Dear Arturo, thank you so much for understanding our requirements and organize the perfect trip for me and my family. Everything worked like a "Swiss clock". Special thanks for helping us throughout the trip and accommodating to changes based on our request (even in the last min). we couldn't do it without your help, it was amazing trip and amazing country- we will never forget it. Thanks a lot! (see you on our next trip :))
27 Jul 2022    Maya Gil

​For the first time in history, the famous national symbol of Costa Rica was chosen to carry a message of preservation, decorating the tail of a US airline plane.
​The Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) and Frontier Airlines officially announced that the two-toed sloth was selected as the endangered animal that will embellish one of the new planes in the fleet of this US-flagged airline.
Our famous national symbol will literally be “hanging” from the tail of this aircraft, with the aim of providing a conservation message and promoting Costa Rica in a unique and creative way as a sustainable destination with extensive biodiversity.
Frontier traditionally displays on the tails of its planes a unique and emblematic animal from one of the countries of its destinations, this species is baptized by the public with a special name and a particular background story. On this occasion, the two-toed sloth was chosen by the airline from a group of other animals in danger of extinction to highlight our country’s efforts to conserve it in its natural environments.
According to Ireth Rodríguez, Head of ICT Promotion, Costa Rica’s position within the United States, our main source market for tourists, is notable, due to a sustainable tourism model that is committed to environmental conservation, since almost 6% of the biodiversity of the world is found in our territory. “We feel very honored that such an emblematic species of our country and national symbol as the sloth, is now an ambassador of our nature every time it takes to the air on the tail of a Frontier plane,” added the spokeswoman.
“We are very pleased to honor our destination partner: Costa Rica and highlight one of the unique and extraordinary sloth species that call Costa Rica home,” said Tyri Squyres, Vice President of Marketing for Frontier.
“Our animal-decorated airplane tails not only delight adults and children alike, they serve an important purpose by highlighting animal species, many of which are endangered. Some people come to Costa Rica just to see the sloths, and our nonstop service from Orlando to Liberia and San Jose offers easy and affordable flight options for visitors to come see them, as well as for Costa Ricans to travel to the US. .” Squyres concluded.
The most photogenic sloth
Once the Marketing Department of the ICT was notified of the choice and the endorsement of the airline to decorate one of its aircraft with the image of a two-toed sloth, the airline requested the sending of a group of photographs of large format to choose the winner.
In the development of the process, the ICT was advised by wildlife experts from the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) to carry out the sloth photo session respecting all its guidelines. The recommendation given was precisely to visit at least two animal sanctuaries, spaces specialized in the rescue and care of endangered species that had sloths in adequate conditions, in recovery and under the supervision of a biologist.
The selected wildlife sanctuaries were the Wildlife Rescue Center (known in the past as ZooAve) located in Garita de Alajuela, as well as the Natuwa species conservation center, located in Aranjuez de Puntarenas. Both locations contributed all their scientific knowledge to collaborate with the photo session of their two-toed sloths.
Precisely, the Costa Rican photographer Jesús Fung was in charge of capturing the images for the ICT with the format and specifications sent by Frontier Airlines, respecting the natural behavior of the individuals who collaborated voluntarily and without forcing them at any time to make any movement , always waiting for the natural reactions of the lazy.
Although more than 500 photos were registered in both locations, a total of 70 were selected, 35 photographs of the two finalist sloths and the material was sent to the airline’s marketing area for the selection of a single photo that would decorate the tail of the plane.
The winning and selected photo was that of the restless and curious juvenile sloth with light fur, an inhabitant of the one-hectare forest of the Natuwa sanctuary, who brought his face close to the camera lens while moving on a solid branch, a moment that will be captured for the posterity in the tail of one of Frontier’s planes.
Said image was revealed at the official announcement ceremony and will be shared starting today on the social networks of the American air transport company on its Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter profiles.
At the same time and through a contest, they will ask users to choose a name, using the hashtag #NameTheSloth. The three name options are: Manny, Tony and Tico. These particular names have a very particular explanation, Manny and Tony allude to the Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica where sloths can easily be seen in their natural environment. Tico is the name by which Costa Ricans are known. The contest will last until June 11.
According to Frontier data, the plane with the Tico sloth will take to the skies and possibly land at one of our two main international airports in the first half of 2023.
As of August 24, 2021, the two- and three-toed sloths were named as Costa Rican national symbol. The country decided to protect them and declare them an emblematic species, since they represent the conservation efforts that are being developed at the national level and are protagonists in the ICT’s tourism promotion campaigns.
The two-toed sloth is the larger of the two sloth species found in the country. They are mostly nocturnal and can be distinguished by their bushy, thick fur.
Sloths are mammals that spend about 90% of their lives in trees within tropical forests, their favorite tree to feed on is the guarumo and they can live up to 30 years. Costa Rica is taking measures to guarantee that these unique creatures continue to thrive in their natural habitat and is even one of the protagonist species of the Stop Animal Selfies campaign developed by MINAE with the support of ICT.

