area and encompasses the Prusia Forest Reserve. Although it has erupted frequently, at least 23 times since 1723, its most famous eruption began in 1963 and continued until 1965.

The US President John F. Kennedy was visiting Costa Rica when the volcano erupted showering with an immense cloud of ash the capital San Jose and much of the central highlands of Costa Rica. However, since then the volcano has remained dormant, with the exception of a small phreatic eruption that happened on 1994, and that killed vegetation and some small animals with acid rain.

Irazu Volcano has several craters. The main crater is usually greenish and yellow, caused by the rainfall and dissolve minerals. Sometimes it turns to a rust-red color because of the presence of certain minerals. The inactive crater has a green Crater Lake called Diego de la Haya, and it is sometimes filled with volcanic ash. It is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica. 

In very clear days, it is possible to see both the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans; however, this is a very rare phenomenon due to the normal weather conditions of the country. The last Crater called Playa Hermosa, was a great asset crater at the beginning, right now the border of the crater is having its natural regeneration of flora.

La Cangreja National Park

La Cangreja National Park is located in the Cangreja Puriscal Canton, in the Province of San Jose. The area is known as Mastatal located inside the mountain and whose only form of access is through the use of wheel-drive vehicle; the road is, for the most part, weights and muddy due to the large amount of rain that falls in that area.

To reach this National Park people must take the road towards Puriscal; then take the road passing through villages like Parrita Puriscal, Saltpetre, and Mastatal among other smaller blowgun Santa Marta, San Martin and Santa Rosa. Among the interesting elements of this pathway is the Church of Puriscal, closed because of its location on a large seismic fault. Gradually, this church is sinking and it is at risk of falling because of a strong earthquake. La Cangreja National Park is the last patch of forest declared by the Government of Costa Rica as a National Park on June 5, 2002, Decree 30479-MINAE.

Travel from Costa Rica to Colombia by road: Is it possible?

Many people have come to ask me as a travel agent, how they can go from Costa Rica to Colombia by car or bus. All Central America is connected by a road call Panamerican Highway. It pass through all countries in Central America: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. It stops in Panama when it gets closer to the frontier with Colombia. The so called "Tapon de Darien" is a very dense jungle with an immense value in biodiversity. Although some Colombian President such as Alvaro Uribe, have mentioned the necessity of creating a road that communicates Panama with Colombia, but many sectors of the population are opposed to that ideas because of many reasons. Some of those reasons are the environmental damage that the construction of a road in that area may have, and the increased risk of having non wanted immigration to Panama, among others.

The first and more comfortable option is to flight from Panama or Costa Rica to Colombia (the available airlines are Avianca and Copa). The flights range between $300 and $450 per person depending on the season.

The second option is to get a Boat Tour: there are some boats transporting goods from Colon (Panama) to Cartagena, or from Panama to Buenaventura, but there´s no regular service. There is also sailboat transportation to Colombia, which offers top quality service at a high price that will make the distance an intense and beautiful trip to the Colombian coasts.

If you really want to go by car, there must be a ship that moves your car from Panama (Colon) to Cartagena (Colombia). The price tag could be very high, and I think it won’t be worthy.

In any case, you should plane your vacation carefully or at least have a lot of time to spare since the ship or car option will require of special arrangements and information hunting.

I hope this information is useful for you travelers.

Ballena National Marine Park

Ballena National Marine Park is located in the Puntarenas Province, on the Pacific Coast, about 190 kilometers southwest of San Jose. It is a favorite Park for locals and tourist alike. The park includes the area from Playa Hermosa to Playa Piñuela, including Playa Ballena and Playa Uvita, covering around 15 kilometers of seaward. Ballena National Marine Park was created as a way to protect the many marine biological communities of the Pacific Coast, maintaining its productivity and preserve critical marine reproductive habitats such as coral reefs (the largest of the Pacific Coast of Central America), marine turtles such as Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles, and humpback whales. The landscape of the park includes beautiful forests, beaches, mangroves, rocky shoals and Las Tres Hermanas, which are small islands located in front of the shores of the park; Ballena Island is the name of the middle one. Its name comes from the many Humpback whales that visit the park each year when they migrate to the cold waters of the North part of the world, from December to April to mate. Among the activities that can be enjoyed in the park are hiking to Punta Uvita Tombolo, snorkeling (especially at low tide), beach combing, scuba diving, and turtle nesting (between May and November). Because this are was designated as a Marine Park 25 years ago, there is an abundance of marine life. The northernmost beach in the park is known as Playa Hermosa, and it is a favorite location for both surfers.

Ballena National Marine Park does not have a wide effective protection by park rangers; however, people are advice to enter the park and be conscious about the importance of maintaining this area trash free and to respect the presence of the nesting marine turtles.

