Tag Archives: costa rica guided tours

Costa Rica: Adventures In The Jewel Of The Rainforest

Across the globe, there are a few areas that scientists consider biological “hot spots.” These regions are unusually abundant in plants and wildlife that aren’t found anywhere else. It’s referred to as biodiversity.

Costa Rica is one of these ecological hot spots. According to the book “Ecotourism and Sustainable Development” by Dr. Martha M. Honey, Costa Rica has just .1 percent of the world’s landmass, but 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity.

While other ecologically sensitive areas, like Indonesia and the Amazon region of Brazil, are fast diminishing, this isn’t the case in Costa Rica. Government leaders here realized early on what a treasure our environment is and moved quickly to protect it. About 25 percent of Costa Rica is protected as a nature preserve of some sort, the highest ratio of any country on Earth. Worldwide, the average is around 13 percent.

Among these protected areas is the Monteverde Cloud Forest, which is home to an estimated 100 mammal species, 400 bird species and 2,000 plant species. Corcovado National Park is also internationally known. It’s one of the few spots where all four monkey species native to Costa Rica can be found, and it’s famous for being quite hospitable to jaguars.

Now, exploring all of the richness of Costa Rica can be a little overwhelming. There is so much to see and do that it’s hard to manage it all on your own. This is one reason why a guided Costa Rica adventure may be right for you. A hike through the rain forest or a jungle safari can reveal some of the beautiful and fascinating wildlife native to our country. To learn about the trips that Costa Rica Rios offers, feel free to contact us. Come play in our back yard.

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A Costa Rica adventure, custom-made just for your family!

When you think of having a vacation with your family, have you considered a Costa Rica adventure? Costa Rica Rios has a package for your adventurous spirit! From surfing the waves to zip lining above the trees; whitewater rafting or kayaking, to mountain biking; lying on the beach or a thrilling canopy tour… Just think, we can put a custom package together for the vacation of a lifetime…Depending on your budget and your ability level, add in your desire for adventure or relaxing, and all you have to do is be there and enjoy it.

So, say your family is made up of Mom and Dad; your oldest is a teen girl; next is a ten-year-old all boy; then there is your three-year-old (surprise!) girl. Oh, and everyone has agreed to bring Grandma, because she’s never been out of the country. OK, Mom and Dad are definitely looking forward to SOME relaxation, and maybe even some romance. Maybe some beach time, and at least one dinner for two? Miss Teen seems bored with almost everything, but her eyes light up at the mention of horseback riding. And maybe some surfing lessons? (Probably a cute instructor.) Now, Mr. All-Boy wants to do everything active…twice! Grandma has heard about the unique shopping opportunities, but has always secretly wanted to learn scuba diving. Hey, she’s not too old! And Miss Surprise? She won’t be able to do some of the activities, but she will enjoy being with her family, doing what three-year-olds do best: being cute!

There are several packages to choose from, like the Week of Adventures, the Week of Rivers Kayak, and the Week of Rivers Canoe, but the best bet for your family of various desires is the Custom and Family Tour.

When you are ready to customize your family vacation at Costa Rica Rios, our knowledgeable and friendly staff would love to hear from you. They will help you figure out what to bring, which additional costs you will be responsible for, and they will help bring the variety of your family’s wishes together. Start here to begin your adventure!

If you have questions, please contact us… We would love to help!

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Why Same-Sex Couples Should Spend Their Honeymoons in Costa Rica

The U.S. Supreme Court recently made two historic decisions regarding marriage. It overturned the Defense of Marriage Act, allowing federal benefits for married same-sex couples. And it ruled that traditional marriage activists had no standing to defend Proposition 8 in California, allowing gay marriage to resume in that state.

Maybe those were enough reasons for you and many others to tie the knot with their same-sex loves.

At nearly the same time as those decisions, a funny thing happened in the Costa Rican legislature. The staunchly conservative body accidentally approved a bill with marriage language approving “the right to recognition without discrimination contrary to human dignity.”

Hello, same-sex unions.

So other than Costa Rica having two beautiful coastlines, verdant jungles, picturesque volcanic cones, and well-developed tourism, why should the country and its political snafus even figure into your same-sex honeymoon plans?

Money. Specifically, dollars that Americans bring in when they vacation in the country. When you book your vacation plans in Costa Rica, tell its tour operators, hotel proprietors, travel companies, and restaurant owners who you and your spouse are, and that you’re honeymooning in their wonderful country because of its supportive marriage laws.