For the first time in the an​cestral indigenous lineage of the territory of Alto Comte Burica the official appointment of a woman Ngäbe-Buglè cacique took place.  This historic event occurred on the rainy afternoon of Saturday, April 23rd at the Progreso Community Center, located between the cantons of Corredores and Golfito in the Southern Zone of Costa Rica.
Idalia Andrade Degracia will now lead the cacique at the age of 36, continuing with her family's tradition and above all, validating her proven leadership capacity, as well as the legacy of her father, Don Miguel Andrade, the previous cacique, who passed away two years ago.
Her brothers agreed to support her decision and are confident in her abilities.  Besides being a Cacique, she is also an outstanding entrepreneur, a single mother of four children, a primary and secondary school teacher, as well as a teacher of the Ngabe-Bugle language (popularly known as Guaymi).
Now, as part of her appointment as a cacique, she must preserve the customs, the continuity of the language, gastronomy and the tradition for the new generations.  She must also fight for the rights and protection of her
people, in collaboration with the Association for the Integral Development of Alto Comte.  Her chieftainship had the approval and ratification of the majority of the National Council of Caciques and Indigenous Leaders of Costa Rica, modifying a patriarchal and traditional paradigm of the community and of the other five Ngäbe-Bugle settlements

Name origin
In translation it means “The Old Woman’s corner” and it's a reference to a local legend about princess Curabanda, who fell in love with Mixcoac, the chief of a neighboring enemy tribe. When Curabanda's father found out about the affair, her lover was thrown into the volcano as punishment. She went into exile and lived right next to the volcano, soon after giving birth to their son. She threw her son into the volcano, for them to reunite. Curabanda became reclusive and was believed to possess healing powers.

​General information
Rincón de la Vieja is the largest and most active volcano in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Standing at 6,286 feet (1,916 meters) high and 9 miles (15 km) wide, the giant is called the “Colossus of Guanacaste”. The massive 600,000-year-old geological wonder has at least nine volcanic craters, and at least 32 rivers flow down its sides which bridge the Continental Divide. Meanwhile the area was pronounced as National Park on the 23rd of October, 1973, by law N° 5398, where 14.300 hectares of land is protected to this day.
This National Park protects very important hydrographic basins, since the Rincón de la Vieja massif forms part of the watershed between the Caribbean and the Pacific in the northwestern part of the country; and here 32 rivers are born, among them the Colorado, Blanco and Ahogados. In turn, the largest existing population in the wild of the purple guaria ( orchid national flower of our country) is protected. Also added is the importance of protecting the volcanic activity characteristic of the area and its geological attractions.