Palo Verde National Park

Palo Verde National Park is one of the most amazing places for bird watching in Costa Rica. It is located in the northern province of Guanacaste. It is home of over one half million birds which migrate during the months of December through March, escaping the extreme cold weather of North America. They feed on the shallow swamps rich in small fish and flora. Some of the species that could be found in the area are egrets, storks, spoonbills, herons, ibis, and ducks among many other. Within the park lies the Tempisque River, with a small island called Isla de Pajaros. The Park protects tropical dry forest, brackish, freshwater marshlands, and mangrove swamps.

¿How to get from Costa Rica to Nicaragua by bus?

Costa Rica is very well known as a top touristic destination for people who like nature and adventure. It is ideal for family vacations, and adventure lovers. If you are planning to come to Costa Rica and are wondering if it is worthy to visit our neighbor country Nicaragua during your visit, you will find your answer here. 

Costa Rica is a small country, and the distance from Capital San Jose to the Nicaragua´s frontier is of 7 to 8 hours by car. National public bus may take a little longer, and other public transportation such as TicaBus or Nica bus will probide with all the basic commodities to make your trip a little less tiring. Normal costarican public bus will take you to Peñas Blancas and the you will continue your trip on your own. TicaBus will leave you either in Managua or Granada. If you are going to Nicaragua by bus, buy your ticket in the main bus stop at San Jose, or in the main office of TicaBus:

200 mts North y 100 mts West from Torre Mercedes, Paseo Colón, in front of Funeraria del Magisterio Nacional.
 

Once you are in the frontier: Peñas Blancas, you will be asked to do costums and migration. Make sure you have your passport, all your legal documents and a returned ticket to enter to Costa Rica on your way back (it is one of the requisit to reenter Costa Rica). If you are lucky you will go throught in no time, but normally the authorities make you make a line to check all your packages and bags both ways. Depending on your nationality you may have to pay a entry visa to get to Nicaragua, and later a $2 Nicaraguan tax.

From Peñas Blancas to Granada, the colonial city of Nicaragua, the distance is very short, taking approximately 45 minutes. To Managua, the main city, it is around 1 hour 30 minutes.

If you are coming to Costa Rica and rent a car, you will not be allowed to cross the frontier with the car. All vehicles that cross the frontiers of Costa Rica have to have a special permit from the government. 

Hope this info is useful!

Costa Rica Information

COSTA RICA GENERAL INFORMATION


Capital of Costa Rica: San José
Official Language: Spanish
Government: Democratic
Population: 4,233,432 (2007)
Currency: Costa Rican Colón


Costa Rica is located, according to the Ecuador, in the Northern Hemisphere, and according to the Greenwich meridian, in the Occidental Hemisphere. Its geographic coordinates are 10 north, 84 west. Costa Rica is part of what is called Central or Middle America, main land. Because of its geographic location, Costa Rica has a strategic value in communication and commercial relationships, climate, and in productive and politic activities. The country is 2.5 times larger than wider with a total area of 51,100sq km, out of which 50,660sq km are land. From these, 6% is arable land, 5% permanent crops, 46% permanent pastures, 31% forest and woodland, and 12% of others, including Coco Island, and 440sq km of water, (1,200sq km are irrigated land).

The area of the country can be compared with the area of West Virginia. Costa Rica’s borderline is about 639 km and it borders Nicaragua in the north (309 km) and Panama in the south (330 km). Its coastline is approximately 1,290 km, and it has the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Its climate is mostly tropical with two marked seasons: dry season from December to April and rainy season from May to November. Christopher Columbus arrived to Costa Rica on his 4th journey in 1502. When he arrived he saw a wonderful rich land full of lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, that he called “Rich Coast” or Costa Rica.

Costa Rica small country of 51.0000 square Km., is a complex and perhaps more diverse than any place of its size on earth, divided into several distinct regions, each of them looks like an entirely separate place, where you will find a large number of rivers, plains, mountains, valleys, flora, fauna, volcanoes, beaches, protected areas, and biological reserves. Its many and varied attractions that make this country a great destinations for any visitor.

It was the first country in the world to constitutionally abolish its army, by former president José Figueres Ferrer in 1948, consolidating the country as one of the oldest democracies in the Americas. Among Latin American Human Development Index. It has around 4 million people with a wide variety of religions and cultures, and a 95% of literacy among its population. The country is ranked 5th in the world, and 1st among the Americas, in terms of the 2008 Environmental Performance Index. countries, Costa Rica ranks 4th in terms of the 2007.

Costa Rica is located in the tropical zone, and its geographical coordinates provide it with a unique diversity of flora and fauna. Its privileged location in the isthmus enable Costa Rica to become a biological bridge for the gathering of fauna and forest species, and also a cultural link for the cultures form the south and north areas of the continent. Costa Rica is the world's most popular destination for rainforest tourism thanks to its spectacular biodiversity, relative ease-of-access and safety, and many natural attractions. In 2007 nearly 2 million tourists visited the country, generating almost 2 billion in revenue - more than the combined income from bananas and coffee.

