what's happening: arts & culture insiders' guide to the...

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www.ticotimes.net Former U.S. ambassador launches cancer fund PAGE 11 WHAT'S HAPPENING: Arts & culture calendar PAGE 14 Costa Rica's finest fishing spots: PAGE 12 The upcoming elections: a primer PAGE 4 A beach crusader tells her story PAGE 5 Tips on moving to Costa Rica PAGE 6 THE JOYS OF LIVING ABROAD PAGE 10 P.N. Santa Rosa Estación Horizontes P.N. Rincón de la Vieja P.N. Juan Castro Blanco P.N. Volcán Poás P.N. Braulio Carillo R.V.S. Barra del Colorado P.N. Volcán Turrialba P.N. Volcán Irazú M.N. Guayabo P.N. Tortuguero R.F. Los Santos R.B Cerro Las Vueltas P.N. Tapantí - Macizo Cerro de la Muerte R.V.S. La Marta R.F. Río Macho P.N. Chirripó P. Internacional de la Amistad R.V.S. Gandoca Manzanillo R.F. Las Tablas P.N. Corcovado P.N. Piedras Blancas R.V.S. Golfito Humedal Térraba-Sierpe R.V.S. Barú P.N. Manuel Antonio P.N. Carara P.N.Palo Verde P.N. Barra Honda R.F. Monte Alto B.N. Diriá P.N. Las Baulas R.B. Lomas de Barbudal R.B. Hitoy-Cerere P.N. Marino Ballena R.B. Isla del Caño R. Cabo Blanco Río Tenorio Río Toro Parismina Marina Los Sueños R.V.S. Caño Negro P.N. Arenal Volcán Orosí Volcán Rincón de la Vieja Volcán Miravalles Volcán Tenorio Volcán Arenal Volcán Poás Volcán Barva Volcán Turrialba Volcán Irazú Cerro Chirripó ALAJUELA HEREDIA CARTAGO LIMÓN PUNTARENAS LOS CHILES LA CRUZ BAGACES CAÑAS FILADELFIA SANTA CRUZ Nicoya HOJANCHA CARMONA SAN RAFAEL DE GUATUZO TILARÁN CIUDAD QUESADA SAN RAMÓN PALMARES ATENAS ZARCERO NARANJO SARCHI GRECIA ESCAZÚ COLÓN SAN PABLO ASERRÍ SAN IGNACIO PURISCAL OROTINA ESPARZA SAN PABLO SAN MARCOS SANTA MARÍA JUAN VIÑAS TURRIALBA SANTA CRUZ GUACIMO GUAPILES SIQUIRRES MATINA BRATSI SAN VITO NEILY GOLFITO PUERTO JIMÉNEZ CORTÉZ SAN ISIDRO DEL GENERAL PARAISO JACÓ QUEPOS BUENOS AIRES UPALA JUNTAS PUERTO VIEJO PARRITA Garita Santa Cecilia Brasilia Birmania San José Cuatro Bocas Delicias Río Negro Canaleta Medio Queso Playuelitas Pavón Amparo Caño Ciego San Jorge Buenavista Bijagua Guayaba Aguas Claras Fortuna Salitral Cañas Dulces García Flamenco Santa Rosa Pto. Culebra Panamá Guardia Comunidad El Coco Ocotal Sardinal Potrero Flamingo Puerto Viejo Huacas Cartagena Portegolpe Belén San José Pinilla Pargos Paraiso 27 de abril Bolsón Ortega Talolinga Pto. Humo Sta. Barbara Guaitil Hda. Tamarindo Bebedero San Miguel Tenorio Tierras Morenas Arenal Venado Cabanga Sto. Domingo Sta Rosa San Gerardo Boca de Arenal Muelle Tanque Chachagua Platanar Laurel Galán Providencia Chambacú Caño Negro Altamira Llanos Veracruz Pital Boca Tapada Chaparrón Pangola Boca Río Sucio San Rafael Medias Muelle La Virgen Río Cuarto Tigres San Miguel Horquetas Cariblanco Varablanca Sacramento San José de la Montaña Tarbaca Corralillo Tarbacia San Cristobal La Lucha Orosi Empalme Cañon Copey Cedral Santa Eduviges División Piedra Rivas San Ramón Sur Canaán San Gerardo Peñas Blancas Palmares Platanillo San Pedro Dominical Uvita Pejibaye Volcán Barú Hatillo Matapalo Savegre Paquita Paso Real Nápoles Julieta Surubres Chirraca Arriba Alto Concepción Herradura Quebrada Ganado Delicias Agujas Bijagual San Rafael Caldera Aranjuez Chomes Sierra La Irma Arizona Pozo Azul Abangarito Santa Elena Guacimal Quebrada Honda Palmital Sarmiento Unión Miramar Sardinal Pájaros Colorado Copal Pto. Moreno Quebrada Honda Pto. Jesús Yerbabuena San Pablo Corozal Canjel Mansión Curime Matambú Nosara Marbella San Juanillo Punta Islita Cerro Azul Juan de León Jabillo Zapote Cuajiniquil Jicaral Lepanto Playa Naranjo Paquera Curú Tambor Cobano Ario Montezuma Cabuya Mal País Cuaniquil Santa Rita Dos Ríos Tulares Pozos Aguila Abajo Trinidad Coronado Colinas Palmar Norte Palmar Sur Terraba Brujo Potrero Grande Cabagra Ujarras Salitre Coto Brus Jabillo Gutierrez Braun Sabanilla Cañas Gordas Agua Buena Sabalito Río Claro Coto 47 Pueblo Nuevo Zancudo Canoas Laurel González Viquez Higo Madrigal Agua Buena Pavo Sirena San Pedrillo Drake Rincón Laguna Zapote Aguas Zarcas Florencia Tigra San Isidro Jabillo La Suiza Pascua Florida Platanillo Moravia Atirro Pejibaye Tucurrique Tapantí Pocora Batán Estrada Moín Bomba Beverly San Andrés Penshurt Pandora Cahuita Shiroles Uatsi Bribrí Pto Viejo Gandoca Sixaola Sierpe Mogos Esquinas Chacarita Tortuguero Carate La Cuesta Barra del Colorado PUN PUNTA BANCO CABO MATAPALO GOLFO DULCE PUNTA LLORONA BAHIA DRAKE BOCA GUARUMAL BOCA CHICA BOCA ZACATE Manglares PUNTA UVITA PUNTA JUDAS PUNTA LEONA GOLFO DE NICOYA Playa Ostional CABO VELAS PUNTA GORDA GOLFO DE PAPAGAYO PUNTA BLANCA PUNTA DE SAN ELENA PUNTA DESCARTES PUNTA SALINAS NICARAGUA PUNTA CASTILLA PANAMÁ PANAMÁ PUNTA BURICA Rain Forest Aerial Tram (Pacific) Rain Forest Aerial Tram (Atlantic) Granada (Nicaragua) P.N. Cahuita LAGO DE NICARAGUA Tulín SANTA ANA Lost Canyon Laguna Arenal P.N. Volcán Tenorio P.N. Volcán Miravalles Río Sarapiquí Buenavista Vieja Rio Balsa Carrillo Free COSTA RICA MAP 2017-2018 HIGH SEASON SPECIAL EDITION Insiders' Guide to the Ultimate Costa Rican Trip Our experts share their top do's and don'ts for the country's busiest time of year PAGE 2

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www.ticotimes.net

Former U.S. ambassador launches cancer fund

PAGE 11

WHAT'S HAPPENING: Arts & culture

calendarPAGE 14

Costa Rica's finest fishing spots: PAGE 12

The upcoming elections: a primer PAGE 4

A beach crusader tells her story

PAGE 5

Tips on moving to Costa Rica

PAGE 6

THE JOYS OF LIVING ABROAD

PAGE 10

P.N. Santa Rosa

EstaciónHorizontes

P.N. Rincónde la Vieja

P.N. JuanCastro Blanco

P.N. VolcánPoás

P.N. Braulio Carillo

R.V.S.Barra del Colorado

P.N. VolcánTurrialba

P.N. VolcánIrazú

M.N.Guayabo

P.N. Tortuguero

R.F. Los Santos

R.B CerroLas Vueltas

P.N. Tapantí - Macizo Cerro de la Muerte

R.V.S. La Marta

R.F. Río Macho

P.N. Chirripó

P. Internacional de la Amistad

R.V.S. GandocaManzanillo

R.F. Las Tablas

P.N. Corcovado

P.N. PiedrasBlancas

R.V.S. Golfito

HumedalTérraba-Sierpe

R.V.S. Barú

P.N. Manuel Antonio

P.N. Carara

P.N.Palo Verde

P.N.BarraHonda

R.F. Monte Alto

B.N. Diriá

P.N.Las

Baulas

R.B. Lomasde Barbudal

R.B. Hitoy-Cerere

P.N. Marino Ballena

R.B. Isla del Caño

R. Cabo Blanco

Río Colo

rado

Río

Lib

eria

Río Hacienda

Río

Poc

osol

Río San Carlos

Río

Frío

Río

Teno

rioRí

o Co

robic

i

Río C

añas

Río

Bebe

dero

Río Tempisque

Río

Lag

arto

Río

Tres

Am

igos

Río To

ro

Laguna Río Cuarto

Río

Chi

rripó

Río Sucio

Río Colorado

Río Tortuguero

Río Jiménez

Canal

Canal

Canal

Canal

Canal

Parismina

Río Rev

entaz

ón

Río

Pac

uare

Río Banano

Río Chir

ripó A

tlánti

co

Río Estrella

Río Telire

Río Coen

Río Sixaola

Río Ceib

o

Río C

onve

nto

Río Terraba

Río Coto Brus

LagunaColorado

LagunaCorcovado

Río Chocuaco

LagunaChocuaco

Río Barú

Río ChirripóRío Savegre

Río

Nara

njo

Río Pirris

Río

Parri

ta

Río Candelaria

Río Tárc

oles

Río Jesús María

Río Barranca

LagunaCole

LagunaCaño Negro

Río Nosara

Marina Los Sueños

R.V.S.Caño Negro

P.N. Arenal

Volcán Orosí

Volcán Rincón de la Vieja

Volcán Miravalles Volcán Tenorio

VolcánArenal

Volcán Poás

Volcán Barva

Volcán Turrialba

Volcán Irazú

Cerro Chirripó

ALAJUELAHEREDIA

CARTAGO

LIMÓNPUNTARENAS

Río Ario

LOS CHILES

LA CRUZ

BAGACES

CAÑASFILADELFIA

SANTA CRUZ

Nicoya

HOJANCHA

CARMONA

SAN RAFAELDE GUATUZO

TILARÁN

CIUDAD QUESADA

SAN RAMÓN

PALMARES

ATENAS

ZARCERO

NARANJOSARCHI

GRECIA

ESCAZÚCOLÓNSAN PABLO

ASERRÍ

SAN IGNACIO

PURISCAL

OROTINA

ESPARZA

SAN PABLOSAN MARCOS

SANTA MARÍA

JUAN VIÑAS TURRIALBA

SANTA CRUZ

GUACIMOGUAPILES

SIQUIRRES

MATINA

BRATSI

SAN VITO

NEILYGOLFITO

PUERTOJIMÉNEZ

CORTÉZ

SAN ISIDRO DEL GENERAL

PARAISO

JACÓ

QUEPOS

BUENOS AIRES

UPALA

JUNTAS

PUERTO VIEJO

PARRITA

Garita Santa Cecilia

Brasilia BirmaniaSan José

Cuatro BocasDelicias

Río NegroCanaleta

Medio Queso

Playuelitas

PavónAmparo

Caño Ciego

San JorgeBuenavista

Bijagua

Guayaba

Aguas Claras

Fortuna

Salitral

CañasDulces

García FlamencoSanta Rosa

Pto. Culebra

Panamá

GuardiaComunidadEl Coco

OcotalSardinal

Potrero

FlamingoPuerto Viejo

HuacasCartagena

Portegolpe

Belén

San JoséPinilla

PargosParaiso

27 de abril

BolsónOrtega

TalolingaPto. HumoSta.

BarbaraGuaitil

Hda.Tamarindo

BebederoSanMiguel

TenorioTierrasMorenas

ArenalVenado

Cabanga Sto.Domingo

StaRosa

San GerardoBoca de Arenal

MuelleTanque

ChachaguaPlatanar

LaurelGalán

Providencia

Chambacú

Caño Negro

AltamiraLlanos

Veracruz

Pital

Boca Tapada

Chaparrón PangolaBoca Río Sucio

San Rafael

Medias

Muelle

La Virgen

Río Cuarto

Tigres

San MiguelHorquetas

Cariblanco

Varablanca

SacramentoSan Joséde la Montaña

Tarbaca Corralillo

Tarbacia

San Cristobal

La Lucha

Orosi

EmpalmeCañonCopey

Cedral

Santa EduvigesDivisión

Piedra

RivasSan Ramón SurCanaán

San Gerardo

PeñasBlancasPalmares

PlatanilloSanPedro

Dominical

Uvita Pejibaye

Volcán

BarúHatillo

Matapalo

Savegre

Paquita

Paso Real

Nápoles

Julieta

Surubres

ChirracaArriba

AltoConcepción

Herradura

QuebradaGanado DeliciasAgujas

Bijagual

San Rafael

Caldera

AranjuezChomes

Sierra

La Irma

Arizona PozoAzul

Abangarito

Santa Elena

GuacimalQuebradaHonda Palmital

Sarmiento Unión

MiramarSardinalPájaros

ColoradoCopal

Pto. Moreno

QuebradaHonda Pto. Jesús

Yerbabuena

San PabloCorozal

Canjel

Mansión Isla ChiraCurimeMatambú

Nosara

MarbellaSanJuanillo

Punta Islita

Cerro AzulJuande León

JabilloZapote

Cuajiniquil

JicaralLepanto

PlayaNaranjo

PaqueraCurú

Tambor

CobanoArio

Montezuma

CabuyaMal País

Cuaniquil

Santa Rita

Dos Ríos

Tulares

Pozos

AguilaAbajo

Trinidad

CoronadoColinas

Palmar NortePalmar Sur

TerrabaBrujo

PotreroGrande

Cabagra

Ujarras

Salitre

Coto BrusJabillo

GutierrezBraun

Sabanilla

CañasGordasAgua Buena

Sabalito

Río Claro

Coto 47

PuebloNuevo

Zancudo Canoas

Laurel

GonzálezViquez

Higo

Madrigal AguaBuena

Pavo

Sirena

San Pedrillo

DrakeRincón

LagunaZapote

AguasZarcas

Florencia

Tigra

San Isidro Jabillo

La Suiza

Pascua

Florida

Platanillo

Moravia

AtirroPejibaye

Tucurrique

Tapantí

Pocora

Batán

Estrada

Moín

BombaBeverly

San Andrés

Penshurt

Pandora Cahuita

ShirolesUatsi Bribrí

Pto Viejo

Gandoca

Sixaola

Sierpe

MogosEsquinas

Chacarita

Tortuguero

Carate La Cuesta

Barra del Colorado

Isla BerruganteIsla Pájaros

IslaVenado

Isla BejucoIsla Caballo

Isla Herradura

Isla Uvita

Boca del río Estrella

Boca delrío San Juan

Boca del río Colorado

Boca del río Tortuguero

Boca del río Parismina

Playa Cahuita

Play

a Ch

iquita

Punt

a Co

cles

Play

a Uv

aPl

aya

Man

sanil

lo

Boca del ríoSixaola

PUNTA MONA

PUNTA BANCOCABO MATAPALO

GOLFO DULCE

Playa Carbonera

Playa Pavones

Playa Platanares

Playa Zancudo

PlayaCarate

PUNTA LLORONA

Playa San Josecito

Playa Colorada

Isla Violín

BAHIA DRAKE

BOCA GUARUMAL

BOCA CHICABOCA ZACATE

Manglares

Playa Tortuga

Playa VentanasPlaya Piñuelas

Playa Ballena

Playa Hermosa

Playa DominicalPlaya Barú

PUNTA UVITA

Playa Matapalo

Playa Savegre

Playa Manuel AntonioPlaya Espadilla

Playa Isla DamasPlaya Palo Seco

Playa PalmaPlaya Bejuco

Playa Esterillos

Playa Hermosa

Playa de Jacó

Playa Herradura

Playa Tárcoles

PUNTA JUDAS

PUNTA LEONA

Isla Tortuga

Isla Negritos

Isla Cedros

Isla Guayabo

Isla San Lucas

Playa Tivives

PlayaDoña Ana

GOLFO DE NICOYA

Playa Tambor

Playa Montezuma

Isla Cabo Blanco

Playa Santa Teresa

Playa Ario

Playa Coyote

Playa San Miguel

Playa Pelada

Playa Nosara

Playa Ostional

Playa Lagarta

Playa Junquillal

Playa Negra

Playa Avellana

CABO VELASPlaya GrandePlaya Tamarindo

Playa Langosta

Playa Pan de AzúcarPlaya PotreroPlaya Flamingo

Playa BrasilitoPlaya Conchal

PUNTA GORDAPlaya Ocotal

Playa del CocoPlaya Hermosa

Playa Panamá

Isla Huevos

Isla Murciélagos

Playa NancitePlaya Naranjo

GOLFO DE PAPAGAYO

PUNTA BLANCA

PUNTA DE SAN ELENAPUNTA DESCARTES

PUNTA SALINAS

Playa Guajiniquil

Isla Bolaños

NICARAGUAPUNTA CASTILLA

PAN

AM

ÁPA

NA

PUNTA BURICA

Playa B

onita

Rain ForestAerial Tram

(Pacific)

