MuchaCostaRica.Com

Update on Road Conditions in Costa Rica

Rayna Levin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:16:13 GMT

We just updated our previous post 'Road Conditions in the Central & South Pacific' - check it out if you are planning to travel in the south Pacific region of Costa Rica.

The Parrita bridge is now OPEN between Jaco and Quepos
The new road is open, but not yet paved between Matapalo and Dominical.

Road Conditions in the Central & South Pacific regions of Costa Rica

Rayna Levin — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:44:07 GMT

Here is the real deal on the road conditions in the central and south Pacific regions of Costa Rica.I just drove this stretch of highway last week.

From Jaco south to Puerto Jimenez on the coastal highway

Jaco to Parrita: paved road in pretty good shape. ~~The bridge in Parrita is almost finished, but as of October 2009 it is still one lane and causes backups.~~ The bridge in Parrita is OPEN!

Parrita - Quepos: paved road in pretty good shape, but pretty bumpy

Quepos - Dominical: brand new paved road and bridges in perfect shape. No lines painted yet. There is about 8 kilometers of unpaved road and ~~about half of this is flat and in good shape. The other is typical gravel road with bumps and rocks and there is a detour around one remaining new section.~~ this unpaved section is in good condition as they are preparing it for asphalt. One or two bridges remain under construction, but are open for passing.

Dominical - Palmar Norte: paved road in good to excellent shape

Palmar - Chacarita: HORRIBLE! pot holes in the paved road. A recipe for a flat tire!

Chacarita - Rincon: mostly paved in moderate condition

Rincon to Puerto Jimenez: they are working on paving this and while none of the bridges are complete, the road is paved or well groomed for most of the way to Puerto Jimenez.

How I Came to Know a Silky Anteater, Part 2

Rayna Levin — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:38:19 GMT

So the next morning, after her little party was over, Eugenio called me and said she was apparently healthy and needed to be released into the wild and I could either come get her or they could release her into the forest at the refuge.

We all agreed it was best to release her as close as possible to where she originally came from so I drove back to the the refuge and picked her up, and of course, I had all the necessary permits from MINAE to carry a wild animal in my car.

She continued to sleep as if drugged on Dramamine, until about 6:30 pm when she crawled out of her box and inspected the bathroom where I had her safely stored until it was time to let her go. She quickly went back to sleep when I returned her to the box and at about 9pm, we took a boat to the other side of the river and walked into the forest, picked a tree not too wide in girth and put her on it (see video below). She immediately woke up and started climbing up, up up until she disappeared from our sight.

I later learned that silky anteaters leave scent trails to guide them to the termite and ant nests that they feed on so I was very regretful that I could not return her to the exact same forest location she was found. My friends were out of town and no one out there has a phone, so there was no one to call. At least she was returned to the same type of environment and forest. I sure hope she finds new food sources soon.

I feel so lucky to have had such a close encounter with these elusive animals. Truly a unique learning experience for me and a reminder of why I live in this amazingly beautiful country!

How I Came to Know a Silky Anteater, Part 1

Rayna Levin — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:11:20 GMT

It's a Sloth, NO... It's a kinkaju, NO... IT IS an Anteater!!!!

I got a call the other day from a friend asking me if I knew how to care for or where to take a baby sloth that some friends of ours had found on the ground near their eco-lodge in the Sierpe Terraba Mangrove Forest (south Pacific, Osa Peninsula).

Now I have a special affinity for sloths (I fell in love with these beautiful animals after my first trip to Costa Rica) so I was very anxious to help. I immediately called my friends at the Sloth Rescue Center and got some pointers on basic sloth care and began preparing for the arrival of my little friend. I searched all over my tiny town for goat's milk and a bottle, which I eventually found. These items were meant to sustain the little guy (or girl) until I could get it to the Rescue Center.

The next morning, my friends called me to confirm the drop off and as they were telling me about the animal, I began to realize it was probably not a sloth! They said it had a pointy nose and four claws on the back legs... and unless this was a mutant, it was definitely not a sloth!

