rentals - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-29T07:26:34Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/rentals3 Useful Tips for Choosing Los Suenos Vacation Rentalshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/3-useful-tips-for-choosing-los-suenos-vacation-rentals2018-10-29T05:10:18.000Z2018-10-29T05:10:18.000ZDream Raiser Sportfishinghttps://tripatini.com/members/DreamRaiserSportfishing<div><p>Finding the right hotel or taking up residence in a remote area can definitely be tricky especially when you are planning to visit an offbeat location. However, you would do well to check the options available in and around the destination that you have in mind. Booking one of the luxurious condos that are included in Los Suenos vacation rentals can help you to have a whale of the time with all the necessities taken care of most effectively. Finding the right hotel or taking up residence in a remote area can definitely be tricky especially when you are planning to visit an offbeat location. However, you would do well to check the options available in and around the destination that you have in mind. Booking one of the luxurious condos that are included in <a href="https://www.fish-costa-rica.com/condos/" target="_blank">Los Suenos vacation rentals can help you</a> to have a whale of the time with all the necessities taken care of most effectively. </p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009321077,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009321077,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" class="align-center" alt="9009321077?profile=original" /></a></p><p><br />Unfortunately, not every rental house can help you to feel at home in a far-flung location. So, gear up to ask a few tough questions and inquire about the pros and cons of every rental home on offer before taking the final plunge. Here are a few basic things that you need to consider before you book a luxury Los Suenos Resort Costa Rica too. </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009321867,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009321867,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" class="align-center" alt="9009321867?profile=original" /></a></p><ol><li><strong>Read the reviews</strong>- You might actually find the reviews unbiased and surprisingly helpful. </li><li><strong>Amenities</strong>- Be sure to talk to the authorities and get all your doubts cleared about the amenities on offer before you hit the ‘book’ button.</li><li><strong>Transportation</strong>- It also makes sense to locate your dream destination in order to find out how far out you would be located from the nearest habitation. </li></ol></div>6 Things to Enjoy with Your Dog in Fort Myers Beach, Floridahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/fort-myers-beach-florida-pet-travel-dogs2020-04-09T13:56:03.000Z2020-04-09T13:56:03.000ZNancy Ahujahttps://tripatini.com/members/NancyAhuja<div><p><br /> <br /> <em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009417075,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009417075,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009417075?profile=original" /></a><a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/es/foto/ni%C3%B1o-corriendo-en-la-playa-con-perro-labrador-dorado-gm455986073-31445040" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;">Banks Photos</span></a></em></p><p><br /> <br /> <br /> Miles of great Gulf Coast beaches and a festive atmosphere - a mix of middle-class families and singles looking to have a good time in their own way - are the essence of this town on Estero Island in southwest Florida. Some families nowadays want to bring Fido, and <a href="http://doggonedestinations.com/fort-myers-beach-dog-friendly/" target="_blank">Fort Meyers Beach is a great destination for that</a> - some of the <a href="https://www.knvinc.com/" target="_blank">best Ft Myers Beach vacation rentals</a> and even hotels/motels welcome man's best friend, and there are a number of activities you can do with your four-footed friends. Here's a doggy half dozen:</p><p></p><p><strong><b>Hit the Dog Beach</b></strong></p><p><br /> There's a dog beach at 8800 Estero Boulevard, about 15 minutes from Estero Island’s western end. It's a great place to give your hound an off-leash experience running around in scenic Lovers Key State Park. It has amenities including free parking, portable toilets, and dog shower station for cleaning up after getting sandy and maybe even wet at the beach. There's a limit of two dogs per person, and cleaning up behind them is mandatory. The park is open daily from 7 am till dusk.</p><p><strong><b><br /> Go for a Run</b></strong></p><p><br /> Fort Myers Beach is an ideal place for a run. There’s more than seven miles of hard-packed sand from Bowditch Point Park area in the north of Estero Island to the southern end of the beach to cover with your pup. Alternatively, hit the trail from Estero Boulevard towards Lovers Key State Park for a long-distance run. You can run, cycle, or hike the five-mile trail on Black Island, one of the four state-park barrier islands. Additionally, check out the six-mile Boca Grande Bike Path or the eight-miles Cape Haze Pioneer Trail at the northern end of FMB. A bit farther afield, you can also take a 45-minute drive to the 14-mile Pine Island Bike Path. Make sure to keep your dog on a leash outside of the designated no-leash areas.</p><p><strong><b><br /> Take a Hike</b></strong></p><p><br /> Dogs love the outdoors, of course, if you you like it, too, Black Island has hiking trails great for you to discover the diverse wildlife along the coast as your dog is roaming in the forest. the five-mile trail network includes two short loops accessed by a dirt road running down double peninsulas. There's another mile-long path through marshes and mangroves along the Caloosahatchee River in the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, as well as trails running 10 miles through pine flatwoods in Estero Bay Preserve State Park. These are a 30-minute drive away from the center of Fort Myers Beach.</p><p><strong><b><br /> Go Boating & Fishing</b></strong></p><p><br /> Fishing Buddy Charters located at 18400 San Carlos Boulevard offers tours to spot local marine wildlife including dolphins, turtles, and sharks, as well as sea bird such as pelicans and eagles. It also runs pet friendly fishing excursions - a day at sea fishing tarpon, grouper, or snook with your pet by your side. Charters come with all necessities including bait tackle, licenses, and equipment.</p><p><strong><b><br /> Go Shopping, Dining & Drinking<br /></b></strong></p><p><br /> You can also browse a number of <a href="https://www.pawmaw.com/blog/what-to-do-with-pets-when-you-are-on-vacation" target="_blank">Fort Myers Beach shops with your fur baby</a>. Especially the ones around Times Square (the busy intersection of Estero and San Carlos Boulevard) are pet-friendly to dogs on leashes or in strollers, Estero's Coconut Point Mall has a dedicated "dogs' night out" every Thursday, and Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers (the city on the mainland just over the San Carlos Blvd bridge) has "Yappy Hour" every second Friday of the month from 6 to 8 pm at pet-friendly restaurants, some with live music. You can also give your pet a treat at DipidyDawg Gourmet Dog Bakery & Boutique or Pawradise Dog Baker in Estero.</p><p><strong><b><br /> Enjoy Quality TIme Indoors</b></strong></p><p><br /> And of course when you're back at your pet-friendly home away from home, you can hang out with your paw buddy on your beachview balcony, in your backyard, maybe catching some TV or laptop time. Chill and recharge for your next outing together in fun Fort Meyers Beach!</p><p></p><p></p></div>7 Key Gadgets to Look for in Your Vacation Rentalhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/vacation-holiday-rental-equipment-gadgets2019-08-31T09:10:10.000Z2019-08-31T09:10:10.000ZNancy Ahujahttps://tripatini.com/members/NancyAhuja<div><p><br /> <em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009376852,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009376852,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009376852?profile=original" /></a><a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/happy-father-playing-video-games-with-his-small-son-at-home-gm1151111950-311848307" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;">skynesher</span></a></em></p><p></p><p>In today's world, lodgings of all kinds have upped their game - and that includes vacation rentals of apartments and houses. Increasingly coddled and interconnected, today's vacationers have come to expect increasing and more sophisticated amenities in their accommodations. Here are seven key examples to look for:</p><p></p><p><strong>Device Charging Systems & Universal Adapters<br /></strong></p><p><br /> Today virtually everyone owns a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, and brings them along on holiday - meaning high demand for electrical plugs and charging outlets, especially from families, each of whose members has one or more device. And companies and individuals who rent to them have taken note, adding conveniently placed outlets and even providing charging stations and adapters to ensure their clients remain happily plugged in if they choose.</p><p></p><p><strong>Game Consoles</strong></p><p><br /> Whether you're a gamer yourself or a traveling with kids (who probably are), a gaming console is a great addition to your rental, and increasing numbers are becoming equipped with them. You might want to also ask ahead about compatibility with any games you might be bringing along. </p><p></p><p><strong>Smart Lighting</strong></p><p><br /> Lights that can turn on and off with motion sensors are a great idea for an enhanced vacation experience, eliminating the need to fumble for the light switch upon entering a room. Even better, smart lighting cuts down on electricity usage, thus <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint" target="_blank">lowering the rental's carbon footprints</a> - a win-win for both you and the planet.</p><p><br /> <strong>Smart Locks</strong></p><p><br /> Electronic keypads in lieu of traditional keys are showing up increasingly in rentals, allowing for enhanced security while providing entry to you as well as cleaning and maintenance personnel entry with the touch of a couple of buttons. The best smart locks keep backup logs including attempts to enter the wrong code, and many also have deadbolt cameras with remote monitoring to further maximize security.</p><p></p><p><strong>Space Heaters</strong></p><p><br /> If you're traveling in wintertime or to a place where it gets chilly in the evenings, you may feel the need to supplement an apartment or house's heating system with space heaters that can warm specific areas of a room in which they're placed. These days many come fitted out with tech including auto shut-off and motion detectors, to enhance safety when in use.</p><p><strong><br /> Water Purifiers</strong></p><p><br /> Some destinations have tap water that's either unsuitable for drinking or a chlorinated or metallic taste from local water treatment. And even if that's not an issue, concern about water quality is on the rise in today's world. So these days many of the better rentals out there come with kitchen taps and refrigerators equipped with water purifiers, improving both the taste and healthfulness of the water you and your family drink on vacation.</p><p></p><p><strong>Wireless Sound Systems</strong></p><p><br /> Working through Bluetooth or WiFi, these systems allow flexible positioning, are easy to set up, and enable streaming digital music controlled by a smartphone or tablet. Many of those on the market today offer audio quality similar to the best traditional speakers, and can work as sound machines, as well.</p><p></p><p>Are there any other gadgets or amenities not mentioned here that are important to you? Please share in the comments!</p><p></p></div>5 Insider Tips for Planning Your Perfect Costa Rica Vacationhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/insider-tips-for-planning-your-perfect-costa-rica-vacation2016-06-23T14:19:34.000Z2016-06-23T14:19:34.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963452,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="700" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963452,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008963452?profile=original" /></a>Costa Rica</b> is one of the hottest holiday destinations of 2016, but planning a vacation to Costa Rica can be overwhelming given the seemingly endless choices of what to do, and where to go and stay. A simple Google search for “Costa Rica vacations” yields close to 78 million results!<br /><br /></p><p>Who has the time to research all of that information? You just want a vacation, right?<br /><br /></p><p>To help you plan your perfect Costa Rica vacation, see these essential insider travel tips from travel expert Eliot Greenspan of <a href="https://www.costaricacustomtrips.com/" target="_blank">Costa Rica Custom Trips</a> and author of <i>Frommer’s Costa Rica, Costa Rica for Dummies,</i> and <i>Costa Rica Day By Day</i>.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008939656,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008939656,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008939656?profile=original" /></a><b><br />1. Choose the dates you can travel</b> and buy your airline tickets.</p><p><b><br />Insider Tip:</b> <b>the best time to travel to Costa Rica</b> is in the in-between seasons – after Easter week to mid-June, and early November through the first two weeks of December. Weather is good and crowds are low. Avoid the Christmas holidays -- the busiest time of year.</p><p><br />There are <b>dozens of <a href="https://www.skyscanner.com/flights-to/cr/cheap-flights-to-costa-rica.html?locale=en-US&currency=USD&market=US" target="_blank">daily flights to Costa Rica</a></b>, and now with new <b>direct flights from London</b> on <a href="http://press.thomson.co.uk/thomson-first-choice-introduce-24-new-routes-summer-2016-regional-uk-airports/" target="_blank">Thomson Airways</a> and <a href="http://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/destinations/costa-rica/flights-to-costa-rica" target="_blank">British Airways</a>, travelers from Europe have more options to visit Costa Rica.</p><p><b><br />2. Choose your interests:</b> adventure, nature, wildlife, spa, surfing, honeymoons, etc. to better plan where you go and what you do.</p><p><b><br />Insider Tip:</b> Destinations that are off the beaten path are worth looking into for fewer crowds and a unique, special experience. For a unique experience at an off-the-beaten-path destination, visit <a href="http://portasol.cr/en/" target="_blank">Portasol Living</a> on <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/project-location.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast</a>. The extraordinary eco-development gives you the best of Costa Rica rainforest and beaches.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009060265,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009060265,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009060265?profile=original" /></a><br />3. Plan your time</b>.</p><p><b><br />Insider Tip: don’t try to do too much.</b> It is easy to try to cram too much into a week-long vacation to Costa Rica. “Costa Rica is built for a minimum of 9 days if you want to really get a feel for a few different places,” said Greenspan. But if you only have a week, stick with two to three destinations maximum.</p><p><b><br />4. Rent a car or hire transport?</b></p><p><b><br />Insider Tip:</b> “In terms of cost, it’s almost the same to rent a car or do private transfers. After that, it’s a matter of personal preference,” noted Greenspan. Private transfers make life easier; but if you want more independence and flexibility, then rent a car.</p><p><b><br />5. Can you use your cell phone?</b></p><p><b>Insider Tip:</b> bring an unlocked cell phone and it is easy to get a local SIM card for pre-paid Costa Rica cell phone service for as little as $2. It is easy to replenish and very inexpensive, especially compared to roaming charges from your home service. Wi-Fi is very prevalent throughout the country.<br /><br /></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009060672,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009060672,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009060672?profile=original" /></a></p></div>The Delights of a Fishing Vacation in Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/the-delights-of-a-fishing-vacation-in-costa-rica2018-10-03T06:10:05.000Z2018-10-03T06:10:05.000ZDream Raiser Sportfishinghttps://tripatini.com/members/DreamRaiserSportfishing<div><p>Costa Rica has emerged as a very popular destination for people who love their fishing. It has a long and clean coastline, and the waters off its coast offer a wide variety of fish all year round. For most locations of USA, Costa Rica offers a comfortable distance to cover. It is distant enough to give the feel of actually going for a vacation, but close enough to ensure that travel doesn’t take too much of time. Angling teams either use the Caribbean coastline or the Pacific Coastline, since Costa Rica is a thin strip of land with coasts on both sides. Among the various locations in Costa Rica, Los Suenos is quite popular.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009304084,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009304084,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" height="236" alt="9009304084?profile=original" /></a></p><p>In Los Suenos, there are several vacation rentals, which take care of accommodation, fishing yachts, airport transfers and local transportation. While choosing the rental company, one must compare the value propositions offered by different rental companies. The centerpiece of your vacation will be the fishing you do, so make sure that the vessel provided to you for fishing is sturdy and dependable. It should have best quality reels and other equipment. The <a href="https://www.fish-costa-rica.com/condos/" target="_blank">Los Suenos vacation rentals chosen by you must</a> also have high quality accommodation facilities.</p></div>It’s time for a winter sun vacation in Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/it-s-time-for-a-winter-sun-vacation-in-costa-rica2015-11-25T00:06:25.000Z2015-11-25T00:06:25.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963452,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963452,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008963452?profile=original" /></a>Winter has begun across most of the United States, Canada and northern Europe. As chilly winter weather freezes the north heading into Christmas, you are not alone if you have started <b>dreaming about a sunny tropical holiday</b>.</p><p> </p><p><b>Escape this winter to the land of summer in Costa Rica – the “<a href="https://www.gfmag.com/global-data/non-economic-data/happiest-countries" target="_blank">happiest country in the world</a>”</b>. It’s hard not to be happy with blue skies, warm sunshine, tropical breezes, rainforest, warm surf and soft sand. Sounds pretty good if you are looking out the window at freezing rain, ice, snow and a dark gray sky, doesn’t it?</p><p> </p><p><b>Costa Rica</b> was named <b>“Best Destination in Central/South America”</b> this year in the Readers’ Choice Awards by Travel Weekly magazine. U.S. News & World Report called <b>Costa Rica “the ultimate destination to enjoy a family holiday.”</b> And British newspaper The Guardian named <b>Costa Rica “one of the destinations to visit in 2015”</b>.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009016068,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009016068,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009016068?profile=original" /></a>Costa Rica’s famous stunning landscapes</b> of rainforest and gorgeous tropical beaches, along with the country’s culture and <b>relaxed enjoyment of life</b>, feature prominently in the <b>romantic feature film “<a href="http://level33entertainment.com/After_Words.html" target="_blank">After Words</a>,”</b> released in the U.S. in August 2015 and starring Academy Award Winner, Marcia Gay Harden, and Goya Award Winner, Oscar Jaenada.</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast</a> is one <b>popular area to visit</b>. Stretching from the port town of Puntarenas to the surf town of Dominical, the area is known for <b>long sunny beaches</b>, <b>colorful sunsets</b>, <b>national parks</b>, great surf, and excellent tourism services. The Central Pacific also has some of the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/shhh-dont-tell-hidden-paradise-beaches-costa-ricas-central-pacific-coast/" target="_blank">best beaches in Costa Rica</a>. <b>Manuel Antonio Beach</b> was listed No. 2 of the <b>Top 10 Beaches in Central America</b>, and No. 17 of the <b>25 Top Beaches in the World</b> in the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice" target="_blank">2015 TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards</a>.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008935458,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008935458,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008935458?profile=original" /></a>Costa Rica eco-development <a href="http://portasol.cr/en/" target="_blank">Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living</a></b> is exactly where you want to be in <b>Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region</b> – right between the busy <b><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/national-parks.html" target="_blank">Manuel Antonio National Park</a> and beaches</b>, and the popular <b>surf town of</b> <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/nearby-beaches.html" target="_blank">Dominical</a>. Enjoying these attractions is easy from Portasol, and you can retreat back to your <b>private paradise</b> at the end of the day. Three miles away are the <b>beautiful uncrowded beaches</b> <b>of Playa Linda and Playa Matapalo</b>.