Rain Forest Aerial Tram(Atlantic)

COSTA RICA

P.N. Isla del CocoSCALE 1:200,000

Located approximately480 km southwest

of Costa Rica

Granada(Nicaragua)

Pto. VargasP.N. Cahuita

Playa Corcovado

Playa Cacao

LAGO DENICARAGUA

Tulín

SANTA ANA

Lost Canyon

Laguna Arenal

P.N. VolcánTenorio

P.N. VolcánMiravalles

Río Sarapiquí

Laguna HuleBuenavista

Vieja

Rio Balsa

Carrillo

LEGEND

Pan American HighwayPrimary HighwaysPrimary RoadsSecondary RoadsUnpaved RoadsTrailGas StationProvincial capital Large townsSmall townsVolcano

International Airport

Airstrip (Paradise Air Destination)

PROTECTED AREAS

P.N. National Park

R.B. Biological Reserve

R. Reserve

R.F. Forest Reserve

B.N. National Forest

R.V.S. National Wildlife Refuge

Turtle Protection Area

Surfing Spots

Rain Forest Aerial Tram Sites

Free COSTA RICA MAP

2017-2018 HIGH SEASON SPECIAL EDITION

Insiders' Guide to the Ultimate Costa Rican Trip

Our experts share their top do's and don'ts for the country's busiest time of year PAGE 2

KATHERINE STANLEYThe Tico Times

Whether or not they mean to, people who relocate to Costa Rica all become honorary tour guides, sooner or later. When friends and family from back home come to stay, we field

questions, rediscover our favorite spots through their eyes, and learn first- or second-hand some of the most common pitfalls of a Costa Rican trip.

The Tico Times assembled a panel of long-time residents from around the country – and our favorite urban tourism guru – to field our questions on what to bring, what to see, what to eat and more. (Read the online version at www.tico-times.net/print for many additional comments, with links.) Excerpts follow.

1. What are must-pack items many visitors forget – or unnecessary items

to leave at home?

Ellen Zoe Golden: Sunscreen, which is phenomenally expensive in our local stores.

Kristel Segeren: Repellent, an extra set of swimwear, and a strong love for Bob Marley songs and spicy dishes if you’re visiting the eastern side. Most of all: a well-filled (yet well-hidden) wallet.

Todd Staley: Your personal medicines or name-brand over-the-counter products you pre-fer, and a simple first aid kit. Once outside the city you won’t find a drugstore on every corner and you won’t recognize the names.

Marshall Cobb: For the rainy season in Monteverde (roughly June – November), bring a rain slicker – forget the umbrella. The wind will destroy it and when it is really raining it’s not going to provide enough coverage. Bring a head lamp, Ziploc bags and binoculars.

2. If I’ve only got a week in Costa Rica, where should I go?

Roberto Guzmán: Visit San José in order to get to know our history and way of life and try some of the local flavors. Outside of San José I always recommend visiting the nearby Los Santos region, great for birdwatching, coffee and beautiful views.

EG: I recommend a couple days in the Arenal Volcano area for the hiking, waterfalls and of course, the natural hot springs; a day in Mon-teverde for the best canopy ziplining, in my opinion; and end at one of our gorgeous beaches, either Manuel Antonio or Tamarindo/Fla-mingo/Papagayo.

Pip Kelly: I’m biased, but Bijagua is the gateway to the Volcano Ten-orio National Park and a great stop between the beach and Arenal Volcano. Wherever you go, I recommend staying in each place at least

two nights so that you can really get a feel of a place and make connections.

MC: The Osa Peninsula — truly a must-see for any lover of nature.

3. What’s your favorite hidden gem?

EG: Tortuguero. The lack of cars, the lodges, the boat trips through the canals – and the deals are great.

RG: The Mercado Borbón in San José: authentic, sketchy and full of surprises. If you go there, check out Dragon Music for vinyls, cassettes, magazines and more.

KS: A stay in a tree house! In Costa Rica there are ample opportunities to release your inner child and find your perfect fairy tale-like hideout on either coast.

AN INSIDERS’ GUIDE TO COSTA RICA: we ask long-time residents for their favorite travel tips

2

From top left: Corcovado National Park, Monteverde and a delicious chifrijo. Photos by Andrés Madrigal

Mercado Borbón. Photo by Roberto Guzmán

COVER: Stand up paddling on Lake Arenal. Photo by Andrés Madrigal /

Desafio Adventure Co. www.desafiocostarica.com Tel: (506) 2479-0020

MEET OUR PANELISTSMarshall Cobb (Monteverde) moved to the area in 2015. He recently published his first novel, “Will of the Hill,” and is busily working on two others. mar-shall-cobb.com

Ellen Zoe Golden (Tamarindo) is a retired enter-tainment business publicist living the simple life as a travel agent bringing people down to her adopted country. In her free time, she reads, writes, does yoga and surfs. Read more from Ellen Zoe at tico-times.net.

Roberto Guzmán (San José) is the co-founder of ChepeCletas, interested in urban life and urban dy-namics, with experience in tourism, pedestrian life, good food and good conversations. chepecletas.com

Pip Kelly (Bijagua) is from Australia and recently became a Costa Rican citizen. She owns and op-erates Casitas Tenorio B&B in the village of Bijag-ua with her Costa Rican husband, Donald Varela Soto. They believe that tourism can benefit local rural communities if done in a sustainable way. ca-sitastenorio.com

Kristel Segeren (Cahuita) writes about her (and her dog’s) adventures in the tropics and beyond at The Tiny Travelogue, Facebook or Instagram. tiny-travelogue.com

Todd Staley (Puerto Jiménez) has managed sportfishing operations in Costa Rica for 25 years. He was co-recipient of the International Game Fish Association’s Chester H. Wolfe Award in 2015 for his conservation efforts in Costa Rica. Todd now works full-time as director of communications for FECOP, a sport fishing advocacy federation, as writes the Tico Times column “Wetline Costa Rica.” fishcostarica.org

TS: Sunrises over the Golfo Dulce. You must be on the beach before 5 am to enjoy one.

PK: The local indigenous groups in Costa Rica who are en-gaged in rural community tourism. The Maleku in North-ern Costa Rica run cultural tours (Centro Turístico Croku); you can learn about traditional beliefs and sample delicious local cooking.

4. What are the best outdoor activities in your part of the country?

EG: Tamarindo has absolutely rockin’ surf. You can easi-ly get to Langosta, Grande, Avellanas, Negra, even Nosara and Marbella for great waves. Also, the infamous Witch’s Rock and Ollie’s Point surf sessions by boat should not be missed.

KS: If you’re not afraid of a bit of a challenge, try the raft-ing on the eastern side of Costa Rica, near the Pacuare river or in Sarapiqui.

MC: Monteverde is the home of ziplining, amazing hik-ing - there are too many options to do the topic justice. For those in good health up for a decent workout I highly recommend an overnight stay at the San Gerardo Station within the Children’s Eternal Rainforest. This visit has something for everyone who loves nature and the outdoors.

TS: Costa Rica has an amazing selection of sport fishing opportunities. (See Todd’s column on page 12 for more.)

5. What’s something folks might not know about your part of the country?

EG: That Guanacaste is home to dry forest, a whole differ-ent ecological system of plants and animals.

RG: People forget that in San José we have nature – for example, sloths are part of the city’s population. You can find them in some areas next to the Torres River, especially at the Spirogyra butterfly garden, and in the trees of the University of Costa Rica campus.

KS: The immaculate environment, brilliant waves and lim-ited amount of visitors on the Caribbean coast are just a few reasons that make a visit to the deeply underestimated “other side” worthwhile.

6. What are the can’t-miss Costa Rican dishes or drinks you recommend to

visitors?RG: Chifrijo (Bar Río de Janeiro, Bar Ballestero, Super Cholo Gigante), empanadas at El Frontón, “talapinto” at Soda Tala (Central Market), fresco de chan.

KS: The Caribbean region is a melting pot of cultures, and the ‘coconut’ kitchen is a great reflection of it. Try rondón (spicy seafood stew), rice ‘n beans (the Caribbean answer to gallo pinto), pati (spicy meat pies), salsa caribeña (spicy sauce on top of a fish, chicken or beef) and an agua de sapo (ginger lemonade) to wash it down.

TS: Ceviche, which is fish marinated in lime juice.

PK: Guanabana juice: rich in antioxidants and believed to help in the treatment of cancer, it’s the taste of the tropics in a glass! And picadillo de papaya. No words. Just try it on homemade tortillas and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

7. What are your best tips for saving money?

RG: Visit places you can enter without a fee: the Costa Rican Art Museum, Calderón Guardia Museum, National Theater Lobby, public markets.

TS: Eat and travel like a Tico. Traditional food is available at small sodas and restaurants, and if you’re up for an adventure, the bus system will take you any-where in the country.

PK: Get some supplies for break-fast and choose a place to stay with a kitchenette so you can pre-pare your own meals.

MC: Rent a car from a local Costa Rican car rental company. The big names in the car rental business will often charge you as much for just the insurance—which they do not consider optional—as you will pay for the entire rental from a local company.

8. What are first-time visitor mistakes to avoid?

EG: Calling Costa Rica an island! And bringing valuables to the beach, where they will likely get stolen.

KS: I can’t even remember the times I drove into a “street” that brought me close the edge of a nervous breakdown while trying to turn around. Download Waze, seriously. And maps.me for hiking trails.

TS: Driving at night. Driving in daylight in Costa Rica is an adventure, but road conditions, weather and poorly marked roads make night driving downright dangerous.

PK: Don’t believe that it will never rain in the “dry sea-son;” use your plane ride to delete unnecessary space; call your hotel before you arrive to ask about road conditions; don’t follow the weather apps, which in our area are use-less.

MC: The payment of commissions drives the tourism in-dustry. If your hotel helps you book a zip-line tour, any-where from 15 - 30% of the fee you pay for that event goes back to the hotel. The same is true for your tour bus operator who takes your group to a particular spot to eat, and buy tickets for events. Be aware of this, ask questions and make sure the recommendations you receive align with your desires.

Don’t think that your phone plan from back home is go-ing to give you a good deal on cell/data service here. Other than T-Mobile, which offers a good international data/call plan, most visitors find that they end up paying a lot for extras/overages. Stop at a tienda and get a local SIM. In general, Kolbi has the best signal strength up here but once you get out into the countryside that title goes to either Cla-ro or Movistar. Download both Waze and WhatsApp on your device.

9. What’s your favorite memory from your first Costa Rican visit?

TS: What impressed me most was the friendliness of Costa Ricans. My first visit was over 30 years ago to the small fishing village of Barra del Colorado on the northern Carib-bean side. That’s when I learned happiness is not connected to material items.

32017-2018 HIGH SEASON SPECIAL EDITION

10. What other advice do you have for Costa Rican travelers?

RG: Try to visit places where locals go.

TS: They call Costa Rica one of the “happiest places on Earth” for a reason, but like anywhere in the world, it’s

best to be a smart and safe traveler. Don’t leave valuables in your car, don’t flash money around, and don’t wander alone at night after you have had more than your fair share of shots of guaro.

EG: Pura vida means “pure life,” but it can also mean “whatever.” So go with the flow and don’t expect things in Costa Rica to run like North Amer-ica.

PK: Throw your concept of time out of the window, buy from small inde-pendent markets and shops, and add

the WhatsApp contact numbers of your hotels if you need to contact them urgently. And read ticotimes.net – it gives you great insight into what’s going on in Costa Rica.

For more on this story, visit www.ticotimes.net/print

Photo: Andrés Madrigal

ALVARO MURILLO

The Tico Times

In days of yore, Costa Rican elections were called a “fiesta electoral,” a celebration of democracy where many Costa Ricans were fiercely and visibly proud of their political parties and their candidates. It seems

that that spirit is at least partly a thing of the past: the people of Costa Rica are more critical, upset about parties’ perceived failure to attend to their needs, and disillusioned by corruption cases such as the so-called “cementazo,” the case related to Chinese cement imports that implicated members of all three branches of government in 2017.

Amidst all this, the country will choose its next president and national legislators in February, and one of the continent’s most stable democracies will put its institutions to the test. Depending upon when you pick up this Special Edition, you may be reading my words in anticipation of February’s elections, or after the votes are cast. Here are eight keys to understanding the political campaign or, perhaps, to help you reflect on the results.

1. What’s at stake On Sunday, Feb. 4, Costa Ricans will cast votes for president, two vice presidents and 57 new members of the Legislative Assembly. (At the time of this writing in November 2017, it appears highly likely that the country will go, for a third time, to a second round of voting, which takes place if no candidate surpasses 40 percent of the vote in the first round.) These are the political authorities who will preside over the country from 2018-2022, a period during which we will celebrate 200 years of independence.

During their term, we will also face huge challenges in modernizing our state and its institutions, avoiding further increases in crime, improving the state of our economy, sustaining public health and creating jobs. The biggest task of all: putting the brakes on increasing inequality so that our population’s general well-being can live up to our international reputation.

