Puerto - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-28T23:56:19Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/PuertoChocoholics Rejoice! It's time for the 2015 Chocolate Festival in Puerto Viejo Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/chocoholics-rejoice-it-s-time-for-the-2015-chocolate-festival-in2015-10-16T22:21:04.000Z2015-10-16T22:21:04.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009005671,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009005671,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009005671?profile=original" /></a>Chocolate lovers pay attention!</p><p>Get your fill of chocolate at Costa Rica’s fourth annual <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/chocolate-festival-in-puerto-viejo-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Chocolate Festival in Puerto Viejo</a> on the <b>Southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica</b>. Sample chocolate from local artisan producers and top Costa Rica chocolate makers, try pairing chocolate with single malt whiskey or red wine, and attend workshops and fun events all starring chocolate.</p><p>Better than trick-or-treating, the <a href="http://pvchocolatefestival.com/" target="_blank">Puerto Viejo Chocolate <strong>Festival 2015</strong></a> will be held Halloween weekend, <b>Oct. 30 through Nov. 1, 2015</b> in the fun <b>Caribbean beach town of <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/area.html" target="_blank">Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica</a>.</b> The festival’s mission to <strong>“unify local organic farmers, chocolate makers and chocolatiers, while bringing national recognition to the cultural, historical, and economic value of Costa Rican cacao,” event information states.</strong></p><p><b><a href="http://pvchocolatefestival.com/eventos.html" target="_blank">Events</a> will be happening all over Puerto Viejo</b> and the surrounding area all weekend, but <b>Hot Rocks Restaurant & Bar in downtown Puerto Viejo</b> will be the main action point. The <b>free festival</b> opens to the public on <b>Friday night, Oct. 30, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.</b> at <b>Hot Rocks</b>. There will be chocolate tastings from local artisan producers and top Costa Rica chocolate makers, live music, acrobatic dancing, and micro-beer brewers, wine professionals and local chefs offering their wares.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008841274,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008841274,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008841274?profile=original" /></a>Starting at 11:00 a.m. on <b>Halloween</b> <b>Saturday, Oct. 31</b>, you can attend <a href="http://pvchocolatefestival.com/talleres.html" target="_blank">workshops and presentations</a>, and of course sample Costa Rican cacao and chocolate related products. One of the most popular events is the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Puerto-Viejo-Chocolate-Festival-440894829282649/timeline/" target="_blank">Chocolate Tasting Lounge</a>, on <b>Saturday night from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.</b>, where you can try chocolate paired with whiskey, rum, wine and other alcohol. <b>Tickets for the chocolate tasting and pairing event</b> are available via the event’s website.</p><p>On <b>Sunday, Nov. 1</b>, there will be <b>special chocolate tours</b> at The Chocolate Forest Experience; and you won’t want to miss the <a href="http://pvchocolatefestival.com/gira-del-chocolate.html" target="_blank">Puerto Viejo Chocolate Crawl</a> when Puerto Viejo restaurants, bars, spas and chocolate shops offer small portions of their most creative uses of chocolate.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296606480,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296606480,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9296606480?profile=original" /></a>Where to stay during the Puerto Viejo Chocolate Festival 2015</b></p><p>The place to stay for the Puerto Viejo Chocolate Festival 2015 is upscale <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Le Caméléon</a>, one of the best <b><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/hotel.html" target="_blank">luxury hotels in Puerto Viejo Costa Rica</a>.</b> The <a href="http://www.enchanting-hotels.cr/en/le-cameleon-boutique-hotel.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica boutique hotel</a> is located <b>just south of Puerto Viejo</b> on one of the <b>prettiest Costa Rica Caribbean beaches –</b> <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/prettiest-beach-by-puerto-viejo-costa-rica-is-playa-cocles/" target="_blank">Playa Cocles</a>. An <b>Enchanting Hotel of Costa Rica</b>, Le Caméléon received the <b><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1212465-d1200494-Reviews-Le_Cameleon_Boutique_Hotel-Cocles_Puerto_Viejo_de_Talamanca_Province_of_Limon.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor</a> Certificate of Excellence for 2015</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008955897,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008955897,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="526" alt="9008955897?profile=original" /></a>Stay at <b>Hotel Le Caméléon</b> for the utmost in vacation luxury and also take advantage of <b>special <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/special/hotel-offers-puerto-viejo-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica Caribbean Summer vacation promotions</a> d</b><b>uring October.</b> The <b>Costa Rica luxury hotel</b> is offering <b>20% discounts</b> off rates for Superior and Deluxe rooms, a <b>Romance Package</b> for couples and a <b>Family Package</b>. Want to go on a <strong><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/activities/321-chocolate-tour.html" target="_blank">chocolate tour in Puerto Viejo</a></strong> or get a <b><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/puerto-viejo-costa-rica-spa.html" target="_blank">chocolate massage</a>?</b> Hotel Le Caméléon can arrange it for you.</p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Relax! Start off every Costa Rica vacation with a massagehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/relax-start-off-every-costa-rica-vacation-with-a-massage2015-07-25T00:33:57.000Z2015-07-25T00:33:57.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008977288,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008977288,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008977288?profile=original" /></a>Vacation</b> … we dream about it when we’re working. <b>Time to relax</b>, to unwind, to stop the “fast-paced rat race” and just enjoy.</p><p><b>But how many of us find ourselves finally on vacation and not really relaxing</b> out of our frenetic pace until mid-way through or nearly the end of our holiday?</p><p>There is <b>no better quick entry into that unstressed relaxation mode on vacation than getting a massage or spa treatment</b>. It really is amazing how 60 or 90 minutes of making your muscles and body relax can instantly produce those feelings of bliss and well-being. I recommend <b>getting a massage the day after arrival on vacation to soothe travel-weary muscles</b>.</p><p>With so many things competing for our attention <b>in our accelerated lives, it's</b> <b>easy to fall into being tired, stressed, anxious or exhausted</b>; yet it’s harder to take the time to counteract all of that with something positive like the healing benefits of massage.</p><p><b><a href="http://www.massagetherapy.com/learnmore/benefits.php" target="_blank">Massage therapy benefits</a> you</b> by relaxing tight muscles, easing stress, increasing circulation, releasing toxins, and benefiting your whole body in positive ways. It can <b>boost your health and keep you feeling full of vitality</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008978666,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008978666,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="423" alt="9008978666?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>While on <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/blog-category/338-explore-the-magical-south-caribbean-coast-of-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">vacation in Costa Rica</a>, take time for a massage</b>. Your body will thank you, and you’ll feel much more refreshed to fully enjoy your downtime.</p><p>When <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/10-things-expect-costa-ricas-southern-caribbean-coast/" target="_blank">visiting the Costa Rica Caribbean Coast</a>, take advantage of the <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/puerto-viejo-costa-rica-spa.html" target="_blank">spa services</a> at <b><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Le Caméléon</a>,</b> <b>on</b> <b>Playa Cocles just past <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/area.html" target="_blank">Puerto Viejo</a></b>. The <b>upscale</b> <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/hotel.