Costa Rica (February 2004)

(includes San Jose, Poas, Irazu, Tamarindo)






 

Saturday, February 21—irazu Volcano Mountain Biking Trip
Costa Rica Biking Adventure
Web: www.bikingincostarica.com/rvirazuing.html
E-mail: bikingcr@bikingincostarica.com
Phone: (506) 2743-1000, (506) 236-0580, (506) 240-9880, (506) 235-4982
Contact: Pedro, (506) 360-3809, (506) 225-6591
Duration: 7 hours, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $75.00 per person (plus $7.00 per person to visit Irazu)
To Bring: raincoat/jacket/sweater
Approximate Schedule:
8:00 to   9:00:    Travel to Irazu
9:00 to 10:00:    Visit Irazu ($7.00 per person, fee NOT included)
10:00 to  1:30:    Biking
1:30 to  2:00:    Lunch
2:00 to  3:00:    Travel to San Jose


Sunday, February 22—Canopy Tour
Original Canopy Tours
Web: www.theoriginalcanopytour.com/sanmateo.html, www.canopytour.com/mahogany.html
E-mail: info@canopytour.com, reserve@canopytour.com
Phone: (506) 257-5149 or (506) 380-5060
Confirmation Number: 5390
Duration: 7.5 hours, 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $75.00 per person (includes transportation, tour, lunch, bilingual guide)
To Bring: insect repellent, water, camera, change of clothing
Approximate Schedule:
8:00 to 10:00:    Travel from San Jose to Orotina
10:00 to 10:30:    Orientation
10:30 to   1:00:    Canopy Tour
1:00 to    1:30:    Lunch
1:00 to   3:00:    Travel back to San Jose


Monday, February 23—Volcan Poas National Park/La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Best of Costa Rica
Web: www.bestofcostarica.com/
E-mail: info@bestofcostarica.com
Phone: (506) 215-2412, FAX: (506) 215-2415, 506-383-4990 (guide: Ana Lucia)
Contact: Andrea Fallas, Reservations Department, 506-374-2812
Duration: 6 hours, 7:00 am to 1:00 pm
Cost: $77.00 per person ($6.00 for Poas, $21.00 for La Paz) does NOT include lunch
To Bring: raincoat/jacket/sweater
Approximate Schedule:
  7:00 to   8:30:    Travel from San Jose to Poas
  8:30 to  10:00:    Visit Poas (included, $6.00 admission)
10:00 to  10:30:    Travel from Poas to La Paz
10:30 to 12:30:    Visit La Paz (included, $24.00 admission)
12:30 to   2:00:    Travel to San Jose


Tuesday, February 24——Rain Forest Aerial Tram (Caribbean Location)
Rainforest Aerial Tram Company (using this company gets us on the early tour)
Web: www.rainforestram.com/caribean/index.html
E-mail: info@rainforesttram.com or grupos@rainforestram.com
Contact: Merle Naranjo, Supervisora de Operaciones
Phone: 506-257-5961
Confirmation Code: 93009
Duration: 7 hours, 5:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $78.50 = $49.50 (entrance fee), breakfast ($9.50), transportation ($19.50)
To Bring: sturdy walking shoes, light jacket/rain gear, binoculars, insect repellent
Approximate Schedule:
   5:45:     our pick-up at Inter-Continental
   5:45 to   6:15:     pick ups (San Gildar, Grano de Oro, Costa Rica, Aurola Holiday Inn, Don Carlos)
   6:15 to   7:15:     travel
  7:15 to   7:45:     arrival
  7:45 to   9:15:     tram
  9:15 to 10:00:     hike
10:00 to 10:30:     breakfast
10:30 to 12:00:     travel
12:00 to 12:30:     drop offs (Don Carlos, Aurola Holiday Inn, Cost Rica, Grano de Oro, San Gildar)
12:30:     our drop off at Inter-Continental
Facts about Rainforest Aerial Tram
1.5 hour ride.
Cable suspended over 1.6 miles.
Travels about 1 mile per hour.
Six passengers per car (5 guests and a nature guide).
Handles 100 passengers per hour in 22 gondolas.
Well-groomed trails through the rain forest, and a restaurant.
1 hour west from San Jose toward Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Travel through different levels of the rainforest.
Travels as high as 95 feet in the air.
Fauna: Animal life includes butterflies, toucans, parrots, woodpeckers, sparrow hawks, eagle-hawks, tanagers, wrens, snakes, lizard, blue jeans frogs, monkeys, sloths, anteater bears, and bats.
Trails:
Bocaracá Trail: Easy (paved trail), 45 minutes, lead by a guide.
Las Palmas Trail: Moderate difficulty, 45 minutes.
La Tierra de Las Ranas (Frog's Land) Trail: Moderate difficulty, 200 meters, frogs, 30—45 minutes.
Gambas (Tower 12) Trail: Moderate difficulty, 300 meter trail, 30 to 45 minutes.
Orchids Trail: Moderate difficulty, 30 minutes.
Del Rio (River) Trail: Difficult (plenty of steps), 900 meter trail, young rainforest, 50—60 minutes.
Pogonantha Trail: Difficult trail, 60—80 minutes.