So they arrived via boat with the little fuzzy and oh so soft little animal fast asleep in a box.They warned me that it had very sharp claws. I immediately realized they were serious when it swatted me when I tried to wake it up to look at it. My first thought was that it was a kinkajou, but then someone suggested that it might be an anteater. So off I went to my house prepared to feed it goat's milk via syringe (no needle of course). It had a tiny little mouth, much smaller than the sloth mouth I was envisioning. It had not wanted to eat the night before when my friends tried to feed it milk. They said it kept turning its head and pushing away the 'bottle' ie. - syringe. Upon returning to my house, my boyfriend was able to identify it as a silky anteater (Cyclopes didactylus) or in Spanish, Serafin de Platanar.

While waiting on the docks that morning for the animal to arrive, someone told me about an animal refuge center nearby (about 1 hour) called Durika. The Sloth Rescue Center is located on the Caribbean side and about 8+ hours away, so this alternative seemed better. I called Durika, spoke with a very friendly and knowledgeable biologist and decided to take the anteater to them.

Located about one hour away, the Durika Refuge serves as a refuge for many endangered animals and plants, and they offer medical care to injured and abandoned animals.

Upon arrival, Eugenio greeted me and carefully picked up the anteater. It scratched him too, but then it quickly made itself at home on his arm and fell back to sleep on the best branch it had probably ever encountered - a warm and hairy arm! It turns out SHE is an almost full grown adult (no wonder why she did not want to drink the milk!) and seemed healthy upon first inspection. It was worry-some that she was found on the ground, so he agreed to monitor her for a few days and see how she did.

Silky Anteaters are nocturnal, solitary, arboreal animals and rarely descend to the ground. Because they are so small and live high up in the trees, they are not very commonly spotted.

Well the first night, she slept and slept and did not wake up much. She only ate a few termites and a little bit of hamburger Eugenio tried to feed her. She also slept thru the next day, but the next night... I'm told she had a pajama PARTY! She was extremely active, climbing on everything and was actually quite aggressive with her keeper Eugenio. She hissed and peed on him!

Read Part II for the end of the story!

Dutchman's Pipe - Largest Flower in Costa Rica

Rayna Levin — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:49:03 GMT

Another of my all time favorite flowers is the Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolochia spp.) It's one of the coolest looking flowers you will ever see. There is native species in Virginia (Aristolochia duror) that I loved, so imagine how happy I was when I found out that here in Costa Rica we have one too, and it's gigantic! The Dutchman's Pipe of Costa Rica (Aristolochia grandiflora) is a native vine with flowers reaching 20cm in length - some of the largest in the world.

It is rumored that this plant is carnivorous, but it really only traps flies or other insects for one day. On the first day that it blooms, it smells like rotting flesh. This, and the maroon color of the flower, attract carrion loving flies who travel down the flower tube to where the receptive female parts are located.

They become trapped here by downward pointing hairs and slippery papillae. One the second day of flowering, the foul odor disappears as the hairs wilt and the entry way widens, and the flies escape, carrying pollen with them on the way out. They then enter a new flower, whose female parts are fertile on the first day of flowering, become trapped, pollinating the flower, escape the next day carrying pollen with them again.. and hence the process continues.

Dutchman's Pipe grows on both the Pacific and Caribbean slopes of Costa Rica usually in wet environments along the edge of forests. It is not widely used in gardens, but I'm going to keep an eye out for it and try to grow it from a clipping.

Passion Flowers

Rayna Levin — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:52:41 GMT

One of my favorite flowers is the passion flower (Passiflora spp.). They come in all colors and sizes, and grow as a woody vine. There are more than 500 species of Passiflora worldwide, and 60 of those produce edible fruits. There are about 50 species in Costa Rica. The species differ in color, size and shape, but all have very unique, intricate flowers.

In Costa Rica, we know the edible fruits as granadilla and maracuya. Granadilla can be eaten fresh and it is sweet. Maracuya is tart and is usually consumed as a fresh fruit beverage.