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica boutique hotel</a> features <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/rooms.html" target="_blank">modern rooms</a>, beautiful tropical architecture, a gourmet restaurant, and the <b>fantastic</b> <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/restaurant.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica Caribbean beach club La Sula Sea Lounge</a> <b>on Playa Cocles – one of the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/prettiest-beach-by-puerto-viejo-costa-rica-is-playa-cocles/" target="_blank">prettiest Costa Rica Caribbean beaches</a></b>. Le Caméléon has been awarded the prestigious <b><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1212465-d1200494-Reviews-Le_Cameleon_Boutique_Hotel-Cocles_Puerto_Viejo_de_Talamanca_Province_of_Limon.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence</a> for 2015</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008979094,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008979094,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008979094?profile=original" /></a>Professional therapists offer <b>spa services using 100% natural products</b>, such as <b>local organically-grown cacao for a chocolate body therapy and massage</b>, and cured smooth bamboo from the region used in a <b>relaxing bamboo massage</b>. See the full <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/images/lecameleon_menu_spa.pdf" target="_blank">Le Cameleon Spa Menu</a>; English is on the second page.</p><p><b>Hotel Le Caméléon</b> <b>also offers</b> <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/yoga-in-puerto-viejo-costa-rica/" target="_blank">yoga</a> in private yoga classes or yoga studio classes in Puerto Viejo, and <b>customized Pilates classes</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008850453,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008850453,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008850453?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>How to get to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica</b></p><p><b>Daily 30-minute flights to Limon from San Jose on <a href="http://www.natureair.com/limon-flights.aspx?gclid=CIquqOrLjsICFZPm7Aod9g0Ajg" target="_blank">Nature Air</a> or <a href="http://crc.flysansa.com/en/destinations/Limon" target="_blank">Sansa Airlines</a></b> make it easy to get to <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/area.html" target="_blank">Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica</a>. From Limon, it is a <b>short drive</b> less than an hour <b>to Puerto Viejo and Playa Cocles.</b> The drive from San Jose to Puerto Viejo is approximately 4.5 hours.</p></div>Saborea Culinary Extravaganza Celebrates Puerto Rico's Resilience and Recoveryhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/saborea-culinary-extravaganza-celebrates-puerto-rico-s-resilience2018-04-27T20:09:24.000Z2018-04-27T20:09:24.000ZSteve Mirskyhttps://tripatini.com/members/SteveMirsky964<div><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/hurricanemaria-1024x682.jpg" target="_blank"><img width="1024" class="align-center" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/hurricanemaria-1024x682.jpg?width=1024" alt="hurricanemaria-1024x682.jpg?width=1024" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">With Puerto Rico's communities wiped out, hotels battered, and power grid devastated, Hurricane Maria's landfall on September 2017 was the worst storm ever on record for the island. Included in this destruction from which many are still recovering are small farms producing coffee, plantains, livestock, and other fresh fruits & vegetables. Even</span> <span lang="en" xml:lang="en"><span style="font-size:12pt;">100 days after the storm, half the island was still without power and many lacked access to potable drinking water.</span></span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/saborea.jpg" target="_blank"><img width="1000" class="align-center" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/saborea.jpg?width=1000" alt="saborea.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">There was serious discussion about whether it would be possible or even appropriate to hold <i><a href="http://www.saboreapuertorico.com/">Saborea: A Culinary Extravaganza</a></i>, an annual culinary festival now in its 11th year. Ultimately, suppliers and organizers decided that one of the best ways to continue recovering was to welcome travelers back to the island reminding them why Puerto Rico remains the Caribbean's top foodie destination.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/foodcollage-1024x204.jpg" target="_blank"><img width="1024" class="align-center" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/foodcollage-1024x204.jpg?width=1024" alt="foodcollage-1024x204.jpg?width=1024" /></a></p><p></p><p><span lang="en" style="font-size:12pt;" xml:lang="en">Borges Meat, Agropeck, Microgreens of the Caribbean, Semila, and Empresas Bobet stepped up to be primary ingredient purveyors of Saborea ensuring that participating chefs directly supported Puerto Rican agribusinesses.</span> <span lang="en-gb" xml:lang="en-gb"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Cocina criolla (Puerto Rican cookery) has Spanish, African, Taíno (Native American), and French influences but lately, forward-thinking chefs are redefining the boundaries of their culinary traditions, merging new techniques while retaining local flavors.</span></span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/roastpig.jpg" target="_blank"><img width="1000" class="align-center" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/roastpig.jpg?width=1000" alt="roastpig.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Considered the Caribbean's largest culinary festival, this year's Saborea held April 4-8, showcased nearly 70 restaurants accompanied by an array of top chefs and mixologists from Puerto Rico and North America. The festive ambiance and dancing are just as much a part of the festival as the enormous variety of samples ranging from tostados and mofongo using plantains, Puerto Rico's baseline ingredient, to whole roasted pig that after being hacked off the spit was meticulously prepared and garnished with pineapple chutney and pepper aioli. Other dishes had an internationalist twist like samosas and sushi.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/balenariopark.jpg" target="_blank"><img width="1000" class="align-center" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/balenariopark.jpg?width=1000" alt="balenariopark.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span lang="en" xml:lang="en">Only 15 minutes drive from Old San Juan overlooking the city and bay of San Juan, the majority of</span> this year's Saborea was held at <a href="https://www.municipiocarolina.com/municipio/gerencias/servicios/balneario/">Balneario de Carolina</a>, one of Puerto Rico’s blue flag beaches and <span lang="en" xml:lang="en">largest urban beach in the Caribbean</span>. <span lang="en" xml:lang="en">Sustaining $1.5 million in storm damages, the park reopened just in time for the festival welcoming n</span>early 6,000 attendees including an increasing number of tourists.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/bubblesbitescollage-1024x286.jpg" target="_blank"><img width="1024" class="align-center" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/bubblesbitescollage-1024x286.jpg?width=1024" alt="bubblesbitescollage-1024x286.jpg?width=1024" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Festivities began with <em>Bubbles and Bites</em> overlooking the beach at the Intercontinental Hotel with light bites ranging from escabeche, to yam burgers and chicharrones served with bubbly in its many forms in a chic night club ambiance on the pool deck. The night after, Saborea Sunset took place under the gastronomic pavilion at Balneario de Carolina with the ocean front views, music, and tastings evoking all that Puerto Rico has to offer. Festivities continued the next morning with brunch samplings like bananas foster and fresh baked treats.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/deltaviplounge.jpg" target="_blank"><img width="1000" class="align-center" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/deltaviplounge.jpg?width=1000" alt="deltaviplounge.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span lang="en" xml:lang="en">Primary sponsor <a href="http://www.delta.com">Delta Air Lines</a> was on hand with a welcoming VIP lounge area celebrating their 65th anniversary flying to San Juan, also the longest uninterrupted service throughout both the Caribbean and Latin America, with</span> 3 daily flights from JFK, and 4 from Atlanta.