Tripatini2024-03-28T11:24:25Zhttps://tripatini.com/group/costarica/photos/feed/allSan José´s Clínica Bíblica is world respected for medical tourismhttps://tripatini.com/group/costarica/photos/clinica-biblica-hospital-san-jose-costa-rica-medical-tourism2023-07-27T08:00:30.000Z2023-07-27T08:00:30.000ZDavid Paul Appellhttps://tripatini.com/members/DavidPaulAppell16<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12161765488?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p><span style="font-weight:400;">When I came down here in 2006 to research a travel guidebook, med tourism was already getting a firm foothold, and these days despite its small size Costa Rica ranks in the top ten (some have it even in the top five) of world destinations, with local hospitals and clinics, and post-recovery retreats in and around capital </span><strong>San José</strong><span style="font-weight:400;"> such as the venerable, respected</span><a href="https://www.clinicabiblica.com/en/"> <strong>Clínica Bíblica</strong></a><span style="font-weight:400;"> (its "biblical" in its name a legacy from its 1921 founding by Protestant missionaries). The healthcare systems and quality of care (especially in dentistry and cosmetic surgery) ranks extremely high - often as much or more than the USA and Canada - at a fraction of the costs.</span></p>
<h6><a href="https://www.clinicabiblica.com/en/"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Cliínica Bíblica</span></em></a></h6>
<p> </p></div>What makes Costa Rica one of the world´s best solo-travel destinationshttps://tripatini.com/group/costarica/photos/solo-travel-costa-rica2023-07-27T07:54:07.000Z2023-07-27T07:54:07.000ZTripatinihttps://tripatini.com/members/Tripatini<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12161763492?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p><span style="font-weight:400;">What makes this small Central American country such a good destination for the solo traveler? Well, for starters its people are very friendly - and the happiest in the world, occupying the top spot in the New Economics foundation's “Happy Planet Index,” which evaluates overall sustainable happiness and environmental efforts. Costa Rica lives by the philosophy of </span><em><span style="font-weight:400;">pura vida</span></em><span style="font-weight:400;"> (“pure life”), which is essentially a motto championing a simple, low-stress-life. It's a relatively inexpensive place to travel, and the diverse landscapes will take your breath away, from the rainforest to the beaches to spectacular volcanoes, and if you use common sense during your travels, the country is generally considered to be quite safe.</span></p>
<p>Read more in Tripatini contributor<a href="https://tripatini.com/members/CarrenDario"> <span style="font-weight:400;">Carren Dario</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">'s post</span><a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/5-best-countries-solo-travel"> <span style="font-weight:400;">5 of the World's Best Countries for Solo Travel</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">.</span></p>
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<h6><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/es/foto/cubano-hombre-viajando-en-costa-rica-caminatas-cascada-r%C3%ADo-celesta-gm514061614-87907781"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Boogich</span></em></a></span></h6>
<p> </p></div>Tubing on the Rio Negro River in Guancaste´s Rincón de la Vieja National Parkhttps://tripatini.com/group/costarica/photos/tubing-rio-negro-river-rincon-de-la-vieja-guanacaste-costa-rica2023-07-27T07:51:22.000Z2023-07-27T07:51:22.000ZTripatinihttps://tripatini.com/members/Tripatini<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12161762265?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>There’s nothing like a day of exciting fun bouncing and splashing down a cool, crystal clear tropical river under the hot Guanacaste sun. On Rincon de la Vieja National Park´s Rio Negro (Black River) Tubing Adventure at Hacienda Guachipelin, you ride five kilometers (three miles) of class II and III rapids in special, individual river tube rafts that are designed with handles and protective bottoms. Guides are with you the whole time to ensure your safety.</p>
<p>Read more in Tripatini contributor <a href="https://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley">Shannon Farley</a>´s post <a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/6-fun-water-adventures-in-guanacaste-costa-rica" target="_blank">6 Fun Water Adventures in Guanacaste, Costa RIca</a>.</p>
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<p> </p></div>Canyoning at Hacienda Guachipelín in the Guanacaste Peninsula´s Rincón de la Vieja parkhttps://tripatini.com/group/costarica/photos/canyoning-rincon-de-la-vieja-guanacaste-costa-rica2023-07-27T07:46:57.000Z2023-07-27T07:46:57.000ZTripatinihttps://tripatini.com/members/Tripatini<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12161759901?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=266"></div><div><p>A cool water adventure at Hacienda Guachipelin – one of the best places for tours in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park – is waterfall canyoning. Rappel down a cascading waterfall and splash into the pool below. Then climb back up the rock wall and do it again, this time with a Tarzan-style swing!</p>
<p>Read more in Tripatini contributor <a href="https://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley">Shannon Farley</a>´s post <a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/6-fun-water-adventures-in-guanacaste-costa-rica" target="_blank">6 Fun Water Adventures in Guanacaste, Costa RIca</a>.</p>
