Matthew Houde's Blog, page 34

The Big Cats of Las Pumas Rescue Center

Costa Rica is home to six different kinds of wild cats. Although thousands of visitors take to the country’s hiking trails each day, the chances of spotting one of these elusive, nocturnal felines is slim to none. Most likely, they turn up when injured or captured illegally. When this happens, it is Costa Rica’s many animal rescue centers that provide shelter and care. If you’re travelling to Costa Rica’s northwestern province of Guanacaste, one shelter you won’t want to miss is Las Pumas Rescue Center. In this post, we’ll share all the details you need to plan you visit and see these impressive cats for yourself.

 

About Las Pumas Rescue Center

Located just outside the small city of Cañas along the Inter-Americana Highway, Las Pumas Rescue Center (Centro Rescate Las Pumas) provides a temporary, or sometimes permanent, home for wild cats and other animals that have been injured, rescued, orphaned, or confiscated in the illegal pet trade. Like many rescue centers, this one began with the passion of one individual and grew.

In the early 1960s, Lilly Bodmer de Hagnauer, an animal lover originally from Switzerland, began taking in animals that were in need of help. At the time, Guanacaste was in the midst of a boom in deforestation for farming. Habitat loss was displacing the area’s wildlife, and more and more animals were being captured and kept as pets or injured by passing cars and hunters. Not knowing what to do, Hagnauer’s neighbors would drop off wild animals at her doorstep. Soon even government agencies in Costa Rica were turning to “Mrs. Lilly” for help. Within just a few years, the project had grown into a full center with 160 animals, including monkeys, wild cats, parrots, and an array of other species.

 

“Mrs. Lilly” Bodmer de Hagnauer. Photo Credit: Las Pumas Rescue Center.

 

Mrs. Hagnauer passed away in 2001 though her good works live on. The non-profit foundation created in her name and dedicated staff continue to further her mission by rehabilitating those animals that can be released and providing a safe, humane home for those that cannot.

 

What to Expect at Las Pumas Rescue Center

The Animals

Of the six species of wild cat found in Costa Rica, five can be seen at Las Pumas Rescue Center. These include the two largest, the jaguar and puma, as well as smaller ones like the margay, ocelot, and jaguarundi. The wild cats are definitely the highlight of Las Pumas, but the center has many other resident animals too. Both the white-faced capuchin and spider monkey can be seen, as well as white-tailed deer, river otter, a badger-type animal called a greater grison, and birds like the Toucan, Scarlet Macaw, Red-lored and Mealy Parrot.

 

A Pair of Red-lored Parrots. Well loved by the staff and each other.

 

The Enclosures

What’s great about Las Pumas is that the animals live in spacious enclosures, and you can tell that the staff takes great pride in their care. Unlike at some zoos where animals are confined to small cages, the enclosures are spacious and mimic the natural environment. Small streams run through the spaces and full-grown trees, rocks, thick plants, and dead logs provide shelter and camouflage. Although it is of course ideal for animals to live in the wild, release is not always possible for various reasons. Providing a comfortable place for the animal to live is the next best option and also serves the important purpose of providing public education.

 

A puma (mountain lion) blending into the habitat in one of the elaborate enclosures.

Planning Your Visit to Las Pumas Rescue Center

Las Pumas Rescue Center is easy to find and is set up so that you can either make a quick visit while passing through or stay a while if you have more time. If you’re traveling along the Inter-Americana Highway, it would make an ideal stop between the beaches of Tamarindo, Flamingo, Playas del Coco, etc. and the mountains of Arenal Volcano/La Fortuna or the Monteverde Cloud Forests.

The center doesn’t do tours, but it is easy enough to guide yourself along the nice walking paths using the map provided at the ticket window. The enclosures also have signs that describe the story of each animal and explain how they arrived at Las Pumas so you will get a feel for the issues that face Costa Rica’s wildlife. There are 18 enclosures total, and it takes about an hour to see all the animals and walk around the whole facility. There is also a small gift shop, which helps support the foundation, and some picnic tables if you want to take a lunch.

 

Nap time for Max, an ocelot who was once kept illegally as a pet.

 

Directions

Las Pumas is located 4.5 km (2.8 miles) north of Cañas off the Inter-Americana Highway (Route 1). It has a large sign by the highway with a picture of a puma (mountain lion). Follow the dirt road for about 100 meters (325 ft.) and the entrance will be on your left.

 

Hours

Las Pumas Rescue Center is open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (4:00 p.m. in the low season).

Cost

Non-residents: Adults $10. Children and students (+12 years) $5

Residents: Adults ₡2,500. Children (4-12) ₡500. Students (+12) ₡1,500

How You Can Help

The price for admission and proceeds from the gift shop help to support the center by providing medical care and food for the animals. It also aids in advancing the foundation’s other objectives, which include environmental education, conservation, and wildlife management.

Those wanting to give some hands-on help can read about the volunteer and internship programs on Las Pumas’ website.

Finally, if you would like to help out but can’t make it to Costa Rica anytime soon, contact Las Pumas to make a donation or sponsor one of the animals in your own name or the name of your company.

Have you been lucky enough to see Costa Rica’s big cats out on the trail or have you visited them at a wildlife center? Which cat is your favorite? Let us know below!

 

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Guayabo National Monument: An Ancient Pre-Columbian City

Set on the jungle-rich slopes of the Turrialba Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most important archaeological sites, the Guayabo National Monument. Thought to have been first inhabited more than 3,000 years ago, these historic ruins make up the largest pre-Columbian city ever discovered in Costa Rica. This ancient civilization is even believed to have been home to nearly 10,000 people during its prime around AD 800. Whether you’re planning to see this historic sight on a day trip from San José or are staying in the nearby city of Turrialba, this post will give you everything you need to plan your visit.

 

The History of Guayabo National Monument

When a professor from Costa Rica’s National Museum examined Guayabo’s first artifacts in the late 1800s, he thought that the site was little more than an ancient cemetery. It would take almost another 100 years for Guayabo’s true archaeological significance to unfold. That discovery was made in 1968 by Carlos Aguilar Piedra, an archeologist from the University of Costa Rica. He stumbled upon some stone foundations among the thick jungle and began to selectively clear and excavate. The magnitude of the site was soon realized, as 43 stone foundations, three aqueducts, two major roadways, dozens of smaller paths, and some stone tombs were unearthed.

These remains were determined to be from an ancient civilization that inhabited the region from 1000 BC until AD 1400. The findings revealed a lost culture with advanced development in civil engineering, architecture, and urbanism. Unlike other pre-Columbian cities and cultures that were documented by early explorers, no record of this group was ever mentioned in journals, and the reason for its demise is still unknown.