</p><p> </p><p><strong><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging/costa-rica-vacation-homes-for-rent-casa-de-paz.html" target="_blank">Luxury Costa Rica vacation rentals</a></strong> in the exclusive 1,335-acre eco-development are <b>comfortable and affordable</b> – ideal for families, groups of friends and couples. The private community is crisscrossed by rivers, streams, waterfalls, and lush rainforest abundant with a wide variety of wildlife. You can enjoy <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/best-wildlife-tour-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">unique wildlife tours</a>, mountain biking, hiking and <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/inside-portasol/la-cazuela-park.html" target="_blank">waterfall swimming</a> at Portasol.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009017081,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009017081,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009017081?profile=original" /></a>There are <b>dozens of daily flights to Costa Rica</b> from the USA and Europe, making Costa Rica a top vacation destination. Contact <b>Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living eco-community</b> for an <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/news-blog/183-why-choose-portasol-for-your-costa-rica-vacation-destination.html" target="_blank">unforgettable vacation</a> in one of their <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging/costa-rica-rainforest-vacation-rental-bungalows.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation rentals</a>.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009017270,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009017270,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009017270?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location.html" target="_blank">Getting to Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living</a></p><p>From San José to Portasol, the driving distance is 131 miles (211 kilometers) via Jaco and Quepos (approximately 2.5 hours). You can fly from San José to Quepos (20-minute flight) on either Nature Air or Sansa Airlines; from there, it is 18 miles (29 kilometers) to Portasol. Dominical is only 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Portasol.</p><p><b><i> </i></b></p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Renting a House, Room, or Apartment for a Short Period of Timehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/renting-a-house-room-or-apartment-for-a-short-period-of-time2015-10-26T08:14:34.000Z2015-10-26T08:14:34.000ZSimon Hopeshttps://tripatini.com/members/SimonHopes<div><p>A hotel isn’t always the ideal setup when you are travelling for fun or for business. You may feel your space is just too limited. If you need to rent a space for more than a few days but not for the long term, you may feel stuck. Yet there are some great choices for you to think about. In fact, such options are becoming very commonplace in the larger cities. They are listening to the needs and the demands of consumers.</p><p>You can rent a house, a room, or even an apartment for a few weeks or a couple of months. It all depends on what your needs happen to be. A house or an apartment is going to give you the living space you need versus a small hotel room. It also gives you more freedom because you don’t have to worry so much about other people around being bothered by your activities.</p><p>Renting a room for a short period of time can be a very affordable concept. Generally, you will share the bathroom, living room, and kitchen area with other people. Yet you will have your own room where you can sleep, work, study, etc. This is far less expensive than renting a house or an apartment. It also requires considerably less upkeep.</p><p><b>Finding the Perfect Fit</b></p><p><a href="https://www.roomorama.com/short-term-rentals/boston">There are numerous short term rentals in Boston</a> like this for you to check out. The goal should be to find the perfect fit. Take your budget for accommodation into consideration. You need to know you can afford it without there being financial stress involved. The location is also important, as Boston is a big place. Realistically, you don’t want a long commute each day or a place that is difficult to get to.</p><p>Think about where you would be the most comfortable. Not everyone is OK with the idea of renting a room somewhere. They like their privacy too much and they don’t like the idea of being in a house or apartment with strangers. If you don’t mind, though, and think of it as an adventure, then it can be the perfect way to meet new people.</p><p><b>Terms and Conditions</b></p><p>Take the time to read carefully all of the terms and conditions of the rental. You need to know what your rights are and what you agree to abide by. You don’t need any unexpected issues arising because you weren’t fully aware of the responsibilities and commitment you signed up for. Going into the agreement with your eyes wide open allows a short-term rental agreement to be one you can really benefit from, rather than it being a mess to struggle through.</p><p>If you have any questions or concerns, voice them before you sign the agreement. Know whom you need to call if you have any problems that arise during the time you stay in the rental. Most of the time, those offering such property is very easy to work with, and you will find it is a great opportunity for you.</p></div>What if you left stressful living and escaped to a tropical paradise?https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/what-if-you-left-stressful-living-and-escaped-to-a-tropical2015-10-16T22:40:18.000Z2015-10-16T22:40:18.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008997471,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008997471,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008997471?profile=original" /></a>Have you ever been driving down the highway in totally stop-and-go rush hour traffic, and thought, “Why the <i>(bleep)</i> am I doing this?”</p><p>It just took 10 minutes to go 2 miles. And this is nothing unusual. It’s every day – to work, home from work ….</p><p>Know what I’m talking about?</p><p>You have deadlines to meet, things that have to get done, places to be, and you’re already late. There’s that question that nags at you, subtly, persistently … “Is my life worth this stress?”</p><p>Then you think: <strong>“What if I just chucked it all and escaped to some tropical paradise?”</strong></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008998266,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008998266,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008998266?profile=original" /></a>A lot of people would say, yes, I’m out of here! There’s a reason the online <a href="http://internationalliving.com/" target="_blank">International Living magazine</a> is so popular.</p><p>The country of <b>Costa Rica has been targeting overworked and overstressed Americans</b> for the past year with its tourism campaign <b>“<a href="http://www.savetheamericans.org/" target="_blank">Save the Americans</a>”</b>, a spin-off of saving animals. A funny <b>advertising video of Costa Rican animals</b> singing to save humans aired on U.S. television and in movie theaters, and billboard ads appeared in subways and on busy urban streets. <b>In Los Angeles last month</b>, <b>huge banners featuring Costa Rican sloths</b> with phrases like “Cubicle. Cage. What’s the difference?” and “Follow me to freedom”, were hung outside windows of tall office buildings to get the attention of workers “trapped” inside.</p><p><br /> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YM4kdy39ZIY?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe></p><p>“Save the Americans was created by the animals of Costa Rica to help save overworked Americans. Forced to work long hours in stressful environments, increasingly estranged from their natural habitat, the American worker grows more endangered every day. As resident animals of Costa Rica, we happily offer our country as sanctuary,” states the Costa Rican Tourism Board’s website.</p><p>The recently released <strong><a href="http://level33entertainment.com/After_Words.html" target="_blank">Hollywood movie “After Words”</a></strong><strong>, that was</strong> <strong>filmed in Costa Rica</strong><strong>, also explores leaving city stress for a tropical vacation destination.</strong></p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008998883,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008998883,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008998883?profile=original" /></a>In “<a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/after-words-movie-filmed-at-portasol-living-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">After Words</a>” (released Aug. 21, 2015),</strong> Oscar- and Tony-winning actress <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001315/" target="_blank">Marcia Gay Harden</a> (known for her roles in the films Fifty Shades of Grey and Mystic River) portrays a highly introverted librarian, Jane, who loses her job in Los Angeles due to budget cuts. While Jane slides into depression and considers suicide, she finds a book about Costa Rica whose images inspire her to take an end-of-life-journey to “see something beautiful before she dies”. In Costa Rica, she meets a charismatic young tour guide named Juan, played by Spanish actor <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1049982/" target="_blank">Oscar Jaenada Catalan</a>, who won a Goya Award for his role in “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” (2011) and also starred in “Cantinflas” (2014). Together, they embark on an adventure around the many sights of Costa Rica, and eventually fall in love. Whether Jane “ends it all” in paradise or not is a surprise ending.</p><p><br /> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HZF1X_mYl80?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe></p><p>Written by Joel Silverman and produced and directed by Juan Feldman, the romantic drama reflects on the <b>stresses of city living in the USA</b> and the search for freedom of spirit and a <b>better lifestyle in another country</b>.</p><p>“The film is really positive about Costa Rica. As a matter of fact, it ties in with the Costa Rican Tourism Board’s campaign of ‘Save the Americans’, all about <b>working too much and not enjoying life</b>,” commented Guillermo Piedra Gonzalez, general director of <b>Costa Rica eco-development</b> <a href="http://portasol.cr/en/" target="_blank">Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living</a>, where “After Words” filmed part of the movie.</p><p>“After Words” was filmed mostly in Costa Rica at Portasol Living, on the Pacific Coast at Manuel Antonio, and on the Caribbean Coast.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008998697,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008998697,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008998697?profile=original" /></a>Moving to Costa Rica</b></p><p>Costa Rica is a really popular destination both for retirees and people looking for a calmer, quieter, less stressful lifestyle. According to the <b><a href="http://internationalliving.com/2015/01/the-best-places-to-retire-2015/" target="_blank">2015 International Living Retirement Index</a>,</b> Costa Rica is one of the <b>top five</b> <b>best places in the world to retire.</b> Younger people, many with families, are moving to the Central American country for more freedom, lower living expenses and less stress.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008936271,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008936271,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008936271?profile=original" /></a>A lot of people who are not quite ready to leave the U.S. just yet <b><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/destinations/want-unique-eco-community-costa-rica-property-investment/" target="_blank">invest in real estate in Costa Rica</a> for vacation homes</b> or <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/news-blog/183-why-choose-portasol-for-your-costa-rica-vacation-destination.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation rentals</a>.</p><p>A good place for <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/properties/costa-rica-property-management.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica property investment</a> is <b><a href="http://portasol.cr/en/" target="_blank">Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living</a>.</b> Located on 1,335 acres of <b>pure rainforest on <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/project-location.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast</a></b>, Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living is close to the renowned <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/national-parks.html" target="_blank">Manuel Antonio National Park</a> and beaches, the popular surf town of <b>Dominical</b>, and remarkable <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/news-blog/198-costa-rica-whale-dolphin-festival-2015-starts-in-september.html" target="_blank">whale-watching</a> in the <b>Ballena Marine National Park</b>. Ten minutes away are <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/news-blog/170-discover-portasol-s-hidden-beach-playa-linda.html" target="_blank">beautiful unpopulated tropical beaches</a>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963452,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963452,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008963452?profile=original" /></a>You can live at the <b>unique, <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/community/responsability.html" target="_blank">sustainable eco-community</a></b> – either buying one of their <b><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/ocean-view-home-for-sale-in-costa-rica-real-estate.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica homes for sale</a>,</b> or a <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/properties/costa-rica-land-for-sale.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica property for sale</a> and build your own dream home.</p><p>Not looking to invest, but definitely <b>need to get away from it all on vacation</b>? Portasol offers <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging/costa-rica-vacation-homes-for-rent-casa-de-paz.html" target="_blank">vacation accommodation in Costa Rica</a> in rainforest bungalows or vacation home rentals.</p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/portasol/" target="_blank">Contact Portasol</a> for your escape to unstressed life.</p><p><b><i><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008909093,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008909093,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" alt="9008909093?profile=original" /></a>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Live permanently on vacation in Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/live-permanently-on-vacation-in-costa-rica2015-07-25T22:12:11.000Z2015-07-25T22:12:11.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296602888,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296602888,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296602888?profile=original" /></a>You’ve been to <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/news-blog/183-why-choose-portasol-for-your-costa-rica-vacation-destination.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica on vacation</a>, and you’ve thought: <b>“Wouldn’t it</b> <b>be great to live there?”</b> Or, <b>invest in a vacation home</b> that you can rent out and visit frequently?</p><p>Besides being one of the <b>top five</b> <b>best places in the world to retire</b> according to the <a href="http://internationalliving.com/2015/01/the-best-places-to-retire-2015/" target="_blank">2015 International Living Retirement Index</a>, a lot of people from other countries <b><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/properties/costa-rica-property-management.html" target="_blank">invest in real estate in Costa Rica</a> for <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/where-to-stay/new-costa-rica-vacation-home-in-portasol-living-eco-community/" target="_blank">vacation homes and rentals</a></b>.</p><p>But where do you start to <b>look for <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/ocean-view-home-for-sale-in-costa-rica-real-estate.html" target="_blank">property in Costa Rica</a></b>?</p><p><b>Location is most important</b>. Two of the <b>main attractions of Costa Rica are the rainforest and its beaches</b>. <b>If you’re a nature lover and sustainability and being environmental are important to you, keep reading</b>. There’s an <b><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/news-blog/124-portasol-stars-as-a-model-eco-community-in-latin-america.html" target="_blank">extraordinary eco-development</a> on </b><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/project-location.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast</a> that’s perfect for you.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907887,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907887,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008907887?profile=original" /></a></p><p><strong><span class="font-size-3"><a href="http://portasol.cr/en/" target="_blank">Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living</a></span></strong></p><p>Set on <b>1,335 acres of pure rainforest along the coast</b>, Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living is a <b>unique, <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/community/about-portasol.html" target="_blank">sustainable residential eco-community</a></b>. Portasol’s location is ideal – <b>close to the renowned</b> <b><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/national-parks.html" target="_blank">Manuel Antonio National Park</a> and beaches</b>, the popular <b>surf town of</b> <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/nearby-beaches.html" target="_blank">Dominical</a>, and remarkable <b>whale-watching in the Ballena Marine National Park</b>. Minutes away are the <b>beautiful undiscovered</b> <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/shhh-dont-tell-hidden-paradise-beaches-costa-ricas-central-pacific-coast/" target="_blank">tropical beaches of Playa Linda and Playa Matapalo</a>. Rivers and <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/inside-portasol/la-cazuela-park.html" target="_blank">waterfalls</a> flow freely at Portasol making lots of <b>great natural swimming pools</b>. Miles of unobtrusive <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/inside-portasol/flora-fauna.html" target="_blank">hiking and mountain biking trails</a> crisscross the development.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963072,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963072,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008963072?profile=original" /></a>Being a <b>sustainable gated community</b>, <b>Portasol Living protects 83% of its land as green space</b>. Two hundred acres of virgin forest have been set aside as a <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/inside-portasol/bio-reserve.html" target="_blank">private nature reserve</a>, and there is a community regulation that <b>only 15% of each lot may be used for construction</b> and the remaining space preserved naturally.</p><p><b>Portasol Living is being developed in phases</b>. There are <b>currently 56 lots developed</b> with a <b>total of 180 planned</b>. At present, there are <b>seven new properties available for sale</b> and <b>11 lots available for re-sale</b>, ranging in size from 1.2 acres up to 11 acres at prices ranging from $46,000 to $300,000. <strong>S</strong><b>ix houses have been built</b> so far in the development; <b>four are used as <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging/costa-rica-vacation-homes-for-rent-casa-de-paz.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation home rentals</a>;</b> <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/ocean-view-home-for-sale-in-costa-rica-real-estate.html" target="_blank">two are for sale</a>. Property owners come from all over the world.</p><p>Lots are positioned <b>between 250 and 1,800 feet above sea level on mountain terrain</b> covered with forest; <b>each has road access, water, satellite TV, telephone and electricity</b> supplied to the property line. Features include: <b>ocean and mountain views</b>, mature rainforest, river or creek boundaries, and access to trails and public areas. <b>Portasol Living offers financing options</b> for land purchases and home construction, and can assist with architects and building contractors.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008979491,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008979491,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008979491?profile=original" /></a> </p><p><span class="font-size-3"><b>What do people say about Portasol Living?</b></span></p><p>“I first visited Costa Rica in 1998 and fell in love with the people, the climate, and the nature and its beauty,” commented Portasol property owner, Barrett Klutts of North Carolina, USA. “After looking for a place to call home in an extensive search in 2006, I found <b>Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living,</b> <b>located in the most beautiful and best climate part of the country</b>.”</p><p>Klutts, who owns Klutts Property Management, a large residential property management company in Charlotte, North Carolina, <b>bought a property in Portasol Living and built his dream retirement home</b> – <strong><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging/costa-rica-vacation-homes-for-rent-monos-locos.html" target="_blank">Casa Monos Locos</a></strong> (“Crazy Monkeys House”). He uses the fabulous house in the rainforest with ocean views for a very <b>popular vacation home rental</b>, until he is ready to retire.