2. A neutral presidentIn contrast to democracies such as the United States, the Costa Rican system forbids the President of the Republic from intervening in any way in the electoral process, including expressing his voting preference. Costa Rican law requires that a president, once elected, renounce the party that brought him or her to power. Legislators do have total freedom to participate in the campaign, as long as they do not use public resources to do so.

3. The ‘electoral blackout’As part of the Executive Branch’s neutrality, a “veda electoral,” or communications ban, is imposed on public institutions in order to avoid favoring the party in power. The government is only allowed to communicate urgent news about public services. The parties have their publicity, of course, but not during a “Christmas truce” from Dec. 16 through Jan. 1, except for three holiday-themed messages. This is designed to provide a breather for voters and time for the parties to prepare for a jam-packed January.

4. Who’s voting – or not In Costa Rica, voting is mandatory by law for all those inscribed in the Electoral Rolls (3.2 million), which takes place automatically for all those over 18. However, those who do not vote face no direct consequences. Absenteeism averaged 20 percent until the 1990s, when it jumped to nearly 30 percent, and seems likely to rise further.

5. Unprecedented gender equality This Legislative Assembly election will have the greatest gender equality in Costa Rican history. This is because all parties were required to alternate men and women on their legislative candidate rosters in all seven provinces, and no more provincial lists could be headed by a single gender – that is, a party could have four top-ranked men and three top-ranked women, or vice versa.

6. Campaign financingCosta Rica’s electoral system is generally classified as peaceful and trustworthy by international observers. However, one area that has been marked for improvement is campaign financing – specifically, improving equality among parties and avoiding “dirty money” and powerful economic interests.

7. Widespread uncertaintyPolitical parties here, as in other countries, have lost popular support. Only a third of the population expresses alignment with one of them. This affects not only the National Liberation Party (PLN) and Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC), the two leaders of the bygone bipartisan era, but also younger parties such as the Libertarian Movement, Citizen Action (PAC) and Broad Front (FA), the only left-wing force that currently has legislators in the Assembly.

The result of all this? A country with increasing electoral uncertainty. Polls at the time of this writing showed a large undecided population, nearly four of every 10 probable voters. Those who had made up their mind favored former legislator and businessman Antonio Álvarez Desanti (PLN) and lawyer and former Cabinet minister Juan Diego Castro (from the National Integration Party, or PIN). Both could go to an eventual second round on Easter Sunday, although the percentage of undecideds could certainly change the panorama in the final days of the campaign, as we saw in 2014.

8. The system versus the upstartsThis election pits support for traditional political systems, most closely represented by Alvarez Desanti (supported by former President Oscar Arias), against questioning of that system that ranges from displeasure to fury, embodied by Castro. While there are many differences, some sectors see similarities to the 2016 U.S. election, when “the system” (Hillary Clinton) faced off against a challenger, Donald Trump, whose discourse seemed made-to-order for many citizens unhappy with traditional politics. The difference here is that there are other parties that also play an important role, and that Castro represents a very small party.

The Supreme Elections Tribunal is calling for a “well-informed vote” and asks voters to prepare carefully for their decision while second-guessing fake news that is circulating online. The elections authority wants Ticos to vote more with the head and less with the heart or the gut – or with the nervous system. Time will tell.

Costa Rica’s 2018 Elections: HOW IT WORKS AND WHAT TO EXPECT

4

Photos: Tico Times archives

For more on this story, visit www.ticotimes.net/print

educate people about the threat we are all facing, especially marine life and the health of our oceans. The initiative has now become an active movement with more than 17,000 followers to date.

On a daily basis, I dedicate some time to that project and to reading the day’s news related to ocean pollution. I like seeing what is going on in the world, the newest initia-tives and programs, and which groups are working for the same cause.

Then I take a look at the images people tag or send to @5minutebeachcleanup on Instagram and Facebook. They come from all over the world. People tag and send images from their cleanups [showing the trash they collected in just five minutes] so I choose and curate both pages. I post the images I consider to be the nicest, work on a fun and interesting caption and follow up on the comments as much as I can.

Lately, I have been working on how to take my initia-tive to the next level – what to do with all the plastic people pick up – and this is taking some of my time as well.

It’s almost 4 or 5 pm when I finish working on my two jobs and passions. At this point, I either go for a run for 45 minutes or I take my ATV to go run some errands. The Bakery or Product C are my favorite spots in town. If I have people visiting, which is very common, I take them there to hang out with locals.

By 6 pm I’m usually with my friends to watch the sun-set and sometimes drink a li’l cocktail. That’s a ritual we all have in Santa Teresa. We meet either at the beach or at my place, or I go meet them wherever they are.

Afterwards, I prepare a nice, light dinner and get ready to watch a movie or read a book, to go to bed early and start my day with the first rays of sun.

Life at the beach is pure magic.

Have a nominee for our series, or an aspect of Costa Rican life you’d love to see us explore? Let us know at [email protected].

CAROLINA SEVILLAThe Tico Times

“A Day in the Life,” a new series from The Tico Times, of-fers snapshots of daily routines in Costa Rica. For our first installment, we are proud to feature a person who not only lives at the beach, but has also created an international beach cleanup movement and is working to reduce plastic waste.

Carolina Sevilla, 44, was born in San José and returned to Costa Rica in 2014 after spending nearly 10 years working in New York as a diplomat. Read on for a glimpse of her life in Santa Teresa, on the Nicoya Peninsula.

I’m up at 6:30 am and I make myself a coffee and a fresh fruit juice. Then it’s time to check out the waves.

Going to the beach is a ritual in its own right, be-cause if there are no waves at all, it’s a great time and

place to meditate; normally at that time there are not many people around. If the waves are good, I go in, and that ends up being the best meditation I can have. I believe surfing is a mirror of your life: how you act in the water is how you act in life. If you’re fearless about things, fearless about commitments, it shows up in the way you look at waves and challenges when you are surfing.

During the rainy season in Costa Rica I might skip my surf session – the waves are often too big for me anyway – and, instead, take my coffee to the beach and do a beach cleanup. Rain or shine, it doesn’t matter. It’s usually a long cleanup because it hurts to see the amount of plastic you find. I usually head home afterward to wash and sort the trash I picked up.

By the time I finish my morning rituals it’s usually around 10 am. Because I work from home, this is the time when I sit down with my computer in a comfy place and start working. I work for a New York-based company called BIONIC, so I work from home with no fixed schedule. I act as the company’s liaison with local organizations in Latin America such as Waterkeeper Alliance, and we work with coastal communities to recover ocean plastic. The plastic is

sent to different parts of the world to get transformed into thread. Next year, we are going to open the first center for ocean plastic recovery together.

Back in May 2016, I started an initiative called #5minutebeachcleanup. The main goal was to focus on cre-ating awareness about the responsibility we have to pick up the trash that washes ashore around the world, and also to

A day in the life of a beach crusader in Costa Rica

52017-2018 HIGH SEASON SPECIAL EDITION

For more on this story, visit www.ticotimes.net/print

Photos courtesy of Carolina Sevilla

Miami Beach, Santa Monica, Honolulu or Rio de Janeiro, with boardwalks, wine bars, promenade, hospitals and football stadiums, then you’re in the wrong country.

In Costa Rica, we have beach towns with populations of less than 10,000 that you can walk across in 20 minutes. You might not find sidewalks or even paved roads, but you will find miles of beautiful beaches, surf breaks, and jungle. Residents get around on an ATV, a 4x4 vehicle, a bike or their own two feet.

Some of the most popular beach towns in Costa Rica include, on the Central and Southern Pacific, Jacó, Hermosa, Quepos/Manuel Antonio, Dominical and Uvita; on the Nicoya Peninsula, Tambor, Montezuma, Santa Teresa and Samara; on the Northern Pacif-ic, Nosara, Tamarindo, Flamingo, Hermosa and Playas del Coco; and on the Caribbean, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo.

I know people who have been happy living at the beach in Costa Rica for 40 years. I also know people who became an unhappy alcoholic within the year. The difference be-tween the two? The right attitude and something to do. As you investigate potential beach communities, you’ll find some with lots of yoga devotees, others more focused on surf; see whether local tastes and activities fit your style.

The Central Valley and other locationsDo you prefer city life, or a more rural setting? The weather at the beach is too hot for you and you want a cooler climate? Don’t worry, Costa Rica has plenty of options for you.San José is the hub of the Greater Metropolitan Area, where you will find hospitals, gov-ernment offices, shopping malls, larger grocery stores and department stores. It’s not re-nowned for its beauty, but there are many great living options such as Curridabat, Escazú, Santa Ana, Rohrmoser, Tibás and Guadalupe, as well as the Central Valley cities of He-redia and Alajuela. For more rural settings close to the city, you might try Grecia, Atenas, San Ramón, Ciudad Colon, or Puriscal.

Other popular relocation destinations further afield include the Arenal-La Fortuna area to the north and Pérez Zeledón (also known as San Isidro de El General) to the south.

Again, start by figuring out what amenities you want close at hand. Take into account schools, church, recreation, health care and shopping.

No matter what – rent firstIt is really difficult to find out if you could live the rest of your life in a certain location in a week.

Once you have decided which lifestyle fits your expectations, concentrate on the areas that offer the amenities you need. Pick a place to rent as a home base that will allow you to research the surrounding area. Once you have seen enough, move to the next area you’d like to research.

Is a property titled or in the maritime zoning? Are you going to purchase a property that might flood during the next rainy season? Look for competent assistance when you buy, such as a real estate agent and attorney who speak your language and know the area.

Ivo Henfling, a Dutch expat who has lived in Costa Rica since 1980, founded the Ameri-can-European Real Estate Group in 1999 which was the first functioning MLS with affil-iate agents from coast to coast. Ivo Henfling can be reached at (506) 2289-5125 / 8834-4515 or at [email protected]

IVO HENFLINGThe Tico Times

You imagine a lifestyle of white-sand beaches, palm trees, and quite a few piña coladas, too? It sounds like a dream come true – but that dream can easily turn into a nightmare if you don’t do your homework.

My dad could sit on the beach for hours, his body glistening with suntan oil. My mom, in turn, hated it – she’d sit in the shade with a good book – but they both loved Costa Rica’s beach towns. I am a city boy who goes crazy after a few days at the beach, and need to get back to the relative hustle and bustle of the Central Valley.

If you’re thinking of moving to Costa Rica, it’s important to think about where you fit. Everyone who wants to become an expat is looking for a change in life, but many don’t think through which lifestyle they really want. Few would-be transplants take the time to make a list of what amenities are important to make this new lifestyle near perfect.

With that list in hand, you can visit the right places – and with the right attitude, you can make Costa Rica your new home. Without it, you can become an unhappy or even a nasty expat quite easily. Here are some factors to consider.

Weather and temperaturesCosta Rica is famous for its micro-climates. The great news is that you can pick the weather you like best. Is 80-90ºF your thing? The beautiful beaches of Costa Rica are your solution. You can even pick beach areas with more or with less humidity.

Is 70º-80º more to your liking? Then certain parts of Guanacaste and the Central Val-ley have many options for you. If you even like it cooler than that, that can also be done. Some areas do have more rainfall during the green season, so do your homework before you decide to settle.

Beach townsIn Costa Rica, we don’t have any major beach cities; if you’re imagining the lifestyle of

Dreaming of a move to Costa Rica? Here’s some food for thought

6

For more on this story, visit www.ticotimes.net/print

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P.N. Santa Rosa

EstaciónHorizontes

P.N. Rincónde la Vieja

P.N. JuanCastro Blanco

P.N. VolcánPoás

P.N. Braulio Carillo

R.V.S.Barra del Colorado

P.N. VolcánTurrialba

P.N. VolcánIrazú

M.N.Guayabo

P.N. Tortuguero

R.F. Los Santos

R.B CerroLas Vueltas

P.N. Tapantí - Macizo Cerro de la Muerte

R.V.S. La Marta

R.F. Río Macho

P.N. Chirripó

P. Internacional de la Amistad

R.V.S. GandocaManzanillo

R.F. Las Tablas

P.N. Corcovado

P.N. PiedrasBlancas

R.V.S. Golfito

HumedalTérraba-Sierpe

R.V.S. Barú

P.N. Manuel Antonio

P.N. Carara

P.N.Palo Verde

P.N.BarraHonda

R.F. Monte Alto

B.N. Diriá

P.N.Las

Baulas

R.B. Lomasde Barbudal

R.B. Hitoy-Cerere

P.N. Marino Ballena

R.B. Isla del Caño

R. Cabo Blanco

Río Colo

rado

Río

Lib

eria

Río Hacienda

Río

Poc

osol

Río San Carlos

Río

Frío

Río

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rioRí

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Río C

añas

Río

Bebe

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Río Tempisque

Río

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Río

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Río To

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Laguna Río Cuarto

Río

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Río Sucio

Río Colorado

Río Tortuguero

Río Jiménez

Canal

Canal

Canal

Canal

Canal

Parismina

Río Rev

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ón

Río

Pac

uare

Río Banano

Río Chir

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tlánti

co

Río Estrella

Río Telire

Río Coen

Río Sixaola

Río Ceib

o

Río C

onve

nto

Río Terraba

Río Coto Brus

LagunaColorado

LagunaCorcovado

Río Chocuaco

LagunaChocuaco

Río Barú

Río ChirripóRío Savegre

Río

Nara

njo

Río Pirris

Río

Parri

ta

Río Candelaria

Río Tárc

oles

Río Jesús María

Río Barranca

LagunaCole

LagunaCaño Negro

Río Nosara

Marina Los Sueños

R.V.S.Caño Negro

P.N. Arenal

Volcán Orosí

Volcán Rincón de la Vieja

Volcán Miravalles Volcán Tenorio

VolcánArenal

Volcán Poás

Volcán Barva

Volcán Turrialba

Volcán Irazú

Cerro Chirripó

ALAJUELAHEREDIA

CARTAGO

LIMÓNPUNTARENAS

Río Ario

LOS CHILES

LA CRUZ

BAGACES

CAÑASFILADELFIA

SANTA CRUZ

Nicoya

HOJANCHA

CARMONA

SAN RAFAELDE GUATUZO

TILARÁN

CIUDAD QUESADA

SAN RAMÓN

PALMARES

ATENAS

ZARCERO

NARANJOSARCHI

GRECIA

ESCAZÚCOLÓNSAN PABLO

ASERRÍ

SAN IGNACIO

PURISCAL

OROTINA

ESPARZA

SAN PABLOSAN MARCOS

SANTA MARÍA

JUAN VIÑAS TURRIALBA

SANTA CRUZ

GUACIMOGUAPILES

SIQUIRRES

MATINA

BRATSI

SAN VITO

NEILYGOLFITO

PUERTOJIMÉNEZ

CORTÉZ

SAN ISIDRO DEL GENERAL

PARAISO

JACÓ

QUEPOS

BUENOS AIRES

UPALA

JUNTAS

PUERTO VIEJO

PARRITA

Garita Santa Cecilia

Brasilia BirmaniaSan José

Cuatro BocasDelicias

Río NegroCanaleta

Medio Queso

Playuelitas

PavónAmparo

Caño Ciego

San JorgeBuenavista

Bijagua

Guayaba

Aguas Claras

Fortuna

Salitral

CañasDulces

García FlamencoSanta Rosa

Pto. Culebra

Panamá

GuardiaComunidadEl Coco

OcotalSardinal

Potrero

FlamingoPuerto Viejo

HuacasCartagena

Portegolpe

Belén

San JoséPinilla

PargosParaiso

27 de abril

BolsónOrtega

TalolingaPto. HumoSta.