</span></p><h2><strong><span style="font-size:18pt;"><em>Other Must-do Activities in San Juan</em></span></strong></h2><p><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;">Whether you're in San Juan for Saborea or simply looking to gain a better understanding of the island's food culture, don't miss the following:</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/spoonfoodtourscollage.jpg" target="_blank"><img width="931" class="align-center" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/spoonfoodtourscollage.jpg?width=931" alt="spoonfoodtourscollage.jpg?width=931" /></a></p><h3><a href="https://www.spoonfoodtours.com/">Spoon Food Tour<span lang="en" xml:lang="en">s</span></a></h3><p><br /><span lang="en" style="font-size:12pt;" xml:lang="en">A small Puerto Rican family-owned-and-operated tour company established by Paulina and Gustavo Antonetti, Spoon Food Tours of Old San Juan is committed to reinvigorating the island’s economy and agricultural heritage. Small group walking tours maximize guide interaction visiting 5 establishments that only use local and sustainably sourced ingredients like artisan hand-picked coffee, traditional pastries, locally seasoned pork, mofongo (the Island’s quintessential dish), and homemade ice cream. A refreshing rum cocktail is sure to be on the list for sampling as well.</span></p><p></p><p><span lang="en" xml:lang="en"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Strolling this 500 year-old Spanish Colonial City is also the perfect way to explore historic cobblestone streets winding past neo-classical architecture including the second oldest cathedral in the Americas, a centuries-old convent, and fortifications like the iconic El Morro.</span></span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elmuseocollage.jpg" target="_blank"><img width="951" class="align-center" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elmuseocollage.jpg?width=951" alt="elmuseocollage.jpg?width=951" /></a></p><h3><a href="http://www.mapr.org/en">Museo de Art de Puerto Rico</a></h3><p><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;">San Juan boasts one of the largest and most celebrated art museums in the Caribbean. Housed in a grand neoclassical building that was once the city’s Municipal Hospital, The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico boasts 18 exhibition halls encompassing 30,000 sq feet filled with art works from the 17th century to the present. Prints, paintings, posters, drawings, sculpture, photographs and new media depict and interpret both on island and global Puerto Rican experiences.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elmuseocoffeewoodcut.jpg" target="_blank"><img width="1000" class="align-center" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/elmuseocoffeewoodcut.jpg?width=1000" alt="elmuseocoffeewoodcut.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Puerto Rican food ways are also well represented here including a series of wood carvings illustrating each stage of coffee harvesting as well as a video giving modernist perspectives of the huge influence that plantains have had on island culture. Don't miss their 2.5-acre gardens to the back of the museum where winding paths invite visitors to stroll past 16 sculptures and more than 100,000 plantings in a scene reminiscent of Monet’s water lilies.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/santaellacollage-1024x294.jpg" target="_blank"><img width="1024" class="align-center" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/santaellacollage-1024x294.jpg?width=1024" alt="santaellacollage-1024x294.jpg?width=1024" /></a></p><h3><a href="http://josesantaella.com/">Santaella Restaurant</a></h3><p><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span lang="en-gb" xml:lang="en-gb">Owned by chef José Santaella, his eponymous restaurant in San Juan's Santurce district is</span> a bustling scene complete with an indoor garden and a bar humming with creative mixology. “I keep trying to go back to the basics of local and organic”, says Santaella and it shows in freshly prepared dishes like crisp whole red snapper and flash fried tostones.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/market-streetparty.jpg" target="_blank"><img width="1000" class="align-center" src="http://www.gastrotraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/market-streetparty.jpg?width=1000" alt="market-streetparty.jpg?width=1000" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span lang="en-gb" xml:lang="en-gb">Right outside Santaella one block away is Plaza del Mercado, also known as ‘La Placita’ (little plaza), is a traditional open air market selling produce as well as street food and fruit shakes during the day. As the sun sets, the market closes, barricades go up keeping vehicles out, and dozens of restaurants, cafés, and nightclubs surrounding it for a few blocks on either side are packed with ‘Street Party’ crowds every Thursday and Friday. You'll have plenty of opportunities to dance the meringue and soak in the Boriqua spirit</span>.</span></p><blockquote><span style="font-size:12pt;"><em>Coverage made possible by participating in a sponsored visit. Photos courtesy of Steve Mirsky & wikicommons.</em></span></blockquote></div>Costa Rica Caribbean Hotel Le Cameleon keeps every day fresh and newhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/costa-rica-caribbean-hotel-le-cameleon-keeps-every-day-fresh-and2016-03-19T20:50:41.000Z2016-03-19T20:50:41.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p>When we go on vacation, it’s time to do new things, discover new places, try new foods, and generally renew ourselves.</p><p> </p><p>At Caribbean Costa Rica <strong><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Le Caméléon</a></strong>, they live the mantra: “every day is a new day.”</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008974469,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008974469,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008974469?profile=original" /></a>The location of the Costa Rica luxury hotel is definitely rejuvenating: on beautiful <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/prettiest-beach-by-puerto-viejo-costa-rica-is-playa-cocles/" target="_blank">Playa Cocles</a>, where wild rainforest meets golden sand and the dazzling, turquoise Caribbean Sea. Hotel Le Caméléon rests on the road connecting the vibrant, bohemian beach town of <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/area.html" target="_blank">Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica</a> and the <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/activities/324-gandoca-manzanillo-wildlife-refuge.html" target="_blank">Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge</a> to the south.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009023678,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009023678,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009023678?profile=original" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296612086,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296612086,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="284" alt="9296612086?profile=original" /></a>Going with the <b>theme of their name – <i>“The chameleon”</i></b> – the hip yet relaxed Hotel Le Caméléon is styled in impeccable white with striking dashes of tropical colors that change hue every day. Seat cushions. A painting. Flower vases. Restaurant napkins. Staff uniforms. The daily metamorphosis in your guest room and throughout the hotel keeps things fresh, and has you guessing what each new day will bring.</p><p> </p><p>“When each day the colors in your white resting sanctuary change, you are reminded that ‘every day is a new day’, filled with infinite opportunities for new experiences, new friends, and new thoughts. Embrace this mantra with us. Take the time to sit on your private terrace and soak in your surroundings. Listen to the howl of the monkeys in the canopy or take a relaxing stroll up the beach,” hotel publicity proffers.</p><p></p><p>The <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/rooms.html" target="_blank">23 ultra-chic rooms</a> of the <a href="http://www.enchanting-hotels.cr/en/le-cameleon-boutique-hotel.html" target="_blank">Enchanting Hotel of Costa Rica</a> are tucked in the jungle gardens around a lap pool. Modern rooms in all-white minimalist style are decorated with a touch of vibrant colors, offering a sleek design that is as stylish as it is comfortable. Sliding glass doors lead out to private balconies or patios in all rooms.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009050674,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009050674,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009050674?profile=original" /></a>Hotel Le Caméléon provides <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/puerto-viejo-costa-rica-spa.html" target="_blank">spa services</a>, yoga classes, tour services, and a first-class <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/restaurant.html" target="_blank">restaurant</a>. The hotel’s fantastic <b>Costa Rica Caribbean</b> <b>beach club,</b> <b><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/restaurant.html" target="_blank">La Sula Sea Lounge</a>,</b> is directly across the street on Cocles Beach, and features day-beds, hammocks, lounge chairs, bar and restaurant service.