<p> </p></div>A float tour on the Guanacaste Peninsula´s Corobici Riverhttps://tripatini.com/group/costarica/photos/float-tour-corobici-river-guanacaste-costa-rica2023-07-27T07:42:59.000Z2023-07-27T07:42:59.000ZTripatinihttps://tripatini.com/members/Tripatini<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12161758868?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>Want a water adventure that´s a little more relaxing than whitewater rafting? The gentle float tour down the Corobici River is just the ticket. While your guide rows the raft, you get to relax and enjoy the beautiful nature and interesting wildlife, including exotic tropical birds, monkeys, iguanas and other animals of the area. This is a great Guanacaste tour for families.</p>
<p>Read more in Tripatini contributor <a href="https://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley">Shannon Farley</a>´s post <a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/6-fun-water-adventures-in-guanacaste-costa-rica" target="_blank">6 Fun Water Adventures in Guanacaste, Costa RIca</a>.</p>
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<p> </p></div>Whitewater rafting on the Guanacaste Peninsula´s Tenorio Riverhttps://tripatini.com/group/costarica/photos/whitewater-rafting-tenorio-river-guanacaste-costa-rica2023-07-27T07:40:01.000Z2023-07-27T07:40:01.000ZTripatinihttps://tripatini.com/members/Tripatini<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12161758261?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>For an even bigger adventure, this Costa Rica whitewater rafting tour is a lot of fun and thrilling as you plunge through twists, turns and drops down eight miles of intense class III-IV4rapids. If that’s not enough, the beautiful scenery along the way will take your breath away.</p>
<p>Read more in Tripatini contributor <a href="https://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley">Shannon Farley</a>´s post <a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/6-fun-water-adventures-in-guanacaste-costa-rica" target="_blank">6 Fun Water Adventures in Guanacaste, Costa RIca</a>.</p>
<p> </p></div>You can call me ray: snorkeling in the Guanacaste peninsulahttps://tripatini.com/group/costarica/photos/guanacaste-costa-rica-snorkeling-diving2023-07-27T07:35:23.000Z2023-07-27T07:35:23.000ZTripatinihttps://tripatini.com/members/Tripatini<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12161756863?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>Guanacaste’s weather is perfect for snorkeling and diving tours – hot and sunny! The Pacific Ocean along the this coast is full of marine life, and with almost always clear conditions, you can see a lot. Keep an eye out for big schools of jack fish, eagle rays, manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins and whales. Plus you don’t need a wetsuit in the tropical water.</p>
<p>Read more in Tripatini contributor <a href="https://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley">Shannon Farley</a>´s post <a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/6-fun-water-adventures-in-guanacaste-costa-rica" target="_blank">6 Fun Water Adventures in Guanacaste, Costa RIca</a>.</p>
<p> </p></div>Catamaran sailing a fun and popular water adventure in Guanacastehttps://tripatini.com/group/costarica/photos/catamaran-sailing-guanacaste-costa-rica2023-07-27T07:26:49.000Z2023-07-27T07:26:49.000ZTripatinihttps://tripatini.com/members/Tripatini<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12161754882?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>Combine a snorkeling tour with sailing on a luxury catamaran along the Guanacaste coast by both Tamarindo and Coco Beach. Known as the Rolls Royce of day charter sailing catamarans in Costa Rica, these tours include lunch, an open bar, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and simply relaxing.</p>
<p>Read more in Tripatini contributor <a href="https://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley">Shannon Farley</a>´s post <a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/6-fun-water-adventures-in-guanacaste-costa-rica" target="_blank">6 Fun Water Adventures in Guanacaste, Costa RIca</a>.</p>
<p> </p></div>Arenal is Costa Rica´s complete adventure/ecotourism packagehttps://tripatini.com/group/costarica/photos/arenal-costa-rica-adventure-travel-ecotourism2023-07-27T07:20:30.000Z2023-07-27T07:20:30.000ZTripatinihttps://tripatini.com/members/Tripatini<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12161754070?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>In the <strong>Central Valley</strong> some 2½ hours from San José, this is a great package of eco and adventure, centered on the town of <strong>La Fortuna</strong> and the nearby <strong>Arenal Volcano</strong> and lake. There's plenty of hiking and adventure activities, including whitewater rafting, mountain biking, ATV/dirt biking, horseback riding, and <strong>“canyoning”</strong> (which involves hiking, climbing, jumping, abseiling, and swimming). Top local attractions include the <strong>Catarata de la Fortuna</strong> (a 230-foot waterfall); the ten <strong>Venado Caves</strong>; a butterfly conservatory; <a href="https://costaricatravelblog.com/best-hanging-bridges-costa-rica/" target="_blank">hanging bridges</a> (above) which let you stroll through the rain forest canopy; several ziplines; and <strong>Arenal Bungee</strong> (off one of Central America’s highest bungee bridges, over the <strong>Colorado River</strong>). What's more, <strong>Lago Arenal</strong>, Costa Rica’s largest lake has excellent fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding, but most especially windsurfing, kite surfing, and wakeboarding, and you can get get up close and personal with volcano tours (it's closely monitored, and hasn't erupted in many years). And don't forget a dip in the warm thermal waters, from placid pools to brisk waterfalls.</p>