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008980253,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008980253,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008980253?profile=original" /></a>Thomas Paul, of Connecticut, USA, owns several investment properties in the Manuel Antonio area of Costa Rica, and runs the management company of the Tulemar Resort. <b><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/community/responsability.html" target="_blank">Portasol Living’s commitment to sustainability</a> and land protection</b> are what attracted him last year to buy and remodel the <b>luxury vacation home, <a href="http://casapazcr.com/" target="_blank">Casa de Paz</a></b> (“Peace House”).</p><p>“<b>I really liked the whole concept behind Portasol</b> – the extent of the acreage and the amount that will remain jungle, and the size of the properties themselves. Also very important to me is the fact it is a gated community and is very secure. <b>Portasol is environmentally unique within Costa Rica</b> and is unlikely to be duplicated,” said Paul.</p><p>“We offer a unique, real Costa Rican ambience – both cultural and environmental. It is a place of total peace in a strategic location,” summed up Portasol CEO, Guillermo Piedra Gonzalez.<br /> <br /> <b>Come to Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living on vacation</b> and explore the eco-development’s many <b>Costa Rica properties for sale</b>.</p><p><span class="font-size-3"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963874,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963874,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008963874?profile=original" /></a>Property Services at Portasol Living</strong></span></p><ul><li><strong>Water</strong>: Numerous springs and ground water at Portasol guarantee an abundance of fresh, potable water.</li><li><strong>Electricity</strong>: Residents have 110 and 220 volts available to the property line.</li><li><strong>Security</strong>: Access to Portasol is controlled by a private gate and 24-hour security personnel.</li><li><strong>Telephone</strong>: Land lines are available on most of the lots; mobile phones have reception throughout most areas of Portasol.</li><li><strong>Internet</strong> Wi-Fi is available.</li><li><strong>TV</strong>: Satellite dish technology is available.</li><li><strong>Garbage collection</strong>: Living regulations call for recycling and garbage collection on a fee basis.</li><li><strong>Roads</strong> in the developed areas are graveled and well-maintained.</li><li><strong>Rain drainage</strong>: The community is integrated with the natural terrain. Engineered planning and construction has created a very successful system of culverts and ditches, making the hydrologic environmental impact very low.</li><li><strong>Sewage water disposition</strong>: Portasol has a carefully designed system of septic tanks to be implemented by property owners in their construction.</li></ul><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963452,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963452,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008963452?profile=original" /></a></p></div>Make this eco-community your next Costa Rica vacation destinationhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/make-this-eco-community-your-next-costa-rica-vacation-destination2015-05-27T01:27:14.000Z2015-05-27T01:27:14.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008962291,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008962291,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008962291?profile=original" /></a>People in other countries <b>pay big money for audio programs like this</b>, while <b>here at <a href="http://portasol.cr/en/" target="_blank">Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living eco-community</a></b> <b>it’s real</b>. The <b>sounds of the</b> <b><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/inside-portasol/flora-fauna.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica rainforest</a>:</b> crickets chirping, big bullfrogs burping and booming, Common Tink Frogs “tinking”, myriads of other insects whirring, and the Portalón River bubbling over stones and boulders.</p><p> </p><p>I returned to <b>Portasol Living eco-community</b> on <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast</a> a couple of months ago for a much-needed weekend getaway. Set on <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/inside-portasol/bio-reserve.html" target="_blank">1,300 acres of beautiful rainforest</a> along the narrow Portalón River Valley, <b>Portasol is a </b><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/community.html" target="_blank">residential eco-community</a> <b>that also has</b> <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation rentals</a>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296599665,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296599665,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296599665?profile=original" /></a></p><p>I love enjoying a few days of <b>jungle living at Portasol</b> – hiking rainforest trails, swimming under <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/try-airbrady-jump-costa-rica-waterfalls/" target="_blank">waterfalls</a>, being visited by a band of raccoons at night, and maybe a coati or two in the morning. Sleeping in one of the <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging/costa-rica-rainforest-vacation-rental-bungalows.html" target="_blank">Rainforest Bungalows</a> to the sounds of the rainforest is the best. And while I am thankful the rainforest is right there, I also am grateful that I can <b>relax in a nice, clean, critter-free room</b> with soft beds, a hot water shower, and a coffeemaker.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963072,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963072,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008963072?profile=original" /></a> </p><p><b>Why choose Portasol for your Costa Rica vacation destination?</b></p><p> </p><p>Portasol is <b>exactly where you want to be in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region</b> – right between the busy <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/national-parks.html" target="_blank">Manuel Antonio beaches and national park</a>, and the popular <b>surf town of <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/nearby-beaches.html" target="_blank">Dominical</a> and the Ballena Marine National Park</b>. You are close enough to easily visit, but out of the crowds. Less than 15 minutes away are the <b>beautiful uncrowded</b> <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/shhh-dont-tell-hidden-paradise-beaches-costa-ricas-central-pacific-coast/" target="_blank">beaches of Playa Linda and Playa Matapalo</a>. Stay the weekend for a little R&R, or use Portasol as your vacation home-base to explore the area’s many attractions.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963452,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963452,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008963452?profile=original" /></a></p><p>“<b>The location is really good</b> if you want to have an <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/inside-portasol/tours.html" target="_blank">active vacation</a> – go to the national parks, to the beach, go whale watching, go on tours – and it is really good if you want a <b>relaxing vacation to stay in nature</b>. <b>Portasol really appeals to any kind of traveler</b>,” remarked Katie Widdowson of Costa Rica. For her, it is a chance to get away from the city of San Jose to relax, breathe fresh air, and enjoy <b>long weekends with friends</b>.</p><p> </p><p>“I picked <b>Portasol because it is mountains and beach</b>, and it is also close to Quepos and Manuel Antonio,” commented Jan Yatsko of Pennsylvania, who lives in Costa Rica. “You can visit the national park, but you’re not in the hubbub; you’re in <b>peace and quiet</b>. I really like the waterfall, and we enjoyed that.”</p><p> </p><p>“This is the <b>perfect hideaway, tranquil and beautiful</b>,” wrote a traveler from New Zealand on TripAdvisor, who stayed at Portasol earlier this year. “<b>Portasol was much more than I expected</b>. The views are breathtaking,” wrote another guest who stayed in 2014.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963853,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963853,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="638" alt="9008963853?profile=original" /></a></p><p>“We stayed there three nights, this January, my family loved the quietness of the place, right in the middle of the forest and yet great access to the beach and nearby restaurants, very comfortable rooms, beautiful style and spacious<b>. I couldn't have made a better choice</b>,” wrote a traveler from Texas who stayed at Portasol in January 2015.</p><p> </p><p>South African couple Gary Kritzinger and Shayne Mrazek <b>rented Portasol vacation home <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging/costa-rica-vacation-homes-for-rent-monos-locos.html" target="_blank">Casa Monos Locos</a> for a year</b>, in preparation for building on their home site purchased at Portasol. “Portasol has a unique environment. There are not too many people around, but at the same time it is close to all of the necessities. It’s a <b>wild and natural getaway</b>.”</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963874,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963874,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008963874?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>Costa Rica</b> is one of the <b>hottest destinations for 2015</b> and there are <b>dozens of <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/travel-to-costa-rica-easily-with-dozens-of-daily-flights/" target="_blank">daily flights to Costa Rica</a></b>. <b><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/contac-us.html" target="_blank">Contact Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living</a> eco-community</b> for an <b>unforgettable vacation</b> in one of their <b>Costa Rica vacation rentals</b>.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>15 tips to prepare your home for rainy season in Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/15-tips-to-prepare-your-home-for-rainy-season-in-costa-rica2015-06-05T18:37:20.000Z2015-06-05T18:37:20.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><b>Rainy season in Costa Rica is here</b>, and with it, changes in weather and the environment that can <b>potentially wreak havoc on your home in Costa Rica</b> if you’re not prepared. These <b>15 simple tips from <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/about-us" target="_blank">Atenas, Costa Rica realtors</a> <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/" target="_blank">Pure Life Development</a></b> will help you stay <b>safe, dry and protected</b> this time of year.</p><p> </p><p><b>Clean your roof gutters.</b> Dry season winds have probably blown a lot of leaves, dirt and debris into your roof gutters. If you don’t clean them thoroughly, the first big rain could cause an overflow, leading to roof damage, leaks, or breaking your gutters.<br /> <br /><b>Clean your ground drainage gutters.</b> Rain in Costa Rica can range from soft steadily falling drizzle to torrential “the-end-of-the-world-is-near” downpours. You want to make sure all run-off is being diverted away from your house and not going to cause flooding.<br /> <br /><b>Trim those trees hanging over your roof.</b> Wind and the extra weight of water from rain can cause limbs to break, which could damage your roof or parked car.<br /> <br /><b>Fix your roof leaks.</b> After the first hard rains, you’ll know if you have any roof leaks. Get them fixed as soon as possible so they don’t expand and become an even bigger problem.<br /> <br /><b>Clean slippery surfaces.</b> The increase of humidity causes mildew to grow. To avoid dangerous slips and falls on your driveway and pathways to your house, wash them regularly with a power washer to take off any green slime. You can also sprinkle lime powder (calcium hydroxide – called “<i>cal</i>” in Costa Rica) to kill off the mildew.<br /> <br /><b>Paint, varnish and seal.</b> Protect the outdoor surfaces of your home from inclement weather. Use anti-corrosive paint for metal gates and railings; and varnish to seal wood.<br /> <br /><b>Buy battery back-ups.</b> You will want to connect all of your fragile electronics – flat screen TV, DVD player, computer, iPod or iPad, high-tech cappuccino maker, etc. – to UPS battery back-ups with surge protection, or at the very least a surge protection powerstrip. Lightning storms and electrical outages are as common in Costa Rica as rice and beans. If a lightning storm is happening close to where you live, it’s better to unplug everything for complete protection until the storm passes.<br /> <br /><b>Remember your pets.</b> Have a safe and dry place for your pets to go during rain storms.<br /> <br /><b>Watch your pool PH.</b> Extra rain and the acid in rain (Costa Rica is a volcanic country) can throw off your pool’s PH, causing the water to turn green. During rainy season, check your pool’s PH frequently and consult with your pool supplies store for help.<br /> <br /><b>Fumigate around your house.</b> When the rains bring Costa Rica back to life that includes the millions of insects that seem to hatch overnight. Fumigating around the perimeter of your home (natural or otherwise) will help keep the critters out of your living space. There also are many <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_6718650_kill-leaf-cutter-ants.html" target="_blank">natural remedies for controlling the leaf cutter ants</a> that like to voraciously destroy your garden this time of year.<br /> <br /><b>Avoid dengue fever.</b> Make sure not to have any standing water in your garden or around your property (buckets, unused flower pot plates, etc.) to avoid breeding places for mosquitoes, which can carry dengue fever in Costa Rica.<br /> <br /><b>Turn off irrigation systems.</b> If you have irrigation systems on timers, you can turn them off during rainy season to avoid wasting water.<br /> <br /><b>Bring in the garden furniture.</b> Outdoor patio furniture and cushions are best brought in under cover to not get ruined by excess moisture.<br /> <br /><b>Buy rain gear.</b> New <b>door mats</b> help keep your floors clean. Having an <b>umbrella stand</b> by the front door keeps track of your <b>umbrellas</b> so you always have one when you need one. Owning a pair of <b>rubber boots</b> in Costa Rica is a must. <br /> <br /><b>Use a dehumidifier.</b> A great method of battling humidity is to use a commercial dehumidifier or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Goldenrod-725721-P-GoldenRod-Original-Dehumidifier/dp/B00DBTCFGY" target="_blank">GoldenRod dehumidifiers</a> in closets. Or if you have air-conditioning, run it an hour a day to remove moisture.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/destinations/retired-living-good-life-atenas-costa-rica/" target="_blank">LIVE IN ATENAS, COSTA RICA</a></p><p> </p><p>In beautiful <b><a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/articles/163-does-atenas-costa-rica-have-the-best-climate" target="_blank">Atenas, Costa Rica</a>,</b> <b>Pure Life Development of Atenas</b> specializes in <b><a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/costa-rica-homes-for-rental-and-sale" target="_blank">Atenas homes for sale</a>, <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/costa-rica-land-and-farms-for-sale" target="_blank">Costa Rica properties for sale</a></b> and <strong><a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/costa-rica-vacation-rentals" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation rentals</a></strong>. See this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXPnmOFV_ls" target="_blank">video</a> for an idea of what it would be like to <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/articles/162-making-atenas-costa-rica-your-new-home" target="_blank">live in Atenas, Costa Rica</a> or to visit on vacation.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Find your private paradise at this new Costa Rica vacation homehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/find-your-private-paradise-at-this-new-costa-rica-vacation-home2015-04-01T00:18:50.000Z2015-04-01T00:18:50.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296596654,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296596654,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296596654?profile=original" /></a>Time to get away from it all</b>, but you want <b>something different</b> than the usual packed beaches and crowded hotels? What if I told you there was a <b>tropical paradise of rainforest and beach</b> with bright sunny days and warm balmy nights, and you could have it <b>all to yourself</b>? No crowds.</p><p> </p><p>You’d probably think: <i>now hold on, I can’t afford a private island or multi-million dollar hard-to-get-to swanky hideaway.</i> So what if I told you this place is <b>completely affordable, easily accessible, and brand new</b> in the luxury villa rental market? You’d be in, right? Exactly.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008935669,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008935669,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008935669?profile=original" /></a>You can bring your family, your friends or your entourage when you stay at the <b>privately-owned</b> <strong><a href="http://casapazcr.com/" target="_blank">Costa Rica luxury rental villa Casa de Paz</a></strong> – majestically positioned on a hill overlooking the <b>rainforest and the ocean</b> on <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast</a>. The <b><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging/costa-rica-vacation-homes-for-rent-casa-de-paz.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation home</a></b> is located in the very <b>unique socially responsible eco-community</b> <b><a href="http://portasol.cr/en/" target="_blank">Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living</a>.</b> <b>Available to rent all year, it</b> <b>sleeps up to 10 persons.</b></p><p></p><p><b>Costa Rica</b> is one of the <b>hottest destinations for 2015</b> and there are <b>dozens of daily flights to Costa Rica</b> from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Central and South America. <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/portasol/" target="_blank">Portasol</a> is exactly where you want to be in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region</b> – right between the beautiful but very busy <strong><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/national-parks.html" target="_blank">Manuel Antonio beaches and national park</a></strong>, and the popular <b>surf town of</b> <strong><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/nearby-beaches.html" target="_blank">Dominical</a></strong>. You are close enough to easily visit in less than an hour’s drive, but out of the hubbub. <b>Less than 15 minutes away are the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/shhh-dont-tell-hidden-paradise-beaches-costa-ricas-central-pacific-coast/" target="_blank">beautiful uncrowded beaches of Playa Linda and Playa Matapalo</a></b>. </p><p></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008936059,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008936059,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008936059?profile=original" /></a>Portasol is for nature lovers who also are fond of luxury</b>. In their magnificent <b>rainforest,</b> there are <b>trails, lookouts, <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/inside-portasol/la-cazuela-park.html" target="_blank">waterfalls</a>, a beautiful river</b> and lots of <b>great swimming holes</b>.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008935898,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008935898,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008935898?profile=original" /></a>The Casa de Paz <a href="http://casapazcr.com/casa-de-paz/" target="_blank">luxury Costa Rica vacation home for rent</a> totals <b>4,000 square feet</b> <b>with</b> <b>three private air-conditioned suites</b> <b>and</b> <b>3.5 baths</b>. There are flat screen TVs with cable and DVD, iPod docking stations, free high-speed wireless internet throughout the house and outdoor pool area, safes in all bedrooms, an office and a Costa Rican cell phone for guests’ use. You can enjoy <b>panoramic jungle views</b> and distant <b>ocean views</b>, an <b>infinity edge pool</b>, and <b>multiple outside decks</b>. <b>Details that make a difference</b> include: bathrobes, bath amenities, hairdryers, yoga mats and a telescope for wildlife spotting and stargazing.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008936271,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008936271,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008936271?profile=original" /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://portasol.cr/en/" target="_blank">Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living eco-community</a></strong></p><p></p><p>The <b>one-of-a-kind <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/community.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica sustainable community</a></b> offers <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/properties.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica property for sale</a> and <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation home rentals</a>.</p><p><b> </b></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>Stay In Comfort And Luxury In Our Grand Cayman Vacation Rentalshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/stay-in-comfort-and-luxury-in-our-grand-cayman-vacation-rentals2016-12-22T19:09:30.000Z2016-12-22T19:09:30.000ZSimon Hopeshttps://tripatini.com/members/SimonHopes<div><p>Vacation time should be as rejuvenating, relaxing and enjoyable as possible. While hotels and motels can be nice, they often do not offer the comforts and amenities of home, making it hard to totally relax and unwind. Sometimes, hotels and motels are jam packed with guests who want to party and cut loose in ways that aren't exactly family friendly. It's also not uncommon for hotel and motel guests to make so much commotion that you spend your vacation stressed out and trying to get away from the crowds and noise instead of enjoying it. When you escape to the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/p-andrew-och/5-best-grand-cayman-beach_b_6171292.html">Grand Cayman Islands</a>, get the comfort, amenities and peace you deserve by staying in one of our luxury condos.