peninsula - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-29T14:06:00Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/peninsulaHow to give back while traveling? Follow the inspiration of these Santa Teresa, Costa Rica hotels.https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/how-to-give-back-while-traveling-follow-the-inspiration-of-these2016-02-20T22:22:40.000Z2016-02-20T22:22:40.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009037660,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009037660,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009037660?profile=original" /></a>More and more travelers want to feel they are contributing in some way to the place where they vacation. <b>Giving back while on vacation</b> has become a global movement sparking volunteerism and community outreach with tourists.</p><p>In <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/travel-tips/best-ways-get-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a>, two top hotels share a heartfelt program that lets their guests feel good about supporting the community there.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008858655,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008858655,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008858655?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a> </b>and <strong><a href="http://www.florblanca.com/" target="_blank">Florblanca Hotel</a></strong> implement the <b>“<a href="http://www.florblanca.com/sustainability/community/" target="_blank">$5 Check Out Program</a>”</b> that allows their guests to add an optional charge on their bill at the end of their stay to fund community and environmental programs in the Santa Teresa area. Created by Florblanca Hotel manager Cody Dillon in 2012, Hotel Tropico Latino manager Roberto de la Ossa quickly followed the lead of his friend. Both hotels have experienced such success, that De la Ossa wants to inspire others to get involved.</p><p>“We thought it was such a great initiative that we joined them. And we are inviting the rest of the Santa Teresa community and other areas of Costa Rica to do the same,” said De la Ossa. “If every business in town did this, the possibilities would be surprising.”</p><p>Hotel Tropico Latino adds an optional voluntary charge of $2 to each guest’s final bill, and is thinking to raise it to match Florblanca’s $5 charge. When you stay at these hotels, you can help <b><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/hot-news/ocean-pollution-kept-at-bay-on-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">keep the beaches clean</a>, <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/lifeguards-ocean-safety-beach-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">fund the local ocean lifeguards</a>, or </b><strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aprendiendo-Unidos/1542192829333490" target="_blank">provide school kids with much needed supplies and programs</a></strong> – all for the price of a smoothie in Santa Teresa.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009037293,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009037293,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009037293?profile=original" /></a>“This is something so simple to do, so small and easy. Every year we were struggling with finding a budget to help out with community initiatives. And in the end we decided to include our guests in our commitment to giving back,” explained De la Ossa. “It’s about giving back. It’s conscious business. We don’t want to just take from the area. We want to give back so the area stays nice and beautiful and is a great place to live and visit.”</p><p>Hotel Tropico Latino so far has focused on environmental programs like keeping the region’s beaches clean<b>.</b> The <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/hotel/santa-teresa-costa-rica-accommodations.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa beachfront hotel</a> has donated $1,500 to the Santa Teresa Tourism Chamber to purchase and place trash and recycling bins at all of the main public beach access points. These Pacific beaches – Mal Pais, Playa Carmen, Playa Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa – on the southern Nicoya Peninsula have been awarded <b>Costa Rica’s Ecological Blue Flag</b> for environmental purity.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009037897,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009037897,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009037897?profile=original" /></a>Florblanca Hotel aids three nonprofit programs, following the catchphrase “Think Globally, Act Locally.<b>”</b> They are: the <strong><a href="http://aprendiendounidoscr.org/" target="_blank">Fundación Aprendiendo Unidos</a></strong> (Learning Together Foundation) that provides resources to public school children from Santa Teresa and neighboring communities; the <strong><a href="http://waterkeeper.org/waterkeeper/MDAxMWEwMDAwMEV2UU5iQUFO/nicoya-peninsula-waterkeeper/" target="_blank">Nicoya Peninsula Waterkeepers</a></strong>, which works to improve water quality in Santa Teresa; and the <strong><a href="http://santateresalifeguards.org/" target="_blank">Santa Teresa Lifeguards</a></strong>, a new organization dedicated to saving lives and preventing dangerous accidents along the Santa Teresa area beaches.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009039253,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009039253,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009039253?profile=original" /></a>Dillon said Florblanca gives a few thousand dollars a year, divided between these community organizations. She said their guest response over the years has only been positive.</p><p>“A lot of our guests would come to our hotel and read about our sustainability initiatives and would ask us how they could help. We really feel that travelers more and more really want to give back to the place that they journey to,” said Dillon. “We have never had anyone say to us, ‘Take this off of our bill.’ Every now and again, someone gets really inspired about one of our programs and leaves an extra $50 or $100, or more.”</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009033073,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009033073,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009033073?profile=original" /></a>There are many community organizations that need assistance in Santa Teresa, noted De la Ossa, adding that the contribution could be tax deductible for businesses.</p><p>“Every restaurant could charge 50 cents or $1. Every hotel could charge $2 or $5, and think of how much we could raise. Think of how much good we could do, helping out schools, reforestation, and environmental initiatives. It will only work on a large scale if more people join together,” he said.</p><p>“I could not agree more with Roberto,” added Dillon. “Of course, what we do helps. But if everyone in town were to do this – from small bungalows to restaurants to surf shops – they could put $1 or $2 extra on their clients’ bills, and if everything is handled in a very transparent way, I think the success rate would be very high.”</p><p>For more information on the <b>$5 Check Out Program</b> <b>and</b> <b>how you can get involved</b>, contact Roberto de la Ossa at <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a> or Cody Dillon at <a href="http://www.florblanca.com/" target="_blank">Florblanca</a>.</p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>What's happening at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge in Costa Rica for Christmas 2015?https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/what-s-happening-at-playa-nicuesa-rainforest-lodge-in-costa-rica2015-12-08T00:31:46.000Z2015-12-08T00:31:46.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009019095,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009019095,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009019095?profile=original" /></a>If you are lucky, you will be spending your <b>Christmas vacation in Costa Rica</b> on an <b>amazing tropical beach</b> alongside the <b>incredible Costa Rica rainforest at <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a></b>.</p><p> </p><p>To help get you in the holiday spirit, here are some of the <b>fun activities</b> the Nicuesa Lodge staff has planned for you.</p><p> </p><p>There will be <b>special dinners on Dec. 24</b> for Christmas Eve and <b>Dec. 31</b> for New Year’s Eve. The <b>gala feasts</b> will include roast pork, grilled whole fresh fish caught by Nicuesa staff, and other <b>traditional Costa Rican foods</b> including fresh vegetables, rice, beans, plantains, salads and fresh fruit. <b>Kids’ menu</b> items include fresh fish fingers, fresh cassava chips, veggies and ice cream.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009019862,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009019862,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009019862?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/dining_costa_rica_eco_lodge/" target="_blank">Nicuesa Lodge meals</a> are served family-style all together in the magnificent <b>two-story tree house-style main lodge building</b>. The <b>open-air dining area</b> allows unobstructed views of the tree canopy (great for wildlife spotting), the forest, beach and ocean, and at night, a huge star-filled sky. Relax after dinner in hammocks and lounge chairs and enjoy conversing with your fellow guests from all over the world.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008902085,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008902085,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008902085?profile=original" /></a>Tamales in Costa Rica</b> are an essential Christmas food, made from corn meal and filled with rice, potatoes, vegetables, garlic and onions, and usually shredded pork; then they are wrapped in banana or plantain leaves and boiled. <b>Guests can join in the cultural tradition</b> to learn how to make their own tamales.</p><p> </p><p>Kids of all ages will have fun <b>painting coconuts</b> and <b>decorating Christmas boxes</b> to be hopefully filled by Santa on Christmas Eve. <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/activities/rainforest-eco-adventures/" target="_blank">Natural adventures</a> are an essential part of the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/what-is-it-like-to-stay-at-playa-nicuesa-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge experience</a>, so there will be a <b><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/kayaking-golfo-dulce-costa-rica/" target="_blank">kayaking</a> competition</b> for children and adults on Dec. 24 in the calm bay in front of Nicuesa’s beach.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009013676,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009013676,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009013676?profile=original" /></a>Playa Nicuesa Sustainability Coordinator, Natalia Solis, will lead an <b>end-of-year tribute</b> <b>to the Earth on Dec. 30 with a <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/reforestation-carbon-neutrality-costa-rica-eco-lodge-playa-nicuesa/" target="_blank">tree planting</a> ceremony</b>, where guests can give the <b>sustainable gift of a new tree to the world</b>. The trees, all native to Costa Rica, were donated by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT).</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008971896,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008971896,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008971896?profile=original" /></a>On Dec. 31, Nicuesa staff will engage in the <b>last beach cleanup of the year</b>, and invite guests to join in their eco-conscious effort. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NicuesaLodge" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge in Costa Rica</a> is known for its <b>pristine tropical beach and</b> <b>beautiful rainforest</b>. Efforts to keep the beach unspoiled were recognized earlier this year when Playa Nicuesa received the important <b>Ecological Blue Flag Award</b> for having one of <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/costa-rica-eco-lodge-named-cleanest-beach-country/" target="_blank">Costa Rica’s cleanest beaches</a>.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009021290,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009021290,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009021290?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/costa-rica-eco-lodge-rates-packages/vacation-packages/" target="_blank">Visit Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge in Costa Rica</a></strong></p><p> </p><p>Can’t come at Christmas? <b>Visit Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge in 2016!</b> The Costa Rica eco-hotel is your dream destination for a <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/5-tropical-beaches-want-visit-southern-costa-rica/" target="_blank">rainforest and beach holiday in Costa Rica</a>.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009022077,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009022077,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009022077?profile=original" /></a>Located in the <b>rainforest</b> on a <b>remote beach of the warm water gulf of <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/getting-here/" target="_blank">Golfo Dulce in southern Costa Rica</a>,</b> Nicuesa Lodge is one of the <b>first <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/our-philosophy-of-sustainability/" target="_blank">sustainable tourism eco-hotels in Costa Rica</a></b> and holds the <b>highest level of the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/playa-nicuesa-rainforest-lodge-gets-top-sustainable-tourism-rating-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Certification for Sustainable Tourism</a> (CST) program</b>. It is an <b>oasis of <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/accommodations/" target="_blank">comfortable, rustic luxury</a> in the jungle</b> on a 165-acre private rainforest preserve that borders the wild <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Parque-Nacional-Piedras-Blancas/227176070684454" target="_blank">Piedras Blancas National Park</a>.</p><p> </p><p>The <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/exotic-destination/" target="_blank">unique adventure travel destination</a> includes in your stay all meals, boat transfers from Puerto Jimenez or Golfito, unlimited self-guided hikes in the private reserve, use of kayaks, snorkeling and fishing equipment, and a beachfront yoga deck.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009022484,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009022484,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009022484?profile=original" /></a>Contact Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge today to book your <b>2016</b> <b><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/costa-rica-eco-lodge-rates-packages/vacation-packages/family-adventure/" target="_blank">Costa Rica family vacation</a>, <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/costa-rica-eco-lodge-rates-packages/vacation-packages/honeymoon-getaway/" target="_blank">honeymoon</a>, nature and <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/costa-rica-eco-lodge-rates-packages/vacation-packages/multisport-escapade/" target="_blank">adventure vacation</a>, or</b> <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/yoga-and-wellness-nicuesa-lodge/" target="_blank">yoga retreat</a>.</p><p><b><i> </i></b></p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Santa Teresa, Costa Rica gets cleaner air with recycled plastic roadshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/santa-teresa-costa-rica-gets-clean-air-with-recycled-plastic2015-12-14T18:41:21.000Z2015-12-14T18:41:21.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014270,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014270,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009014270?profile=original" /></a>Come January 2016, schoolchildren in the <a href="http://www.nicoyapeninsula.com/general/map.php" target="_blank">southern Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica</a> will hopefully <b>breathe easy with cleaner air</b>.</p><p>Roads in front of seven elementary schools in the region, that are now unpaved dustbowls, will be the <b>first in Costa Rica to be made of recyclable plastic</b>, thanks to the <b><a href="http://www.pavetheroad.net" target="_blank">Pave the Road</a> initiative</b>.</p><p>The southern Nicoya Peninsula is one of those <b>iconic Costa Rica tourism spots</b>, where you can find <b>paradise beaches, world-class surf breaks</b>, forested coastline, and charming towns like <b><a href="http://www.nicoyapeninsula.com/teresa/" target="_blank">Santa Teresa</a>, <a href="http://www.nicoyapeninsula.com/malpais/" target="_blank">Malpaís</a>, and Montezuma</b>. Once a surfers’ and backpackers’ secret hideaway, the popular beaches now are filled with eco-lodges, beach bungalows, <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">upscale luxury hotels</a>, yoga retreats</b>, and multi-national restaurants.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014478,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014478,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009014478?profile=original" /></a>The <b>one main road for the region</b> is mostly paved from the Nicoya Gulf port of Paquera to the town of Cóbano, but <b>roads in the beach communities</b> and side roads are chiefly <b>unpaved dirt</b>. <b>Traffic on the roads kicks up unbearable dust clouds</b> in the dry season, coating vehicles, houses, businesses, schools and people with fine white dust; and creates a <b>muddy pot-holed mess in the rainy season</b>. The area’s <b>5,000 residents suffer from </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2dTVmVXU_g" target="_blank">respiratory and health problems</a> such as asthma, allergies, eye irritations and skin infections. Bacterial road dust enters the open-air schools and harms the health of the schoolchildren.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015273,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015273,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="567" alt="9009015273?profile=original" /></a>A group of private businesses and the National Laboratory of Testing Materials and Structural Modes (<a href="http://www.lanamme.ucr.ac.cr/" target="_blank">LANAMME</a>) of the University of Costa Rica (UCR), that deals with road and building construction, plan to <b>pave 1.4 kilometers of streets in front of the region’s seven elementary schools with a mixture using recycled plastic</b>. The material comes from <b>three tons of <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/hot-news/ocean-pollution-kept-at-bay-on-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">recycled plastic collected by area residents and businesses</a>.</b> The plastic will be crushed and added to the asphalt for paving. The shredded plastic represents 3% of the mixture and can <b>extend the life of the road about 15 years</b>, according to LANAMME. The system currently is <b>used on roads in Holland, Belgium and India</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015669,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015669,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009015669?profile=original" /></a>The <b>Pave the Road initiative</b> was started by Canadian mom, <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/l/the-road-builder-of-montezuma" target="_blank">Kelly Mason</a>, and her children who relocated to Montezuma, Costa Rica a few years ago to pursue a more balanced life in nature. Over the past four years, the initiative has grown into a community of parents, sponsors, and private donors that are helping to reach the goal of <b>paved roads in all of the area communities so that residents can breathe clean air</b>. </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015695,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015695,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009015695?profile=original" /></a>Students of the school in Santa Teresa will be first</b> to receive the new pavement; 200 meters will be covered in January 2016. Schools in Cabuya, Malpaís, San Isidro, Hermosa, and two in the community of Las Delicias will follow soon thereafter. The entire project will <b>help approximately 1,500 schoolchildren</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009016501,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009016501,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009016501?profile=original" /></a>Fixing the road in front of the seven schools will <b>cost $750.000</b>, according to the Pave the Road organization. The initiative led to the creation of the <strong><a href="http://www.greenpavementcompany.com/" target="_blank">Green Pavement Company</a></strong> to provide environmentally safe and certified plastic formulas for each unique road type. The Green Pavement Company employs hundreds of waste pickers to <b>clean out landfills filled with plastic waste</b> which would <b>otherwise release tons of carbon dioxide pollution</b> daily into the atmosphere. The long-term goal is the <b>complete eradication of plastic waste</b> from garbage dumps, rivers, waterways and oceans in Costa Rica.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/new-website-shows-must-visit-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Where to stay on vacation in Santa Teresa Costa Rica</a></strong></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008986655,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008986655,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008986655?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a>, a <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/hotel/santa-teresa-costa-rica-accommodations.html" target="_blank">beachfront hotel in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a>,</b> is an unforgettable place to stay. Very private <b>guest bungalows, suites and rooms</b> are scattered along the beachfront and in beautiful gardens shaded by huge, old trees. You can enjoy <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-spa/yoga-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">b<strong>eachfront yoga classes</strong></a>, <b>a</b> <strong><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-spa/spa.html" target="_blank">spa</a></strong>, and delicious meals and <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/blog/47-blissful-living-retreat-superfoods-smoothies-at-hotel-tropico-latino.html" target="_blank">superfoods smoothies</a> at the one of the best <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/santa-teresa-costa-rica-restaurant.html" target="_blank">beachside restaurants in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a>.</b></p><p><b>Hotel Tropico Latino is a business sponsor of the Pave the Road initiative.</b></p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Fun kayaking tours & vacations in Golfo Dulce Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/fun-kayaking-tours-vacations-in-golfo-dulce-costa-rica2015-11-24T23:11:54.000Z2015-11-24T23:11:54.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009013676,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009013676,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009013676?profile=original" /></a>There is a magic in peacefully gliding along in a kayak, especially when it is on calm, smooth water along picturesque coastline.</p><p><b>Kayaking in Costa Rica</b> in the “sweet gulf” of <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/nicuesa-lodge-honors-golfo-dulce-in-costa-rica-on-world-oceans-day/" target="_blank">Golfo Dulce</a> by the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/getting-here/" target="_blank">Osa Peninsula</a> – one of only four tropical fjords in the world – it is like paddling across a giant mirror to the sky. Close to shore, the clear water’s blues and grays turn to liquid jade, reflecting endless shades of green palm trees and jungle that crowd the water’s edge. Look down and you’ll probably see colorful fish swimming below your kayak. Dense green rainforest and mountains fill the horizon. There are very few buildings to be seen, and rarely another boat.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009013860,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009013860,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009013860?profile=original" /></a>At <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a>, there are <b>plenty of opportunities for <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/activities/ocean-eco-adventures/" target="_blank">kayaking in Golfo Dulce</a></b>. Guests have <b>unlimited use of kayaks</b> on their own, and there are <b>four fun ocean adventure tours that involve kayaking</b>: coastal exploration, snorkeling trips, fishing from a kayak, and a <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/magical-kayaking-tour-in-costa-rica-mangrove-river/" target="_blank">river mangrove estuary safari</a>. Most of <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/costa-rica-eco-lodge-rates-packages/vacation-packages/" target="_blank">Nicuesa Lodge’s vacation packages</a> also include kayaking tours. Kayaks are open sit-on-top style, and both single and double kayaks are available. All paddlers will wear lifejackets.