Posts tagged Favorite Destinations
Costa Rica Vacation and Travel Planner
Nov 4th
Costa Rica is one of my favorite destinations – there is so much natural beauty crammed in this small country of 19,600 square miles. From the humble capital city of San Jose, located in the center of the country at about 3.600 feet above sea level, everything is close at hand – the Caribbean and the Pacific Coast are less than 90 minutes away, the lush lowland rainforests of the Caribbean slope are about 75 minutes away and the cloud forests and the volcanoes of the central highlands are less than 1 hour away. For a visitor who can afford only 7-8 days in Costa Rica, it is possible to explore a variety of habitats and life zones in a very short time period.
The following 8 day/7 night itinerary would be ideal for such a traveler:
One night in San Jose – if you arrive during the day, you may have time for a quick highlights tour of the city and some shoppingTwo nights in the Caribbean lowlands – an opportunity to explore the lush rainforests of Costa Rica. Nature hikes, white water rafting, birdwatching etc.
Alternate: 2 nights in Tortuguero – well-established ecotourist destination located on the Northern Caribbean Coast. Wet coastal forests, very lush and green. Drive/take motorboat from San Jose/return by air. Important nesting area for both Green and leatherback turtles.
Two nights at Bosque de Paz – private nature reserve and lodge at about 7,000 feet above sea level, Cloud forests and montane rainforests, Secluded and quiet. Ideal for hiking and nature studies
Alternate: Two nights in Monteverde – popular ecotourist destination and mountain resort straddling the continental divide. Misty cloud forests, very lush and green with views of the Pacific Ocean. Somewhat commercial but there are many attractions in the area. Many lodges to choose from. Nice social scene.
Two nights La Fortuna – Popular resort area, and site of Arenal Volcano, most active volcano in Costa Rica
If you can afford to stay 3-5 days longer, I would add an extra night at Bosque de Paz and in San Jose and/or perhaps 2-3 nights in Manuel Antonio, a popular resort area with lush tropical landscapes and excellent beaches on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast. Alternate – any number of resort areas located on the Nicoya Peninsula (Northern Costa Rica) – Ocotal, Playa Tamarindo, Playa Samara or Nosara.
For your information, a variety of tour packages to Costa Rica are offered by Calypso Island Tours, with themes ranging from turtle watching to butterfly gardens. All these tours are fully customizable.
Panama Homes
Oct 20th
Panama, lies between the North Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is a land bridge that connects North America and South America. It is because of its wonderful location and startling natural beauty that the country is growing to be one of the most favorite destinations for international tourists. Panama is also growing and developing in a planned and sustainable manner. This makes it especially important in terms of investment. Both locals as well as foreigners find Panama homes to be one of the best investments that they can make.
Every generation faces its set of hurdles and challenges. And with each obstacle that we overcome we gain a realization that is important and crucial towards our own growth. The economic crisis the globe over has once again indicated that the best investment at any time is in land and real estate. When you invest in a panama home not only is it a great financial investment but you also get to own a piece of paradise, which is an investment in yourself. With real estate prices at an all time low all across the world, this is the correct time to consider a home here as an investment.
Why Panama homes?
The sheer and verdant beauty of this country along with its rich and friendly culture tempts every visitor to consider laying down their roots here. Whether you are considering moving to the country or want a holiday home in a tropical paradise, Panama homes are what you should be considering.
Unlike many Central American countries Panama’s development is planned and well thought through. The government has been able to ensure that tourism doesn’t ruin the natural beauty of the area, which brought in travelers in the first place. This makes Panama homes an excellent investment. You are assured that the wondrous flora and fauna that fascinates and thousands of other visitors will be well cared for preserved. If you intend to live in Panama you will have the privilege of living in a country that offers you a varied range of natural features, from beaches, hills, plains, to tropical forests and even a volcano, and also a warm and delightful culture.
If you intend to visit the country on holidays and rent out your home for the rest of the year, then the growing tourism assures you great returns on your investment. Right now the global recession has affected most parts of the world. Panama has fortunately been less affected and its economic growth may have slowed down a gear but is still faring well. There is much to see and do in panama. Business is growing and in case you want to expand your business or consider a start-up this is a great place to do so.
Whether you dream of a home on the beach or in the cities, there is real estate that is sure to meet the requirements of every investor. You can consider apartments in Panama City, David or in another big city or a villa in the hills, or perhaps a beach side home. A look at real estate here will bring forth the point that there is a range of accommodation available to suit different budgets.
