Coronado Mountain Biking Routes in Costa Rica

Coronado (Vazquez de Coronado) is a still rural place close to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. It is a great place to practice mountain biking. There are many different routes depending on physical level required. The main biking route to Coronado is the main street that leads to the beautiful gothic Catholic church of Coronado donwtown. The most adventurous ones, continue the road towards Las Nubes de Coronado, where the landscape its a dream, with "potreros" and farming houses. Farther tan Las Nubes is Cascajal, where the paved road ends and the graved road begins.

There are many others, but one tat I personaly like a lot is the path that begins in Dulce Nombre, towards La Gallera, and detours on a graved road that leads to El Rodeo. on the way, which is hard, you will see amazing landscapes, beautiful houses, cows walking around, a Paintball location and a hidden bar in the mountains. Once on the top you can end the route down hill towards the Coronado Church or you can continue to Chocó further into the countryside.

Along te road, on weekends you will see a few people walking the same route and small groups of bikers proving themselves with this medium hard route.

For more information about the Canton you may visit the Coronado Municipality. Sometimes they have information about the races and competitions done in site. Or you can also buy the local news paper called El Coronadeño, which have important news about the events in the area.

If you want to try any of these routes or any other in the country you may visit the numerous options available. For more information about Costa Rica biking routes, please visit Banana Adventure Tours.

Local Cinnamon Bread from Reposteria La Canela

Looking around in San Jose for places that are interesting and that have something to say different to the usually touristic stuff, I found this little bakery located close to the UCR (Universidad de Costa Rica) in San Pedro. If you ask around, everyone will tell you is the best bakery ever.

Around 3 kilometers from San José Downtown, this bakery called Reposteria La Canela, has been selling its unique bread for quite a long time; it is a bread based on Cinnamon and honney, but with many other ingredients combined to make it delicious and very different to the bread that is sold everywhere in San Jose.

If you have a chance to walk around this area, made specifically to serve the necessities of the UCR students, visit this bakery and try its unique Cinnamon bread, enjoy the graffiti’s that decorate the surroundings and buy cheaper souvenirs on the street sells of the local artisans. These products are made for Ticos and Ticas and not for tourists, so you can find pretty amazing stuff, proper from the Costarrican culture of the young people.

They still don´t have a web site, but soon they will build one so you can check in advance what you want to try when you go.

Costa Rica Adventure Activities - Part II

There are three types of horseback riding tours that can be experienced in different places in the country. There is extreme horseback riding through muddy trails and steep landscape in Monteverde; horseback riding in the beach, and horseback riding close to volcanos and waterfalls. You do not need to have previous experience riding horses, and you will enjoy a cool tour through the most beautiful landscapes in Costa Rica.

Some people ask where are the best locations to enjoy either, snorkeling tours or scuba diving tours. There are few locations that offer what you are looking for, although they may be in hidden places in Costa Rica. For snorkeling tour, the best locations are Cahuita National Park, and Caño Island (South Pacific). The best scuba diving tours (other than Cocos Island), are Caño Island, Cocos beach in Guanacaste, and Uvita Island. You need to have a license to be able to prticipate in these tours; however, you may also buy the training in Costa Rica.

Enjoy a incredible boat ride on Tortuguero Canals, the Amazon of Costa Rica, while watching a great variety of wildlife and beautiful mangrove forests, and experiencing the peaceful environment of this protected area. Change your regular car transportation with a boat ride on the Arenal Lake, transfering from Arenal to Monteverde; or experience the Pacific sunset while having a drink on a small cruise through the beaches of Manuel Antonio or Tamarindo.

One special characteristic of Costa Rica is that being such a small country, it has all kinds of micro habitats that change very drastically. From the central valley to the rain forest in Braulio National Park, the beautiful Caribbean beaches and ancient range of mountains of Talamanca, the dry forest of Guanacaste, and the cloud forest of Monteverde. The mega biodiversity of Costa Rica is known in the world as one of the most impresive and interesting.

Link: Costa Rica Activities

Get a quick look to the Irazu Volcano in Cartago

Irazu Volcano National Park is located on Cartago province, around 60 kilometers of San Jose. It is a great place for a one day excursion, and enjoy the wonders of an active volcano. it is also one of the tallest mountains in Costa Rica; on a clear day a visitor can see both shores.

One of the most remarkable thing about this nature park is that on a clear day, a visitor can see both shores (the Pacific Oceand and the Caribbean Sea), from the highest point in the volcano.


