BACK FROM COSTA RICAI have just returned from an excellent trip to Costa Rica! This is a most ideal destination for those seeking a little adventure, getting close to nature, and for those couples looking for a romantic getaway.
I traveled South from San Jose to the town of Quepos and the Manual Antonio National Park. A hike through the park (on your own is fine or you can hire a tour guide equipped with a telescope at the entrance of the park for around US$40 per person) awards you breathtaking views of the rainforest and a chance to dip in a waterfall pool, and many visits to secluded beaches. However, we saw more animals like sloths, monkeys, raccoons, crabs and bats at the gorgeous Hotel Parador located near the park.
Heading North from there we visited the Monteverde Cloud Forest and did an exciting zip-line trip with a thrilling Tarzan Swing as a finale at the El Establo Hotel, still owned by the same family of the original Quakers that pioneered the area in the 50s. For twenty bucks, a night walk introduces you to all of the creepy-crawlies of the dark. Onward we drove around the very scenic Arenal Lake to the beautiful area of the Arenal Volcano, which is one of the top ten most active volcanoes in the world. It's definitely a sight to see this massive triangular icon th
at towers over the town of La Fortuna and all surrounding areas for miles and miles. Watching the volcano gives you the similar trance-like feeling that you get when watching a fish-tank or fire in a fireplace. It's bellowing smoke rises from it's peak and forms pillows of clouds by day and the bright red lava flow lights up a glow periodically by night (the best view by night is from the restaurant at Linda Vista Hotel or by the bridge - the locals will know). A hike in the National Park is a must as you get to walk on past lava flows and lava rocks from eruptions as early as 1992 and if you stand quietly, you can actually hear the present lava flow crackle as new earth is formed and of the crashing of rocks tumbling down the volcano's steep slopes.My favorite resort in the Arenal area is the brand new 'The Springs'. It's a little off of the main road but worth the journey as it affords it's visitors with great warmth and hospitality, all modern amenities of a luxury property, amazing views of the volcano from all bars, restaurants and rooms, and the best natural thermal springs in the entire area. It's most ideal for honeymoons as there are things to do like darts, pool-tables, ping-pong, dipping in their many romantic thermal pools, socializing with other couples and/or staff or just cuddling and watching the volcano from the many balconies and viewpoints of the resort.
If you prefer to stay up front and close to the volcano however, this can be had by staying at the quiet and relaxing Arenal Kioro Hotel where the volcano view from your bed is through a window that stretches two stories high from floor to ceiling and the only thing that separates you from the old lava is a farmers field.Onward to the North and it's extensive coves and bays of beaches, we arrived at the brand new RIU Guanacast
e, an all-inclusive resort located in a remote area of Playa Ocotal. It's your typical all-inclusive property with it's droves of tourists getting rowdy at the pool-bar and over-eating at the restaurants. It was a completely different feel than the other Costa Rica we had just experienced. Even though this palatial resort was located on the best beach I saw in Costa Rica and had an amazing swimming pool and clean rooms, I would still highly encourage any visitor to this magnificent country to get out of their enclosure of the resort for at least a day. Renting a car is very fun, easy and safe. Try 'comida typica' which is the local main dish of rice, beans, and choice of meat at any roadside restaurant. It's a fun way to mix with the friendly locals and try out their real cuisine.
The last night was spent at the very expansive luxury all-inclusive Paradisus Playa Conchal Resort. This property is set on over 2,600 acres with a breathtaking golf course. It's highlights to me were the endless list of complimentary activities including a canopy tour, sushi-making, green-fees and more. The beach was smaller that the RIU and the sand was much more coarse so is not really the most ideal setting for a beach wedding but any other acre is yours for the choosing. There are also the Barcelo Langosta Beach, Occidental Papagayo, Hilton, and Allegro Papagayo all-inclusive resorts that have their varying rates and highlights to offer any honeymooners or wedding groups alike.Flying within Costa Rica is extremely cheap and easy and can be done online at Nature Air or Sansa. Just remember that they have a very limited weight restriction so you need either to be prepared to spend about US$25 for up to 30 more pounds if available, or limit your luggage size and weight. The service and planes are almost as informal as it's runways and airports but it's truly a convenient way to get around the country quickly and safely.
Over-all, I would chalk down my experience in Costa Rica as one of the best countries to ever visit for it's diversity of flora and fauna, forests and animals, it's commitment to preserving nature and the environment, it's friendly and down-to-earth people greeting you with, "Pura Vida!" every where you go, and it's vast landscapes of lush greenery and expansive activities to see and experience.
Please contact us today if you're interested in obtaining a customized itinerary created just for you or any all-inclusive chartered packages. We truly look forward to putting our knowledge and experience to work for you!
Pura Vida!
Laurie Keith
Honeymoon & Destination Wedding Specialist
Romantic Planet Vacations
www.romanticplanet.ca
laurie@romanticplanet.ca