Costa Rica has a population of 4.000.000 people, and the native language iof the country si Spanish. However is not difficult for our foreigners to communicate using other language that are usually spoken here, such as, French, English, Italian or German.

Catholicism is the official religion, freedom of religion to all is guaranteed.It is a democratic republic, and the system is based in the balance of the three powers: Executive-, Legislative-, and Judiciary, established by the Political Constitution of Costa Rica. San Jose is the Capital city of the country ansd it is located in the central valley, and represents the centre of the metropolitan area.

The population of the metropolitan area goes around one million inhabitants, including the floating population. There are some historical sites and museums, where to explore the architectural, archaeological, artistic and scientific patrimony. Costa Rica nickname TICOS are proud to be famous for being hospitable, educated and working people, they love to smile and shake your hand, they try to explain something that may look rather weird to the visitor. The idea is the visitor feel comfortable and in home.



CLIMATE
Costa Rica is a tropical country and does not have well defined seasons and the climates is stable in every region year around. We have light climatic changes according to the time of the year, for example summer time called -dry season- from December to April or winter – rainy season- from May to November.

Costa Rica has one of the biggest diversities in the world, and is privileged country for being home of many diverse organisms, considered to be one of twenty countries on the world with the highest diversity in species, estimated in 12-14 million species of all kind of organisms in the world, of which only 1.75 million has been described.With such diversity, Costa Rica is also home of 850 species of birds, from which 600 are resident and the remaining are migratory during the winter, the former flying out to South America. Costa Rica is a country that has given a great deal of attention to the conservation and preservation of its national parks, forests and jungles.

COSTA RICA FLORA AND FAUNA

Costa Rica is one of the countries where an unusual amount and variety of fauna and flora are found. Its rich and abundant fauna included more than 200 species of mammals, more than 850 species of birds, 200 species of amphibians and 220 species of reptiles. The wonders of Costa Rica nature has allow the country to develop a crescent touristic activity based on ecotourism and rural tourism, all in harmony with nature. Hummingbirds, doves, sloths, butterflies, snakes, giant lizards, sea turtles, among many others, can be found in many places in Costa Rica.

In such a small country, there are many different habitats, such as dry forest, rain forest, cloud forest, and mangroves, among many others. There are more than 9.000 species of higher plants, more than 800 species of ferns, including the unique blue fern, 2000 species of bromeliads, and 30 species of heliconians, among many others.

THE TICOS AND TICAS

Living in a country with a salubrious climate with sweet and soft winds, beautiful countryside, active and smoking volcanoes, occasional rainbows and fluffy white cumulus, Costa Ricans are very friendly, dignified and indenpendent. Tico and Ticas are peaceful, friendly and proud to have a beautiful country to share with visitors from all over the world. Passing through Costa Rican countryside, it is impressive to look people living in houses on plots of land that they themselves own and farm.

Chirripo National Park

Chirripo National Park is located around 151 km away from San Jose, close to the city of Perez Zeledon (San Isidro del General). It has an extension of 50.150 hectares and it is better to visit the park during the dry season, which is December through March.

It is truly an unique National Park in the country, due to its mist and cold weather, and the flora of the Paramo life zone. Besides the Paramo, it also contains extensive areas of lower montane and montane rain forest. Chirripo National Park was declared a "Biosphere Reserve" by the UNESCO in 1982, and a year later (1983) was declared a "World Heritage Site".

Among its main attractions are mountain hiking, wildlife observation and technical rock climbing. The park has its name because of the Chirripó Peak, which is the tallest mountain in the country (3.819 meters high). Visitors should be prepared for great temperature variations (from 24º C to below 0º temperatures).

Visitors should call the National Park and arrange their stay in the shelter up in the Park. Due to its great altitude it is advice for visitors to stay in the park at least 2 days. From the entrance to the park to the top of the mountain where the shelter is, there are 15 kilometers, which is around a 10 hours hike.

Link: 10 Wonders of Costa Rica

Come and enjoy Costa Rica

 

http://www.bananaadventuretours.com

How to get to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is located north of Panama in Central America, and for its location, the country has many different ways of getting here. Numerous international flights arrive to Costa Rica everyday from all over the world, and from many different airlines (America Airline, Taca, Copa, US Airways, Continental Airlines, Cubana, Delta, Iberia and Mexicana, among others). It is 2.5 hours by air from Miami, 7 hours from Los Angeles, and 11 hours from London (depending on the flight stops). Costa Rica is a welcoming country, Americans and Canadians have a free visa (with valid passport) for up to 90 days, while other countries have up to 30 days. Only Western Europeans and Nicaraguans need visa to enter the country.