If enough same-sex couples do this, the legislature will see the economic benefit of their “accidental” law and let it stand. And some day, when same-sex marriages performed in any country become legal and binding in the United States, gay couples will both get married and spend their honeymoons in Costa Rica.

Both your honeymoon and same-sex marriage in Costa Rica are worthwhile dreams. Get closer to them by contacting us.

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Plan a trip to Costa Rica for your romantic getaway

A tropical destination has been the dream of many couples all over the world for years. While there are many beautiful destinations to choose from, one of the most beautiful and exotic locations to highly consider is Costa Rica. Lush scenery, warm friendly locals, gorgeous resorts and some of the most incredible beaches with the some of the clearest water in the world are in Costa Rica.

Spending your honeymoon in Costa Rica would definitely be a memorable and romantic experience. Located in Central America, Costa Rica sits between Nicaragua and Panama, both countries contributing to the diversity and rich culture of the area. Costa Rica lies in jeweled waters, and whether you’re looking for a luxurious beach resort, or an active and adventurous honeymoon, get ready to love it!

This lovely country presents many other options for any type of honeymoon experience you might be looking for. Whether you want an introverted or extroverted experience, Costa Rica is  the place. So cuddle up on the beach or canoe down a river, under the tropical sun or the moonlight. Don’t stop there, embrace your relaxation by spending time in a spa with your significant other; receiving couples massages and pedicures. Costa Rica is the perfect choice for anyone!  For years this attractive country has been a popular choice for vacations and honeymoons, and it is an awesome place to spend your first days as as  married couple. The numerous venues countrywide allow for many choices to suit your budget, accommodation needs, and activity level desires.

For more information, contact us.

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Useful Spanish Phrases for Your Costa Rica Adventure

While there’s no language requirement on Costa Rica Rios trips, it’s always fun to use a bit of the local dialect, right? Here are a few phrases to get you started; the locals might even mistake you for a Tico/Tica.

Más rápido, maeFaster, dude; may be useful with your whitewater rafting guide if you want to pick it up a notch (loco = crazy, by the way).

¡Pero tengo miedo!But I’m scared! This phrase is often followed by delighted screaming and laughing; say this right before you zip-line across a canopy.

¡Otra vez!Again! You loved that flight through the trees, didn’t you?

Te amoI love you. Surprise your new husband or wife with this phrase on your honeymoon as you gaze off into the Caribbean horizon.

¿Cuánto cuesta?How much does it cost? This will be useful in between adventures if you choose to snatch up a Costa Rican souvenir or two, like a bag of local coffee or artisan pottery.

¡Qué ola tan grande!What a big wave! While surfing, this may mean you either rush out to sea or rush back to shore, depending on your skill level. Or maybe you’re on the beach and want to warn your friends to pick up their towels.

¿Cómo se llama (pointing at something)? – What is that called? When you spot unknown exotic wildlife while snorkeling or hiking, use this phrase to learn their names, or ask about that volcano up ahead or the bright blue butterfly that landed on your bike.

Me duelen las piernasMy legs hurt. Speaking of bikes, your quads or hamstrings might burn a bit from that mountain biking portion of the trip; use this excuse to take a breather and a snap a few pics of the scenery.

¡Qué lindo/bonito!How beautiful! Use while pointing to that view, that flower, that sunset, that bird, etc. You’ll probably be using this one at least every five minutes if you’re not busy catching your breath or laughing.

¡Qué rico! How delicious! Compliment your chef or server, or just rave to your trip companions about the fresh fish on your plate or the fruit smoothie you’re slurping down.

¡Pura vida! – this ubiquitous Costa Rican phrase has a dozen meanings, which makes it applicable in most situations. Literally, it means “pure life” and often refers to the relaxed attitudes of Ticos (Costa Ricans). But it also can be a greeting, an exclamation of approval, a descriptor of how you’re feeling, a synonym for excellent, or just something you scream as you kayak down a rushing river.

For all your other language needs, our staff and guides have got you covered. Find the trip that’s right for you and contact us for more information. ¡Pura vida!

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Plan Your Own Costa Rica Adventure

What would your perfect vacation be? Do you think about riding around on a hot, sweaty tour bus? Or wandering around in a large group of people listening to a tour guide describe a long history of some building? Or are you looking for a wild ride down some whitewater rapids? How about a bike tour of a volcano? A zipline ride across rainforest treetops? What about all of them? Creating your own Costa Rica adventure means that you don’t have to choose just one. You can plan all the excitement you want into one big adventure.