BarbaraGuaitil

Hda.Tamarindo

BebederoSanMiguel

TenorioTierrasMorenas

ArenalVenado

Cabanga Sto.Domingo

StaRosa

San GerardoBoca de Arenal

MuelleTanque

ChachaguaPlatanar

LaurelGalán

Providencia

Chambacú

Caño Negro

AltamiraLlanos

Veracruz

Pital

Boca Tapada

Chaparrón PangolaBoca Río Sucio

San Rafael

Medias

Muelle

La Virgen

Río Cuarto

Tigres

San MiguelHorquetas

Cariblanco

Varablanca

SacramentoSan Joséde la Montaña

Tarbaca Corralillo

Tarbacia

San Cristobal

La Lucha

Orosi

EmpalmeCañonCopey

Cedral

Santa EduvigesDivisión

Piedra

RivasSan Ramón SurCanaán

San Gerardo

PeñasBlancasPalmares

PlatanilloSanPedro

Dominical

Uvita Pejibaye

Volcán

BarúHatillo

Matapalo

Savegre

Paquita

Paso Real

Nápoles

Julieta

Surubres

ChirracaArriba

AltoConcepción

Herradura

QuebradaGanado DeliciasAgujas

Bijagual

San Rafael

Caldera

AranjuezChomes

Sierra

La Irma

Arizona PozoAzul

Abangarito

Santa Elena

GuacimalQuebradaHonda Palmital

Sarmiento Unión

MiramarSardinalPájaros

ColoradoCopal

Pto. Moreno

QuebradaHonda Pto. Jesús

Yerbabuena

San PabloCorozal

Canjel

Mansión Isla ChiraCurimeMatambú

Nosara

MarbellaSanJuanillo

Punta Islita

Cerro AzulJuande León

JabilloZapote

Cuajiniquil

JicaralLepanto

PlayaNaranjo

PaqueraCurú

Tambor

CobanoArio

Montezuma

CabuyaMal País

Cuaniquil

Santa Rita

Dos Ríos

Tulares

Pozos

AguilaAbajo

Trinidad

CoronadoColinas

Palmar NortePalmar Sur

TerrabaBrujo

PotreroGrande

Cabagra

Ujarras

Salitre

Coto BrusJabillo

GutierrezBraun

Sabanilla

CañasGordasAgua Buena

Sabalito

Río Claro

Coto 47

PuebloNuevo

Zancudo Canoas

Laurel

GonzálezViquez

Higo

Madrigal AguaBuena

Pavo

Sirena

San Pedrillo

DrakeRincón

LagunaZapote

AguasZarcas

Florencia

Tigra

San Isidro Jabillo

La Suiza

Pascua

Florida

Platanillo

Moravia

AtirroPejibaye

Tucurrique

Tapantí

Pocora

Batán

Estrada

Moín

BombaBeverly

San Andrés

Penshurt

Pandora Cahuita

ShirolesUatsi Bribrí

Pto Viejo

Gandoca

Sixaola

Sierpe

MogosEsquinas

Chacarita

Tortuguero

Carate La Cuesta

Barra del Colorado

Isla BerruganteIsla Pájaros

IslaVenado

Isla BejucoIsla Caballo

Isla Herradura

Isla Uvita

Boca del río Estrella

Boca delrío San Juan

Boca del río Colorado

Boca del río Tortuguero

Boca del río Parismina

Playa Cahuita

Play

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Punt

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Boca del ríoSixaola

PUNTA MONA

PUNTA BANCOCABO MATAPALO

GOLFO DULCE

Playa Carbonera

Playa Pavones

Playa Platanares

Playa Zancudo

PlayaCarate

PUNTA LLORONA

Playa San Josecito

Playa Colorada

Isla Violín

BAHIA DRAKE

BOCA GUARUMAL

BOCA CHICABOCA ZACATE

Manglares

Playa Tortuga

Playa VentanasPlaya Piñuelas

Playa Ballena

Playa Hermosa

Playa DominicalPlaya Barú

PUNTA UVITA

Playa Matapalo

Playa Savegre

Playa Manuel AntonioPlaya Espadilla

Playa Isla DamasPlaya Palo Seco

Playa PalmaPlaya Bejuco

Playa Esterillos

Playa Hermosa

Playa de Jacó

Playa Herradura

Playa Tárcoles

PUNTA JUDAS

PUNTA LEONA

Isla Tortuga

Isla Negritos

Isla Cedros

Isla Guayabo

Isla San Lucas

Playa Tivives

PlayaDoña Ana

GOLFO DE NICOYA

Playa Tambor

Playa Montezuma

Isla Cabo Blanco

Playa Santa Teresa

Playa Ario

Playa Coyote

Playa San Miguel

Playa Pelada

Playa Nosara

Playa Ostional

Playa Lagarta

Playa Junquillal

Playa Negra

Playa Avellana

CABO VELASPlaya GrandePlaya Tamarindo

Playa Langosta

Playa Pan de AzúcarPlaya PotreroPlaya Flamingo

Playa BrasilitoPlaya Conchal

PUNTA GORDAPlaya Ocotal

Playa del CocoPlaya Hermosa

Playa Panamá

Isla Huevos

Isla Murciélagos

Playa NancitePlaya Naranjo

GOLFO DE PAPAGAYO

PUNTA BLANCA

PUNTA DE SAN ELENAPUNTA DESCARTES

PUNTA SALINAS

Playa Guajiniquil

Isla Bolaños

NICARAGUAPUNTA CASTILLA

PAN

AM

ÁPA

NA

PUNTA BURICA

Playa B

onita

Rain ForestAerial Tram

(Pacific)

Rain Forest Aerial Tram(Atlantic)

COSTA RICA

P.N. Isla del CocoSCALE 1:200,000

Located approximately480 km southwest

of Costa Rica

Granada(Nicaragua)

Pto. VargasP.N. Cahuita

Playa Corcovado

Playa Cacao

LAGO DENICARAGUA

Tulín

SANTA ANA

Lost Canyon

Laguna Arenal

P.N. VolcánTenorio

P.N. VolcánMiravalles

Río Sarapiquí

Laguna HuleBuenavista

Vieja

Rio Balsa

Carrillo

LEGEND

Pan American HighwayPrimary HighwaysPrimary RoadsSecondary RoadsUnpaved RoadsTrailGas StationProvincial capital Large townsSmall townsVolcano

International Airport

Airstrip (Paradise Air Destination)

PROTECTED AREAS

P.N. National Park

R.B. Biological Reserve

R. Reserve

R.F. Forest Reserve

B.N. National Forest

R.V.S. National Wildlife Refuge

Turtle Protection Area

Surfing Spots

Rain Forest Aerial Tram Sites

P.N. Santa Rosa

EstaciónHorizontes

P.N. Rincónde la Vieja

P.N. JuanCastro Blanco

P.N. VolcánPoás

P.N. Braulio Carillo

R.V.S.Barra del Colorado

P.N. VolcánTurrialba

P.N. VolcánIrazú

M.N.Guayabo

P.N. Tortuguero

R.F. Los Santos

R.B CerroLas Vueltas

P.N. Tapantí - Macizo Cerro de la Muerte

R.V.S. La Marta

R.F. Río Macho

P.N. Chirripó

P. Internacional de la Amistad

R.V.S. GandocaManzanillo

R.F. Las Tablas

P.N. Corcovado

P.N. PiedrasBlancas

R.V.S. Golfito

HumedalTérraba-Sierpe

R.V.S. Barú

P.N. Manuel Antonio

P.N. Carara

P.N.Palo Verde

P.N.BarraHonda

R.F. Monte Alto

B.N. Diriá

P.N.Las

Baulas

R.B. Lomasde Barbudal

R.B. Hitoy-Cerere

P.N. Marino Ballena

R.B. Isla del Caño

R. Cabo Blanco

Río Colo

rado

Río

Lib

eria

Río Hacienda

Río

Poc

osol

Río San Carlos

Río

Frío

Río

Teno

rioRí

o Co

robic

i

Río C

añas

Río

Bebe

dero

Río Tempisque

Río

Lag

arto

Río

Tres

Am

igos

Río To

ro

Laguna Río Cuarto

Río

Chi

rripó

Río Sucio

Río Colorado

Río Tortuguero

Río Jiménez

Canal

Canal

Canal

Canal

Canal

Parismina

Río Rev

entaz

ón

Río

Pac

uare

Río Banano

Río Chir

ripó A

tlánti

co

Río Estrella

Río Telire

Río Coen

Río Sixaola

Río Ceib

o

Río C

onve

nto

Río Terraba

Río Coto Brus

LagunaColorado

LagunaCorcovado

Río Chocuaco

LagunaChocuaco

Río Barú

Río ChirripóRío Savegre

Río

Nara

njo

Río Pirris

Río

Parri

ta

Río Candelaria

Río Tárc

oles

Río Jesús María

Río Barranca

LagunaCole

LagunaCaño Negro

Río Nosara

Marina Los Sueños

R.V.S.Caño Negro

P.N. Arenal

Volcán Orosí

Volcán Rincón de la Vieja

Volcán Miravalles Volcán Tenorio

VolcánArenal

Volcán Poás

Volcán Barva

Volcán Turrialba

Volcán Irazú

Cerro Chirripó

ALAJUELAHEREDIA

CARTAGO

LIMÓNPUNTARENAS

Río Ario

LOS CHILES

LA CRUZ

BAGACES

CAÑASFILADELFIA

SANTA CRUZ

Nicoya

HOJANCHA

CARMONA

SAN RAFAELDE GUATUZO

TILARÁN

CIUDAD QUESADA

SAN RAMÓN

PALMARES

ATENAS

ZARCERO

NARANJOSARCHI

GRECIA

ESCAZÚCOLÓNSAN PABLO

ASERRÍ

SAN IGNACIO

PURISCAL

OROTINA

ESPARZA

SAN PABLOSAN MARCOS

SANTA MARÍA

JUAN VIÑAS TURRIALBA

SANTA CRUZ

GUACIMOGUAPILES

SIQUIRRES

MATINA

BRATSI

SAN VITO

NEILYGOLFITO

PUERTOJIMÉNEZ

CORTÉZ

SAN ISIDRO DEL GENERAL

PARAISO

JACÓ

QUEPOS

BUENOS AIRES

UPALA

JUNTAS

PUERTO VIEJO

PARRITA

Garita Santa Cecilia

Brasilia BirmaniaSan José

Cuatro BocasDelicias

Río NegroCanaleta

Medio Queso

Playuelitas

PavónAmparo

Caño Ciego

San JorgeBuenavista

Bijagua

Guayaba

Aguas Claras

Fortuna

Salitral

CañasDulces

García FlamencoSanta Rosa

Pto. Culebra

Panamá

GuardiaComunidadEl Coco

OcotalSardinal

Potrero

FlamingoPuerto Viejo

HuacasCartagena

Portegolpe

Belén

San JoséPinilla

PargosParaiso

27 de abril

BolsónOrtega

TalolingaPto. HumoSta.

BarbaraGuaitil

Hda.Tamarindo

BebederoSanMiguel

TenorioTierrasMorenas

ArenalVenado

Cabanga Sto.Domingo

StaRosa

San GerardoBoca de Arenal

MuelleTanque

ChachaguaPlatanar

LaurelGalán

Providencia

Chambacú

Caño Negro

AltamiraLlanos

Veracruz

Pital

Boca Tapada

Chaparrón PangolaBoca Río Sucio

San Rafael

Medias

Muelle

La Virgen

Río Cuarto

Tigres

San MiguelHorquetas

Cariblanco

Varablanca

SacramentoSan Joséde la Montaña

Tarbaca Corralillo

Tarbacia

San Cristobal

La Lucha

Orosi

EmpalmeCañonCopey

Cedral

Santa EduvigesDivisión

Piedra

RivasSan Ramón SurCanaán

San Gerardo

PeñasBlancasPalmares

PlatanilloSanPedro

Dominical

Uvita Pejibaye

Volcán

BarúHatillo

Matapalo

Savegre

Paquita

Paso Real

Nápoles

Julieta

Surubres

ChirracaArriba

AltoConcepción

Herradura

QuebradaGanado DeliciasAgujas

Bijagual

San Rafael

Caldera

AranjuezChomes

Sierra

La Irma

Arizona PozoAzul

Abangarito

Santa Elena

GuacimalQuebradaHonda Palmital

Sarmiento Unión

MiramarSardinalPájaros

ColoradoCopal

Pto. Moreno

QuebradaHonda Pto. Jesús

Yerbabuena

San PabloCorozal

Canjel

Mansión Isla ChiraCurimeMatambú

Nosara

MarbellaSanJuanillo

Punta Islita

Cerro AzulJuande León

JabilloZapote

Cuajiniquil

JicaralLepanto

PlayaNaranjo

PaqueraCurú

Tambor

CobanoArio

Montezuma

CabuyaMal País

Cuaniquil

Santa Rita

Dos Ríos

Tulares

Pozos

AguilaAbajo

Trinidad

CoronadoColinas

Palmar NortePalmar Sur

TerrabaBrujo

PotreroGrande

Cabagra

Ujarras

Salitre

Coto BrusJabillo

GutierrezBraun

Sabanilla

CañasGordasAgua Buena

Sabalito

Río Claro

Coto 47

PuebloNuevo

Zancudo Canoas

Laurel

GonzálezViquez

Higo

Madrigal AguaBuena

Pavo

Sirena

San Pedrillo

DrakeRincón

LagunaZapote

AguasZarcas

Florencia

Tigra

San Isidro Jabillo

La Suiza

Pascua

Florida

Platanillo

Moravia

AtirroPejibaye

Tucurrique

Tapantí

Pocora

Batán

Estrada

Moín

BombaBeverly

San Andrés

Penshurt

Pandora Cahuita

ShirolesUatsi Bribrí

Pto Viejo

Gandoca

Sixaola

Sierpe

MogosEsquinas

Chacarita

Tortuguero

Carate La Cuesta

Barra del Colorado

Isla BerruganteIsla Pájaros

IslaVenado

Isla BejucoIsla Caballo

Isla Herradura

Isla Uvita

Boca del río Estrella

Boca delrío San Juan

Boca del río Colorado

Boca del río Tortuguero

Boca del río Parismina

Playa Cahuita

Play

a Ch

iquita

Punt

a Co

cles

Play

a Uv

aPl

aya

Man

sanil

lo

Boca del ríoSixaola

PUNTA MONA

PUNTA BANCOCABO MATAPALO

GOLFO DULCE

Playa Carbonera

Playa Pavones

Playa Platanares

Playa Zancudo

PlayaCarate

PUNTA LLORONA

Playa San Josecito

Playa Colorada

Isla Violín

BAHIA DRAKE

BOCA GUARUMAL

BOCA CHICABOCA ZACATE

Manglares

Playa Tortuga

Playa VentanasPlaya Piñuelas

Playa Ballena

Playa Hermosa

Playa DominicalPlaya Barú

PUNTA UVITA

Playa Matapalo

Playa Savegre

Playa Manuel AntonioPlaya Espadilla

Playa Isla DamasPlaya Palo Seco

Playa PalmaPlaya Bejuco

Playa Esterillos

Playa Hermosa

Playa de Jacó

Playa Herradura

Playa Tárcoles

PUNTA JUDAS

PUNTA LEONA

Isla Tortuga

Isla Negritos

Isla Cedros

Isla Guayabo

Isla San Lucas

Playa Tivives

PlayaDoña Ana

GOLFO DE NICOYA

Playa Tambor

Playa Montezuma

Isla Cabo Blanco

Playa Santa Teresa

Playa Ario

Playa Coyote

Playa San Miguel

Playa Pelada

Playa Nosara

Playa Ostional

Playa Lagarta

Playa Junquillal

Playa Negra

Playa Avellana

CABO VELASPlaya GrandePlaya Tamarindo

Playa Langosta

Playa Pan de AzúcarPlaya PotreroPlaya Flamingo

Playa BrasilitoPlaya Conchal

PUNTA GORDAPlaya Ocotal

Playa del CocoPlaya Hermosa

Playa Panamá

Isla Huevos

Isla Murciélagos

Playa NancitePlaya Naranjo

GOLFO DE PAPAGAYO

PUNTA BLANCA

PUNTA DE SAN ELENAPUNTA DESCARTES

PUNTA SALINAS

Playa Guajiniquil

Isla Bolaños

NICARAGUAPUNTA CASTILLA

PAN

AM

ÁPA

NA

PUNTA BURICA

Playa B

onita

Rain ForestAerial Tram

(Pacific)