International Airports

The country has two international airports fully functional. The first and most important one is the Juan Santamaria International Airport, located in the province of Alajuela, around 25 minutes from San Jose downtown. There are very hotels close by the international airport; however, the airport is not too far away from the capital. The second international airport is called Daniel Odubert International Airport, located in the city of Liberia, in the province of Guanacaste. It is a great airport to arrive to if you plans to stay in the beaches of Guanacaste. The price range varies according to the season, however, an average goes from $400 to $800 for Americans, and from $800 to $1000 for Europeans.

There is also a main national airport in the Capital city named Tobias Bolaños Airport, which connects domestic flights to most places in Costa Rica and their local airports. Among the domestic flights companies are Sansa, Nature Air, Paradise Air, and Aero Bell.

The Exit Taxes, right now is $26 per person, and it could be bought directly in the International Airport just before checking in on your airline counter.

International Cruises and Ports

Costa Rica is also a cruise port for both, Caribbean Cruises (Limon) and Pacific Ocean Cruises (Puntarenas). Many tourist visit the country through the many cruises that dock in Costa Rica, and have even time to visit the most touristic places located close by.

Roads and Highways

The size of the country allows tourist to visit other destinies by land, such as Nicaragua and Panama. The island of San Andrés (Colombia) could be visited through a short flight from the Juan Santamaria International Airport. Even though the roads are not in perfect condition, Costa Rica could be access from everywhere. Visitors could include in their vacations a quick trip to Bocas del Toro (Panama), to David and Boquete (Panama), and to Granada-Managua (Nicaragua).

There are many rent-a-car companies in the country, including Adobe Rent a Car, Dollar Rent a Car, and Avis Rent a Car, among others.

Currency Exchange Tips

A Stress Free Vacation Starts With a Currency Exchange

Plan Planning a vacation can be frustrating

We all want to get away from the rat race of nine-to-five job, which usually turns into a nine-to-whenever lifestyle. Some of us travel to warm and tropical countries such as beautiful Costa Rica to experience local attractions and unique cultures. Whatever the choice, it’s important to plan the trip at least two months ahead of your departure in order to book accommodations, and the extras features that make a vacation special. Airline seats, hotel rooms and restaurant reservations, as well as booking other local attractions are essential, but researching the currency exchange market while you’re planning and developing a travel budget will make the trip less stressful and much more fun. If you check the value of your currency pair using a reliable currency exchange broker in the planning stage, you can develop an exchange strategy that saves you money.

As exciting as Costa Rica is, planning the trip can be frustrating if you wait until the last minute to develop a currency exchange strategy that has an impact on your budget. Let’s say you were traveling to a country that is experiencing radical fluctuations in the value of their currency. Argentina for example could turn into a nightmare if you wait until you reach Buenos Aires and exchange currency for the Argentine Peso and the Peso’s value has surged overnight.

Where should I exchange currency?

The first place that comes to mind when you want to trade currencies is a bank, or you may want to use one of your credit cards. Banks charge a transaction fee for every exchange and may even add a foreign exchange fee of 2 or 3% on each transaction. Banks may only post one or two rates a day, so you may not get a real time rate, which means the bank makes a little more profit. Credit cards use their own exchange rate, plus they add a hefty transaction fee to your exchange and then add a surcharge to every trip purchase, so you don’t know how much the trip actually cost until you get your statement and that’s usually budget breaking news.

Using an airport exchange merchant or hotels and retail shops to exchange money is always expensive. Exchanging money is a for-profit business so airport, hotel and retail exchange merchants add a substantial profit to every currency exchange. The best and most effective way to exchange currency is through a professional currency broker. A reliable broker will give you a real time exchange rate without hidden fees, surcharges and outlandish profits.

A broker will help you develop an averaging or future contract strategy while you’re planning the trip, so your budget is more accurate. When you exchange currency using a broker, your money will be sent to you the next day by a secure delivery service. A currency broker does make a profit when you exchange money, but you know how much it is, and can put it in your budget.

Other travel tips

Some countries limit the amount of cash you can carry through customs. Check with your broker while you’re planning your trip, so you stay within the limit. Always carry cash in a leg pouch, money belt or hidden pocket that’s secure and out of sight. Use hotel safes when you reach your destination and follow local security measures when you’re away from the hotel. Common sense is your best security tool when you remember to use it.

