A Tamarindo Treasure-Capitan Suizo

The lazy beach town of Tamarindo is known for its beautiful sunsets, immaculate beaches and surf! But there is a hidden gem in this town, a place that surrounds you in tropical nature, delicious food and a friendly warm atmosphere.

It’s called Capitan Suizo, a memeber of Small Distinctive Hotels (www.distinctivehotels.com )

Located just outside of the lazy beach town, Capitan Suizo is an oasis.

The hotel includes private bungalows with an open concept design, the wooden treasures that adorn the rooms give and warmth and at the same time exotic atmosphere.

You can also choose the stay in standard rooms with the option of having air conditioning or fans.

This allows the hotel to actively minimize their and the guests impact of the environment.

Their staff is friendly and their dedication to the conservation of wildlife is endless.

On the many occasions that we have visited this beautiful boutique hotel, the staff is always actively participating in assisting wounded wildlife, from sloths to money and squ

irrels they take turns playing mother to the wounded animal until they can turn them over to a veterinary facility!

The restaurant overlook the beach, serving typical costarican dishes as well as some European dishes guests can try a bit of everything, their “batidos” are an excellent option also we recommend the fresh salads!

A stroll on the beach before diner is must, the sunsets are ama

zing here, the perfect end to a perfect afternoon! They have confortable lounges located in front of the ocean along for guests, it is almost impossible to get up to leave!

A treasure of a place getaway!

Weekend at Barcelo Langosta Beach

All inclusive are not normally the first choice we pick here at Veroliz Vacations, when we are looking to take vacations ourselves. But we thought it was worth a try to check out one of the "smaller" all inclusive hotels in Costa Rica.

Many of our friends recommend it and clients having nothing but positive comments after their stay, so we thought we would check it out!

The road to the hotel is killer a 4x4 vehicle is a must! But once you up to the entrance of the hotel the vacations begins.. As you enter reception the porters greet you and the receptionists although super busy still smile when they greet you!

The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated; the balconies face either the ocean or gardens. The food was good, for an all inclusive, the buffet offers Costarrican dishes as well as international fare, guests can have the options of rice & beans or sushi and other delights!

The public areas are beautiful and there are plenty of areas for children to play that is just not the pool! ( giante chess board and wooden park).

Easy access to the beach is always a plus on the west coast; some of the most memorable sunsets ever can be seen in Langosta & Tamarindo. Certified with 4 leaves in sustainable tourism and in good practices with their water management, an important aspect considering the nesting turtles on the nearby beaches!

With excellente night shows, great music and bands during the day there are a ton of things to do at the Barcelo Langosta!

All in all a very relaxing weekend with great service, food and memeorable sunsets.

For more information on Barcelo Langosta beach contact us at: verolizvacations@gmail.com .

World Rafting Championships 2011-Pacaure River, Costa Rica

The Pacuare River is one of the best rivers for rafting in the world.

In October Turrialba had the honor of hosting the World Rafting Championships on the Pacuare river for the 3rd time!

The competition was fierce with teams from Japan, Brazil, France, Mexico, Canada, England and the Czech Repulic. There were a total of 32 teams competing in the World title in down river, head to head and sloalom.


Costa Rica’s women’s team lead by Carol Vargas put on an excellent show, winning the Head to Head competition!

Although access was a little tricky to get to the competition (tractors and cattle cars there to provide some easy) but the descent to the river and the areas of competitions was long and difficult. When it rained the vehicles could not get up or down; the fans and spectators had to do the 3 hour walk!

But once at the center of the competition, you forgot the walk and become wrapped up in the emotions shared by the international teams. There was an excellent vibe in the air as the teams descended down the river in the various competitions.

Fans and visitors got to be front row as there was ample room for everyone to be seated at the edge of the water to cheer their team on. Argentina had a huge flag and great sportsmanship.

No matter who was winning or loosing the atmosphere at Pacuare made teams, fans & the press take great appreciation for such an important river for Turrialba, rafting & the world at the Rafting Championships 2011!

For more information on rafting and white water adventures in Costa Rica contact us at: verolizvacations@gmail.com

Vacation countdown..Making the most of sunmer fun!

Summer, the two months that everyone at one point in our lives that was involved in a countdown at one time. A countdown till freedom for some, a countdown to an escape for others & a countdown to unforgettable moments!

The countdown is on and the days are approaching, are you prepared?
The list can go on and on of activities, places to visit and must do's.
What seems like two months (two whole months!) can go by in the blink of an eye!
It is important to make the most of what seems to be the little time you have.. family vacations, personal escapes or a chance to cross of some stuff from the bucket list.

Here at Veroliz Vacations we have a whole list of amazing escapes that Costa Rica has to offer to our friends enjoy the sweet moments of vacations!
From family vacations to getting some much needed R & R (rest & relaxation) there is a list of offers waiting for you and your loved ones in this small bio diverse country.

You can contact us for more details regards offers or specials that are offered to vacationers.

