Also, if you don’t mind a little volunteer work, you can land yourself a heavily discounted room or even a free room, with meals included. A popular destination for volunteers is the Osa Peninsula. Here, you can find a room for only around 39 dollars a night, which includes three full meals a day, if you stay at the Danta Corcovada Lodge. This beautiful lodge features amazing, stylish furniture and rustic decorations for the adventurous traveler to enjoy. You can help to paint houses in the area or to do other types of volunteer work, earning your discount and allowing you the chance to meet the locals and really get a feel for Costa Rica as a country and as a community.

There are lots of other great money saving tips as well. If you can’t afford to rent a car, you’ll want to avoid the taxis in Costa Rica. They will almost always cost an unsuspecting tourist over ten dollars per trip. The best thing to do is to use your feet and do as much walking as you can bear or take a 25 cent bus ride. You can also buy cheap fruits and vegetables from the stores where the locals shop or even stop in for lunch at small cafes in people’s homes known as Sodas. At these cafes, a delicious, locally prepared meal, such as shrimp and rice, can be purchased for only around two dollars.

Of course, you should splurge at least a little. After all, you are in Costa Rica! We recommend taking a zip line through the rainforest, which is only about forty dollars for a quick trip, or paying the small entry fees to national parks and other important and beautiful sites you won’t find anywhere else. When it’s all said and done, it really is possible to visit Costa Rica for one hundred dollars or less per day. It’s up to you, however, to find the volunteer program that works for you and then make your dream of visiting Costa Rica a reality.

It is important to remember that a discounted trip will be a discounted trip. The accommodations won’t have cable television or any of the fancy extras that luxury hotels offer, and the food might not be gourmet, but we feel it’s well worth it to be able to experience this fantastic country affordably.

A team has been working in the forest since 1994 and dutifully analyzing the data they collect. In this amazing cloud forest, there are over 400 species of wild orchards. The orchids take the water directly from the low hanging clouds and from the mist in the air, but thanks to global warming, the area is going through a dry spell. That means less mist and less rain, and the plants are not adapting to these periods well.

While you might not be particularly concerned about the orchids yourself, you have to really sit down and think about what this means. Longer dry spells and less rain could eventually harm the other plants, such as rare flora and fauna, and endangered animals, such as tree frogs, red bellied woodpeckers, and even monkeys, that live there. To keep Costa Rica beautiful and alive is up to you and the other inhabitants of this great earth we all share.

Costa Rica is more than just a tourist destination. It is a land full of biodiversity, jungles, rainforests, crystal clear beaches, and the most beautiful and breathtaking sites you could ever imagine. You can help keep this lovely land safe and protected by doing your part to go green. You don’t have to do this in huge, brazen steps. Small daily changes can help Costa Rica as well. You can try using less energy, recycling and reusing products, and perhaps even donating to the organizations and funds in place to protect the Costa Rican wildlife, which includes both the plants and animals that make up this great country.

Two great organizations to consider donating your time or your money to are the World Wildlife Fund and the La Marina Nature Foundation. The World Wildlife Fund has been around for over forty-five years and has special programs in place to try and protect the endangered animals of Costa Rica. Most notably, they have a very successful program that focuses on saving the marine turtles of Costa Rica. The La Marina Nature Foundation is also an older organization that focuses on rescuing hurt or high risk animals, breeding to help endangered species thrive once again, helping animals to thrive in their natural environments, conserving animals and natural land, and educating the public about these issues. For more information on either organization, you can visit their respective websites at WorldWildLife.Org or ZooCostaRica.Com.

No matter how you choose to help Costa Rica, whether it be buying your own piece of real estate there or donating to a special charity, you are appreciated and you are taking important steps toward change.

While you’re not likely (or even encouraged) to adopt a crocodile when you visit Costa Rica, you can expect to see some truly amazing animals and hear some even more amazing stories. Beautiful, natural Costa Rica is well known for its wildlife, and it’s very easy to get up close and personal with the animal kingdom.

Frogs in Costa Rica are regarded as national symbols. The country boasts over a hundred species of colorful frogs, such as the red eyed tree frog, the poison dart frog, and the smoky jungle frog. Taking a tour through Tortuguero or Monteverde is a great way to experience these amazing creatures firsthand, since these areas are absolutely teeming with them.

If birds are your thing, then you’re also in luck. Costa Rica is famous for its Macaws, and for the touristy photos visitors often take with the lovely birds perched atop their arms or shoulders. Both the Scarlet Macaw and Buffon’s Macaw are indigent to the area and feature fascinating colors and impressive wing spans. While you can see the Macaws, often in large groups, throughout the country, they are especially abundant in Manuel Antonio Beach, Tortuguero Beach, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, and Guanacaste.

