Wednesday, April 13, 2011

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

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.  



Wednesday, April 6, 2011

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.