I'm actually growing maracuya from some clippings I took from a friend's garden. They are just now taking root and soon I will plant them in the ground.

Calling all Plant Lovers

Rayna Levin — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:30:07 GMT

When I lived in Virginia, I was a landscape designer and was crazy about plants. All kinds. From native trees and wild flowers to exotic garden ornamentals, I just could not get enough.

But then, when I moved to Costa Rica, surprisingly enough, that passion faded. I guess I was preoccupied with learning a new language and adapting to a new culture.

Well, now that I'm feeling rather settled after four years, I'm ready to learn about the plants here and maybe even start to do some landscape design or consulting here. So I'm going to start making posts about the plants here. Let's get started.

Billabong World Surfing Event

Rayna Levin — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:45:38 GMT

Costa Rica welcomes the 2009 Billabong World Surfing Games.

The official games started Aug 1 at 10am when surfers from around the world began competitig in the Men's and Women's Open. Seven more days of surfing will follow. Throughout the week, a variety of entertainment events will take place, including things like: Folkloric Costa Rican dances presented by ICE, Ethnic music, Circus show and drummers, a Cultural Festival at the Central Park, along with other presentations and musical events.

About 10,000 people showed up on the first day of the event, biggest sporting event to ever hit Costa Rica.

Currently, on day 6 of the event, Costa Rica is in 4th place!

Watch the competition live at the Billabong ISA's wedpage

Fly 2 for 1 on Nature Air

Rayna Levin — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:24:25 GMT

Nature Air is offering 2 for 1 tickets if you fly during the Mother's Day weekend August 15th.

New Day Tour: Safari River Float & Wild Cats

Rayna Levin — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:00:18 GMT

Check out this unique Day Tour:

Safari River Float & Wild Cats

It's only available from the Guanacaste / Nicoya Peninsula area!

New Tour: Sailing in Guanacaste

Rayna Levin — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:48:12 GMT

Come Sail Away with us...

We have a new tour to promote: Sailing Adventures & Sunset Crusises

Our friends in Playa Coco are sure to meet your expectations!

Cruise in Style for Mothers Day

Libby Levin — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:15:56 GMT

This year, Mother's Day in Costa Rica falls on Friday, August 15th. So if you're going to be in Costa Rica August 14, 15 or 16th, we've got a special gift for you.

Come join us for a catamaran cruise to Tortuga Island!

We are offering a FREE pass for Moms with the purchase of 2 regular tickets. These day trips are available from the San Jose, Quepos / Manuel Antonio and Jaco areas. Sightseeing, sunbathing, snorkeling or diving, exploring, swimming, eating, drinking, and relaxing could be just what the doctor ordered for Mom.

Read more about this fantastic tour or contact us today to make a reservation.

How Much?

$119 per person, kids under 7 $65, Tico Students $99, Ticos, other Students and Residents $109

September and October Specials:

$109 per person from San Jose or Jaco, Ticos, residents and students: $99, Tico Students: $89

Sample Itineraries

Rayna Levin — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:14:04 GMT

We're trying to tease you to come to Costa Rica. Take a look at our Sample Itineraries and get your butt down here!

Wildlife Lovers Sample Itinerary

Rayna Levin — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:36:49 GMT

Hot off the press... Wildlife Lovers Vacation to Costa Rica sample itinerary. Check it out

Top 10 Things that make Costa Rica Great

Rayna Levin — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:35:59 GMT

After living here awhile, things that are unique to Costa Rica begin to stand out. Here are a few things that come to mind when I think about how great Costa Rica is.