Rain Forest Aerial Tram(Atlantic)

COSTA RICA

P.N. Isla del CocoSCALE 1:200,000

Located approximately480 km southwest

of Costa Rica

Granada(Nicaragua)

Pto. VargasP.N. Cahuita

Playa Corcovado

Playa Cacao

LAGO DENICARAGUA

Tulín

SANTA ANA

Lost Canyon

Laguna Arenal

P.N. VolcánTenorio

P.N. VolcánMiravalles

Río Sarapiquí

Laguna HuleBuenavista

Vieja

Rio Balsa

Carrillo

LEGEND

Pan American HighwayPrimary HighwaysPrimary RoadsSecondary RoadsUnpaved RoadsTrailGas StationProvincial capital Large townsSmall townsVolcano

International Airport

Airstrip (Paradise Air Destination)

PROTECTED AREAS

P.N. National Park

R.B. Biological Reserve

R. Reserve

R.F. Forest Reserve

B.N. National Forest

R.V.S. National Wildlife Refuge

Turtle Protection Area

Surfing Spots

Rain Forest Aerial Tram Sites

P.N. Santa Rosa

EstaciónHorizontes

P.N. Rincónde la Vieja

P.N. JuanCastro Blanco

P.N. VolcánPoás

P.N. Braulio Carillo

R.V.S.Barra del Colorado

P.N. VolcánTurrialba

P.N. VolcánIrazú

M.N.Guayabo

P.N. Tortuguero

R.F. Los Santos

R.B CerroLas Vueltas

P.N. Tapantí - Macizo Cerro de la Muerte

R.V.S. La Marta

R.F. Río Macho

P.N. Chirripó

P. Internacional de la Amistad

R.V.S. GandocaManzanillo

R.F. Las Tablas

P.N. Corcovado

P.N. PiedrasBlancas

R.V.S. Golfito

HumedalTérraba-Sierpe

R.V.S. Barú

P.N. Manuel Antonio

P.N. Carara

P.N.Palo Verde

P.N.BarraHonda

R.F. Monte Alto

B.N. Diriá

P.N.Las

Baulas

R.B. Lomasde Barbudal

R.B. Hitoy-Cerere

P.N. Marino Ballena

R.B. Isla del Caño

R. Cabo Blanco

Río Colo

rado

Río

Lib

eria

Río Hacienda

Río

Poc

osol

Río San Carlos

Río

Frío

Río

Teno

rioRí

o Co

robic

i

Río C

añas

Río

Bebe

dero

Río Tempisque

Río

Lag

arto

Río

Tres

Am

igos

Río To

ro

Laguna Río Cuarto

Río

Chi

rripó

Río Sucio

Río Colorado

Río Tortuguero

Río Jiménez

Canal

Canal

Canal

Canal

Canal

Parismina

Río Rev

entaz

ón

Río

Pac

uare

Río Banano

Río Chir

ripó A

tlánti

co

Río Estrella

Río Telire

Río Coen

Río Sixaola

Río Ceib

o

Río C

onve

nto

Río Terraba

Río Coto Brus

LagunaColorado

LagunaCorcovado

Río Chocuaco

LagunaChocuaco

Río Barú

Río ChirripóRío Savegre

Río

Nara

njo

Río Pirris

Río

Parri

ta

Río Candelaria

Río Tárc

oles

Río Jesús María

Río Barranca

LagunaCole

LagunaCaño Negro

Río Nosara

Marina Los Sueños

R.V.S.Caño Negro

P.N. Arenal

Volcán Orosí

Volcán Rincón de la Vieja

Volcán Miravalles Volcán Tenorio

VolcánArenal

Volcán Poás

Volcán Barva

Volcán Turrialba

Volcán Irazú

Cerro Chirripó

ALAJUELAHEREDIA

CARTAGO

LIMÓNPUNTARENAS

Río Ario

LOS CHILES

LA CRUZ

BAGACES

CAÑASFILADELFIA

SANTA CRUZ

Nicoya

HOJANCHA

CARMONA

SAN RAFAELDE GUATUZO

TILARÁN

CIUDAD QUESADA

SAN RAMÓN

PALMARES

ATENAS

ZARCERO

NARANJOSARCHI

GRECIA

ESCAZÚCOLÓNSAN PABLO

ASERRÍ

SAN IGNACIO

PURISCAL

OROTINA

ESPARZA

SAN PABLOSAN MARCOS

SANTA MARÍA

JUAN VIÑAS TURRIALBA

SANTA CRUZ

GUACIMOGUAPILES

SIQUIRRES

MATINA

BRATSI

SAN VITO

NEILYGOLFITO

PUERTOJIMÉNEZ

CORTÉZ

SAN ISIDRO DEL GENERAL

PARAISO

JACÓ

QUEPOS

BUENOS AIRES

UPALA

JUNTAS

PUERTO VIEJO

PARRITA

Garita Santa Cecilia

Brasilia BirmaniaSan José

Cuatro BocasDelicias

Río NegroCanaleta

Medio Queso

Playuelitas

PavónAmparo

Caño Ciego

San JorgeBuenavista

Bijagua

Guayaba

Aguas Claras

Fortuna

Salitral

CañasDulces

García FlamencoSanta Rosa

Pto. Culebra

Panamá

GuardiaComunidadEl Coco

OcotalSardinal

Potrero

FlamingoPuerto Viejo

HuacasCartagena

Portegolpe

Belén

San JoséPinilla

PargosParaiso

27 de abril

BolsónOrtega

TalolingaPto. HumoSta.

BarbaraGuaitil

Hda.Tamarindo

BebederoSanMiguel

TenorioTierrasMorenas

ArenalVenado

Cabanga Sto.Domingo

StaRosa

San GerardoBoca de Arenal

MuelleTanque

ChachaguaPlatanar

LaurelGalán

Providencia

Chambacú

Caño Negro

AltamiraLlanos

Veracruz

Pital

Boca Tapada

Chaparrón PangolaBoca Río Sucio

San Rafael

Medias

Muelle

La Virgen

Río Cuarto

Tigres

San MiguelHorquetas

Cariblanco

Varablanca

SacramentoSan Joséde la Montaña

Tarbaca Corralillo

Tarbacia

San Cristobal

La Lucha

Orosi

EmpalmeCañonCopey

Cedral

Santa EduvigesDivisión

Piedra

RivasSan Ramón SurCanaán

San Gerardo

PeñasBlancasPalmares

PlatanilloSanPedro

Dominical

Uvita Pejibaye

Volcán

BarúHatillo

Matapalo

Savegre

Paquita

Paso Real

Nápoles

Julieta

Surubres

ChirracaArriba

AltoConcepción

Herradura

QuebradaGanado DeliciasAgujas

Bijagual

San Rafael

Caldera

AranjuezChomes

Sierra

La Irma

Arizona PozoAzul

Abangarito

Santa Elena

GuacimalQuebradaHonda Palmital

Sarmiento Unión

MiramarSardinalPájaros

ColoradoCopal

Pto. Moreno

QuebradaHonda Pto. Jesús

Yerbabuena

San PabloCorozal

Canjel

Mansión Isla ChiraCurimeMatambú

Nosara

MarbellaSanJuanillo

Punta Islita

Cerro AzulJuande León

JabilloZapote

Cuajiniquil

JicaralLepanto

PlayaNaranjo

PaqueraCurú

Tambor

CobanoArio

Montezuma

CabuyaMal País

Cuaniquil

Santa Rita

Dos Ríos

Tulares

Pozos

AguilaAbajo

Trinidad

CoronadoColinas

Palmar NortePalmar Sur

TerrabaBrujo

PotreroGrande

Cabagra

Ujarras

Salitre

Coto BrusJabillo

GutierrezBraun

Sabanilla

CañasGordasAgua Buena

Sabalito

Río Claro

Coto 47

PuebloNuevo

Zancudo Canoas

Laurel

GonzálezViquez

Higo

Madrigal AguaBuena

Pavo

Sirena

San Pedrillo

DrakeRincón

LagunaZapote

AguasZarcas

Florencia

Tigra

San Isidro Jabillo

La Suiza

Pascua

Florida

Platanillo

Moravia

AtirroPejibaye

Tucurrique

Tapantí

Pocora

Batán

Estrada

Moín

BombaBeverly

San Andrés

Penshurt

Pandora Cahuita

ShirolesUatsi Bribrí

Pto Viejo

Gandoca

Sixaola

Sierpe

MogosEsquinas

Chacarita

Tortuguero

Carate La Cuesta

Barra del Colorado

Isla BerruganteIsla Pájaros

IslaVenado

Isla BejucoIsla Caballo

Isla Herradura

Isla Uvita

Boca del río Estrella

Boca delrío San Juan

Boca del río Colorado

Boca del río Tortuguero

Boca del río Parismina

Playa Cahuita

Play

a Ch

iquita

Punt

a Co

cles

Play

a Uv

aPl

aya

Man

sanil

lo

Boca del ríoSixaola

PUNTA MONA

PUNTA BANCOCABO MATAPALO

GOLFO DULCE

Playa Carbonera

Playa Pavones

Playa Platanares

Playa Zancudo

PlayaCarate

PUNTA LLORONA

Playa San Josecito

Playa Colorada

Isla Violín

BAHIA DRAKE

BOCA GUARUMAL

BOCA CHICABOCA ZACATE

Manglares

Playa Tortuga

Playa VentanasPlaya Piñuelas

Playa Ballena

Playa Hermosa

Playa DominicalPlaya Barú

PUNTA UVITA

Playa Matapalo

Playa Savegre

Playa Manuel AntonioPlaya Espadilla

Playa Isla DamasPlaya Palo Seco

Playa PalmaPlaya Bejuco

Playa Esterillos

Playa Hermosa

Playa de Jacó

Playa Herradura

Playa Tárcoles

PUNTA JUDAS

PUNTA LEONA

Isla Tortuga

Isla Negritos

Isla Cedros

Isla Guayabo

Isla San Lucas

Playa Tivives

PlayaDoña Ana

GOLFO DE NICOYA

Playa Tambor

Playa Montezuma

Isla Cabo Blanco

Playa Santa Teresa

Playa Ario

Playa Coyote

Playa San Miguel

Playa Pelada

Playa Nosara

Playa Ostional

Playa Lagarta

Playa Junquillal

Playa Negra

Playa Avellana

CABO VELASPlaya GrandePlaya Tamarindo

Playa Langosta

Playa Pan de AzúcarPlaya PotreroPlaya Flamingo

Playa BrasilitoPlaya Conchal

PUNTA GORDAPlaya Ocotal

Playa del CocoPlaya Hermosa

Playa Panamá

Isla Huevos

Isla Murciélagos

Playa NancitePlaya Naranjo

GOLFO DE PAPAGAYO

PUNTA BLANCA

PUNTA DE SAN ELENAPUNTA DESCARTES

PUNTA SALINAS

Playa Guajiniquil

Isla Bolaños

NICARAGUAPUNTA CASTILLA

PAN

AM

ÁPA

NA

PUNTA BURICA

Playa B

onita

Rain ForestAerial Tram

(Pacific)

Rain Forest Aerial Tram(Atlantic)

COSTA RICA

P.N. Isla del CocoSCALE 1:200,000

Located approximately480 km southwest

of Costa Rica

Granada(Nicaragua)

Pto. VargasP.N. Cahuita

Playa Corcovado

Playa Cacao

LAGO DENICARAGUA

Tulín

SANTA ANA

Lost Canyon

Laguna Arenal

P.N. VolcánTenorio

P.N. VolcánMiravalles

Río Sarapiquí

Laguna HuleBuenavista

Vieja

Rio Balsa

Carrillo

LEGEND

Pan American HighwayPrimary HighwaysPrimary RoadsSecondary RoadsUnpaved RoadsTrailGas StationProvincial capital Large townsSmall townsVolcano

International Airport

Airstrip (Paradise Air Destination)

PROTECTED AREAS

P.N. National Park

R.B. Biological Reserve

R. Reserve

R.F. Forest Reserve

B.N. National Forest

R.V.S. National Wildlife Refuge

Turtle Protection Area

Surfing Spots

Rain Forest Aerial Tram Sites

www.ticotimes.net

Want to live or be asnowbird in Costa Rica?