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009111274,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009111274,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="576" class="align-center" alt="9009111274?profile=original" /></a> </p><p>Our luxury condos offer a luxurious way to experience the beauty of the Grand Caymans with all the comforts of home. Our vacation condos are available in your choice of two or three bedrooms and offer a variety of amenities and comforts that will make your vacation great. Our condos offer garden views or ocean views and even an ocean front penthouse. Each condo is uniquely decorated, but every condo is designed with your comfort and needs in mind. Regardless of which condo size or view you choose, you will enjoy having a fully equipped kitchen, a beautifully decorated living area and all the comforts of home.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009111297,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009111297,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009111297?profile=original" /></a></p><p> </p><p>In addition to everything you need to feel at home, we offer some amazing things you probably don't get at home. Each condo is just a few steps away from our swimming pool and deck. Our pool and deck area is a luxurious place to relax and soak in the glory of the Caribbean Sea and offers a special swimming and splash area designed for children making it the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy. All of our guests enjoy access to a huge, white sand, private beach. Sit under one of our signature thatched huts and take in the breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea. We offer only 30 condo units, so there is no worry about the space being too crowded or loud to truly enjoy. When you stay with us, you can truly relax and unwind.</p><p> </p><p>We know that vacation time is precious and our team will do everything they can to ensure your stay in our condo vacation rentals exceeds your expectations and you enjoy your stay so much that you want to return again and again. Offering <a href="http://www.christophercolumbuscondos.com/">vacation rentals Grand Cayman</a> visitors can feel at home in with the added luxuries of island life is our speciality and our team of hospitality experts can help you make the most of your vacation with tips about great places to visit, things to do and activities on the island.</p><p></p><p>Don't spend your vacation trying to get away from the rowdy crowds and loud guests. Stay with us and spend your time soaking in the sun, enjoying the sand and surf and all the beauty the Grand Cayman Islands have to offer.</p></div>Stay In Comfort And Luxury In Our Grand Cayman Vacation Rentalshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/stay-in-comfort-and-luxury-in-our-grand-cayman-vacation-rentals-12016-12-22T19:09:30.000Z2016-12-22T19:09:30.000ZSimon Hopeshttps://tripatini.com/members/SimonHopes<div><p>Vacation time should be as rejuvenating, relaxing and enjoyable as possible. While hotels and motels can be nice, they often do not offer the comforts and amenities of home, making it hard to totally relax and unwind. Sometimes, hotels and motels are jam packed with guests who want to party and cut loose in ways that aren't exactly family friendly. It's also not uncommon for hotel and motel guests to make so much commotion that you spend your vacation stressed out and trying to get away from the crowds and noise instead of enjoying it. When you escape to the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/p-andrew-och/5-best-grand-cayman-beach_b_6171292.html">Grand Cayman Islands</a>, get the comfort, amenities and peace you deserve by staying in one of our luxury condos.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009111274,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009111274,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="576" class="align-center" alt="9009111274?profile=original" /></a> </p><p>Our luxury condos offer a luxurious way to experience the beauty of the Grand Caymans with all the comforts of home. Our vacation condos are available in your choice of two or three bedrooms and offer a variety of amenities and comforts that will make your vacation great. Our condos offer garden views or ocean views and even an ocean front penthouse. Each condo is uniquely decorated, but every condo is designed with your comfort and needs in mind. Regardless of which condo size or view you choose, you will enjoy having a fully equipped kitchen, a beautifully decorated living area and all the comforts of home.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009111297,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="750" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009111297,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009111297?profile=original" /></a></p><p> </p><p>In addition to everything you need to feel at home, we offer some amazing things you probably don't get at home. Each condo is just a few steps away from our swimming pool and deck. Our pool and deck area is a luxurious place to relax and soak in the glory of the Caribbean Sea and offers a special swimming and splash area designed for children making it the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy. All of our guests enjoy access to a huge, white sand, private beach. Sit under one of our signature thatched huts and take in the breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea. We offer only 30 condo units, so there is no worry about the space being too crowded or loud to truly enjoy. When you stay with us, you can truly relax and unwind.</p><p> </p><p>We know that vacation time is precious and our team will do everything they can to ensure your stay in our condo vacation rentals exceeds your expectations and you enjoy your stay so much that you want to return again and again. Offering <a href="http://www.christophercolumbuscondos.com/">vacation rentals Grand Cayman</a> visitors can feel at home in with the added luxuries of island life is our speciality and our team of hospitality experts can help you make the most of your vacation with tips about great places to visit, things to do and activities on the island.</p><p></p><p>Don't spend your vacation trying to get away from the rowdy crowds and loud guests. Stay with us and spend your time soaking in the sun, enjoying the sand and surf and all the beauty the Grand Cayman Islands have to offer.</p></div>Essential packing tips for your Costa Rica vacationhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/essential-packing-tips-for-your-costa-rica-vacation2016-03-21T20:27:26.000Z2016-03-21T20:27:26.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009051872,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009051872,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009051872?profile=original" /></a>Coming to Costa Rica on vacation?</p><p><b> </b></p><p>Here are some quick and easy tips on <b>what to pack for your</b> <strong><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/travel-tips/costa-rica-family-vacations-easy-staying-vacation-rentals/" target="_blank">vacation in Costa Rica</a></strong>. Of course, what you need depends on where you are going and what you will do, but these general guidelines will serve you well.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009005259,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009005259,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009005259?profile=original" /></a>Costa Rica is a <a href="http://www.natgeotraveller.co.uk/smart-travel/features/the-2016-cool-list/" target="_blank">top 2016 vacation destination</a></b>, offering warm tropical sunshine, beautiful beaches, rainforest adventures, and affordable travel. It is one of the <a href="http://www.latinpost.com/articles/105356/20151230/top-5-safest-cheapest-latin-american-countries-visit-2016.htm" target="_blank">safest countries in Latin America</a> and easy to get around since English is widely spoken.</p><p> </p><p>For easy, affordable accommodations, stay in <a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation rentals</a>. <a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/pacifico-condos" target="_blank">Vacation condos</a> or <a href="http://www.villasestivalcostarica.com/index.php/en/" target="_blank">homes</a> give you more space and amenities for often less money than hotels. </p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009051898,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009051898,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009051898?profile=original" /></a>COSTA RICA VACATION PACKING TIPS</b></p><p><b>CLOTHING</b></p><ul><li>Choose clothes that you can mix & match and wear more than once. Vacation rentals also usually have laundry facilities, so you can wash clothes during your trip, allowing you to pack less.</li><li>Quick-dry, nylon or similar non-wrinkle outdoor clothing is best for Costa Rica’s variable climates</li><li>Comfortable beach-wear and light tropical clothing for the coasts and lower elevations</li><li>At least one long-sleeved shirt, light sweater or jacket for chilly evenings in higher elevation places, such as San Jose, Monteverde, San Gerardo de Dota, Irazú and Poás Volcanoes, etc</li><li>Water-resistant rain jacket or poncho with a hood: it rains in the rainforest!</li><li>A sun hat or ball cap – a must for protection against the hot tropical sun</li><li>Comfortable footwear, including good all-purpose walking shoes, light beach sandals, and at least one pair of closed-toe all-terrain sandals or running shoes for adventurous activities.</li></ul><p><b> </b></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009052697,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009052697,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9009052697?profile=original" /></a>ACCESSORIES</b></p><ul><li>Cell phone or tablet (Wi-Fi is common in Costa Rica now). Don’t forget the chargers and necessary cables.</li><li>Camera with extra memory card and batteries.</li><li>Small backpack / daypack for day trips</li><li>Small travel flashlight or head lamp</li><li>If you are into wildlife viewing and bird-watching, bring binoculars</li><li>Travel alarm clock or just use your cell phone</li><li>Sunscreen – a sports waterproof type with at least 30 SPF</li><li>Insect repellent</li><li>Daily hygiene products and personal medication</li><li>Small travel first-aid kit</li></ul><p><b> </b></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009053068,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="224" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009053068,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009053068?profile=original" /></a>IDENTIFICATION & MONEY</b></p><ul><li>Passport – must be valid for at least six months after your trip finishes. When out on tours, leave your original passport in a safe place and carry a copy.</li><li>Valid driver’s license for vehicle rentals</li><li>Credit cards – Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted; be sure to alert your bank of your travel plans.</li><li>Cash in U.S. dollars (note that $100 bills are hard to cash except in a bank). Nearly all banks have ATMs where you can use your ATM or debit card. Exchange for Costa Rican Colons in a bank rather than at the airport for a better exchange rate.</li><li>Emergency contact information; put this information in your luggage and wallet.</li></ul><p><b> </b></p><p> <b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>It’s easy to buy rainforest property in Costa Rica, a top country for retirementhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/it-s-easy-to-buy-rainforest-property-in-costa-rica-the-best2016-03-19T21:06:05.000Z2016-03-19T21:06:05.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009043485,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009043485,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="473" alt="9009043485?profile=original" /></a>Once again, the Central American nation of <b>Costa Rica is the</b> <strong><a href="http://internationalliving.com/2016/01/the-best-places-to-retire-2016/" target="_blank">best country to retire</a></strong>, according to the 2016 Best Countries rankings. And Costa Rica is a top option for a <a href="http://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/best-comfortable-retirement" target="_blank">healthy, comfortable retirement</a> as stated in <i>International Living’s</i> Annual Global Retirement Index.</p><p>A lot of people from other countries <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/destinations/want-unique-eco-community-costa-rica-property-investment/" target="_blank">invest in real estate in Costa Rica</a> for retirement homes, vacation homes or Costa Rica vacation rentals.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963874,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963874,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008963874?profile=original" /></a>Where to live in Costa Rica? Location, location, location is always the key. Costa Rica’s two main attractions are the rainforest and its beaches. The extraordinary eco-development of <a href="http://portasol.cr/en/" target="_blank">Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living</a> offers the best of both worlds on <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/project-location.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast</a>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009028867,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009028867,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009028867?profile=original" /></a>Set on a 1,335-acre <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/inside-portasol/bio-reserve.html" target="_blank">private reserve of pure rainforest</a>, Portasol Living is 10 minutes from beautiful, sparsely populated tropical beaches. The eco-development is positioned between <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/national-parks.html" target="_blank">Manuel Antonio National Park</a> and the southern Pacific with surfing hotspot <b>Dominical</b> and remarkable <b><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/news-blog/198-costa-rica-whale-dolphin-festival-2015-starts-in-september.html" target="_blank">whale-watching</a> in the Ballena Marine National Park</b>. Manuel Antonio was named a best beach in the world, second best beach in Central America and No. 1 in Costa Rica, in the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches" target="_blank">2016 Travelers’ Choice Awards</a> by Trip Advisor.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296612282,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296612282,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296612282?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p>You’re ready to buy and build your dream home in Costa Rica. What do you need to do to buy property in Costa Rica?</p><p><b>10 Easy Steps to <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/properties/costa-rica-property-management.html" target="_blank">Buy Rainforest Property in Costa Rica</a> at Portasol Living</b></p><ol start="1"><li><b><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/properties/costa-rica-land-for-sale.html" target="_blank">Choose your property</a>.</b> Portasol Living is being developed in phases; there are currently 56 lots developed with a total of 180 planned. Lots range in size from 1.2 acres up to 11 acres at prices between $46,000 and $300,000; each has road access, water, satellite TV, telephone and electricity supplied to the property line. Features include: ocean and mountain views, mature rainforest, river or creek boundaries, and access to trails and public areas. Portasol also has existing <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/ocean-view-home-for-sale-in-costa-rica-real-estate.html" target="_blank">homes available for re-sale</a>.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008979491,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008979491,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008979491?profile=original" /></a></li><li><b>Sign a Purchase Agreement.</b> Once you choose your property and learn Portasol’s regulations, you need to sign a Purchase Agreement and pay a down payment of between 20% and 40%.</li><li><b>Due diligence</b> takes 30 to 60 days to check with the national registry and ensure all is in order legally with the property.</li><li><b>Financing</b> is available for Portasol lots (but not re-sale homes). Portasol Living offers a 40% down payment and an owner-financed mortgage up to 10 years. The loan percentage varies depending on the mortgage length.</li><li><b>Sign final documents and pay.</b> Meet at the lawyer’s office to sign the title documents, and either pay the balance due or sign the mortgage documents. You will have arranged a wire transfer from your bank to an “escrow” account. Then it’s yours!</li><li><b>New property owner responsibilities</b>: As a new owner, you must take care of your annual property taxes, and pay a $100 monthly maintenance fee that is managed by the Portasol development and owners’ association.<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009044701,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009044701,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009044701?profile=original" /></a></li><li><b>Meet with an architect.</b> Portasol will connect new property owners with an architect to <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/properties/design-construction.html" target="_blank">design an eco-friendly home</a> that meets the community’s building regulations. Being a sustainable gated community, Portasol Living protects 83% of its total land as green space. Community rules state that 15% of each property lot may be used for construction and the remaining space is to be preserved naturally.</li><li><b>Get building plans approved</b>. Once you have your architectural plans, they need to be reviewed and approved by the Portasol Commission for Construction Projects (COSUPROCO).</li><li><b>Building permits.</b> Portasol staff can help you go to the local municipality to get the necessary building permits.</li><li><b>Hire a building contractor.</b> The architect and Portasol staff can recommend building contractors. Average building time is 9 to 12 months after receiving permits, depending on the size of the home and luxury details.</li></ol><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Go to Costa Rica for an unforgettable fun friends triphttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/go-to-costa-rica-for-an-unforgettable-fun-friends-trip2016-02-17T00:29:09.000Z2016-02-17T00:29:09.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p>Traveling with friends is a must. A <b>friends’ trip</b> is the chance to share some amazing and memorable times, not to mention great stories. I’d even go so far as to say you haven’t lived until you’ve experienced a vacation with friends.</p><p>Have you heard about the amazing travel experiences in Costa Rica? The <a href="http://www.natgeotraveller.co.uk/smart-travel/features/the-2016-cool-list/" target="_blank">hot travel destination of Costa Rica</a> not only gives you thrilling scenery, exciting adventures and lots of off-the-beaten-path places to explore, the people are also really friendly. So you can go home leaving a few friends behind for another visit.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009036692,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009036692,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009036692?profile=original" /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://portasol.cr/en/" target="_blank">Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living</a></strong> <b>eco-community</b> is a choice <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/time-winter-sun-holidays-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation destination</a> that appeals to all kinds of travelers. Close to major attractions and yet not in the tourist crush, <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/project-location.html" target="_blank">Portasol Living is perfectly located</a> if you want to have a relaxing vacation in nature, or an active vacation filled with beaches, adventure tours and the best national parks in the country.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009037067,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009037067,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009037067?profile=original" /></a></p><p>For a fun friends’ trip, the Portasol residential eco-community offers affordable <strong><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/make-costa-rica-travel-affordable/" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation rentals</a></strong> on <b>Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast</b>. Portasol is right between Manuel Antonio and Dominical and right near the beach, giving you access to the best attractions in the Central Pacific and Southern Pacific of Costa Rica.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009037467,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009037467,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009037467?profile=original" /></a></p><p>The award-winning eco-development offers an <strong><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/best-wildlife-tour-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">amazing rainforest experience</a></strong> with private trails, waterfalls and swimming holes, and abundant wildlife. Less than 15 minutes away are <b><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/news-blog/170-discover-portasol-s-hidden-beach-playa-linda.html" target="_blank">beautiful uncrowded beaches</a>.