Los Quetzales National Park

Costa Rica is about the 0,01% of the World but has the 3% of the biodiversity of the world in its territory. The government has made a great effort to protect the country's nature; and in April, 2006, a new National Park was created: Los Quetzales National Park. It was created with the support of the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID). This national park seeks to protect the Savegre River area and it covers 4.117.09 hectares that includes three types of rainforest and 14 different ecosystems; its highest altitude is 3.190 meter above sea level, and the lowest is 1.240 m. The rainy season for this area is May to November, with a average precipitation of 4.667 mm; the temperature ranges from 0º C to 20º C.
Los Quetzales National Park is located close to the Talamanca Ranger, in the San Jose Province. It is around 75 km south of San Jose city along the Interamerican Highway. Visitors could see green and red quetzals. It is a land of great wonders, full of Quetzales, a beautiful bird from which the name of the park is derived. The wildlife that the parks seek to protect also includes hummingbirds, the puma, sloths, coyotes, quetzal, jilguero, mozotillo de montaña, chancho de monte (saino), and other species of mammals. Among the flora species protected by the park are aguacatillos, palmitos, cloud forest, paramos and many rivers and streams.
To contact Los Quetzales National Park call (506) 2200-5354 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (506) 2200-5354      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (506) 2200-5354      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (506) 2200-5354      end_of_the_skype_highlighting in Ojo de Agua de Dota. The park has a visitor center, camping area and 8 trails (Ojo de Agua, La Laguna, Ciprecillo Milenario, Rio Brujo, Ojo de Agua-Providencia, Ojo de Agua-San Gerardo, Providencia-San Gerardo, and Cerro Frio)

Costa Rica Travel Facts

• The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish, although many Ticos and Ticas know Basic English. On touristic areas, hotel receptionist and tour operator guides speak English as well.

• Costa Rica has the same time zone of the U.S. Central Standard Time, but without daylight savings time.

• Most restaurants in Costa Rica include a 10% tip in the final price. It is not necessary to leave tip on restaurants or for taxi drivers. However, you can leave tips for tourist guides and tourist drivers if you would like to.

• Costa Rica has also a sale tax of 13%, and an additional 3% tourist tax for hotels. This additional 3% goes to the Costa Rica Tourist Board.

• The water in Costa Rica is safe to drink everywhere in the country, although some organism are sensitive to other places water, so we advice to buy bottle water for the first days of your stay in the country.

• As for the commercial offices, stores and other business, the business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Government offices are opened from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• The airport tax is $26 per person. It has to be paid in dollars or colones, but not with credit card.

• Costa Rica country code is 506; there are not regional codes. Bilingual operator assistance for international calls is 116, local phone information 113, long distance information 124.

• US or Canadian cell phones almost certainly will not work in Costa Rica, but if they do work, there will be a call fee of $5 per minute. There are some cell phone rent companies in the country but they can be really expensive.

Family Vacations

Family vacations are great! When planed well, it helps the family`s bond to get stronger. Everyday life can be very stressful and sometimes parents do not have the enough time to have quality moments with their children, so when a family goes into a vacation, it gives the opportunity to be there full time and get to know a little more the kids. Planning a family vacation at least once a year is healthy for all members of the family.

Imagine amazing long days in a white sand beach on the Pacific, enjoying the sun, visiting interesting museums and why not? Experiencing a variety of adventure activities surrounded by nature. When choosing a destination for your family vacations, you have to consider what you would like to do during your vacations so you will have many fun memories to share over time, how much time you would like to spend in the destination, and how much you have available to spend. The moments gather during a family vacation will stay with you a lifetime.

Costa Rica is a great destination for so many reasons. Some good points are: the airline tickets are no very expensive coming from the United States and there is a wide variety of options for all kinds of budget. From all inclusive hotels, unique little countryside lodges, or luxurious hotels, and more. Costa Rica is a country to experience nature from a new different point of view. Get to know the forest from the top down in a Canopy Tour, or walk in hanging bridges through the forest, enjoy the river surrounded by waterfalls and amazing fauna on a white water rafting trip, or hike through many natural parks or natural reserves in the country.

There are at least three family vacation packages you may choose from:

Family Adventures Package – It involves a number of adventure activities such as canopy tour, white water rafting, horseback riding, and hiking among others, combined with a visit to the hot springs in one of the most touristic places in the country and some time in a Pacific Beach in Costa Rica. Costa Rica Family Tour and Adventure.

All inclusive Family Vacations Package – You may choose one of the few inclusive resorts of the country and spend most of the vacation in a beautiful beach, enjoying relaxing tours and great food. There is also the option of a three meal a day lodge in the middle of the mountain, such as Tortuguero or Rincon de la Vieja. Custom Desing Adventure.

Beach Family Vacation Package – If you want to enjoy the beach but having some freedom to know other places around, you may choose on of the amazing beaches of the Guanacaste Province, and rent car for your family, with or without a driver. Custom Desing Adventure.

Costa Rica Culture

Costa Rica is a country located in Central America, with a population of around 4 million people and a high number of imigrants. It is one of the most homogeneous countries in the region, especially when it comes to social classes; a high quantity of Ticos are middle class. Costa Rica`s main religion is Catolicism, and most Ticos and Ticas are very conservative and religious poeple.

