Nature aficionados, welcome to Costa Rica

If you are the outdoorsy kind of person who enjoys sightseeing and enjoy interacting with nature, then Costa Rica is the place for you.  Costa Rica is filled with exotic wildlife such as Toucans, baby three-toed sloths, white-faced monkeys (like the one on Ace Ventura), and much much more.

Costa Rica’s exotic atmosphere doesn’t stop there.  If you feel the need to explore more than your backyard, then visit the amazing lakes, volcanoes, and jungles this place has to offer.

Places to see:

Photo: Tizate Wellness Garden
Source: Google.com

1.)Tizate Wellness Gardens

This is a must see place for you garden aficionados.  Tizate Wellness Gardens are situated next to the Tizate River.  The soft, yet loud noise of the river along with the harmonious sounds made by the insects and local wildlife help create a peaceful relaxation day; better than the tranquil music they play while getting a massage.  If you are in need of a warm bath, skip the Jacuzzi and visit their thermal water oasis.

Photo: Rio Corobici
Source: Google.com

2.) Rio Corobici  

If water rafting is for you, then float down this serene nine-mile river and enjoy magical scenery of Palo Verde National Park.  This park has over 300 species of birds and other wildlife.  Some of the most attractive wildlife are the Blue and Silver-throated Herons, howler monkeys, swallows, and different arrays of lizards.

Photo: Canopy Tour
Source: Google.com

3.) Monteverde

Once finishing floating the Rio Corobici, head down towards Monteverde.  “Monteverde is Costa Rica’s green jewel, an environmental amusement park where nature rules and conservation is part of everyday life” www.guiascostarica.com.  Monteverde is always full of mist, creating a feeling as if you where in a spa within a garden.  Monteverde has some of the most mystical hundred-foot giant trees that soar up into the sky.  Feel is if you are at the very top of a tree by taking tours on hanging brides; that is, if you are not afraid of heights. 

Photo: Quetzal  Source: Google.com

“More than 100 species of mammals, including five types of felines, 400 different birds, 5,00 species of moths and tens of thousands of insects and plant varieties make Monteverde an eco-tourism mecca.”  But perhaps the most intriguing and popular wildlife to see is the “majestic quetzal,” a tropical bird with emerald and ruby feathers.  

Puerto Rico

Ever dreamed of living in a far away enchanted island?  Ever wished you could wake up to sunshine and experience weather climates of 75 degrees to 80 degrees all year round?  Well, why just dream about it when you can visit Puerto Rico.


Puerto Rico, also known as the 'Island of Enchantment' or la 'Isla del Encanto' by its boricua residents, has many beautiful beaches and tropical scenery.  


Some of the best beaches of Puerto Rico are found in Culebra.  The warm water temperature of these beaches make it perfect for snorkeling.  Perhaps one of the favorite places to snorkel is Culebrita Island.  "This is truly a magical place, and thanks to the pristine, non polluted environs and the ethereal glow of trillions of micro-organisms, you are there to witness and appreciate the astounding beauty of an undisturbed Caribbean Wonderland" www.eastwindcats.com.


Another reason why tourist visit Culebra beaches more than any other beach found in Puerto Rico is because it is not overcrowded.  Playa Flamenco is a beach that must be visited. According to Fodor.com, this beach is "consistently ranked as one of the two or three best in the world" offers tourist a sense of tranquility due to its white sand and crystal clear water.  Ah, I can just imagine myself being there now.

Photo: Playa Flamenco  
Source: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/01UjKdHxYAJq6wOn7BFzcA

One of the difficulties of traveling is knowing when to travel.  Although the most expensive time to travel is during mid-December to mid-April, Puerto Rico has celebrations all year round that cannot be missed.  The most famous celebration is the Ponce Carnival, in honor of Puerto Rico's founder, Juan Ponce De Leon.  


"The highlight of the Ponce Carnival has to be the masked vejigantes that roam the streets. They carry a stick to beat away evil and a blown cow bladder to make loud noises, but it’s their colorful masks that make these costumed individuals stand out," comments Coqui.

Photo: Ponce Carnival   Source: http://xml.whatsonwhen.com/img_bg/30395.jpg

So now that you know when to travel and what hot spots and celebrations to attend, there is no reason why you should not visit this enchanted island.

Explore Machu Picchu

Thinking of the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru always makes me smile and laugh because it reminds me of my little brother’s laughter while watching “The Emperor’s New Groove,” an animated film that takes place in Peru.

Nonetheless, that is not the only reason I believe people should visit Machu Picchu. This Incan ruin was discovered in 1911 by Yale University Explorer Hiram Bingham.  In 1968, “the world’s leading wonder authority,” Howard Hillman, declared Machu Picchu one of the Wonders of the World.