 

Stone foundation and steps from what was once the largest building. This area was thought to be the cultural center of the city.

What You’ll See at Guayabo National Monument

Although not as grand as other well-known archeological sites in the Americas like Machu Picchu in Peru, Guayabo is still impressive in its own right, especially since so little is known about Costa Rica’s pre-Columbian past.

The Artifacts

Along Guayabo National Monument’s nicely maintained trails, you’ll come to several archeological attractions. Be forewarned that the trails are sectioned off from the artifacts with railings so you can only see things from afar, but you can still get a decent look. Here are some of the most prominent features:

A Series of Stone Foundations and Steps

These served as the foundations for homes and other buildings (ruins pictured above). Although all that remains today are the stones, it is believed that sheltered structures were constructed on top of these platforms using wooden posts and thatched roofs. A model of the thatched roof buildings has been recreated near the ranger station to give you an idea of what they might have looked like.

 

 

Cobblestone Walkways and Roads

These paved avenues connected the main areas and buildings. They’re pitched and elevated for drainage, which was important for such a wet area, and show that the people were skilled in engineering and urban planning. Aerial analysis shows that some of the roadways stretch up to 70 km (44 miles), though much of them remain hidden by jungle. A viewpoint off the Los Montículos trail lets you see how the road connected to the structures, and is the best way to see how the site all ties together (see cover photo above).

Aqueducts

A system of open and closed aqueducts, including storage tanks, can be observed along the trail. Some of these waterways are still functioning today and bubbling with clean spring water. Interestingly, analysis shows that the ancient people who inhabited Guayabo chose the site carefully because of its clean water source. The fact that some of these systems are still working today further demonstrates how skilled the people of Guayabo were in engineering.

 

 

Tombs

Stone tombs can be found right next to the trail and are open (and empty) so that you can see down inside them. Examination of several burial sites in the area show that the techniques used to entomb the dead changed over time. This suggests that the culture was advancing or changing as time progressed.

 

 

Petroglyphs and Stone Carvings

A few stone carvings are along the trails, while others have been taken to museums in San José. One that still remains at Guayabo depicts a lizard on one side and a jaguar on the other. Each side of this stone is said to have been carved by a different artist using different techniques, and may have symbolized a cultural bridge between the settlements that once existed to the north and south.

 

 

Tip: Although there are informative signs along the trails, we recommend hiring a guide. This is one instance where a guide really adds value and can teach you more about what you are seeing so that you get the most out of your visit. The local association (U-Sure) offers 1.5 hr. tours starting at just $15 (total) for a group of 1-3.

 

Birds and Wildlife

Even if you’re not that interested in the archaeological aspects of the site, Guayabo is still a nice place to walk around and a prime spot for birding. The trails pass through beautiful, lush jungle, and there are lots of birds and other wildlife to see. During our visit, we saw birds like the Keel-billed Toucan, Collared Aracari, Gray-headed Chachalaca, and a lot of insects too, like leaf-cutter and army ants, butterflies, and some giant grasshoppers.

Planning Your Visit to Guayabo National Monument

Allow about 1.5 hours for a leisurely walk through the park and to see all the artifacts. Some people may need less time, as the trails are fairly flat and easy (but do have some stairs). The drive to Guayabo from San José is around 2-2.5 hours so the trip can easily be made in one day. If you happen to have a free day in your itinerary and want to stay overnight, the area is beautiful, with rolling green hills, coffee and farm fields, and the nearby Turrialba and Irazú Volcanoes. See our recommendations below for hotel options in the area.

What to Wear/Bring

Closed-toe Shoes: Required by park officials because of the many biting/stinging insects and occasional snakes (it is the jungle after all). We actually encountered a lot of ants crossing the trail on our visit, so were very happy to have our hiking boots.


Insect Repellant: Some of the trails are shaded and have a lot of mosquitos (especially in the rainy season, May through November).


Water/snacks: Support the locals by buying snacks and light refreshments from the vendors right outside the park entrance. Otherwise, be sure to stock up in advance. Aside from a couple of small restaurants and a mini-grocery store (south of the park), there is not much around once you get out of Santa Cruz/Turrialba. For those packing a lunch, the park has some picnic tables across the street from the main office near the bathroom and small gift shop.

Hours

Guayabo National Monument is open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Cost

Admission: $6 non-residents (₡1000 residents)

Directions

Option 1: From San José, take Route 2 to the city of Cartago. In Cartago, take Route 10 (Ave Central) through the city going east. At Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles (a large, well-known cathedral), go right, following Route 10 toward Paraíso and continuing to Turrialba. In Turrialba, take Calle 2 north and cross a bridge (over the Río Turrialba). After you cross the bridge, take your first right and follow Route 415 (unmarked), which eventually turns into the Radial Guayabo. This road will bring you up the hill to the park entrance. The last 3 km (1.8 miles) are rough dirt and best accessed with a four-wheel drive, but cars do drive it. (Approximate drive time from San José is 2 hrs. 20 min.)

Option 2 (if you have a 4×4 vehicle): In Cartago, go north of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles and connect with Route 219 to Route 230. Follow Route 230 (paved) all the way to the town of Santa Cruz (north of Turrialba). Once you pass the church in Santa Cruz, look for a road on the left. Take this road (4×4 recommended for this stretch) 10 km (6 miles), following signs for the National Monument. (Approximate drive time from San José is 2 hrs.)

If you need a rental car for your trip, check out this special discount for our readers to save 10-25%.

 

Hotels Near Guayabo National Monument

Located in Santa Cruz de Turrialba, the Guayabo Lodge ($75-140/night) is only 10 km (6 miles) from the national monument (by 4×4) and has outstanding views of the nearby Turrialba Volcano and surrounding mountains. Similarly, La Cascada Bed and Breakfast ($65-90/night) is only 13 km (8 miles) from the monument entrance (by 4×4) and offers sweeping mountain and valley views. For those without four-wheel drive, the road to the monument from Santa Cruz may be passable with a regular car (especially in the dry season), but be sure to inquire with your hotel. 

 

Guayabo Lodge, located at the foothills of Turrialba Volcano. Photo Credit: Guayabo Lodge

Have you seen Costa Rica’s most prized archeological site or have questions about planning your visit? Leave us a comment below.

 

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Costa Rica Wanderlust: Travel Inspiration for 2015

It’s that time again! Another year is coming to an end and 2015 is upon us. Hopefully 2014 took you to some amazing places around the world and you have exciting travels planned for the New Year. If Costa Rica isn’t already on your list, here are 13 experiences that will surely tempt your wanderlust.