Travel Checklist

Banana Adventure Tours would like to help you plan your trip abroad and stay safe during your vacations. Some of the advice we can give you are before you go:

• Get the information about the nearest embassy, in Costa Rica or in the countries you will be visiting. For more information about your embassy in Costa Rica, you may visit the web page of the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores.

• It is better to travel with an international insurance that will cover you for any activity you may do during your vacations.

• Get the vaccinations you may need before you travel. For example, for some countries, such as Colombia, you may need to get the Yellow Fever Vaccination. It may vary according with the time of your trip, but make sure you ask.

• Make sure you have the information about visas that you may need to travel to Costa Rica, or any country during your trip. Also check that your passport is valid, if you do not have one yet, you may want to apply for it as soon as possible.

• Check the entry requirements for the country you are visiting. For Costa Rica, you need a valid passport for six months. Also you need a print flight itinerary with the return flight back to your country.

• Get photocopies of your passport and any other important documents and have it store in a place separate to the originals.

• Inform a relative or friend about your trip and make sure you specify when you are living and how much time you will be away.

• Take enough money in cash for your travel, in case you encounter any trouble. You can have a combination of travellers check, cash, and international credit cards.

• If you want to know some travel advice about Costa Rica, you may enter the Summary of the consular assistant department.You can also read a little more the country in Costa Rica Travel Tips.

• Investigate if your mobile service works outside the country, and specifically in Costa Rica.

• Tell your credit card company that you will be out of the country, so they will not close your account as a security measure.

• During your trip, don’t openly display your valuables. That way you will stay safe.

• Make sure you know about the regulations for food and water. There are some countries where tap water is not safe. In Costa Rica, tap water is safe; however, you may want to buy bottle water to avoid any traveler disease.

Link: Banana Adventure Tours

Costa Rica´s vegetables

In Costa Rica you can find almost anything! Everything is sold so fresh and at very good prices. Eating good is the most important thing to be able to stay healthy and productive. Don´t miss going to the Farmer Market every saturday or sunday depending on the place you are in.

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"La Carreta" of Costa Rica

La Carreta is one of Costa Rica´s national simbol. It can be still found in its most original form in Costa Rica´s country side.

Link: 101 thing to know about Costa Rica

Costa Rica: Biodiversity World Lider

• Costa Tiene has 4.5% of the world biodiversity.

• A 26,6% of Costa Rica is under some kind of protected area.
  

• Costa Rica gives to the world around 2 new species per day to the world.

Link: Biodiversity

Gran Final del Campeonato Nacional

Gran Final del Campeonato Nacional SAPRISA vs LA LIGA
15 de Mayo, 2010 - 7:00 p.m.

Oscuridad mundial: En mayo 1 desde las 21:50 a las 22:00 horas.

ESTE APAGÓN SERÁ DE 21:50 A 22:00, A LA MISMA HORA LOCAL DE CADA PAÍS EN TODO EL MUNDO.

Earth Hour

Se propone apagar todas las luces y si es posible todos los aparatos eléctricos, para que nuestro planeta pueda 'respirar'. Si la respuesta es masiva, la energía que se ahorra puede ser brutal.
Solo 10 minutos y vea que pasa. Si estamos 10 minutos en la oscuridad, prendamos una vela y simplemente la miramos y nosotros estaremos respirando con nuestro planeta. Recuerde que la unión hace la fuerza y el Internet puede tener mucho poder y puede ser aun algo más grande.

Enlace: Earth Hour

Earth Hour

Earth Hour 2010 will be held across the World on Saturday 27 Match 8.30 PM - 9.30 P.M.



Lights across major sights around the globe will be switched off for the benefit of the world. From the Sydney Opera house to the Eiffel tower in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome and more. Envoy is small but our heart is big and we care! The lights in the common areas will be switched off for the Earth Hour. And in true Envoy style, we will provide entertainment "How Armenians Say Toast" for all who would like to join us. DO your bit for the environment and please switch off the light in your room, come to the common room during Earth Hour and together, let's say a toast to the world!

Enlace: Earth Hour

Know San Jose by little train

Mountain Biking in Coronado, Costa Rica

San Jose has many different places where cyclist can be seen practicing in the main roads of a smaller seccion of the city. Coronado is one of those places where there are many mountain bikers that enjoy the landscape of the countryside and go around the town in their mountain bikes.

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101 Most Important things to know about Costa Rica

1. Costa Rica is a small country located in Central America.

2. Costa Rica’s capital is San Jose, located in the center of the country. San Jose is the political

and economical center of the country.

3. Costa Rica is located 10º North of the equator and 84º West of the Prime Meridian; 9°55′N

and 84°4′W.