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008957867,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008957867,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9008957867?profile=original" /></a>The <b>coastal exploration kayaking tour</b> can either be a relaxing hour of paddling for beginners around the bay by Nicuesa Lodge, or a challenging day exploring the coastline and nearby mangroves for adventurous paddlers with experience. You also can kayak over to the next beach south, Playa San Josecito, to <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/5-tropical-beaches-want-visit-southern-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Casa Orquideas Botanical Garden</a> for a tour. Keep a look out for <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/dolphin-tale-wild-dolphins-golfo-dulce-costa-rica/" target="_blank">dolphins</a>, rays and turtles. In August and September, you might see <b>migrating </b><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/whale-watching-in-costa-rica-starts-in-august/" target="_blank">Humpback Whales</a> that come annually to Golfo Dulce to give birth; or also beautiful whale sharks.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014281,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014281,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009014281?profile=original" /></a>Great <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/daydreaming-about-snorkeling-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">snorkeling</a> by a rocky point is a short kayak paddle away from Nicuesa Lodge’s pebble and sand beach. You’ll anchor the kayaks and then dive into inviting blue-green water to discover the world of colorful tropical fish, eels, corals, anemones and starfish. There are other snorkeling spots further away for longer kayaking trips.</p><p>If you want to try your hand at <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/activities/bountiful-fishing-trips/" target="_blank">fishing in Golfo Dulce</a> like a local, Nicuesa Lodge staff can set you up with the equipment to fish from your kayak. Maybe you’ll bring back that night’s dinner!</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014286,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014286,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="320" alt="9009014286?profile=original" /></a>A favorite tour for everyone who visits Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/magical-kayaking-tour-in-costa-rica-mangrove-river/" target="_blank">river kayaking safari</a> in the Esquinas River mangrove estuary. This is an <b>exceptional trip for viewing wildlife</b>, such as crocodiles, caimans, rainbow boas, crabs, Scarlet Macaws and multitudes of other birds, and white-faced, spider or squirrel monkeys. Paddling through the dense mangrove forest is an extraordinary experience!</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014891,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014891,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009014891?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/our-philosophy-of-sustainability/" target="_blank">Eco-hotel Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a> at Golfo Dulce</b></p><p>The Costa Rica eco-hotel <b>Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</b> sits on a pristine beach and tranquil little bay of Golfo Dulce, backed by its <b>165-acre private rainforest preserve</b> that borders the wild <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Parque-Nacional-Piedras-Blancas/227176070684454" target="_blank">Piedras Blancas National Park</a>. It is one of the <b>first <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/playa-nicuesa-receives-5-leaves-sustainable-tourism-rating/" target="_blank">sustainable tourism eco-hotels in Costa Rica</a></b> and holds the <b>highest level of the <a href="http://www.visitcostarica.com/ict/paginas/sostenibilidad.asp?tab=0" target="_blank">Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program</a></b>.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008895261,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008895261,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008895261?profile=original" /></a>Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</b> is located in <b>southern Costa Rica</b> by the <b>Osa Peninsula</b>. <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/getting-here/" target="_blank">To get there</a>, <b>drive or fly</b> (NatureAir or Sansa Airlines) to either <b>Puerto Jimenez or Golfito</b>. Nicuesa Lodge staff will pick you up and transfer you by boat to the lodge (about 30 minutes one-way). <b>Included in </b><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/accommodations/" target="_blank">lodge rates</a> are all meals, boat transfers, all taxes, all meals and snacks, unlimited self-guided hikes in the private reserve, use of kayaks, snorkeling and fishing equipment.</p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>If eco-friendly travel is a priority, visit Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge in Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/if-eco-friendly-travel-is-a-priority-visit-playa-nicuesa2015-10-16T23:54:10.000Z2015-10-16T23:54:10.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008892857,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008892857,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008892857?profile=original" /></a>If <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/how-to-travel-sustainably-10-easy-simple-tips/" target="_blank">eco-friendly travel</a> and staying at <b><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/does-real-eco-tourism-exist-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">sustainable tourism eco-hotels</a> is a priority</b> when you go on vacation, you’ll want to pay attention to <b><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a> in Costa Rica</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008873680,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008873680,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="141" alt="9008873680?profile=original" /></a>The Costa Rica eco-hotel was awarded the <b>highest level rating of the <a href="http://sustainable-tourism.co.cr/index.php?option=com_mtree&task=listcats&cat_id=101&Itemid=2&lang=en" target="_blank">Certification for Sustainable Tourism</a> (CST) program</b> last month for the second consecutive year. Playa Nicuesa Lodge is <b>one of only 41 hotels in Costa Rica</b> that have received the <b>highest rating of 5 Leaves</b> in the <b>CST Program</b> by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT).</p><p>The <strong><a href="http://www.visitcostarica.com/ict/paginas/sostenibilidad.asp?tab=0" target="_blank">CST program</a></strong> <b>rates and certifies tourism businesses</b> based on their compliance with natural, cultural and social resource management. <strong><a href="http://www.visitcostarica.com/ict/paginas/cst/quees.asp" target="_blank">CST consists of five levels</a>, called “Leaves”;</strong> <b>Level 5,</b> or <b>5 Leaves</b>, signifies that the company is considered “<b>outstanding in terms of sustainability</b>.” The rating process is very detailed and involves frequent inspections and evaluations; the <b>highest levels are very difficult to obtain</b>.</p><p>“For all the staff at Playa Nicuesa Lodge, it is <b>a huge</b> <b>honor</b> to be able to realize our sustainability efforts to obtain the 5-leaf CST for the second consecutive year,” said Marcelo Lopez, manager of Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge. “<b>Sustainability is a harmonious way of life</b> we try to convey to each of our visitors with each of our actions, and this recognition of the daily efforts of our staff and the environmental and social consciousness that the owners, Donna and Michael (Butler), have had since the birth of Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is important to us.”</p><p>“Having obtained the highest level of CST is one more way to ensure our guests that they are choosing a responsible company with the environment and the community,” Lopez said.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008991888,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008991888,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="626" alt="9008991888?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Celebrating its <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/a-tale-of-dreams-and-adventure-beginning-playa-nicuesa-rainforest-lodge/#more-3493" target="_blank">12th anniversary</a> in 2015, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is one of the <b>first <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/our-philosophy-of-sustainability/" target="_blank">sustainable tourism eco-hotels in Costa Rica</a></b>. Located <strong>by the</strong> <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/getting-here/" target="_blank">Osa Peninsula</a> <strong>in</strong> <strong>southern Costa Rica</strong> <strong>on the</strong> <strong>Pacific Coast gulf of</strong> <strong><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/nicuesa-lodge-honors-golfo-dulce-in-costa-rica-on-world-oceans-day/" target="_blank">Golfo Dulce</a>,</strong> Playa Nicuesa Lodge <strong>protects 95 percent of its 165-acre rainforest property</strong>. The <b>extraordinary <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/accommodations/" target="_blank">Costa Rica eco-lodge</a></b> was <strong>designed in harmony with the environment</strong> constructed from naturally fallen trees and recycled materials. Earlier this year, Playa Nicuesa received the important <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/costa-rica-eco-lodge-named-cleanest-beach-country/" target="_blank">Ecological Blue Flag Award</a> for the fifth time for having one of <b>Costa Rica’s cleanest beaches</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008896255,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008896255,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008896255?profile=original" /></a>Accessible only by boat, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge fronts the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/5-tropical-beaches-want-visit-southern-costa-rica/" target="_blank">pristine beaches of the Golfo Dulce</a>, surrounded by the wild <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Parque-Nacional-Piedras-Blancas/227176070684454" target="_blank">Piedras Blancas National Park</a>. The area is part of a <b>giant conservation area</b> including the world-famous <b>Corcovado National Park</b>. The unique <b>tropical fjord of Golfo Dulce</b> is a critical habitat for <b>migrating</b> <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/whale-watching-in-costa-rica-starts-in-august/" target="_blank">Pacific Humpback Whales</a>, and for <b><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/dolphin-tale-wild-dolphins-golfo-dulce-costa-rica/" target="_blank">dolphins</a> and</b> <strong><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/hammerhead-sharks-in-golfo-dulce-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">sharks</a></strong>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008992095,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008992095,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="350" alt="9008992095?profile=original" /></a>Ask how to <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/our-philosophy-of-sustainability/carbon-footprint-campaign/" target="_blank">offset the carbon emissions of your trip</a> when you stay at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge.</p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>10 Easy & simple tips how to travel sustainablyhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/10-easy-simple-tips-how-to-travel-sustainably2015-07-25T00:17:52.000Z2015-07-25T00:17:52.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008971896,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008971896,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008971896?profile=original" /></a>Travelers can <b>be environmentally conscious when going on vacation</b>, and it doesn’t take much effort or time. <b>Little things add up</b>, and if everyone followed these <b><a href="http://sustainabletravel.org/" target="_blank">sustainable travel</a> tips</b>, communities and the planet would benefit in amazing ways.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963894,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963894,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008963894?profile=original" /></a>10 Easy & Simple Sustainable Travel Tips</b></p><ol><li> <b>Re-use your hotel towels and sheets</b>; don’t ask for new ones every day (you don’t at home!).</li><li><b>Turn off the lights and air conditioner</b> when leaving your hotel room.</li><li>Don’t leave the sink tap or shower <b>running water unnecessarily</b>.</li><li><b>Recycle trash</b> whenever possible.</li><li><b>Be respectful of nature</b> by staying on trails when hiking; you will preserve the local plant life for others to appreciate.</li><li><b>Respect native wildlife</b> by observing animals quietly and taking photos, but not trying to touch, harass or scare them. Don’t feed wild animals; human food is not what they naturally eat.</li><li><b>Don’t touch coral</b> when snorkeling; it can cause irreparable damage to this living organism. <b>Don’t take seashells</b> either; if everyone took shells, there would be none left on the beaches.</li><li>Be sensitive to when and where you take <b>photos or videos of people</b>. Always ask first; you would want the same respect.</li><li><b>Buy local</b> when shopping for souvenirs and interact with people of the region; you will have a much more culturally-rich vacation. You can even learn a few words of the local language and use them; your efforts will be appreciated.</li><li>Only stay in <b>eco-friendly hotels and lodges</b> dedicated to sustainable tourism.</li></ol><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008895261,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008895261,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008895261?profile=original" /></a>Eco-friendly travel in Costa Rica</b></p><p>For many travelers nowadays, <b>eco-friendly travel is a priority and so is staying at <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/does-real-eco-tourism-exist-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">sustainable tourism hotels</a></b> – defined by <a href="http://www.sustainabletrip.org/" target="_blank">Sustainabletrip.org</a> as businesses “that are profitable while conserving natural resources and benefitting local communities”.</p><p><b><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a>,</b> <strong>in the southern Costa Rica rainforest on the Pacific Coast gulf of <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/nicuesa-lodge-honors-golfo-dulce-in-costa-rica-on-world-oceans-day/" target="_blank">Golfo Dulce</a> by the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/getting-here/" target="_blank">Osa Peninsula</a>,</strong> is one of the <b>first <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/our-philosophy-of-sustainability/" target="_blank">sustainable tourism eco-lodges in Costa Rica</a></b>. Celebrating its 12<sup>th</sup> anniversary this year, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge holds the <b>highest rating</b> in the <b>Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program (CST)</b> by the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT). <strong>The Costa Rica eco-lodge protects 95 percent of their </strong><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/exotic-destination/" target="_blank">165-acre rainforest property</a> in an undeveloped and natural state.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008949472,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008949472,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008949472?profile=original" /></a>Playa Nicuesa recently received the important <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/costa-rica-eco-lodge-named-cleanest-beach-country/" target="_blank">Ecological Blue Flag Award</a> for the fifth time for having one of <b>Costa Rica’s cleanest beaches</b>. The gulf of <b>Golfo Dulce is one of the most pristine ocean ecosystems in Costa Rica</b>. It is a <b>critical habitat for endangered <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/having-a-whale-of-a-time-at-playa-nicuesa-rainforest-lodge-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Pacific humpback whales</a>, which migrate here every August to October</b> to breed and give birth to their young, and is also an <b>important</b> <b>home for</b> <b><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/dolphin-tale-wild-dolphins-golfo-dulce-costa-rica/" target="_blank">dolphins</a> and sharks</b>.</p><p>When you <b>stay at</b> <b>eco-friendly Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge in Costa Rica</b>, you can reduce the ecological impact of your trip by <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/reforestation-carbon-neutrality-costa-rica-eco-lodge-playa-nicuesa/" target="_blank">offseting your carbon emissions</a>.</p><p><b>Your travel choices make a difference</b>. Choose environmentally-responsible hotels and lodges for your next vacation.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>It's Sea Turtle Nesting Time in Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/sea-turtle-nesting-costa-rica2015-09-06T20:39:19.000Z2015-09-06T20:39:19.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008983300,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008983300,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008983300?profile=original" /></a><br /> If you’ve never seen it, the amazing phenomenon of</b> <strong>massive arrivals of hundreds of thousands of sea turtles</strong> coming ashore all at once to lay their eggs on Costa Rica’s beaches <b>is one of the world’s most spectacular nature events.<br /> <br /></b> <b>They arrive literally in waves</b>, slowly hauling their heavy bodies out of the ocean and up the beach. <b>They wait for the high tide at night</b>, using the high surf to propel them farther up the sand, and the protection of darkness against predators to dig their nests and lay their eggs. Thousands upon thousands, they keep coming.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.conserveturtles.org/seaturtleinformation.php?page=olive-ridley" target="_blank">Olive Ridley sea turtles</a> (<i>Lepidochelys olivacea</i>) are <b>world famous for their <i>arribadas</i></b> (meaning “arrivals” in Spanish) at <a href="http://www.costarica-nationalparks.com/ostionalwildliferefuge.html" target="_blank">Ostional National Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica</a>. Founded in 1984, this protected beach on the <a href="http://nicoyapeninsula.com/ostional/" target="_blank">Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica</a> is the <b>second largest nesting site in the world</b> for <b>Olive Ridley sea turtles</b>, along with Leatherback and Pacific Green sea turtles.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008853271,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008853271,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008853271?profile=original" /></a></p><p><br /> While sea turtles nest at Ostional Beach on the Pacific Coast at least once a month all year long, <b>the mass arrivals of sea turtles happen from mid-June to December</b>. Usually toward the <b>end of the moon cycle</b>, when there is no moon, <b>the turtles start arriving</b>. In the days and weeks leading up to an “arribada,” the turtles will have gathered just offshore waiting for the moment when it’s time to go on land.<br /> <br /> <b>Sea turtles are normally shy</b> and easily disturbed when nesting, hence the requirement during tours to wear dark clothing and not use flashlights or camera flashes. <b>But during an <em>arribada</em>, the turtles are nearly oblivious to any disturbance</b> and keep coming ashore long after day has dawned. “Bumping into each other, crawling over each other, they are automatons on their way to fulfill a predetermined task: lay their eggs at all cost,” states Costa Rica National Park Service information.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008983878,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008983878,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008983878?profile=original" /></a></p><p><br /> The non-stop stream of determined female sea turtles <b>lasts a few days up to a week</b>. <b>The largest “arribada” recorded so far in Ostional</b> happened in November 1995, when close to <b>500,000 turtles arrived at one time</b>.<br /> <br /> Female Olive Ridley sea turtles will <b>nest between four and six times a year</b>, depositing between <b>80 and 100 white soft-shelled eggs</b> in the sand each time. They cover their shallow nests and return to the ocean, leaving their offspring to their own fate. Although <b>more than 10 million eggs are laid during each season</b>, only a fraction of these will <b>hatch 60 days later</b>; and even fewer baby turtles will make it to the ocean and survive – a reminder of <b>how important it is to protect these endangered turtles</b>.<br /></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008980067,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008980067,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="550" alt="9008980067?profile=original" /></a> </p><p><b>The curious exception at Ostional National Wildlife Refuge<br /> <br /></b> <b>In Costa Rica, it is illegal for people to take sea turtle eggs</b> from the beaches, <b>or to poach or hunt the female sea turtles</b>. Most national parks and nesting beaches in Costa Rica are protected by national park service guards and community volunteers to prevent these thefts.<br /> <br /> <b>The <a href="http://www.costarica-nationalparks.com/ostionalwildliferefuge.html" target="_blank">Ostional National Wildlife Refuge</a> is the one exception</b>. For the <b>first</b> <b>two</b> <b>day</b><b>s</b> of an “arribada”, the <b>Ostional</b> <b>community has permission to</b> <b>take</b> <b>turtle eggs</b> for their own consumption. The reasoning is that <b>these eggs would get trampled</b> <b>and destroyed</b> as thousands more turtles come ashore to nest in subsequent waves, so park officials let the community practice the old tradition of gathering turtle eggs to eat.<br /> <br /> “So many turtles come onto the beach in a short time span that most of the first nests are destroyed by later turtles. Therefore, in 1987, a project was initiated to allow local people the right to collect and sell a percentage of the eggs from the first two days of each <i>arribada</i>. <b>This is the only place in the world where it is legal to harvest turtle eggs</b>. This practice is designed prevent poaching and to help the local community,” Costa Rica National Park Service information states.</p><p class="mol-para-with-font"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008984855,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008984855,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008984855?profile=original" /></a><br /> After those first two days, <b>national park service guards and community volunteers</b> then dedicate hours both night and day to clean the beach from driftwood and <b>guard the turtles and their nests</b>. When the baby sea turtles hatch and speed toward the sea, community volunteers protect them from dogs and vultures.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/activities/turtles-arrival.html" target="_blank">See the turtles at Ostional National Wildlife Refuge<br /> <br /></a> You can <b>visit Ostional National Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica</b> to see this amazing sea turtle event when you <b>stay at</b> <a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/" target="_blank">L'acqua Viva Resort & Spa</a> in <a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/beaches/playa-guiones.html" target="_blank">Playa Guiones</a> by <b><a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/location.html" target="_blank">Nosara</a>.</b> The <a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/the-hotel.html" target="_blank">Nosara hotel</a> is located a short drive from Ostional, and arranges <b>naturalist guided tours</b> to see the turtles.<br /></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296603657,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296603657,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9296603657?profile=original" /></a> </p><p><b><i> </i></b></p></div>See wild dolphins and whales in Golfo Dulce, Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/see-wild-dolphins-and-whales-in-golfo-dulce-costa-rica2015-03-16T14:35:06.000Z2015-03-16T14:35:06.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><b><i><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008930677,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008930677,original{{/staticFileLink}}" height="359" alt="9008930677?profile=original" /></a>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p><p></p><p>The last time I was at <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a>, I was down at the beach cooling off from the hot sun in waist-deep <b>tranquil waters of the Golfo Dulce</b>, when suddenly there was a splash very close behind me. I turned quickly to look out toward the Gulf and was <b>greeted by</b> <b>three Bottlenose Dolphins calmly gliding about 15 feet past me</b> parallel to the beach.