<p>Read more in Tripatini contributor <a href="https://tripatini.com/members/NancyAhuja">Nancy Ahuja</a>´s post <a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/costa-rica-ecotourism-nature-adventure" target="_blank">12 Terrific Eco/Adventure Experiences in Costa Rica</a>.</p>
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<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/matthewpaulson/32577363252" target="_blank">Matthew Paulsen</a></em></span></p>
<p> </p></div>The mysterious "cloud forests" of Monteverde, Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/group/costarica/photos/costa-rica-monteverde-cloud-forest2022-10-13T21:01:09.000Z2022-10-13T21:01:09.000ZTripatinihttps://tripatini.com/members/Tripatini<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10841329469?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p><span style="font-weight:400;">This rare kind of moist, high-altitude rain forest is characterized by fog and low-lying cloud cover where plants actually grow on <em>top</em> of trees. The technical explanation is that “the combination of altitude, humidity and irregular topography creates a unique environmental situation where the clouds remain low for most of the year, preventing the breakthrough of sunshine, locking in moisture, and creating an atmosphere where plant activity is so high that they actually cover the trees.” The non-technical explanation? Lots of clouds and rain result in every inch of the trees from bark to branch to be covered by things green and growing. These epiphytes, as plants which grow on trees are called (pictured below), cover every branch and limb, creating a dense wonderland of greenery. Fifty percent of all the vegetation in the cloud forest lives on the tops of trees. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;"><br />Read more about it in Tripatini member Fyllis Hockman's post</span><a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/monteverde-cloud-forest-costa-rica?edited=1"><span style="font-weight:400;"> Costa Rica's Monteverde Cloud Forest: A Magical Tourist Destination Which Doesn't Encourage Tourists?</span></a></p>
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<p><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Monteverde,_Costa_Rica_centre.JPG"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Erebus555</span></em></a></p>
<p> </p></div>Santa Elena, the main town of Monteverdehttps://tripatini.com/group/costarica/photos/costa-rica-monteverde-santa-elena-ecotourism2022-10-13T20:54:46.000Z2022-10-13T20:54:46.000ZTripatinihttps://tripatini.com/members/Tripatini<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10841319068?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p><span style="font-weight:400;">The largest town and hub of lodging, dinining, entertainment, and ecotourism in Monteverde, most famous for its "cloud forests." Read more about it and Monteverde's various allures in Tripatini member Fyllis Hockman's post</span><a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/monteverde-cloud-forest-costa-rica?edited=1"><span style="font-weight:400;"> Costa Rica's Monteverde Cloud Forest: A Magical Tourist Destination Which Doesn't Encourage Tourists?</span></a></p>
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<p><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Monteverde,_Costa_Rica_centre.JPG"><em><span style="font-weight:400;">Erebus555</span></em></a></p>
<p> </p></div>A 'bridge' in Monteverde's cloud foresthttps://tripatini.com/group/costarica/photos/costa-rica-monteverde-forest-bridge-walkway2022-10-13T20:18:26.000Z2022-10-13T20:18:26.000ZTripatinihttps://tripatini.com/members/Tripatini<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10841298071?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>Helping visitors experience this remarkable forest. Read more about it and other local attractions in Tripatini member Fyllis Hockman's post <a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/monteverde-cloud-forest-costa-rica?edited=1" target="_blank">Costa Rica's Monteverde Cloud Forest: A Magical Tourist Destination Which Doesn't Encourage Tourists?</a></p></div>Milking a cow in Monteverdehttps://tripatini.com/group/costarica/photos/costa-rica-monteverde-milking-cow2022-10-13T08:28:53.000Z2022-10-13T08:28:53.000ZTripatinihttps://tripatini.com/members/Tripatini<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10840565091?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>Besides its fabled cloud forests Monteverde offers plenty of cool stuff to do, including visiting its dairy - complete with cow miling, here experienced by Tripatini member Fyllis Hockman, author of <a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/monteverde-cloud-forest-costa-rica?edited=1" target="_blank">Costa Rica's Monteverde Cloud Forest: A Magical Tourist Destination Which Doesn't Encourage Tourists?</a></p></div>A resplendent quetzal in Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/group/costarica/photos/tripatini-group-birding-pic-costa-rica-resplendent-quetzal-flickr2022-02-17T09:16:34.000Z2022-02-17T09:16:34.000ZMax Peslinghttps://tripatini.com/members/MaxPesling<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10114440491?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Considered by many to be among the world's most beautiful birds, the resplendant quetzal is considered quite a prize to spot by birders in Central America and southern Mexico; this one was glimpsed in Costa Rica's Monteverde cloud forest. </span></p><p> </p><p><em><span style="font-weight:400;">(credit:</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/francesco_veronesi/26485498815/in/photostream/"> <span style="font-weight:400;">Francesco Veronesi/flickr</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">)</span></em></p><p> </p></div>