</p><p></p><p>There is so <b>much <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/activities.html" target="_blank">to do in Puerto Viejo</a></b> – surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving, chocolate tours, a sloth sanctuary – it will be easy to enjoy new experiences. </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296612095,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296612095,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9296612095?profile=original" /></a>So, grab your swimsuit and head to <b>Hotel Le Caméléon</b> for a <b>sunny spring holiday</b>. There are easy <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/travel-tips/get-costa-ricas-caribbean-coast-easy-way/" target="_blank">daily flights from San Jose to Limon</a> and it’s a short drive to Playa Cocles.</p><p></p><p><i>“Start your day out with the widest of smiles, and witness the tremendous effect this simple action has on your mood and on everything around you.” – Hotel Le Caméléon</i></p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Looking for a warm spring vacation? Why not try Caribbean Costa Rica!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/looking-for-a-warm-spring-vacation-why-not-try-caribbean-costa2016-02-16T23:29:34.000Z2016-02-16T23:29:34.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p>With spring at our doorstep, why not escape to <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/10-things-expect-costa-ricas-southern-caribbean-coast/" target="_blank">Caribbean Costa Rica</a> for a <b>romantic vacation</b> on the beach in the rainforest.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009039096,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009039096,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009039096?profile=original" /></a>With <b>dozens of flights to Costa Rica</b> available from the U.S., Canada and Europe, getting to Costa Rica is easier than ever. Come enjoy the <b>fun-in-the-sun Caribbean lifestyle</b> at the <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/best-value-destinations-for-2016" target="_blank">best value travel destination for 2016</a>, resting in luxury at one of the best <b>Costa Rica luxury hotels</b>: <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Le Caméléon</a>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008974469,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008974469,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008974469?profile=original" /></a>Picture yourself lounging on a day bed under shady palm trees with soft white sand and the brilliant turquoise Caribbean Sea just steps away. Order a frosty fruit cocktail from your waiter, or nip up to the bar at the <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/restaurant.html" target="_blank">Le Caméléon Beach Club</a> for some social time and a quick bite to eat. Go for a swim in the pool and cool water Jacuzzi, or get a couple’s massage in the spa. Elegant dining in the balmy tropical nights can be had at <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/restaurant.html" target="_blank">Le Numu Restaurant</a> at Hotel Le Caméléon. In the area, you can see sloths, go snorkeling, learn how to make chocolate – there is so much <b><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/activities.html" target="_blank">to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica</a></b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009039699,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009039699,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009039699?profile=original" /></a>Call it jungle love in the rainforest by the beach at <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/prettiest-beach-by-puerto-viejo-costa-rica-is-playa-cocles/" target="_blank">Playa Cocles</a>, just south of <b><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/area.html" target="_blank">Puerto Viejo</a>,</b> at this <a href="http://www.enchanting-hotels.cr/en/le-cameleon-boutique-hotel.html" target="_blank">Enchanting Hotel of Costa Rica</a>. Take advantage of the <strong><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/special/vacation-offers.html" target="_blank">Hotel Le Caméléon special offer</a></strong> of <b>20% off all rates midweek</b> from Sundays to Thursdays during <b>February and March.</b></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008850453,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008850453,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008850453?profile=original" /></a>There are easy <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/travel-tips/get-costa-ricas-caribbean-coast-easy-way/" target="_blank">daily flights from San Jose to Limon</a> on the Caribbean Coast with Nature Air and Sansa Airlines.</p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Flights from San Jose to Limon Costa Rica make travel easyhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/flights-from-san-jose-to-limon-costa-rica-make-travel-easy2015-11-24T23:45:46.000Z2015-11-24T23:45:46.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008891290,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008891290,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="543" alt="9008891290?profile=original" /></a>Planning to <b>come to the <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/blog-category/338-explore-the-magical-south-caribbean-coast-of-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica Caribbean Coast on vacation</a></b>? While the <b>drive from San Jose to Puerto Viejo</b> is pretty, there is a much easier way to get to Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast. Fly!</p><p>It takes about <b>four hours to drive the 217 kilometers</b> <b>to Puerto Viejo</b> from San Jose. The stretch on Route 32 through the Braulio Carrillo National Park is certainly very beautiful, but can also be treacherous when raining, foggy, or after dark – a good portion of the time.</p><p>Save yourself the headache and stress of driving. Getting to the southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica is easy on <b>30-minute domestic flights between San Jose and Limon</b> operated by <a href="http://www.natureair.com/" target="_blank">Nature Air</a> and <a href="http://crc.flysansa.com/en/home" target="_blank">Sansa Airlines</a>. After the 30 minute flight, it is only a quick 30-minute drive from the Limon Airport to Puerto Viejo. In an hour from San Jose, you can be lounging under a palm tree on a stunning Caribbean beach with a cold fruit drink in your hand. Besides that, the views of Braulio Carrillo National Park and the Sucio, Reventazon and Pacuare rivers are even better from the air!</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008945883,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008945883,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008945883?profile=original" /></a>Costa Rican airline <a href="http://www.natureair.com/limon-flights.aspx?gclid=CIquqOrLjsICFZPm7Aod9g0Ajg" target="_blank">Nature Air</a> operates flights four times per week to the Caribbean port city of <b>Limon from San Jose</b>. Flights depart from the <a href="http://www.fly2sanjose.net/" target="_blank">Juan Santamaria International Airport</a> by San Jose on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, leaving at 5:50 a.m. and arriving to the Limon airport at 6:20 a.m. Return flights depart Limon at 6:30 a.m. and arrive to San Jose at 7:25 a.m., with a quick stop on the way to Tortuguero in the northern Caribbean.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014069,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014069,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="530" alt="9009014069?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://crc.flysansa.com/en/destinations/Limon" target="_blank">Sansa Airlines</a> operates <b>flights between San Jose and Limon</b> regularly, departing from Juan Santamaria International Airport:</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014253,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014253,original{{/staticFileLink}}" height="245" width="245" alt="9009014253?profile=original" /></a>San Jose to Limon: depart 6:50 a.m. / arrive 7:35 a.m. Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun</p><p>San Jose to Limon: depart 7:45 a.m. / arrive 8:05 a.m. Daily</p><p>San Jose to Limon: depart 2:30 p.m. / arrive 3:30 p.m. Daily</p><p> </p><p>Limon to San Jose: depart 7:01 a.m. / arrive 7:56 a.m. Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun</p><p>Limon to San Jose: depart 7:45 a.m. / arrive 8:47 a.m. Daily</p><p>Limon to San Jose: depart 3:40 p.m. / arrive 4:20 p.m. Daily</p><p></p><p><b>Costa Rica Caribbean Coast</b></p><p>Sunshine, warm turquoise Caribbean Sea, palm trees, lush jungle, sloths in the trees, parrots and toucans flying overhead, cool restaurants, great hotels and a laid-back Caribbean vibe … what more could you want on holiday? <b>The <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/10-things-expect-costa-ricas-southern-caribbean-coast/" target="_blank">southern Costa Rica Caribbean Coast</a> has everything for an idyllic Caribbean vacation</b>.</p><p>Try out <b>new adventures</b>: snorkeling or scuba diving around coral reefs, go sea kayaking, hike in the jungle, visit a sloth sanctuary or a jaguar rescue center, learn how to make chocolate, surf some of the best waves in Costa Rica.