Costa Rica Information:

US Airways Flights:
2/20 Flight 1497
2/28 Flight 1498

Sansa Flights:
2/25 Flight 1642 (San Jose to Tamarindo)
2/28 Flight 1643 (Tamarindo to San Jose)

Friday, 2/20 through Wednesday 2/25:
Camino Real InterContinental Hotel
Escazu, SAN JOSE
Toll-Free: 08000521296
Tel: 011-506-2897000
Fax: 011-506-2898980
Email: sanjose@interconti.com

Wednesday, 2/25 through Saturday, 2/28:
Hotel Capitan Suizo
Playa Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Tel: 011-506-653-0075
Fax: 011-506-653-0292
Email: capsuizo@racsa.co.cr 



The Central Market appears to have been outside/outdoors at one time, but is now enclosed and under roof. It probably takes up about four blocks. Many produce and meat stands, with a few souvenir and floral stands mixed in. Also, lots of stands selling backpacks and children's clothing. There were a few stalls where you could order food at tables or counters. It was definitely where the locals shop and eat. The pedestrian mall was near the Central Market, which were also near the art museum and the national bank. There were additional shops there, and they were a little more upscale than the ones in the market. There was a definite class distinction between these two areas even though they abutted each other. The pedestrian mall had lots of chain restaurants (Burger King, McDonalds, etc.), but there were also two or three cafe-type places. We ate near the Hotel Presidente at the News Café, which was accommodating to English-speakers. It was an $8 taxi ride each way from the IC, and hailing a taxi in town for the ride back wasn't a problem.

We had a 4-hour layover between our Sansa flight from Tamarindo and our flight out of San Jose back to the US. The time passes more quickly than you think. After deplaning from Sansa, someone loaded our luggage onto a cart and walked us over to the main international terminal. Then we stood in line to pay our departure tax ($26 per person, which can be paid by credit card!), then we stood in another line for airline check in. Some counters were extremely crowded (American, in particular), with several flights leaving within the same time frame. The security checkpoint can also be time consuming if many flights are leaving at once. We left the airport and checked out the gas station (Castrol) across the street. The restaurant was full, and I would not hesitate to eat there, although we decided to explore further. We ended up walking to the Hampton Inn/Hampton Suites area, where there was a Rosti Pollo restaurant (the Costa Rican idea of TGIFridays). It was a good place to spend an hour or so for a meal, although it was not air-conditioned (so sit near a window). Luggage storage is offered by a facility near the domestic "terminal" at the SJO airport, not officially on-site, but within a 5-minute walk. The Hampton Inn/Suites may also offer luggage storage. The airport itself has a few shops (three gift shops and two duty free). Be sure to try the chocolate-covered coffee beans and macadamia nuts from Britt. There is only one food area that has a Church's Chicken, Burger King, and Papa John's pizza, plus a bar. If you go downstairs near gate 4A, there is a smoking bar with tables and umbrellas that also serves the same food mentioned previously. Don't worry about it being smoky--it is outside in a courtyard and a great place to spend some time. What's more, it seemed like many flights left from gate 4A. You are loaded onto shuttle buses and driven out to the plane, so they start transporting/boarding about 45 minutes before departure.