Costa Rica offers all the adventure your family or group can handle. With a tropical climate and a variety of terrain, you can pick from the many activities that appeal to your outdoor spirit. Instead of being stuck in a pre-planned selection of a package deal, you can decide how short or long you want to go for, and what activities you do, creating your own vacation package.

If water is what you are dreaming of, you can choose to kayak, raft, or canoe on the Pacuare River where you can experience the beauty of the surrounding rainforest, with many chances to stop and swim, rest, and take in the views. Rather swim than paddle? You can take advantage of scuba diving or snorkeling in the waters off the Manuel Antonio National Park. If surfing is your thing, try catching a wave in Puerto Viejo. Or include a day to relax at one of the stunning beaches the country has to offer.

Waves and water not your thing? Try taking on mountain biking. You can choose to bike through the cloud forest as you journey to the shoulder of the Turrialba Volcano, with small villages along the way. Or choose to bike through the Orosi Valley. Pedaling too tiring? Try a saddle instead with horseback riding. You can mount up and travel up to the La Fortuna Waterfall or ride to the observatory of the famous Arenal Volcano.

Looking for a ride of a different kind? Zip line rides will have you flying above the jungle. Rise above the treetops to experience the adventure of a lifetime. Experience the rainforest like never before with a canopy tour that takes you across suspension bridges, rappelling down trees and even offers adrenaline pumping zip line rides over the trees.

With these and many more activities to choose from, you can find the perfectly balanced adventure. Take the worry and stress out of planning with all meals, lodging, entrance fees and permits taken care of. No need to have your own equipment or search for guides.  We can take care of everything.  Contact us and start planning your perfect Costa Rica adventure today.

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Top 5 Reasons to Vacation with Costa Rica Rios

1. Adventure

Conquer the Costa Rican rapids while whitewater rafting, paddle through twists and turns in a kayak, take a surf ride on a Caribbean wave. Bike down a volcano, zipline through trees, snorkel along tropical reefs. That enough adventure for you? Then you’re made for our high-adrenaline multi-sport adventure vacation package. Or, if one sport is plenty for you, try a week of canoeing or kayaking through Costa Rica’s pristine whitewater rivers.

2. Romance and Relaxation

Honeymooners rave about our tours, which, in addition to the aforementioned adventure activities, can be paired with plenty of quieter newlywed moments. Stay in a deluxe eco-lodge, enjoy a more low-key tour like the Rain Forest Ridge Walk. Go horseback riding near the Savegre River. Search for exotic critters in Manuel Antonio’s National Park. Simply relax on the beach or soak in hot springs with your amor.

3. Wildlife

Hear that hooting and hollering? That’s a howler monkey in the distance. What about the chirping that greets you in the morning? Could be a White Collared Manakin. Don’t miss the sloths; these funny-looking cuties can be seen at the sloth sanctuary or, if you’re lucky, in the trees during one of your other adventures. While canyoning in the rainforest, you may glimpse the transparent Costa Rican Glass Frog (are those its internal organs!?). Of course you’ll find fascinating fish on your snorkel dive, and you might catch sight of Green Sea, Giant Leatherback or Hawksbill turtles nesting at a marine national park.

4. Food

Pineapples, bananas, mangos, guanabanas. Fresh fish and meat paired with slow-cooked black beans and rice. You won’t go hungry in Costa Rica. Our personal chef prepares your meals daily with locally grown goods. Soon you’ll know the beauty of gallo pinto, frescos naturales, and sweet platano maduro.

5. Culture

From tour guides, to lodging staff, to vendors, and passersby, you’ll meet lots of friendly Ticos (Costa Ricans) willing to share their stories and culture with you. Of course our guides will be especially well-versed in the many facets of Costa Rican life and will be eager to share their knowledge of the country.

Browse the rest of our website, contact us with your questions, then tell your boss you’re going to need some time off.

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Supporting the Environment with our Costa Rica Guided Tours

As you can tell from what we do, the environment is an integral part of the success of Costa Rica Rios. Without our magnificent local rivers, mountains, beaches and forest canopies, we could not offer our spectacular Costa Rica guided tours. Because of this, we have made a commitment to supporting the environment, including the unique and breathtaking natural scenery of our many adventures.

We practice what we call Sustainable Tourism in a variety of ways. Much of what we do involves education. For our employees, there is always ongoing learning about how we can best support and preserve this delicate and fascinating natural environment in which we live and work.  As a company, we seek to work in harmony with other local businesses, such as when we donate all organic waste to an organic cocoa bean farm.