Photo: Rio Urubamba from Machu Picchu
Source:http://dorieweb.com/PeruEcuador_Urubamba.htm

Machu Picchu “sits boldly perched on a steep sided mountain saddle far above the partially encircling Urubamba River gorge” www.hillmanwonders.com.  During its glory days, Machu Picchu resembles a utopian society coveted by many nations today: “The structure of Inca society resembles a blueprint for a utopia, drawn up by a political theorist concerned for the physical well-being of the citizens but with no interest in the higher ideals of liberty or equality” www.historyworld.net.

Although what is left of the city is now ruins, tourist travel to this city seeking adventure.  This destination is for people who love being outdoors, do not mind getting dirty, and most of all, do not mind hiking long trails out in the hot hot sun.

Photo: Inca ruins
Source:http://dorieweb.com/images/PeruEcuador/UrubambaGIncaRuin.jpg

The most chosen and famous trail to get to the top of Machu Picchu is the Inca Trail.  The Inca Trail is 14,000 miles long, which is made up of smaller trails that run with it.  This trail takes three to four days to trek.  Tourist get to experience how the Inca’s once lived by seeing the ruins of many small villages along the way. 

If you really want to visit Machu Picchu, but feel that you are not fit enough for the challenge, don’t worry, there is a two day trek that offers the same adventure as the four-day trek.  The two day trek takes tourist to the Machhu Picchu Citadel, “declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World” www.peruforless.com.

So if you were born to be adventurous, this destination is right for you.  Prepare yourself for rough terrain, long rocky trails, and breathtaking mountainous views.

Trails:

Two day trail--moderate--$359 per person

Four day trail--advanced--$599 per person

Brazil, the "Cidade Maravihosa"

Yes ladies and gents, Brazil has more to offer than the gorgeous Victoria Secret models such as Gisele Bundchen, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrios and Ana Beatriz Barros.  (But what girl wouldn’t want to be them and what guy wouldn’t want to date them?  Ah, the power of dreaming…(sigh).

There are many exotic places to visit in Brazil, but one city beats them all, Rio de Janiero, Brazil, or Rio as the locals call it.  Rio is known for its exotic beaches, colorful and vibrant carnivals, and rain-forest peaks.  No wonder why Rio is known as the “cidade maravihosa” or the “marvelous city.”

If you are planning to take a relaxing trip that offers peace and quiet, then Rio is not the place for you.  Rio is known for throwing some of the wildest parties in the world, which is probably why it attracts the young crowd.

The most popular and favorite hot spot in Rio is Ipanema beach.  “Ipanema is blessed with a magnificent beach and leafy streets dotted with enticing outdoor cafes and restaurants, pricey boutiques and lively bars,” said Regis St. Louis, author of The Lonely Planet, when describing the beach.

Ipanema has activities for everyone.  Activities range from beach soccer, volleyball, beach tennis, surfing, bodyboarding and much more.

Looking for a cheap place to stay, but with a luxury vibe?  Here are some luxury hotels that will save you money:

·      Rios Nice Hotel  $50.77 per night

·      Apa Hotel   $100 per night

·      Augusto’s Paysandu Hotel  $111 per night

·      Augusto’s Copacabana Hotel  $120 per night

Budget Restaurants

·      Deliro Tropical

·      Fazendola

Galeto Stat’s

Mexico. To Travel or Not To Travel?

Photo: Riviera Maya  Source: www.akademifantasia.org

Spring Break is approaching quickly---next week to be exact, and for months we’ve been getting warnings from our government to not travel to Mexico or to take extreme precautions if we do so.

So how safe is it to travel down south to our neighbor country?  Well according to an article posted on Hispanicvista.com, Mexico is not as bad as the media has painted it to be. 

“Mexico…ranks 39^th in total crime in the world with a per capita of slightly less than 13 crimes per 1000 residents that is a 1.3 percent chance of being a victim in Mexico,” said Patrick Osia, author of the article.

If Mexico is not the desired choice of destination this year, then what country is?  The Dominican Republic; apparently people think it is safer than Mexico.  Tourists, you are in for a BIG surprise!  According to NationMaster.com, this country “is rated the number one country with the highest propensity for crime in the world,” thus the chance of being a victim of crime is about 10 percent.  Findings in the study also showed that residents and tourists in United States have about 8 percent of being a victim of crime.

So is Mexico looking like a better choice of destination for this year’s vacations?

Susie Albin-Najera, a reporter for The MEXICO Report, did an excellent job at answering how safe Mexico is:  “People ask me everyday if Mexico is safe. ‘Is Mexico safe? Will I get shot?’ Well, I suppose it’s like if a person from Mexico asked me if they would get shot if they traveled to Los Angeles.  Is it possible? Yes.  Is it probable? No.”

Ultimately, only you can decide if you want to travel to Mexico for Spring Break or for summer vacation.  It is also very important that you take all the necessary precautions when traveling abroad.  Registering at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate is always a smart idea.

Just in case you do decide to travel to Mexico, do not miss out on its money saving deals on hotels and flights.

Buen viaje!!!!