Wildlife
Rincón de la Vieja Park is home to plenty of wildlife. Among mammals, there are three species of monkeys, including white-faced, spider and howler monkeys. Some common species in the area are armadillos, coyotes, tapirs... There are many species of reptiles including iguanas, whip tailed lizards, rattlesnakes, boa constrictors. Over 300 different species of birds, the white-nose coati, agouti, and the nine-banded armadillo.
Activities
With the best weather all year round, Rincon de la Vieja is a fantastic hiking destination. To see the waterfalls, the green season from May to December is the best. There are several hiking trails within Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
​Guided Nature Hikes Hike

• Guided Waterfall Hikes
  
• Ziplining
  
• River Tubing
  
• Horseback Riding
  
• Rio Negro Hot Springs
  

28 July, 2020. As of August 1, international passenger flights are authorized to arrive at Costa Rica’s three international airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport; Daniel Oduber Quirós Airport; and Tobías Bolaños Airport.
The following are the authorized regions or countries:

• THE EUROPEAN UNION, SCHENGEN ZONE, AND THE UNITED KINGDOM: for flights from the European Union, the Schengen Zone, and the United Kingdom, for citizens and residents of the European Union, the Schengen Zone, and the United Kingdom.

• CANADA: for flights from Canada, for citizens and residents of Canada, and for residents of the European Union, the Schengen Zone, and the United Kingdom.

Although the authorization includes the aforementioned regions and countries, in practice, it remains precisely as notified. In other words, the reopening shall start with travelers embarking in Frankfurt, Germany and Madrid, Spain. These flights shall be the first to be received at Juan Santamaría International Airport, after compliance with the requirements that have already been described in the press conference. Canada will follow, once airlines resume flights to Costa Rica.
The requirements are as follows:

• Having taken the PCR diagnostic test and obtained a negative result within 48 hours of travel to Costa Rica. 
• Have mandatory travel insurance, covering lodging in the event of being quarantined and medical expenses due to acute illness.
• Fill out the epidemiological digital form.
• Passengers who do not comply with these requirements will not be allowed to board the flight.

Upon landing in Costa Rican territory, travelers must wear face protection and comply with the strict protocols of the air terminal with regard to physical distancing, disinfection of carpets, and taking temperature readings, and must follow any other sanitary instructions.
Where can I find updated official information on the situation of COVID-19 in Costa Rica? You can stay informed at the following links:
Ministry of Health:
https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1725-situacion-nacional-covid-19
Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT):
https://www.ict.go.cr/en/institutional-services/coronavirus-support-material-tourism-sector.html
Presidency of the Republic:
https://www.presidencia.go.cr/noticias/
Migration Office:
https://www.migracion.go.cr/
Juan Santamaría International Airport:
https://sjoairport.com/en
Daniel Oduber International Airport (Liberia International Airport):
https://lircr.com/en/

Over the past ten years, there have been many exchanges between myself and clients or would-be clients about the advantages of living in Costa Rica vs other so-called popular countries recommended by such sources as International Living. The list includes but is not limited to Panama, Nicaragua, Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia and Uruguay.

Inquirers initiated some of these conversations before they even set foot in any of the countries mentioned, including Costa Rica. Others were by infrequent visitors to Costa Rica who were surprised at the cost of living here being higher than they expected.
My suggestion remains the same. Travel to the alternative country or countries that hold interest, roam about, ask a lot of questions, especially of ex-pats there, do some transactions there, then come back to Costa Rica to compare and contrast. I would also strongly suggest auditing information sources that recommend these other countries. Based on a lot of client feedback, the differences seem quite stark. The overwhelming majority of “explorers” end up choosing Costa Rica. It’s kind of a you-get-what-you-pay-for reality.

Panama seems the country closest in comparison to Costa Rica. It boasts better tax incentives, more relaxed and economic immigration processes, and more efficient bureaucracy. Panama City, without a doubt, is a fascinating global hub that has a far more cosmopolitan downtown area than San Jose, Costa Rica. A great place to bank and to visit from time to time. Step outside that extremely hot and humid city and the quality of life drops off significantly. The ubiquitous soldiers also prove disquieting. The majority of clients who have given Panama serious consideration have quickly settled upon Costa Rica as their final choice for a retirement venue. Yes. It is more costly. But overall better value. They concluded that Costa Rica is more secure, has a wider variety of places to live or travel within the country and has the best year-round weather by far. A friendlier populace with no army also provides a more peaceful feeling. The COVID-19 mortality rate in Panama as of this writing is five times that of Costa Rica.