</p><p> </p><p>This is how it is on <b><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/exotic-destination/" target="_blank">Golfo Dulce</a> in southern Costa Rica</b>. During <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/whale-watching-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">whale-watching season</a>, you might see a <b>Humpback Whale mother and her calf</b> just offshore. <b>Almost always will you see dolphins</b> when you go on a <strong><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/activities/ocean-eco-adventures/" target="_blank">boat tour of the Golfo Dulce</a></strong> or <strong><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/magical-kayaking-tour-in-costa-rica-mangrove-river/" target="_blank">kayaking in the mangroves of the Esquinas River</a></strong>.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008930880,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008930880,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008930880?profile=original" /></a>This area of <b>pristine tropical wilderness</b> by the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/getting-here/" target="_blank">Osa Peninsula</a> is home to resident and migratory communities of <strong><a href="http://cetaceansgolfodulce.blogspot.com/p/species.html" target="_blank">Bottlenose Dolphins</a></strong> <i>(Tursiops truncatus)</i>, <b>Spotted Dolphins</b> <i>(Stenella attenuata)</i>, <strong><a href="http://www.costarica-scuba.com/costa-rican-spinner-dolphins/" target="_blank">Spinner Dolphins</a></strong> <i>(</i><i>Stenella longirostris)</i>, and occasionally-seen <b>False Killer Whales</b> <i>(Pseudorca crassidens)</i>. Every <b>August</b> when <strong><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/having-a-whale-of-a-time-at-playa-nicuesa-rainforest-lodge-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">whale-watching season begins in Golfo Dulce</a></strong>, <b>endangered Pacific Humpback Whales</b> migrate to Costa Rica’s warm waters to breed and give birth. <b><a href="http://cetaceansgolfodulce.blogspot.com/p/golfo-dulce.html" target="_blank">Golfo Dulce</a> is a critical habitat for marine life</b>, states the <a href="http://cetaceansgolfodulce.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Center for Cetacean Research of Costa Rica</a> (CEIC).</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296595884,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296595884,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296595884?profile=original" /></a>The Gulf’s calm and very clear jade green-blue water makes it <b>easy to see abundant marine life</b>. <b>Spotted Dolphins</b> are some of the most common dolphins to see, whether in small pods in shallow inshore waters or huge groups of up to 500 dolphins offshore in deep ocean.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008931095,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008931095,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008931095?profile=original" /></a> </p><p><b>Bottlenose Dolphins</b> stay close to river mouths, using the tidal cycles to catch fish. Golfo Dulce Bottlenose Dolphins are very social and are frequently seen in pods of two to 15 dolphins. <b>Spinner Dolphins</b>, as is obvious from the name, are known for spinning vertically out of the water on their tails.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008931690,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008931690,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9008931690?profile=original" /></a> </p><p>When you <b>stay at <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/our-philosophy-of-sustainability/" target="_blank">Costa Rica eco-lodge</a></b> <b>Playa Nicuesa</b> you can <b>see dolphins, whales</b> and other marine life in Golfo Dulce. The luxury <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/accommodations/" target="_blank">Costa Rica rainforest lodge</a> has its own 165-acre <b>private rainforest preserve</b> bordering the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/remarkable-rainforest-of-dreams-in-southern-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Piedras Blancas National Park</a>. It is a <b>unique <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/exotic-destination/" target="_blank">Costa Rica adventure travel destination</a></b> for its remote, pristine wilderness location.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008932072,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008932072,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008932072?profile=original" /></a></p></div>Beachfront vacation homes are new place to stay in Santa Teresa, Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/beachfront-vacation-homes-are-new-place-to-stay-in-santa-teresa2015-02-26T00:07:46.000Z2015-02-26T00:07:46.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><span class="font-size-2"><b><i><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008921067,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008921067,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008921067?profile=original" /></a>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></span></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008921287,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="350" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008921287,original{{/staticFileLink}}" height="228" alt="9008921287?profile=original" /></a>Renting a <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/martha-house-santa-teresa.html" target="_blank">vacation home in Costa Rica</a>, especially one at the beach, is a great idea. Stay steps from the sand at beautiful <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a> in the new <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/martha-house-santa-teresa.html" target="_blank">beachfront vacation home, Martha’s House</a>.</p><p> </p><p>The two-story octagon-shaped house is just off the beach and surrounded by lush tropical gardens. <b>The house sleeps up to 10 persons</b> with four air-conditioned bedrooms and three baths. Other <b>luxury features</b> include a fully-equipped kitchen, large swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, cable TV, broadband internet and Wi-Fi, and maid service.</p><p> </p><p><b>Martha’s House is managed by nearby <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a></b>, and house guests can <b>enjoy all of the hotel’s amenities</b> like the refreshing pool, <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/spa.html" target="_blank">beachfront spa</a>, <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">yoga classes</a> and fabulous <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/dinning.html" target="_blank">restaurant</a>. The house is still <b>available during Spring Break – Easter holidays</b>, from <b>March 27 to April 12</b>. <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/contact-us.html" target="_blank">Contact Hotel Tropico Latino</a> for reservations.</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/location.html" target="_blank">Stay in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a></p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008824269,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="300" class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008824269,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008824269?profile=original" /></a>Santa Teresa, Costa Rica,</b> on the <b>southern Nicoya Peninsula,</b> is known as one of the <b>most beautiful beaches in the world.</b> It is a top place for <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/costa-rica-surf-camp-in-santa-teresa-beach.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica surf holidays</a>, spectacular sunsets, <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/costa-rica-yoga-retreats-at-santa-teresa-beach.html" target="_blank">yoga retreats</a>, and fun <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/blog-santa-teresa-costa-rica/133-articles/1392-fun-day-trips-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">adventure tours</a>.</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a> is a <b>barefoot-luxury beachfront hotel</b> on the light sand beach of <b>Playa Carmen at Santa Teresa.</b> Perfect for <b>travelers who enjoy nature,</b> Hotel Tropico Latino is a place to wander barefoot, relax in a hammock under coconut palms, <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/activities/surfing-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">learn to surf</a> and <b>practice yoga</b>.</p><p> </p><p>In addition to Martha’s House, Hotel Tropico Latino offers a wide range of <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation.html" target="_blank">accommodations</a>:<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008823664,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="350" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008823664,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008823664?profile=original" /></a></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation/beach-front-suite.html" target="_blank">Beachfront Suite</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation/superior-beach-front-room.html" target="_blank">Superior Beachfront Room</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation/beach-front-bungalows.html" target="_blank">Beachfront Bungalows</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation/beach-front-rooms.html" target="_blank">Beachfront Rooms</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation/beach-front-studio.html" target="_blank">Beachfront Studio</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation/two-bedroom-house.html" target="_blank">Two Bedroom House</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation/garden-view-bungalows.html" target="_blank">Garden View Bungalows</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation/garden-view-room.html" target="_blank">Garden View Room</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation/standard-room.html" target="_blank">Standard Room</a></li></ul><p> </p><p></p><p> </p></div>Costa Rica's Golfo Dulce, One of the World's Most Pristine Ocean Habitatshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/costa-rica-golfo-dulce2017-07-15T01:30:00.000Z2017-07-15T01:30:00.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009163267,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009163267,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="640" alt="9009163267?profile=original" /></a><br /> One of the most pristine ocean habitats in the world is located in Costa Rica -- the Pacific gulf of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golfo_Dulce,_Costa_Rica" target="_blank">Golfo Dulce</a>.</p><p><br /> Located in the southern region by the Osa Peninsula, the 31-mile-long (50 km) gulf of Golfo Dulce is recognized by National Geographic as one of only four tropical fjords in the world, and it is the tenth deepest. With an average annual temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit, it is an extremely rare biome.<br /></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009163854,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="700" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009163854,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009163854?profile=original" /></a><br /> Given its low human impact due to its remoteness, the sheltered gulf is home to abundant marine life in its calm and clear jade green-blue waters. More than 25 species of dolphins and whales and four kinds of sea turtles live here; and it is a vital breeding and birthing zone for endangered <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/hammerhead-sharks-in-golfo-dulce-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">hammerhead sharks</a> and migrating endangered <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/nicuesa-lodge-welcomes-whale-watching-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Humpback Whales</a>.<br /></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008991054,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008991054,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="580" alt="9008991054?profile=original" /></a><br /> On very dark nights, usually during Costa Rica's dry season, the water in the Golfo Dulce glows with an eerie iridescence, seeming as if the ocean has turned into a liquid sky of blue stars. This is bioluminescence: when bacteria and plankton in the water emit light resulting from a chemical reaction in their organism.<br /></p><p>A great place to experience the Golfo Dulce is at <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a>. Nicuesa Lodge’s entire philosophy and operations are based on environmental conservation and <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/sustainability.aspx" target="_blank">sustainability</a>. The extraordinary rainforest eco-lodge holds the highest <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/playa-nicuesa-rainforest-lodge-gets-top-sustainable-tourism-rating-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Certification for Sustainable Tourism</a> (CST) in Costa Rica and the prestigious <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/where-to-stay/top-tripadvisor-greenleader-award-given-to-costa-rica-eco-lodge/" target="_blank">TripAdvisor GreenLeaders Platinum Status</a><b>.</b> And they have received the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/costa-rica-eco-lodge-named-cleanest-beach-country/" target="_blank">Ecological Blue Flag Award</a> six years in a row for keeping one of the cleanest beaches in Costa Rica.<br /></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008956079,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008956079,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="640" alt="9008956079?profile=original" /></a><br /> In June, Costa Rica expanded its ocean conservation in honor of World Oceans Day 2017 to now protect 15% of its marine territory. Costa Rica’s expanded protection of its seas aligns with the United Nations Environment Program in its goal to preserve one-tenth of all oceans by 2020. Environmental organizations are lobbying to make Golfo Dulce a marine protected area in Costa Rica.<br /></p><p>After joining the global <b>UN Clean Seas campaign</b> earlier this year, Costa Rica also has pledged to fight plastic marine debris and to replace single-use plastic – which can take hundreds of years to degrade – with renewable and compostable materials.<br /></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009041456,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="700" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009041456,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009041456?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b><i> </i></b></p></div>Unique eco-friendly Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge provides exotic, simple luxury in the Costa Rica junglehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/unique-eco-friendly-playa-nicuesa-rainforest-lodge-provides2014-11-28T02:47:40.000Z2014-11-28T02:47:40.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008893481,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008893481,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008893481?profile=original" /></a>What is it like to <b>stay at <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a></b>?</p><p> </p><p>The extraordinary <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/costa-rica-eco-lodge-rates-packages/" target="_blank">Costa Rica eco-lodge</a> is designed <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/our-philosophy-of-sustainability/" target="_blank">sustainably</a>with lodge buildings tucked into the forest back from the beach. All construction is from <b>beautiful tropical hardwoods</b> taken from <b>naturally fallen or farmed trees,</b> and <b>recycled materials.</b></p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008893672,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008893672,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9008893672?profile=original" /></a>For <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/accommodations/" target="_blank">accommodations at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a>, there are three one-bedroom cabins, one cabin suite, one two-bedroom cabin, four rooms in the two-story Mango Guesthouse, and the two-story three-bedroom Jaguar House. All beds are either queen or twin-sized.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008894087,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008894087,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008894087?profile=original" /></a>The <b>one-bedroom cabins</b> are very private, surrounded by forest to give you the unique feeling of <b>nature everywhere</b>. The cabins are built up from the ground on stilts, and feature a wall of louvered doors that you can open completely for panoramic views, or close for more privacy and at night. Cabins have one queen bed with mosquito netting; there is a ceiling fan, lights, safe box, closet, large plastic box to keep things dry, flashlight and oversize umbrella (handy in the rainforest!). The <b>unique bathrooms</b> have an <b>open-air garden shower</b> surrounded by high walls. Fabulous, natural, biodegradable bath products are from Costa Rican company <a href="http://www.rawbotanicals.com/" target="_blank">Raw Botanicals</a>. Two of the cabins are near to the main lodge building and one is closer to the beach.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008892857,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008892857,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008892857?profile=original" /></a>The <b>Cabin Suite</b> is the newest accommodation at Playa Nicuesa Lodge. Near to the main lodge building, this cabin has a paved path and ramp all the way there and <b>accessible features</b> for persons with disabilities. The Cabin Suite has all of the features of the one-bedroom cabins, but is <b>much larger with a sitting area</b>, and a folding partition wall that can create two separate bedrooms if so desired.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008894492,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008894492,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008894492?profile=original" /></a>The <b>two-bedroom cabin</b> also is like the single cabins but larger with two completely separate bedrooms connected by a sitting area that can also be converted to a third bedroom. There is one shared bathroom with the signature open-air shower. The two-bedroom cabin can <b>accommodate up to five persons</b> and is <b>ideal for families with young children</b>.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008895261,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008895261,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008895261?profile=original" /></a>Located near the main lodge building, the <b>two-story Mango Guesthouse</b> contains <b>two private rooms upstairs</b> and <b>two private rooms downstairs</b>, each with their own <b>private bathroom and open-air shower</b>. Upstairs rooms have a small balcony sitting area, and downstairs rooms have a private terrace deck. For groups of six to 10 persons, reserving the entire Mango Guesthouse is ideal.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008895877,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008895877,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008895877?profile=original" /></a>The <b>Jaguar House</b> is a good fit for <b>larger families</b>. The two-story house near the beach has three bedrooms, a living room, two bathrooms, and a very large upper deck looking out to the forest. Listening to the waves will lull you to sleep at night.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008896255,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008896255,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008896255?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.enchanting-hotels.cr/en/playa-nicuesa-rainforest-lodge.html" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a> is located on a <b>165-acre private preserve</b> by the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/exotic-destination/" target="_blank">Osa Peninsula</a> on <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/having-a-whale-of-a-time-at-playa-nicuesa-rainforest-lodge-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Golfo Dulce</a> in <b>southern Costa Rica</b>. The property borders the <b><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/remarkable-rainforest-of-dreams-in-southern-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Piedras Blancas National Park</a>.</b> To get there, <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/getting-here/" target="_blank">drive or fly</a> (NatureAir or Sansa Airlines) to either <b>Puerto Jimenez or Golfito</b>. Nicuesa Lodge will pick you up by boat and transfer you to the lodge (about 30 minutes one-way). <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/costa-rica-eco-lodge-rates-packages/current-rates/" target="_blank">Included in lodge rates</a> are all meals, boat transfers, all taxes, all meals and snacks, unlimited self-guided hikes on preserve, use of kayaks, snorkeling and fishing equipment.</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>Costa Rica Eco-Lodge awarded highest TripAdvisor GreenLeader statushttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/costa-rica-eco-lodge-awarded-highest-tripadvisor-greenleader2016-10-28T20:00:00.000Z2016-10-28T20:00:00.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009114289,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009114289,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-right" width="161" alt="9009114289?profile=original" /></a>Choosing to stay at eco-friendly hotels when you travel is a great way to help the planet. Now there is a simply way to make greener travel choices. The travel review website TripAdvisor has devised a certification program to help people make environmental travel choices to stay at eco-friendly accommodations around the world.</p><p>Called <b><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/GreenLeaders" target="_blank">TripAdvisor GreenLeaders</a>,</b> the program awards badges at different status levels to eco-friendly hotels, lodges and B&Bs, from budget to luxury, that are all committed to environmental practices like recycling, serving local and organic food, water and electricity conservation, etc.</p><p>Costa Rica is known as being the “birthplace of eco-tourism in Latin America” and for its eco-conscious hotels. The environmentally-friendly <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a> in <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/location.aspx" target="_blank">Southern Costa Rica</a> has been awarded the highest level of Platinum in the prestigious TripAdvisor GreenLeaders program<b>.</b></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008949472,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008949472,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9008949472?profile=original" /></a>The eco-friendly lodge in the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/things-to-do/national-parks-corcovado-and-piedras-blancas.aspx" target="_blank">Osa Peninsula region</a> is set on a 165-acre private reserve that borders the lush rainforest of the Piedras Blancas National Park and fronts the pristine coastline of the gulf of Golfo Dulce in the Pacific Ocean.</p><p>Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge holds the highest level of <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/sustainability.aspx" target="_blank">sustainability</a> – 5 Leaves – in the national Certificate of Sustainable Tourism program by the Costa Rica Tourism Board. This sustainable tourism program recognizes businesses that comply with a sustainable model of natural, cultural and social resource management.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009114690,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009114690,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009114690?profile=original" /></a>TripAdvisor GreenLeaders hotels have met a set of environmental standards developed for TripAdvisor by a leading environmental consulting firm, with input from international green industry experts such as the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Certification Program, the United Nations Environment Program, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR program.</p><p>The more eco-friendly practices a hotel has in place, the higher its GreenLeader level, which range from Bronze, Silver, and Gold to Platinum. Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge’s highest level, Platinum, means it has met GreenLeaders’ minimum requirements plus has achieved a 60% score or higher.</p><p>TripAdvisor’s GreenLeaders program not only helps educate consumers to make eco-friendly choices; it also encourages hotels to be more eco-minded. More than 8,000 hotels are already participating worldwide in the voluntary program.</p><p>To see if a hotel is a GreenLeader on TripAdvisor, look at the top menu under a hotel’s name on their TripAdvisor page to see their awards.</p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Hiking in the Jungle? How to Survive if You Get Lost!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/tips-survive-in-the-jungle-if-you-get-lost2016-05-14T16:47:32.000Z2016-05-14T16:47:32.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008838682,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008838682,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="508" alt="9008838682?profile=original" /></a><br />One moment you’re walking along a rainforest trail enjoying the incredible sounds and sights, when suddenly you spot monkeys hopping from tree to tree. You definitely want to get pictures of that, so you go off the trail following the monkeys. Before long, you’ve been so busy looking up and chasing the monkeys that now you have no idea where you are, and more importantly, where the trail is.