Options for Adventure Travel in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is an incredible country, offering long stretches of deserted white sand beaches, dense jungles filled with a rich diversity of exotic wildlife, lush rain-forests, raging rivers, towering volcanoes, and smiling communities.
The beaches really are second to none, the scenery is phenomenal, the country boasts wildlife you have never before encountered, and all inclusive Costa Rica luxury resorts are world-class. On top of all of this though, Costa Rica has an adventurous activities scene which rivals that of New Zealand!
read moreVolunteer Latin America on the Importance of Ethical Volunteering
Combining volunteerism with travel is one of our favorite ways to explore the globe, though it’s absolutely vital to choose a project which makes a genuine difference to the community and society as a whole.
Realizing that this is now an industry which can turn a profit, some companies and organizations are ignoring the long-term effects of volunteering on host communities, and as such there is now a lot of cynicism about those who want to become an international volunteer to “do good”.
We speak to Stephen Knight today about volunteering in Latin America, and the importance of ethical volunteerism.
read moreFinding Paradise in Costa Rica
Imagine falling asleep to the soothing sound of waves gently crashing upon the shore just outside your window. Imagine waking up to the tranquil sound of exotic birds calling from your balcony. Imagine a breakfast buffet full of exotic fruits and juices, mouthwatering pastries, and an enormous assortment of hot delights, with a delicious smell which wafts through the entire resort.
Swim up bars, a secluded beach, nightly entertainment and a midnight lounge with dance music; you’re imagining paradise.
read moreLearning to Surf in Costa Rica
Picture miles upon miles of white sandy beaches, clean surf breaks, epic waves, and water so warm there’s no need for a wetsuit.
Costa Rica is a surfers paradise, and a world class surfing destination for beginners and surf pros alike. With beaches less crowded than that of California, Indonesia, Hawaii and Australia, Costa Rica was the perfect location for an uncoordinate like myself to learn to surf. And believe it or not, by the end of my lesson I managed to stand on the board!
read moreZipping Through Costa Rica’s Treetops.
Day one of our Doubletree by Hilton DTour was spent soaring over the jungle on Costa Rica’s famed zip-lines! This is one of the top tourist attractions in Costa Rica, and consists of platforms connected by thick cables stretching across tree-ladden ravines, hillsides and valleys.
We were strapped into harnesses, clipped into the cables and sent flying from one platform to another! I was really impressed overall by the length, speed, height and views offered!
read moreFlying Into Costa Rica
Flying into Costa Rica you realize this is a country truly touched by mother nature. Even from the window seat before landing we were awed by views of long stretches of deserted white sand beaches, dense jungles filled with a rich diversity of exotic wildlife, lush rainforests and raging rivers.
As we touched down in San Jose, the scenic beauty was unlike anything I had previously witnessed. Lush, vivid green forests backed by the blue silhouette of towering volcanoes. A staggeringly beautiful backdrop, and an amazing welcome into a country which prides itself on its overwhelming natural beauty.
read moreWhite Water Rafting, Costa Rica
Potentially the most fun we had while in Costa Rica was spending three days white water rafting with Rios Tropicales.
Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to ride rapids, offering a variety of rapid ‘classes’ for all skill levels including both beginners and the most experienced rafters. We definitely weren’t experts; in fact, I had no rafting skills at all! Regardless, we had an absolute BLAST riding the river rapids!
read moreA Video Documentary: Costa Rica Conservationists
During our time volunteering in Costa Rica during January 2012, film-maker Keira Austin followed us, documenting our conservation efforts. We joined a project organized through International Student Volunteers, which allowed us to take part in animal welfare projects in Costa Rica.
The first half highlights how the research obtained from our volunteer work has helped maintain a key habitat for dolphins and whales in the area of Golfo Dulce. This research was used to discontinue the establishment of a tuna farm in the bay of that is commonly used as a breeding ground for these marine creatures.
The second half follows as we help biologists collect research data for Poison Dart frogs, dolphins and whales in the Golfo Dulce region. This data was then obtained by the Costa Rican Government to help provide sustainable systems for conservation of wildlife in the area.
read more