</b></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009029473,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009029473,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009029473?profile=original" /></a>Stay in one of the fully-equipped <b>Costa Rica vacation home rentals</b> at Portasol Living. For less than the cost of a hotel, you and your friends can rent a one-, two- or three-bedroom house. Not only do you have more space, you get amenities like a kitchen, living spaces, several bathrooms, and often a private pool. The views across the rainforest to the ocean are spectacular. Or, rent a rainforest bungalow or apartment.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009037871,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009037871,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009037871?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>Choose a Costa Rica vacation rental at Portasol Living for a fun friends’ trip:</b></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging/costa-rica-vacation-homes-for-rent-casa-de-paz.html" target="_blank">Casa de Paz Vacation Home Rental</a>, 3-bedroom and 3-bath. Sleeps 10 persons.</li><li><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging/costa-rica-vacation-homes-for-rent-monos-locos.html" target="_blank">Monos Locos Vacation Home Rental</a>, 3-bedroom and 3-bath. Sleeps 8 persons.</li><li><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging/the-casa-cedro.html" target="_blank">Casa Cedro Vacation Home Rental</a>, 2-bedroom and 2-bath. Sleeps 8 persons.</li><li><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging/costa-rica-vacation-homes-for-rent-toucan-house.html" target="_blank">Toucan House Vacation Rental</a>, 2-bedroom and 2-bath. Sleeps 4 persons.</li><li><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging/costa-rica-vacation-homes-for-rent-colibri-house.html" target="_blank">Colibri Vacation Home Rental</a>, 1-bedroom and 1-bath. Sleeps 3 persons.</li><li><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging/costa-rica-rainforest-vacation-rental-bungalows.html" target="_blank">Vacation Bungalows</a>, 1-bedroom and 1-bath. Each bungalow sleeps 4 persons.</li><li><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging/costa-rica-rainforest-vacation-rental-duplex.html" target="_blank">Portasol Apartment</a>, 2-bedroom and 1-bath. Sleeps 4 persons.</li></ul><p> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008980253,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008980253,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008980253?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>Top Recommended Things to Do on a Friends’ Trip to Portasol Living</b></p><ol><li>Swim in the waterfalls at Portasol & hike the nature trails</li><li>Try the yoga class at Portasol (on Fridays, or a private class by arrangement)</li><li>Eat the bountiful breakfast at Portasol: fresh fruit, gallo pinto, eggs, homemade tortillas, toast, Costa Rican cheese, coffee, tea and juices.</li><li>Go for a long beach walk & sunset on Playa Linda</li><li>Shop for artisan crafts along the beach in Dominical & have lunch in one of the funky community’s restaurants</li><li>Hike to the Nauyaca Waterfalls in Dominical</li><li>Go to the <a href="http://costa-rica-guide.com/nature/national-parks/ballena/" target="_blank">Ballena National Marine Park</a></li><li>Visit <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/national-parks.html" target="_blank">Manuel Antonio National Park</a> and beach</li><li>Take the <a href="http://planetdolphin.com/" target="_blank">Catamaran Tour</a> from the Quepos Marina to Playa Biesanz for snorkeling & dolphin watching</li><li>Go whitewater rafting on the Savegre River</li></ol><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009038273,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009038273,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009038273?profile=original" /></a></p><p>So grab your group of friends and head to Portasol Living in Costa Rica this spring or summer for a fun friends’ vacation.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>How to make Costa Rica vacations affordablehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/how-to-make-costa-rica-vacations-affordable2016-01-24T20:20:29.000Z2016-01-24T20:20:29.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p>A colleague of mine and I both traveled out of Costa Rica for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. He to Western Europe and I to the western United States. What we both found when people learned we lived in Costa Rica was surprising. Everyone said they either <b>loved visiting Costa Rica or wanted to go there</b>; but many also commented on how expensive it was to travel to Costa Rica.</p><p>It’s true.</p><p>If you plan to <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/time-winter-sun-holidays-costa-rica/" target="_blank">vacation in Costa Rica</a> for a couple of weeks, and only stay at all-inclusive resorts or medium to high-end hotels without some sort of travel discount, you’ll spend a small fortune on accommodations and food, let alone tours and transportation. Costa Rica is popular around the world, and that means big name hotels have moved in charging big-name prices, thereby spiraling other tourist prices upwards. But this is mostly in the high-volume tourist destinations.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009028867,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009028867,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009028867?profile=original" /></a> </p><p><b>There is a way to travel affordably in Costa Rica</b>.</p><p>First, look to <strong><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/shhh-dont-tell-hidden-paradise-beaches-costa-ricas-central-pacific-coast/" target="_blank">explore the less-traveled areas</a></strong>. You’ll find lower prices, better deals, and <b>Costa Rica is beautiful everywhere</b>, so you won’t be disappointed. You can still visit those popular destinations, but choose to <b>stay outside of the tourist hustle</b> – close enough to visit the chosen attraction with your rental car or a hired van or taxi for the day, but away from high prices.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009029473,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009029473,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009029473?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Second, <strong><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/where-to-stay/new-costa-rica-vacation-home-in-portasol-living-eco-community/" target="_blank">vacation rentals in Costa Rica</a></strong> are a booming business. Why? Because hotels can be really expensive, especially if you’re a family of four or more and you need at least two rooms. With a <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging/costa-rica-vacation-homes-for-rent-monos-locos.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation rental</a>, you can have an entire two- or three-bedroom house or condo, with probably two or three bathrooms, all to yourselves and for less than the cost of a hotel. You usually have <b>more space and amenities, plus a kitchen</b> in a vacation rental.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008979273,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008979273,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008979273?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>Eating out can be expensive in Costa Rica</b>, especially in hotels and touristy restaurants. In your vacation rental’s kitchen, you can prepare a bountiful breakfast for a few dollars. Costa Rican coffee is some of the best on the planet; pick up a package at the supermarket for $5 that will last you your entire vacation. The abundant selection of exotic fruits and vegetables is amazing in Costa Rica, and for an astonishing fraction of the price you would pay in North America or Europe – because it grows here. Plan to eat one main meal out in a restaurant every day, and the rest you can whip up in your vacation home kitchen. Save your money for those fun <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/activities/tours.html" target="_blank">tours and attractions</a>!</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009029689,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009029689,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009029689?profile=original" /></a>A good example of completely affordable travel in Costa Rica is the <strong><a href="http://portasol.cr/en/" target="_blank">Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living</a></strong> <b>eco-community</b> on <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/project-location.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast</a>.</p><p> The unique eco-development is located perfectly between the beautiful but very touristy <strong><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/national-parks.html" target="_blank">Manuel Antonio National Park</a></strong>, and the popular <b>surf town of</b> <strong><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/nearby-beaches.html" target="_blank">Dominical</a></strong> on the southern Pacific Coast. Like it says in point #1, <b>you are close enough to easily visit</b> in less than an hour’s drive, but out of the hustle and high prices.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009030460,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009030460,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009030460?profile=original" /></a></p><p>The award-winning environmental residential development is set in a little river valley of beautiful rainforest. Most of the 1,335 acres are preserved in a pristine state, offering <b>great <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/best-wildlife-tour-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">wildlife viewing opportunities</a></b> and an <strong><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/inside-portasol/bio-reserve.html" target="_blank">amazing rainforest experience</a></strong> with private trails, waterfalls and swimming holes. Less than 15 minutes away are <b>beautiful uncrowded beaches</b> at Playa Matapalo.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009002081,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009002081,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009002081?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Portasol offers a varied selection of vacation rentals, from <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging/costa-rica-rainforest-vacation-rental-bungalows.html" target="_blank">jungle bungalows</a> to <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging/costa-rica-vacation-homes-for-rent-casa-de-paz.html" target="_blank">luxury vacation houses</a>.</p><p><b>Casa Cedro</b></p><p>The <b>newest vacation rental at Portasol</b> <b>is <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging/the-casa-cedro.html" target="_blank">Casa Cedro</a></b>. The vacation home has two bedrooms, each with its own master bath, and can sleep up to eight persons. A large fully-equipped kitchen opens to an outdoor living and dining area. <b>The best part is the huge spacious covered terrace</b> where you can relax in comfortable chairs and sofas or lounge in a hammock surrounded on all sides by the rainforest right next to you, listening to the amazing sounds of exotic nature and the bubbling of the Portalón River.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009031482,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="644" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009031482,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009031482?profile=original" /></a></p><p>While you are relaxing, you might even get a visit from a toucan, hummingbird, electric blue Morpho butterfly, brilliant rainforest frog, sloth, coati, or even an anteater in the giant rainforest trees and flowering plants right off the terrace. There is <b>high-speed Wi-Fi</b> throughout the house, and cable TV in the living area to stay connected.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009031089,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009031089,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009031089?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Casa Cedro is located close to the development’s front gate with 24-hour security and plenty of parking. You have spectacular views of the Portalón River, rainforest and mountains. <b><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/inside-portasol/la-cazuela-park.html" target="_blank">Waterfalls</a> with natural pools</b> are an easy 5-minute walk away on a nature trail, and you’ll find easy access to the community swimming pool, lounge and BBQ area located behind the house.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009031673,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009031673,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009031673?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>Meals</b></p><p><b>Local farmers’ markets:</b> In the town of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqjnpUeOBhU" target="_blank">Quepos</a> (35 minutes), the farmers’ market right in front of the ocean runs on Fridays from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and again on Saturday morning from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. <a href="http://www.ballenatales.com/en/the-dominical-farmers-market/" target="_blank">Dominical</a> (20 minutes) has an organic farmers’ market from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Fridays in Plaza Pacifica at the entrance to the town.</p><p><b>By Portasol in the village of Portalón:</b> Buy hydroponically grown vegetables from a local family or shop at two mini-markets, called <i>pulperias</i>, and a tiny supermarket that sells a little of everything from food to personal hygiene and clothing items.</p><p><b>Best restaurant in the area:</b> A 10-minute drive from Portasol is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rest-La-Langosta-feliz/202801109790155" target="_blank">La Langosta Feliz</a>, where you can get the freshest fish and shellfish for lunch or dinner for between $10 and $15 per person with drinks. With advance notice, Portasol’s lovely cooks can make you <b>fresh typical Costa Rican meals at affordable prices right at your vacation home</b>. </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296609660,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296609660,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9296609660?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>What to do</b></p><p>Plenty of <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/activities/tours.html" target="_blank">tours and attractions</a> are happening in the area around Portasol – from the <b>Manuel Antonio National Park</b> to catamaran sailboat tours, surfing, snorkeling, whitewater rafting, the <b>Ballena National Marine Park</b>, wildlife tours and beach time.</p><p>The <strong><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/extend-stay-envision-festival-2016-costa-rica-sustainable-community-portasol/" target="_blank">Envision Festival</a></strong> is taking place <b>Feb. 25 to 28, 2016</b> just down the coast in Uvita.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008929675,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008929675,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="512" alt="9008929675?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>Getting there</b></p><p>You can <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/transportation.html" target="_blank">get to Portasol</a> on a local flight to Quepos, by renting a car, or with private or shared transportation.</p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/portasol/" target="_blank">Contact Portasol</a> for information and <a href="http://central.reservadealojamientos.com/disenio2011/reservas-disponibilidad.php?id=1985&i=4" target="_blank">reservations</a>.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Costa Rica's Summer Season of Festivals 2016 Begins!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/costa-rica-s-summer-season-of-festivals-2016-begins2016-01-26T13:30:00.000Z2016-01-26T13:30:00.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009025286,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009025286,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" alt="9009025286?profile=original" /></a><br /> It’s the new year, and that means it’s time for Costa Rica’s summer festival season! Known for their gregarious, fun-loving style, Costa Ricans’ enthusiasm is contagious when the country celebrates its numerous fiestas, festivals and horse parades from January to April. Plan your travel to Costa Rica to experience these fun cultural events with rich local traditions, tasty cuisine and vibrant music. Besides the main festivals, every town and community has its own “<i>turno</i>” (a country fair) to enjoy during the Costa Rican summer months.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009026088,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009026088,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009026088?profile=original" /></a></b><strong><u><br /> <b>Costa Rica Festival Schedule 2016</b></u></strong></p><p><strong><u><br /></u> February<u><br /></u></strong> <br /> <strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CarnavalPuntarenasCostaRica/" target="_blank">Puntarenas Carnival</a> (Feb. 11-13)</strong> — In the Pacific port city of Puntarenas: street fair, parades, horse parade, concerts, dancing, food & sporting events.<br /> <br /> <b>Liberia Fiestas (Feb. 26 – Mar. 6)</b> – In Liberia, Guanacaste: biggest Guanacaste fiestas, horse parade, bull riding, rodeo, concerts, dancing, food, rides and games, fireworks.<br /> <br /> <b><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/extend-stay-envision-festival-2016-costa-rica-sustainable-community-portasol/" target="_blank">Envision Festival</a> (Feb. 25-28)</b> – In Uvita on the southern Pacific Coast: eco-themed festival of art, spirituality, yoga, music, dance, and sustainability.<br /> <br /> <b>Monteverde Music Festival (February-March)</b> – In Monteverde: top Costa Rican musicians and artists perform various concerts from the end of February to the end of March.<br /></p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008810857,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008810857,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9008810857?profile=original" /></a></strong></p><p><strong><u><br /></u> March</strong><b><br /></b> <br /> <strong>Oxcart Parade, San Antonio de Escazu (2nd Sunday of March)</strong> — In Escazú, San José: traditional parade of beautifully handmade, painted oxcarts with oxen teams and “drivers” in traditional costumes; food and dancing; blessing of the animals. <br /> <br /> <strong>St. Joseph’s Day (March 19)</strong> — St. Joseph is the patron saint of the capital city, San José. Other namesake towns also celebrate with fiestas.<br /> <br /> <b>National Orchid Show (Mid-March)</b> – In San José: celebration of the country’s national flower and 1,200 orchid species.</p><p><br /> <b>Fruit Festival (Mid-March)</b> – In Orotina, Puntarenas: huge open-air fruit market and festival (on the way to the Pacific Coast from San José).</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008946463,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008946463,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008946463?profile=original" /></a><strong><u><br /></u> April<u><br /></u></strong> <b><br /></b> <strong>International Arts Festival (First Two Weeks of April)</strong> – Top international artists and national performers give performances in San José and other locations throughout the country (concerts, dance, theater).<br /> <br /> <strong>Juan Santamaría Day (April 11)</strong> — Commemorates Costa Rica’s national hero, Juan Santamaría, a drummer boy who died in the battle of Rivas in 1856. It is a national holiday; the majority of activities are held in Alajuela (parade, street fair, concerts).</p><p><br /> <br /> Where to stay in the <a href="http://www.natgeotraveller.co.uk/smart-travel/features/the-2016-cool-list/" target="_blank">coolest travel destination for 2016</a>? In Costa Rica’s sunniest place on an unforgettable Guanacaste beach at <a href="http://www.villasestivalcostarica.com/index.php/en/" target="_blank">Costa Rica beach rentals Villas Estival</a> or <b><a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/pacifico-condos" target="_blank">Pacifico Condos vacation rentals</a> in Playa del Coco.</b> Contact <a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/" target="_blank">All Costa Rica Rentals</a> to reserve your <b>Costa Rica vacation rental</b> today.<br /> <b><i><br /></i></b></p><p></p></div>African oil palm research may ease destruction of rainforestshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/african-oil-palm-research-may-ease-destruction-of-rainforests2013-08-26T14:36:23.000Z2013-08-26T14:36:23.000ZDanny Solano Alvarezhttps://tripatini.com/members/DannySolanoAlvarez<div><p style="text-align:justify;">As you head south along the <strong>Pacific Coast of <a class="zem_slink" title="Costa Rica" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=9.93333333333,-84.0833333333&spn=10.0,10.0&q=9.93333333333,-84.0833333333%20(Costa%20Rica)&t=h" target="_blank">Costa Rica</a></strong> from <strong>Jaco</strong> down past <strong>Quepos/Manuel Antonio</strong> toward <strong><a class="zem_slink" title="Dominical" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=9.25,-83.8666666667&spn=0.1,0.1&q=9.25,-83.8666666667%20(Dominical)&t=h" target="_blank">Dominical</a></strong>, vast forests of palm trees stretch for miles along the highway.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Palm-oil-farm-on-Costa-Rica-Central-Pacific-Coast.jpg"><img src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Palm-oil-farm-on-Costa-Rica-Central-Pacific-Coast-300x218.jpg" alt="Palm oil farm on Costa Rica Central Pacific Coast" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-6030" style="margin:5px;" title="Palm oil farm on Costa Rica Central Pacific Coast" align="right" height="218" width="300" /></a>Lush and thickly planted, with emerald ferns growing on the trunks and a dense carpet of green underneath, the palms always remind me of a tropical enchanted forest.