Then there is Nicaragua. It remains a communist-backed dictatorship. That means if you annoy the government or own something a government insider covets, it can be taken from you with no recourse. That is how dictators role. In 2018, there was an attempt at a coup. Two hundred protesters were murdered for speaking out. That resulted in thousands of Nicaraguans attempting to gain asylum here in Costa Rica. You can read my previous article on why there are such long delays on approvals at Immigration since 2018 here,
As of this writing, the government of Nicaragua has snubbed WHO and the Pan American Health Organization protocols. The populace is being encouraged by the government to party hearty at the beach. There is no trustworthy data on the situation there. What is also not known is the whereabouts of President Ortega, who has been M.I.A. for the past month (Could he be dead?). One shutters to think what the COVID-19 mortality rate might be right now in Nicaragua. Its border with Costa Rica will be sealed shut for months and months to come.

Mexico is also a beautiful country with overall wonderful people. It also boasts the second-highest population of billionaires in the world as it remains an economic powerhouse. Its massive size is much more challenging to manage than compact Costa Rica. Unfortunately, it is the choke point and hub of international crime and drug cartels. Corruption continues to be widespread with little abatement. Mexico City is highly polluted, as are many of the coastal tourist centers. Several of my U.S. and Canadian ex-pat clients lived in some of the “safer” and esthetically gorgeous outlying areas of Mexico. But they felt the steady encroachment of cartel danger over the last decade before eventually moving to Costa Rica. When it comes to COVID-19 results, that corruption and incompetence translates into a mortality rate of a whopping twelve times that of Costa Rica.

Ecuador boasts a much lower cost of living, is a beautiful, bio-diverse country, and also owns the Galapagos Islands. But the corruption quotient is over the top with serious infrastructure issues and widespread, pernicious disorganization. International corporations doing business there say it borders on hopelessness. Bodies of COVID-19 victims in body bags line the streets as of this writing. Based on highly questionable data, their COVID-19 mortality rate is conservatively ten times that of Costa Rica.

Colombia is a vast, beautiful, bio-diverse country, and on the mend through many initiatives over the last 15 years. Its two main cities are impressive with stunning colonial architecture. After decades of Cartel strangleholds with crime and corruption things are certainly improving but they have a way to go. Also, many feel it is still too far south. It’s current COVID-19 mortality rate is eight times that of Costa Rica.

While Uruguay is quite Americanized and has modern amenities, it is a long way south and still does not “feel” as secure as living in Costa Rica. It has serious security issues that prevail. The country is also vulnerable to extreme weather that bring seasonal floods, droughts as well as high winds.

​Now that all these countries are dealing with the same COVID-19 issue, comparing how each fare throughout this ordeal will show even more dramatic contrasts once this pandemic passes through. The final tallies by country will show that Costa Rica was a far safer place to wait things out. The universal and private Costa Rica health care systems and country management, even with its flaws, have delivered outcomes far superior to those other countries.
Access to a wider variety of affordable produce year-round in Costa Rica will be an even more compelling reason to be here. Global food prices are set to skyrocket. Pay very close attention over the next six months. As things settle down, you will have access to more conclusive data to affirm your choice of Costa Rica as your optimal place to reside. We have been in these dramatic situations before and always have done well.
When those “scores” show overwhelmingly why Costa Rica is the safest and healthiest country to live in, there will invariably be an uptick in residency applicants. So after careful thought about your plans here, I would strongly recommend getting the jump on your residency process now.