 

Become Part of the Fairy Tale at the Río Celeste

Like something out of a storybook, the Celeste River has striking baby blue water that’s so blue, it doesn’t look quite real. The color comes from a chemical reaction so happens naturally, but we’ll let you be the judge. Just look at those magical sheets of aqua rolling over the Río Celeste Waterfall.

 

Soar Through the Clouds in Monteverde

One of the coolest ways to experience Monteverde’s hazy cloud forest is on a zip line. Feel the mist hit your face as you fly from platform to platform to get outstanding views of Costa Rica’s many shades of green.

 

Sink Your Toes Into Sand Made of Shells

Soft granules of ivory, pink, and tan make up the sand at Playa Conchal on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast. Take in the view of the calm cove from a beach chair, or dip in the balmy turquoise water when you need to cool off.

 

Bathe in Mineral-Rich Mud

Take a bath with mineral-rich mud that comes straight from the earth in Rincon de la Vieja, then relax for a soak in thermal pools heated by the area’s volcanoes.

 

Get in Touch with Nature in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio is brimming with tropical rainforest and wildlife. Sloths lounge in trees, exotic birds sing from the canopy, and three different kinds of monkeys can be spotted. You’ll see the most at the national park, but don’t be surprised if you see wildlife, especially monkeys, hanging out around town.

 

Swim in a Serene Natural Pool at the Nauyaca Waterfalls

If you haven’t swam in a waterfall by the end of your vacation, they might not let you back on the plane. Costa Rica has beautiful waterfalls around every corner, but one of the best for swimming are the Nauyaca in the Southern Zone. Just look at those two dramatic tiers and oversized pool.

 

Be Humbled by a Giant Volcano

When in the presence of Arenal Volcano, it is hard not to stare and marvel at the sheer power and beauty of nature. Head to La Fortuna to get the closest view of this cone-shaped giant.

 

Soak in Thermal Pools Surrounded by Lush Jungle

Unwind in the natural hot springs around Arenal Volcano. Area resorts have pools with manicured gardens, swim-up bars, and mini-waterfalls, or you can visit one of the rivers to soak for free. These hot springs are true to the name, as some are as hot as 50°C (122°F).

 

Photo Credit: Neil Lee

Sip Coffee from the Source

Coffee is an important part of everyday life in Costa Rica. It is enjoyed throughout the day, and cafecitos often follow meals. To see how this important crop is grown, head to Café Britt or a smaller producer to get a behind-the-scenes look.

 

Peer Into the Crater of an Active Volcano

Not far from the capital city of San José is Poás Volcano, an impressive volcanic crater that also happens to be one of the largest in the world. Get a glimpse of the stunning, yet highly toxic, blue-green crater lake from Poás Volcano National Park.

 

Poas Volcano. Photo Credit: Philippe Guillaume

Snorkel the Pristine Reefs of the Caribbean Coast

Costa Rica’s oceans are known more for surfing than snorkeling, but the coral reefs along the Caribbean Coast are prime for marine exploration when waters are calm. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a great jumping-off point, and the laid-back feel will make you forget all the stresses of 2014.

 

Take in a Glorious Sunset on the Gold Coast 

At around 5:30 every single day in Costa Rica, the sun sinks into the mighty Pacific, and people gather along the beaches of Guanacaste’s Gold Coast to witness the show. Ever-changing shades of orange, pink, and purple fill the sky, and are the perfect end to a perfect day.

 

Fall Asleep Under a Palm Tree

The country’s motto is pura vida (pure life), and the locals take it quite seriously. Life moves a little slower in Costa Rica, and by even just spending a week or two here, you’ll feel more relaxed and carefree. Embrace the pura vida pace and park yourself in a hammock for the day. You are on vacation, after all.

 

We hope we’ve inspired you to discover Costa Rica in 2015! Let us know what’s on your dream list this year in the comments below.

 

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Top 10 Costa Rica Itineraries: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Our New Travel Guide

Our new book, Top 10 Costa Rica Itineraries, just hit the virtual shelves and a paperback version will be coming soon. We are beyond excited and have been waiting for this moment since we began researching and writing almost a year and a half ago. For those planning a visit to Costa Rica, we hope it will be a great resource and make trip planning fast and easy. In this post, we’ll tell you a little bit about the book and give you a behind-the-scenes look at how it came about.

How It All Started

It wasn’t our original intention to become travel planners, or to write a guidebook, but shortly after moving to Costa Rica in July 2013, people began to contact us through our website for help.

Luckily, before moving, we had already vacationed in many of Costa Rica’s top destinations and knew quite a bit about the country. But to add to our knowledge base, after making the move, we immediately started traveling all around Costa Rica. We ended up living in eight towns in 16 months. We didn’t come to Costa Rica intending to be so nomadic, but somehow stumbled across house sitting right before we moved and nothing has been the same since.

Since that first house sit in the Southern Zone, we’ve had five others, along with a couple of rentals, which have brought us to all different parts of the country. By staying for a month or more at a time, we’ve been able to really get to know each area, exploring hidden beaches and secret waterfalls, all while getting the local’s perspective. We found ourselves taking copious notes, photos, and video of just about everything we did. Even a simple trip to the beach or a hike in a national park included a notebook, pen, and armfuls of camera equipment. As we learned more and more about the country, the idea to put it all together into a book just made sense.

 

Jenn taking some video of a waterfall in Grecia

About the Book

Costa Rica attracts many different kinds of travelers, but after over a year of helping people with trip planning, we’ve discovered many similarities. From the hundreds of emails we’ve gotten and dozens of itineraries we’ve designed, we’ve seen a lot of recurring questions:

What destinations are the best for … families, seeing wildlife, beaches, etc.?

 

What are the best things to see and do? Do you have any local secrets to share?

 

Should I go to X town first or should I start my trip in Y? I don’t want to backtrack. What order makes the most sense?

 

What’s the best way to get around? Are the roads to Z really that bad?

These commonly asked questions became the framework for Top 10 Costa Rica Itineraries. Through any one of the ten, easy-to-follow itineraries, you can get all the answers and plan your entire trip.

 

 

Our main goal for the book was to keep things simple. We know how overwhelmed people can get while planning. Although guidebooks usually have tons of valuable information within their 500-plus pages, finding what you need can be daunting. To make it easy, we get right to the point. We provide the best order for each itinerary, pairing destinations that make sense, and include a simple map to show where you’ll be visiting. We then give an overview of each destination, its layout and available amenities, so that you know what to expect.

Once you know where you’re going, we tell you what to do. We highlight the must-see activity in each destination and give you a robust list of other activities unique to the area. We also incorporate many local insights and tips to give you an insider’s perspective. To further ease the process, more information about activities is provided in an Activities Guide at the end of the book. Here, you’ll find detailed information like hours, prices, website links, etc.