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009060467,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="150" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009060467,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009060467?profile=original" /></a>You are lost in the jungle.</p><p>It can happen as easy as that. It’s happened to me. Would you know <b>how to survive in the jungle</b>? See these <b>essential <a href="http://www.survivenature.com/jungle.php" target="_blank">jungle survival tips</a></b> for what to do if you ever get lost in the jungle.</p><p>Tips come from Mauricio Odio-Truque, a search and rescue specialist for more than 20 years in Costa Rica, and owner and expedition leader of <a href="http://www.outdooradventures.cr/" target="_blank">Outdoor Adventures</a>.</p><p><b>The best way to survive in the jungle is prevention</b> says Odio-Truque. Don’t get lost in the first place.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008971896,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008971896,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008971896?profile=original" /></a><br />HOW NOT TO GET LOST IN THE JUNGLE</b></p><ol start="1"><li>Always <b>tell someone where you are going</b> and approximately when you plan to return.</li><li><b>Don’t go into the jungle alone.</b></li><li><b>Familiarize yourself</b> with where you are going: a map, the terrain, where the trail goes, and how much time your route will take.</li><li>Always carry with you the basic <a href="http://www.mountaineersbooks.org/assets/clientpages/zz_tenessentials.aspx" target="_blank">ten essentials</a> of survival. For Costa Rica, a rain jacket and a big trash bag (rain protection & shelter aid) also will serve you well.</li><li>Always <b>stay on marked trails</b>. Do NOT go off the marked trail, especially if you are on your own. When in doubt, it’s best not to continue and instead turn around and return. You could end up following an animal path rather than a real trail.</li><li><b>Don’t mess with wildlife</b>. Get too close and things might not end well for you. Especially don’t follow wildlife off the trail.</li></ol><p></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009061075,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009061075,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="502" alt="9009061075?profile=original" /></a><br />HOW TO SURVIVE IN THE JUNGLE IF YOU DO GET LOST</b></p><ol start="1"><li>If you still end up getting lost, follow the acronym <a href="http://www.befoundalive.com/articles/article/8430068/163312.htm" target="_blank">STOP</a>.</li></ol><ul><li>Stop. Rest. Don’t panic.</li><li>Think: about where you came from & where you are.</li><li>Observe & Organize: where you are, landmarks, orientation, etc.</li><li>Plan. Make a plan what to do. Don’t just aimlessly start walking. Clear your mind of emotions – panic, fear, anger.</li></ul><ol start="2"><li><b>Be patient</b>. A lot of times you might not actually be lost. You might just be disoriented as to where you are and where you are supposed to be. Stopping and letting your mind settle may help you realize you actually do know where you are. And if you told someone where you were going and what time you expected to be back, then people will look for you.</li><li><b>Conserve your energy & control your emotions</b>. If you don’t think you can find the trail and you really are lost, it is better not to keep wandering. Find an open space where you will be visible rather than hidden. If there is water close by, that’s even better. But don’t be immediately next to the water in case of flash floods from rain, and because the sound of the water could drown out the sound of someone calling for you.<br /><br /><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009061259,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="350" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009061259,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009061259?profile=original" /></a></li><li><b>Manage your resources</b>. If you need shelter, better to find an existing place that could serve as shelter rather than try to build one. In Costa Rica, big buttress roots of trees are easy places to put branches or palm leaves over – or that big plastic trash bag – to make a shelter. Use your flashlight to check first for snakes, scorpions, big spiders or other animals. For a fire, use a few long pieces of wood that you can push farther into the fire as you need. In the jungle, low hanging branches of trees tend to be drier than branches lying on the ground.</li><li><b>Call for help</b>. If you brought your cell phone with you and you have signal, use it to call for the nearest help (your travel companions, the lodge where you are staying, your tour company, etc.). Be sure to have those numbers. Use your emergency whistle to periodically steadily call for help – uses less energy than your voice.</li></ol><p></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296613857,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296613857,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296613857?profile=original" /></a><br />Adventure Vacations in Costa Rica</b></p><p><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a> offers a <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/exotic-destination/" target="_blank">unique and exotic destination</a> for your Costa Rica vacation. If you are looking for a real adventure in the rainforest, and also by the ocean, the top <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/our-philosophy-of-sustainability/" target="_blank">eco-hotel in Costa Rica</a> has it all. Now, you can enjoy <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/" target="_blank">one free night in paradise</a> when you stay a minimum of three or more nights at Nicuesa Lodge; valid through Sept. 30, 2016.</p><p><b><i> </i></b></p></div>Join a scientific travel program in the Costa Rica rainforesthttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/join-a-scientific-travel-program-in-the-costa-rica-rainforest2016-02-16T23:42:29.000Z2016-02-16T23:42:29.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p>What’s better than being in the rainforest?</p><p>Being in the rainforest with expert scientists who can tell you fascinating stories about the animals and plants that live there.</p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009040859,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009040859,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" alt="9009040859?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge in Costa Rica</a></strong> has invited celebrated <b>U.S. scientists <a href="http://www.animalbehaviorcourse.com/biography-of-howard-topoff.html" target="_blank">Howard Topoff, Ph.D.</a> and </b><strong><a href="http://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/experts/howard-topoff-and-carol-simon/" target="_blank">Carol Simon, Ph.D.</a></strong> – both professors’ emeriti of The City University of New York and former Research Associates at the American Museum of Natural History – to be <b>special guest lecturers</b> at the award-winning Costa Rica eco-lodge from <b>March 22 to 28, 2016</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009041073,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009041073,original{{/staticFileLink}}" height="220" width="182" alt="9009041073?profile=original" /></a>The husband-and-wife team specializes in animal behavior, tropical ecology and evolutionary biology. For the past 30 years, Drs. Topoff and Simon have been study trip leaders for <a href="http://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/experts/howard-topoff-and-carol-simon/" target="_blank">The Smithsonian Institute</a>, The American Museum of Natural History, <a href="http://www.naturalistjourneys.com/guides.htm" target="_blank">Naturalist Journeys</a>, Elderhostel, and several cruise lines. This will be the third year that they will lead an educational travel program at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge.</p><p>Dr. Topoff has spent over 40 years researching the social behavior of animals in Central and South America, Africa, and in the deserts and mountains of Arizona, USA. In addition to his publications in scientific journals, his popular articles have appeared in magazines such as National Geographic, <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/author/howard-topoff/" target="_blank">Scientific American</a> and Natural History. His research has been featured on National Geographic Television and Scientific American Frontiers. Dr. Simon specializes in ecology, behavior and evolution, principally researching the social behavior of reptiles in North and Central America.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009041456,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009041456,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009041456?profile=original" /></a>Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge offers a <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/exotic-destination/" target="_blank">unique and exotic destination</a> for the exciting six-night educational program. The flagship <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/playa-nicuesa-receives-5-leaves-sustainable-tourism-rating/" target="_blank">sustainable tourism eco-hotel in Costa Rica</a> is located on 165 acres of private tropical rainforest preserve – accessible only by boat on the Pacific gulf of Golfo Dulce. The area is part of an immense biological corridor including the famous Corcovado National Park on the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/getting-here/" target="_blank">Osa Peninsula</a> and the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/remarkable-rainforest-of-dreams-in-southern-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Piedras Blancas National Park</a> – some of the <b>most biologically diverse places on Earth</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296610067,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296610067,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="461" alt="9296610067?profile=original" /></a>You will be surrounded by toucans, <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/scarlet-macaws-still-fly-free-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Scarlet Macaws</a>, <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/monkeying-around-osa-peninsula-costa-rica/" target="_blank">monkeys</a> and other <b><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/dolphin-tale-wild-dolphins-golfo-dulce-costa-rica/" target="_blank">amazing wildlife</a> in the lush rainforest and Pacific Ocean</b>. With expert guides, you will spend your days exploring the surrounding forests for wildlife of all forms. In the evenings, Drs. Topoff and Simon will entertain you with fascinating multimedia presentations providing in-depth insights into what you have been seeing in the field. </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009041858,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009041858,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009041858?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>To <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/getting-here/" target="_blank">get to Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a>:</b> drive or fly (Nature Air or Sansa Airlines) to either <b>Puerto Jimenez or Golfito</b> in southern Costa Rica. Nicuesa Lodge will pick you up by boat and transfer you to the lodge (about 30 minutes). <b>Included in <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/costa-rica-eco-lodge-rates-packages/reservations/" target="_blank">lodge rates</a></b> are all meals and snacks, boat transfers, taxes, and unlimited use of rainforest hiking trails, kayaks, snorkeling and fishing equipment. Be sure to try their <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/activities/tour-guide-book/" target="_blank">adventure and nature tours</a>, and the beautiful <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/yoga-and-wellness-nicuesa-lodge/" target="_blank">yoga</a> deck by the beach.</p><p></p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>New lifeguard program protects the beach in Santa Teresa Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/new-lifeguard-program-protects-the-beach-in-santa-teresa-costa2016-01-24T20:34:56.000Z2016-01-24T20:34:56.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032278,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032278,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009032278?profile=original" /></a>Summertime in the popular beach town of <strong><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/blog/40-top-tours-and-things-to-do-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a></strong> means it’s time to hang out on the beach soaking in the sun and playing in the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean. It’s a great time to have fun with family and friends on a <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/blog/39-stay-in-paradise-at-hotel-tropico-latino-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica beach vacation</a>.</p><p>On the southern Nicoya Peninsula, <b>Santa Teresa is one of the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/destinations/costa-rica-surfing-paradise-malpais-santa-teresa/" target="_blank">best beaches to surf in Costa Rica</a></b>. National surf competitions are held here annually.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032482,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032482,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009032482?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Knowing what you are doing when you go in the ocean, taking precautions and <b>water safety</b> are the most important factors to having a safe and enjoyable time at the beach anywhere. In Santa Teresa, a <b>nonprofit lifeguard program</b> has been started by a group of passionate surfers motivated to keep people from accidents and drowning. The <strong><a href="http://santateresalifeguards.org/" target="_blank">Santa Teresa Lifeguards</a></strong> organized to save lives and to prevent dangerous situations by educating the community about water safety.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009033073,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009033073,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009033073?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Created in 2015, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/STLifeguards/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Santa Teresa Lifeguards</a> (<i>Guardavidas</i> in Spanish) is staffed by trained local lifeguards, international volunteers and local surfer volunteers. Local surfers have been the main source of near-drowning rescues in Santa Teresa up until now and on days when lifeguards are not working.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032674,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032674,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="537" alt="9009032674?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>Lifeguard towers</b> are currently located in the Santa Teresa area at <b>Playa Carmen, La Lora, Casa Cecilia, and Playa Hermosa</b>. Official Santa Teresa <b>lifeguards wear red shirts</b> and are on duty <b>Saturdays and Sundays and peak holidays from 9 a.m. to noon and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.</b> – the busiest beach times. Be sure to follow all of their instructions and warnings; your life depends on it.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009033273,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009033273,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009033273?profile=original" /></a></p><p>The <b>Santa Teresa Lifeguards is nonprofit</b> and relies on <strong><a href="http://santateresalifeguards.org/?page_id=100" target="_blank">donations</a></strong> and corporate sponsors to pay its staff and have the equipment it needs. Rescue equipment has been donated by Solana Beach Lifeguards in San Diego County, California. For more information on <b>how you can help <a href="http://santateresalifeguards.org/?page_id=83" target="_blank">sponsor the Santa Teresa Lifeguards</a></b>, contribute equipment or supplies, or <strong><a href="http://santateresalifeguards.org/?page_id=93" target="_blank">volunteer as a lifeguard</a></strong>, contact the organization.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296609677,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296609677,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296609677?profile=original" /></a></b></p><p><b>Visit Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</b></p><p>Santa Teresa was named one of <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cTop-g291958" target="_blank">Central America’s top 10 beaches</a> for 2015. <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hotel-Tropico-Latino/153661541368859" target="_blank">Where to stay in Santa Teresa Costa Rica</a>:</b> <strong><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a></strong>. The <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/hotel/santa-teresa-costa-rica-accommodations.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa beachfront hotel</a> at <b>Playa Carmen</b> offers <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/hotel/santa-teresa-costa-rica-vacation-packages.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica surf vacations</a>.</b> If you don’t know how to surf, you can take <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/hotel/things-to-do-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">surf lessons</a> with the hotel’s expert surf instructors.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008986655,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008986655,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008986655?profile=original" /></a></b></p><p><b>Costa Rica Beach Safety Tips:</b></p><ol><li><b>Stay safe in the water:</b>The ocean is powerful, and is not the same as swimming in a pool or a lake. Do not enter the ocean unless you know how to swim; be very cautious of dangerous surf and currents.</li><li><b>Never swim alone:</b> Always swim with a buddy, and tell others where you are going</li><li><b>Never turn your back on the ocean:</b> Even the smallest wave can knock you over, especially if you are caught by surprise. Always face forward and never turn your back on the waves.</li><li><b>Shuffle your feet:</b> Many beaches in Costa Rica have sting rays that like to settle in the warm sand in shallow water. Shuffle your feet when walking out into the ocean to scare any sting rays away and avoid stepping on them. If you do get “stung,” don’t panic and seek medical attention.</li><li><b>Surf safely:</b> Surf or Boogie Board in waves that match your level. Do not go out into surf that is above or beyond your capability. If you want to learn how to surf in Costa Rica, there are many surf schools to teach you proper, safe surf skills.</li><li><b>Learn CPR:</b> Emergencies can happen anywhere. Learning first aid and CPR skills could save someone’s life.</li></ol><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009033501,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009033501,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" alt="9009033501?profile=original" /></a></b></p><p><b><a href="http://www.visitcostarica.com/ict/paginas/folletos/banista_en.pdf" target="_blank">What to do if you get caught in a rip current</a>:</b></p><ul><li>Stay calm. Don’t panic. Don’t fight the ocean, you will lose. Conserve your energy.</li><li>Do not try to swim to shore in a straight line. Rip currents work in a circular motion so the current will eventually pull you back out.</li><li>You can swim parallel to the beach to get out of the current. Or, float and let it take you out. The force of the current lessens as it goes out to sea. When the current diminishes, swim parallel to the beach or at a 45-degree angle, until you feel free of the current and can swim back to shore – even if it is a different place than where you originally were. Better to walk back on sand than to fight currents.</li><li>If you cannot get back to shore, just float and tread water, and wave your arms to attract someone’s attention on shore for help. Do not panic or waste your energy.</li><li>If you are going to help anyone in the ocean, bring something that floats. Do not go alone. A surf board is a great rescue tool, and rip currents are your friends on a board since the force takes you past the breaking waves faster than trying to paddle out yourself.</li></ul><p><b><i> </i></b></p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>What's the secret to long life on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica?https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/what-s-the-secret-to-long-life-on-the-nicoya-peninsula-in-costa2015-09-21T00:18:43.000Z2015-09-21T00:18:43.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008995857,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008995857,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008995857?profile=original" /></a>The <b>Nicoya Peninsula</b> in the northwest region of <strong>Costa Rica</strong> in Central America is known as a “<a href="http://www.bluezones.com/" target="_blank">Blue Zone</a>”. That means people here are more than twice as likely as elsewhere to <b>reach a healthy age of at least 90 and frequently live to be over 100</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008995879,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008995879,original{{/staticFileLink}}" height="257" alt="9008995879?profile=original" /></a>U.S. author and researcher <b>Dan Buettner’s</b> 2008 book, “<a href="https://www.bluezones.com/resources/books/" target="_blank">The Blue Zones</a>”, is written about his <b>research with <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/04/080414-longest-lived.html" target="_blank">National Geographic</a></b> and the world’s top longevity scientists to identify <b>places around the world where people live measurably longer and better</b>. After identifying five of the world’s Blue Zones, they found that people there reach age 100 at rates 10 times greater than in the United States.</p><p><b>The name “Blue Zones” comes from a 2004 demographic study</b> called <i>“Identification of a Geographic Area Characterized by Extreme Longevity in the Sardinia Island: the AKEA study”</i> (<i>Experimental Gerontology</i> by Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain, among other authors). The study identified Sardinia’s Barbagia region as having a very high concentration of men over age 100. As the authors discovered more clusters of long longevity in the world, they began drawing blue circles around them on maps, referring to the areas as “Blue Zones.”</p><p><b>The five Blue Zones in the world</b> are: <b>Nicoya, Costa Rica</b>; <b>Okinawa, Japan</b>; the island of <b>Ikaria, Greece</b>; <b>Loma Linda, California</b>; and the <b>Barbagia region of Sardinia</b>, off the western coast of Italy.</p><p>Buettner and the scientists found that the <b>lifestyles of all</b> <a href="https://www.bluezones.com/live-longer/#power-9-reverse-engineering-longevity" target="_blank">Blue Zones’ residents shared nine specific characteristics</a>, which Buettner calls “the Power 9®.”</p><p></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008995697,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008995697,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="374" alt="9008995697?profile=original" /></a>9 Secrets of <a href="https://www.bluezones.com/2014/03/nicoya-exploration-lessons/" target="_blank">long life in Nicoya Costa Rica</a><br /></b></p><p><strong>1. Have a reason to live.</strong> Centenarians say they feel needed, with a strong sense of purpose that usually centers on their family and/or community. This helps Nicoyan elders maintain a positive outlook and active lifestyle.</p><p><strong>2. Focus on family. C</strong>entenarians in Nicoya tend to live with or near their families; their children and grandchildren provide support and a sense of purpose and belonging.</p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296605666,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296605666,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="512" alt="9296605666?profile=original" /></a>3. Maintain social networks.</strong> Nicoyan centenarians are frequently visited by friends and neighbors. They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have.</p><p><strong>4. Work hard.</strong> Nicoyan centenarians have had a strong work ethic their whole lives, which keeps them active and healthy and contributes to their sense of purpose.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008996879,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008996879,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008996879?profile=original" /></a>5. Move naturally.</b> Physical activity, mostly outdoors, is a normal part of daily life – walking, bicycling, gardening, taking care of animals, cooking, keeping up the house, etc.</p><p><strong>6. Healthy lifestyle.</strong> Like most Blue Zone residents in the world, Nicoyan elders eat little to no processed foods, and instead a primarily plant-based diet, especially of beans, corn and vegetables, and antioxidant-rich tropical fruit. They eat meat only a few times per week. Eating their main meal earlier in the day, and a light dinner early in the evening, is another way older Nicoyans stay healthy. Smoking is not common in Blue Zone communities.