Costa Rican monkeys are perhaps the most popular species in the country. You can expect to find these fascinating little creatures wherever you can find a rainforest. The Capuchin, the Spider Monkey, the Squirrel Monkey, and the Howler Monkey all make their homes here. You can go on a monkey spotting expedition or just visit one of Costa Rica’s many national parks. Manuel Antonio National Park is a very popular destination for monkey lovers, as is the Ola Peninsula.

We also can’t leave out the slow, dreamy turtles that Costa Rica is famous for. These turtles, which stand for peace, come in many different varieties in the area. The most common include the leatherback turtle, the hawksbill turtle, the loggerhead turtle, and the green sea turtle. These endangered species can be spotted along many of the beaches, such as Playa Grande, Playa Hermosa, and Tortuguero Beach. A popular activity is to watch and wait for these animals to lay their eggs. So, yes, no matter what wildlife you love and cherish, you can find it, untouched and unharmed, in fascinating, natural Costa Rica. There truly is something for everyone here.

Powered completely by solar energy, the village boasts its very own food supply, running water and indoor plumbing in each tree house home, and even extra luxuries such as plumbing, refrigeration, electricity, and WiFi internet access. Transportation inside the village is also made simple, thanks to the 27 ziplines that run in between the 23 buildings currently in the village. The creators of Finca Bellavista, Matt and Erica Hogan, compare their design to the famed Ewok Village in the Return of the Jedi film, and they really aren’t so far off.

The couple had a dream of moving to a self sustaining community, so they packed up their bags in their home state of Colorado, gathered their life savings, and made that dream come true. They created the community, and lots of people instantly flocked to it, including up and coming writer Lauren Lubin, who is currently finishing her soon to be published book in the village. They are now in the process of installing a hydropower system and have a waiting list of over 50 families signed up to join their community.

So, Finca Bellavista really is a dream come true. If this sounds like it could be the place for you, then you should definitely check it out. You can find out more information about the village and about how to join the community by visiting FincaBellavista.net. Or, if you want to take things to the next level, perhaps you can even start a tree top community or another kind of green village all your own. All you have to do is supply the dream and then find a way to get your hands on the funds you need.

That’s the thing about Costa Rica really. It’s a place where your dreams can come true. Using your IRA to invest in Costa Rica real estate is one of the easiest ways to take your dream and make it a reality. With a little help, the venture can go much more smoothly than you ever thought possible. If this really sounds like something you would like to do, then you should speak with your financial advisor or with an attorney today. These professionals can show you how to wisely invest your IRA funds and to turn them into something truly amazing and unforgettable.

Tree house community in Costa Rica gets headlines. Full story.

Playas del Coco is a town of options. It can be a place of relaxation. Long, sunny days on the crescent bay. Calm water, soft, cinnamon sand, palm trees, kids and families at play in the park. Sipping coconut water the big task of the day.

It can be a party. Nightfall brings loud, raucous music on the main drag. Tourists and locals come out to play. Bar lights dance, liquor flows, night becomes tomorrow morning.

Beyond land is the sea. Scuba diving and surfing in the Pacific. Sharing the water with turtles, tropical fish, rays and sharks. Exploring the aquatic wonderland.

With its location on the northern Pacific coast of Guanacaste province and proximity to some of Costa Rica’s chief tourism hot spots, hordes of tourists visit Coco for a few days or weeks as they dabble in the activities that suit their fancy.

For 15 years, one tourist favorite to call home for a few days has been La Puerta del Sol hotel, about 250 meters north of downtown Playas del Coco. The quaint, colorful hotel is owned and operated by Italian Alessandro Tolo. Each of the eight large rooms on the small, well-groomed property has a big comfortable bed, spacious bathroom, air conditioning, private patio, refrigerator, coffeemaker and cable television. The hotel also offers a larger suite and apartment, usually reserved by honeymooners, families or guests staying longer amounts of time.

“We know people come to Playas del Coco on vacation from their work and busy lives to relax and unwind,” Tolo said. “We designed this place to allow them to do that.”

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Whether it’s the first Valentine’s Day we are celebrating with someone or the 20th, most of us want to make the day special. Here are a few ideas to help you plan a romantic outing or surprise for your special someone.