For our guests, the education can work both ways. We know our environment, and we teach our tour participants about how best to preserve the breathtaking natural resource that we share with them. We also welcome guest suggestions about how to improve our sustainability practices and procedures, because we know that we all have much to learn about the latest and greatest efforts to support the environment.

We have also woven some commitments to sustainable tourism into the fabric of our company’s business processes. We are member participants in 1% for the Planet, a world-wide network of over one thousand businesses that commit to donate 1% of their sales to environmental nonprofit organizations. We are seeking certification from a handful of sustainable tourism associations, so stay tuned for further news on this as our applications to these associations are completed and reviewed.

Finally, and fundamentally, we recognize that each of us as individuals has a role to play in preserving our environment for the enjoyment of future generations. What we model and teach to our guests, we hope you will take home with you, along with your pictures and memories, and apply in the special environments that you find in and near your own home towns. To learn more, contact us or check out our Sustainable Tourism webpage.

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A Costa Rica honeymoon: Because memories last forever

Your honeymoon isn’t just another vacation. It’s the start of a new life together. The memories you make on this trip are as significant and long-lasting as the ones you share on your wedding day.

So why go to all the trouble of selecting the perfect ring, writing your own vows and picking the perfect cake, only to celebrate your nuptials with a boring, cookie-cutter vacation?

Instead, explore the spectacular, natural beauty and varied attractions that make a Costa Rica honeymoon unique and exciting.

“Costa Rica is a great spot for active couples. It’s well known for its zip line tours, which send visitors swinging through the forest’s treetop canopy via a cable and a harness – not to mention the great surfing.” – CNN Money

Imagine telling your friends, and someday, your children about the exciting way your marriage began. Zip lining through a tropical forest, learning to surf, jet skiing, snorkeling and kayaking. You will always remember memories that you make in Costa Rica.

And experts say that there is no better way to begin your new life together than through shared activity! A new study from the University of Denver shows that couples who play together, stay together. Howard Markman, a psychologist who co-directs the university’s Center for Marital and Family Studies tells USA Today,

“The more you invest in fun and friendship and being there for your partner, the happier the relationship will get over time.”

Your honeymoon is the start of your new life together. Let Costa Rica Rios make it an adventure you’ll always remember. Whatever you choose, we promise it will be one vacation you will never forget.  See some sample itineraries at Costaricarios.com.

To learn more about planning your dream vacation contact us today!

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Begin Your Active Life Together with an Adventure Honeymoon

So you’ve always been an active couple. Perhaps you met on an eco-tourist trip hiking some remote and exotic mountain range, or got to know each other while leading local white water rafting trips. You had some great, creative ideas for an active wedding, but you’ve had to tone down them down so your parents could attend. The honeymoon, however, is all yours, and you want one that will continue the adventurous theme of your lives together. We have the perfect solution: plan your own, unique adventure honeymoon in Costa Rica!

Costa Rica Rios can plan your perfect adventure honeymoon because we have been providing a wide variety of fun, adrenaline pumping honeymoon activities for newly-married couples for 18 years now. We know what couples like you want in a honeymoon, and we know how to provide it. You can customize the perfect honeymoon, sampling any or all of the exciting opportunities that Costa Rica has to offer, including:

  • White water rafting on the Pacuare River, which has been voted one of the top 10 commercially rafted rivers in the world by National Geographic
  • An amazing jungle canopy course with 10 ziplines, 2 rappels, a suspension bridge and a Tarzan swing
  • Canyoneering the astonishing Arenal area, including down-climbing and rappelling a series of four waterfalls
  • The Cerro Chato Extreme Volcano hike and/or mountain biking to a stunning view of the volcano
  • Jetski to pristine snorkeling spots near Manuel Antonio, or choose sea kayaking or sailing tours
  • Stay near the remote rain forest of Corcovado National Park and stretch your mind and heart with new experiences like the Local Medicine Tour, Rain Forest Ridge Walk, Osa Trail, Matapalo Tour and Night Walk

In addition to all this activity, you will indulge in delicious local food, deluxe accommodations and an eco-friendly experience.

Furthermore, all the like-minded friends you’ve collected on your various adventures together can easily support you in fulfilling this dream of an adventurous honeymoon. We provide a complimentary Honeymoon Registry Program which lets you choose, or create, your ideal trip as a wedding present. Once your trip is set up in our system, your guests can simply purchase a Gift Certificate online or call our reservations team. You then redeem the total and start packing for your custom honeymoon adventure. So contact us today to sign up, and begin your lives together with the adventure of a lifetime!

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