 

A look inside the book. View a full sample on Amazon.

 

Similar to the Activities Guide, each itinerary links to a Transportation Guide. This guide will really help with your transportation questions. It gives the main transportation options that most people visiting Costa Rica use (rental car, shuttle van, and small plane), and gives you the information you need to decide which is right for you. Estimated drive times, general road conditions, costs, and trip times are all provided. Importantly, we also give you some essential tips, like when a 4×4 vehicle is required or if you’re better off taking a small plane because a destination is more remote.

We’re Here to Help

Hopefully you’ll be able to plan your dream vacation to Costa Rica with one of the itineraries in the book, and all you’ll have left to do is arrange hotels and transportation. If you do end up having a question or two as you plan, we’re here to help. Unlike those big guidebook companies, our full-time job is our website and helping people like you plan their vacations.

To make it easy, we’ve set up a Forum. Whether you’re just looking for a hotel recommendation or need more detail about something in the book, just ask a question in our Forum and we’ll get back to you right away. We’re also adding hotel recommendations to many of our Destination articles and have even teamed up with a car rental company to get a special discount for our readers (Click here to learn more.).

In the future, we’ll bring you even more resources, but for now, we’re heading to the beach. With all this writing, we’ve lost our tan. Don’t worry though, we’ll bring our notebook and camera along too.

Click to Buy or Preview on Amazon: E-Book, $3.99. 

We hope you enjoy the book! Leave us a comment below, or better yet, post your review of the book on Amazon to help spread the word.

 

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9 Gifts for the Costa Rica Lover

Wondering what gifts to buy for that special person in your life who is obsessed with Costa Rica? You know, the one who always insists on vacationing in Costa Rica (and nowhere else) and proudly wears his or her Imperial T-shirt almost every day. We can relate. Before moving here, we were always trying to come up with ways to bring Costa Rica into our everyday lives. We wanted things that would remind us of the amazing experiences we had on vacation or that would get us excited for our next trip. With the holiday season fast approaching, here is a short list we’ve put together of some Costa Rica themed gifts that will surely get your loved ones in the pura vida spirit.

 

1.   Gallo Pinto Kit

Translating to “speckled rooster,” this Costa Rican breakfast of rice and beans is served daily (usually with eggs) at homes and restaurants throughout the country. If you’ve traveled to Costa Rica, chances are you’ve had it at least once, if not every day while you were here. Recreate the Costa Rica breakfast experience in your own kitchen by gathering all of the necessary ingredients for this traditional meal. Everything you need should be available at your local grocery store, but make sure to order some Salsa Lizano and Chilero hot sauce to give it that special Tico flavor. Here’s a recipe card that we made to earn you some extra points. To print it, just click on the photo and hit print.

 

2.   Costa Rica’s Famous Coffee

To go along with the gallo pinto, pick up some of Costa Rica’s 100% Arabica coffee or get it shipped direct. We used to fill our suitcases every year with Café Milagro or Café Britt beans, but luckily you can now order online. Pair a few varieties together with some Costa Rican coffee mugs or maybe even the traditional drip stand with cotton sock called a chorreador. Chorreadors might look a bit strange, but many people prefer them because, unlike paper coffee filters, they allow the coffee’s rich oils to come through.  

 

An authentic Chorreador in action at El Toledo, a local grower in Atenas

3.   Donation to Non-Profit

Non-profits in Costa Rica work on a variety of worthy causes and are always looking for support. A gift in someone’s name will really show that you care. There are hundreds of great organizations out there, but a few that focus on helping local Tico families are Cepia, Souls Helping Soles, and Costa Rica PC Rescue. Some groups that are wildlife based are the Titi Conservation Alliance, Kids Saving the Rainforest, the Nosara Wildlife Center, and the Ara Project.

4.   Expat Wannabe Book Bundle

Ideal for that person who won’t stop talking about moving to Costa Rica. Put together a book bundle with titles like Moon: Living Abroad in Costa Rica; Choose Costa Rica for Retirement; Happier Than a Billionaire; Costa Rica Chica; The Family Freedom Project; Becoming an Expat; and Unraveling the Mysteries of Moving to Costa Rica. Wrap the paperbacks up in a beach towel or load the e-books onto their e-reader for an extra surprise. Here’s a list of all the books we’ve put together.

5.   Costa Rican Art

What better way to brighten the Costa Rica lover’s home or office than with artwork? Costa Rica has a thriving art community with many choices, but for beautiful photos, you could check out our friend Jeff Muñoz. He captures birds and other wildlife in a creative way that makes it feel like you’re there. Another idea that is practical too is a couple of handmade wooden spoons. Cucharas de Chan on the southern Nicoya Peninsula carves each spoon by hand out of exotic reclaimed wood that has washed up along the beach or riverbanks.

 

Spoons Handmade in Costa Rica. Photo Credit: Cucharas de Chan

6.   Outdoor Gear

To get them excited for their next trip, make sure they are well equipped. Think of what they might need to explore the jungle trails, waterfalls, and beaches of Costa Rica. Backpacks, hiking clothes, or trail footwear are practical things that are always appreciated. More fun items that we have gotten really excited about were snorkel gear, binoculars, and our waterproof point and shoot camera that goes down to 12 feet. We have an older Olympus Stylus Tough, but there are a lot of newer models available.

7.   For the Nature Enthusiast

As big nature enthusiasts ourselves, we have a fairly large collection of resources to help us identify the birds and animals we find in Costa Rica. We use these guides almost daily and highly recommend them. Our biggest standby is The Wildlife of Costa Rica. This book usually has the answer to our questions with a nice description and photo. It has a lot of birds too, but for serious birding, The Birds of Costa Rica, is our go-to guide since it has more detail (including range maps) and a larger list. Though not as comprehensive, we also love our fold-out pamphlets from Rainforest Publications when we are out on the trail because they are light, waterproof, and fit nicely in the backpack. We have the ones for butterflies, birds, marine life, mammals, and even the fruits of Costa Rica.

8.   Imperial

What better reminder of Costa Rica than its most popular beer? While Imperial isn’t too easy to find outside of Costa Rica, it is distributed in the United States, and with a little legwork, you can find it in most cities. Inquire at your local liquor store to see if they can order it or check out this site that lists some distributors around the US.

 

La Cerveza de Costa Rica

9.   The Travel Essentials

For the practical gift giver, these are some of the things we have found useful when traveling around Costa Rica. We always have our Spanish phrasebook, waterproof Costa Rica map, head lamps, and portable medical kit either in our backpack or the glove box of the car. We’ve also found a money belt useful to keep some extra cash hidden when a restaurant doesn’t accept credit or we are taking public transportation. If you do get a money belt, fill it with some colones for an extra touch.