Here is a quick list of the top activities in Costa Rica:
-white water rafting
-visit the many National Parks
-volcano hikes
-snorkeling
-hot springs
-canopy or canyoning

Whether you are planing a trip to Costa Rica or not, its important to make the little time that is left for family & friends count!
Contact us at Veroliz Vacations for info at verolizvacations@gmail.com and we will be more than happy to help plan your next adventure.

Escaping to Rural Costa Rica

Rural Costa Rica has just as many fascinating activities as any beach!

One of the best cultural vacations that you can find is visiting off the beaten path in Costa Rica. Between coffee , sugar cane & other types plantations, there is bird watching, trekking, visiting nature reserves, finding hidden waterfalls and swimming holes as well as mountain biking or horseback riding.

Recently on a trip taken into the Nicoya Peninsula we had the chance to visit the rural west of Costa Rica. The sun beat high on us in what is the summer time in Costa Rica, the dirt roads were dusty, the small creeks were dry but the greeting from the people in the area was warm & friendly!

Of the many things witnessed during our experience there was the kindness and humbleness that the people of these exceptional communities showed towards us. There simple life that somehow got lost in San Jose, Libreria, Puntarenas & Limón.

It’s like going back in time to a place where people still wake up at 4am and go to bed at 8pm because their time is spent in the fields with cattle, corn, beans & rice other than spent in front of the computer & on the phone at the office. Their evenings are filled with storytelling, remembering old times and watching the children play with fireflies or count the endless starry night.

Women care for the home and the children and their time is spent between washing (which is a lot harder with all the dust), cooking meals & looking after the animals all of which is done with a patience and love like none other.

While there, we got to observe cooking over open fire (the food was delicious!) as well stone ovens, feeding chickens & watching the men tend the fields, life may seem simpler but in a society where technology is growing, you can only wonder what will happen to the traditions of Costa Rica.

Before it is lost a visit to these types of areas are a must, you can still experience the rural farm life in areas such as Sitio Mata of Turrialba, Caimital of Nicoya, Buenos Aires of Puntarenas and others.

For more information visit our site: www.verolizvacations.com

Sundays in Costa Rica: Soccer

It was a normal Sunday, a day to relax, be with family and especially here in Costa Rica to watch soccer. Most of the families in our area have small children and the when you take a drive through the area, every soccer field is full. The shouting can be heard blocks away as goals are being made, adults cheering on their sons and

daughters who are running on the field in the hot tropical sun.

Soccer or football as they call it in Costa Rica, has found its way into every home on Sundays, there is no escaping it. We spent the last Sunday watching soccer in Platanillo a small rural town out of Turrialba. The children were playing on a very muddy field, all seemed very happy to be getting their white soccer uniforms dirty. The parents on the sidelines cheering them on and giving them guidance most are in their first year of playing on an actual team that does not consist of their older brothers!

It’s fun to watch them play, some running back and forth not sure what they are doing; others just running wherever the ball happens to be ; all in good fun. Their parents eager to see goals made, other players defeated, the kids just seem to be having fun.

After the game the children get food and still continue play amongst their own team, they don’t tire.

What did come next was a surprise, the adults came to play after the children and it seemed the whole town comes out to see these games. It was amazing to see the town converge on the soccer field at noonday. The children come running hoping to play again before the adults take over the filed for what we are sure is a fierce and serious game.

Though most is for fun, afterall Sunday is the day off here in Costa Rica but soccer is just as important as relaxing in Costa Rica.

Independence Day in Costa Rica- Freedom, family & fun

The 15^th of September 1821 was an important date not only in the history of Costa Rica, but also for most of the countries in Central America.

It was the day they became free from Spain. Back then Spain ruled Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua & Costa Rica, the central government was then located in Guatemala, on the 14^th of September 1821 Guatemala received the news that Spain would grant independence to these

counties. The news was relayed through Central America and Costa Rica only found out a month later since the information was transmitted by foot crossing Central America.

Nowadays on the 14^th of September is observed a day of passing of the torch, a symbol use

d during the relay of information in 1821, now it is a tradition that the torch is relayed across the country usually carried by students or important members of the local communities.

The 15^th of September is when the party starts.

It is observed as a holiday, visitors to the country will notice most shops are closed and the communities across the country celebrate with parades, typical dancing and lots of food!

It’s an amazing experience to see the school

children participating in marching bands, the girls are elegantly dressed in typical Costarrican dresses, the boys are dressed as typical farm workers complete with hat and old fashioned

sandals and dances of back then are repeated and taught in the months coming up to the important date. You will see children from age 3 to 21 practicing the routine of their ancestors.

It’s a time for families to get together, the mornings are spent at parades and activities in the community and the afternoon are spent with family.

The magic of this day is the importance that is instilled in the children to remember where they came from and why the celebrations are so important. A holiday that everyone observes and it brings out the best of the culture found here in Costa Rica.