4. Costa Rica has a land extension of 51.100 km2 and 589.000 km2 of territorial waters.

5. Costa Rica official language is Spanish; there are other languages spoken in the country, such

as Mekatelio or Limon Creole (55.000 people) and some other indigenous languages.

6. Costa Rica official religion is Catholicism.

7. Costa Rica has 7 provinces: San Jose, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Limón, Puntarenas y

Guanacaste.

8. Costa Ricans call themselves Ticos and Ticas, or Costar Ricans.

9. Costa Rica is said to be one of the happiest countries on Earth according to a British

organization called New Economic Foundation, which used the Happy Planet Index in an

independent study of 143 nations around the world.

10. There are 4,509,290 Costa Ricans (2009), with a population density of 85/km2.

11. San Jose province has a population of 1.547.760 people.

12. Costa Rica is a democratic country with elections every 4 years.

13. Costa Rica is a neutral country that does not take sides in any world`s war or conflict.

14. Costa Rica is a friendly and peaceful country.

15. Costa Rica`s Time Zone is UTC-6.

16. Costa Rica country code is +506, and the Internet TLD is .cr.

17. Costa Rica`s popular saying is PURA VIDA.

To read more go to 101 Important Things to Know about Costa Rica.

Pulperias in Costa Rica

The “pulperias”, usually located close by a small town, where they sell all kinds of snacks, and sometimes even work as small supermarkets with the basics.>

Yet another example of a Pulperia in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica´s Original Countryside

Bike shops in San Jose, Costa Rica

You can find this Ciclo shops all around San Jose, particularly where mountain bike is a big sport practiced by many people, not only for sport but as a way to move around. Prices are very confortable and the service is great!



Visit Coronado, San Jose - Costa Rica

Humor in Costa Rica Elections 2010

Destruction of Weapons Monument - Costa Rica

Destruction of Weapons Monument, located in La Paz Park, on the south side of Costa Rica. This monument honors the destruction of weapons after the abolition of the army in Costa Rica.

As Miguel Hernandez said:

"Poco valen las armas que la sangre no nutre
ante un pueblo de pómulos noblemente dispuestos,
poco valen las armas: les falta voz y frente,
les sobra estruendo y humo (...)
un hombre desarmado siempre es un firme bloque:
Sabe que no es estéril su firmeza, y resiste."

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Costa Rica Elections 2010

New mountain biking route Coronado

Costa Rica is such a beautiful country. Many tourist come to the country each year to know what is there to offer. However, for those tourists that would like to know planes that are not very touristic and that will give a sense of truly experiencing the country, there are special places to visit.



Among these places is Coronado and the mountain biking routes not known by many people and not offered for tourists. Get to know the route Dulce Nombre - Gallera - El Rodeo - San Pedro (Coronado), through country side trails and the so called "potreros". I had the opportunity to visit the area through http://www.bananaadventuretours.com, and the biking packages offered.

Mountain Bike Costa Rica

La Paz Park - San Jose, Costa Rica

Green areas in every city are very important to maintaining the quality of life of people. San Jose has many big green areas in San Jose, the capital city. One of these green areas is Parque La Paz, as well as La Sabana Metropolitan Park. La Paz Park is located in Desamparados, San Jose. It is located on the south part of the city of San Jose. I was created during the first precidency of Oscar Arias, and Guido Saenz (Minister of Culture). There is an extensive area for people to enjoy their weekends. A lot of kids come to the park to flight kites of all sizes and enjoy the sun in a family activity.

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Art in the streets of San Jose

A new art work in San Jose. You can enjoy this piece on the wall of a building located in one corner of San jose Downtown.

Homenaje al perro de la calle en Costa Rica

Costa Rica´s original countryside

Adventure Lover Special

Costa Rica Adventure Package Special

$955 per person (4 people minimun) tax included!

Available until July 2010! Visit Banana Adventure Tours and book your trip now!


This adventure package was created for Adventure Lovers who would like to come to Costa Rica and enjoy the adventure challenges offered.

Day 1: Arrive San José. Airport pick up. Transfer to Arenal. Overnight at Arenal.

Day 2: White Water Rafting Pacuare River. Overnight at Arenal (BL).

Day 3: Arenal Volcano Hike and Baldi Hot Springs. Overnight at Arenal (BD).

Day 4: Jeep, Boat, Jeep tour to Monteverde. Canopy Tour. Overnight at Monteverde (B).

Day 5: Trabsfer to Manuel Antonio. Overnight at Manuel Antonio (B).

Day 6: Kayak Tour. Overnight at Manuel Antonio (B).

Day 7: Transfer to San José. San Jose City Tour. Overnight at San Jose (B).

Day 8: Transfer Out to the airport (B).