 

We hope that this list helps give you some gift ideas for that Costa Rica obsessed person in your life. We’d love to hear if you end up using any of them or if you have some ideas of your own. Leave us a comment below.

(Some of these links are connected to affiliates. If you make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps us keep providing content on this website for free. Thanks for your support!)

 

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A Classic Costa Rican Coffee Tour at Cafe Britt

When our friend Lauren (a.k.a. the Altecocker) was visiting Costa Rica on her 55th home exchange last year, we knew that we had to make the trip to San José to see her. But with only a couple of days to explore together, we wondered what we could do close to the city. Wanting some kind of cultural activity, we quickly decided on a tour of Cafe Britt, one of the country’s gourmet coffee producers.

Costa Rica has lots of choices for coffee tours and this post will give you a recap of our visit to Cafe Britt to help you decide if it’s right for you. As an added bonus, there’s a special discount code for Two Weeks in Costa Rica readers so that you can get some great coffee delivered right to your door.

 

Cafe Britt has been growing and roasting coffee in Costa Rica since 1985. They were one of the first producers in the country that saw the value in keeping a portion of their best quality beans in Costa Rica, instead of selling them all abroad. Since then, they have developed a reputation, and their products are now found at many of Costa Rica’s best hotels, restaurants, and even the airport gift shops.

The Cafe Britt Tour

Cafe Britt offers two tours, the Classic Coffee Tour and a longer Coffee and Nature Tour. We were coming for the coffee and weren’t interested in going to an ecological park, so we opted for the Classic Tour.

A Theatrical Spin

The tour started like any coffee tour would with an introduction about how the beans are grown. We learned about the lifecycle of the coffee plant, some of the work that goes into growing and maintaining the crop, and then walked around a small coffee field to see the red berries for ourselves.

 

 

It didn’t take much time for us to figure out that this wouldn’t be any ordinary coffee tour. In between details about the growing process, our two guides, who were dressed in traditional attire, constantly cracked jokes, playing off of one another in a very theatrical way. It was clear that their act had been well polished, but we were still laughing at the hokey Tico humor. They were really quite funny.

Afterwards, we all headed into a large theater to watch a short movie about the history of Costa Rica’s coffee industry and to learn about the different regions where coffee is grown. Like the outdoor portion of the tour, this part was also theatrical. The guides would jump on stage and interact with the movie, throwing oversized burlap bags of coffee into a miniature coffee truck. It was a little corny like the previous skit outside, but funny, and kept the whole audience entertained, including the kids.

After the show, our guides brought up some volunteers and had them help brew coffee the traditional way using a wooden contraption and cotton sock called a chorreador. They also taught us about French Press methods and the drawbacks of regular old drip coffee pots, including some of the science behind it all.

 

 

Tasting the Glorious Coffee

After having smelled coffee for what seemed like an eternity, we moved to the main building (and gift shop) where we got to taste some freshly brewed java. Inside, all of Cafe Britt’s coffee varieties were spaced out along the walls beside thermoses and tasting cups. Conveniently, bags of coffee and chocolates were available for purchase as well. Some of our favorite blends were the Tres Ríos (Three Rivers) from the Irazú Volcano region and the Fair Trade dark roast from the mountainous Brunca region in the Southern Zone.

Lunch

After the coffee tasting, we headed into the open-air room next door for lunch. We usually don’t opt for lunch on tours because they tend to be mediocre and overpriced, but figured it was convenient and would give us a chance to spend more time with Lauren. Admittedly, we had very low expectations for this part, but ended up being impressed with the buffet. Over nicely prepared typical food like rice and beans, a choice of meats, sides and salads, and some rice pudding, we chatted with Lauren. As usual, she shared some of her hilarious stories of traveling the world. With a lifetime of swapping her house for places in Australia, Poland, Spain, and of course the one here in Costa Rica, she always has some fascinating stories to tell.

 

 

We weren’t quite sure what to expect on the Cafe Britt tour, but really enjoyed it and would recommend it to others. The tour isn’t as intimate and personal as ones we’ve done with smaller growers, but has a much broader appeal. It’s the type of tour that is good for anyone, from younger kids to older adults.

Classic Coffee Tour (1.5 hours): $22 per person or $37 with lunch. Tours are offered four times a day at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:45 p.m., and 3:15 p.m.

Coffee and Nature Tour (4 hours, includes visit to INBioparque): $68 per person, includes lunch. 11:00 a.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only.

For more information and directions, visit CafeBritt.com.

PROMO CODE: If you’d like to taste some of this great coffee for yourself, but can’t get down to Costa Rica right away, you can always buy online. Bags run about $10 each and if you buy 8 or more online, you can use our promo code HOLIDAY to get $10 off your order and free shipping. Click here to buy.

(Disclaimer: Your coffee addiction might be helping to support our website. We’ve partnered with Cafe Britt to get you great deals on java, and if you make a purchase, we get a small commission. Even if this wasn’t the case, we’d still recommend their coffee and tour because we have really enjoyed them both. Thanks for your support!)

Have you taken the Cafe Britt tour? We’d love to hear about your experience. Leave us a comment below.

 

The post A Classic Costa Rican Coffee Tour at Cafe Britt appeared first on Two Weeks in Costa Rica.

Why You Should Visit Costa Rica in the Rainy Season

Most people traveling to Costa Rica come during the dry season. When we visited as tourists, we did the exact same thing. All we wanted was sun and clear blue skies, the opposite of the cold weather back in Boston. Now that we live here, though, we’ve seen how amazing Costa Rica becomes with a little sprinkling of rain. Below are our top reasons why you should consider traveling to Costa Rica during the rainy season and some tips for planning during those off-season months.

 

Advantages of Traveling to Costa Rica in the Rainy Season 

1.     The Jungle Is Green and Lush and It’s Slightly Cooler

During the dry season (December to April), it seldom rains in much of the country. For stretches of weeks, or even months, it might not rain a single drop. In fact, in some regions like northern Guanacaste Province, forests turn brown towards the end of the dry season, many of the trees lose their leaves, and there are even fires in the hills.

 

Leafless trees at Playa Grande in March

 

With the arrival of the rainy season, it’s as if a switch has been flipped. Suddenly everything transforms to beautiful, verdant green. The jungle becomes lush, flowers bloom, and there is less dust. Temperatures feel slightly cooler due to the moisture too, which is a nice break especially at the beach where temps can climb into the 90s°F (32°C).