​By Laura Gutierrez of Immigration Help Costa Rica

If you are looking for the ideal place to improve your mental and physical well-being, adopt healthy habits and activities into your lifestyle, liberate your soul and return like a new person, then Costa Rica should be your next travel destination.
Costa Rica is the ideal setting for detoxification from stress and the daily grind. You can experience Wellness tourism as part of a lifestyle that combines physical activity and healthy eating, while enjoying a wide range of activities to renew your mind, body and soul.
Wellness includes activities that put you in contact with nature: Trekking (low-difficulty walks), Forest baths (breathing in the fresh air of the forest), Earthing (barefoot walks on the earth/sand), high-quality healthy food, a combination of spa and lunch (splunch) and consumption of local products in a natural setting.
In Costa Rica, you can also experience innovative relaxation techniques such as body wraps, in which volcanic mud, coffee, tropical fruits and chocolate are used to moisturize your skin.  Hydrotherapy and hot springs are another way to harness the water resources of our country for personal renewal by letting positive energy flow throughout your body.
These wellness features, typical of Costa Rica, have helped create one of the planet’s blue zones, or longevity areas.  A 2004 study by the University of Costa Rica found that mortality among Costa Ricans of 90 years of age is 10% lower in the Nicoya Peninsula, south of Guanacaste. The calcium-rich water of this area, healthy eating, family living and the "pura vida" lifestyle are secrets to longevity.
This is a unique lifestyle that is experienced only in Costa Rica, whose essence is Wellness!

 Getting married in a beach in Costa Rica is the dream of many couples who have spent time in the country and fallen in love with one or several of the many romantic sites the country offers.  If you’ve made up your mind about having the wedding of your dreams in Costa Rica, you are going to need a hotel.  Listing the many options there would be a never ending story so in this occasion we will give you a few options of beautiful hotels to have your wedding in the province of Puntarenas, in the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, with many romantic beaches.
Starting with the hotels that are closer to San Jose, we offer you some choices for a beach wedding in Costa Rica:
Villa Caletas - This magical hotel is one of the preferred destinations for couples looking for romance. The boutique hotel is located just about an hour drive from San Jose, and has one of the most beautiful views of the sunset that can be found in Costa Rica. The weddings are usually held in the amphitheater area overlooking the Pacific Ocean with the sunset as a background. The honeymoon suite is incredibly romantic and elegant, and every option in the menu makes your mouth water.
Alma del Pacifico Beach Hotel - This is a very small boutique hotel in the area of Esterillos where you can get married in an expansive stretch of beachfront or choose to hold the ceremony in their lush gardens.  The hotel villas are nicely decorated and very comfortable, the attention is excellent and they have different menu options for you to choose from.
Makanda by the Sea -  This is a beautiful luxury boutique hotel, with magnificent ocean views in Manuel Antonio. Secluded, quiet except for the noises of the wildlife and the waves crashing in the background; Makanda by the Sea will help you design your tropical wedding and make it an unforgettable experience and being that this is an adult’s only hotel will make it that much more romantic.
Casa Chameleon: Adults only villa resort in Mal Pais at the Nicoya Peninsula. It has an incredible infinity pool and 21 private pool villas, panoramic ocean views, sunset bar perfect for a mesmerizing wedding ceremony and tasteful reception.