Canopy Tour: We did an Original Canopy Tour at Mahogany Park/Iguana Park/ Orotina (near Jaco, about an hour from San Jose). There was a family with four children on our tour. The youngest daughter was probably no older than 8. One of the guides traversed with her, sort of holding on to a separate pulley behind her. It seemed safe and well run. I'm not exactly adventurous, and I wasn't scared at all (not anywhere near as scared as I was mountain biking down Irazu!). The weight limit for the Original Canopy Tour in Costa Rica is 240 lbs.

Biking: We used Biking in Costa Rica. Our guide's name was Eric, and our driver's name was Orlando. Pedro handles the organizational side of the business. I booked on-line, and e-mailed back and forth with Pedro many times. When I finally got to Costa Rica and spoke with him on the phone, his English was excellent..

Poas/La Paz Tour: We hired a private driver through Best of Costa Rica for $77 per person. Andrea handles the reservations, and our guide was named Ana Lucia. We left San Jose at 7:00 am, arriving at Poas by 8:30 am. We spent an hour at Poas, hiking to Botos Lake, and of course seeing the main crater. We then drove to La Paz Waterfall Gardens (about 1/2 hour), which was really beautiful. The Peace Lodge rooms that they are expanding look wonderful. The butterfly garden, hummingbird garden, and five falls were all excellent. The lunch buffet was included. We spent about 2 hours at La Paz. We only made one short stop at a coffee shop to use the restroom and sample the coffee. It was about 1.5 hours back to San Jose. We had unbelievably clear views at Poas, but as we were leaving the clouds started to roll in. If we had arrived an hour later, the entire trip would have been wasted. Be sure to arrive as early as you can! Poas Volcano is handicap-accessible. While most people walk in to look at the crater, there are paved roads that allow you to drive in if necessary (in fact, my guide told me that the ambulance I saw on the access road is stationed there permanently to transport anyone who can't walk in).Irazu Volcano was less accessible. There is a paved road, but it ends too soon before the crater viewpoints. We visited both Irazu and Poas. The two sites are very different: Irazu is really barren, whereas Poas has lots of foliage. Poas is a larger park, with better facilities (museum, cafe, gift shop, restrooms). Irazu has the cafe/souvenir shop/restrooms also, but on a much smaller scale. Irazu is a quicker trip because there isn't as much to see. You drive almost to the volcano, where at Poas more hiking is involved. They are expanding the viewing areas at Poas (for example, building wooden platforms).

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: La Paz Waterfall Gardens contain many steps down to see the waterfalls; however, the hummingbird and butterfly gardens are accessible. I saw sloped dirt walkways/paths available in addition to the steps. La Paz Waterfall Gardens supplies walking sticks for people to use on their property. It is possible to drive to the bottom of the last fall (La Paz) and view it from there, but not the other four falls.












Costa Rica: Tamarindo: Cala Moresca at Cala Luna (February 2004)


Dining at Cala Luna’s luxurious poolside restaurant is a culinary experience you will not encounter elsewhere in Costa Rica. Our chefs focus on elegant and delicious creations delights our guests and local customers alike. The kitchen team conjures dishes that combine international cuisine with Costa Rican flavors to deliver one-of-a-kind tastes amid an intimate setting. As you sit in the partially outdoor dining area, you are surrounded by flickering lanterns that reflect in the glasslike pool. You gaze up to the shimmering stars surrounded by palms as you sip chilled wine before your dinner arrives. Soon, you relish in gourmet fare that is often organic, local and sustainable, but certainly doesn’t skimp on flavor, originality, or refinement.. We continue our tradition of personalized and friendly service at Cala Moresca. Our wait staff are always ready to assist you with any request.

Costa Rica: Tamarindo: Capitan Suizo (February 2004)

My spouse and I stayed at the Capitan Suizo for three nights in late February 2004. Capitan Suizo is located on the south end of Tamarindo, approximately a 15-minute walk to town. Rooms have no telephones or televisions. Bungalows have no air-conditioning, and no windows (just screens); however, we stayed in the more traditional two-story hotel building, the ground floor of which have air-conditioning. Rooms include a mini-refrigerator. There are many howler monkeys living in the trees around the property. Rooms had two doors: a traditional door to the back of the unit, and a sliding door facing the pool/beach. Rooms have two levels. The bathroom was large, and located at the back of the unit.
 