 

Nosara looking gorgeous after the first rainstorms of the season in late April

 

2.     It’s Less Busy

During the high season when tourism picks up, many towns can feel congested. Trails become crowded, traffic increases, and finding space on the beach can be tough.

 

The main beach in Manuel Antonio in busy January

 

In the rainy season, there just aren’t as many people around so you’re more likely to have parks, beaches, and other sights all to yourself. It’s also a nice way to get to know the culture, as many locals are out and about, taking vacation time and enjoying their country.

 

Same beach but in the low season (October). What a difference!

 

3.     It’s Cheaper to Travel

Costa Rica has a few different travel seasons: the high season (December to April), the peak season (the weeks around Christmas, New Years, and Easter), and the low season (generally May to November, but sometimes hotels consider July and August to be high season too).

During the low season, just about every hotel has reduced rates, car rentals tend to be cheaper, and it’s much easier to negotiate prices on things like tours. Some restaurants offer 2-for-1 specials and other deals, and sometimes you can even name your own price on a room.

See more money-saving tips for your next trip to Costa Rica.

 

 

4.    Waterfalls Are Gushing and Gorgeous

In the dry season, river levels tend to get lower, which makes some of the country’s amazing waterfalls less than spectacular. You may notice that some waterfalls are called “seasonal.” If someone tells you this, don’t even bother visiting during the dry season because you will likely see just a sad trickle. During the rainy season, these same waterfalls are gushing and glorious.

 

Waterfall at Cloudbridge Nature Reserve in mid-October

 

Those are some of the big reasons that you should consider visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season. If you plan your visit right, you can enjoy paradise (almost) all to yourself, for less, and still not get rained on all day. Here are some more tips to help you plan.

Tips for Visiting Costa Rica During the Rainy Season

When Exactly Is the Rainy Season? The rainy season is from May to November and the dry season from December to April.
Is the Entire Country Rainy? Climate differs regionally in Costa Rica because of its extremely varied topography, so in some places, the seasons are slightly different. Guanacaste Province is the driest part of the country and has the shortest rainy season. If you visit Guanacaste in May, it still might not have had its first rain of the season. Rainforest zones like the Southern Pacific Coast and the Osa Peninsula have the longest rainy season and get the most rain. The Caribbean Coast has its own microclimate and completely different weather patterns that are difficult to predict.
Best Times to Visit: Visit at the beginning of the rainy season or beginning of the dry season (May to July or early November to December). Of course, the weather varies year to year, but during these months, mornings are generally sunny and it rains for an hour or two in the afternoon and maybe at night, but not all day. September and October are the rainiest months in most parts of the country and not recommended for all but the most adventurous travelers. If you are traveling in September and October, head to the Caribbean Coast, which is the driest during these months. A couple of great towns to visit are Tortuguero, Cahuita, and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Disadvantages of Traveling During the Rainy Season

Road Conditions: If you travel during the rainy season, be prepared for the unexpected and build in extra travel time. With the increased rain, road conditions worsen. Dirt roads can become pothole ridden, and washouts and landslides occasionally occur. Rivers also swell, making access to some areas more difficult.
Cancelled Plans: You might have a day where it rains non-stop, ruining your plans for a beach day or other excursion. Be flexible when travel planning so that if you can’t do an activity one day, you have time built in to do it another.
Mosquitos: Mosquitos are the worst during the rainy season so be sure to bring some bug repellant.



Would you ever travel during an off-peak season? Why or why not?

 

The post Why You Should Visit Costa Rica in the Rainy Season appeared first on Two Weeks in Costa Rica.

Sigma 18-250mm: A Great All Around Travel Lens

What would a travel website be without captivating photos? We wondered that ourselves recently when we found our go-to zoom lens suddenly out of commission. It all happened on a hike to one of Costa Rica’s many hidden waterfalls. Jenn slipped trying to navigate down some slick rocks with a rope; workplace hazard for sure. Luckily no one was hurt, and our Nikon D3200 camera (i.e., Matt’s baby) wasn’t involved in the incident. In fact, the lens that did get damaged was tucked away in a separate bag, waiting to be taken out for some bird photography later on. But the fact that we were carrying around multiple camera lenses at all was the root of our problem.

Our solution is our new lens, the Sigma 18-250mm f3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM. In our opinion, this lens is a great all-around travel lens and, most importantly for us, solves the problem of having to carry around multiple lenses. But before we go into detail about the new lens, let’s take a look at what we had been using before the incident.

 

The Old Setup

For the type of photos we use here on our website, we need a wide range of focal lengths. Previously, we used the Nikon 18-55mm for all-around pictures. This was the lens that came with our camera and has treated us well for things like trail pictures, beaches, mountain views, street scenes, and other landscape-type shots. When hiking, we’d usually keep that one on the camera. Then, when we wanted to get creative, or more likely get a close-up of a bird or animal, we’d quickly have to switch to our beloved Nikon 55-200mm zoom lens. While we were fumbling around, switching lenses, all we could do was hope that our subject wouldn’t scurry off, strike some once-in-a-lifetime pose, or worse, attack us while we weren’t looking.

 

Somehow managed to slip in a shot of this white-faced monkey who thought we were a little too close!

 

The other bad thing about the old setup was that we often found ourselves changing lenses in what camera experts would say are the worst conditions. Rain and high humidity (it is the tropics, after all), salty ocean sprays, or dust plumes in the dry plains of Guanacaste. All things that are not good for the inside of your camera. At one point, we even had some fungi living under our lens because of all the moisture.

The New Setup

Things are a lot simpler now. With our new Sigma 18-250mm, we only need to bring along one lens wherever we go. Whether we are taking landscape photos, zooming in on wildlife high up in a tree, or even taking macro-type close-ups, we just need the one; no more switching. What drew us to this lens was its big range, from 18mm for those wider angle beach pics all the way to 250mm for the zoomed in bird photos we feature for #FeatheredFriendFriday on Facebook. The macro capability, being able to get really close up shots of things like flowers and insects, was also an added bonus which we hadn’t even considered before finding this particular model.

 

#FeatheredFriend! A Fiery-billed Aracari, a relative of the Toucan

 

Before buying, we read many of the reviews on Amazon. With an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5, people seemed to love the Sigma. Another factor was the price. This lens was a big investment for us, costing $349, but when we started looking at replacing our damaged Nikon 55-200mm for $246.95 and still having the problem of switching back and forth, it seemed like an extra $100 well spent.

Performance of Sigma 18-250mm as a Travel Lens

So far we’ve had the Sigma 18-250mm for a couple of months and have taken thousands of photos of all different types of subjects in different lighting and environments.

