'We've been traveling through Costa Rica for a week now, and we haven't seen any of the beaches yet. Isn't it amazing for such a small island?'. I look at the woman I just helped her put on a canyoning harness. 'Yes', I reply, 'it's even more amazing that we've got elephants here. I've always wondered how they got to this island'. She raises her eyebrow and says:'You don't fool me, there are no elephants on this island'.
Those who visit Costa Rica not for the beaches, will most likely spend their time in the country side. Rivers, mountains, jungles, villages, volcanoes, hot springs and its wildlife, Costa Rica has all the ingredients for a vacation full of adrenaline and nature elements. Just travel through the country and you will come across hundreds of operators for canopy zip line, white water rafting, horseback riding, canyoning, all terrain vehicle, caving, kayaking, mountain biking and many, many other tours. For naturalist lovers, you can fill a month of vacation with every day a different activity. Visit the active volcanoes or any other of the 26 National Parks. Spot the Quetzal in Monteverde's Rainforest Reserve or view hundreds of caimans on the Cano Negro. Monkeys, sloth, crocodiles, snakes, armadilos, jaguars, tapirs, frogs, butterflies, elephants, we got them all on this island. Corcovado is for the die hards , but definitely worth 'doing it' (see my previous post).
What ever activity you are coming to Costa Rica for, be prepared. Know what each one entails, what you need to know beforehand and what operators not to go for. The latter is difficult since most likely you will not know the difference between a sign that says 'White Water Rafting trips' and the other saying 'White Water Rafting trips'. I don't blame you, because who can?
Safety is mandatory. A fraction of the operators, and that is a fraction too much, do not live by the highest safety standards. Other elements operators can be lacking are service and the will to give you a great time. Money is only what they are interested in, and therefore chances are you get way less than you pay for, and it might even be life threatening.
If you are coming to CR thinking it's an island, you better have a travel agency arranging every detail of your vacation. Just like the lady that went canyoning with me. She didn't know a thing of Costa Rica, but had the best time of her life.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Corcovado National Park-- a different point of view
Forget the luxury of your own bedroom, let alone your own bathroom. Even air conditioning, a comfortable bed, warm water, cold drinks, a convenience store, t.v, beer, wine, candies, electricity and all other facilities you do not worry about in your own bubble- you have them, so why worry about them- are no where to be found in the most biological diverse place on earth. I haven't been to all corners of this planet, so I'm not sure if it really is the most biological diverse place on earth. I'm just copying 'National Geographic's' statement, and assuming they know what they are talking about, I believe Costa Rica's Corcovado is the most biological diverse place on earth.
Sure there is luxury close to the park, but it comes with a price. The Osa Peninsula is not reached easily, therefore a brewsky will be cold, but hard to enjoy when you know just 20 miles further down the 'worst road of the country' you can get three for the same price. It might be the worst road, but it definitely is the most expensive road of the country.
So, when you travel to Corcovado National Park, pack lightly, choose the right shoes, bring water, sun block and a water proof camera (or at least a water proof camera case). Apart from the basics (toothbrush, underwear, soap, etc.) that's all you need. The hikes are long and can be tough, but the beer on the other side of the park will be your pull factor. If beer doesn't do the job, a foot massage or a good shower and bed will. One day in the park is easy, two is good, three is tough and beyond three is extreme. This is, if you are a city sucker. If you are a bushmaster, you will leave the park only to get the beer and then come back straight away.
Who ever you are, where ever you are from, if you've 'done' the park, you might have had doubts while doing it, but after having done it, you surely felt mighty. You've suffered, and perhaps you're sure (or at least you think you're sure) you'll never do it again. What counts here is that you've done it, and you're proud you did. You can tell every other city sucker what a tough cooky you are and maybe, just maybe you have inspired some to follow your path. The path that makes you feel alive, after so many years. Alive, at least for a few days.
Additional note: guided hikes, half day hikes and flying out of the park are not part of the equation that equals satisfaction. Most satisfaction is reached when entering the park from one side, and exciting the other (spending the night at the Sirena Ranger Station- reservations in advance is mandatory).
Sure there is luxury close to the park, but it comes with a price. The Osa Peninsula is not reached easily, therefore a brewsky will be cold, but hard to enjoy when you know just 20 miles further down the 'worst road of the country' you can get three for the same price. It might be the worst road, but it definitely is the most expensive road of the country.
So, when you travel to Corcovado National Park, pack lightly, choose the right shoes, bring water, sun block and a water proof camera (or at least a water proof camera case). Apart from the basics (toothbrush, underwear, soap, etc.) that's all you need. The hikes are long and can be tough, but the beer on the other side of the park will be your pull factor. If beer doesn't do the job, a foot massage or a good shower and bed will. One day in the park is easy, two is good, three is tough and beyond three is extreme. This is, if you are a city sucker. If you are a bushmaster, you will leave the park only to get the beer and then come back straight away.