</p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008996890,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008996890,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="400" alt="9008996890?profile=original" /></a>7. Drink mineral-rich water. W</strong>ater on the Nicoya Peninsula has a very high calcium and magnesium content, which helps explain the region’s lower rates of heart disease, as well as stronger bones.</p><p><strong>8. Get some sun (sensibly).</strong> Nicoyans enjoy healthy doses of daily sun, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. Getting “smart” sun exposure (about 15 minutes on your legs and arms) every day can decrease the risk for osteoporosis and heart disease, experts say.</p><p><strong>9. Have faith.</strong> The Nicoyans’ strong belief in God and their “faith routines” help relieve stress and anxiety, and bring peace and tranquility to their lives.</p><p></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008997093,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008997093,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008997093?profile=original" /></a>Visit the Blue Zone of the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica</b></p><p>Enjoy a <b>Costa Rica beach vacation</b> in the <a href="http://www.nosara.com/nosara_beach_map.htm" target="_blank">Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone</a> when you stay at <b><a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/" target="_blank">L'acqua Viva Resort & Spa</a>.</b> The intimate <a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/the-hotel.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica boutique hotel</a> is located <b>in <a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/beaches/playa-guiones.html" target="_blank">Playa Guiones</a> in <a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/location.html" target="_blank">Nosara</a> on the Nicoya Peninsula</b>, near the town of Nicoya. Here you can <b>soak in healthy life in beautiful nature</b>, with no-stress relaxing and some of the <a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/activities/surfing-nosara.html" target="_blank">best surfing beaches in Costa Rica</a>.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008959484,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008959484,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="520" alt="9008959484?profile=original" /></a>Nosara’s beaches</b> of Playa Guiones, Playa Pelada and Playa Nosara annually receive <b>Costa Rica’s <a href="http://www.visitcostarica.com/ict/paginas/mapas/areasurf.asp?tab=0" target="_blank">Ecological Blue Flag Award</a></b>, and are located near the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge for <b><a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/blog/191-see-the-amazing-sea-turtles-at-ostional-wildlife-refuge-in-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">nesting sea turtles</a>.</b></p><p><b><i> </i></b></p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Costa Rica eco-lodge helps save injured toucan with new billhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/costa-rica-eco-lodge-helps-save-injured-toucan-with-new-bill2015-08-03T18:19:20.000Z2015-08-03T18:19:20.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p>When naturalist guides Erick Camacho and Jose Garro found the dead toucan below a tree near their staff housing at the Costa Rica eco-lodge where they work, it was an interesting discovery but just another day in the jungle.</p><p>However, the deceased toucan – or more importantly, its beak – has given a <b>big boost of hope to saving “Grecia” the <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-31409916" target="_blank">injured toucan in Costa Rica</a></b> that had its beak mutilated by teenagers late last year and has become <b>an international sensation as engineers and veterinarians try to design a prosthetic beak for the bird</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008980101,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008980101,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008980101?profile=original" /></a>In December 2014, the young male toucan was brought to the <b><a href="http://rescateanimalzooave.org/en/" target="_blank">Zoo Ave animal sanctuary and rescue center</a> in Alajuela, Costa Rica</b>, after being attacked and having most of its upper beak hacked off. It was named “Grecia” after the town where it was found. Costa Rican news media quickly covered the story and <b>images of the disfigured toucan flew around the world on social media networks</b>.</p><p>Outraged people banded together on a campaign to provide the bird with a prosthetic beak. An <b><a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/fund-a-prosthesis-for-an-injured-toucan-bird#/story" target="_blank">Indiegogo campaign</a> by Luciano Lacayo in the Netherlands</b> <b>has raised $10,449 so far</b> (more than double his original goal) to <b>pay for costs in treating Grecia</b> <b>the toucan</b>, and to now <b>expand the hospital at Zoo Ave</b> that treats injured wild animals in Costa Rica. The incident even spurred <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/2015/01/14/president-solis-urges-lawmakers-to-pass-animal-cruelty-law-following-barbarous-attacks" target="_blank">Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solís to push forward an animal cruelty bill</a> for passage by lawmakers.</p><p><b>A number of Costa Rican companies are working to</b> <a href="http://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/a-toucan-named-grecia-is-about-to-get-his-new-3d-printed-beak/story-fnjwucti-1227365412786" target="_blank">design the prosthetic beak using 3-D printing</a>, but so far have not been 100% successful. Not having a detached real toucan beak to analyze to see how it works has hindered progress.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008979890,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008979890,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008979890?profile=original" /></a>Until now.</p><p>On July 14, the manager and guides of <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a>, in southern Costa Rica, <b>donated the beak of the dead toucan they found to Zoo Ave</b> <b>for its research</b>. The dead bird was found mostly eaten – by another jungle animal during the night – leaving only the head, beak and feathers intact.</p><p>“We were thinking about drying the beak to put it in the little Natural History Library/Museum at the lodge and I remembered a journalist friend had covered the story of Grecia. I called her to ask about the toucan and she put me in contact with Guisella Arroyo at Zoo Ave, who told me that <b>they had been seeking a toucan beak in order to study the internal anatomy</b> because up until now they only knew the external structure,” commented Luis Marcelo Lopez, resident manager of Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge.</p><p>“It was a great contribution since they will be able to thoroughly study the internal anatomy of the beak of the toucan, and hopefully find ways to manufacture a prosthesis for Grecia,” Lopez said.</p><p>Lopez happened to be flying to San Jose the day after the beak was found and personally brought it to Zoo Ave, where he met Grecia the toucan and his doctors, and was interviewed for the <b>Discovery Channel documentary being made about the entire story</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008980669,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008980669,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" alt="9008980669?profile=original" /></a>Although he is still awaiting his new beak, <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/2015/04/27/video-disfigured-toucan-raises-awareness-for-animal-rights" target="_blank">Grecia the toucan is reported to be healthy and sociable at Zoo Ave</a>, where he is well looked after. Demonstrating the resilience of nature, <b>he has adapted to his life without the top half of his beak</b> and uses the lower half to scoop up mashed fruit and gulp it down like a pelican. Still, <b>without a beak, Grecia cannot return to the wild</b>. Toucans need their beaks to forage for food, eat, regulate body temperature, attract mates, and defend themselves against predators.</p><p>Hopefully the death of his toucan cousin in southern Costa Rica will be the <b>gift of life for Grecia</b>. Whatever happens, <b>Grecia has become a symbol for animal protection and hope around the world</b>. Here is more on <a href="https://vimeo.com/125956357" target="_blank">his story</a>.</p><p></p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/exotic-destination/"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008980699,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008980699?profile=original" /></a><b>Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</b> is one of the <b>first</b> <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/our-philosophy-of-sustainability/" target="_blank">sustainable tourism eco-lodges in Costa Rica</a>, holding the highest rating in the Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program (CST) by the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT). The Costa Rica eco-lodge is located in the remote <strong>southern Costa Rica rainforest on the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/nicuesa-lodge-honors-golfo-dulce-in-costa-rica-on-world-oceans-day/" target="_blank">Pacific gulf of Golfo Dulce</a> by the Osa Peninsula. The lodge protects 95 percent of its 165-acre rainforest property</strong> in a private reserve <strong>that borders the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Parque-Nacional-Piedras-Blancas/227176070684454" target="_blank">Piedras Blancas National Park</a></strong>. To visit Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, contact their reservations agents.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008981072,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008981072,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008981072?profile=original" /></a></p></div>Plant a tree, be eco-minded when you travel at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge in Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/plant-a-tree-be-eco-minded-when-you-travel-at-playa-nicuesa2015-06-19T19:27:22.000Z2015-06-19T19:27:22.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008971896,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008971896,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008971896?profile=original" /></a>Costa Rica is a small country with a big success story in reforestation.</p><p> </p><p>The Central American nation <b>was nearly devastated by deforestation</b> by the early 1980s. Now more than 30 years later, <b>over 52 percent of Costa Rica’s land is covered with forest</b> between national parks, private reserves and wildlife refuges.</p><p><b>Costa Rica’s</b> <b>progressive reforestation and environmental protection</b> earned the country the accolade of being named the <b>third best <a href="http://www.dualcitizeninc.com/global-green-economy-index/" target="_blank">Green Country in the World</a></b> in the <a href="http://dualcitizeninc.com/GGEI-Report2014.pdf" target="_blank">2014 Global Green Economy Index</a>™ (GGEI).</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296601079,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="300" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296601079,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296601079?profile=original" /></a>In <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/getting-here/" target="_blank">southern Costa Rica</a> on the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/nicuesa-lodge-honors-golfo-dulce-in-costa-rica-on-world-oceans-day/" target="_blank">Golfo Dulce</a> (“Sweet Gulf”), <b>eco-friendly <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a></b> is doing its part to <b>help <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/our-philosophy-of-sustainability/carbon-footprint-campaign/" target="_blank">reforest Costa Rica</a></b>. The Costa Rica eco-lodge <strong>protects 95% of their 165-acre rainforest property</strong> in an undeveloped and natural state. They <b>began a</b> <b>reforestation program in 2010</b> to slowly <b>remove the cacao trees</b> – from the <b>former cacao plantation</b> where the lodge is built – that were infected by the fungus <i>Moniliophthora roreri</i>, or “frosty pod rot”. Instead, they are <b><a href="http://costarica-information.com/nature/plants/plants/trees" target="_blank">planting trees native to Costa Rica</a> and the local area</b>.</p><p> </p><p><b>Planting native trees</b> helps re-establish the <b>biological corridor for animals</b> between the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Parque-Nacional-Piedras-Blancas/227176070684454" target="_blank">Piedras Blancas National Park</a> and the <b>Golfito Wildlife Refuge</b> that border either side of Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge.</p><p> </p><p>Nicuesa Lodge guests can <b>take part in the reforestation program by planting a tree</b> when visiting. <b>Guests who plant a tree during their stay at the lodge</b> receive a <b>thank you certificate</b> that includes a photo of the person planting the tree, their name, and the description of the tree planted with the scientific and common names.</p><p> </p><p>So far, approximately <b>150 trees have been planted by hotel guests and staff</b>: species like <b>Cortez Amarillo</b> (<i>Tabebuia</i> <i>ochracea</i>, Gold Trumpet tree), <b>Roble de Sabana</b> (<i>Tabebuia rosea</i>, Pink Trumpet tree), <b>Cenizaro</b> (<i>Samanea saman</i>, Rain Tree), <b>E</b><b>spavel</b> (<i>Anacardium excelsum</i>, Wild Cashew tree), and <b>G</b><b>allinazo</b> (<i>Schizolobium parahyba</i>, Brazilian Fire tree), among others. <b>Trees are obtained by donations and seeds</b> harvested naturally from the forest.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008972656,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008972656,original{{/staticFileLink}}" height="255" alt="9008972656?profile=original" /></a>“Last year, we accepted a donation of 50 Cenizaro starter trees from the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT). We also collect seeds from the forest on our property, germinate them and grow seedlings, which we then plant in an area we set aside for reforestation,” explained Natalia Solis, Sustainability Coordinator at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge. “This project invites and involves our guests to be part of a change that helps our environment and also helps offset the carbon emissions generated during their journey and visit to the lodge.”</p><p> </p><p>Besides planting trees when you <b>stay at</b> <b>Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge,</b> you can reduce the ecological impact on the planet generated by your trip by <b><a href="http://www.fonafifo.go.cr/home/investments/carbon_calculator.html" target="_blank">purchasing carbon credits</a> that will be used to reforest land elsewhere in Costa Rica</b>. The program supported by Nicuesa Lodge is with the <b><a href="http://www.fonafifo.go.cr/home/index.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica National Forest Financing Fund</a></b> <a href="http://www.fonafifo.com/" title="FONAFIFO"><b>(FONAFIFO)</b>.</a></p><p> </p><p></p><p><b>Stay at a real Costa Rica eco-lodge</b></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008892857,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008892857,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008892857?profile=original" /></a><b><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/exotic-destination/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a> opened in April 2003</b> as one of the <b>first true <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/does-real-eco-tourism-exist-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">eco-lodges in Costa Rica</a></b>. Operating now 12 years, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge holds the <b>highest rating</b> in the <b><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/our-philosophy-of-sustainability/" target="_blank">Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program</a> (CST)</b> by the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT). Playa Nicuesa recently received the important <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/costa-rica-eco-lodge-named-cleanest-beach-country/" target="_blank">Ecological Blue Flag Award</a> for the fifth time for having one of <b>Costa Rica’s cleanest beaches</b>. Additionally, <strong>Nicuesa Lodge is working to be certified a <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/our-philosophy-of-sustainability/carbon-footprint-campaign/" target="_blank">Carbon Neutral Business</a>, and the lodge supports the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/our-philosophy-of-sustainability/ngos-we-support/" target="_blank">Osa Campaign</a> and the Nature Conservancy</strong> that protects the Golfo Dulce and Osa Peninsula region.</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/costa-rica-eco-lodge-rates-packages/" target="_blank">Contact Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a> to visit the unique <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/activities/" target="_blank">nature and adventure travel destination</a>.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Go surfing in Costa Rica, home of the world champion surf team 2015https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/go-surfing-in-costa-rica-home-of-the-world-champion-surf-team2015-06-15T23:33:17.000Z2015-06-15T23:33:17.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008969901,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008969901,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="519" alt="9008969901?profile=original" /></a>Costa Rica is celebrating <b><a href="http://www.surfrider.org/isd" target="_blank">International Surfing Day</a> on June 20</b> big this year. <b>Costa Rica’s surfing “dream team”</b> <b>made national history</b> on June 7 when they were crowned <a href="http://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/11834-costa-rica-wins-the-2015-isa-world-surfing-games" target="_blank">2015 World Surfing Champions</a>.</p><p> </p><p><b>Costa Rica’s team won the overall gold medal</b> in the <a href="http://isawsg.com/" target="_blank">International Surfing Association (ISA) 2015 World Surfing Games</a> held at Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua, competing against 26 teams from around the world. The medal, along with the Fernando Aguirre World Team Trophy and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President’s Trophy designated <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/2015/06/08/costa-rica-crowned-2015-world-surfing-champion" target="_blank">Costa Rica the world champions of surfing</a>.</p><p> </p><p>They are called <b>the “Costa Rican Dream Team”</b>: international surfing star <b>Carlos</b> <b>Muñoz</b> from Esterillos, Latin American champion <b>Anthony</b> <b>Fillingim</b> from Santa Teresa, 2015 Costa Rica National Surfing Circuit leader <b>Jason</b> <b>Torres</b> from Jacó, 11-time national women’s champion <b>Lisbeth</b> <b>Vindas</b> from Jacó, and <b>Noe Mar McGonagle</b> from Pavones who is ranked 16th in the world by the ISA, and his sister <b>Leilani</b> <b>McGonagle</b>, now a six-time world medalist.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008969691,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008969691,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="549" alt="9008969691?profile=original" /></a>The team won another <b>gold medal in the ISA Aloha Cup</b> tag team event at the championships. The brother and sister team of <b>Noe Mar and Leilani McGonagle also brought home winning medals</b>: the <b>gold medal</b> for the <b>Men’s Open Division for Noe Mar</b>, and the <b>silver medal in the Women’s Open Division for Leilani</b> – the 6<sup>th</sup> world medal for the 15-year-old surfer. Leilani just won the <b>gold medal at the <a href="http://news.co.cr/young-surfer-from-costa-rica-is-now-a-world-champion/38650/" target="_blank">Rip Curl GromSearch International</a></b> last month in Sao Paulo, Brazil.</p><p> </p><p>Although a small country in Central America, <b>Costa Rica is becoming known in the world</b> not only for having <b>great surf on two ocean coastlines</b> but also for <b>producing great surfers</b>. This year Noe Mar McGonagle is so far ranked #12 on the Qualifying Series (QS) of the World Surf League, and Carlos Muñoz is close behind at #16. Leilani McGonagle and surfer Emily Gussoni of Jaco also are competing at the World Surf League level.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008970456,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008970456,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008970456?profile=original" /></a>One of <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/learn-how-to-surf-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Costa Rica’s favorite areas for surfing</a> is <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa Beach</a></b> on the southern Nicoya Peninsula – home to dream team surfer Anthony Fillingim. Santa Teresa is one of the <b>competition beaches in the <a href="http://www.surfingcr.net/stage/" target="_blank">Costa Rica National Surfing Circuit</a></b>. <b>Santa Teresa</b> also was named one of <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cTop-g291958" target="_blank">Central America’s top 10 beaches</a> for 2015.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296600697,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296600697,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="521" alt="9296600697?profile=original" /></a>Visit Santa Teresa on a <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/destinations/costa-rica-surfing-paradise-malpais-santa-teresa/" target="_blank">Costa Rica surfing vacation</a></b>. If you don’t know how to surf, you can easily take surf lessons. <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation.html" target="_blank">Where to stay in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a>:</b> Beachfront at beautiful <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/location.html" target="_blank">Playa Carmen in Santa Teresa</a>, <strong><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a></strong> offers <strong><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/costa-rica-surf-camp-in-santa-teresa-beach.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica surf vacations</a></strong>, <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/activities/surfing-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">surf lessons</a>, and also <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/costa-rica-yoga-retreats-at-santa-teresa-beach.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica yoga retreats</a>.</b></p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p><p> </p></div>Costa Rica's swimming pool in the ocean at Santa Teresa Beachhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/costa-rica-s-swimming-pool-in-the-ocean-at-santa-teresa-beach2015-06-12T22:31:42.000Z2015-06-12T22:31:42.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008969886,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008969886,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008969886?profile=original" /></a>When I stay at <strong><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/" target="_blank">Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat</a></strong> in <b><a href="http://pranamarvillascr.com/en/the-beach.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a>,</b> one of my <b>favorite things to do is to <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/the-hotel/tours-and-activities.html" target="_blank">swim in the giant tide pool</a></b> down the beach about five minutes from the hotel.</p><p> </p><p>The larger-than-Olympic-sized shallow sea water swimming pool is one of the <b>best-kept secrets of the area</b>. It is located between <b>Pranamar Villas</b> and <b>“<i>El Peñón</i>,” or the big rock</b>, where Santa Teresa Beach turns into Hermosa Beach – better known as “<b>Playa Hermosa</b>”. Since Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa – listed by TripAdvisor as <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/santa-teresa-costa-rica-chosen-top-beach-central-america/" target="_blank">Top 10 Beaches in Central America</a> and <b>Top 10 Beaches in Costa Rica for 2015</b> – are better known for being some of the <a href="http://magicseaweed.com/Playa-Santa-Teresa-Surf-Report/914/" target="_blank">best surfing beaches in Costa Rica</a>, the tide pool often gets over-looked for great waves.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008970095,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008970095,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008970095?profile=original" /></a>You can only <b>find the tide pool at low tide</b>, when the long, flat beach widens immensely, so <b>when you can go varies on the tides</b>. On my last visit, I got lucky and it was low tide in the early morning around 7:00 a.m. I slipped from the rocks into the <b>cool placid water</b>, refreshing even that early compared to the heat and humidity beginning to rise from the beach and rainforest. I couldn’t believe <b>how clear and still the water was</b>, especially when big, frothing waves pounded only a dozen or so yards away.