Landscape Shots

Compared to the Nikon 18-55mm that we previously used for landscapes, we feel that the Sigma lens gives crisper shots with deeper colors that require a lot less editing. It especially picks up Costa Rica’s brilliant greens in the mountains and trees, which sometimes appeared dull with our old lens.

 

Vivid greens that we couldn’t get with our old lens

 

Zoom Capability

Comparing the new lens to our old Nikon 55-200mm, which we loved, we feel that the zoom performance is about equal when shooting birds and wildlife. Much like the Nikon lens, this one sometimes has a hard time auto-focusing in low light condition (e.g., under the tree canopy) and often times is better when manually focusing. We’ve read, though, that this is pretty standard for those types of lighting conditions and the price range of lenses we were looking at.

For tips we got from a pro on taking great shots in low light, check out our post: Bird Photography: How to Get that Perfect Shot.

Macro Feature

We really like the macro capability of the Sigma lens which lets us get really close to objects while still getting a nice, crisp shot. That was tough to do and many times impossible with our old setup where we would have to back up several feet with our zoom lens just to take a picture of a flower.

 

Love the macro feature

 

Drawbacks of Sigma 18-250mm

Small drawbacks are that the Sigma lens is heavier than the individual Nikons we had, and that the zoom sometimes extends out on its own when pointed down. This is a little annoying at times, but not a big deal for us since we are usually shooting upwards into the trees, straight on, or are holding the lens while focusing on something lower. There is a lock so that this won’t happen but it only locks in the fully contracted position (which at least is good while hiking or for storing it away).

Conclusion

Overall we are really happy with the Sigma 18-250mm. Sure, it was a shame to lose our Nikon zoom lens, but when opportunity knocks, buy a better lens, right? For a good all-around travel lens, this one seems to fit our needs perfectly and we are excited to keep getting better and better shots.

If you do end up buying this lens, just make sure that you get the right style/mount to fit your camera. They make different mounts for Nikon, Cannon, Pentax, Sigma, and Sony cameras. Also make sure that you choose the model that specifies Macro as there is an older version without it.

Where to Buy: Amazon

Price: $349

NOTE: Some of the links in this article are connected to affiliate programs. If you buy something on Amazon after clicking one of these links, we’ll get a small commission. This doesn’t cost you anything extra than if you went directly through Amazon and allows us to keep providing content on this website for free. Thanks for supporting us with your clicks!

What’s your go to travel lens? Ever damage your camera gear while out exploring?

 

The post Sigma 18-250mm: A Great All Around Travel Lens appeared first on Two Weeks in Costa Rica.

Diamante Waterfall and Cave

Costa Rica has many amazing waterfalls but we know of only one with a secret cave where you can stay the night. Located in Costa Rica’s Southern Zone, the Diamante Verde (Green Diamond) are a set of ten waterfalls hidden deep in the jungle. If you’re visiting Manuel Antonio or the Costa Ballena and are looking for something more off-the-beaten path, consider making the trek to Diamante Waterfall.

Very little information is available on how to visit the Diamante Waterfall so we met with the local family that owns the property and had them show us what makes this area of Costa Rica so special. Below we share everything you need to know to plan your visit.

 

Location

The Diamante Waterfall is located in the village of Las Tumbas near Tinamaste. Although this area is just 35 minutes from the beach town of Dominical, the landscape differs widely, with lush, rolling mountains that are sometimes enshrouded in clouds. For directions, see the box below.

Visiting the Diamante Waterfall

Like many waterfalls in Costa Rica, the Diamante Waterfalls are on private property. For safety reasons, the family that owns the land asks that you arrange a guided tour in order to visit. After doing the strenuous hike for ourselves, we can definitely see why that makes sense.

We started our trek up the mountain, following the steep, rocky path. Our guides, Jesse, the son of the family who owns the land, and Sarah, led the way, teaching us about the surrounding forest. We learned that much of the land was still primary rainforest, meaning that it had never been cut down. As we walked among the towering, decades-old trees, we saw wildlife like monkeys and also many types of birds, including a pair of toucans perched in a Guarumo tree.

 

Up, up, up!

 

To break up the intense hike, Jesse would stop and show us different medicinal plants like the somewhat foul-tasting Tres Puntos (Three Points), which sort of foamed in the mouth but was believed to cleanse the liver and treat dysentery and malaria. At another break, we watched as Sarah approached a huge termite nest. She knocked gently on the brown nest, extracting a few of the tiny creatures and then told us that they tasted a lot like carrots while popping one in her mouth. A little unsure, we hesitated and then went for it.

 

Jenn eating a termite. They actually do kind of taste like carrots!

 

After about an hour of hiking almost straight up, we arrived at the farm. Sweet lemons, tangerines, native bananas, sugarcane, cacao, cinnamon, vanilla, mint, holy basil, mustard greens that tasted like wasabi, and many other fruits and vegetables grew amongst the beautiful flowering gladiolas and beehive ginger.

 

Beehive Ginger, definitely one of Costa Rica’s coolest flowers

 

After learning more about the different plants while gnawing on some raw sugarcane, we continued on to the waterfalls. With ten in total, we couldn’t see all of them in just one day, but got the sense that there was a waterfall for everyone. Some of them were smaller, with big pools good for swimming and relaxing, while others were just the right size for jumping in. Matt was the bravest and joined Jesse to jump from the top of one of the medium sized falls.

Another hour or so of hiking later and we arrived at the main attraction. Behind two twin, 85-foot (26 meter) waterfalls were a few gigantic boulders which formed the base of the cave. Complete with a kitchen, elevated platforms for sleeping, and even bathrooms, this wasn’t any ordinary cave. As we ate lunch, we pictured how serene it must be at night, with candles lit and only the sound of water rushing past.

 

One of the two falls with a glimpse of the cave in background

 

Walking behind the falls and into the cave

 

Platforms for beds

 

For the last part of the tour, we hiked to the top of the tallest waterfall. It was a bit scary to be looking over the edge, about 600 feet (183 meters) up, but the view of the surrounding hills was spectacular. We could even see the ocean in the distance through the light mist.

 

 

The Diamante Waterfall was one of the most amazing sights we’ve ever seen in Costa Rica. Not only were the waterfalls themselves spectacular, but the cave was unforgettable. We’re hoping to make it back soon and stay overnight for the whole experience.