The 6 bungalows, 6 ocean front units, 22 superior rooms and the 4-bedroom-suite, (maximum 8 people) are spacious, furnished with local materials and decorated with regional craftsmanship and antique photographs from Costa Rica. All of them overlook tropical gardens, face the ocean, and feature a balcony or terrace and king-size beds draped with mosquito nets. In aaddition, each room has a sitting area with a queen-size sofa bed (except for the two oceanfront garden rooms) and sliding. All units have a small refrigerator, coffee and tea facilities, telephone, safe deposit box, radio, and a large closet. All the spacious bathrooms have a shower and hair dryer.
 
There was a wall-mounted hair dryer in my first-floor A/C room at Capitan Suizo. It also had a (really old-fashioned) radio, but no clock. The rooms have phones, but they only work within the hotel to contact the front desk. The rooms have a mini-fridge (empty except for the free bottle of water that they provide), which comes in handy if you want to buy drinks/snacks at the nearby supermercado (an easy 5 minute walk). Capitan Suizo was abit more rustic than Cala Luna (where we ate dinner one night). Capitan Suizo has lots of howler monkeys near their pool, which is pricless. One day we counted 11 in the trees next to the pool. This was priceless, in my opinion. Lots of great landscaping and foliage. Its pool is beautiful, plus it is on the beach.

I've heard many people comment on the screaming kids at Capitan Suizo. I can only say that when I was there in February, there were no children at all (and the hotel was filled to capacity). In fact, I would say that it was one of the most secluded and peaceful hotels that I have ever stayed in (but then again, I stay at lots of all-inclusive properties and in huge skyscraper hotels in major cities). Capitan Suizo isn't that big, and there is nothing for kids to do there. The rooms don't even have TVs, so I don't know why it would be an appealing place for families.

I stayed at Capitan Suizo in February of this year. The pool is beautiful. I am a sun worshipper, and there is plenty of space for tanning. There is also tons of shade near the pool, so it offers the best of both worlds! The pool was almost completely shaded by about 3:00 or 3:30 each afternoon; there was only one small patch of sun big enough for one lounge chair until about 4:00 or 4:30--just look for the spot where the iguanas sun themselves on a big rock.

We ate the continental breakfast that was included with our room rate. It included many different types of fruit (watermelon, papaya, mango, bananas, canteloupe, pineapple) and pastries (chocolate croissants, plain croissants, about seven different types of bread), cereal, yogurt, and juices.

It was an easy 10 minute walk from Capital Suizo to Tamarindo town on a paved road, and the lighting at night was fairly good. You could also walk to town on the beach, which was quicker and cooler in the daytime. The beach was prettier than I expected. Of course it wasn't the aquamarine water of the Caribbean, but the darker blues and rocky areas were attractive. There are horses on the beach, but we didn't encounter any of their droppings that so many people have been complaining about. There are also a few cabs in Tamarindo.

 
 





Costa Rica: Tamarindo: Bar y Restaurante Las Palmas (February 2004)

Coming Soon!

Costa Rica: Tamarindo: Hotel Tamarindo Diria (February 2004)

The Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort Costa Rica is the iconic beach resort with its own personality. It features direct access to the most famous white sand beach, ocean view accommodations, four swimming pools, six restaurants, five bars, and much more! The Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort Costa Rica is the iconic vibrant beach getaway for couples, families, and singles to enjoy an unforgettable vacation in a prime location. This genuine beach resort sits along a stretch of sugar-white sand beach and is surrounded by lush green mountains and national parks on the most famous Costa Rican beach.