Go French for Valentine’s Day dinner at the highly recommended L’Ile de France in the western San José suburb of Escazú. Try the salmon fillet filled with shrimp mousse, topped with a saffron mousseline (?16,800/$34). For dessert, choose from the Chocolate Temptation or the mousse au chocolat à l’orange (?4,300/$8.60). Ask for the kitchen-view suite, where French chef Jean Claude Fromont will drop in to explain what’s on the menu and make suggestions. L’Ile de France is in Avenida Escazú, on the ground floor of the Marriott Residence Inn. For reservations, call 2282-5441 or 2289-7533. Check out the menu at www.liledefrance.cr.

The Beacon Escazú hotel’s elegant The Muse restaurant is planning a Valentine’s Day feast including glazed duck salad with apples and goat cheese, steak, salmon in chile pesto, apple and mushroom tartlet and chicken in passion fruit sauce, as well as an open dessert bar. The cost is $50 per person including tax. A children’s menu of chicken schnitzel and dessert costs $25. Babysitting service will be offered for $10 per child. The Beacon is in Escazú Centro, 150 meters west of the Central Park. For reservations, call 2228-3110.

Share a special meal for two at the long-standing Villa Bonita Chinese restaurant in Pavas. The 7 Estrellas de la Luna dish of seafood and vegetables in oyster sauce, served with toasted rice, costs ?28,000 ($56) for two. A refreshing strawberry and peach drink makes the perfect complement. Villa Bonita is 100 m south and 175 m west of the U.S. Embassy. For reservations, call 2296-0909. See the full menu at www.villa bonita.net.

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Costa Rica Vacations with the Entire Family

With a large family, you would definitely need a large place to stay during family vacations and holiday trips, and with great Costa Rica vacations, you can find the perfect place to stay with the whole family. Take the example of Casa Cook, which is a personal home or hotel having four lavish waterfront divisions. Casita, one of its units, sleeps up to six persons and is just the right place when you want to bring the whole family for a relaxing vacation or family bonding with amazing Costa Rica vacations. Casita unit has all the necessities which you would require for your stay like refrigerator, gas stove, cable TV, microwave oven, air conditioning, and a safe. Just step out of Casita and you will be surprised to find the many opportunities that await you to enjoy the fun, frolic and exciting activities with your family. The neighboring enticing beaches which lie nearby gift you the opportunity to experience the joy of diving, snorkeling, canopy trips, surfing, sunset journeys, and fishing. Take time to rest and bond with your complete family through the splendid spa amenities. Enjoy the bliss of Costa Rica vacations with your entire family.

Costa Rica Vacations Made Possible

Do you think that you can have a great holiday even on medium finances?The answer to this question becomes simple with the special offers on the Costa Rica vacations that could provide you with great discounts and affordable trips. The best place to commence would be searching on the internet that provides you information on superb packages for your Costa Rica holidays. For one, the Harmony Hotel Green Season Special 2010 is one of the experts when it comes to beach life as well as nature trips, and will allow you to stay there for five nights and pay for only four nights starting from May 1 to August 31, 2010. You could also stay there for three nights and pay for only two nights from September 1 to November 20, 2010. Special offers like these would definitely make your vacation or holiday trip possible even when you have a limited budget. Start searching for other special offers on Costa Rica vacations on the internet and make your trip to that beautiful country possible.

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In my more than two decades of living and fishing in Costa Rica, I have been involved in 87 television programs about fishing, mostly done with production companies from the United States. My first fishing show, many years ago at Archie Fields’ Rio Colorado Lodge, I learned to my disappointment that a fishing host I had idolized in my youth was one of the biggest jerks in the world.

Fortunately, most of my experiences with film crews have been nothing but fun. I’ve gotten to fish with true gentlemen like Flip Pallot. Larry Dahlberg is not only one of the most methodical fishermen I’ve ever met, but also probably one of the funniest men on earth. Sometimes-grumpy Mark Sosin is still producing his famous Saltwater Journal at almost 80, and will be doing another show in Costa Rica in March.

Once, while working with Tico Travel, I was all excited because we were going to fish with Molly Hatchet, one of my all-time favorite Southern rock bands. Their manager canceled at the last minute and sent us the Budweiser Babes instead. Although they were much prettier than Molly Hatchet, they didn’t quite understand that if you want to catch the morning bite, and get good footage, you have to get out of bed in the morning. Between Archie Fields’ and Crocodile Bay, I’ve been lucky enough to fish with most of the great names in television fishing shows.