 

Tips for Planning Your Visit to the Diamante Waterfall

 

Can I Visit On My Own? When planning our visit, we had read an old blog post that said it was possible to visit on your own without a tour. This is not the case anymore and you now have to go on a guided tour. Trust us that you wouldn’t want to try it on your own anyway. This is a very remote area, conditions are rough, and it’s very easy to get lost.
Booking a Tour: Contact the Tree of Life/Pacific Journeys at 2787-0555 or through email: pacificjourneyscostarica@gmail.com. They offer a lot of different packages, both for overnights and day trips. Some of their most popular tours include cliff jumping and rappelling down the waterfalls. 
Trail Conditions: This was a strenuous, 2.5 hour hike up along a mix of loose gravel, slippery clay, and earthen stairs. Plan to spend the day. Your best bet for footwear is hiking boots or rubber boots.
What to Bring: Rain coat; bug spray; bathing suit; towel; flashlight/headlamp if staying overnight; and plenty of water (the beginning of the trail is exposed to the sun).
Directions: From Dominical, take the Costanera (Highway 34) to Highway 243 towards San Isidro del General. You’ll wind up and down the mountain, passing several small towns like Baru and Platanillo. In about 25 minutes, you’ll get to the town of Tinamastes at the top of the hill where the road levels off. After a large church on the right, take your first right onto a dirt road (there should be a sign for Valle de Vida). This will lead you into Las Tumbas. Follow this road for about 10 minutes, passing a bridge and a small church. At the soccer field in town, take a left. Tree of Life is the second building in, next to the pulperia (small store).

 

Check out our short video of the Diamante Waterfall and cave.

What’s the strangest place you’ve ever stayed when traveling? Would you sleep in a cave?

 

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Playa Conchal: The Allure of Shell Beach

The distinct sound of a million tiny seashells gently shuffling with each lapping wave will forever be what we imagine when thinking of Playa Conchal. Usually specific beaches don’t make our destinations’ list, but for Playa Conchal in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province, we’ve made an exception. Not only is the beach itself stunning, but its location, tucked away in a private cove, makes it the perfect place to escape all of the stresses of life. This post will give you everything you need to plan your own visit, whether it’s a relaxing day with the kids or a romantic week-long getaway.

 

The Setting at Playa Conchal

Sure Costa Rica has dozens of gorgeous beaches, but what makes Playa Conchal so special? Well, in one word, location. Playa Conchal is virtually cut off from the rest of the world. This is because to get there you either have to walk along the shore from the adjacent fishing village of Brasilito or be a guest at the exclusive Westin Golf Resort and Spa. Although it does take a bit of effort, once you arrive, you’ll be glad you did.

Situated between two rocky points, Playa Conchal has calm, aquamarine water which is great for swimming. To further entice, there are picturesque islets offshore and craggy cliffs on the far southern end.

But what makes Playa Conchal most unique is its sand. As we eluded to, this beach seems to be a magnet for seashells. Unlike anywhere else in the country, pink, white, and tan shells make up the sand. A gentle tumbling of waves breaks these treasures into polished granules that are not only pleasing to the eye, but easy on the feet too. It is these tiny fragments that got Playa Conchal (‘Shell Beach’) its name.

 

Activities

Available right on the beach in Playa Conchal are snorkel masks, jet skis, and kayaks. You can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas and there are usually vendors around selling pipas frias (cold coconuts), BBQ kabobs, and even frosty beers if you get thirsty for an Imperial. The beach usually isn’t too crowded so there’s plenty of room to lay down a towel, although shade on the sand can be sparse if you don’t rent an umbrella. The first time we went, we spent most of our time snorkeling in the clear water near the rocks at the northern end. The conditions weren’t the best, but it was still nice to spot some colorful fish right from the shore.

 

 

If you’re looking for more to do, the area has plenty of other activities. Horseback riding, ATV tours, sunset cruises, sport-fishing, and scuba diving are all available locally. On one of our visits, we booked a two-hour horseback tour from Brasilito and rode along the beach, past Playa Conchal, and out to a scenic vantage point on the nearby cliffs. After we got back, we had a tasty lunch at one of the small, locally owned seafood restaurants in Brasilito and shopped for souvenirs in a few of the stores nearby.

 

 

For those staying at the Westin, there are some more things to do. The resort has a professional 18-hole golf course, spa, workout facility, tennis courts, and a separate kids’ club to keep the little ones busy. For when you just want to relax with a fruity cocktail, there’s also the massive lagoon-style swimming pool.

Getting There

Playa Conchal is located on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast. It is less than an hour from Liberia International Airport (62 km away) and only 20 minutes north of the popular surfing and tourist town of Tamarindo. As we mentioned above, the closest town to Playa Conchal is Brasilito, which has a good mixture of local culture and tourist amenities.

There are two ways to access Playa Conchal. Guests of the Westin can pass through a wide gate and stroll right onto the beach. For everyone else, the best way is to follow the beach south from Brasilito. It is possible to drive on the sand (like everyone else does), but it’s not a good idea. Driving on the beach is illegal in Costa Rica, and if you need a better reason, it just isn’t good for the wildlife or for keeping Conchal pristine and gorgeous. What we usually do is park along the soccer field outside of one of the restaurants in Brasilito and walk the ten or 15 minutes down the sand. It’s a really nice walk, especially if you splash your way along the water’s edge.

Tip: If you are worried about leaving your car, just ask a local restaurant how much it would cost for them to keep an eye on it. The area is generally very safe, but rental cars are easily identifiable to thieves so just don’t leave anything valuable in sight.

Hotels

Westin Golf Resort and Spa

The obvious choice for lodging in Playa Conchal is the Westin Golf Resort and Spa (formerly Paradisus Playa Conchal) since it borders the beach. The Westin has rooms for just about every type of traveler, from the Family Beach Club if you’re coming with kids to the luxurious, adults-only Royal Beach Club for a more romantic setting. The resort is highly regarded for service, and though it is all-inclusive, the food at the seven restaurants is said to be above average.

 

Westin Resort & Spa at Playa Conchal

 

Reserva Conchal

Slightly farther from the beach is Reserva Conchal, which offers spacious, condo-style units that are great for groups. Reserva Conchal has its own beach club and restaurant and guests can also access the amenities at the Westin Resort.

Hotel Conchal

For those looking for a more economical option but who would still like to experience the beauty of the area, consider staying in neighboring Brasilito. Hotel Conchal is a smaller, family-run hotel located just a short walk to Playa Conchal and even closer to Brasilito’s beautiful beaches.

 

Hotel Conchal in Brasilito

 

With such a serene setting, comfortable accommodations, and activities for all, it’s easy to see why Playa Conchal makes our list of Costa Rica’s most spectacular beaches. We don’t make it back up to Guanacaste very often, but when we do, we always make sure to pay a visit to Playa Conchal. Until next time, we’ll just have to dream of those tiny seashells swooshing between our toes.

Have you been to Playa Conchal? What was the highlight of your time there? 

 

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