Off the Beaten Path: Costa Rica

Costa Rica occupies a privileged spot in the heart of Central America. While its territory of 19,652 square miles touches both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, the country is surprisingly accessible, one can travel from coast to coast in just three hours by car or 45 minutes by plane.

Nauyaca Waterfalls
Nauyaca Waterfalls is an incredibly beautiful set of waterfalls hidden deep within the forests of the south Pacific. The falls can only be accessed via a private farm by hiking or horseback riding. After completing the rigorous hike or leisurely horseback ride, visitors will be enthralled by the power and beauty these waterfalls present. The falls range in height; the tallest being over forty meters high and the smallest being a little over 20 meters. The power of the plummeting water can be heard throughout the area, a surreal sound that is both relaxing and refreshing. There are several deep pools that visitors can enjoy swimming in while absorbing the beauty of the rainforest that surrounds them, which still remains in a primitive untouched state.

Los Heroes
Los Heroes is truly a remarkable place which has evolved from a cow stable into a replica of a quaint Swiss village that contains stables, small hotel, two restaurants including a mirador revolving restaurant, chapel, and a train station. Located on Lake Arenal, Los Heroes is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. The pure beauty of nature in this area is breathtaking!

View of the town and lake at Los Heroes, Nuevo Arenal The Los Heroes property has its own train station located behind the hotel. In the 1980's the visionary owner imported the materials from Switzerland to build the two mile long railroad. This railroad brings guests up the hillside to the rondorama revolving restaurant! The ride is enjoyable as well as it goes thru tunnels and over bridges all while providing amazing views of Lake Arenal and the volcano!

Situated at a beautiful location overlooking Lake Arenal is the rotating restaurant which is a favorite amongst visitors! Before entering the restaurant guests will be taken thru the ‘Window of the Past' cultural gallery that informs you about pre-columbian culture of the area and past eruptions from the volcano. From there guests can go up the stairs to the restaurant located on the next level where they can enjoy a nice meal on the terrace as the slowly revolving restaurant provides a once in a life time experience with panoramic views of the area, completing full revolution every 40 minutes.

Volcanoes
Located along the Ring of Fire, Costa Rica is home to over two hundred identified volcanic formations, some of which are over sixty million years old. Only half of these show signs of possible future activity, though unlikely any time soon. At present, six are considered to be active. The volcanoes of Costa Rica can be categorized into three ranges. The Central Volcanic Range includes Turrialba, Irazu, Poas and Barva. The Talamanca Volcanic Range includes El Viejo Volcano and is located in the southern zone. The northwest Guanacaste Volcanic Range includes Miravalles, Tenorio, Orosi, Rincon de la Vieja and Arenal.

Arenal Volcano is the most popular of all Costa Rica volcanoes.  In 1968 the volcano awoke from a long rest, roaring back to life with a massive eruption.  The volcano continued with small daily eruptions until October, 2010 when it simply stopped spewing lava.  The volcano is still considered active and smoke can usually be seen rolling out of the crater.

Beaches
Costa Rica has nearly 300 different beaches along its stunning Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, each with a unique draw and distinct setting. Even on nearby beaches the sand can vary from white, black, or brown coloration. Some beaches are full of shells or scattered with rocks; others are soft with fluffy fine sand. Some are fantastic for swimming, and others are better for surfing.
 

Manuel Antonio
The first beach destination to become popular in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio retains its charms despite burgeoning crowds and mushrooming hotels. The beaches inside the national park are idyllic, and the views from the hills approaching the park are enchanting. This is one of the few remaining habitats for the endangered squirrel monkey.

Monkeys, sloths, frogs, and many species of birds call Manuel Antonio National Park their home, so bring your camera for unforgettable wildlife photographs. The park also contains beautiful beaches that offer kayaking, snorkeling, and surfing. Feeling more adventurous? Try rappelling down a waterfall.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com.

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 Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
 6008 West Bell Rd # F105
 Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com