</p><p> </p><p>The sun-warmed water ranges from <b>knee-deep to about chest-deep</b> and is filled with <b>all kinds of interesting sea creatures</b> that get trapped when the tide goes out. You can find sea anemones, sea stars, crabs, mussels, hermit crabs and lots of little brightly colored fish. <b>Rocks and volcanic reef create the structure</b> around the tide pool. Since the water is shallow and it’s right off the beach, <b>this is a perfect swimming and snorkeling site for families with kids</b>.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008970284,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008970284,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008970284?profile=original" /></a>You will want to <b>wear water shoes</b>, or strap-on beach sandals that can get wet, to be able <b>to walk and stand up on the rocks</b>. <b>Keep in mind when you are snorkeling in Costa Rica that the country is located very near the equator</b> and the tropical sun reflecting off the water will fry your skin faster than a fish over fire. Wear a T-shirt or nylon shirt, a hat, and a generous layer of <b>SPF 30 or 50 waterproof sports sunscreen</b>.</p><p> </p><p><strong><a href="http://pranamarvillascr.com/en/the-beach.html" target="_blank">Playa Hermosa by Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a></strong></p><p><b> </b></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008953059,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008953059,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008953059?profile=original" /></a>The long, curving beach of <b>Playa Hermosa is known to be the</b> <b>most beautiful beach of the Santa Teresa area</b> on <b>Costa Rica’s southern Nicoya Peninsula</b>. Officially called “San Martin,” visitors to the beach commented so often on how beautiful it was that it became known as Playa Hermosa, or “<i>beautiful beach</i>” in Spanish. <b>Playa Hermosa</b> recently was honored once again with the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/santa-teresa-costa-rica-beach-communities-win-ecological-blue-flag/" target="_blank">Costa Rica Ecological Blue Flag Award</a> by the Costa Rican Tourism Board for being <b>one of the <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/BAE2015.jpg" target="_blank">cleanest beaches in the country</a></b>.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008970682,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008970682,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008970682?profile=original" /></a>The nice thing about staying at <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/the-hotel.html" target="_blank">Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat</a> is that <b>the hotel is right on the beach at Playa Hermosa</b>. It is wonderful to be able to walk out from your <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/shortcode/bungalows.html" target="_blank">beachfront or garden bungalow</a> or <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/shortcode/villas.html" target="_blank">poolside villa</a> a few steps onto the soft sand under a garden of Pacific almond and palm trees, lie in a hammock or on one of the lounge chairs, or walk down the beach. If you want to try surfing, <b>Pranamar Villas offers surf instruction</b> and <b><a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/packages/surf-yoga-packages.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica surfing vacation packages</a>.</b> Pranamar Villas mostly specializes in <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-classes-and-retreats.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica yoga retreats</a>, and holds <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pranamaroceanfrontvillas" target="_blank">daily yoga classes</a> for hotel guests and the public.</p><p> </p><p>The beautiful <b>Bali-style beachfront hotel in Santa Teresa</b> was awarded <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g635538-d1815376-Reviews-Pranamar_Villas_and_Yoga_Retreat-Santa_Teresa_Province_of_Puntarenas.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor’s 2015 Certificate of Excellence</a>, and <b>was named</b> <b>a</b> <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/local-experts/costa-rica/top-5-yoga-retreats-costa-rica" target="_blank">Top 5 Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica</a> by Travel & Leisure Magazine.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>World Oceans Day 2015: Protecting Golfo Dulce Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/world-oceans-day-2015-protecting-golfo-dulce-costa-rica2015-06-05T18:31:39.000Z2015-06-05T18:31:39.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008930677,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008930677,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008930677?profile=original" /></a>Out on the calm, clear, jade green-blue water of the <a href="http://cetaceansgolfodulce.blogspot.com/p/golfo-dulce.html" target="_blank">Golfo Dulce</a> (“Sweet Gulf”) in <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/getting-here/" target="_blank">southern Costa Rica</a>, it is easy to think this must be <b>one of the most pristine, beautiful places on Earth</b>. And it is. This inner sea is a <b>critical habitat for endangered migrating southern Pacific humpback whales, dolphins and sharks</b>, among other marine life.</p><p> </p><p><b>Then our boat passes a small patch of floating plastic bottles</b>, chips bags and other random flotsam. Trash. Human trash. And we are reminded that <b>if anything were to ruin this amazing creation, it would be humans</b>.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008968087,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008968087,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008968087?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.worldoceansday.org/" target="_blank">World Oceans Day</a> on June 8</b> reminds us to honor and protect the <b>beauty and life of the world’s oceans</b>. The <b>annual event by the <a href="http://www.un.org/en/events/oceansday/" target="_blank">United Nations</a></b> focuses this year on the theme <b>“Healthy oceans, healthy planet”</b> and especially on <b>eradicating plastic pollution</b>.</p><p> </p><p>“The ocean and its wildlife are choking on plastic, and we need to both stop this pollution at the source, and clean it up from the coasts,” states the World Oceans Day information. <strong>“The ocean is the heart of our planet.</strong> Like your heart pumping blood to every part of your body, <b>the ocean connects people across the Earth, no matter where we live.</b> The ocean regulates the climate, feeds millions of people every year, produces oxygen, is the home to an incredible array of wildlife, provides us with important medicines, and so much more! In order to ensure the health and safety of our communities and future generations, <b>it’s imperative that we take the responsibility to care for the ocean as it cares for us</b>.”</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008968260,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008968260,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008968260?profile=original" /></a>On the inside of <b>Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula</b>, <b>Golfo Dulce</b> is approximately 50 km (31 miles) long and 10-15 km (6 -9 miles) wide with a <b>steeply sloped deep inner basin</b>. It is this depth, bottoming out around 215 m (705 ft.), and <b>low human impact</b> of the remote, sheltered gulf <b>that attracts large marine life</b>.</p><p> </p><p><b>Endangered <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/whale-watching-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Pacific humpback whales</a></b> from the southern hemisphere <b>migrate here every August to October</b> to breed and give birth. The gulf is vital to the species’ survival, according to the <a href="http://cetaceansgolfodulce.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Center for Cetacean Research of Costa Rica</a> (CEIC), which is lobbying with other environmental organizations to <b>create a</b> <b>Marine Protected Area within Golfo Dulce</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008968275,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008968275,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008968275?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/dolphin-tale-wild-dolphins-golfo-dulce-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Dolphins</a> – Bottlenose Dolphins, Spotted Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, and occasionally-seen False Killer Whales – <b>and also sharks</b> live in these waters. You can find <b>tiger sharks</b> and <b>different species of <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/scalloped-hammerheads-become-first-shark-species-on-the-u-s-endangered-species-list/" target="_blank">hammerhead sharks</a></b> in Golfo Dulce. The <b>area is</b> <b>particularly</b> <b>key for hammerhead sharks</b>, which also come to the gulf to breed and give birth – usually beginning in May. Juvenile sharks then grow for four years in unprotected areas in the Golfo Dulce, according to Andrés López, investigator for the organization <a href="http://misiontiburon.org/en" target="_blank">Misión Tiburón</a> (Shark Mission) in Costa Rica.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008967893,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008967893,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008967893?profile=original" /></a> “Every day we are convinced more about the importance of Golfo Dulce for sharks. Today at dawn we marked 13 hammerhead sharks and two tiger sharks,” reported Misión Tiburón on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Misi%C3%B3n-Tibur%C3%B3n-Costa-Rica/260573634353?fref=photo" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008968301,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008968301,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008968301?profile=original" /></a> </p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NicuesaLodge" target="_blank">Visit Golfo Dulce in Costa Rica</a></p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952670,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952670,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008952670?profile=original" /></a>See amazing marine life in the Golfo Dulce</b> when you stay at <b><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a> in Costa Rica.</b> Set in the rainforest on a <b><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/5-tropical-beaches-want-visit-southern-costa-rica/" target="_blank">remote beach of the Golfo Dulce</a>,</b> the Costa Rica eco-lodge offers <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/activities/ocean-eco-adventures/" target="_blank">boat tours in Golfo Dulce</a> to see marine life and during <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/having-a-whale-of-a-time-at-playa-nicuesa-rainforest-lodge-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">whale-watching season</a>. You also frequently can see beautiful <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/sparkling-bioluminescence-in-golfo-dulce-costa-rica/" target="_blank">bioluminescence in the gulf</a> on clear nights.</p><p> </p><p><b>Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</b> holds the <b>highest <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/our-philosophy-of-sustainability/" target="_blank">Certification for Sustainable Tourism</a> (CST)</b> in Costa Rica, and recently received the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/costa-rica-eco-lodge-named-cleanest-beach-country/" target="_blank">Ecological Blue Flag Award</a> for the fifth time for keeping one of the <b>cleanest beaches in Costa Rica</b> free of trash and pollution.</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/costa-rica-eco-lodge-rates-packages/" target="_blank">Contact Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a> to visit the unique <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/activities/rainforest-eco-adventures/" target="_blank">nature and adventure travel destination</a>.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Go green at Costa Rica eco-friendly hotel L’acqua Vivahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/go-green-at-costa-rica-eco-friendly-hotel-l-acqua-viva2015-06-12T23:03:30.000Z2015-06-12T23:03:30.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963894,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963894,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008963894?profile=original" /></a>Eco-friendly travel and sustainable tourism</b> are some of the <b>top buzzwords today in the travel and tourism industry</b> worldwide. “Go Green” is the slogan you hear most often nowadays. Planet-conscientious travelers are more frequently seeking <b>out eco-friendly lodging wherever they travel</b>.</p><p> </p><p>In <b>ecotourism hotspot Costa Rica</b>, <strong><a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/" target="_blank">L'acqua Viva Resort & Spa</a></strong> is a leading <a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/the-hotel.html" target="_blank">eco-friendly hotel in Nosara</a> on the Nicoya Peninsula. The <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/destinations/lacqua-viva-resort-in-costa-rica-sets-off-exotic-bali-style/" target="_blank">Bali-style Costa Rica luxury hotel</a> is located between the <b>beautiful white sand beach of <a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/beaches/playa-guiones.html" target="_blank">Playa Guiones</a></b> and forested foothills, full of wildlife like <b>frequently visiting</b> <b>howler monkeys</b>.</p><p> </p><p>The <b><a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/location.html" target="_blank">Nosara, Costa Rica</a> area</b> was recommended as one of the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/destinations/nosara-costa-rica-worlds-best-travel-destination-2014/" target="_blank">best places to go</a> by CNN and National Geographic. <b>Playa Guiones</b> at <b>Nosara</b> is one of the <b>most beautiful beaches</b> on the <b>Guanacaste Pacific Coast</b> and is renowned for some of the <b><a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/blog/151-playa-guiones-by-nosara-is-one-of-the-best-surfing-beaches-in-costa-rica-.html" target="_blank">best surfing in Costa Rica</a>.</b></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008958878,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008958878,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008958878?profile=original" /></a></p><p>L'acqua Viva Resort is owned by a family company that makes <a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/sustainability.html" target="_blank">sustainability practices</a> part of the hotel’s daily routine.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>1.</b> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963671,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963671,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008963671?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://lacquaviva.com/en/programs.html#tab_id-399244-5" target="_blank">Recyclable materials</a> are taken to the <a href="http://www.nosararecycles.com/" target="_blank">Nosara Recycling Association</a>, a local woman-run community organization.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>2. Energy saving programs</b> include modern technology appliances in the kitchen and laundry areas, and special switches in hotel rooms that turn on the electricity only with the electronic room key card.</p><p><b>3.</b> L’acqua Viva Resort places particular attention on its gardens since <b>the hotel borders the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/what-to-do-in-nosara-costa-rica-3-top-nature-tours/" target="_blank">Nosara Biological Reserve</a></b>, which in turn <b>adjoins the community-protected strip of land bordering the beachfront</b>. L’acqua Viva’s gardens have become an <b>integral part of the Playa Guiones biological corridor</b> – which makes for <b>great wildlife viewing right at the hotel</b>. Howler and white-faced <b>monkeys</b> pass through the trees, and other animals like <b>coatis</b> walk in the gardens (posing no risk to guests who leave them alone).</p><p>The property on which the hotel was built hosts important <b><a href="http://lacquaviva.com/en/programs.html" target="_blank">native tree species</a> of the northern Pacific region of Costa Rica</b>. Hotel construction has worked around the trees in order to conserve them; more trees have been planted over the years, creating the virtual <b>oasis of green that is a big attraction for hotel guests</b>.</p><p>Additionally, the hotel has a <a href="http://lacquaviva.com/en/programs.html#tab_id-399244-2" target="_blank">fruit and vegetable garden</a> that supplies the restaurant kitchen and the bar with ingredients for meals and drinks. A hotel <a href="http://lacquaviva.com/en/programs.html#tab_id-399244-1" target="_blank">nursery</a> supplies the gardens and also allows for <b>donations to community organizations</b>.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008851501,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008851501,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008851501?profile=original" /></a>4.</b> <a href="http://lacquaviva.com/en/programs.html#tab_id-399244-4" target="_blank">Residual waters and sediments</a> produced from the hotel’s sewage treatment plant irrigate and fertilize the gardens – <b>part of the secret why the gardens stay beautiful all year long</b>.</p><p><b>5.</b> L'acqua Viva Resort <b>maintains the public land around the hotel</b> by cutting back vegetation that hinders visibility along the public road, and that interferes with electrical lines.</p><p><b>6.</b> L’acqua Viva Resort helps <b>sponsor the <a href="http://lacquaviva.com/en/green-coasts.html" target="_blank">Green Coasts Conservation Association</a></b> that is <b>restoring the coastal ecosystem at Playa Guiones</b> by reforesting the beach area with native tree species.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008964673,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008964673,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008964673?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>7.</b> Being part of the Playa Guiones community means helping with local programs like the <b><a href="http://www.visitcostarica.com/ict/paginas/mapas/areasurf.asp?tab=0" target="_blank">Costa Rica Ecological Blue Flag Award</a>,</b> which <a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/en/beaches.html" target="_blank">Playa Guiones, Playa Nosara and Playa Pelada</a> recently received for continuing to be <b>some of <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/BAE2015.jpg" target="_blank">Costa Rica’s cleanest beaches</a>.</b></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008964892,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008964892,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="450" alt="9008964892?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>8.</b> L'acqua Viva Resort supports the <b><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/july-to-december-thousands-of-sea-turtles-come-to-nosara-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Ostional National Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica</a>,</b> the <b>second largest nesting site in the world</b> for <b>Olive Ridley sea turtles</b>, with <b>naturalist guided tours</b>. Turtles nest at Ostional all year round, but from <b>July to December is the time for the mass arrivals of tens of thousands of turtles</b> coming ashore to lay their eggs, called “<b><i>arribadas</i></b>” in Spanish. This amazing phenomenon has been called one of the <b>most spectacular nature events</b> that you can witness in the world.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008853258,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008853258,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008853258?profile=original" /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.lacquaviva.com/" target="_blank">Contact L'acqua Viva Resort & Spa</a></strong> to arrange your <b>Costa Rica beach vacation</b> at beautiful Playa Guiones at Nosara in Costa Rica. <b>L'acqua Viva Resort & Spa is an <a href="http://www.enchanting-hotels.cr/en/lacqua-viva.html" target="_blank">Enchanting Costa Rica Hotel</a></b>.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>How did Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge come to be in the remote Costa Rica jungle?https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/how-did-playa-nicuesa-rainforest-lodge-come-to-be-in-the-remote2015-05-27T22:00:00.000Z2015-05-27T22:00:00.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008956079,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008956079,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008956079?profile=original" /></a>When I first visited <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a> at the end of 2004, what struck me most was <b>how in heaven did this amazing high-end <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/costa-rica-eco-lodge-rates-packages/" target="_blank">Costa Rica eco-lodge</a> come to exist</b> in the middle of a jungle on the sea, with nothing else around?</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296599285,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296599285,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="350" alt="9296599285?profile=original" /></a>The question is a valid one given <b>Nicuesa Lodge’s completely isolated location in <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/getting-here/" target="_blank">southern Costa Rica</a></b>. It is <b>a wild place</b> <b>of dense steamy rainforest and tranquil ocean</b>, intensely populated by <b>thousands of species of tropical wildlife</b>. Playa Nicuesa is a little crescent-shaped beach and small bay on the pristine <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/5-tropical-beaches-want-visit-southern-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Golfo Dulce</a> – “Sweet Gulf” – a critical habitat for <b>migrating Pacific <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/whale-watching-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Humpback Whales</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/dolphin-tale-wild-dolphins-golfo-dulce-costa-rica/" target="_blank">dolphins</a> and hammerhead sharks</b>. The region is dedicated to <b>environmental</b> <b>conservation,</b> from the world-famous <b>Corcovado National Park</b> on the <b>Osa Peninsula</b> to the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/remarkable-rainforest-of-dreams-in-southern-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Piedras Blancas National Park</a> and three other private reserves.</p><p>What keeps <b>Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge so unique and private</b> is that the lodge is <strong>accessible only by boat.</strong> Almost directly across the gulf from the <b>town of Puerto Jimenez</b>, Nicuesa Lodge’s <b>165-acre private preserve</b> is backed by rugged mountains and wild jungle of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Parque-Nacional-Piedras-Blancas/227176070684454" target="_blank">Piedras Blancas National Park</a>. There are <b>no roads</b>, and there is <b>no development</b>.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008956670,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008956670,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="448" alt="9008956670?profile=original" /></a>So, how did a high-end eco-lodge come to be in this pure, remote place?</b></p><p>The <b>story starts with Nicuesa Lodge owner Michael Butler</b>, when he was a young <b>university graduate student studying urban planning in New York</b> in 1992. The tale involves dreams, adventures, faith, hope and a lot of hard work, all leading to the successful Costa Rica rainforest lodge that stands today.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296599691,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296599691,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296599691?profile=original" /></a>Butler had an opportunity to go to Colombia to work on an urban planning project, but first he needed to improve his Spanish language skills. He took a few months to <b>backpack through Central America</b>, which brought him to Costa Rica for the first time.</p><p>He went to Colombia, finished his degree and was working in urban planning in New York. Then in 1994, he <b>visited a friend in the Peace Corps who was stationed in Costa Rica</b>. He traveled all over the country and <b>especially enjoyed the Osa Peninsula and Golfo Dulce</b>. “I met some people and thought it would be neat to live there,” said Butler. But like most people, he <b>returned home and got busy with work and life</b>. Although he never forgot Costa Rica.</p><p><b>He met a girl – Donna, now his wife</b>, who was working as an environmental planner in New York. The couple talked about Michael’s dream <b>of creating an eco-lodge</b>, and in 2000, got serious about starting the business. “We wanted to build something in a pristine place and have as little impact as possible,” said Butler. “We were really going for <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/our-philosophy-of-sustainability/" target="_blank">sustainability</a> when no one knew what that was.”