For travelers interested in going on a fitcation—a healthy vacation where one participates in physical activities, Costa Rica offers a thrilling mix of adventures. Being healthy doesn’t have to be placed on hold while on vacation. In Costa Rica, travelers find a myriad of options set in a tropical oasis, which will make staying fit effortless and enjoyable. The country offers a variety of adventure activities including surfing, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking and coast-to-coast treks.  No matter which region you choose to visit, Costa Rica makes it simple to create once in a lifetime experiences.
If there’s a will, there’s a wave. Outdoor enthusiasts can rejoice in the wealth of water-based activities to choose from in Costa Rica. Surfing, diving and rafting are several popular favorites, and the combination of a wide range of difficulty levels create the perfect activity for everyone in a group. 
When in doubt, paddle out. Thanks to generous rainfall in most parts of the country, Costa Rica’s rivers offer exhilarating rafting and kayaking adventures throughout the year. With the pristine Caribbean Sea to the east, the lively Pacific Ocean to the west and a collection of rivers that flow across the country, Costa Rica is also a premier kayaking course. Tortuguero National Park is among the areas in Costa Rica that’s especially great for kayak excursions. Visitors can also kayak down one of Costa Rica’s flowing rivers giving them an opportunity to see lots of wildlife.
The best views come after the hardest climb. Considered one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world, Costa Rica is home to 28 national parks, eight biological reserves and a series of protected areas that captivate outdoor enthusiasts around the world. Adventure travelers can hike through Costa Rica’s magnificent volcanoes, rain forests and jungle landscapes. One of the country’s most famous parks is Manuel Antonio. This small biological peninsula is the perfect place to encounter majestic wildlife during a visit to its hiking trails. The Guanacaste National Park, officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another truly astounding part of the country, well-known as prime hiking grounds.
At the Arenal Volcano National Park, visitors enjoy hiking the area which has been determined safe by experts. For those looking to go thrill-seeking underground, the nearby Venado Caverns offer a unique cave-hiking experience throughout a 2,700 meter stretch of limestone caves, which abound with icicle formations. For an even more authentic experience, travelers can trek from coast-to-coast, with an itinerary that offers exposure to off the beaten path rural locales and exciting cultural discoveries.
Life’s an adventure. Enjoy the ride. Countless miles of trails, covering every type of terrain, await biking enthusiasts of all levels. There are an estimated 80 paths to choose from. The mountains of Talamanca or the Central Volcanic Mountain Range offer rigorous biking. The mountain ranges in Guanacaste and Tilaran, as well as the valleys and plains along the Caribbean, the Central Pacific, and the Southern Pacific also make for excellent biking destinations.
Costa Rica offers boundless adventure activities for all different ages, tastes and budgets, making it effortless for visitors to integrate fitness into a vacation. For a fitcation fit for a king, the answer is Costa Rica.

International Living is an online magazine that has the mission of helping readers discover different places around the world that are great options for retirement. In the recent article “5 Great Places for Golfing Retirement”, the publication gives Costa Rica a well-deserved spot. Earlier this year, the country was also listed as the best place to retire in the Global Retirement Index 2018 .
“A much-cited advantage—and joy—of retirement is being able to spend your days as you see fit, indulging in your favorite passions, such as golf,” says International Living’s Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens. “That can prove to be a prohibitively expensive pastime in North America, but in the right places overseas, you can play a round for a fraction of the price back home”.
The practice of golf has certainly grown in the country over the past decade, to the point were the country has been a stop for the PGA Tour Latin America Classic.
Reserva Conchal in Guanacaste is one of the preferred Golf courses in the country, and it is ranked among the top-30 best in the Caribbean and Mexico, it was also the first course in Costa Rica to get the certification by Audubon International.
Los Sueños Resort also is a great location for golfers, while in the capital city, Cariari Country Club, Valle del Sol and El Country Club in Escazu are also good options.

​Check out International Living Magazine’s review on Golfing in Costa Rica:
“Costa Rica is an ideal spot for both the novice and advanced golfer. Not only are the conditions of the courses exceptional, but—compared to prices in the States—golf here is a bargain. Most green fees are well under $100, and if you live here, the rates can be even cheaper.
The larger resort courses, located in the northern Guanacaste region, are geared for the experienced golfer, and they come with pricier green fees. Courses centered around the capital, San José, are better suited for novice golfers.
Hacienda Pinilla, situated in Guanacaste, and minutes from the Pacific-coast beach town of Tamarindo, is a top priority for any golf enthusiast in Costa Rica.
One of a few hundred courses in the world that is certified by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, which encourages golf courses to be environmentally friendly, this 18-hole championship course hosts many national tournaments.”