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">These immense plantations are <strong>African Palms</strong>, and their <strong>oil production is one of the largest agricultural industries in Costa Rica</strong>. Palm oil – not to be confused with coconut oil – is <strong>the world's most consumed vegetable oil</strong>. The oil extracted from palm oil kernels (called dates) is used around the world in products ranging from candy and cosmetics to candles, cooking oil, industrial lubricants and even biofuels.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Although it is planted on only 5% of the total world vegetable oil acreage, palm oil accounts for 33% of vegetable oil and 45% of edible oil worldwide, according to the <a title="Scientific journal Nature, report on African oil palms" href="http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v500/n7462/full/nature12309.html" target="_blank"><strong>scientific journal Nature</strong></a>. Grown widely in the tropics, oil palms have gained worldwide attention recently for the destruction of rainforest and wetlands to create plantations – especially in Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">However, studies published last month in Nature by the <a class="zem_slink" title="Malaysian Palm Oil Board" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysian_Palm_Oil_Board" target="_blank">Malaysian Palm Oil Board</a> (MPOB) reveal that a targeted oil palm gene called "Shell" <strong>could boost oil production yields, thereby easing pressure on tropical rainforests</strong> by not needing to expand plantations.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong><a href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Palm-oil-seeds-photo-courtesy-of-ecopreservationsociety.jpg"><img src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Palm-oil-seeds-photo-courtesy-of-ecopreservationsociety-300x199.jpg" alt="Palm oil seeds, photo courtesy of ecopreservationsociety" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-6031" style="margin:5px;" title="Palm oil seeds, photo courtesy of ecopreservationsociety" align="left" height="199" width="300" /></a></strong>The oil palm has an impressively long lineage, dating back to the origins of flowering plants (<em>Arecaceae</em> family) during the Cretaceous period about 140 to 200 million years ago, says the investigation. The oil palm genus <em>Elaeis</em> consists of two species – <em><a class="zem_slink" title="Elaeis guineensis" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elaeis_guineensis" target="_blank">Elaeis guineensis</a></em> originating from West Africa, and <em>E. oleifera</em> from Central and South America. The species from West Africa has a greater yield, but the species from the Americas has higher unsaturated fatty acid content, lower tree height, and better disease resistance.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">African Palms can live for more than 200 years. They are pollinated by the wind, and <strong>in Costa Rica, the fruit is maintained and harvested all by hand</strong>. Workers cut the large fruit pods from the trees when they are a bright orange-red and full of kernels. In the palm-growing areas, you can see open-bed trailers full of palm fruit being pulled by a tractor or truck. Palm oil workers ride their bicycles along roads by the plantations balancing scythes on very long poles over their shoulders.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong><a href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Palm-oil-plantation-in-Costa-Rica.jpg"><img src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Palm-oil-plantation-in-Costa-Rica-300x225.jpg" alt="Palm oil plantation in Costa Rica" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-6033" style="margin:5px;" title="Palm oil plantation in Costa Rica" align="right" height="225" width="300" /></a>If scientists are able to manipulate this new Shell gene</strong> (responsible for whether the oil palm shell is thick or thin), research shows that it could result in a 30% higher yield of palm oil per fruit, and also produce shorter trees, making the palms easier to maintain and the fruit easier to cut, reports the <a class="zem_slink" title="Nature (journal)" href="http://www.nature.com/nature/index.html" target="_blank">Nature journal</a>.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">"Mutations in this gene … explain the single most important economic trait of the oil palm: how the thickness of its shell correlates to fruit size and oil yield," stated Rajinder Singh of the MPOB's Advanced Biotechnology and Breeding Center in the report. "This discovery may help balance the competing interests of meeting increasing world-wide demand for edible oil and biofuels on the one hand, and of rainforest conservation on the other."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">From <strong>Parrita to Dominical</strong>, along Costa Rica's Central Pacific Coast, the <strong>economy is principally based on <a title="History of palm oil production in Costa Rica" href="http://www.puertoquepos.com/newsletter/archive/nov-2002/african-palms.html" target="_blank">palm oil production</a></strong>. Long gone are the original Chiquita banana plantations, replaced in the 1940s and 1950s by African Palms in response to a blight of Panama banana disease.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong><a href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Portasol-Vacation-bungalow-5.jpg"><img src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Portasol-Vacation-bungalow-5-300x199.jpg" alt="Portasol vacation bungalow in Costa Rica" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-6034" style="margin:5px;" title="Portasol vacation bungalow in Costa Rica" align="left" height="199" width="300" /></a>Rent a luxury vacation home or tropical bungalow</strong> in the heart of Costa Rica's <a class="zem_slink" title="Elaeis" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elaeis" target="_blank">African Palm</a> oil plantations. <a title="Portasol Rainforest and Oceanview Living vacation rentals, Costa Rica" href="http://portasol.cr/en/" target="_blank"><strong>Portasol Rainforest and Oceanview Living</strong></a> is an oasis of <strong>pristine rainforest</strong> in the midst of palm oil plantations, just 30 minutes from the famous beaches of <strong>Manuel Antonio</strong> and also <strong>Dominical</strong>. The long, less-traveled beach of Matapalo is a 5-minute drive away. The <strong>sustainable residential community</strong> has vacation rentals and properties for sale. Its 1,300 acres offer private trails in the jungle, rivers and waterfalls with natural pools, comfortable lodging, and spa services.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">By <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/104506194721250694108/posts">Shannon Farley</a></p></div>Costa Rica is the place to go for a fun family vacation.https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/costa-rica-is-the-place-to-go-for-a-fun-family-vacation2015-11-24T22:39:53.000Z2015-11-24T22:39:53.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009010901,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="440" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009010901,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009010901?profile=original" /></a>Christmas is right around the corner, and with it are <b>holidays</b> and <b>school vacations</b>. For a <b>fun adventure</b> in the sun with rainforest, beaches and volcanoes, head to <b>Costa Rica</b> for your family vacation.</p><p><b>Costa Rica is a top <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/fun-never-stops-playa-del-coco-costa-rica/" target="_blank">family vacation destination</a></b> for warm tropical sunshine and seas, beautiful beaches, rainforest adventures, affordable easy travel and plenty of kid-friendly activities. It is one of the <b>safest countries in</b> <b>Central America</b> and <b>English is widely spoken</b>.</p><p><b>What makes</b> <b>Costa Rica so great for kids</b> is that each day can bring a <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/10-best-things-to-do-in-playa-del-coco-costa-rica/" target="_blank">different adventure</a>, such as: zip lining, hiking in the rainforest, exploring a live volcano, horseback riding, snorkeling, and seeing wildlife like sloths, toucans, giant iguanas, dolphins and baby sea turtles. And adults get to rediscover the kid in themselves.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008933700,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008933700,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008933700?profile=original" /></a>Costa Rica now has <b>70 connections</b> from destinations in North and South America and Europe. Three airlines just inaugurated <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/2015/11/03/three-airlines-inaugurate-routes-costa-rica" target="_blank">new routes to Costa Rica</a> last month: <b>Alaska Airlines</b>, <b>Southwest Airlines</b>, and <b>Thomson Airways</b> from England. Seventeen airlines fly to <b><a href="http://www.fly2sanjose.net/" target="_blank">Juan Santamaría International Airport</a> in San Jose</b>, providing direct connections with flights to 46 destinations. Ten airlines operate flights to and from <b><a href="http://www.liberiacostaricaairport.net/" target="_blank">Daniel Oduber International Airport</a> in Liberia</b>, allowing connections to 24 destinations.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009011671,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009011671,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009011671?profile=original" /></a>For <b>family-friendly accommodations</b>, look no further than <a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/vacation-rentals" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation rentals</a>. Staying in <b>vacation</b> <b>condos, villas or homes</b> give you more space and amenities for less money than the equivalent at a hotel.</p><p>In <b>Guanacaste, Costa Rica</b> – on the <b>North Pacific Coast,</b> known for <b>beautiful beaches</b> and lots of activities – you have available <a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/pacifico-condos" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation condo rentals</a> and <a href="http://www.villasestivalcostarica.com/index.php/en/" target="_blank">Costa Rica beach rentals</a>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008988073,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008988073,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008988073?profile=original" /></a>The <a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/pacifico-condos/3-bedrooms" target="_blank">Pacifico Condos</a> in popular beach town <b>Playa del Coco</b> (“Coco Beach”) offer 13 one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom condos in a gated community with 24-hour security. There are two swimming pools, a Jacuzzi, large green areas, bike paths, plenty of parking, a shopping center with restaurants, a grocery store and a bank, and a private beach club with shuttle service. A <b>concierge service</b> can arrange tours for you.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009012089,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009012089,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009012089?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.villasestivalcostarica.com/index.php/en/the-villas" target="_blank">Villas Estival</a> offers <b>12 Costa Rica vacation villas</b> on the small, uncrowded beach of Playa Prieta. <b>Fully-equipped beachfront villas</b> either have two or three bedrooms, and two or three bathrooms, in one or two-story villas. There are children’s and adult swimming pools and a children’s playground.</p><p>Contact <a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/" target="_blank">All Costa Rica Rentals</a> today to see what <b>Costa Rica condo rentals, villa rentals and Costa Rica beach rentals</b> are available.</p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>See the whales in Costa Rica in September and Octoberhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/see-the-whales-in-costa-rica-in-september-and-october2015-09-20T23:46:21.000Z2015-09-20T23:46:21.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009009653,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009009653,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009009653?profile=original" /></a>It is once again time for <b>whale watching in Costa Rica</b>!</p><p>The <b>2015 whale-watching season in Costa Rica</b> gets going every year in August and September in southern Costa Rica. In Uvita Beach, there is a <a href="http://www.festivaldeballenasydelfines.com/" target="_blank">Festival of Whales & Dolphins</a> every year in September. The annual festival marks the <b>peak of the annual migration of southern Pacific Humpback Whales to the <a href="http://www.costarica-nationalparks.com/ballenanationalmarinepark.html" target="_blank">Ballena National Marine Park</a> in Costa Rica</b>. </p><p>Less than an hour north of the Ballena National Marine Park, <a href="http://portasol.cr/en/" target="_blank">Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living</a> <b>eco-community</b> is offering a <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/activities/tours/190-whale-and-dolphin-watching.html" target="_blank">special promotion</a> during <b>Costa Rica whale watching season 2015</b>. Stay two nights at the <b>Costa Rica sustainable community</b>, with full breakfast included, and receive a <b>whale-watching tour for two persons with transportation</b> from Portasol to the Ballena National Marine Park. The tour also includes snorkeling and a visit to the Ventanas sea caves.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009009689,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009009689,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009009689?profile=original" /></a>Costa Rica provides an important</b> <b>sanctuary for <a href="http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/whales/species/Humpbackwhale.shtml" target="_blank">endangered humpback whales</a></b> to breed and give birth. Southern Pacific humpback whales swim north from Antarctica as far as Costa Rica to the warm tropical waters of Golfo Dulce and the southern Pacific coast from <b>August to October</b>. Then later from <b>December to April,</b> northern Pacific humpback whales swim thousands of miles from Alaska to the shallow coastal waters of the <b>Ballena National Marine Park in southern Costa Rica</b>.</p><p>The Ballena (“whale”) National Marine Park covers 272 acres (110 hectares) of land and 13,280 acres (5,375 hectares) of ocean. It was created in 1989 as the <b>first marine park in Latin America,</b> and is a <b>vital refuge for marine life</b>, including pilot whales, false orca whales, sea turtles, and Pacific Spotted, Common and Bottlenose dolphins. The Ballena National Marine Park is <b>famous for its sandbar isthmus</b> formed perfectly into the <b>shape of a large whale’s tail</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009010260,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009010260,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="525" alt="9009010260?profile=original" /></a>Biologists consider the protected area of the national park <b>a perfect spot between the northern and southern hemispheres for marine life</b> because it is located in what is known as the <b><a href="http://www.ipsnews.net/2014/10/protecting-biodiversity-in-costa-ricas-thermal-convection-dome-in-the-pacific/" target="_blank">Costa Rica Thermal Convection Dome</a>.</b> This large “bubble” of shallow, oxygen-rich warm water layered over the top of colder water with less oxygen creates an ideal habitat for marine life.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963874,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008963874,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008963874?profile=original" /></a>About</b> <a href="http://portasol.cr/en/" target="_blank">Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living</a></p><p>Looking to <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/destinations/want-unique-eco-community-costa-rica-property-investment/" target="_blank">invest in real estate in Costa Rica</a> or enjoy a <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/news-blog/183-why-choose-portasol-for-your-costa-rica-vacation-destination.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation rental</a> for your holiday? Visit the <b>unique eco-development of Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living</b> that appears in the new <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/news-blog/196-portasol-stars-in-new-hollywood-movie-after-words.html" target="_blank">Hollywood movie “After Words”</a>, with Marcia Gay Harden and Oscar Jaenada, that was filmed in Costa Rica.</p><p>Set on <b>1,335 acres</b> of pure wildlife-rich <b>rainforest on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast</b>, Portasol’s location is ideal – between <b>Manuel Antonio National Park</b> and <b>the Ballena National Marine Park.</b> Portasol is close to uncrowded tropical beaches and top whitewater rafting rivers. Offering <b>Costa Rica property for sale</b> and unique <b>Costa Rica</b> <b>vacation rentals</b>, Portasol is a perfect place to stay while you explore the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Costa Rica beach rentals are the newest vacation tip to live it up for less moneyhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/costa-rica-beach-rentals-are-the-newest-vacation-tip-to-live-it2015-10-30T18:36:53.000Z2015-10-30T18:36:53.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009004878,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009004878,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009004878?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/vacation-rentals" target="_blank">Vacation rentals in Costa Rica</a> are very popular, and often the <b>most economical travel option</b> for families and groups of friends. Pay per night for multiple <b>hotel rooms</b>, with maybe only breakfast included? Or stay in a <strong><a href="http://www.villasestivalcostarica.com/index.php/en/" target="_blank">Costa Rica beach rental</a></strong> for a few <b>days, weeks or month</b> with plenty more space and luxury amenities, at much lower prices than a luxury beach hotel.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?msa=0&mid=zpwU53L6Q1ns.kb2JgHz2WLEw" target="_blank">North Pacific Coast of Guanacaste, Costa Rica</a> is known for <b>beautiful beaches</b>. You can pretty much find it all here – white sand, gold sand, gray and black sand, and even pink sand. Some beaches are rocky; others wide and sandy. Some are bustling beach towns, and others are so untouched it may seem as if you are the first person ever to visit.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009005259,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009005259,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009005259?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.villasestivalcostarica.com/index.php/en/the-beach" target="_blank">Playa Prieta</a> (Prieta Beach)</b> is one of those beautiful beaches. With a little village and leafy, shaded beach, <b>Playa Prieta stays isolated from the hustle and bustle</b> of other beaches, creating a tranquil holiday paradise. The beach is very pretty with <b>white and black sand curved around a small, clear blue bay</b> less than one-third of a mile long (500 meters). From the beach, you have marvelous views of nearby Flamingo Bay and its <a href="http://www.villasestivalcostarica.com/index.php/en/surroundings" target="_blank">surrounding beaches and islands</a>. Prieta’s protected beach is <b>ideal for swimming, body surfing and lounging in the sun</b>.</p><p>This is the location of <b>Costa Rica vacation home rentals</b> <strong><a href="http://www.villasestivalcostarica.com/index.php/en/" target="_blank">Villas Estival,</a></strong> a fantastic place to vacation on a small, uncrowded beach with all the amenities of a modern home.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009005280,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009005280,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009005280?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.villasestivalcostarica.com/index.php/en/the-villas" target="_blank">Twelve villas</a>, or individual vacation homes, are exceptionally placed right <b>in front of beautiful Prieta Beach</b>. Managed by <a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/" target="_blank">All Costa Rica Rentals</a>, fully-equipped villas either have <b>two or three bedrooms, and</b> <b>two or three bathrooms, in</b> <b>one or two-story villas</b>. Villas have capacity for <b>between six and eight persons</b>, and there is <b>wireless internet</b> in each villa. <strong><a href="http://www.villasestivalcostarica.com/index.php/en/villa-09-romantica" target="_blank">Villa Romantica</a></strong>, or Villa 09, features direct ocean views and is the closest to the ocean. This one-story villa offers three bedrooms and capacity for seven persons.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009005872,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009005872,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="588" alt="9009005872?profile=original" /></a>The villas are spaciously distributed in a lush garden, all with direct access to the beach. Besides the refreshing and fun waves of Prieta Beach, there is a <b>large <a href="http://www.villasestivalcostarica.com/index.php/en/pool-and-gardens" target="_blank">swimming pool</a> for adults and a smaller one for children</b>. A <b>children’s playground</b> is near the pools, on grass, and under the shade of palm trees.