There’s a joke, in tourism circles at least, that says, “San Jose: It’s only 45 minutes from Costa Rica!” The bustling, modern metro area of almost 2 million people is indeed a far cry from the pristine rainforests and palm-fringed beaches for which the nation is better known. But in a way, San Jose—or “Chepe,” as it is lovingly called—is a most authentically Tico (Costa Rican) destination, the seat of government, culture, and commerce in the cool mountains of the Central Valley.
April 19, 2012
Hot Springs of Arenal Volcano
When an active volcano like Arenal, erupting almost continuously since 1968, meets a moist and well-watered rainforest, things can get a little steamy. Welcome to one of the most geothermal regions on the planet.
April 5, 2012
Preparing for Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week) in Costa Rica
While the biggest Christian celebration in most temperate countries is Christmas, visitors to Costa Rica during the December holidays are often surprised at what little fuss the locals make about the gift-giving season. What off-season travelers will realize, however, is that Ticos more than make up for it with the raucous week-long revelry of beach parties and family get-togethers that is Semana Santa, or Holy Week.
The week prior to Easter (La Pascua), which falls on Sunday, April 8, this year, is the biggest holiday period in Costa Rica, and throughout Central America. Travelers during this time will be treated to all sorts of religious spectacles, most impressively the reenactments of the Christ’s Crucifixion on Good Friday (April 6).
March 22, 2012
Beachy Keen Marathon Course
Most marathons pound the pavement for 42 kilometers (26.2 miles), which is tough enough for the average runner. Not for you? Consider a trip to the Nicoya Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica for the Jungleman Marathon. (And, despite the name, note that there are several classes for women.)
The event, to be held March 31, is organized by the same seriously hard-core healthy folks who run the La Ruta de los Conquistadores, an off-road adventure in the Costa Rican jungles considered the hardest bike race on the planet. If they live up to their reputation on two feet as well as two wheels, you can expect one challenging competition.
March 9, 2012
Big Beer Flavor at Costa Rica’s Tiny Microbrews
When people think about Costa Rican beer—not an altogether unusual sentiment, particularly when presented with the perfect palm-shaded beach hammock—it is usually Imperial that comes to mind. The light, bright, clean-tasting lager rarely earns international acclaim, but it goes back smoothly on a hot, sunny day. And this is, after all, the tropics.
February 23, 2012
Costa Rica’s Sloths on the Move, to Monteverde and Around the World
The subject and site of almost all the sloth videos in existence, including Cooke’s, is the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica, also known as Aviarios del Caribe. Located just north of the mellow, reggae-infused Caribbean beach town of Cahuita, the world’s first sloth rescue operation has been providing refuge and rehabilitation for two-and three-toed sloths for almost two decades.
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Forbes Names Manuel Antonio as One of the World’s Most Beautiful Parks
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Collection of Pre-Columbian Treasures Headed Home
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Peñas Blancas Border Crossing Scheduled for a Facelift
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Seamounts Marine Management Area
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Sea Turtles in Costa Rica
May 3, 2012
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