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P.N. Santa Rosa

EstaciónHorizontes

P.N. Rincónde la Vieja

P.N. JuanCastro Blanco

P.N. VolcánPoás

P.N. Braulio Carillo

R.V.S.Barra del Colorado

P.N. VolcánTurrialba

P.N. VolcánIrazú

M.N.Guayabo

P.N. Tortuguero

R.F. Los Santos

R.B CerroLas Vueltas

P.N. Tapantí - Macizo Cerro de la Muerte

R.V.S. La Marta

R.F. Río Macho

P.N. Chirripó

P. Internacional de la Amistad

R.V.S. GandocaManzanillo

R.F. Las Tablas

P.N. Corcovado

P.N. PiedrasBlancas

R.V.S. Golfito

HumedalTérraba-Sierpe

R.V.S. Barú

P.N. Manuel Antonio

P.N. Carara

P.N.Palo Verde

P.N.BarraHonda

R.F. Monte Alto

B.N. Diriá

P.N.Las

Baulas

R.B. Lomasde Barbudal

R.B. Hitoy-Cerere

P.N. Marino Ballena

R.B. Isla del Caño

R. Cabo Blanco

Río Colo

rado

Río

Lib

eria

Río Hacienda

Río

Poc

osol

Río San Carlos

Río

Frío

Río

Teno

rioRí

o Co

robic

i

Río C

añas

Río

Bebe

dero

Río Tempisque

Río

Lag

arto

Río

Tres

Am

igos

Río To

ro

Laguna Río CuartoR

ío C

hirri

Río Sucio

Río Colorado

Río Tortuguero

Río Jiménez

Canal

Canal

Canal

Canal

Canal

Parismina

Río Rev

entaz

ón

Río

Pac

uare

Río Banano

Río Chir

ripó A

tlánti

co

Río Estrella

Río Telire

Río Coen

Río Sixaola

Río Ceib

o

Río C

onve

nto

Río Terraba

Río Coto Brus

LagunaColorado

LagunaCorcovado

Río Chocuaco

LagunaChocuaco

Río Barú

Río ChirripóRío Savegre

Río

Nara

njo

Río Pirris

Río

Parri

ta

Río Candelaria

Río Tárc

oles

Río Jesús María

Río Barranca

LagunaCole

LagunaCaño Negro

Río Nosara

Marina Los Sueños

R.V.S.Caño Negro

P.N. Arenal

Volcán Orosí

Volcán Rincón de la Vieja

Volcán Miravalles Volcán Tenorio

VolcánArenal

Volcán Poás

Volcán Barva

Volcán Turrialba

Volcán Irazú

Cerro Chirripó

ALAJUELAHEREDIA

CARTAGO

LIMÓNPUNTARENAS

Río Ario

LOS CHILES

LA CRUZ

BAGACES

CAÑASFILADELFIA

SANTA CRUZ

Nicoya

HOJANCHA

CARMONA

SAN RAFAELDE GUATUZO

TILARÁN

CIUDAD QUESADA

SAN RAMÓN

PALMARES

ATENAS

ZARCERO

NARANJOSARCHI

GRECIA

ESCAZÚCOLÓNSAN PABLO

ASERRÍ

SAN IGNACIO

PURISCAL

OROTINA

ESPARZA

SAN PABLOSAN MARCOS

SANTA MARÍA

JUAN VIÑAS TURRIALBA

SANTA CRUZ

GUACIMOGUAPILES

SIQUIRRES

MATINA

BRATSI

SAN VITO

NEILYGOLFITO

PUERTOJIMÉNEZ

CORTÉZ

SAN ISIDRO DEL GENERAL

PARAISO

JACÓ

QUEPOS

BUENOS AIRES

UPALA

JUNTAS

PUERTO VIEJO

PARRITA

Garita Santa Cecilia

Brasilia BirmaniaSan José

Cuatro BocasDelicias

Río NegroCanaleta

Medio Queso

Playuelitas

PavónAmparo

Caño Ciego

San JorgeBuenavista

Bijagua

Guayaba

Aguas Claras

Fortuna

Salitral

CañasDulces

García FlamencoSanta Rosa

Pto. Culebra

Panamá

GuardiaComunidadEl Coco

OcotalSardinal

Potrero

FlamingoPuerto Viejo

HuacasCartagena

Portegolpe

Belén

San JoséPinilla

PargosParaiso

27 de abril

BolsónOrtega

TalolingaPto. HumoSta.

BarbaraGuaitil

Hda.Tamarindo

BebederoSanMiguel

TenorioTierrasMorenas

ArenalVenado

Cabanga Sto.Domingo

StaRosa

San GerardoBoca de Arenal

MuelleTanque

ChachaguaPlatanar

LaurelGalán

Providencia

Chambacú

Caño Negro

AltamiraLlanos

Veracruz

Pital

Boca Tapada

Chaparrón PangolaBoca Río Sucio

San Rafael

Medias

Muelle

La Virgen

Río Cuarto

Tigres

San MiguelHorquetas

Cariblanco

Varablanca

SacramentoSan Joséde la Montaña

Tarbaca Corralillo

Tarbacia

San Cristobal

La Lucha

Orosi

EmpalmeCañonCopey

Cedral

Santa EduvigesDivisión

Piedra

RivasSan Ramón SurCanaán

San Gerardo

PeñasBlancasPalmares

PlatanilloSanPedro

Dominical

Uvita Pejibaye

Volcán

BarúHatillo

Matapalo

Savegre

Paquita

Paso Real

Nápoles

Julieta

Surubres

ChirracaArriba

AltoConcepción

Herradura

QuebradaGanado DeliciasAgujas

Bijagual

San Rafael

Caldera

AranjuezChomes

Sierra

La Irma

Arizona PozoAzul

Abangarito

Santa Elena

GuacimalQuebradaHonda Palmital

Sarmiento Unión

MiramarSardinalPájaros

ColoradoCopal

Pto. Moreno

QuebradaHonda Pto. Jesús

Yerbabuena

San PabloCorozal

Canjel

Mansión Isla ChiraCurimeMatambú

Nosara

MarbellaSanJuanillo

Punta Islita

Cerro AzulJuande León

JabilloZapote

Cuajiniquil

JicaralLepanto

PlayaNaranjo

PaqueraCurú

Tambor

CobanoArio

Montezuma

CabuyaMal País

Cuaniquil

Santa Rita

Dos Ríos

Tulares

Pozos

AguilaAbajo

Trinidad

CoronadoColinas

Palmar NortePalmar Sur

TerrabaBrujo

PotreroGrande

Cabagra

Ujarras

Salitre

Coto BrusJabillo

GutierrezBraun

Sabanilla

CañasGordasAgua Buena

Sabalito

Río Claro

Coto 47

PuebloNuevo

Zancudo Canoas

Laurel

GonzálezViquez

Higo

Madrigal AguaBuena

Pavo

Sirena

San Pedrillo

DrakeRincón

LagunaZapote

AguasZarcas

Florencia

Tigra

San Isidro Jabillo

La Suiza

Pascua

Florida

Platanillo

Moravia

AtirroPejibaye

Tucurrique

Tapantí

Pocora

Batán

Estrada

Moín

BombaBeverly

San Andrés

Penshurt

Pandora Cahuita

ShirolesUatsi Bribrí

Pto Viejo

Gandoca

Sixaola

Sierpe

MogosEsquinas

Chacarita

Tortuguero

Carate La Cuesta

Barra del Colorado

Isla BerruganteIsla Pájaros

IslaVenado

Isla BejucoIsla Caballo

Isla Herradura

Isla Uvita

Boca del río Estrella

Boca delrío San Juan

Boca del río Colorado

Boca del río Tortuguero

Boca del río Parismina

Playa Cahuita

Play

a Ch

iquita

Punt

a Co

cles

Play

a Uv

aPl

aya

Man

sanil

lo

Boca del ríoSixaola

PUNTA MONA

PUNTA BANCOCABO MATAPALO

GOLFO DULCE

Playa Carbonera

Playa Pavones

Playa Platanares

Playa Zancudo

PlayaCarate

PUNTA LLORONA

Playa San Josecito

Playa Colorada

Isla Violín

BAHIA DRAKE

BOCA GUARUMAL

BOCA CHICABOCA ZACATE

Manglares

Playa Tortuga

Playa VentanasPlaya Piñuelas

Playa Ballena

Playa Hermosa

Playa DominicalPlaya Barú

PUNTA UVITA

Playa Matapalo

Playa Savegre

Playa Manuel AntonioPlaya Espadilla

Playa Isla DamasPlaya Palo Seco

Playa PalmaPlaya Bejuco

Playa Esterillos

Playa Hermosa

Playa de Jacó

Playa Herradura

Playa Tárcoles

PUNTA JUDAS

PUNTA LEONA

Isla Tortuga

Isla Negritos

Isla Cedros

Isla Guayabo

Isla San Lucas

Playa Tivives

PlayaDoña Ana

GOLFO DE NICOYA

Playa Tambor

Playa Montezuma

Isla Cabo Blanco

Playa Santa Teresa

Playa Ario

Playa Coyote

Playa San Miguel

Playa Pelada

Playa Nosara

Playa Ostional

Playa Lagarta

Playa Junquillal

Playa Negra

Playa Avellana

CABO VELASPlaya GrandePlaya Tamarindo

Playa Langosta

Playa Pan de AzúcarPlaya PotreroPlaya Flamingo

Playa BrasilitoPlaya Conchal

PUNTA GORDAPlaya Ocotal

Playa del CocoPlaya Hermosa

Playa Panamá

Isla Huevos

Isla Murciélagos

Playa NancitePlaya Naranjo

GOLFO DE PAPAGAYO

PUNTA BLANCA

PUNTA DE SAN ELENAPUNTA DESCARTES

PUNTA SALINAS

Playa Guajiniquil

Isla Bolaños

NICARAGUAPUNTA CASTILLA

PAN

AM

ÁPA

NA

PUNTA BURICA

Playa B

onita

Rain ForestAerial Tram

(Pacific)

Rain Forest Aerial Tram(Atlantic)

COSTA RICA

P.N. Isla del CocoSCALE 1:200,000

Located approximately480 km southwest

of Costa Rica

Granada(Nicaragua)

Pto. VargasP.N. Cahuita

Playa Corcovado

Playa Cacao

LAGO DENICARAGUA

Tulín

SANTA ANA

Lost Canyon

Laguna Arenal

P.N. VolcánTenorio

P.N. VolcánMiravalles

Río Sarapiquí

Laguna HuleBuenavista

Vieja

Rio Balsa

Carrillo

LEGEND

Pan American HighwayPrimary HighwaysPrimary RoadsSecondary RoadsUnpaved RoadsTrailGas StationProvincial capital Large townsSmall townsVolcano

International Airport

Airstrip (Paradise Air Destination)

PROTECTED AREAS

P.N. National Park

R.B. Biological Reserve

R. Reserve

R.F. Forest Reserve

B.N. National Forest

R.V.S. National Wildlife Refuge

Turtle Protection Area

Surfing Spots

Rain Forest Aerial Tram Sites

P.N. Santa Rosa

EstaciónHorizontes

P.N. Rincónde la Vieja

P.N. JuanCastro Blanco

P.N. VolcánPoás

P.N. Braulio Carillo

R.V.S.Barra del Colorado

P.N. VolcánTurrialba

P.N. VolcánIrazú

M.N.Guayabo

P.N. Tortuguero

R.F. Los Santos

R.B CerroLas Vueltas

P.N. Tapantí - Macizo Cerro de la Muerte

R.V.S. La Marta

R.F. Río Macho

P.N. Chirripó

P. Internacional de la Amistad

R.V.S. GandocaManzanillo

R.F. Las Tablas

P.N. Corcovado

P.N. PiedrasBlancas

R.V.S. Golfito

HumedalTérraba-Sierpe

R.V.S. Barú

P.N. Manuel Antonio

P.N. Carara

P.N.Palo Verde

P.N.BarraHonda

R.F. Monte Alto

B.N. Diriá

P.N.Las

Baulas

R.B. Lomasde Barbudal

R.B. Hitoy-Cerere

P.N. Marino Ballena

R.B. Isla del Caño

R. Cabo Blanco

Río Colo

rado

Río

Lib

eria

Río Hacienda

Río

Poc

osol

Río San Carlos

Río

Frío

Río

Teno

rioRí

o Co

robic

i

Río C

añas

Río

Bebe

dero

Río Tempisque

Río

Lag

arto

Río

Tres

Am

igos

Río To

ro

Laguna Río Cuarto

Río

Chi

rripó

Río Sucio

Río Colorado

Río Tortuguero

Río Jiménez

Canal

Canal

Canal

Canal

Canal

Parismina

Río Rev

entaz

ón

Río

Pac

uare

Río Banano

Río Chir

ripó A

tlánti

co

Río Estrella

Río Telire

Río Coen

Río Sixaola

Río Ceib

o

Río C

onve

nto

Río Terraba

Río Coto Brus

LagunaColorado

LagunaCorcovado

Río Chocuaco

LagunaChocuaco

Río Barú

Río ChirripóRío Savegre

Río

Nara

njo

Río Pirris

Río

Parri

ta

Río Candelaria

Río Tárc

oles

Río Jesús María

Río Barranca

LagunaCole

LagunaCaño Negro

Río Nosara

Marina Los Sueños

R.V.S.Caño Negro

P.N. Arenal

Volcán Orosí

Volcán Rincón de la Vieja

Volcán Miravalles Volcán Tenorio

VolcánArenal

Volcán Poás

Volcán Barva

Volcán Turrialba

Volcán Irazú

Cerro Chirripó

ALAJUELAHEREDIA

CARTAGO

LIMÓNPUNTARENAS

Río Ario

LOS CHILES

LA CRUZ

BAGACES

CAÑASFILADELFIA

SANTA CRUZ

Nicoya

HOJANCHA

CARMONA

SAN RAFAELDE GUATUZO

TILARÁN

CIUDAD QUESADA

SAN RAMÓN

PALMARES

ATENAS

ZARCERO

NARANJOSARCHI

GRECIA

ESCAZÚCOLÓNSAN PABLO

ASERRÍ

SAN IGNACIO

PURISCAL

OROTINA

ESPARZA

SAN PABLOSAN MARCOS

SANTA MARÍA

JUAN VIÑAS TURRIALBA

SANTA CRUZ

GUACIMOGUAPILES

SIQUIRRES

MATINA

BRATSI

SAN VITO

NEILYGOLFITO

PUERTOJIMÉNEZ

CORTÉZ

SAN ISIDRO DEL GENERAL

PARAISO

JACÓ

QUEPOS

BUENOS AIRES

UPALA

JUNTAS

PUERTO VIEJO

PARRITA

Garita Santa Cecilia

Brasilia BirmaniaSan José

Cuatro BocasDelicias

Río NegroCanaleta

Medio Queso

Playuelitas

PavónAmparo

Caño Ciego

San JorgeBuenavista

Bijagua

Guayaba

Aguas Claras

Fortuna

Salitral

CañasDulces

García FlamencoSanta Rosa

Pto. Culebra

Panamá

GuardiaComunidadEl Coco

OcotalSardinal

Potrero

FlamingoPuerto Viejo

HuacasCartagena

Portegolpe

Belén

San JoséPinilla

PargosParaiso

27 de abril

BolsónOrtega

TalolingaPto. HumoSta.

