Veroliz Vacations: December 2013

Monday, December 30, 2013

End of year tradition in Costa Rica… Playa!!!

In Costa Rica, many who have the days surrounding Christmas & the New Year off from work or are on vacations have one thing on their minds… Playa (Beach)!!!

December & January are not only high season from foreign traveler’s when it comes to the Ticos they also enjoy a fair share of surf, sand & sun!

These are the days of seeing cars filled with coolers, lawn chairs, tents & even BBQ’s heading out of San Jose and on the pacific coasts.

Customary to most Costarrican families with going as a group, it may be a group of neighbours, family or co-workers but an escape to the beach is a must on everyone’s agenda!

And why not?

The Pacific hosts some amazing beaches to visit whether it be the closest to the capital city of San Jose like Puntarenas or Jaco or even farther south such as Uvita, Hermosa all are worth the drive when you can stretch out in the sand and enjoy the sound of the ocean.

The Caribbean also has come excellent options, the crystal blue waters of Punta Uva, the amazing coral reefs off of Manzanillo or the surf in Cahuita there is something for everyone looking to escape the city and catch some R&R!

Puntarenas is commonly associated with the escapes to the beach, with many lodging opportunities, day tours and an array of restaurants & sodas to choose from there is something for everyone.

Most locals will agree if you are going to escape to Puntarenas you cannot miss such stops as the Paseo de las Turistas & getting your own “Churchill” on the street.

The Churchill is an delicious sweet ice cream treat made with vanilla ice cream, powdered milk, condensed milk and strawberry syrop.

December & January are months of perfecto beach weather, with clear skies, calm ocean water and plenty of sun!

For those with beach plans this 2013 & 2014 remember to ensure you take care of your skin also, with plenty of sun block and a hat is preferred!

Drink plenty of water while out walking, hiking or just reading a book!

Want to check out some of the amazing beaches that Costa Rica has to offer?

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Zipline Action-Fly the Sky at Red Frog Beach!

Today we had an amazing opportunity to visit the beautiful Red Frog Beach, located on Bastimentos Island located in Bocas del Toro, Panama!

Our friends at Bastimentos Sky Zipline Canopy Tour (http://www.redfrogbeach.com/bocas-del-toro-zipline.html ) took us on an unforgettable journey through the tropical rainforest.

What an experience! The Zipline constructed 13 years ago by Jose Manuel Pizarro (a Costarrican who has built many lines in Costa Rica) uses trees at the base for the platforms, I found this very interesting as I could easily bird watch while on the tour.

Built to include 7 zip lines, swaying Sky Bridge (fun but challenging to get across to the other platform!) and soon to include the Tree Top Challenge Course!

We were greeted in the small Kayukos restaurant by a super friendly team of guides, Ruso, Alvaro & German, whom were very quick to help us with gear, answer my many questions and instruct us on the importance of safety while on this trip!

Friendly, professional & bilingual staff taking care of our every need while at the canopy tour.

We began with a quick walk through the rainforest to the first platform, although I have done many ziplines in Costa Rica I can never get enough, I love the feeling when gliding in the air!

I could feel my heart pounding at Ruso attached me to the first cable and off we went!

The best part of canopy is looking around you as you glide through the air; the Bastimentos Island has various elevations & dense forested hills that can be appreciated only at these heights!

Lush green tropical rainforest, the sound of birds and calling insects, a chorus in the air!

More than 2 hours later, having run 7 lines, 1 hanging bridge, 1 rappel later we are back on solid ground! The trip was excellent, the guides were very informative, careful with our safety and of course making sure we had a ton of fun!

One of my highlights, I found the famous Red Frog.