Traffic officials are discouraging people from traveling to the Caribbean province of Limón until further notice. Route 32, which passes through Braulio Carrillo National Park, has been closed for two days due to landslides. The alternate route, through Turrialba, is being blocked by pirate taxi drivers once again. We recommend calling ahead before heading to Limón to make sure the roads are open.
Publicado: 29 April 2010 1 ComentarioWaiting for my local flight Liberia-San Jose. Peter´s earlier post mentioned the ridiculous BK prices in the Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport, so I decided to check Liberia´s Intl Airport offerings. The only option for the hungry traveler is Mongo´s Restaurant and Bar on the second floor. Has a wide range offering of tacos, chips, drinks and a small ACed area. A “Pampa Burger” will cost you $7, a “casado” $8 and an Imperial beer is $4! Being a savvy traveler I had a hearty lunch before leaving the hotel. – Andres
Publicado: 26 April 2010 1 ComentarioI have never seen a more expensive Burger King than the one in Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaria International Airport. If you’re craving flame-broiled mystery meat and other processed delights, you’ll have to shell out up to $10. Yes, it’s a living example of how monopolies in concessions end up screwing the customers. And yet I always see people there, eating, digesting Whoppers in angry bile, wondering how they can get away with charging so much.
I just don’t eat there. I usually bring a bag of nuts, or a little sandwich, and enjoy the airport. Juan Santamaria Airport is a very comfortable place to wait for a flight, and the free internet is excellent. I usually buy a newspaper, get a free cup of coffee from the souvenir shop, fire up the computer and make myself at home. But pay $7 for a Whopper, or $10 for a combo? For me, it’s easier to go hungry.
Because I had to be at the airport before 5am, I did not have the chance to eat breakfast. Nutrition and taste aside, the unbelievably high prices that Burger King charges for their gourmet delights (which I shall address in a future post) dissuaded me from investing in indigestion. Instead, I boarded my flight while thoughts of scrambled eggs and sausages danced through my head. Given the airline industry’s reluctance to serve meals on flights, and the growing void in my gut, I was filled with glee and a mouth of Pavlovian saliva when I was handed my piping hot breakfast sandwich, complete with fruit and a muffin. Thank you Continental. You made me breakfast. You made my morning.
I was traveling back to my native Minneapolis. Due to layovers, delays and a screaming man on the tarmac in Chicago, I didn’t get back to my parents’ house until nearly midnight, over 20 hours after leaving my home in Heredia. But I couldn’t complain. I had just traveled over 5,000 miles in less than a day. Sunrise had lit up palm trees, swaying in the breeze like couples dancing salsa. Sundown showed leaves just budding on branches reaching upward, stretching after months of frigid snow cover. I traveled worlds away in a revolution around the sun. On a full stomach.
Publicado: 21 April 2010 0 Comentarios
Downtown Heredia shines with a brand-new cultural center that was formally inaugurated last night. In a ceremony that lauded Herediano President Oscar Arias’s achievements during his soon-to-end administration, local and national politicians officially showed off a gorgeous new addition to the Ciudad de las Flores. This 2,300-square-meter (around 25,000 square foot) cultural center underwent a spectacular renovation to transform the old Escuela República Argentina (where Arias went to school) into the Centro Cultural Omar Dengo.
Heredia showed off spaces for temporary exhibitions, workshops, an outdoor amphitheater, cafeteria and more. A massive restoration project that began just months ago.
This provincial capital, just 12 kilometers from San Jose, now has a nearly three-block stretch of historic buildings on the north side of the Parque Central, including the Correos, Palacio Municipal and El Fortín. As an aficionado of urban places, I am especially pleased to see the transformation taking place in downtown Heredia. I only wish that municipal officials would take greater care when considering the visual-architectural landscape of their cities.
The new cultural center did not skimp on finishes. Modern lighting, a calming color palette and a breezy, covered central patio make the 122-year-old structure a beautiful blend of old and new styles.
I look forward to wandering in to the new galleries and cafeteria, have a coffee and enjoy a much-needed urban landmark in my adopted city.
By day, the beach takes center stage in this central Pacific town. Now, with the new highway making travel relatively easy between the capital and the ocean, Jacó can even be visited on a day trip. Staying only for sun-lit hours, however, would be a mistake for any debauchery-minded individuals. Jacó’s bar and restaurant scene is constantly evolving, and the city’s nightlife has long been famous. Check out this link for my favorite description of the scene in Jacó.
Publicado: 13 April 2010 0 ComentariosText and Photos by Carla Uribe
Eight years had passed since my last visit to Guanacaste, therefore, when I decided to return, for this years’ Semana Santa, I was expectant. I carefully packed all of the items I needed for my trip: sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, a small suitcase, and, of course, snacks for the road. I was set to go.