BarbaraGuaitil

Hda.Tamarindo

BebederoSanMiguel

TenorioTierrasMorenas

ArenalVenado

Cabanga Sto.Domingo

StaRosa

San GerardoBoca de Arenal

MuelleTanque

ChachaguaPlatanar

LaurelGalán

Providencia

Chambacú

Caño Negro

AltamiraLlanos

Veracruz

Pital

Boca Tapada

Chaparrón PangolaBoca Río Sucio

San Rafael

Medias

Muelle

La Virgen

Río Cuarto

Tigres

San MiguelHorquetas

Cariblanco

Varablanca

SacramentoSan Joséde la Montaña

Tarbaca Corralillo

Tarbacia

San Cristobal

La Lucha

Orosi

EmpalmeCañonCopey

Cedral

Santa EduvigesDivisión

Piedra

RivasSan Ramón SurCanaán

San Gerardo

PeñasBlancasPalmares

PlatanilloSanPedro

Dominical

Uvita Pejibaye

Volcán

BarúHatillo

Matapalo

Savegre

Paquita

Paso Real

Nápoles

Julieta

Surubres

ChirracaArriba

AltoConcepción

Herradura

QuebradaGanado DeliciasAgujas

Bijagual

San Rafael

Caldera

AranjuezChomes

Sierra

La Irma

Arizona PozoAzul

Abangarito

Santa Elena

GuacimalQuebradaHonda Palmital

Sarmiento Unión

MiramarSardinalPájaros

ColoradoCopal

Pto. Moreno

QuebradaHonda Pto. Jesús

Yerbabuena

San PabloCorozal

Canjel

Mansión Isla ChiraCurimeMatambú

Nosara

MarbellaSanJuanillo

Punta Islita

Cerro AzulJuande León

JabilloZapote

Cuajiniquil

JicaralLepanto

PlayaNaranjo

PaqueraCurú

Tambor

CobanoArio

Montezuma

CabuyaMal País

Cuaniquil

Santa Rita

Dos Ríos

Tulares

Pozos

AguilaAbajo

Trinidad

CoronadoColinas

Palmar NortePalmar Sur

TerrabaBrujo

PotreroGrande

Cabagra

Ujarras

Salitre

Coto BrusJabillo

GutierrezBraun

Sabanilla

CañasGordasAgua Buena

Sabalito

Río Claro

Coto 47

PuebloNuevo

Zancudo Canoas

Laurel

GonzálezViquez

Higo

Madrigal AguaBuena

Pavo

Sirena

San Pedrillo

DrakeRincón

LagunaZapote

AguasZarcas

Florencia

Tigra

San Isidro Jabillo

La Suiza

Pascua

Florida

Platanillo

Moravia

AtirroPejibaye

Tucurrique

Tapantí

Pocora

Batán

Estrada

Moín

BombaBeverly

San Andrés

Penshurt

Pandora Cahuita

ShirolesUatsi Bribrí

Pto Viejo

Gandoca

Sixaola

Sierpe

MogosEsquinas

Chacarita

Tortuguero

Carate La Cuesta

Barra del Colorado

Isla BerruganteIsla Pájaros

IslaVenado

Isla BejucoIsla Caballo

Isla Herradura

Isla Uvita

Boca del río Estrella

Boca delrío San Juan

Boca del río Colorado

Boca del río Tortuguero

Boca del río Parismina

Playa Cahuita

Play

a Ch

iquita

Punt

a Co

cles

Play

a Uv

aPl

aya

Man

sanil

lo

Boca del ríoSixaola

PUNTA MONA

PUNTA BANCOCABO MATAPALO

GOLFO DULCE

Playa Carbonera

Playa Pavones

Playa Platanares

Playa Zancudo

PlayaCarate

PUNTA LLORONA

Playa San Josecito

Playa Colorada

Isla Violín

BAHIA DRAKE

BOCA GUARUMAL

BOCA CHICABOCA ZACATE

Manglares

Playa Tortuga

Playa VentanasPlaya Piñuelas

Playa Ballena

Playa Hermosa

Playa DominicalPlaya Barú

PUNTA UVITA

Playa Matapalo

Playa Savegre

Playa Manuel AntonioPlaya Espadilla

Playa Isla DamasPlaya Palo Seco

Playa PalmaPlaya Bejuco

Playa Esterillos

Playa Hermosa

Playa de Jacó

Playa Herradura

Playa Tárcoles

PUNTA JUDAS

PUNTA LEONA

Isla Tortuga

Isla Negritos

Isla Cedros

Isla Guayabo

Isla San Lucas

Playa Tivives

PlayaDoña Ana

GOLFO DE NICOYA

Playa Tambor

Playa Montezuma

Isla Cabo Blanco

Playa Santa Teresa

Playa Ario

Playa Coyote

Playa San Miguel

Playa Pelada

Playa Nosara

Playa Ostional

Playa Lagarta

Playa Junquillal

Playa Negra

Playa Avellana

CABO VELASPlaya GrandePlaya Tamarindo

Playa Langosta

Playa Pan de AzúcarPlaya PotreroPlaya Flamingo

Playa BrasilitoPlaya Conchal

PUNTA GORDAPlaya Ocotal

Playa del CocoPlaya Hermosa

Playa Panamá

Isla Huevos

Isla Murciélagos

Playa NancitePlaya Naranjo

GOLFO DE PAPAGAYO

PUNTA BLANCA

PUNTA DE SAN ELENAPUNTA DESCARTES

PUNTA SALINAS

Playa Guajiniquil

Isla Bolaños

NICARAGUAPUNTA CASTILLA

PAN

AM

ÁPA

NA

PUNTA BURICA

Playa B

onita

Rain ForestAerial Tram

(Pacific)

Rain Forest Aerial Tram(Atlantic)

COSTA RICA

P.N. Isla del CocoSCALE 1:200,000

Located approximately480 km southwest

of Costa Rica

Granada(Nicaragua)

Pto. VargasP.N. Cahuita

Playa Corcovado

Playa Cacao

LAGO DENICARAGUA

Tulín

SANTA ANA

Lost Canyon

Laguna Arenal

P.N. VolcánTenorio

P.N. VolcánMiravalles

Río Sarapiquí

Laguna HuleBuenavista

Vieja

Rio Balsa

Carrillo

LEGEND

Pan American HighwayPrimary HighwaysPrimary RoadsSecondary RoadsUnpaved RoadsTrailGas StationProvincial capital Large townsSmall townsVolcano

International Airport

Airstrip (Paradise Air Destination)

PROTECTED AREAS

P.N. National Park

R.B. Biological Reserve

R. Reserve

R.F. Forest Reserve

B.N. National Forest

R.V.S. National Wildlife Refuge

Turtle Protection Area

Surfing Spots

Rain Forest Aerial Tram Sites

P.N. Santa Rosa

EstaciónHorizontes

P.N. Rincónde la Vieja

P.N. JuanCastro Blanco

P.N. VolcánPoás

P.N. Braulio Carillo

R.V.S.Barra del Colorado

P.N. VolcánTurrialba

P.N. VolcánIrazú

M.N.Guayabo

P.N. Tortuguero

R.F. Los Santos

R.B CerroLas Vueltas

P.N. Tapantí - Macizo Cerro de la Muerte

R.V.S. La Marta

R.F. Río Macho

P.N. Chirripó

P. Internacional de la Amistad

R.V.S. GandocaManzanillo

R.F. Las Tablas

P.N. Corcovado

P.N. PiedrasBlancas

R.V.S. Golfito

HumedalTérraba-Sierpe

R.V.S. Barú

P.N. Manuel Antonio

P.N. Carara

P.N.Palo Verde

P.N.BarraHonda

R.F. Monte Alto

B.N. Diriá

P.N.Las

Baulas

R.B. Lomasde Barbudal

R.B. Hitoy-Cerere

P.N. Marino Ballena

R.B. Isla del Caño

R. Cabo Blanco

Río Colo

rado

Río

Lib

eria

Río Hacienda

Río

Poc

osol

Río San Carlos

Río

Frío

Río

Teno

rioRí

o Co

robic

i

Río C

añas

Río

Bebe

dero

Río Tempisque

Río

Lag

arto

Río

Tres

Am

igos

Río To

ro

Laguna Río Cuarto

Río

Chi

rripó

Río Sucio

Río Colorado

Río Tortuguero

Río Jiménez

Canal

Canal

Canal

Canal

Canal

Parismina

Río Rev

entaz

ón

Río

Pac

uare

Río Banano

Río Chir

ripó A

tlánti

co

Río Estrella

Río Telire

Río Coen

Río Sixaola

Río Ceib

o

Río C

onve

nto

Río Terraba

Río Coto Brus

LagunaColorado

LagunaCorcovado

Río Chocuaco

LagunaChocuaco

Río Barú

Río ChirripóRío Savegre

Río

Nara

njo

Río Pirris

Río

Parri

ta

Río Candelaria

Río Tárc

oles

Río Jesús María

Río Barranca

LagunaCole

LagunaCaño Negro

Río Nosara

Marina Los Sueños

R.V.S.Caño Negro

P.N. Arenal

Volcán Orosí

Volcán Rincón de la Vieja

Volcán Miravalles Volcán Tenorio

VolcánArenal

Volcán Poás

Volcán Barva

Volcán Turrialba

Volcán Irazú

Cerro Chirripó

ALAJUELAHEREDIA

CARTAGO

LIMÓNPUNTARENAS

Río Ario

LOS CHILES

LA CRUZ

BAGACES

CAÑASFILADELFIA

SANTA CRUZ

Nicoya

HOJANCHA

CARMONA

SAN RAFAELDE GUATUZO

TILARÁN

CIUDAD QUESADA

SAN RAMÓN

PALMARES

ATENAS

ZARCERO

NARANJOSARCHI

GRECIA

ESCAZÚCOLÓNSAN PABLO

ASERRÍ

SAN IGNACIO

PURISCAL

OROTINA

ESPARZA

SAN PABLOSAN MARCOS

SANTA MARÍA

JUAN VIÑAS TURRIALBA

SANTA CRUZ

GUACIMOGUAPILES

SIQUIRRES

MATINA

BRATSI

SAN VITO

NEILYGOLFITO

PUERTOJIMÉNEZ

CORTÉZ

SAN ISIDRO DEL GENERAL

PARAISO

JACÓ

QUEPOS

BUENOS AIRES

UPALA

JUNTAS

PUERTO VIEJO

PARRITA

Garita Santa Cecilia

Brasilia BirmaniaSan José

Cuatro BocasDelicias

Río NegroCanaleta

Medio Queso

Playuelitas

PavónAmparo

Caño Ciego

San JorgeBuenavista

Bijagua

Guayaba

Aguas Claras

Fortuna

Salitral

CañasDulces

García FlamencoSanta Rosa

Pto. Culebra

Panamá

GuardiaComunidadEl Coco

OcotalSardinal

Potrero

FlamingoPuerto Viejo

HuacasCartagena

Portegolpe

Belén

San JoséPinilla

PargosParaiso

27 de abril

BolsónOrtega

TalolingaPto. HumoSta.

BarbaraGuaitil

Hda.Tamarindo

BebederoSanMiguel

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AranjuezChomes

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Tigra

San Isidro Jabillo

La Suiza

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Florida

Platanillo

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AtirroPejibaye

Tucurrique

Tapantí

Pocora

Batán

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Moín

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San Andrés

Penshurt

Pandora Cahuita

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Pto Viejo

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Sixaola

Sierpe

MogosEsquinas

Chacarita

Tortuguero

Carate La Cuesta

Barra del Colorado

Isla BerruganteIsla Pájaros

IslaVenado

Isla BejucoIsla Caballo

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Isla Uvita

Boca del río Estrella

Boca delrío San Juan

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Boca del río Tortuguero

Boca del río Parismina

Playa Cahuita

Play

a Ch

iquita

Punt

a Co

cles

Play

a Uv

aPl

aya

Man

sanil

lo

Boca del ríoSixaola

PUNTA MONA

PUNTA BANCOCABO MATAPALO

GOLFO DULCE

Playa Carbonera

Playa Pavones

Playa Platanares

Playa Zancudo

PlayaCarate

PUNTA LLORONA

Playa San Josecito

Playa Colorada

Isla Violín

BAHIA DRAKE

BOCA GUARUMAL

BOCA CHICABOCA ZACATE

Manglares

Playa Tortuga

Playa VentanasPlaya Piñuelas

Playa Ballena

Playa Hermosa

Playa DominicalPlaya Barú

PUNTA UVITA

Playa Matapalo

Playa Savegre

Playa Manuel AntonioPlaya Espadilla

Playa Isla DamasPlaya Palo Seco

Playa PalmaPlaya Bejuco

Playa Esterillos

Playa Hermosa

Playa de Jacó

Playa Herradura

Playa Tárcoles

PUNTA JUDAS

PUNTA LEONA

Isla Tortuga

Isla Negritos

Isla Cedros

Isla Guayabo

Isla San Lucas

Playa Tivives

PlayaDoña Ana

GOLFO DE NICOYA

Playa Tambor

Playa Montezuma

Isla Cabo Blanco

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Playa Coyote

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Playa Nosara

Playa Ostional

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Playa Junquillal

Playa Negra

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CABO VELASPlaya GrandePlaya Tamarindo

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Playa BrasilitoPlaya Conchal

PUNTA GORDAPlaya Ocotal

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GOLFO DE PAPAGAYO

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PUNTA DE SAN ELENAPUNTA DESCARTES

PUNTA SALINAS

Playa Guajiniquil

Isla Bolaños

NICARAGUAPUNTA CASTILLA

PAN

AM

ÁPA

NA

PUNTA BURICA

Playa B

onita

Rain ForestAerial Tram

(Pacific)

Rain Forest Aerial Tram(Atlantic)

COSTA RICA

P.N. Isla del CocoSCALE 1:200,000

Located approximately480 km southwest

of Costa Rica

Granada(Nicaragua)

Pto. VargasP.N. Cahuita

Playa Corcovado

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LAGO DENICARAGUA

Tulín

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Lost Canyon

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Carrillo

LEGEND

Pan American HighwayPrimary HighwaysPrimary RoadsSecondary RoadsUnpaved RoadsTrailGas StationProvincial capital Large townsSmall townsVolcano

International Airport

Airstrip (Paradise Air Destination)

PROTECTED AREAS

P.N. National Park

R.B. Biological Reserve

R. Reserve

R.F. Forest Reserve

B.N. National Forest

R.V.S. National Wildlife Refuge

Turtle Protection Area

Surfing Spots

Rain Forest Aerial Tram Sites

www.ticotimes.net

KATHERINE STANLEY OBANDOThe Tico Times

I’ve spent a number of years and many thousands of words pondering the lessons Costa Rica has taught me. Some of them are specific to the delightfully unique attitudes, wordplay, foibles and flaws of this particular

country. Others, however, are life lessons that I think are familiar to anyone who has lived or studied abroad.

We carry them with us, whether we “forget to come home” – as my father, who turned 80 this week, likes to say of me – or whether we head back to our native lands, forever changed.

Here are four of the lessons that have been most import-ant for me. What about you?

1. Progress isn’t always linear.

This is, perhaps, a lesson learned simply by getting a little older – but experiencing the intricacies of culture shock over a period of years definitely helped me figure this one out. The thing is: it’s not really one shock. And it’s definitely not a series of steps to check off.

It’s more like waves, experienced as if you were a bit of flotsam and jetsam, bobbing in changing and inconsistent waters. You may be confident and serene right now, but in a flash you’ll be tossed backward, more lost or excluded than the day you arrived. Perhaps the tide in this metaphor is indeed marching in the right direction, heading slowly but surely up the beach. However, you’re just a bit of wood or a lost flip-flop, so it won’t feel like progress to you.

It’s not your fault, or the waves’. It’s the way things work.You have to get used to that, or you’ll be very frus-trated. And that’s true not only of cultural adaptation, but of most anything in life that matters: Friendship. Parent-hood. Love. Learning hard things.

A reader wrote me recently telling me he found the fact that I’m still learning about language and culture in Costa Rica after decades of study “disheartening.” My response: please don’t! It’s so much fun. If I ever did reach mastery of these un-masterable skills, I’d have to move somewhere new.

2. The worst thing is sometimes also the best thing.

Again, we learn this sooner or later simply by being alive, but experiencing another country accelerates it. We quick-ly see that the qualities we treasure most in the places we’re encountering, and in our own homelands, are often the things that frustrate us the most.

Costa Rica’s famous laid-back approach, exemplified by pura vida: the key to happiness, or a frequent gateway to acceptance of mediocrity? The convenience and ease of life (say, running errands) in the United States: delightful, or the foundation for materialism and obesity?

The answer is usually both. The same is often true for the people in our lives, as well.

3. Others – people, communities and countries – are always more

complex than we realize.

When I’m home in the United States and come across Latin American Blend coffee, it always seems so strange to me. Latin American Blend? Why? Even a Costa Rican Blend would be very strange, when coffee from Orosi and, say, Santa María de Dota taste so different. Twenty years ago, I would never have thought about this the same way, but years of mountainous drives and many, many cups of café chorreado gradually changed the way I thought about what’s in that bag.