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008824294,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008824294,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="451" alt="9008824294?profile=original" /></a>Whether you <b>come to Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast</b> for a romantic getaway, family vacation, friends’ trip, or honeymoon, the <b>place to stay in <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/area.html" target="_blank">Puerto Viejo</a></b> is <b><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Le Caméléon</a>.</b> The <a href="http://www.enchanting-hotels.cr/en/le-cameleon-boutique-hotel.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica boutique hotel</a> offers <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/rooms.html" target="_blank">upscale beach accommodations</a> in the tropical rainforest, facing one of the area’s <b>most beautiful beaches –</b> <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/prettiest-beach-by-puerto-viejo-costa-rica-is-playa-cocles/" target="_blank">Playa Cocles</a>.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014653,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014653,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009014653?profile=original" /></a>Hip, modern and chic</b>, Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel has 23 rooms stylized in all-white minimalism with touches of bright colors that change every day like a chameleon, and <b>all of the comforts you expect</b> at a four-star resort. The hotel’s <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/restaurant.html" target="_blank">La Sula Sea Lounge Beach Club</a> across the street is the place to hang out by the shore and meet friends for a cool drink or a light meal. <b>Hotel Le Caméléon</b> provides <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/puerto-viejo-costa-rica-spa.html" target="_blank">spa services</a>, private yoga classes, <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/restaurant.html" target="_blank">first-class restaurant</a>, reading/lounging areas, and a lap pool and cool water Jacuzzi.</p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>The start of Caribbean Summer in Costa Rica is the time for special dealshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/the-start-of-caribbean-summer-in-costa-rica-is-the-time-for2015-08-31T18:24:33.000Z2015-08-31T18:24:33.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008824294,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008824294,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="451" alt="9008824294?profile=original" /></a>The start of <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/sunshine-summer-warm-costa-rica-caribbean-coast-october/" target="_blank">Caribbean Summer in Costa Rica</a> is the time for <b>special deals.</b> The <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/10-things-expect-costa-ricas-southern-caribbean-coast/" target="_blank">climate on the Caribbean Coast</a> varies from the rest of Costa Rica. Most of the year, the Caribbean Coast maintains its <b>forever green landscape</b> from regular tropical rain showers. Then, when the rest of Costa Rica enters peak rainy season <b>in</b> <b>September and October, the sun comes out over the Caribbean</b>.</p><p> </p><p><b>Costa Rica's southern Caribbean Coast has everything you're looking for in a beach vacation</b> – adventure, romance, decadent beaches, wildlife, new flavors and music, cultural exchange … and at <strong><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Le Caméléon</a> by <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/area.html" target="_blank">Puerto Viejo</a></strong>, you have the utmost in luxury. <b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008984264,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008984264,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008984264?profile=original" /></a>Now through the end of October</b> is the <b>time to visit</b> <b>Hotel Le Caméléon</b> for <b><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/special/hotel-offers-puerto-viejo-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">special vacation offers</a> in Caribbean summer</b>. <b>Through Aug. 31, 2015</b>, Hotel Le Caméléon is offering a <b>30% discount</b> off rates for Superior and Deluxe rooms (for rates over $168.00).</p><p><b>In September</b>, in honor of <b>Costa Rica’s Independence Day on Sept. 15</b>, Hotel Le Caméléon is <b>celebrating “Our Homeland Month”.</b> <b>In October</b>, Costa Rica celebrates the <b>month of cultures</b>, and <b>Limon,</b> the “capital city” of Costa Rica’s Caribbean region, holds its <b>annual carnival</b> celebration<b>.</b> <b>During both September and October 2015</b>, at Hotel Le Caméléon you can receive a <b>20% discount</b> off rates for Superior and Deluxe rooms.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008984460,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008984460,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008984460?profile=original" /></a>There is a <b>Romance Package</b> that includes one night in a Superior Room for two persons, breakfast, and one Caribbean lunch or dinner per person, for $198.00 plus tax. There also is a <b>Family Package</b> that includes one night in a Deluxe Room, breakfast, and one Caribbean lunch or dinner per person. For two adults, the price is $218.00 plus tax. For families with two adults and up to two children (under age 12), the price is $253.00 plus tax. Children receive a surprise gift.</p><p><b>Costa Rica Caribbean Summer</b> is a perfect time to visit the <b>beautiful beaches of <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/activities/319-cahuita-national-park.html" target="_blank">Cahuita</a>, <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/area.html" target="_blank">Puerto Viejo</a> and</b> <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/activities/330-manzanillo-beach.html" target="_blank">Manzanillo</a>. The <b>Southern Caribbean Coast</b> offers some of the <b>best <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/costa-rica-surfing-in-puerto-viejo/" target="_blank">surfing in Costa Rica</a>,</b> but this time of year when seas are calm, it is ideal for <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/activities/332-snorkeling.html" target="_blank">snorkeling</a> or <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/activities/326-scuba-diving.html" target="_blank">scuba diving</a> in the crystalline waters of the <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/blog-category/375-caribbean-summer-is-a-good-time-to-visit-cahuita-national-park.html" target="_blank">Cahuita National Park</a>, home of the <b>largest coral reef on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast</b>. Now also is a good time for a boat <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/activities/322-dolphins.html" target="_blank">tour to see wild dolphins</a> or to go <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/activities/327-sea-kayaking.html" target="_blank">sea kayaking</a>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008983901,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008983901,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008983901?profile=original" /></a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008973679,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008973679,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008973679?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Le Caméléon</a> is located <b>on</b> <b>Playa Cocles just past Puerto Viejo</b> on one of the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/prettiest-beach-by-puerto-viejo-costa-rica-is-playa-cocles/" target="_blank">prettiest Costa Rica Caribbean beaches</a>. The <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/hotel.html" target="_blank">upscale Costa Rica boutique hotel</a> features <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/rooms.html" target="_blank">modern rooms</a>, beautiful tropical architecture, a gourmet restaurant, <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/puerto-viejo-costa-rica-spa.html" target="_blank">spa services</a>, and the <b>fantastic</b> <b>Costa Rica</b> <b><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/restaurant.html" target="_blank">Caribbean beach club La Sula Sea Lounge</a>.</b> An <a href="http://www.enchanting-hotels.cr/en/le-cameleon-boutique-hotel.html" target="_blank">Enchanting Hotel of Costa Rica</a>, Le Caméléon has been awarded the prestigious <b><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1212465-d1200494-Reviews-Le_Cameleon_Boutique_Hotel-Cocles_Puerto_Viejo_de_Talamanca_Province_of_Limon.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor</a> Certificate of Excellence for 2015</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008985266,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008985266,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008985266?profile=original" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/hot-news/costa-rica-south-caribbean-travel-now-easy-with-new-flight-to-limon/" target="_blank">How to get to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica</a></p><p><b>Daily 30-minute flights to Limon from San Jose on <a href="http://www.natureair.com/limon-flights.aspx?gclid=CIquqOrLjsICFZPm7Aod9g0Ajg" target="_blank">Nature Air</a> or <a href="http://crc.flysansa.com/en/destinations/Limon" target="_blank">Sansa Airlines</a></b> make it easy to get to <b>Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica</b>. From Limon, it is a <b>short drive</b> less than an hour <b>to Puerto Viejo and Playa Cocles.