James Travel

Costa Rica

If you are looking for a colorful travel experience, stock up on film and plan on a remarkable visit to Costa Rica.  The country’s natural attraction of wildlife and its reputation for conservation attracts eco-tourism from all over the world.
Costa Rica is a land of adventure where tourist can experience the rumble of a Volcano or photograph monkeys and the scarlet macaws.  Relax on some of the most beautiful tree-lined tropical beaches anywhere.  Explore and experience a variety of activities ranging from diving to white water rafting. Costa Rica is a destination of unique adventure. 

Places to See and Go
One of the primary attractions for many visitors is the 850 recorded bird species, which include the resplendent Quetzal, indigo-capped hummingbirds, macaws and toucans. Costa Rica’s national parks a offer huge variety of wildlife and incredible sights.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve located in the highlands of the Tilaran Mountains encompasses a complex network containing unique flora and fanuna.

Braulio Carrillo National Park is only 30 minutes from San Jose with 80,000 acres of primal rain forest providing refuge to many of Costa Rica’s mammals, insects, reptiles, butterflies and more than 500 species of Birds.

Manuel Antonin National Park located on Costa Rica most beautiful pacific coast parks has spectacular white san beaches, bordered by a tall evergreen forest.  There are 109 species of mammals and 84 species of birds that live the park.  With its calm crystal clear waters it is perfect for snorkeling.

Poas National Park contains an impressive contrast in wonders.  It offers visitors the opportunity to hike and view an active crater, with its eruptions of smoke and steam, and an inactive crater, containing a cold-water lake. Arenal National Park is everyone’s image of a typical volcano.  This volcano has been active since 1968 and the degree of activity; varies from week to week.
Tortuguero Natioinal Park is one of the most important areas on the entire Caribbean coast for the green sea Turtle. It is one of the most biological diverse areas with its own unique flora and fauna.  Monkeys, frog’s toads, fish and birds are particularly abundant. 

For the sports active traveler, river rafting provides adventure with Class III waters on the Reventazon River.  World champion windsurfing located on Lake Arenal is considered one of the top five windsurfing spots in the world.  Excellent sport fishing along the Pacific Coast finds anglers catching Sailfish, Marlin, Mahi-mahi and Yellow-fin Tuna. Along the northwest Pacific Coast  scuba divers a magnificent of rock formations rocky corals and undersea canyons.

Whether you’re in search of adventure in a tropical rainforest or the best Costa Rica has to offer, James TravelPOINTS can help you arrange your vacation to meet your style 1-800-538-7461,costaricatravelpoints.com.  If you are looking for independent free-style adventures, we have suggested itineraries from 8 – 9 days.  Hosted and escorted vacations with local expert guides who will share their in-depth knowledge of nature, history and culture are also available.

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Toni Barnett, of James TravelPOINTS recently discover the beautiful country of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is a land of breathtaking beauty, natural wonder, and environmental consciousness. Much of Costa Rica is in its natural state with 27% of the country protected by land conservation or the national park system.  Extensive coasts compliment the lush jungles, cool mountains, and abundant wildlife in the interior regions.

Upon our arrival we headed into the hills outside of San Jose, our hotel patio overlooked the city lights below. Waking up to this peaceful resort on it’s own private coffee plantation surrounded by lush gardens gave us instant gratification and great start to a memorable vacation. We enjoyed a short hike that led to a series of waterfalls and pools, pleased to begin our adventure in such splendid fashion.

We left for Tamarindo, a sleepy surfing town on the Northern Pacific coast, long beaches offer a wide variety of surf that caters to beginners and experts. Our first time surfing wasn’t very successful but we sure had a great time trying. We left with fond memories of casual dinning at some wonderful little cafés, great waves, evening fireflies and relaxing walks along the beach.

Our next destination brought us to higher elevation in the Northwestern region and to Arenal. Thought to be just another dormant volcano, Arenal came alive on July 29, 1968 forever altering the landscape with dramatic explosions and lava flows. We hiked around the still belching Arenal where previous lava flows cut through the terrain. Staying up most of the night to view small glowing lava flows and listening as Arenal hissed and chug. We also visited the beautiful Tabacon Hot Springs-streams, waterfalls, and pools, this is a very special playground.

Our most scenic drive took us from Arenal through farmland and coffee plantations into the Cloud Forest region of Monteverde.  Here we were able to hike with our naturalist guide learning about this delicate ecosystem; we can’t imagine what we would have missed without his diverse knowledge and enthusiasm. With his spotting scope we were able to view two troops of howler monkeys. The males were competing for dominance with their unique and ferocious shrieks.   Our canopy tour took us sailing over the cloud forest it’s thrilling and beautiful, not nearly scary as I thought. A seriously good time enjoyed by all. Once we finished we walked along trails featuring several suspension bridges this is a great way to enjoy the canopy for those who wish to pass on the zip line.

Our final destination was Manuel Antonio. On our way there we spotted 7 Toucans and 2 sloths in one tree, the final check-off on our must do list! What an awe-inspiring 360º view of the beach and national park from our hotel balcony.  Our hike within the park was fantastic and once again our naturalist came through. He pointed out numerous things we would have missed without his keen eye.  Raccoon, several sloths, white faced and squirrel monkeys, birds, lizards, bats, and spiders became victims of our spotting scope and camera.

We left Costa Rica with vivid memories and the understanding of what makes this an extraordinary destination.  Call our Costa Rica experts to plan a vacation that will best meet your needs and let you mark a few of those “must dos” off your list 1-800-538-7461/303-938-9165, www.travelpoints.com.

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