</p><p> </p><p><span class="font-size-4"><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008957096,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008957096,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008957096?profile=original" /></a>Building Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</b></span></p><p>Butler returned to the area <b>he liked best in Costa Rica – the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/getting-here/" target="_blank">Osa Peninsula and Golfo Dulce</a></b>. “I fell in love with that area. It was perfect for what we wanted to do,” he said. “At first we thought we’d buy a lodge to fix up, but we ended up falling in love with the area where we are” – which meant building. The <b>Butlers bought their property</b> – <b>an abandoned <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/learn-to-make-chocolate-on-nicuesa-lodge-cocoa-tour/" target="_blank">cacao plantation</a></b> returning to jungle – <b>in 2001</b>, the same year they married.</p><p>In order to <b>supervise the building</b>, the couple had to <b>move to the remote location</b>. Butler said they <b>rented a small rustic cabin on the next beach</b> (San Josecito). It had an outdoor bathroom, one generator-powered light bulb to use to cook at night, and a propane gas stove. They used a large cooler with blocks of ice to store food, went to town once a week by boat for supplies, and their <b>only mode of communication was a marine radio</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008894087,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008894087,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008894087?profile=original" /></a>For <b>construction materials</b>, it wasn’t like they could get a delivery truck from the nearest hardware store. The Butlers had to <b>buy a barge to transport any materials</b>, including a backhoe once or twice. <b>The main lodge and most of the cabins were built in two years</b>. The couple really <b>paid attention to sustainability</b>, and also the <b>area’s seismic activity</b>. “We made sure we knew where the wood came from, that the gravel didn’t come from the beach, etc.” said Butler.</p><p><b>The wood used came from tree farms and naturally fallen trees</b> pulled out of the forest. <b>Roofing materials are made of recycled plastic banana bags</b>. They had to build the <b>gravity-fed water system</b> from the mountain springs, and invest in a <b>high-tech solar system</b> to generate electricity. “It was really labor intensive. It was a whole operation with like 20 guys living there to build. We ended up going with all local guys,” said Butler.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008957854,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008957854,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008957854?profile=original" /></a></p><p><span class="font-size-4"><b>An eco-lodge is born</b></span></p><p>The hard work paid off and nowadays <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/playa-nicuesa-is-a-top-sustainable-hotel-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a> holds the <b>highest rating</b> in the <b>Costa Rica Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program (CST)</b>. Playa Nicuesa also recently received the important <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/costa-rica-eco-lodge-named-cleanest-beach-country/" target="_blank">Ecological Blue Flag Award</a> for the fifth time for having one of <b>Costa Rica’s cleanest beaches</b>.</p><p><b>Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge opened in April 2003</b> as one of the <b>first true <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/exotic-destination/" target="_blank">eco-lodges in Costa Rica</a></b>. Operating now 12 years, Butler says <b>the lodge has improved greatly over the years</b>. “Things have changed so much now,” he said. “There’s cell phone service at the lodge, electricity, a chef who cooks your meals ….” <b>More <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/accommodations/" target="_blank">cabins</a>, a <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/yoga-and-wellness-nicuesa-lodge/" target="_blank">yoga</a> deck, a <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/harnessing-the-sun%E2%80%99s-energy-in-the-costa-rica-rainforest/" target="_blank">solar drying room</a></b> and employee facilities have been added; gardens and orchards planted.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296599298,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296599298,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9296599298?profile=original" /></a>The <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g309284-d531378-Reviews-Playa_Nicuesa_Rainforest_Lodge-Puerto_Jimenez_Osa_Peninsula_Province_of_Puntarenas.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica rainforest lodge</a> really is a paradise</b> – appreciated more than ever, Butler says since he doesn’t live there full-time anymore. The Butlers first son, Leo, was born in 2004 and spent his first years at the lodge. When the Butlers second son, Henry, was born in 2007, the family needed to move back to “civilization”.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008958470,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008958470,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008958470?profile=original" /></a>For owner Michael Butler, <b>the best part about the maximum 30-guest lodge</b> is the <b>uncrowded pristine nature</b>. “You experience a big rain in the rainforest. Go out for a <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/activities/ocean-eco-adventures/" target="_blank">kayak</a> at sunset and you’re the only person out there. And then you have a bartender making you a cocktail and a chef cooking you a fresh meal,” he said. “You go on the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/activities/rainforest-eco-adventures/" target="_blank">waterfall hike</a>, and it’s just you. There aren’t six groups coming up behind you. Our lodge seems to always be the highlight of people’s vacations, something they always remember.”</p><p><strong>For a real Costa Rica rainforest experience,</strong> <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/costa-rica-eco-lodge-rates-packages/reservations/" target="_blank">contact Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a><strong>.</strong></p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Costa Rica's cleanest beacheshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/costa-rica-s-cleanest-beaches2015-04-24T01:58:01.000Z2015-04-24T01:58:01.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p>The <b>trash problem of the world’s oceans</b> has reached epic proportions. However, in the small Central American nation of <b>Costa Rica</b>, <b>108 beach communities</b> <b>have taken a stand against litter and pollution</b> and are working to make a difference in the world predicament.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952101,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952101,original{{/staticFileLink}}" height="181" width="233" alt="9008952101?profile=original" /></a>The record number of Costa Rica beaches</b> received <b><a href="http://blog.natureair.com/index.php/2013/07/what-is-costa-ricas-blue-flag-program/" target="_blank">Ecological Blue Flag Awards</a> for 2014</b> for having good ecological practices, clean beaches, community cooperation and coastal protection. The <b>annual awards</b> were given out in a ceremony held in March 2015.</p><p> </p><p>One of these Costa Rica beaches that are tackling the world problem of ocean pollution is <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa</a>. The small beach <b>on the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/getting-here/" target="_blank">Golfo Dulce in southern Costa Rica</a></b> is home to <b><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a>,</b> a sustainable Costa Rica eco-lodge known for its <b>pristine tropical beach</b>, <b>beautiful rainforest</b>, and <b>jade green Pacific Ocean</b> so clear you can see to the bottom. The region is a <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/does-real-eco-tourism-exist-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">giant conservation area</a> that includes the world-famous <b>Corcovado National Park</b> on the <b>Osa Peninsula</b>, the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/remarkable-rainforest-of-dreams-in-southern-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Piedras Blancas National Park</a> and three other private reserves. The unique <b>Golfo Dulce</b> – “Sweet Gulf” – is a critical habitat for <b>migrating <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/having-a-whale-of-a-time-at-playa-nicuesa-rainforest-lodge-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Pacific Humpback Whales</a></b>, and <b><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/dolphin-tale-wild-dolphins-golfo-dulce-costa-rica/" target="_blank">dolphins</a> and sea turtles</b>.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008873474,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008873474,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008873474?profile=original" /></a>Keeping these beaches unspoiled</b> is important, and <b>is</b> <b>a full-time job that Nicuesa Lodge staff</b> undertakes with conviction. This is the fifth time Nicuesa Lodge has been honored with receiving the <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/BAE2015.jpg" target="_blank">Blue Flag Award</a> for being one of <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/2015/03/27/costa-ricas-cleanest-beaches" target="_blank">Costa Rica’s cleanest beaches</a>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008956880,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="300" class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008956880,original{{/staticFileLink}}" height="234" alt="9008956880?profile=original" /></a>“We are proud to say that <b>Playa Nicuesa is a very clean beach</b>, where our guests can enjoy it without any danger. We constantly hold beach cleanups to keep our beach clean,” said Natalia Solis, Sustainability Coordinator at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge. “These efforts to help nature are of the utmost importance to Playa Nicuesa since it is <b>part of the philosophy and principles that we have as a <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/our-philosophy-of-sustainability/" target="_blank">sustainable hotel</a></b>.”</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</b> is one of only three dozen hotels in Costa Rica that have received the <b>highest rating</b> in the <b><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/playa-nicuesa-is-a-top-sustainable-hotel-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program</a> (CST)</b> by the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT).</p><p>In addition to its participation in the 19-year-old <a href="http://www.visitcostarica.com/ict/paginas/mapas/areasurf.asp?tab=0" target="_blank">Costa Rica Blue Flag Ecological Program</a> (<i>Bandera Azul Ecológica</i>), the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/costa-rica-eco-lodge-rates-packages/" target="_blank">Costa Rica eco-lodge</a> is involved in <b>many sustainable environmental projects:</b></p><ul><li><b>Beach cleanups</b> every four to six weeks by staff and guests.</li><li>Maintain five <b>trash receptacles near the beach</b> at Playa Nicuesa.</li><li>Work with the <b>Costa Rica Health Ministry campaign against dengue fever</b> in the region.</li><li>Hold <b>workshops on environmental issues</b>.</li><li><b>Test the hotel’s potable water</b> at least every three months to ensure its safe drinkability.</li><li><b>Test the ocean water</b> at Playa Nicuesa twice a year.</li><li><b>Reforestation</b> with native Costa Rican tree species to <b>create a biological corridor</b>.</li></ul><p> </p><p>“We know that we only have one planet and it is our home; this is why we try to improve our sustainable practices,” said Solis. “We hope that many more people join this program and that there are more beaches like Playa Nicuesa to set an example and motivate others to work together to protect our country’s precious natural resources.”</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008957492,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008957492,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008957492?profile=original" /></a>Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</b></p><p> </p><p>A true <b>Costa Rica rainforest lodge</b>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NicuesaLodge" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a> is located on a <b>165-acre private rainforest preserve</b>. Being a <b>unique <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/costa-rica-eco-lodge-rates-packages/vacation-packages/multisport-escapade/" target="_blank">adventure travel destination</a></b>, the <b>only way to get there is by boat</b> across the pristine waters of the Golfo Dulce from either <b>Golfito</b> or <b>Puerto Jimenez</b>.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Santa Teresa Rises to Trendy Costa Rica Beach Destinationhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/santa-teresa-rises-to-trendy-costa-rica-beach-destination2013-01-10T15:47:22.000Z2013-01-10T15:47:22.000ZDanny Solano Alvarezhttps://tripatini.com/members/DannySolanoAlvarez<div><p><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Santa-Teresa.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Santa-Teresa-233x300.jpg?width=233" width="233" alt="Santa-Teresa-233x300.jpg?width=233" /></a>Once, <strong><a class="zem_slink" title="Santa Teresa, Costa Rica" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=9.65,-85.1666666667&spn=0.1,0.1&q=9.65,-85.1666666667%20(Santa%20Teresa%2C%20Costa%20Rica)&t=h" target="_blank">Santa Teresa</a></strong> was a small fishing village, home to a handful of families who lived off the sea, along with small-scale agriculture and cattle ranching. Like many of <strong>Costa Rica’s top beach destinations</strong> along the <strong><a class="zem_slink" title="Nicoya Peninsula" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=10.0,-85.4166667&spn=1.0,1.0&q=10.0,-85.4166667%20(Nicoya%20Peninsula)&t=h" target="_blank">Nicoya Peninsula</a></strong>, Santa Teresa’s isolation from poor or non-existing roads kept this <strong>tropical paradise</strong> off the beaten track for decades.</p><p>From the hilly interior, the jungle sweeps down the mountains to the Pacific Ocean, hugging the shore and creating some of the <strong>most beautiful and hidden beaches of Costa Rica</strong>.</p><p>Located about 150 kilometers (93 miles) west of the capital city of <strong>San José</strong>, across the sparkling blue <strong><a class="zem_slink" title="Gulf of Nicoya" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=9.8,-84.8&spn=1.0,1.0&q=9.8,-84.8%20(Gulf%20of%20Nicoya)&t=h" target="_blank">Nicoya Gulf</a></strong>, the <strong>southern Nicoya Peninsula</strong> originally belonged to Nicaragua during the colonial period. It only became part of Costa Rica in 1825, when Central America gained independence from Spain.</p><p>The coastal area of <strong>Santa Teresa, <a class="zem_slink" title="Malpais, Costa Rica" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=9.65,-85.0666666667&spn=0.1,0.1&q=9.65,-85.0666666667%20(Malpais%2C%20Costa%20Rica)&t=h" target="_blank">Mal Pais</a> and Montezuma</strong> was discovered by camping backpackers and surfers in the early 1990s and has become one of Costa Rica’s most secluded gems. Stretching over 5 kilometers (3 miles) along a winding gravel road between green forested hills and palm and almond tree-shaded beaches, Santa Teresa today is a <strong>thriving tourism destination</strong>. The top internet travel site Trip Advisor has named <strong>Santa Teresa “Best Beach in Central America”</strong> two years running in their annual Traveler’s Choice Awards. Forbes Magazine also tagged Playa Santa Teresa as one of the <strong>world’s top beaches.</strong></p><p>Santa Teresa is known for its gold and light sand beaches, <strong>excellent and consistent surf</strong> conditions, warm crystal-clear aquamarine water, interesting volcanic reef formations, relaxing atmosphere, and <strong>spectacular sunsets</strong> over the Pacific Ocean. Being a transitional zone between the northern Guanacaste region’s dry forest climate and the southern tropical rainforest, the southern Nicoya Peninsula receives more annual rain, making it greener and lush.</p><p>Picture it … soft, cushy light sand, rhythmic deep blue waves rolling onto shore, soft breezes wafting playfully over you as you lounge in the shade of palm trees. Surfers bounce, flip and skim through the cobalt water and white froth. The warm yellow sun throws a zillion sparkles across the water.</p><p><strong><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Tropico-08-yoga.jpg"><img class="align-right" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Tropico-08-yoga-194x300.jpg?width=155" width="155" alt="Tropico-08-yoga-194x300.jpg?width=155" /></a>Many travelers from around the world</strong> have fallen in love with that image. They only planned a short Costa Rica surf vacation, then fell in love and decided to stay. <strong>Cosmopolitan settlers</strong> have added their spice and style to the local flavor – a combination of cultures from places like Israel, Argentina, Italy, Spain, France, United States, Germany, and others, mixed into Costa Rica life. The Costa Ricans and immigrants who have settled in Playa Santa Teresa have grown the quiet backwater over the past 10 years into a lively little town. An eclectic melting pot of surfers, artists, hippies, spiritual seekers and celebrities, the community has built an array of <strong>exceptional international restaurants, hotels and shops</strong>.</p><p>Though Santa Teresa is now a <strong>trendy new travel destination in Costa Rica</strong>, it is still a remote place with basic infrastructure. Roads and transportation are improving slowly. Thankfully, hotels and businesses have still remained small and mostly privately owned, tucked here and there throughout the trees and beach with no high-rise buildings yet, helping to preserve both the views and the relaxed and unhurried atmosphere of the town.</p><p>Tourism centers on surfing, swimming, hiking, beach strolling, and sunset hour. <strong>Surfers from all over the world</strong> are attracted to <strong>Playa Santa Teresa’s exquisite beaches and its fantastic surf</strong> … big, small, beach breaks, reef breaks, point breaks, and so on. Playa Santa Teresa and neighboring Playa del Carmen hold the <strong>“Blue Flag”</strong> since 2001, a national ecological program award for clean beaches, untainted water, and regular community beach cleanup events.</p><p>However, you don't have to be a surfer to enjoy Santa Teresa. You can <strong>explore miles of picture-perfect coastline</strong> walking to the north or south of Santa Teresa, plus tide pool exploring and snorkeling in the volcanic reef formations. And there are <strong>numerous other outdoor activities</strong> like horseback riding, canopy zip lines, fishing tours, diving and snorkeling, stand-up paddle surfing, yoga classes and retreats, and hiking in the nearby Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve. For the quintessential <strong>tropical beach wedding and honeymoon in Costa Rica</strong>, Santa Teresa is the ideal place to find both romance and privacy.</p><p>Come stay a spell in Santa Teresa and see if it calls to you to be your new home. <a title="Hotel Tropico Latino on Playa Santa Teresa in Costa Rica" href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Hotel Tropico Latino</strong></a> is a relaxed <strong><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Tropico-07.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Tropico-07-300x228.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="Tropico-07-300x228.jpg?width=300" /></a></strong>and charming oasis fronting <strong>Santa Teresa Beach</strong>, amid four acres of serene, abundant gardens – a heavenly Costa Rica vacation destination. Hotel Tropico Latino features a full-service <a title="Hotel Tropico Latino's full-service Yoga Spa on the beach" href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/spa.html" target="_blank">beachfront Spa</a>, a <a title="Yoga on Santa Teresa Beach at Hotel Tropico Latino" href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga.html" target="_blank">beachfront yoga</a> platform with daily classes and activities, <a title="Surf lessons and surf retreats at Hotel Tropico Latino" href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/activities/surf-lessons.html" target="_blank">surfing and surf instruction</a> in front of the hotel, and regular <a title="Yoga and Surf Retreats at Hotel Tropico Latino" href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats.html" target="_blank">yoga and surf retreats</a>. Their exquisitely-designed <a title="Tropical bungalows and suites at Hotel Tropico Latino" href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation.html" target="_blank">tropical bungalows and suites</a> deliver relaxed, well-appointed luxury. The open-air beachfront <a title="Shambala Restaurant at Hotel Tropico Latino in Santa Teresa" href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/dinning.html" target="_blank"><strong>Shambala Restaurant</strong></a>, run by award-winning Chef Randy Siles, is nationally-recognized for its delicious and creative international cuisine. Relax by their beachside pool or lounge in a hammock under a grove of coconut and almond trees as you watch a breathtaking sunset. Or enjoy a professional massage while you listen to the rhythm of the waves at the ocean's edge. Hotel Tropico Latino is a Trip Advisor “Certificate of Excellence” winner.</p><p><strong>To get to Playa Santa Teresa</strong>, drive to the port of <strong>Puntarenas</strong> on the <strong>Central Pacific Coast</strong> and take the <strong>ferry</strong> (1-1/2 hours) to Paquera; drive another 75-90 minutes, going past Tambor and Cobano to the crossroads for <strong>Mal Pais and Santa Teresa</strong>; turn right toward Santa Teresa. <strong>Direct bus connections</strong> travel regularly between San José and Santa Teresa using the ferry. Many visitors take a <strong>domestic flight to Tambor</strong> on either Nature Air or Sansa Airlines; Santa Teresa is approximately a 50-minute drive from the Tambor airport. You can also take a <strong>taxi boat</strong> from the Central Pacific beach town of <strong>Jaco</strong> that departs daily at 10:45 am and arrives in one hour to Montezuma at the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula; from there it is an hour drive to Santa Teresa.</p><p>By Shannon Farley</p></div>Santa Teresa Costa Rica beaches honored for being cleanest in countryhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/santa-teresa-costa-rica-beaches-honored-for-being-cleanest-in2015-05-13T23:23:52.000Z2015-05-13T23:23:52.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952452,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952452,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008952452?profile=original" /></a>Walk down the <b>Pacific beaches of <a href="http://pranamarvillascr.com/en/the-beach.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a></b> and you’re likely to see long, empty stretches of white sand, beautiful blue rolling waves, multicolored crushed seashells and interesting rocks and pebbles. What you <b>won’t see so much is trash</b>.</p><p> </p><p>The <a href="http://pranamarvillascr.com/en/the-hotel/how-to-get-there.html" target="_blank">southern Nicoya Peninsula beaches</a> of <b>Playa Hermosa, Playa Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen and Mal Pais</b> all were <b>honored once again</b> with the <a href="http://www.visitcostarica.com/ict/paginas/mapas/areasurf.asp?tab=0" target="_blank">Costa Rica Ecological Blue Flag Award</a> by the Costa Rican Tourism Board for being <b>some of the <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/BAE2015.jpg" target="_blank">cleanest beaches in the country</a></b>. A record <b>108 Costa Rica beaches</b> received <b>Ecological Blue Flag Awards for 2014</b>, presented at a ceremony in March 2015. <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/santa-teresa-costa-rica-chosen-top-beach-central-america/" target="_blank">Award-winning Santa Teresa Beach in Costa Rica</a> also was chosen one of the <b><a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-12-22/top-15-places-to-go-in-2015-cuba-south-africa-bahamas/2" target="_blank">Top 15 Places to Go in 2015</a> by</b> <b>Condé</b> <b>Nast Traveler.</b></p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952101,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952101,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008952101?profile=original" /></a>Costa Rica’s Blue Flag award is an honor</b> for a community to earn. It means that community’s beach has near-perfect ocean water quality, potable water quality, coastal sanitation areas, treated waste and run-off water, garbage containers and very little litter.</p><p> </p><p><b>At Playa Hermosa, it all started four years ago</b> when hotel owner Tara Shaw encouraged her business neighbors to join her in cleaning the beach. “I used to go running on the beach and used to cry about all of the plastic trash. My family and I used to go out there and clean up,” said Shaw, who owns the small hotel of Villas Hermosas at Playa Hermosa with her husband, Brad. “Now, Hermosa has grown enough that a lot of people are really supportive.”