</b> The drive from San Jose to Puerto Viejo is approximately 4.5 hours.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Your dream destination wedding in the Caribbean Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/your-dream-destination-wedding-in-the-caribbean-costa-rica2015-06-15T23:47:42.000Z2015-06-15T23:47:42.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008972696,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008972696,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008972696?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/area.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica's Southern Caribbean Coast</a> has everything could want for a <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/special.html" target="_blank">destination wedding and honeymoon</a>.</p><p> </p><p><b>Imagine your</b> <b>dream wedding</b> exchanging vows with your beloved in a stunning <b>beachside ceremony</b> overlooking the <b>turquoise Caribbean Sea</b>, or under the <b>canopy of a tropical garden</b> with the ocean close by. Picture a <b>romantic honeymoon</b> walking on pristine beaches at sunset, torch-lit tropical gardens and balmy evenings, days full of adventure, personalized service, and <b>Caribbean culture and warmth</b>.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008973679,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008973679,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008973679?profile=original" /></a>Costa Rica</b> continues to be <b>one of the most popular locations for destination weddings and honeymoons for couples from North America</b>, due to its affordability, warm tropical weather, natural scenic beauty, excellent services, and ease of travel. According to wedding industry statistics, out of the 2 million people in the United States who get married each year, about <b>25% of those opt for a destination wedding in another country</b>.</p><p>“And it is continuing to grow, especially with the current Millennial Generation that has traveled extensively,” commented Larissa Banting of <a href="http://www.weddingscostarica.com/" target="_blank">Weddings Costa Rica</a>. “This is a generation looking for unique, authentic experiences. <b>The Costa Rica Caribbean Coast is a perfect location</b> because it is a place where people can go and ‘wow’ their friends and family since it is so unique.”</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008824294,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008824294,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="451" alt="9008824294?profile=original" /></a>The <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/10-things-expect-costa-ricas-southern-caribbean-coast/" target="_blank">southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica</a> features vibrant seaside towns, some of the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/prettiest-beach-by-puerto-viejo-costa-rica-is-playa-cocles/" target="_blank">prettiest beaches</a> in the country, lush jungle, crystal-clear Caribbean Sea and <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/costa-rica-surfing-in-puerto-viejo/" target="_blank">amazing surfing waves</a>. The relaxed lifestyle of beach towns like <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/area.html" target="_blank">Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica</a> have a <b>unique blend of native Latino, Afro-Caribbean and Bribri indigenous cultures</b> mixed with a widely-varied <b>international population. Puerto Viejo has a <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/10-restaurants-in-puerto-viejo-costa-rica/" target="_blank">great selection of international restaurants</a></b> and delicious <b>traditional <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/flavors-costa-rica-caribbean-cuisine/" target="_blank">Caribbean cuisine</a></b>. The area also is known for <b>excellent <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/yoga-in-puerto-viejo-costa-rica/" target="_blank">yoga</a> studios</b>.</p><p>“For me, <b>the Caribbean is my favorite location</b>,” noted Banting. “It’s still off the beaten path. The area is teeming with life with the ocean right there, and the backdrop is the mountains always green with jungle. It <b>offers really authentic experiences</b> and is a very magical spot.”</p><p> </p><p>Banting founded her <b><a href="http://www.weddingscostarica.com/#mi=1&pt=0&pi=2&s=4&p=-1&a=0&at=0" target="_blank">wedding planning company</a>, Weddings Costa Rica</b>, in 2003 from her personal experience planning her own wedding in Costa Rica. Weddings Costa Rica has helped more than 600 couples enjoy <b>destination weddings in Costa Rica</b>.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008973254,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008973254,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008973254?profile=original" /></a>Banting said the <b>best time for weddings and honeymoons in the Caribbean Costa Rica</b> is from <b>September to November</b> during the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/sunshine-summer-warm-costa-rica-caribbean-coast-october/" target="_blank">Caribbean summer</a> season. One of her favorite places to hold destination weddings is at the upscale <b><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Le Caméléon</a> on Playa Cocles</b>, a little south of Puerto Viejo.</p><p> </p><p>“You have this very excellent boutique hotel with all of these unique features in a really unique setting. The lovely thing about Le Caméléon is that it offers all the comforts,” said Banting.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008974469,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008974469,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008974469?profile=original" /></a>Hotel Le Caméléon</b> is an <a href="http://www.enchanting-hotels.cr/en/le-cameleon-boutique-hotel.html" target="_blank">Enchanting Hotel of Costa Rica</a> presenting <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/rooms.html" target="_blank">luxury beach accommodations</a> in the tropical forest of Puerto Viejo. The hotel’s 23 rooms border the pool surrounded by lush tropical gardens, across the street from <b>Le Caméléon’s beach club, La Sula Sea Lounge. </b><a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/restaurant.html" target="_blank">Le Numu Restaurant & Bar</a> serves creative international dishes in a contemporary, chic ambience.</p><p><b>For honeymoons, there is a lot <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/activities.html" target="_blank">to do and see in the Caribbean</a></b>, including the <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/blog-category/375-caribbean-summer-is-a-good-time-to-visit-cahuita-national-park.html" target="_blank">Cahuita National Park</a> with its amazing coral reef snorkeling, the <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/activities/324-gandoca-manzanillo-wildlife-refuge.html" target="_blank">Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge</a>, <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/famed-sloth-sanctuary-is-a-fun-puerto-viejo-costa-rica-tour/" target="_blank">Sloth Sanctuary</a>, <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/fascinating-puerto-viejo-chocolate-tour-reveals-ancient-secrets/" target="_blank">chocolate tours</a>, zip-lines, whitewater rafting, and great beaches for surfing and swimming. Whether you want a honeymoon of lying in the sun watching parrots and toucans fly overhead and soaking your feet in the warm Caribbean Sea; or hope to try new adventures, <b>Hotel Le Caméléon can arrange the honeymoon of your dreams</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008974068,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008974068,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008974068?profile=original" /></a><strong><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/hot-news/costa-rica-south-caribbean-travel-now-easy-with-new-flight-to-limon/" target="_blank">How to get to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica</a></strong></p><p><b>Daily 30-minute flights on <a href="http://www.natureair.com/limon-flights.aspx?gclid=CIquqOrLjsICFZPm7Aod9g0Ajg" target="_blank">Nature Air</a> or <a href="http://crc.flysansa.com/en/destinations/Limon" target="_blank">Sansa Airlines</a> between San Jose and Limon;</b> then drive less than an hour to Puerto Viejo and Playa Cocles.</p><p>Driving from San Jose to Puerto Viejo takes approximately 4.5 hours.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>New flight to Costa Rica Caribbean Coast openshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/new-flight-to-costa-rica-caribbean-coast-opens2014-11-27T19:21:40.000Z2014-11-27T19:21:40.