The sun was scorching hot. This dry season has been the hottest in fifty years, but that did not worry me because these were perfect weather conditions for my trip. I have to admit that not even traffic was bad. (This, in itself, is a miracle, since notorious traffic jams are common in Costa Rica.)
The view on the way to Guanacaste is breathtaking. Gorgeous blue-hued mountains rise up majestically, amid lush, green vegetation. It would be much more dense if it weren’t for the rampant deforestation. In addition, crossing the “Puente De La Amistad” Bridge is an unforgettable experience. When crossing the bridge, the world opens up on you, and it is only then that you come to fully understand the magnificence of creation. Guanacaste trees also dot the landscape, opening up like umbrellas in the horizon. A few minutes later, a beautiful sunset of different orange hues covers the already blue sky. After a five-hour drive, such was the scenery as I parked in front of “Villas Flamingo.”
The villas are simple but comfortable. I find them to be appropriate for people who are traveling in groups of six or less. They generally have two bedrooms, and three bathrooms. The bedrooms are air conditioned. Moreover, there is a small kitchen, with its respective dinning area, as well as a small living room area. Cable TV is available. Most importantly, however, especially in this hot weather, is that there a community swimming pool in which to refresh yourself.
Flamingo beach itself is worth visiting. Its white sand and crystal- clear water welcome you. Not too many people visit it, so if you are looking for a quiet place to visit away from the noise of the city, Flamingo is the spot to be. If, however, you are looking to have some fun, there is always Amberes Disco.
New gravel road at Playas del Coco.
Not content with staying in one place, I decided to revisit Playas del Coco and see how it had changed. What I saw was nothing close to the beach I had visited so many times during my childhood. Now, there was a dirt road that crossed the entire beach, polluting the previously pristine landscape. Civilization had triumphed over nature, destroying everything that impeded its progress, including the flora and fauna that had lived there so peacefully years before. This was a sad spectacle for my sensitive soul.
The beach at Playas del Coco.
My last stop was Bahía Pez Vela. It is what I would call the epitome of tranquility. The harbor lies in perfect stillness, and, as night falls, a sensation of empowerment envelops you, with a fool moon doing its mischief. I think I can only say good things of my trip to Guanacaste this “Semana Santa”, namely because it brought back so many good memories and I spent such good times there.
Sunset at Avellanas.
To read more of Carla’s work, check out her blog here.
Publicado: 12 April 2010 1 Comentario
Well, I guess they don’t bring May flowers here in Costa Rica. This picture is from my garden, which has been in bloom throughout the months that a garden in my native Minnesota would have been submerged in a frozen blanket of white. What these rains to mean, however, is that the euphemistically named “green season” or invierno is upon us. Travelers should expect daily afternoon showers, so prudence would dictate that we now carry an umbrella and/or rain gear with us as we explore the landscape.
I like the transition into the rainy season. The afternoon showers clean the air, brighten the vegetation and make for a great excuse to drink coffee and scribble down notes every day. Sure, once in a while I get my shoes wet, but a warm afternoon sprinkle is a treat, especially when I consider what the invierno is like back in Minnesota: you don’t have to shovel rain.
Publicado: 9 April 2010 1 Comentario
At the top of Irazú Volcano.
Irazú Volcano, located high above the city of Cartago, is a veritable moonscape of gray ash, cold winds and an almost eerie, otherworld feel. It is also one of Costa Rica’s most popular national parks, due in part to its proximity to San Jose (about an hour from downtown) and in part to the sheer fun of staring into an active volcanic crater. READ ABOUT COSTA RICA’S ACTIVE VOLCANOES HERE. I was not lucky enough to see the crater or the sweeping views that stetch all the way to the Caribbean and Pacific shores, but I was not disappointed.
Along the edges, away from the main craters, vegetation begins to grow, and some splashes of color pop up.
Reds, greens and yellows are the main palate to complement the desolation of the volcano.
I have been to this national park at least ten times, but I have never been bored by what I see. Every time is different.
Publicado: 6 April 2010 0 Comentarios
Playa Ventanas, Osa, Costa Rica
Holy Week has come to a close. I was lucky enough to spend some time at Playa Ventanas, between Dominical and Ojochal on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast. Ventanas gets its name from the two natural tunnels that channel waves from the open sea towards the beach. Although Ventanas is one of my favorite beaches for scenery, be careful when swimming there; currents can be strong. It’s always a good idea to ask locals about swimming conditions before heading out. READ THIS FOR INFORMATION ON RIP CURRENTS.
Playa Ventanas is located just south of Ballena National Marine Park, about 20 minutes south of Dominical and five minutes north of Ojochal. You’ll see signs pointing to the entrance. Park your vehicle along the dirt road near the highway; the road is very rough. Then hike about 200 meters to the path that leads to the beach. On most days, you will likely have the beach to yourself. Bring a book, some snacks and enjoy the tropical bliss.
Publicado: 5 April 2010 0 Comentarios