Who ever you are, where ever you are from, if you've 'done' the park, you might have had doubts while doing it, but after having done it, you surely felt mighty. You've suffered, and perhaps you're sure (or at least you think you're sure) you'll never do it again. What counts here is that you've done it, and you're proud you did. You can tell every other city sucker what a tough cooky you are and maybe, just maybe you have inspired some to follow your path. The path that makes you feel alive, after so many years. Alive, at least for a few days.
Additional note: guided hikes, half day hikes and flying out of the park are not part of the equation that equals satisfaction. Most satisfaction is reached when entering the park from one side, and exciting the other (spending the night at the Sirena Ranger Station- reservations in advance is mandatory).
Monday, July 13, 2009
Costa Rica snakes
You will likely be encountering snakes of all sorts during your Costa Rica experience. The question is, do you know that you do?
About half of my time I spend outside, in the bush, rivers, mountains and canyons. Once in a while I do see a snake, but not as many as you might think. So I thought to myself, perhaps there are more surrounding me, but I just don't see them. When I'm out there, I'm out there for a reason other than looking for snakes. When I do see a snake it's more of a coincidence. Perhaps it moves quickly, or I almost step on it.
One day I took my bike, climbed some hills, crossed some rivers and cut a trail through the jungle. All with the intention of spotting snakes. I was on a snake hunt. Not that I would catch, kill and eat them- I brought my own sandwiches. I was just curious of how many snakes I would be able to find. It was an amazing experience.
Four hours and a refreshing waterfall shower later, I sat down on a rock and air dried my body. “Seven snakes!!” I yelled. I spotted seven snakes in about three hours of hiking through dense vegetation. I’m not a snake expert and I didn’t Google them when I got home, but I’m sure among the seven were at least three mean looking devils. I was as cautious as one could be when in the jungle by himself, with just a machete and one pair of eyes protecting me. I did tell my girlfriend about my plan and brought my cell phone, just in case.
When I’m not ‘hunting’ for snakes, I spot about one a month, so in three ‘hunting’ hours, I saw more than in the previous six months. So there you go. If you are on a nature and adventure combo vacation in beautiful Costa Rica, keep in mind that more snakes will be watching you than you might think. Lots more!
Bites are rare, because snakes will be gone way before you get close to them. At least, the majority…
Questions about snakes in Costa Rica? I know just the guy!
About half of my time I spend outside, in the bush, rivers, mountains and canyons. Once in a while I do see a snake, but not as many as you might think. So I thought to myself, perhaps there are more surrounding me, but I just don't see them. When I'm out there, I'm out there for a reason other than looking for snakes. When I do see a snake it's more of a coincidence. Perhaps it moves quickly, or I almost step on it.
One day I took my bike, climbed some hills, crossed some rivers and cut a trail through the jungle. All with the intention of spotting snakes. I was on a snake hunt. Not that I would catch, kill and eat them- I brought my own sandwiches. I was just curious of how many snakes I would be able to find. It was an amazing experience.
Four hours and a refreshing waterfall shower later, I sat down on a rock and air dried my body. “Seven snakes!!” I yelled. I spotted seven snakes in about three hours of hiking through dense vegetation. I’m not a snake expert and I didn’t Google them when I got home, but I’m sure among the seven were at least three mean looking devils. I was as cautious as one could be when in the jungle by himself, with just a machete and one pair of eyes protecting me. I did tell my girlfriend about my plan and brought my cell phone, just in case.
When I’m not ‘hunting’ for snakes, I spot about one a month, so in three ‘hunting’ hours, I saw more than in the previous six months. So there you go. If you are on a nature and adventure combo vacation in beautiful Costa Rica, keep in mind that more snakes will be watching you than you might think. Lots more!
Bites are rare, because snakes will be gone way before you get close to them. At least, the majority…
Questions about snakes in Costa Rica? I know just the guy!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
No Rotten Apples
Vacation in Costa Rica is all about adventure and nature activities, deserted beaches and wildlife. If you come to this tiny playground for any other reason, you’re probably not interested in the warnings I am about to mention.
Costa Rica is like a box full of apples; they’re all delicious, fresh and healthy for body and mind except that rotten one in the middle of the pile. The outside looks good but as soon as you take a bite, it’s too late. Disappointment, bad taste and sick to the stomach at once. No more apples for a while.
Costa Rica is not any different than that box of apples. Fantastic all the way, but chances are you encounter that rotten apple. Whether it is a bad hotel, guide, activity, rental car or restaurant, you will know when it is too late. I witnessed and guided many tourist groups that experienced a flawless vacation and said to be back next year without a doubt. Now, there are some I heard and read about who were less fortunate, and it wasn’t just a flat tire or a worn out pillow. The rotten apples I’m talking about entail more serious problems such as lack of safety on the river, canopy zip lines, horseback tours, canyoning and rappelling , rude service at hotels and car rental agencies and scams in general.
As a tourist guide I have dealt with many good operators, hotels and rental car agencies, and a few bad ones. Obviously it’s the bad ones I am warning you about. I’m not an official inspector, therefore not allowed to mention any names, but if you are in doubt or if you have any questions, please contact me and I will advise you accordingly.
Costa Rica is all about flawless vacations. Get some good advice and you too will be enjoying only the delicious apples!