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Costa Rica Adventure Tours

Bungee Jumping in Costa Rica: Extreme Adventure

Bungee Jumping at La Fortuna (ARENAL). Now, it is located in Jaco close to the beach so that your experience will be different and amazing. There is also a bungee jumping at Monteverde, which is new and very extreme.

The jump is operated by Pacific Bungee in now in Jaco. besides this type of jump, you can also experience:  Water touchdowns, Big swing, Rocket launcher, Night jumps, and Gravity tours for a very nice price. With Banana Adventure Tours you can book your adventure package and enjoy this activity among many other.



Link: Adventure Packages

Costa Rica Christmas Special 2011

Many people think that coming to Costa Rica is very expensive, but we have the answer for you. We can help you have the ultimate adventure in Costa Rica with a limited budget. Just let us know your price expectations and we can create a great deal for you. For example, this CHRISTMAS SPECIAL!!!


Costa Rica Multi Activity Tour Christmas Special - 9 days. Spending Christmas time in Costa Rica is an unique experience that will give you ever lasting memories. 


Ticos festive mood, sunshine and warm temperatures are the perfect scenery to enjoy your vacations, just before New Years at the beach. Our Costa Rica Christmas Special is the perfect combination of relaxing moments and adventure activities, experiencing the best of this beautiful country.


If you are looking for Costa Rica Family Vacation Deals, this is the place to come. Banana Adventure Tours have the best deals for big families, so that you as a group can enjoy of a Family Adventure with good prices and a wonderful experience.



Come and enjoy your christmas vacation with us in Costa Rica. It will be a great time to bond with your family and have a wonderful experience in another country. Costa Rica is a peaceful country, which main attractive is nature and the kindness of its people.


Link: Christmas Special

Costa Rica Multi-Sport Tour

8 Days Hike, rappeling, Raft, and Canopy tour Adventure. Costa Rica is every adventurer’s paradise! Explore our wildlife-rich cloud forests in Monteverde and in Rincon de la Vieja National Park. View smoldering volcanoes and soak in natural hot springs close to the Arenal Volcano. Raft exciting whitewater in Pacuare river and mountain bike through remote river valleys.

Few spots in the world offer the extraordinary natural and scenic diversity of Costa Rica. And few trips capture the essence o this small country in a combination of places and activities as well as our variety-packed 8-day multi-sport tour. Exotic, beautiful, and exhilarating, we invite you to explore Costa Rica’s tropical rain forests, beautiful beaches, and volcanic scenery. View active volcanoes and bath in natural hot springs close to Arenal Volcano. Raft exciting whitewaters and enjoy mountain bike through remote valleys.



Link: Costa Rica Adventure

Costa Rica National Anthem

The Costa Rica National Anthem named "Noble patria, tu hermosa bandera" (Noble homeland, your beautiful flag) was created by Manuel Maria Gutiérrez in 1853.

Costaricans are very proud of their country, their Tico culture and of their independece. They celebrate each September 15 the independence from the Spaniards.

Noble patria tu hermosa bandera
      Noble homeland, your beautiful flag
 Expresión de tu vida nos da:
      Expression of your life it gives us:
 Bajo el límpido azul de tu cielo
      Under the limpid blue of your skies,
 Blanca y pura descansa la paz.
      Peace reigns, white and pure.
 En la lucha tenaz de fecunda labor
      In the tenacious battle of fruitful toil,
 Que enrojece del hombre la faz,
      That brings a glow to men's faces,
 Conquistaron tus hijos, labriegos sencillos,
      Your sons, simple farm hands,
 Eterno prestigio, estima y honor,
      Gained eternal renown, esteem and honour,
 eterno prestigio, estima y honor.
      Gained eternal renown, esteem and honour.
 ¡Salve oh tierra gentil!
      Hail, gentle country!
 ¡Salve oh madre de amor!
      Hail, loving mother!
 Cuando alguno pretenda tu gloria manchar,
      If anyone should attempt to besmirch your glory,
 Verás a tu pueblo, valiente y viril
      You will see your people, valiant and virile,
 La tosca herramienta en arma trocar.
      Exchange their rustic tools for weapons.
 ¡Salve patria! tu pródigo suelo
      Hail, O homeland! Your prodigal soil
 Dulce abrigo y sustento nos da;
      Gives us sweet sustenance and shelter.
 Bajo el límpido azul de tu cielo
      Under the limpid blue of your sky,
 ¡Vivan siempre el trabajo y la paz!
      May peaceful labour ever continue!

