Posts tagged Nature Reserves
Interesting Things to Know About San Jose, Costa Rica
Oct 4th
You will find Costa Rica’s amazing eco-system as well as its wonderful beaches along the mountain ranges between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. In Northern, in Guanacaste, there encompasses both interior and coastal areas, lush forests, arid plains, golden beaches, estuaries and rich mountains teeming with life. In fact, several of the most beautiful and largest nature reserves are situated here. This is along with spectacular beachfront resorts that provide scuba diving, fishing, golfing and windsurfing activities.
The wonderful Tabacon Hot Springs and active arenal volcano are also in close proximity to the coast. San Jose, its busy capital, is just three hours away to all these fascinating sites. In fact, about half of the entire population resides in San Jose, offering famous beach destinations like Jaco Beach and Puntarenas. You will also find oriented hotels and thrilling activities like golf, horseback riding and surfing among others. Beaches really has everything going for both its residents and guests.
Beaches is a haven to tourists on spring breaks, but also visited in other seasons. Going here can provide you with more excitement and culture as compared to a trip to Key West or Cancun. Whatever it is you are looking for, from natural landscapes to surfing activities, pristine beaches, throbbing nightlife and flavorful local culture, the country has it all.
Airline packages are more affordable in spring also. Airfare only costs about $350 to $550. Your expenses during your stay can only be as low as $25 per day. It is really a worthwhile dream vacation.
Beaches showcases the best of Latin America, offering a rich history, culture and food combined with the comforts of home. Not only is this place gaining praises for its thriving eco-tourism industry and stunning natural attractions, it is also highly regarded for being one of the most highly developed as well as safest nations in the continent. Contrary to speculations, the roads here are well-traveled and safe. With tourism as their biggest industry, their educational levels are quite high.
A Trip to San Jose
As Costa Rica’s capital city, it is considered as “the vibrant heart of the country.” It offers world class museums, beautiful architecture and the finest nightlife Costa Rica can offer. Hotels near Park Central have quality, convenient and valued services. A good example is Costa Rica Backpackers Hotel located at Avenue 6 Calle 21/23. You can call them at 221-6191. Another one is Casa Leon situated at Avenue 6 Calle 13/15. You can call them at 222-9725. In terms of nightlife, you can go to San Pedro or El Pueblo for a wide array of student bars.
More Facts about Costa Rica
The capital and largest city of Costa Rica is San Jose.
It is noted as the only country without an army. This is because it was abolished in the year 1949.
Christopher Columbus and Columbus discovered Costa Rica during his 4th as well as final voyage towards the New World.
Nicaragua borders Costa Rica to the north while Panama borders it to the south.
Although they were not able to subdue its natives, Costa Rica was discovered last September 18, 1502.
In English, Costa Rica means “rich coast.” This is because the Spaniards became impressed with the gold ornaments that were displayed by the natives, claiming that it was the richest coast they have ever encountered.
Spanish is the main language of the locals. This is because it evolved from the Spaniards.
In the year 1821, It was declared an independent nation. In fact, its separation with Spain was very peaceful.
For a brand new vehicle, a local of Costa Rica needs to shoulder 100% of its tax. This means that if a resident there will buy a $20,000 car, he will be able to have for a total of $40,000, including taxes.
Bluefields and Bluefields Bay – Nicaragua
Feb 28th
Named after the Dutch pirate Henry Bluefeldt who hid out here in the early 1600s, Bluefields is located at the mouth of Rio Escondido where it joins the murky Bluefields Bay on Nicaragua’s eastern shore.
Bluefields is the capital of the South Atlantic Coast Autonomous Region and Zelaya dept; its population is about 42,000 people. Bluefields is the ideal point of departure to visit the Monkey point, El Rama, Corn Islands and many other interesting parks and nature reserves, an ideal destination for the nature lover.
The area around Bluefields was never occupied nor explored by the Spanish conquerors due to the thick forests back then present on the entire Atlantic Coast, forcing the Spanish to use the Pacific area to settle down.
The English did not colonize the area officially either. They did, however, ally with existing tribes and promoted the creation of the Mosuitia Worsens, which was subject to the British crown.
If you don’t want to fly to Bluefields or have enough time, you can go by bus to El Rama; you can get the bus in Managua at the Mayorero bus station. The bus can go no further because this is where the road ends and the marsh begins. From El Rama you must take a small boat that goes down the Escondido River to Bluefields. The complete trip takes about 6 hours by bus and another hour and a half by boat. Total cost is about $15 one way.
Bluefields is Nicaragua’s chief Caribbean port, from where hardwood and seafood, mostly shrimp and lobster, are exported. Bluefields was a rendezvous for English and Dutch buccaneers in the 16th and 17th century and became capital of the British protectorate over the Mosquito Coast in 1678.
During United States interventions (1912-15, 1926-33) in Nicaragua Marines were stationed there. In 1984, the United States mined the harbor (along with those of Corinto and Puerto Sandino). Bluefields was destroyed by Hurricane Joan in 1988 but was rebuilt. The population of Bluefields is mixed mestizo, Indian, and black.
Bluefields is indeed ethnically diverse. There is a wide cross-section of Afro-Caribbean, miskito, suma, garifuna and mestizos,
To reach Bluefields overland it is necessary to travel by road to the town of El Rama. From El Rama you go by launch down the Escondido River to Bluefields on the coast. Bluefields, Puerto Cabezas to the north and the Corn Islands, offshore in the Caribbean from Bluefields, can all be reached by air or by water. Two airlines fly the route from Managua.
Bluefields, and much of the Caribbean coast was hit by the 200-mile an hour winds of Hurricane Joan in October, 1998. Today, the architecture of Bluefields reflects its racial mixture and its colorful past… a mixture of British colonial, West Indian cottages and Louisiana-style plantations. Two of the most colorful carnivals in Nicaragua are in Bluefields.
Also known as the ¡Mayo Ya! Festival, Bluefield’s May Day celebration is unique in Central America, a mixture of the English May pole tradition and local music, folklore and dancing. In North America, this pagan-rooted party is about springtime, fertility, and the reawakening of the earth after a long winter. In Bluefields, May falls on the cusp of the rainy season, and the entire month is a bright burst of colors, parades, costumes, feasting, and, most importantly, dancing around the Maypole.
Every night is a party, and the festival comes to a rip-roaring peak at the end of the month. Look for it every evening May 1-31 (see the Palo de Mayo special topic). Fancy dress parades and all sorts of fun activities are on the program. The Fiesta of San Jerónimo is a similar festival held on September 30.
The image of the Saint is normally installed in the beautiful local church, La Iglesia de San Jeronimo. Ceremonies begin on September 20th with La Bajada de San Jeronimo when the image is removed from its permanent altar and placed on a pedestal that is beautifully decorated with flowers.
The most important of these processions takes place September 30th when nearly fifty thousand devotees from all over Nicaragua get toghether to take part in a mass led by the Archdiocese in San Jeronimo Church. Tourists are often taken aback to see hundreds of devotees rush towards the statue after the mass.
They pray before the image for a personal miracle or to thank the saint for an answered prayer. Eight days later, on October 7th, the image is once again carried out in a procession. This celebration la Octova de San Jero lasts twenty-four hours without interruption. The final festivity is on the first Sunday in December, with Las Tarimas.