Costa Rica is like a box full of apples; they’re all delicious, fresh and healthy for body and mind except that rotten one in the middle of the pile. The outside looks good but as soon as you take a bite, it’s too late. Disappointment, bad taste and sick to the stomach at once. No more apples for a while.
Costa Rica is not any different than that box of apples. Fantastic all the way, but chances are you encounter that rotten apple. Whether it is a bad hotel, guide, activity, rental car or restaurant, you will know when it is too late. I witnessed and guided many tourist groups that experienced a flawless vacation and said to be back next year without a doubt. Now, there are some I heard and read about who were less fortunate, and it wasn’t just a flat tire or a worn out pillow. The rotten apples I’m talking about entail more serious problems such as lack of safety on the river, canopy zip lines, horseback tours, canyoning and rappelling , rude service at hotels and car rental agencies and scams in general.
As a tourist guide I have dealt with many good operators, hotels and rental car agencies, and a few bad ones. Obviously it’s the bad ones I am warning you about. I’m not an official inspector, therefore not allowed to mention any names, but if you are in doubt or if you have any questions, please contact me and I will advise you accordingly.
Costa Rica is all about flawless vacations. Get some good advice and you too will be enjoying only the delicious apples!
Monday, May 11, 2009
The Quiet Tico
Dogs bark like their mouth never gets dry. Loud engine breaking sounds by large trucks rolling down the mountain. Sensitive car alarms set off by a passing truck. The continuously loud resonant sound of a car horn in front of a property to get attention from the person inside the house. The roaring moped and motorcycle engines with a malfunctioning muffler. Taxi drivers and other uptight road users slamming their car horns like life depends on it. Life in the city here is as life in the city elsewhere; maybe a little less or a little more. Whether it is necessity or free will, being in a city is at the same time frustrating and interesting. A city has everything except one thing. Tranquility. The countryside has nothing except one thing. Tranquility. If you don’t seek tranquility, than visit one of its cities or don’t visit Costa Rica at all.
Who leads a tube from a mountain creek to his house and calls it running water? Who goes to work on a horse? Who gets up at 5 am and goes to bed at 8 pm? Who puts up an umbrella when the sun is shining? Who cuts its lawn with a machete? Who invites you for a glass of milk, strait from the goat? That’s right, tico’s from the countryside. They’re everything but primitive. They’re practical, friendly, disciplined, welcoming, life smart, hard working and respectful. The only thing they don’t have is knowledge of the English language. Try your hands and feet to communicate; a laugh for all parties, guaranteed. If necessary, the tico will call his son or grandson for translation- some years ago the new school system introduced mandatory English. After minutes, the kid will lose his shyness and tell you that grandpa has invited you for coffee.
The roads winding through the countryside are in relatively good shape. Local landslides, potholes or a farmer with 80 cows might slow you down, but in general, you’ll be amazed how smooth your ride will be. Not in the city, but you’ll be avoiding them as much as possible, are you not? Sometimes you’ll find road signs where you don’t need them and no road signs where you need them. Just roll down your window and tell the lady or gentleman on the side of the road (they’re always there) your destination with a question mark. They will either raise their shoulders or point you to a direction, accompanied with a smile. Where is the fun of reaching your destination without having to ask for directions?
The tico countryside is only about enjoying its tranquility. The landscapes, mountains, micro climates, jungles, wild life, people and other surprises along the way; it’s all pure and truly livable. If it gets too quiet, a visit to the capital for a day shopping and night at the Live Jazz café will compromise for the rest of the year. Pura Vida!
Who leads a tube from a mountain creek to his house and calls it running water? Who goes to work on a horse? Who gets up at 5 am and goes to bed at 8 pm? Who puts up an umbrella when the sun is shining? Who cuts its lawn with a machete? Who invites you for a glass of milk, strait from the goat? That’s right, tico’s from the countryside. They’re everything but primitive. They’re practical, friendly, disciplined, welcoming, life smart, hard working and respectful. The only thing they don’t have is knowledge of the English language. Try your hands and feet to communicate; a laugh for all parties, guaranteed. If necessary, the tico will call his son or grandson for translation- some years ago the new school system introduced mandatory English. After minutes, the kid will lose his shyness and tell you that grandpa has invited you for coffee.
The roads winding through the countryside are in relatively good shape. Local landslides, potholes or a farmer with 80 cows might slow you down, but in general, you’ll be amazed how smooth your ride will be. Not in the city, but you’ll be avoiding them as much as possible, are you not? Sometimes you’ll find road signs where you don’t need them and no road signs where you need them. Just roll down your window and tell the lady or gentleman on the side of the road (they’re always there) your destination with a question mark. They will either raise their shoulders or point you to a direction, accompanied with a smile. Where is the fun of reaching your destination without having to ask for directions?
The tico countryside is only about enjoying its tranquility. The landscapes, mountains, micro climates, jungles, wild life, people and other surprises along the way; it’s all pure and truly livable. If it gets too quiet, a visit to the capital for a day shopping and night at the Live Jazz café will compromise for the rest of the year. Pura Vida!
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