San Ramon: A magic place in Costa Rica

This weekend we visited te city of San Ramon and a hotel located on the Cordillera de Tilaran (19 km from San Ramon) with a beautiful view to the Arenal Volcano. We drove for around an hour to San Ramon, and once we arrived to the city, we got to see the city park, one of the touristic attractions of the place. In front of the park, the beautiful Catholic church with stained glass desings all over was busy with a religious festivity.

We also visited the Museo de San Ramon, a place where local artists can present their art work, and it also shows some historical facts from the city and the province itself. Close by was the Casa de la Cultura Jose Figueres Ferrer (president of Costa Rica three times) and an interesting place for those who like history. At the entrance you can find a quote from the former president that says: "Para que tractores sin violines" (Why have tractors if we dont have violins), a phrase that states the pure essence of Costarricans and their good nature.

After visiting the donwtown of San Ramon, we headed to Hotel Villa Blanca (19 kilometers from the city). It used to be the country house of former Costa Rican president Rodrigo Carazo and his wife Estrella. A beautiful green oriented boutique hotel of 20+ rooms in the middle of the cloud forest. Each room is a typical Costarican house on the outside and a tastly decorated inside. There is also a nice little "capilla" called La Mariana, on the property where some weddings and anniversaries take place.

There are more than 5 kilometers of trails in the property all created for the enjoyment of guests and for the numerous investigations that takes place in the area by te InBio. The area is rich in biodiversity, specially birds and many species of interesting butterflies. On the clear mornings you can see from the hotels the whole Cordillera de Tilaran and at the end Cerro Chato and Arenal Volcano; one of the most beautiful views in the country.

Facts about San Ramón

San Ramon, Alajuela Province, is a city located 58 kilometers from the Capital city of Costa Rica: San Jose. The city has around 80.000 people living in the downtown and surrounding areas, and a wide cultural background and legacy. It was the city where three of Costarrican presidents were born and it is also called the city of the poets. The city of San Ramon lies at an elevation of 1,057 meters above sea level in the Cordillera de Tilarán, and it is located on the route to La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano).

Drunk Pineapples: Delicious desert from the Costa Rican cuisine

Costa Rican cuisine is much more than Gallo Pinto (rice and beans), and the typical Casado (some kind of meat with rice, beans, plantain, salad and "picadillo"). Recently a good number of chefs got together in a competition to create and recreate with more creativity some of the typical dishes of Costa Rica.

There is much that can be talked about this topic, but today we want to share a recipe from Cocina Costarricense; It is called Piñas borrachas, or by its name in English drunk pineapples. On a day of Carne Asada (barbeque), you can surprise your guest by making a unique but very simple desert.

Cut the pineapple in thin slices, and put them on the grill so that they cook a little bit on both sides. Then get it on the plate and combine it with a scup of ice cream. The pineapple juice from the fruit can be cook with some maicena and create a sauce that will put the dish all together in a delicious party for the mouth.

For the complete recipe please visit Cocina Costarricense.

Costa Rica Independence - September 15th

The history of Costa Rica is unique in that the people in the country did not have to fights arduously as the people in other countries to gain its freedom. Costa Rica won its independence from Spain on September 15th, 1821. It came as a message from the Virreinato of Guatemala, so unlike independence in other countries, it wasn't a very significant event at the time. The country had functioned apart from the Capitanía General of Guatemala for a long time and Costa Rica was a far away "town".

In other words, even though the official date of independence is 1821, Costa Rica, since its origins, possessed an autonomous sense of being that became definite in that particular year. The country had functioned independently because of Spain's lack of economical, political and even religious interest in the poor region.

After the Declaration of Independence, the four main cities of the country: Cartago, Heredia, San José and Alajuela, also felt autonomous from each other, and disagreed on several issues. The Cartago and Heredia conservative leaders were in favor of joining Mexico, while the two latter cities and their Republican leaders disagreed. After a small battle in the Ochomogo Hills in Cartago, the Republicans were victorious, thus rejecting the accession with Mexico. Afterwards, Guanacaste, which belonged to Nicaragua, decided to join Costa Rica.

From that time on, Costa Rica has been a small country which desicions has kept it away from big wars and conflicts. Later, Costa Rica eliminated the army, which also helped to its culture as a peaceful country like no other in the world.

Link: Costa Rica independence

A little more about Vazquez de Coronado

Coronado is located on an authentic rural town close to San Jose (around 25 kilometers). It is a blessed place located between the National Park Braulio Carrillo and the Irazu Volcano. From Coronado you can connect to Heredia, Cartago and Limon Provinces, so you can arrange your trip to go through this beautiful town and enjoy the wonders that offer.