Package includes:

3 Nights at Arenal
1 Night at Monteverde
2 Nights at Manuel Antonio
1 Night at San Jose
Transfer San José - Arenal
White Water Rafting Tour (one day)
Arenal Volcano Hike Tour
Baldi Hot Springs
Jeep-Boat-Jeep Tour
Canopy Tour Monteverde
Transfer Monteverde - Manuel Antonio
Kayak Tour
Transfer Manuel Antonio – San Jose
San Jose City Tour
Transfer Out International Airport

Send an e-mail to info@bananaadventuretours.com or go to www.bananaadventuretours.com.

2010 International Year of Biodiversity

UNESCO has declared International Year of Biodiversity 2010, in an attempt to decrease the rapid erosion of land, deforestation and damaged ecosystem in the world due to no sustainable economic practices. According to the UNESCO web site: "The UN-declared International Year of Biodiversity marks the 2010 Biodiversity Target aiming to significantly reduce the rate of biodiversity loss by this date."

Biodiversity is Life - Biodiversity is our Life

Biodiversity is more than beautiful animals and plants, it is the core of life as we know it and very important to the well being of the Planet Earth and the human being. The United Nations is trying to redefine the current approach to biodiversity conservation, making it clear to all people in the world that biodiversity is truly the center of life in the world as we know it.

La Carreta - Costa Rica Culture

La Carreta is one of the national symbols of Costa Rica. The origin of the Carreta came from Spain on the 16th century, and underwent a series of modifications according to the culture of the country, to become what is now.

The first type of Carreta was the so called Cureña; it was very simple, built out of rough woods, with a triangular base, and with no painting. It was in the Central Valley where the Carreta was painted and stylized, around the 20th century. It was commonly use to carry coffee to the port. The design of the wheels is usually base on nature and the use of color is very important. The Boyeros are the people who accompanied the Carreta along the bulls. La Carreta has become a national symbol of Costa Rica and can be seen in many traditional places, or in the parades the Boyeros do during the year in many places of the country.

Visit Costa Rica

Other interesting links:

Costa Rica Culture
Las Mascaradas - Costa Rica Culture
Costa Rica Architecture

Costa Rica: Interesting things to see in San Jose

Walking around the city, you may be able to see these sceneries: Local street vendors, walking around, offering their products. I am always amazed by the colorful scenery they offer. Some may say that they block traffic or make the city disorganized; I believe they are just part of the culture and should be appreciated as well.



Link: Visit Costa Rica

III Clásica Recreativa Miravalles 2010

The ride will take place at Bagaces de Guanacaste, January 24, 2001 at 9:00 a.m. The registration fee is 5.000 colones per person. For more information visit Bikecr.

Costa Rica: Public transportation in San Jose

Costa Rica has a pretty good public transportation service, connecting many different places from San Jose Downtown. Most places and all touristic places in the country can be reached by public pus with a low fee, although it may take few hours depending of the location. Inside the Metropolitan area, including San Jose, Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago, there are pretty good public transportation services, with very good schedules:


San Jose - Alajuela and Airport: every 10 minutes from 4:20 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

San Jose - Cartago: every 10 minutes from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

San Jose - Heredia: every 10 minutes from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.


There are also regular buses to the surrounding areas of San Jose, such as Guadalupe, Coronado, Moravia, Desamparados, Alajuelita, Paseo Colon, Escazu, Santa Ana, and many more.

As for taxis, there are many around the city and the whole Metropolitan Area. The taxis use a taximeter they called Maria, which indicates the price to pay at the end of the ride; the Marias have a minimum for the first kilometer, after that, the prices goes up. Touristic locations also have taxis available, although some do not use taximeters, but they use a set price for each ride. People can stop a taxi in the street or they can call the Taxi company to ask for one to come to a specific location.


Link: Visit Costa Rica

Recreativa Campo 3

This Mountain Bike Ride will take place on Sunday February 28, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. The registration fee is 3.500 colones per person, and it will begin at Campo Tres Este School. There will be two routes: the short one with 30 kilometers, and the long ride with 50 kilometers. Water, refresments and fruits, special escoba car and medical assistence will be available.

For more information please visit Bikecr.

Visit Costa Rica and enjoy the ride.

Turrialba Volcano: Yellow Alert

Today, Costa Rica is in Yellow Alert for the imminent danger of Turrialba Volcano. The Volcano used to be dormant for more than 150 years until in the year 2007 it began some volcanic activity again. Now, in the first days of the year 2010, Turrialba Volcano has become the most active and dangerous volcano of the country, place that used to have Arenal Volcano in earlier days. Yesterday, Turrialba Volcano began some eruptions of ashes that combined with the rain were very impressive. Many people move to some safe places while the government and specialists check the status of the volcano. Although there has been great activity and earthquakes, specialist say that it does not seem to be in the verge of a magma eruption. However, only time will say.

For more information please check the Costa Rican news.