Last week was the first time I got to work with a Costa Rican film crew. I wasn’t sure how it would go, because after all these years I still speak a “gringo pinto” form of Spanish, with a little bit of a Southern accent. But I’m not afraid to jump right in and try.

When I met Tamela Hedström, singer, performer and host of Channel 9’s “Así vivimos los ticos,” I was immediately taken by her infectious positive energy. Here is a woman who was literally run over by a bus, wouldn’t listen to doctors in two countries who told her she needed to have her leg amputated, and endured more than 20 operations and therapy over the following years.

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Sir Elton John. Here he was, onstage in Costa Rica for the first time. He stood on his piano – and almost fell – and commanded thousands of fans to their feet in Ricardo Saprissa Stadium. With a sparkling jacket, one shiny earring and awesome support from his band, John’s enthusiasm budded into each song. Five decades of touring, and he looked ready for five more. The next go-around, one hopes, will include more stops in Costa Rica.

The legendary British singer-songwriter wowed a packed audience in Tibás, north of San José, on a frigid Friday night during the singer’s virgin concert in the country.

The show opened with acclaimed pianist and Culture Minister Manuel Obregón playing a wordless 30-minute set of peaceful compositions. A symphony of nature sounds and images from Costa Rica played over the backdrop. Two charming young cellists from Croatia took the stage next, and demonstrated how versatile the cello can be. Their immense talent and enthusiasm carried what could have been a gimmicky set of covers of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal,” U2’s “With or Without You,” Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell.”

Then, in a move seemingly to steal Elton John’s thunder, the cellists moved into the first few notes of “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting).” The opening chords hummed as guitarist Davey Johnstone walked onstage, followed, moments later, by Elton John. The 10,000-plus concertgoers stood and waved and shouted about why Saturday ought to be a great time for a brawl.

The next track, “I’m Still Standing,” introduced John’s excellent foursome of backup vocalists, including Rose Stone, co-founder of Hall of Fame funk artists Sly and the Family Stone, and her daughter, Lisa. The group also included the band’s original drummer, Nigel Olsson, alongside longtime guitarist Johnstone.

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There is something magical about where forest meets the sea. The 11-kilometer coastal trail from Drake Bay to Corcovado, on southwestern Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, passes by towering giants surrounding rocky points pounded by Pacific waves. Broken only by wild beaches of all sizes, two small rivers and countless small streams, the trail is completely free of roads and cars. As you hike along the narrow path toward Corcovado, you walk back in time, and hopefully catch a glimpse of the future.

Walking is a way of life here. And I don’t mean strolling down the sidewalk – there are no sidewalks. There is no pavement of any kind, although some muddy sections sport stepping-stones. There are two small footbridges, one hanging bridge across the Río Agujas, and one tiny span over a nameless rushing stream. The rest of the trail is stone and earth, blanketed in leaves of a surprising variety of colors.

With each step away from Agujitas town in Drake Bay, the forest becomes thicker. The sounds of people fade away and are replaced by a concert from the forest and the sea. The scarlet macaws, whose population here is one of the largest on earth, can be louder than any car alarm, the sound of the crashing surf more powerful than that of a passing bus or train, the roar of the howler monkey stronger than any neighbor’s thumping bass.

The sounds are accompanied by scents, also quite different from those in town. A menagerie of blossoms emits a bouquet of fragrances blown about by the ocean breeze. The thick, earthy smell of the forest mixes with the heady ion and ozone smell of water from the foaming surf and gushing waterfalls. Fruits of all sorts add their spicy, wild aromas.

The views, too, are wild – unbroken, endless, to-the-horizon wild, an infinity of greens and blues painted with streaks of copper, beige or bronze sands. The sunsets here often suffuse the air all around with a golden glow that many people describe as unique to the area. Repetitive cloud formations over the 700-meter Agujas Peak often shine with double rainbows over the rain forest. Look the other way and you will see the sun setting into the fiery Pacific around distant Caño Island, with the clouds above lit with more colors than the rainbows.

Gazing at the sea from this trail, you are likely to see a humpback whale or two, or more. Groups of spotted dolphins hunt daily along this coast, often only meters off the rocks and beaches. Pseudorcas and orcas also cruise the rocky points, hunting big roosterfish. This stretch of coastline is the best in Costa Rica to sight cetaceans from the shore.

For these same reasons, you might also catch a glimpse of some of the finest yachts in the world as you hike Costa Rica’s wildest coastal trail. The vessels come from all over the world to sail and anchor off this stretch of coast. You may come across campesinos carrying supplies by horseback next to billionaires having a beach picnic.

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