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296592454,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296592454,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="543" alt="9296592454?profile=original" /></a>Now <b>getting to the South Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica will be easier than ever</b> with a <b>new 30-minute flight between San Jose and Limon on <a href="http://www.natureair.com/" target="_blank">Nature Air</a></b>.</p><p> </p><p><b>Starting Dec. 1</b>, <b>travelers to Costa Rica</b> can fly from <b>San Jose</b> and the Central Valley to the Caribbean port city of <b>Limon</b> on <a href="http://www.natureair.com/limon-flights.aspx?gclid=CIquqOrLjsICFZPm7Aod9g0Ajg" target="_blank">daily flights</a> with the Costa Rican airline <b>Nature Air</b>. <b>Flights depart from the Juan Santamaria International Airport</b> by San Jose at 5:50 a.m., and arrive to the Limon airport at 6:20 a.m. Return flights depart Limon daily at 6:30 a.m. and arrive to San Jose at 7:25 a.m., with a quick stop at Tortuguero in the northern Caribbean on the way.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008892453,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="350" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008892453,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008892453?profile=original" /></a>Up until now, travelers have only had the option to get to the <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/area.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica Caribbean Coast</a> (unless visiting Tortuguero) by <b>driving Route 32</b> – a <b>four-hour drive</b> <b>from San Jose</b> that includes the often treacherous journey through the mountains of the Braulio Carrillo National Park.</p><p> </p><p>In honor of the new flight to Limon, <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Le Caméléon</a> by <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/area.html" target="_blank">Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica</a> is offering a <b>new <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/special/hotel-offers-puerto-viejo-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">vacation package</a></b>, <b>“Le Caméléon Gives You Wings.”</b> Valid from <b>Dec. 1, 2014, to Mar. 27, 2015</b>, the <b>three-night vacation package</b> includes round-trip flights on Nature Air between San Jose and Limon, ground transfers between the Limon airport and the hotel, three nights’ accommodation at Hotel Le Caméléon, breakfast daily, lunch on the first day, welcome cocktail, VIP access to the La Sula Sea Lounge, and <b>a tour to the <a href="http://www.jaguarrescue.com/" target="_blank">Jaguar Rescue Center</a></b>.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008892690,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="400" class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008892690,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008892690?profile=original" /></a>“Now it will be so much easier for our guests to get from the Central Valley to Hotel Le Caméléon,” said Roger Sans Feliu, Reservations Manager at Hotel Le Caméléon by Puerto Viejo. “It is only a 30-minute flight and another 30 minutes to drive from Limon to the hotel. It is now easier and more comfortable to get to Puerto Viejo, and the views are really great on the flight from San Jose to Limon!”</p><p> </p><p>Hip, modern and upscale, the <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/hotel.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica boutique hotel</a> faces one of the area’s most beautiful beaches, <b>Playa Cocles</b>. Le Caméléon features <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/rooms.html" target="_blank">ultra-chic rooms</a>, beautiful tropical architecture, and lush jungle gardens. The elegant <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/restaurant.html" target="_blank">Le Numu Restaurant & Bar</a> is one of the area’s top restaurants; and the <b>La Sula Sea Lounge beach club</b> is the place to hang out by the shore and meet friends for a cool drink or a light meal.</p><p> </p><p><b>Article by <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ShannonFarley/posts" target="_blank">Shannon Farley</a><br /></b></p></div>"Sloth Week' on Animal Planet Spotlights Caribbean Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/sloth-week-spotlights-caribbean-costa-rica2014-06-19T22:03:36.000Z2014-06-19T22:03:36.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296587472,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="300" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296587472,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296587472?profile=original" /></a>The slow-moving <b>sloths of Costa Rica</b> are streaking into the limelight with their own <b>weeklong online special program</b>. Starting <b>June 20, 2014, <a href="http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/meet-the-sloths" target="_blank">Animal Planet</a> and</b> <a href="http://animalist.com/slothweek" target="_blank">Animalist</a> will stream daily footage from the <a href="http://www.slothsanctuary.com/" target="_blank">Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica</a>.</p><p> </p><p>Cute and cuddly <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/blog-category/358-meet-the-sloths-on-costa-rica-s-caribbean-coast.html" target="_blank">sloths of the Caribbean Costa Rica</a> have been in the spotlight since last year’s program <b>“Meet the Sloths” aired on Animal Planet</b>. The two-hour special program will <b>run again on June 21 at 8:00 a.m. EST</b>. The story follows a year in the lives of five sloths at the Sloth Sanctuary.</p><p> </p><p>Located on the <b>Southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica</b>, just south of Limon on the way to <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/area.html" target="_blank">Puerto Viejo</a>, the <b>Sloth Sanctuary</b> rescues, protects and rehabilitates sloths. You can see sloths in person on a <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/activities/331-sloth-sanctuary.html" target="_blank">sloth tour</a>.</p><p> </p><p><b>“Sloth Week” will show six days</b> of sloth-related Web content, sloth facts, the most adorable and interesting <b>sloth videos and live cams</b>. “So much sloth greatness, we gave them their own week,” reports Animal Planet.</p><p></p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uXdwXu6kbBg?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe></p><p></p><p>You can visit the <b>Sloth Sanctuary</b> on a <a href="http://www.slothsanctuary.com/sloth-tours/buttercup-tour/" target="_blank">fun half-day tour</a>. Tuesday through Sunday (closed Monday), tours start at 8:00 a.m. and go every hour on the hour; the last tour is at 2:00 p.m.</p><p></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008851662,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008851662,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008851662?profile=original" /></a>Where to stay:</b> When visiting the <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+Lecameleonhotelpuerto-viejo-costa-rica-hotel/posts" target="_blank">southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica</a>, the place to stay is <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Le Caméléon</a>. The vibrant <b>Costa Rica boutique hotel</b> fronts the dazzling, turquoise Caribbean Sea and golden sand of <b>Playa Cocles</b> – one of the area’s most beautiful beaches. Hip, modern and upscale, Le Caméléon features ultra-chic rooms, beautiful tropical architecture, and lush jungle gardens. The elegant <a href="http://www.lecameleonhotel.com/restaurant.html" target="_blank">Le Numu Restaurant & Bar</a> is one of the area’s top restaurants; and the newly remodeled <b>La Sula Sea Lounge</b> beach club is the place to hang out by the shore and meet friends for a cool drink or a light meal.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Article by Shannon Farley</b></p></div>Costa Rica butterflies share evolution strategies for survivalhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/costa-rica-butterflies-share-evolution-strategies-for-survival2014-01-08T14:41:16.000Z2014-01-08T14:41:16.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p style="text-align:justify;">In the case of butterflies, it pays to look like your neighbor.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">New information about <strong>long-winged butterflies in Costa Rica</strong> is showing how the importance of “mimicry” and the<a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Two-species-of-Heliconius-butterflies-image-by-Marcus-Kronforst-University-of-Chicago.jpg"><img class="align-right" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Two-species-of-Heliconius-butterflies-image-by-Marcus-Kronforst-University-of-Chicago-300x225.