Costa Rica: Tamarindo: Restaurante Zullymar (February 2004)

Zullymar is one of the places with greater tradition and permanence in Tamarindo (since 1970), thanks to our familiar atmosphere, excellent service, and privileged location in the heart of the town, just a few steps away from the beach. Our hotel has a colonial concept combined with tropical architecture, where the great palms reign, offering shade around the swimming pool area. A great restaurant and bar can also be found on the grounds. The beach is large enough to offer water lovers a perfect surf environment as well as more secluded areas for those longing to read and sunbathe. To the north is the beautiful beach of Playa Grande and to the south is the striking upscale beach of Playa Langosta. The conditions here are absolutely perfect for first-class surfing. Explore the underwater world on your next scuba diving trip, or travel the open waters on a deep sea fishing excursion with record tuna, marlin, and sailfish catches. Just north in Playa Grande, visitors have a very special opportunity to visit the Marino las Baulas park were the endangered leatherback turtles come on shore to nest.

Costa Rica: Tamarindo: La Plumeria at Jardin del Eden (February 2004)

Jardin del Eden’s enclave combines a boutique hotel with unsurpassed amenities, including a poolside restaurant and terrace with a carefully selected wine and digestif list. One of the most important aspects of Tamarindo’s culture is cuisine.

The walk up the hill/in from the main street seemed endless. We had terrible service at dinner there (although the food was good--great hearts of palm salad), so maybe that's why I don't speak about them more positively. After telling us that we didn't have a reservation (even after I produced two e-mail confirmations), they gave us a table right by the kitchen and basically ignored us. We didn't even leave a tip. But all the other diners seemed pleased--the restaurant was packed (although it's not that big).

Costa Rica: La Luz (February 2004)

 
Dining at La Luz, which is located at the Alta Hotel, is an extraordinary experience! Aptly named, La Luz meaning “The Light”, diners experience the finest nouvelle cuisine underneath hand-cast lamps, fresh flower,s and a hand-painted ceiling. The restaurant offers great views of the valley below. Their skilled chefs fuse a wide selection of Costa Rican, Continental and California influences, combining the freshest produce of the region, such as meat, fish and spices. La luz restaurant and bar combines Mediterranean cuisine specialties with Costa Rican tropical fresh products from local organic farmers. Chef Angelo indulges your senses in a culinary experience at La Luz Restaurant and Bar, one of the best restaurants in San Jose.


 

Costa Rica: San Jose: Rosti Pollos Alajuela (February 2004)

Rostipollos is the best roast chicken in Costa Rica! Their restaurants offer a friendly atmosphere and excellent table service. RostiPollos is a restaurant franchise founded in Costa Rica by Nicaraguan businessman Mauricio Mendieta. The franchise specializes in roast and rotisserie chicken dishes, with sides such as salads and fries in a more Central American style. (The name "RostiPollos" roughly translates as "roasty chicken.") Entrees reflect traditional Central American cuisine. The
first restaurant was opened in the wealthy Escazú district of San José, Costa Rica in 1983.


Costa Rica: San Jose: El Invernadero (February 2004)

Hanging ferns, orchids, and candlelight provide the perfect setting to enjoy what is some of the country's best food -- an inventive mix of Mediterranean dishes.

Costa Rica: San Jose: Cerutti (February 2004)


Cerutti Gourmet Italian Restaurant is inspired by the traditional European culture for good food. Cerutti Restaurante has served the best Italian gourmet food since 1996, always using care and quality. It is an excellent choice for gourmet fine dining Italian. Cerutti boasts a large selection of traditional wines from Italy that you can enjoy at the bar or as a perfect complement to your meal.

Costa Rica: San Jose: La Monastere (February 2004)

Situated on a hillside overlooking the San JosĂ© metropolitan area in Costa Rica, Le Monastère boasts an eclectic history. Originally the home and chapel of an elite family in the early 1900s, the buildings were later converted into a monastery for religious novitiates (of an unknown denomination). Today, the site hosts one of Central America’s best restaurants. Diners can enjoy a 270-degree view, stretching from the Central Valley to the Gulf of Nicoya. The interior is decorated in European tradition with marble statues, antiques, and photographs that record the restaurant’s history. Music is played on a magnificent grand piano, and the notes float through the romantic bar into the various dining rooms where guests can dine while enjoying the sparkling lights of the city below. French and international cuisine is served by hosts attired in 19th century French monk frocks, and guests are invited to enjoy Gregorian and classical music in the renovated chapel.
The food was French, and it could have been a little involved if you ordered it that way (lots of food prepared tableside). It was somewhat formal with lots of table settings, etc., but not stuffy. The service was excellent--all male servers, mostly older, who seem to make a career of waitering. The view was great. La Cava (located in the "basement") still has views of the city, and is much less expensive and informal. But be warned that on weekend nights, there is live music and it turns into a hot spot for the younger ticos. It was a mob scene on the Friday night we were there. I think we spent about $75 on dinner for two (appetizers, entrees, and dessert), with just a few drinks. Well worth it, and much less than we would have paid for a similar dinner in the US. There are great views of Escazu from El Monastere.