It is recognized by its beautiful Gothic church, great countryside, wonderful waterfalls, and nice people. It is a special place to visit on a weekend to eat a typical dish "Olla de Carne" or meat soup, and enjoy the surroundings and the fresh breeze.

Coronado´s Gothic Church was built on 1930 with the help of the people that lived in the area. It is a beloved architectonical treasure for the people of Coronado. On the festivities it is possible to get to the top floors of the church and see the whole extension of the town. Also, from close to the church numerous traditional activities take places, making the town a rich place to visit and attracting a lot of national tourists.

Link: Visit Coronado

The Oxcart culture in Costa Rica

In Costa Rican, the so called bueyes (oxen) are animals that have been trained to help peasants on their normal shores. They normally pull a cart (oxcart) painted with great designs and very colorful forms. Peasants have exercised this rustic method for generations in the countryside of Costa Rica, learned from childhood, with his family. Although it is an activity mainly taken by men, recently women have also take a leadership position in the activity.

The oxen are chosen since they are little depending on their temperament and trained during their whole life to work together on a "yunta de bueyes".

La Niguenta and other cultural figures of Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, our elders used to have dolls like the Niguenta (naked girl taking something out of her foot). They place it close to the entrance of a house for good luck. In the picture you can see a representation of the doll La Niguenta (you can find the doll of a white girl and a black girl), and a representation of La Virgen de los Angeles also called La Negrita.

Many Costarricans use to have religious figures in their homes and bussiness. Some of these religious representations are the Virgen, La Niguenta, San miguel Arcangel, a Rosario and a representation of the Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, among others.

Costa Rica´s Central Market

When visiting Costa Rica, don´t forget to visit any of the numerous city markets present in each big city of Costa Rica. The most important is the Central Market, located in San Jose Downtown and where tourist may experience the real daily life of costarricans. It is one of the most representative places in old San Jose and an icon of Costa Rican Culture.

On colonial times, the small town of San José was called "La Boca del Monte", because it served as the main entrance to the central part of te country. With time farmers settle down with their families on te area founding want later would be San Jose.

Costa Rica´s Central Market is visited for over 20 thousand people every day, giving the place a life of its own. It was founded in 1882 and it has been remodeled several times, but it keeps its labyrinth like structure and many exit doors. It is also a place where you can enjoy typical Costa Rican food, like the "Casados" (rice, beans, salad, cheese, plantains, tortillas and meat), "gallo pinto" (rice with beans) and the deliciously sweet drink "agua dulce" (water with national sugar candy).

The fruits, vegetables, meats, and merchandise is sell on good prices, and while you walk through the hallways, you will enjoy the smell of fresh made tortillas.

Like San Jose Central Market, also other cities like Cartago, Heredia, Alajuela, Limon, and Liberia have also a city market. Smallest cities like Grecia have a small market with lots to offer, very clean and with art murals to decorate the place. When you come to Costa Rica, don’t forget to visit one of the markets and experience the Costa Rican culture and history.

Costa Rica Adventure Activities - Part I

Costa Rica is a small country divided by a range of mountains and volcanos. Its special location offers both Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea and a wide range of scenes, wildlife and nature. It is a great country for mountain bike, no matter where the location: beach, flatlands or mountains. The best routes for mountain biking are Irazu-Turrialba, Cartago-Orosi, Rincon de la Vieja, La Fortuna-Tilaran, and Monteverde, among others.

Canopy, also called ziplining, is available almost every place in Costa Rica. The main difference are the type of forests through which the canopy tour was built, the heights and logitud, and the different scenery that can be seen. The first canopy built in Costa Ricas was the Original Canopy in Monteverde, but there are so many that only the best are offered by Banana Adventure Tours in each location. Some of this tours include wires as long as 1 kilometer, and Tarzan swing.

Costa Rica is the dream country for hikers of all kinds. Its landscapes, mountains, forests and wide selection of National Parks, biological reserves and botanical gardens makes it very interesting and exciting. Anywhere you go in the country you can find trails and places to walk and enjoy its great biodiversity.

Wether you are an experienced rafter or you have never done it, there is a river for you in Costa Rica. The main rivers in the country for white water rafting are: Sarapiqui River (Class II-III), Reventazon River (Class III-IV), Savegre River - Manuel Antonio (Class III), Naranjo River - Manuel Antonio (Class III), Pejivaye River - Turrialba (Class III), Corobici River - Guanacaste (Class I), and the most famous Pacuare River (Class III-IV), described as one of the top ten most scenic rivers in the world for white water rafting.

Link: Costa Rica Adventure