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="Two-species-of-Heliconius-butterflies-image-by-Marcus-Kronforst-University-of-Chicago-300x225.jpg?width=300" /></a> butterflies’ natural promiscuity has led to interbreeding and the <strong>creation of new species that look very much alike</strong>, according to a <a title="Study about butterfly evolution" href="http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-butterflies-evolution-20131030,0,4630140.story#axzz2jh8miaPJ" target="_blank">study led by University of Chicago evolutionary biologist, Marcus R. Kronforst</a>.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“In evolutionary biology, mimicry is the similarity of one species to another which protects one or both.This similarity can be in appearance, behavior, sound, scent and location, with the mimics found in similar places to their models,” notes <a title="Wikipedia definition of Mimicry" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimicry" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Mimicry, or looking like another, is important to butterflies</strong> to avoid being a tasty snack for birds and other predators. If a tasty or non-venomous butterfly is confused with a bad-tasting or toxic butterfly, both species will go unmolested and be more likely to survive.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Butterfly-mimics-Monarch-on-left-and-Viceroy-on-right.gif"><img class="align-left" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Butterfly-mimics-Monarch-on-left-and-Viceroy-on-right-300x157.gif?width=300" width="300" alt="Butterfly-mimics-Monarch-on-left-and-Viceroy-on-right-300x157.gif?width=300" /></a>Take, for example, the <strong>Viceroy butterfly</strong> (<em><a class="zem_slink" title="Viceroy (butterfly)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viceroy_%28butterfly%29" target="_blank">Limenitis archippus</a></em>) which <a title="Mimicry between monarchs and viceroy butterflies" href="http://www.learnaboutbutterflies.com/Survival%20Strategies%204.htm" target="_blank"><strong>mimics the Monarch Butterfly</strong></a> (<em><a class="zem_slink" title="Monarch butterfly" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarch_butterfly" target="_blank">Danaus plexippus</a></em>) in shared orange and black coloration patterns. While the Viceroy butterfly isn’t incredibly appetizing to birds, it is not highly toxic like the Monarch; yet because they look alike, predators tend to leave both alone.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The long-winged <strong><em><a class="zem_slink" title="Heliconius" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliconius" target="_blank">Heliconius</a></em> butterflies</strong> <strong>are the species in the study</strong> whipping up interest. The butterflies, including one known as the <strong>“<a class="zem_slink" title="Costa Rica" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=9.93333333333,-84.0833333333&spn=10.0,10.0&q=9.93333333333,-84.0833333333%20%28Costa%20Rica%29&t=h" target="_blank">Costa Rican</a> postman,”</strong> have bright orange markings on their wings and are toxic. Promiscuous habits have led to the creation of up to <strong>45 new species</strong> from the butterflies’ interbreeding, scientists report. The interesting thing the geneticists have discovered is that all of the species resemble one another (<a class="zem_slink" title="Müllerian mimicry" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%BCllerian_mimicry" target="_blank">Mullerian mimicry</a>) with slight differences, which has led to shared survival tactics by baffling predators into avoiding a range of wing patterns.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Butterfly-Heliconius.jpg"><img class="align-right" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Butterfly-Heliconius-150x150.jpg?width=150" width="150" alt="Butterfly-Heliconius-150x150.jpg?width=150" /></a>Approximately <strong>17,500 species of butterflies exist in the world</strong>, according to the Smithsonian Institute. <strong>Costa Rica is home to about 1,251 species of butterflies and at least 8,000 species of moths</strong>, cites Wikipedia.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The <strong><a title="Butterfly garden at Veragua Rainforest in Costa Rica" href="http://www.veraguarainforest.com/butterflygarden.html" target="_blank">Butterfly Garden</a> at <a title="Veragua Rainforest Research & Adventure park in Costa Rica" href="http://www.veraguarainforest.com/" target="_blank">Veragua Rainforest Research & Adventure</a>, in Costa Rica’s Caribbean rainforest</strong>, is inhabited by some of the most colorful butterflies in the world, including the noteworthy <em>Heliconius</em> butterflies. A tour at the 1,300 hectare (3,212 acre) <strong>biology research center and adventure park</strong> lets you walk through an immense live butterfly garden, plus visit a <a title="Scientific research lab at Veragua Rainforest, Costa Rica" href="http://www.veraguarainforest.com/research.html" target="_blank">research lab</a> where staff scientists study the behavior and lifestyle of these vivid flying insects.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Butterly-garden-at-Veragua-Rainforest.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Butterly-garden-at-Veragua-Rainforest-300x147.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="Butterly-garden-at-Veragua-Rainforest-300x147.jpg?width=300" /></a>Veragua Rainforest Research & Adventure is located in the <a class="zem_slink" title="Cordillera de Talamanca" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=9.48408333333,-83.4886666667&spn=0.1,0.1&q=9.48408333333,-83.4886666667%20%28Cordillera%20de%20Talamanca%29&t=h" target="_blank">Talamanca Mountain Range</a> about an hour inland from <strong>Costa Rica’s Caribbean port of Limón</strong>. Veragua Rainforest is an <strong>excellent one-day tour in the Costa Rica rainforest</strong>. Attractions include wildlife exhibits and science labs, an aerial tram, canopy zipline tour, rainforest hiking trails, a river with waterfalls, and a restaurant, café and souvenir shop.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Article by <a title="Follow writer Shannon Farley on Google+" href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ShannonFarley/posts" target="_blank">Shannon Farley</a></strong></p></div>Mexico's San Pancho Music Festival 2012https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/2012-san-pancho-music-festival2012-02-21T17:00:00.000Z2012-02-21T17:00:00.000ZPablo Gonzalezhttps://tripatini.com/members/PabloGonzalez<div><p style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';">Visit <a href="http://www.puertovallarta.net" target="_blank">Puerto Vallarta Mexico</a> for more information on the area.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';">More on <a href="http://www.puertovallarta.net/news/san-pancho-a-place-you-must-know.php" target="_blank">San Pancho</a><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008689866,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008689866,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="400" alt="9008689866?profile=original" /></a>The 12<sup>th</sup> annual San Pancho Music Festival will be opening in San Francisco (San Pancho), Nayarit, Friday February 24<sup>th</sup> at 5:00pm. The Festival will be held for three days, Friday through Sunday the 24<sup>th</sup> through the 26<sup>th</sup>.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';">Performances are free to the public and begin each afternoon at 5pm, typically ending prior to 12pm midnight.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';">San Pancho’s Music Festival is a vibrant, eclectic expression of performing art traditionally held annually for 3 days during the last weekend of February. It began informally in 2001, and by 2006 included some 116 performers. The Music Festival attracts some of the most colorful musicians from around the world, including international acts from Europe, the U.S., Chile, Guatemala, France and Germany. Regional talent has also been retained to include the traditional Mexican and Latin music of local musicians</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom:.0001pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial, 'sans-serif';"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008689891,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008689891,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="400" alt="9008689891?profile=original" /></a>Traditionally there is no fee to attend, and performers are not paid. The Festival is entirely supported by the gracious con</span></p></div>Puerto Rico Activitieshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/puerto-rico-activities2010-12-11T19:51:11.000Z2010-12-11T19:51:11.000ZVictor Balbinhttps://tripatini.com/members/VictorBalbin<div><p>A two hour walking tour of old San Juan can be a lot of fun. See <a href="http://www.countrysidetourspr.com/home/walking_tours" target="_blank">Countryside Tours</a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvOLT7fjQ3Q&feature=related" target="_blank">Puerto Rico</a></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296538886,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296538886,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="" width="600" /></a></p><p></p><p></p></div>