 

Costa Rica: San Jose: Camino Real Inter-Continental San Jose (February 2004)

My spouse and I stayed at the Camino Real Intercontinental San Jose for five nights in late February 2004. The hotel is located in the EscazĂş section of the city, adjacent to the Multiplaza Shopping Mall, which contains over 365 stores, bars, and restaurants. (The Real Comfort Inn and the Marriott Courtyard are close by.) It has the same type of stores that you would find in the US (Villeroy & Boch, Liz Claiborne, Aeropostale, Kenneth Cole), along with 2 or 3 souvenir shops. It also has a requisite food court (packed with American chains), and three other informal sit-down eating spots (e.g., RostiPollo, Hooligan's Sports Bar, Tapia). We frequented the Multimercado grocery store to buy beverages. There is also a movie theatre (it probably had about 8 different movies playing), but only one in English.

This hotel has a spa, an outdoor pool, and two restaurants, one of which was called Mirage. In addition, the IC was within a 5-minute taxi ride (approximately $7 each way) to restaurants such as Cerutti, La Luz, Monastere, and El Invernadero. The area seemed safe because it was upscale. The IC was a typical/traditional hotel, with five floors. The property also features a pool bar, lobby bar, gift shop, travel desk, jewelry shop, and car rental desk. Rooms had all the traditional amenities: good A/C, cable TV (including HBO), mini-bar, and hair dryers.






Costa Rica: San Jose: Hotel Presidente San Jose (date??)

An iconic landmark in San Jose, Hotel Presidente is a contemporary urban retreat in the heart of downtown San Jose. With its vibrant ambiance, modern decor, and great service, this 4-star hotel is the symbol of hospitality and the cultural soul of Costa Rica's capital city. Celebrated for their eco-friendly tourism practices, Hotel Presidente is a window into Costa Rica's land, people, and heritage. Experience an unforgettable vacation adventure, romantic getaway, or business trip at our hotel, the place to relax, connect, inspire, dine, and explore Costa Rica! Located on famous Central Avenue, this downtown San Jose hotel is walking distance to the city's shopping, dining, and cultural landmarks, including the National Theatre, National Museum, Gold Museums, Costa Rican Congress, Plaza de La Cultura, and the National Cathedral.

Costa Rica: San Jose: Orchid Restaurant at Pura Vida (February 2004)

Pura Vida offers an open-air terrace above the beautiful botanical garden. The Pura Vida dinner service is an ongoing evolution that started in a tiny restaurant overlooking the Pacific on the remote southern end of the Nicoya peninsula. Our host that night was Barbara of the Finca Los Caballos, near Montezuma. She gave us the idea for a simple but delicious prix-fixe dinner that has evolved into our gourmet experience. Later, our ideas emerged into a public restaurant inspired by Grandmas kitchen in Saigon and which reached #1 on Tripadvisor. Today we are a private dining experience in the orchid-covered terrace garden.

Costa Rica: San Jose: Hooligan's Sports Cafe Escazu (February 2004)

Hooligans offers a decently priced but typical sports bar menu, and is located in an upscale American-style mall. At Hooligans, you can watch lots of sports, including every UEFA Champions League match, NFL, Baseball, plus much more on over 18 TV screens.

Costa Rica: San Jose: Samurai San Jose (February 2004)

The passion for our customers and the dpassion for sushi makes us strive to be the best sushi restaurant in Costa Rica. Our spacious restaurant has all the necessary requirements to make your stay the best! A great atmosphere makes your evening unforgettable! Each of theiremployees strives to meet your needs, from the kitchen to your table, and from the hand of the Chef to your palate.