</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008953059,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008953059,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008953059?profile=original" /></a>Playa Hermosa</b> – aptly named “<i>Beautiful Beach</i>” – keeps its beauty <b>thanks to the hard work and dedication of Costa Rican Maxfred Moraga</b> and the committed business owners who sponsor him in the <b>community beach cleaning program</b>. <b>Nine businesses at Playa Hermosa cooperate</b> to pay Moraga’s salary and the cleanup expenses. <b>Moraga works six days a week all year</b> – with vacation time – <b>to pick up trash</b> brought in on the Pacific tides, that is left behind by beach-goers or washed out from nearby rivers. The rubbish is collected in extra-large garden-size trash bags, separated between <b>garbage and recycling</b>, and brought to a municipal trash collection spot.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008953456,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="300" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008953456,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008953456?profile=original" /></a>“Such a proud moment today! Our beach, Playa Hermosa, has been given the honor by the respected Blue Flag program of the <b>cleanest beach in the entire (large) province of Puntarenas</b>,” wrote Shaw on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Villas-Hermosas/37772908384?fref=ts" target="_blank">Villas Hermosas Facebook page</a>. “<b>Several Northern Santa Teresa / Hermosa businesses (Batik, Pranamar Villas and Yoga Retreat, Zopilote Surf Camp, The White House, Florblanca Resort, Latitude 10º Resort, Purasonica, Rancho Cielo, and us at Villas Hermosas)</b> have been contributing for a full-time worker to pick up garbage 6 days per week for the last 4 years in our part of town, and it has obviously paid off! Thanks so much to Maxfred, our cleaner the last three years, and all contributors who help us with this program. Best. Neighbours. Ever.”</p><p>“I am happy, not only that we got the award for being one of the cleanest beaches in the country and being able to enjoy it every day, but by the fact that my kids are growing in <b>a community where people do care</b>,” commented Mario Matarrita, manager at <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/" target="_blank">Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat</a>, which contributes to the community program. “After all, <b>this is for our future generation</b>, and these kinds of actions will hopefully set them on the right path.”</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008953267,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008953267,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008953267?profile=original" /></a>Being <b>right on the beach at Playa Hermosa in Santa Teresa</b>, <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/the-hotel.html" target="_blank">Pranamar Oceanfront Villas</a> also uses its own staff to keep its area of the beach well-groomed and free of trash and debris. The Santa Teresa hotel specializes in <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-classes-and-retreats.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica yoga retreats</a> and <b><a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/packages/surf-yoga-packages.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica surfing vacations</a>,</b> with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pranamaroceanfrontvillas" target="_blank">daily yoga classes</a> for hotel guests and the public. <b>Pranamar Oceanfront Villas was named</b> <b>a</b> <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/local-experts/costa-rica/top-5-yoga-retreats-costa-rica" target="_blank">Top 5 Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica</a> by Travel & Leisure Magazine.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>What’s cooking at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge in Costa Rica?https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/what-s-cooking-at-playa-nicuesa-rainforest-lodge-in-costa-rica2015-04-01T00:08:45.000Z2015-04-01T00:08:45.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008949874,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008949874,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008949874?profile=original" /></a>Let’s face it; we all care about what we eat. So if <b>visiting a <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/exotic-destination/" target="_blank">remote jungle eco-lodge</a></b> is in your plans, you might be <b>wondering if mealtime will resemble a <i>Mission Survive</i> episode</b> or be awesome.</p><p> </p><p>In fact, remote <strong><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/" target="_blank">Costa Rica eco-lodge Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a></strong> gets regular <b>rave reviews from guests</b> about its <b><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/dining_costa_rica_eco_lodge/" target="_blank">exceptional, fresh, gourmet cuisine</a>. The abundance of fresh, healthy and wholesome ingredients</b> is inspiring, and <b>head chef Edixon Lezcano</b> adds a huge helping of creativity to Nicuesa’s menus. There are <b>Asian influences</b> – soy, ginger, citrus and tamarind sauces and dressings. There are <b>Latino influences</b> – quinoa, rice, beans, sauces and cooking methods. And then there are <b>“Edixon influences”</b> like homemade rich dark chocolate cake served with a sweet citrus sauce made from cas fruit (a kind of guava).</p><p> </p><p>“I try to serve healthy cuisine that is low in fat, using natural products that are not artificial,” noted Lezcano, who has delighted guests with his fantastic meals for the past eight years at Nicuesa Lodge.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008949693,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008949693,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008949693?profile=original" /></a>One of the great aspects about <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a> is that <b>you don’t have to worry about where you are going to eat or what you will eat</b>. <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/frequently-asked-questions/" target="_blank">All meals are included</a> with your stay at the premier Costa Rica rainforest lodge, due to its remote wilderness location. <b>Playa Nicuesa</b> sits on the <b>Golfo Dulce</b> (“Sweet Gulf”) <b>in <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/getting-here/" target="_blank">southern Costa Rica</a>,</b> next to the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/remarkable-rainforest-of-dreams-in-southern-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Piedras Blancas National Park</a> and across from the <b>Osa Peninsula.</b> It is an area of <b>pristine tropical wilderness</b> – a <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/exotic-destination/" target="_blank">unique adventure travel destination</a>.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008820465,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008820465,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008820465?profile=original" /></a>Meals are <b>served with flair</b> in Nicuesa Lodge’s <b>magnificent two-story tree house-style main lodge building</b>. The <b>open-air dining area</b> lets you look out at the tree canopy (great for wildlife spotting), the forest, beach and ocean; an open side deck is perfect for gazing at the night sky packed with stars. <b>Seating is family-style</b> with everyone at the lodge, which leads to <b>wonderful engaging conversations</b> about that day’s adventures, other travels and the beauty of life.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008893672,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008893672,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9008893672?profile=original" /></a>On Nicuesa’s 165-acre private reserve they <b>grow tropical fruit trees</b> like mangoes, star fruit, cas guava, oranges, lemons, papayas, water apples, bananas, plantains and coconuts. The <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/activities/rainforest-eco-adventures/" target="_blank">edible garden</a> supplies pineapples, sugar cane, basil, spinach, and other vegetables and herbs. They even grow cacao trees and offer a <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/learn-to-make-chocolate-on-nicuesa-lodge-cocoa-tour/" target="_blank">chocolate tour</a> to show you the delicious process of making organic chocolate. <b>All breads, tortillas, desserts, juices and sauces are made fresh on-site</b>.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008951254,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008951254,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008951254?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/activities/bountiful-fishing-trips/" target="_blank">Fishing</a> is a popular pastime</b> at the Costa Rica eco-lodge, which is a bonus for the kitchen. “If someone goes fishing and catches fish, we serve it the same day along with dinner to treat everyone,” said Lezcano.</p><p> </p><p>There are <b>always vegetarian and kids’ options</b> at all meals. <b>Happy hour</b> is one of the best times of the day, when guests gather for exotic tropical drink specials and tempting appetizers <b>every night before dinner</b> in the candlelit bar.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008951479,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008951479,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9008951479?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/costa-rica-eco-lodge-rates-packages/reservations/" target="_blank">Contact Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a> to book your <b><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/costa-rica-eco-lodge-rates-packages/vacation-packages/family-adventure/" target="_blank">Costa Rica family vacation</a>, <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/costa-rica-eco-lodge-rates-packages/vacation-packages/honeymoon-getaway/" target="_blank">honeymoon</a>, <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/costa-rica-eco-lodge-rates-packages/vacation-packages/rainforest-eco-rainforest/" target="_blank">nature</a>and <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/costa-rica-eco-lodge-rates-packages/vacation-packages/multisport-escapade/" target="_blank">adventure vacation</a>, or</b> <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/yoga-and-wellness-nicuesa-lodge/" target="_blank">yoga retreat</a>.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ShannonFarley/posts" target="_blank">Shannon Farley</a><br /></i></b></p></div>Santa Teresa is a top national Costa Rica surfing beachhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/santa-teresa-is-a-top-national-costa-rica-surfing-beach2015-04-22T02:36:23.000Z2015-04-22T02:36:23.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008940468,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008940468,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008940468?profile=original" /></a>Surfing hotspot of <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a> is a favorite among national pro surfers in Costa Rica. The award-winning beach was in the spotlight <b>April 18-19</b>, <strong>2015</strong> for the season’s fourth <b>2015 <a href="http://www.surfingcr.net/esp/Site/Index.shtml" target="_blank">Costa Rica National Surfing Circuit</a> competition,</b> sponsored by ISAW Action Cameras of Australia. <b>Competitive surfers from all over Costa Rica</b> came to Santa Teresa to compete. </p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008941665,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008941665,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="448" alt="9008941665?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/learn-how-to-surf-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Surfing in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a></p><p> </p><p>On Costa Rica’s southern <b>Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa</b> and neighboring <b><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/destinations/costa-rica-surfing-paradise-malpais-santa-teresa/" target="_blank">Mal Pais</a> draw visitors from all over the world</b> who come to <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/activities/surfing-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">surf</a>, relax, do <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">yoga</a>, and enjoy one of <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cTop-g291958" target="_blank">Central America’s top tropical beaches</a>.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008941701,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008941701,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008941701?profile=original" /></a>The <b>white sand beach of Santa Teresa</b> and neighboring <a href="http://www.nicoyapeninsula.com/teresa/surf.php" target="_blank">Playa Carmen, Playa Hermosa and Mal Pais</a> offer consistent beach breaks and point breaks for experienced and beginner surfers. Water temperatures are usually 83-85°F; no wetsuit needed! Up-to-date <a href="http://magicseaweed.com/Playa-Santa-Teresa-Surf-Report/914/" target="_blank">surf conditions for Santa Teresa</a> are reported daily by Magic Seaweed.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008858655,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008858655,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008858655?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Where to stay in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a></p><p> </p><p>Whether you are coming to <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/activities/surfing-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">surf Santa Teresa</a> or just relax</b>, your place to stay is <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a>.</b> The <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/location.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa beachfront hotel</a> at beautiful <b>Playa Carmen</b> caters to surfers and yoga enthusiasts with <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/costa-rica-surf-camp-in-santa-teresa-beach.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica surf vacations</a> and <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/costa-rica-yoga-retreats-at-santa-teresa-beach.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica yoga retreats</a>. Playa Carmen</b> was recently awarded the <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/2015/03/27/costa-ricas-cleanest-beaches" target="_blank">Ecological Blue Flag</a> by the Costa Rican Tourism Board for being <b>one of the <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/BAE2015.jpg" target="_blank">cleanest beaches in the country</a></b>.</p><p> </p><p>Find out the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/travel-tips/best-ways-get-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">best ways to get to Santa Teresa Beach in Costa Rica</a> from San Jose.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Day-dreaming about Costa Rica? Get packing!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/day-dreaming-about-costa-rica-get-packing2015-03-27T00:39:17.000Z2015-03-27T00:39:17.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008935079,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008935079,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="498" alt="9008935079?profile=original" /></a>I’m sitting at my desk, meant to be working. What I’m really doing is daydreaming about <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/activities/ocean-eco-adventures/" target="_blank">snorkeling in the Golfo Dulce in Costa Rica</a>.</p><p> </p><p>I’m plotting how I can get <b>back to <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a> on <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/exotic-destination/" target="_blank">Golfo Dulce</a></b>. I’m remembering swimming in that calm sea and <b>the feel of delicious water</b> – not bath-water warm, but not cold either. I’m thinking about <b>how clear the Golfo Dulce water is</b>, and how vibrantly it <b>changes color from deep jade green</b> next to the shoreline where it reflects the jungle, <b>to bright blue</b> where it mirrors the immense sky. And I’m remembering the <b>thrill at <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/dolphin-tale-wild-dolphins-golfo-dulce-costa-rica/" target="_blank">seeing wild dolphins</a></b> splash and play nearby.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296596487,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296596487,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296596487?profile=original" /></a>It takes <b>a journey to get to</b> <b>the</b> <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/accommodations/" target="_blank">Costa Rica rainforest lodge</a> <b>of</b> <b>Playa Nicuesa</b>, but most <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/exotic-destination/" target="_blank">unique locations</a> do. And it is worth it. <b>The <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/our-philosophy-of-sustainability/" target="_blank">Costa Rica eco-lodge</a></b> sits on the <b>Golfo Dulce</b> (“Sweet Gulf”) <b>in <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/getting-here/" target="_blank">southern Costa Rica</a>,</b> next to the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/remarkable-rainforest-of-dreams-in-southern-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Piedras Blancas National Park</a> and across from the <b>Osa Peninsula.</b> It is an area of <b>pristine tropical wilderness</b> – something you don’t see every day.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008873474,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008873474,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008873474?profile=original" /></a>When you get there, you have <b>free use of kayaks, snorkeling and fishing equipment</b>, and <b>unlimited self-guided <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/activities/" target="_blank">hikes in the rainforest</a> included</b> with your stay. Playa Nicuesa also has <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/yoga-and-wellness-nicuesa-lodge/" target="_blank">yoga classes</a>, and <b>guided half-day and full-day tours</b>.</p><p><em> </em></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296596498,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296596498,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="486" alt="9296596498?profile=original" /></a>For <b>snorkeling</b>, water clarity is best during summer season (January to May), but is <b>wonderful any time of year</b>. During <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/having-a-whale-of-a-time-at-playa-nicuesa-rainforest-lodge-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">whale-watching season</a> in August and September in the Gulf, you might see a migrating <b>Humpback Whale mother and her calf,</b> or a male whale looking for a mate. Almost always you will <b>see dolphins</b>. One year, a guest snorkeled right along with a massive (and gentle) whale shark.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008935877,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008935877,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008935877?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/activities/ocean-eco-adventures/" target="_blank">Snorkeling activities at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a> include:</b></p><p></p><p>Snorkeling right <b>off the Playa Nicuesa boat dock or beach</b> to see multitudes of reef fish.</p><h3><span class="font-size-2"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008936454,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008936454,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008936454?profile=original" /></a>A kayaking/snorkeling tour (2-3 hours) from Playa Nicuesa along the Golfo Dulce shoreline to a secluded beach with rocky reef housing fish, eels, urchins and starfish</span>.</h3><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008936492,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008936492,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008936492?profile=original" /></a>A <b>boat tour of Golfo Dulce</b> <b>(</b><b>2-4 hours)</b> to look for dolphins and other marine life, and <b>snorkel</b> in protected sites with coral reef. Marine life you may see include reef fish, schools of fish, spotted rays, starfish, dolphins and sea turtles.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008937465,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008937465,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008937465?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Contact Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge to book your Costa Rica adventure.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>People need nature. See why in the Costa Rica rainforest.https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/people-need-nature-see-why-in-the-costa-rica-rainforest2015-03-16T14:36:22.000Z2015-03-16T14:36:22.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008820465,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008820465,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008820465?profile=original" /></a>Article by <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ShannonFarley/posts" target="_blank">Shannon Farley</a><br /></b></p><p></p><p>“Nature doesn’t need people. People need nature,” is the message from <a href="http://natureisspeaking.org/" target="_blank">Conservation International</a>. The <b>environmental organization’s</b> <b>widely popular video campaigns</b> use famous actors’ and actresses’ voices with beautiful video footage of nature in two-minute messages to promote their important <a href="http://natureisspeaking.org/about.html" target="_blank">manifesto</a>:</p><p><b>“Human beings are part of nature. Nature is not dependent on human beings to exist. Human beings, on the other hand, are totally dependent on nature to exist.”</b></p><p>In Conservation International’s <b>“Nature is speaking” videos</b>, the pervading missive is “the only way to save ourselves is to listen to nature.”</p><p>“If they don’t figure out that <b>they are a part of nature, instead of just using nature</b>, they won’t be around,” cautions actor Robert Redford, speaking as a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3e66bnuxV2A" target="_blank">redwood tree</a> about humans.</p><p>“One way or another, every living thing here needs me,” advises actor Harrison Ford in Conservation International’s video about the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM6txLtoaoc" target="_blank">ocean</a>. “It’s not their planet anyway. Never was. Never will be … <b>if nature isn’t kept healthy, humans won’t survive</b>. Simple as that.”</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rM6txLtoaoc?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe></p><p>There is a video about the crucial importance of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVMV3StvLCs" target="_blank">coral reef</a> on the planet, and a dramatic chilling message about not ever eating again if humans keep destroying <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dor4XvjA8Wo" target="_blank">the soil</a>. There is a lighthearted video on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_OxI2JZex4" target="_blank">beautiful flowers</a> and their key role in nature, and a harbinger of doom about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwV9OYeGN88" target="_blank">water</a>and the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM6txLtoaoc" target="_blank">power of the oceans</a>. The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBqMJzv4Cs8" target="_blank">rainforest</a>is our source for wood, medicinal plants, escape, and most importantly, air. Julia Roberts as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmVLcj-XKnM" target="_blank">Mother Nature</a> tells us that she does not need us, but rather we need her.</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WmVLcj-XKnM?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe> </p><p>Roberts’ narrative sums up the significance: “Some call me nature. Others call me ‘Mother Nature.’ I’ve been here for over 4.5 billion years – 22,500 times longer than you. I don’t really need people, but people need me … when I thrive, you thrive. When I falter, you falter, or worse.”</p><p><b>You can <a href="http://natureisspeaking.org/act.html" target="_blank">take action to join nature</a></b> and <b>see the ocean, rainforest, soil, flowers, rivers and coral reef</b> in Mother Nature’s entire splendor at <b><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a> in Costa Rica</b>. The extraordinary <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/costa-rica-eco-lodge-rates-packages/" target="_blank">Costa Rica eco-lodge</a> is located on a <b>165-acre private preserve</b> on the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/exotic-destination/" target="_blank">Golfo Dulce</a> (“Sweet Gulf”) in <b>southern Costa Rica</b>. The <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/our-philosophy-of-sustainability/" target="_blank">sustainably-designed property</a> borders the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/activities/rainforest-eco-adventures/" target="_blank">Piedras Blancas National Park</a> and the <b><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/about-playa-nicuesa/getting-here/" target="_blank">Osa Peninsula</a>.</b></p><p> </p></div>