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009006280,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009006280,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="630" alt="9009006280?profile=original" /></a>Nearby Villas Estival</b> there are <b>many other beaches worth exploring</b>, including Pan de Azúcar Beach, La Penca Beach, Playa Potrero and its small village Puerto Potrero, <strong>Playa Flamingo,</strong> Playa Brasilito, and the spectacular <strong>Playa Conchal</strong>, whose white sand is formed by millions of fragments of shells.</p><p><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/10-best-things-to-do-in-playa-del-coco-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Things to do in Guanacaste</a> include scuba diving, snorkeling, world-class sportfishing, boating, surfing, horseback riding, hiking, and zip lines. Only 20 minutes from Playa Prieta is the <a href="http://www.costarica-nationalparks.com/lasbaulasnationalmarinepark.html" target="_blank">Las Baulas National Marine Park</a> at Playa Grande, where you can see nesting sea turtles.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009005082,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009005082,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009005082?profile=original" /></a>Contact <a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/" target="_blank">All Costa Rica Rentals</a> to reserve your <b>Costa Rica villa rental</b> today. <b>Great discounts</b> can be found from now to December in Costa Rica low season.</p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>PBS to feature baby sloths in Costa Rica on Nature programhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/pbs-to-feature-baby-sloths-in-costa-rica-on-nature-program2015-09-21T23:33:16.000Z2015-09-21T23:33:16.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009000888,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009000888,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009000888?profile=original" /></a>The cute and cuddly sloths of Costa Rica</b> will once again feature in <b>international television and online programming</b>. The award-winning production <strong><a href="http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/" target="_blank">Nature</a></strong> will air a two-part program called <strong><a href="http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/natures-miracle-orphans/12712/" target="_blank">Nature’s Miracle Orphans</a></strong> <b>on PBS on September 23 and 30, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. (ET).</b> After each broadcast, the episode will be available for online streaming at <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/" target="_blank">pbs.org/nature</a>. <em><b>Nature</b></em> is a production of THIRTEEN Productions LLC for WNET. <em><b>Nature’s Miracle Orphans</b></em> is a BBC Production. The series has been consistently among the most-watched primetime series on public television in the USA.</p><p> </p><p>The show tells the story of <b>orphaned baby sloths</b> at <strong><a href="http://www.theslothinstitutecostarica.org/" target="_blank">The Sloth Institute Costa Rica</a></strong> (SICR) in Manuel Antonio, run by Sam Trull, who is “<strong>dedicated to helping one of the most charismatic animals in Costa Rica, the sloth.” The Sloth Institute collaborates with the nonprofit organization <a href="http://kidssavingtherainforest.org/" target="_blank">Kids Saving the Rainforest</a> in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theslothinstitutecostarica" target="_blank">sloth rescue, rehabilitation and release</a>.</strong></p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009001464,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009001464,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="680" alt="9009001464?profile=original" /></a>n the episodes, storylines follow <b>“Newbie”, a baby three-toed female sloth</b> that has been battling pneumonia since her rescue, a condition Trull thinks may have been triggered by the stress of losing her mother. “In the wild, Newbie would have spent nine months clinging to her mother for comfort and security, feeding on her milk and learning what to eat. The tasks of feeding Newbie and showing her what foods to eat now fall to Trull as surrogate mother,” show information explains. Another sloth in the limelight is <b>“Pelota”, a two-toed female sloth</b> that Trull is preparing to release back into the wild, and so must teach her to climb, swim, and spend nights outside alone.</p><p> </p><p>The PBS documentary <em><b>Nature’s Miracle Orphans</b></em> <em><b>also</b></em> <b>follows the stories of koalas, wallabies, kangaroos and fruit bats in Australia</b> as they cope with survival without parents, and learning the life skills needed to survive back in the wild from their rescuers.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009001299,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009001299,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009001299?profile=original" /></a>Sloths in Costa Rica have become famous</b>, and are one of the most sought-after animals to see by travelers visiting Costa Rica. <b>Animal Planet</b> featured rescued sloths at the <b><a href="http://www.slothsanctuary.com/" target="_blank">Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica</a>,</b> on the southern Caribbean Coast, in several shows in 2014 – <b>“Meet</b> <b>the Sloths”</b> and <b>“Sloth Week”</b>. The <a href="http://www.visitcostarica.com/ict/paginas/home.asp?ididioma=2" target="_blank">Costa Rica Tourism Board</a> also promotes sloths in its tourism campaigns to Costa Rica.</p><p> </p><p><b>See sloths in the wild in Costa Rica</b></p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009002081,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009002081,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009002081?profile=original" /></a>The <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/inside-portasol/bio-reserve.html" target="_blank">private rainforest reserve</a> and 1,335 acres of protected land at <a href="http://portasol.cr/en/" target="_blank">Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living</a> <b>eco-development</b>, just south of Manuel Antonio, is a <b>great place to see <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/inside-portasol/flora-fauna.html" target="_blank">sloths in the Costa Rica jungle</a></b>.</p><p> </p><p>Portasol has <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging/costa-rica-rainforest-vacation-rental-bungalows.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation rentals</a> and <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/destinations/want-unique-eco-community-costa-rica-property-investment/" target="_blank">Costa Rica property for sale</a> in a <b>sustainable community</b>. You can stay on the rainforest property for a vacation and enjoy <b>Portasol’s trails and waterfalls</b>, or take a <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/best-wildlife-tour-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">wildlife day tour</a> with <a href="http://bushmastercostaricatours.com/" target="_blank">Bushmaster Adventures</a>.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009001887,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009001887,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="487" alt="9009001887?profile=original" /></a>Portasol’s location is ideal – between <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/national-parks.html" target="_blank">Manuel Antonio National Park</a> and <b>the <a href="http://www.costarica-nationalparks.com/ballenanationalmarinepark.html" target="_blank">Ballena National Marine Park</a></b> on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast. The <b>beautiful uncrowded </b><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/shhh-dont-tell-hidden-paradise-beaches-costa-ricas-central-pacific-coast/" target="_blank">beaches of Playa Linda and Playa Matapalo</a> are a few miles away. <b>Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living</b> appears in the new 2015 <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/after-words-movie-filmed-at-portasol-living-in-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Hollywood movie After Words</a>, with Marcia Gay Harden and Oscar Jaenada that was filmed in Costa Rica.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Alternative places to stay in Playa del Coco, Costa Rica: Vacation condo rentalshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/alternative-places-to-stay-in-playa-del-coco-costa-rica-vacation2015-08-31T18:09:31.000Z2015-08-31T18:09:31.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296604258,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296604258,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296604258?profile=original" /></a>Pay per night for a <b>hotel room</b>, with maybe breakfast included? Or, enjoy a <b>private spacious condo or beach house</b> that lets you have your own, comfortable “home away from home” while on vacation?</p><p>Over the past 10 years, <a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/vacation-rentals" target="_blank">vacation rentals in Costa Rica</a> have become very popular, and it’s no wonder. <b>Vacation rentals</b> can be a <b>really economic travel option</b> for families, groups of friends, and couples. Staying in <b>privately-owned apartments or homes that are rented by the day, week or month</b> gives vacationers more space and amenities at a lower price than a hotel room.</p><p>In <b>Playa del Coco</b> (“Coco Beach”) <b>in Guanacaste, Costa Rica</b>, the <a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/pacifico-condos" target="_blank">Pacifico Condos</a> are your best <b>Costa Rica vacation condo rentals</b>. Managed by <a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/" target="_blank">All Costa Rica Rentals</a>, there are <b>13 Pacifico Condos available</b>, including <b><a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/pacifico-condos/1-bedroom" target="_blank">one-bedroom condos,</a> <a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/pacifico-condos/2-bedroom" target="_blank">two-bedroom condos</a> and <a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/pacifico-condos/3-bedrooms" target="_blank">three-bedroom condos</a></b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008988073,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008988073,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008988073?profile=original" /></a>These <a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/pacifico-condos" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation condo rentals in Playa del Coco</a> are part of a <b>gated community with 24-hour security</b>. The condo complex offers two swimming pools, a Jacuzzi, large green areas, bike paths, a picnic area, a waterfall, plenty of parking, and a shopping center with restaurants, a grocery store and a bank. The <b>private Pacifico Beach Club</b> is only a few minutes away, and has a restaurant and two more swimming pools to enjoy. <b>Shuttle service from the condos to the Beach Club</b> is available, as well as <b>concierge service and tours</b>.</p><p><b>Ground floor or second-story condos</b> give you privacy, freedom and comfort. <b>Pacifico Condo vacation rentals are fully furnished and equipped</b> with towels, linens, all kitchen appliances, dishwasher, washer/dryer, personal hot water tank, wireless internet, cable TV, air-conditioning, and housekeeping service. It’s like having your own <b>luxury beach home in Costa Rica</b> <b>for an affordable price</b> while on vacation. Second-story condos have balconies; ground floor condos have private patios.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008988499,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008988499,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008988499?profile=original" /></a>The one-bedroom condo</b> has a king-size bed in the bedroom, and a sofa bed in the living room. <b>Two-bedroom condos</b> generally have a king-size bed in a master suite, two twin beds in the second bedroom, a sofa bed in the living room, and two bathrooms. <b>Three-bedroom condos</b> provide a master bedroom with a king-size bed, flat screen TV, walk-in closet and full size bathroom; second and third bedrooms have a queen-size bed and two twin beds, each room with its own flat screen TV and sharing a full bathroom. An elegantly maintained living room has a sofa bed, and flat screen TV.</p><p><b><a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/guanacaste-real-estate" target="_blank">Playa del Coco in Guanacaste, Costa Rica</a>,</b> is a <b>favorite tourist destination</b>. There is always a lot going on in this beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay. <b>Things to do in Playa del Coco:</b> scuba diving, snorkeling, sportfishing, boating, surfing, horseback riding, hiking, zip line tours, and seeing nesting sea turtles in the nearby <a href="http://www.costarica-nationalparks.com/lasbaulasnationalmarinepark.html" target="_blank">Las Baulas National Marine Park</a>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008989068,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008989068,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008989068?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/contact-us" target="_blank">Contact All Costa Rica Rentals</a> today to see what <b>Costa Rica condos and </b><a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/for-rent/26-houses/87-playas-del-coco-vacation-house-rental" target="_blank">vacation home rentals in Playa del Coco</a> are available for your vacation. <b>Great discounts can be found this time of year</b> in Costa Rica low season.</p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Playa del Coco a Hot Costa Rica Beach Destinationhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/playa-del-coco-costa-rica-beach2015-08-09T13:00:00.000Z2015-08-09T13:00:00.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008986886,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="700" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008986886,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008986886?profile=original" /></a><br />Nearly all of <b>Costa Rica’s two million-plus tourists each year visit at least one beach</b> during their vacation. <b>Logistics are easy</b> given that the <a href="http://www.fly2sanjose.net/" target="_blank">San Jose International Airport</a> is a little <b>less than one hour from the closest Pacific Coast beach</b>, and it only takes <b>30 minutes or so to get to the coast from the </b><a href="http://www.liberiacostaricaairport.net/" target="_blank">Liberia International Airport</a> in Guanacaste in the north Pacific.<br /><br />Called “El Coco” by Costa Ricans or “Coco Beach” by foreign visitors and residents, <b><a href="http://news.co.cr/a-guide-to-enjoying-playas-del-coco-beach-in-guanacaste-costa-rica/22448/" target="_blank">Playa del Coco</a> is one of the oldest beach communities in Guanacaste, Costa Rica</b>. The festive beach has long been a <b>popular tourist destination</b> for both foreigners and Costa Ricans, and is one of the <b>fastest growing areas of tourism in Costa Rica</b>. <br /><br /><b>People come from all over to visit</b> this tranquil horseshoe-shaped bay to relax and enjoy the village’s ongoing beach party. <b>The village is always hopping with happy people and lots going on</b> at plenty of restaurants, bars, casinos, discos and shops. Newly opened this month in Playa del Coco is the second <a href="http://www.hardrock.com/cafes/guanacaste/" target="_blank">Hard Rock Café in Costa Rica</a>.<br /><br /></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008987655,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008987655,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008987655?profile=original" /></a><br />Hills surrounding the bay and three little islands offshore of the grey sand beach provide beautiful views. <b>Things to do in Playa del Coco</b> include scuba diving, snorkeling, world-class sportfishing, boating, surfing, horseback riding, hiking, and zip lines. Nearby is the <a href="http://www.costarica-nationalparks.com/lasbaulasnationalmarinepark.html" target="_blank">Las Baulas National Marine Park</a> where you can see nesting Leatherback, Pacific Green and Hawksbill sea turtles.<br /><br /><b>Getting to Playa del Coco is easy</b>. Playa del Coco is located approximately 22 miles (35 km) from the city of Liberia, the capital of the Guanacaste province in Costa Rica, and 17 miles (27 km) from the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia.<br /><a href="http://www.allcostaricarentals.com/en/pacifico-condos" target="_blank"><br /><br /></a></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008987488,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008987488,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008987488?profile=original" /></a><br /><br /></b></p><p><b><i> </i></b></p></div>Costa Rica's best adventure tour to see wildlife in the Central Pacific regionhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/costa-rica-s-best-adventure-tour-to-see-wildlife-in-the-central2015-06-12T22:47:46.000Z2015-06-12T22:47:46.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008968272,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008968272,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008968272?profile=original" /></a>If you love the idea of <b>roaming through a rainforest</b> looking for monkeys, snakes, exotic birds and wild cats, then this <b>Costa Rica nature adventure tour</b> is for you.</p><p> </p><p>On your next <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/next-costa-rica-vacation-destination-portasol-living-eco-community/" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation</a>, you should go on the <strong><a href="http://bushmastercostaricatours.com/" target="_blank">Bushmaster Adventures rainforest wildlife tour</a></strong>. This is one of your <b>best bets in the <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location.html" target="_blank">Central Pacific region of Costa Rica</a> to see an incredibly diverse array of wildlife</b>.</p><p> </p><p>Private or group guided tours visit the <b>coastal rainforest</b> at <a href="http://portasol.cr/en/" target="_blank">Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living</a>, located between <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/national-parks.html" target="_blank">Manuel Antonio National Park</a> and the <b>surf town of</b> <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/location/nearby-beaches.html" target="_blank">Dominical</a>. <a href="http://bushmastercostaricatours.com/tours/" target="_blank">Tours by Bushmaster Adventures</a> also are available from Dominical to the Osa Peninsula and Golfo Dulce.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008968478,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008968478,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008968478?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Portasol is a <strong><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/community.html" target="_blank">residential eco-community</a></strong> that has <b><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/lodging.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation rentals</a>,</b> set on <b>1,300 acres of pure rainforest</b> a few miles from the <b>beautiful uncrowded</b> <strong><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/shhh-dont-tell-hidden-paradise-beaches-costa-ricas-central-pacific-coast/" target="_blank">beaches of Playa Linda and Playa Matapalo</a></strong>. The sustainable community’s property spreads up the narrow Portalón River Valley to high ridges of primary rainforest that are protected in <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/inside-portasol/bio-reserve.html" target="_blank">Portasol’s private biological reserve</a>. An incredible range of plant and animal species live in the area.</p><p> </p><p>“<b>There is an abundance of <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/inside-portasol/flora-fauna.html" target="_blank">biodiversity in Portasol</a></b>. It is one of the <b>best areas in the whole Central Pacific from Manuel Antonio to Dominical to see wildlife</b>,” said Bushmaster Adventures owner and naturalist guide, Gary Kritzinger. “It’s really old forest and I’ve had great luck at finding lots of different species of animals here.”</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008969067,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008969067,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9008969067?profile=original" /></a>You can choose either a <b>day or a night tour</b> that will take you <b>hiking on Portasol’s</b> <b>well-kept trails</b>. On the day hike, Kritzinger said people have good chances to <b>see birds such as</b> <b>hawks, parrots, toucans, tanagers and trogons, along with squirrels, tayras, white-faced and howler monkeys, peccaries, iguanas, coatis, and lots of different kinds of snakes</b>. People can go for a swim in a crystal clear creek halfway through the two to three-hour tour; or Kritzinger said he can extend the tour to visit Portasol’s <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/inside-portasol/la-cazuela-park.html" target="_blank">Cazuela Waterfall</a> area for swimming and more wildlife viewing.</p><p> </p><p><b>The night tour is particularly fascinating</b> since most people don’t usually see what comes to life at night in a rainforest. Kritzinger said he usually spots assorted snakes, spiders, frogs, toads, salamanders, night hawks, owls, agoutis raccoons, and if very lucky an ocelot or an anteater.