Arenal Volcano - one of the most active volcanoes in the world and when there are no clouds, you can often actually see lava flow
Natural Hot Springs - these are located near the active volcanoes (Arenal and Rincon de la Vieja, among others). You can often choose the temperature pool that´s right for you and have a relaxing soak. Plus the natural minerals in the water are really good for your skin.
Cano Island - one of the best places to dive in Costa Rica
Scarlet Macaws - in certain areas like the south Pacific, you can see these beautiful (and loud) birds daily
La Paz Waterfall & Gardens - an absolutely amazing nature park with the largest butterfly garden in the world
Tu Ru Bari Nature & Adventure Park - besides being an amazing park to visit for the day, their Superman style canopy tour is one of my favorites in all of Costa Rica.
Casados - (plate of the day, Costa Rican style) a wholesome inexpensive meal available at just about all typical restaurants. It´s a great way to sample some of the local vegetables too!
Bioland products - We are so lucky to have this company here. They make organic and natural food and skin care (personal) products, AND their prices are very affordable.
Mountains and beaches - the changes in elevations offer a dramatic variety of climates. You can literally go from hot beach-like weather to cool, refreshing mountain air within an hour.
Sloths - We have 2 species of sloth in Costa Rica. They are adorable creatures.

Birthdays Costa Rican Style

Rayna Levin — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:01:03 GMT

How do Costa Rican's celebrate birthdays? Very sweetly!

I wanted to share the impressive dessert menu from a traditional birthday celebration in Costa Rica.

For starters, a traditional meal might consist of rice with chicken or shrimp, accompanied by beans (of course, no meal is complete in Costa Rica without beans!) and a fresh fruit beverage, or Coca Cola. Any other typical dish would do as well such as casados (rice, beans, salad and choice of meat or fish), olla de carne (a pot of soup with beef still on the bone and lots of veggies like carrots, yucca, plantains (sweet or green), squash (various kinds) and other root veggies), among many other typical dishes.

Now for the best part... dessert!

All in one bowl the following items would be piled up:

Cake - of course this is to be expected.
Ice Cream - again, normal.
Jello!
topped with canned mixed fruit
then topped with powdered whole milk or better yet... sweetened condensed milk!

AND, on the side, a sweet milk beverage called Horchata (a spiced cold milk drink).

Now that's what I call a SWEEEET surprise.

Free Week in Costa Rica

Rayna Levin — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:00:45 GMT

Enter to win a FREE week in Costa Rica and help support a good cause while your at it. All proceeds go to help remodel a school in Quepos.

The drawing for the winning ticket will be on June 21 for a free week at Villas Tranquilas in Quepos / Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Tickets are $20 each
Buy five tickets get one free

Dear Friends: Our trip to remodel the school in Quepos Costa Rica in only one month
away. We still desperately need funds. We have a lot to accomplish.
Please help us by entering our drawing to recieve a free week at Villas Tranquilas
(villastranquilas.org) This is a beautiful resort and a great vacation!!!
You can read about it at tripadvisors.com. Just put Villas Tranquilas in the search.
This prize is good for up to six people. This is worth $1100.
You can even write off your entry fees as a contribution by writing the check to
Ridgeview Church.
Please mail check to Penny Williams, P.O. Box 301510, Escondido, CA 92030
Write: Penny Williams, Quepos School in the comment bar at the bottom of your check.
Please read about our project at www.queposschool.org
We really really need your help!!!
Thank you so much,
Penny
760 580-6113

Summer Music Festival in Costa Rica

Rayna Levin — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:31:51 GMT

Rockin´ the Rainforest 09

Costa Rica will be rockin June 19, 20 and 21 as Puerto Jimenez (a small town on the Osa Peninsula) hosts a 3 day music extravaganza. It is a benefit event to support conservation, education and regeneration of the Osa Peninsula´s endangered forests and resources.

For more info vist the Rainforst Aid 2009´s website and for a complete music line-up, click here.

For foreigners, ticket prices range from $49 for a one day pass and up to $425 for a complete package including roundtrip transportation from Alajuela (where the international airport is), homestay with meals, 3 day event passes and more.

Photo Friday - Happy Mother's Day

Rayna Levin — Fri, 08 May 2009 18:17:20 GMT

Culture & Holidays in Costa Rica - updated

Rayna Levin — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:13:18 GMT

We just updated our Costa Rican Festivals, Events and Holidays page: Check it Out!