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008968867,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008968867,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008968867?profile=original" /></a></p><p>The private guided tours cost $65 per person (both the day and night tours). Kritzinger supplies drinks and snacks, and for night tours: headlamps, flashlights and rubber boots. Bushmaster Adventures has never had any incidents but for those who are timid of snakes and want peace of mind, he has snake-protective chaps that you can wear over your pants for protection. <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/bushmasteradventures?fref=ts" target="_blank">Bushmaster Adventures</a> can tailor any tour to suit guests' schedule and interests.</b> Kritzinger is an accomplished nature photographer and is always happy to help people with their photos during his tours.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008969655,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008969655,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008969655?profile=original" /></a>Bushmaster Adventures was born out of <a href="http://bushmastercostaricatours.com/about-us/" target="_blank">Kritzinger’s love for nature and wildlife</a>. He <b>traded the concrete jungle of</b> <b>Johannesburg, South Africa for the rainforest jungle of Costa Rica</b> two years ago along with his wife, Shayne Mrazek, and their two dogs and two cats. <b>Kritzinger specializes in herpetology</b> (the study of reptiles and amphibians). He and Mrazek kept 18 snakes in South Africa, and both are certified there for venomous snake handling and snake removal from houses and other establishments.</p><p>“I fell in love with Costa Rica two years ago while on vacation from my home country of South Africa,” explained Kritzinger. “<strong>I chose Costa Rica specifically</strong> as it is well known for being one of the best places in the world to find a wide variety of snakes, birds and other animals. As a child, I always wanted to experience the jungle first-hand, and so with my research, Costa Rica ended up being the perfect place.”</p><p>The couple own <b>four acres of rainforest with ocean views at the sustainable eco-community of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/portasol/" target="_blank">Portasol Living</a></b>; they plan to build a home there. In late 2013, the couple operated an impromptu <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/costa-rica-newcomers-jump-into-wildlife-preservation-at-portasol-eco-community/" target="_blank">rescue project for the red-eyed tree frog</a> at Portasol.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907887,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008907887,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008907887?profile=original" /></a>Other <a href="http://bushmastercostaricatours.com/tours/" target="_blank">Costa Rica nature and adventure tours</a> offered by Bushmaster Adventures</b> include a mangrove kayaking tour, a cave tour, and a boat tour to see dolphins, whales and sea snakes. Bushmaster Adventures also has <b>longer rainforest expeditions</b> between two and four days.</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/contac-us.html" target="_blank">Contact Portasol Rainforest & Ocean View Living eco-community</a> or <a href="http://bushmastercostaricatours.com/contact/" target="_blank">Bushmaster Adventures</a> to reserve a tour. Stay for a vacation in one of Portasol’s <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/where-to-stay/new-costa-rica-vacation-home-in-portasol-living-eco-community/" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation home rentals</a>, or stay forever on your own <a href="http://www.portasol.cr/en/properties.html" target="_blank">rainforest property in Costa Rica</a>.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p><p> </p></div>The best sources of information about Atenas, Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/the-best-sources-of-information-about-atenas-costa-rica2015-05-21T23:08:03.000Z2015-05-21T23:08:03.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952478,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952478,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008952478?profile=original" /></a>Heard about <a href="http://costarica.com/atenas/" target="_blank">Atenas, Costa Rica</a> – a <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/destinations/retired-living-good-life-atenas-costa-rica/" target="_blank">favorite place for international retirement</a> – and want to know more information?</p><p>The charming country town, <b>strategically located</b> between the capital city of San Jose and beautiful Pacific Coast beaches, has several sources of information to let you know <b>what’s happening in Atenas, Costa Rica</b>. All are available online from wherever you may be. Then, <b>the best thing to do is to <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/articles/167-vacation-rentals-are-the-new-way-to-stay-in-atenas-costa-rica" target="_blank">visit Atenas in person</a></b>.</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Atenas-Today-e-magazine/1413362918918885?fref=ts" target="_blank">ATENAS TODAY E-MAGAZINE</a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952291,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952291,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="240" alt="9008952291?profile=original" /></a>One of the <b>best sources of information about Atenas, Costa Rica</b> is the <b>monthly online community publication, the Atenas Today e-magazine</b>. <b>Published on the 23<sup>rd</sup> of every month</b>, Atenas Today presents a community calendar, information about events in and around Atenas, regular columnists, a gallery of works by local artists, and some local advertising. <b>All columnists and artists are Atenas residents</b>. Now in its eighth year, Atenas Today has <b>more than 600 readers</b> in Atenas and out of the area.</p><p>Atenas Today is a labor of love by <b>Atenas resident Marietta Arce</b>. Originally started in March 2007 by former Atenas homeowner, Fred MacDonald, Arce took it over in April 2011 when MacDonald returned to the USA. It is a non-paid hobby that has become a <b>huge community commitment</b>. Costa Rican 100% and raised in New York, Arce moved back to her homeland of Costa Rica 16 years ago with her husband and family; they have lived in Atenas for 13 years.</p><p>“<b>Atenas Today is a wonderful source of positive information about the Atenas community</b>,” commented Costa Rica realtor Dennis Easters with <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/" target="_blank">Pure Life Development of Atenas</a>. “It is an important resource for our community because it provides quality information about what is happening in our town, as well as resources such as local blogs about <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/articles/162-making-atenas-costa-rica-your-new-home" target="_blank">living in Atenas and Costa Rica</a>.”</p><p>You can <b>subscribe to receive the monthly Atenas Today e-magazine</b> by emailing editor Marietta Arce at <a href="mailto:atenastoday@gmail.com">atenastoday@gmail.com</a>. Subscribers also receive the <b>Atenas Yellow Pages</b> each month. <b>Back issues are available</b> on <a href="http://www.scomari.com/atenastoday.html" target="_blank">Arce’s personal website</a>. There also is an <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Atenas-Today-e-magazine/1413362918918885?fref=ts" target="_blank">Atenas Today Facebook page</a> that publishes news between issues, happenings in town, events, and nationwide information of interest to people in Atenas.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="http://atenasdigitalcr.com/" target="_blank">RADIO ATENAS</a> <br /></b></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952866,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952866,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008952866?profile=original" /></a>Tune into the pulse of Atenas, Costa Rica with <b>music and news on online radio station, Radio Atenas</b>. The <b>24-hour station is online</b> <b>only</b> – on the air since September 2014 – and they hope to get a community FM station in the future. You can <b>download free apps for your mobile phone on the <a href="http://atenasdigitalcr.com/" target="_blank">Radio Atenas website</a></b> to listen to Radio Atenas wherever you go.</p><p>The station’s <b>programming is mostly in Spanish</b>, except for <b>Atenas resident Marietta Arce’s show on Fridays at 1:00 pm in English</b>. She presents theme shows with music and community news and events. Arce has a Spanish-language talk show on Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. about current events in Costa Rica, culture, traditions, how-to’s, and interviews with community figures. The station also accepts advertising.</p><p> </p><p><b>OTHER INFORMATION SOURCES ABOUT ATENAS, COSTA RICA</b></p><p>A very good <b>source of information about Costa Rica</b> is <a href="http://www.welovecostarica.com/" target="_blank">We Love Costa Rica</a>.</p><p>Another is <b><a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/" target="_blank">Pure Life Development's website</a> and <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/blog.html" target="_blank">blog</a>.</b></p><p>There are three <b>Facebook groups about Atenas</b>: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AtenasOnlineCR?fref=ts" target="_blank">Atenas Online</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/atenascostaricainfo/" target="_blank">Atenas Costa Rica Info</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/158109054229981/" target="_blank">Atenas International</a>.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952687,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952687,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008952687?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>HOW TO VISIT OR LIVE IN ATENAS, COSTA RICA</b></p><p> </p><p>This <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXPnmOFV_ls" target="_blank">video</a> from Pure Life Development of Atenas will give you a good idea of what it would be like to <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/articles/168-why-is-it-a-good-time-to-buy-real-estate-in-costa-rica" target="_blank">live in Atenas, Costa Rica</a> or to visit on vacation.</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/about-us" target="_blank">Atenas, Costa Rica realtors</a> Dennis Easters and Gerardo Gonzalez-Porras of <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/" target="_blank">Pure Life Development of Atenas</a>, specialize in <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/costa-rica-homes-for-rental-and-sale" target="_blank">Atenas homes for sale</a> and <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/costa-rica-vacation-rentals" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation rentals</a>. Originally from Florida, Easters knows first-hand what it is like to <b>relocate to live in Costa Rica</b>. Gonzalez-Porras is Costa Rican born and raised and has worked in real estate for 10 years.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Oxcarts and cultural fiestas in Atenas, Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/oxcarts-and-cultural-fiestas-in-atenas-costa-rica2015-04-22T00:57:06.000Z2015-04-22T00:57:06.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008944100,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008944100,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008944100?profile=original" /></a>The way Omar Arce sees it, the <b>Costa Rica tradition of the oxcart driver and his oxen</b> is an <b>important cultural heritage that must be kept alive</b>. Nowadays in his country town of <a href="http://costarica.com/atenas/" target="_blank">Atenas, Costa Rica</a> most roads are paved and cars zoom everywhere. But when Arce, 73, was a boy, the only way to bring the vegetables his father sold from their family farm to the town center was by walking with their team of oxen pulling a wooden cart loaded with produce. The 7 km journey – now a 15-minute drive – would take four hours each way, Arce recalled.</p><p> </p><p>The important <b>Costa Rica tradition of the oxcart driver</b> will be celebrated <b>Sunday, April 26, in the Atenas, Costa Rica Oxcart Parade 2015.</b> The event culminates a <b>month of</b> <b>cultural events</b> in the charming Costa Rica coffee town.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008944300,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008944300,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008944300?profile=original" /></a>There is perhaps nothing as <b>emblematic of Costa Rica culture</b> as the <b>oxcart driver, his team of matched oxen and colorfully-painted wooden oxcart and oxen yoke</b>. In 2005, <b>UNESCO</b> (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) <b>proclaimed </b><b>Costa Rica’s traditional oxcarts</b> <b>to be an <a href="http://www.unesco.org/culture/intangible-heritage/12lac_uk.htm" target="_blank">Intangible World Cultural Heritage</a></b>.</p><p> </p><p><b>Atenas has a long history with oxcarts. Located on the traditional main oxcart road</b> from the capital city of San Jose to the Pacific Coast, <b>the town of</b> <b>Atenas</b> was the <b>central meeting point for traders</b> coming from both points to sell their goods. <b>Atenas’ oxcart history</b> is immortalized in the <b>famous Oxcart Monument</b> in town by sculptor Manuel “Manolo” Torrecillas Lopez.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008945452,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008945452,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008945452?profile=original" /></a>The <b>Atenas Oxcart Parade will begin at 10:00 a.m.</b> traveling through town around the Central Park. Organized by the <b>Atenas</b> <b>Oxcart Drivers’ Association</b> (<i>Asociacion Cuna del Boyero Ateniense</i>), of which Arce is President, <b>more than 300 oxcart drivers with their teams of oxen and carts</b> are expected from all over the country to participate.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008945478,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008945478,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008945478?profile=original" /></a>The big event culminates the <b>annual</b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/C%C3%A1mara-de-Turismo-y-Comercio-de-Atenas-CATUCA/110183168996986?ref=hl" target="_blank">Atenas Climate Fair</a> (<i>Feria del Clima</i>), <b>April 24 to 26.</b> Put on by the <a href="http://www.atenas-catuca.com" target="_blank">Chamber of Tourism and Commerce of Atenas</a> (CATUCA), the fiestas in the town <b>Central Park</b> will feature the exhibition and sale of products with <b>emphasis on environmental conservation, recycling, natural and organic</b>, etc. There will be live music, dance performances by community groups, and traditional food and drink. <b>It is a great event for</b> <b>families</b>. For more information, contact CATUCA at 2446-1047.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296597481,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296597481,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296597481?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/articles/162-making-atenas-costa-rica-your-new-home" target="_blank">Atenas, Costa Rica</a> is a favorite place for international retirement</b>. The quaint country town is located <b>less than an hour’s drive</b> from the <b>capital city of San Jose</b>, 30 minutes from the <b>Juan Santamaria International Airport</b>, and 45 minutes from <b>Pacific Coast beaches.</b> See what it would be like to <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/destinations/retired-living-good-life-atenas-costa-rica/" target="_blank">live in Atenas, Costa Rica</a> – known for its <b>sunny climate</b> – in this <b>new video.</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p>For <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/costa-rica-land-and-farms-for-sale" target="_blank">real estate in Atenas, Costa Rica</a> contact realtors Dennis Easters and Gerardo Gonzalez-Porras of <b><a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/" target="_blank">Pure Life Development of Atenas</a>,</b> specializing in <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/costa-rica-homes-for-rental-and-sale" target="_blank">Atenas homes for sale</a> and <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/costa-rica-vacation-rentals" target="_blank">Costa Rica vacation rentals</a>.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p><p> </p></div>See why Costa Rica was named top five best places in the world to retirehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/see-why-costa-rica-was-named-top-five-best-places-in-the-world-to2015-03-19T02:32:31.000Z2015-03-19T02:32:31.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008933855,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008933855,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008933855?profile=original" /></a>John Boggs first <b>fell in love with Costa Rica</b> many years ago when he was in the Air Force stationed in Panama. He visited Costa Rica frequently for R&R and on business, but it wasn’t until 2013 when he and his wife, Gay, finally <b>moved to the renowned tropical country to retire</b>.</p><p> </p><p>Selling their house in Virginia, they opted for the <b>adventure of</b> <b>international retirement life</b> and chose <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/articles/162-making-atenas-costa-rica-your-new-home" target="_blank">Atenas, Costa Rica</a> <b>for their new home</b>. The couple liked <b>Costa Rica’s</b> <b>family-based culture</b> and chose <b>Atenas</b> for its <b>great location</b>. The small country town is located 45 minutes from the <b>capital city of San Jose</b>, 30 minutes from the <b>Juan Santamaria International Airport</b>, and 45 minutes from <b>Pacific Coast beaches</b>.</p><p> </p><p>“We love the people here. It is a <b>very respectful country and the people are so kind</b>. It reminds us of how the United States was when we were growing up, very family based,” explained Gay Boggs. “In Atenas, we love that we are so close to great health care and close to the airport. It is a <b>small town atmosphere</b> but is very <b>close to everything that we need</b>.”</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008934097,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008934097,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008934097?profile=original" /></a>The Boggs’ are not alone in moving to the country CNN recently named “<b>one of the most amazing destinations for 2015.”</b> <b>Costa Rica,</b> along with <b>Ecuador, Panama and Mexico</b>, are all <b><a href="http://internationalliving.com/2015/01/the-best-places-to-retire-2015/" target="_blank">top five best places in the world to retire</a>,</b> according to the <b>2015 International Living Retirement Index.</b></p><p>Retirees laud <b><a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/costa-rica-land-and-farms-for-sale" target="_blank">Costa Rica’s affordable real estate</a> and cost of living, good private health care, great weather and relaxed lifestyle</b> as attractive reasons to move to the Central American nation.</p><p>Don and Janie Orsino of Southern California were considering <b>Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador and Uruguay for places they might like to retire</b>, until they visited Costa Rica. “We did one of those <b>retirement tours in Costa Rica</b>, and we were so convinced after that tour that we didn’t go to those other places,” said Don Orsino. “Everywhere your eye falls <b>it is so beautiful</b>. The weather is great. The <b>people are the friendliest</b> of anywhere in the world, and it has a <b>good stable economy</b> for us to buy a house.”</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008934260,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008934260,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008934260?profile=original" /></a> </p><p>The Orsinos found their <b>new <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/costa-rica-homes-for-rental-and-sale" target="_blank">retirement home in Atenas, Costa Rica</a></b> in November 2014 using realtor Dennis Easters of <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/" target="_blank">Pure Life Development of Atenas</a>. “Atenas is a neat little town with a lot of nice shops. It is <b>close to the beach,”</b> said Orsino. “We also chose Atenas because if in the future we decide we want to use our home as a <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/articles/167-vacation-rentals-are-the-new-way-to-stay-in-atenas-costa-rica" target="_blank">vacation rental</a>, or even if we decide to sell, we know we can get <b>much better prices in Atenas</b> than in many other areas nearby.”</p><p> </p><p>When the Boggs’ <b>chose Atenas as their retirement destination</b>, they opted to <b>build their dream custom home</b>. “We learned quickly that real estate in Costa Rica is not like the United States with its regulations, but <b>we found a few realtors in Costa Rica who were the most professional</b>,” commented Gay Boggs. “Dennis Easters and Gerardo Gonzalez of <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/testimonials" target="_blank">Pure Life Development of Atenas</a> found us exactly what we were specifically looking for. They listened to what we wanted and didn’t waste our time, which is rare. We were very <b>impressed with Dennis’ builder and the high quality of construction</b>.”</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008924855,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008924855,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008924855?profile=original" /></a>Realtor Dennis Easters said he left Florida for Atenas because he loved the small community that gave him a feeling of home. “We always say that we’re not selling houses or properties; we sell dreams,” said Easters. “I’m living my dream and I want to share this piece of paradise with others.”</p><p>See what it would be like to <a href="http://www.atenasrealestate.cr/index.php/costa-rica-homes-for-rental-and-sale" target="_blank">live in Atenas, Costa Rica</a> in this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXPnmOFV_ls" target="_blank">new video</a> from Pure Life Development of Atenas.</p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>