Obviously we estadounidenses are particularly renowned for a lack of understanding of countries beyond our borders; our size, power and linguistic dominance contribute to our myopia. But I’m often asked in Costa Rica what people eat in the United States, or what we believe, or what the weather is like, and find myself explaining just how many varieties are housed within those 50 states.

Any lack of understanding I’ve encountered pales in comparison to my own ignorance about, say, the almost unfathomable diversity and nuance among the nations of Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe. Hmm. I should really get on the road again.

4. Being an outsider grants you powerful vision – and insiders

should seek that out.

I’ve written before about “immigrant vision,” the fresh perspective outsiders have on our adopted countries, a per-spective that is often overlooked or underutilized. Those who travel or live abroad gain such perspective. However, I think it’s even more important that we gain an appreciation for the value of the outsider, and can take that appreciation home with us.

You can travel the world and remain as close-minded as the day you began. You can live abroad for 30 years and refuse to learn a thing. You can live your whole life with-in a five-mile radius and be the wisest, kindest and most learned of people.

However, I do believe that travel and student exchange are, without any doubt, powerful medicine for a world continuously wobbling in the wake of violence, hatred and bigotry.

To all those packing their bags, enrolling to study abroad, or working hard as teachers, parents or volunteers so young people can venture forth into the world: thank you. The world needs more of you. More homestays, more awkward first days, more this-will-be-funny-later misun-derstandings that lead to humility and knowledge.

That’s progress: as messy and sure as an incoming tide.

Katherine is the editor of The Tico Times and the author of “Love in Translation: Letters to my Costa Rican Daugh-ter,” available worldwide. Read more at ticotimes.net/cat-egories/maeology or katherinestanley.com.

Four life lessons best learned by living abroad

10

Available at store.ticotimes.net and Amazon.com For more on this story, visit

www.ticotimes.net/print

Guanacaste nonprofit raises money to install cost-saving solar panelsCEPIA, the Guanacaste-based organization that helps hundreds of at-risk chil-dren and families in its area, has taken a bold step to lower their operational costs in order to free up more money for assistance services.

With the goal of raising $5,000, the orga-nization plans to install 49 solar panels at its community center in Huacas, a move that will ultimately save $4,740 a year — approximately 90% of their electrical ex-penses — and pay for itself in 5.9 years. Subsequently, these savings will help fund CEPIA’s many programs including classes, training and meal provisions for its constituents.

New country club launches reforestation programThe Santa Ana Country Club, which began construction in May and is expected to open in late 2018, has launched a two-year reforestation initiative to improve connectivity for local fauna between forested areas between Santa Ana and the hills of Escazú. The project is expected to create new sources of food and repro-duction sites for birds, squirrels, bats and sloths, according to a statement from the club.

Bird species in particular will studied as a key indica-tor of the project’s impact. The club carried out a base inventory in August and September and will repeat the process regularly to detect progress.

The reforestation initiative, called CEIBA, calls for more than 600 native species to be planted in the gardens, trails and forests of the club’s eight hectares, located next to Route 27 across from the Residencial Villa Real.

Former U.S. Ambassador launches campaign for cancer awareness, funding in Costa RicaFormer U.S. Ambassador S. Fitzgerald Haney – now known to millions of Cos-ta Rican TV viewers as “Mr. Fitz” – surprised a few onlookers when he de-cided, following the end of his time at the Embassy in July, to join the cast of Channel 7’s “Dancing with the Stars.” However, once the show was underway, he re-vealed the cause that drove him to lace up his dancing shoes: he’s using the oppor-tunity as a way to give back by raising awareness and funds for cancer in Costa Rica.

It’s a cause that is close to his family’s heart. His wife, Rabbi Andrea Haney, was di-agnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2015, right around the time that her husband was undergoing confirmation hearings. (Andrea Haney sat down with The Tico Times to speak about her treatment in October 2015, saying: “I don’t believe this happened for a reason, but I’ll make a good reason for this to have happened.”)

The Haneys used the family’s exposure through Dancing with the Stars to in-crease awareness of the impact of the disease on patients and families, and to encourage donations to the Dr. Anna Gabriela Ross Foundation, created in 2003 to support cancer treatment and patients’ families. The couple has also created the Andrea and Fitz Haney Donor-Advised Fund to Support the Anna Ross Foundation; the fund, at the Costa Rica USA Foundation for Cooperation (CRUSA), is also inscribed at Amigos of Costa Rica in Washington, D.C., allow-ing donors to make contributions to the Haney Fund that are that are tax-de-ductible in the United States. Learn more at amigosofcostarica.org.

112017-2018 HIGH SEASON SPECIAL EDITION

Shining a light on good deeds: Costa Rica USA Foundation launches Tico Times philanthropy news section

The Costa Rica USA Foundation for Cooperation (CRUSA) and our U.S. counterpart, Amigos of Costa Rica, are proud to sponsor this new philanthropy news section so that The Tico Times can share the stories of individuals and organizations that are creating change in Costa Rica. CRUSA and Amigos are nonprofit organizations working to encourage philanthropy, facilitate information exchange among changemakers, and help people connect with the Costa Rican causes they care about. In that spirit, we’ve created this space to shine a light on outstanding efforts of all kinds, from grassroots initiatives to international alliances.

We hope you enjoy this content, finding new information, connections, and inspiration to help you show your love for Costa Rica.

David Gutiérrez, President, CRUSA Foundation

Muni Figueres, President, Amigos of Costa Rica

Visit the section at ticotimes.net/changemakers to read more about initiatives, programs, volunteer opportunities, corporate and school community service, and more around Costa Rica. Know a great program to nominate for our series? Contact us at [email protected]. The CRUSA Foundation/Amigos of Costa Rica do not specifically endorse any program or fundraising effort that appears in the Changemakers section unless otherwise stated.

Fundación Costa Rica - Estados Unidos para la Cooperación

TODD STALEYThe Tico Times

I remember years ago I would see an article about fishing in Costa Rica in a fishing magazine, or a television show about catching tarpon by the boat load in the jungle. It started a series of “bucket list” fishing fantasies in my

head. I made my first trip to Costa Rica over 30 years ago, caught and released a ton of fish, and told all my friends when I got back to the States: “I don’t know how yet, but I am going to figure out a way to live down there.”

Twenty-seven years have passed since I moved to Cos-ta Rica, and I have been fortunate enough to run world-re-nowned fishing operations over the years. Big fish tend to beat me up more these days than vice versa, but the fever for both the sport and the country has never left me.

Costa Rica has so much to offer all types of anglers that it is a shame not to experience it. Here is a rundown of some of the many sport fishing opportunities.

Sport fishing in Costa Rica: what you’ll find in the country’s finest destinations

FRESHWATER:Guapote (rainbow bass) are available in Lake Arenal,

along with machaca, a relative of the South American pira-nha that is quite acrobatic when hooked. The rivers and la-goons in Los Chiles, which is in the Northern Zone, and all along the Caribbean seaboard have those species as well, plus tarpon and snook that also venture deep into the fresh-water ecosystems. Several types of other cichlads, known as morjarra are found deep in the jungle and make for great ultra-light fun.

High in the mountains that divide the Pacific coast from Cartago, known as the Cerro de la Muerte, anglers will find wild rainbow trout in almost every creek. In that region, San Gerardo de Dota is a popular area and is also great for birdwatching species like the elusive quetzal. Fishing in a National Park is not permitted, so check that the area you are in is not park property.

If you would like to take the kids, there are trout hatch-

12

Everyone wants to go home with a picture of a prized fish for bragging rights. In Costa Rica, it is against the law to remove a billfish from the water. You can be fined 2 million colones (around $3,500) if you do. Research has demonstrated that the survival rate is lower on fish dragged over the gunnel and taken out of the water. You can still get a great photo at the side of the boat if you plan ahead. Have your camera ready, and if someone is going to shoot a photo of you with your camera, make sure they know how to use it first. Good charter operators should educate their guests on this rule before leaving the dock.

-Todd Staley

How to get a hero shot that protects the fish – and doesn’t break the law

eries along the Pan American Highway, which runs through the Cerro de la Muerte. You can fish at those hatcheries and they charge you by weight. Stone Mountain Outdoors in Santa Ana has good information on trout fishing.

SALTWATER:The Caribbean side is world-famous for tarpon and

snook. Tarpon school up outside the mouth of the river in pods that cover several acres. When it is hot, it is red hot and you will pull on big fish all day. As mentioned above, they will also enter the rivers and back lagoons.

The fishing in the ocean is done with lures or sardines on circle hooks. Inside the mouth of the river, it is almost always done with artificial lures. The late Bill Barnes made fly fishing for tarpon popular in the area.

Snook are also taken in the rivers and lagoons as well as the beach. There are four species of snook on the Carib-bean side. The fat snook (calva) run that starts in December offers a chance to catch lots of snook on light tackle. It is a smaller species of snook and averages 5 to 8 pounds. The monsters that made Costa Rica famous in the fishing world are usually taken off the beach at the rivermouth. Rarely will you see lots of fish, but you have a chance to tangle with a once-in-a-lifetime fish of 35 pounds or more.

The Pacific side of the country boasts two fishing sea-sons, with the central and southern regions most productive November through April. In the north, the good bite is from May through December.

The last few years have seen record numbers of sailfish on the Pacific side. El Niño slowed the bite last year, but during the two previous years, records were broken for the number of releases in the Los Sueños and Marina Pez Vela tournaments. Last year in the Offshore World Tournament at Marina Pez Vela, the sailfish were noticeably absent, while marlin released records were crushed.

Dorado or dolphinfish have started off as a bang this fishing season, showing what seems to be a recovery of the

Photo: Todd Staley Photo courtesy of Pat Ford

Photo: Todd Staley

stocks that migrate through here. Dorado is not only a beautiful fighting fish but also great table fare.

Also in the bluewater are marlin, tuna, and wahoo. Tuna have made a great comeback after the area in which purse seiners are allowed to work was reduced 200,000 square kilometers in 2014, and the reduction of purse sein licenses grant-ed to foreign fleets was reduced from 43 to 13 in 2017. There have been phenom-enal catches of marlin around man made marine eco-systems. You probably won’t see a grander (a marlin over 1000 lbs) here in Costa Rica, but the Pacific offers blue, black, and striped marlin.

Roosterfish are the Holy Grail inshore on the Pacific side, and are available there all year, unlike other areas. The average is 10-15 lbs, but 50-lb fish are common. Also available inshore are a large variety of snappers, grouper, jacks, African pompano and others. When the water is clear, wahoo and dorado venture close to shore. Roosters, snook, jacks and snapper can be taken here casting from the beach.

Don’t pass up a chance to fish in Costa Rica. And remember: a Costa Rican fishing license is required for all anglers over 16 years of age.

Todd Staley is a Tico Times columnist – read more from him in our Insiders’ Guide on p. 2 – and director of communications for FECOP, a sport fishing advocacy federation recently chosen to represent Costa Rica in the Panamerican Sportfishing Delegation, formed by groups from the United States and all Latin America countries. One of the group’s goals is to get sportfishing recognized as a competitive sport and to organize teams from various nations to compete in the Pan-American games. The group also seeks a common front on conservation issues. Costa Rica will host the Federation As-sembly in November 2018 followed by a roosterfish tournament with competitors from the different nations. Learn more at fishcostarica.org.

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Quepos, Costa Rica

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annual tradition, Teatro Espressivo will present A Christmas Carol, or Cuento de Navidad (through Dec. 18) at its theater

in Momentum, Pinares de Curridabat, east of the capital. In Monteverde, a Christmas Fair (Dec. 9) will offer arts, crafts, food and celebrations for the northern Costa Rica town popular with quetzal-seeking

BY KATHERINE STANLEYThe Tico Times

With not only Christmas and New Year’s upon us, but also the best weather of the year in much of the country – sunny, dry and breezy – there is never more to do and see in Costa Rica than during these sum-mer months. Here’s a partial guide; for much more, including links, read the full story at ticotimes.net/print.

Christmas EventsCosta Rica loves its Christmas celebrations, and December is full of treasured traditions. The Festival de la Luz (Dec. 9) brings brightly lit floats to downtown San José for a televised parade through the center of town. The Nutcracker (Dec. 1-10) will be performed at the Melico Salazar Theater in San José, with special matinees for children; in a newer but also

visitors. In Quepos, on the Central Pacific, the Marina Pez Vela’s Bright Lights Boat Parade (Dec. 9) will fill the sea with light.

New Year’s EveCheck ticotimes.net for more information on both Christmas and New Year’s events – but in essence, New Year’s in Costa Rica is all about the fireworks. While pro-fessional shows dot the landscape, many households set off their own fireworks, giving any overlook – from higher ground to a high rise – a pretty incredible view. One particularly spectacular display is the annual show at Playa Preciosa on the Osa Peninsula, put on by a private citizen. It begins at approximately 8:30 and can be seen from most vantage points on the Golfo Dulce.

Festivals and FairsLocal fairs, or festejos populares, dot the Costa Rican calendar all year long, but two of the biggest take place during the high season: the Fiestas de Zapote (Dec. 25-Jan. 7), an eastern San José neighborhood, and the Fiestas de Palmares (Jan. 11-22), an Alajuela town west of the capital. Both feature rides, traditional Costa Rican fair-ground food, bullfights, rodeos and more. Wherever and whenever your trip, ask your hotel or guide if there are fiestas or festejos nearby your stay; for example, the Northern Zone town of Bijagua will hold its annual event April 27-30, complete with a parade and local dishes prepared by community groups.Another traditional Costa Rican event during the holidays is the traditional Tope Nacional (Dec. 26), or horse parade, which draws crowds to San José for strutting and dancing galore.

What to do during the high season: a sampling of holiday cheer, Tico traditions and cultural offerings around the country

14

Art and Music·Dec. 29, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: The

Rasta Rica Festival offers a taste of the Caribean’s finest reggae music.

·Jan. 4-7, Tamarindo, Guanacaste: The Ocaso Undergound Music Festival unites DJs and fans from around the world.

·Jan. 25-27, Tamarindo, Guanacaste: The Tamarindo Art Wave fills the coastal town with art, music and more.

·Starting in February, San José: The 2017 inauguration of San José’s popular Art City Tour, which will continue through-out the year and offers free access to – and transportation between – museums and art galleries throughout the capital. Many restaurants and other businesses along the route offering special meals and deals.

·Feb. 22-25, Uvita, Southern Zone: The beachside Envision Festival brings mu-sic, experts in healthy living and more to a gorgeous coastal setting.

·March (TBD): The International Design Fest brings some of the world’s leading lights in design to the capital.

Photos: Tico Times archives

From Our EditorIn the weeks since the relaunch of The Tico Times on Sept. 1, we’ve been hard at work to reconnect with the readers and communities we serve. As part of that effort, we’re proud to bring you this special High Season Print Edition, which provides a small taste of the content available at www.ticotimes.net (learn more below).

We’re so grateful to the freelancers, sponsors and advertisers who have joined us in this new phase of The Tico Times’ 61-year life. Most of all, we’re grateful to you, our readers – and, as the first Tico Times editorial put it in 1956, “we shall welcome criticisms suggestions, news, letters, recipes and original contributions.”

Please join us online and contact us to find out how you can work with us – as a writer, photogra-pher, sales agent, distributor, advertiser, sponsor or community liaison.

Katherine Stanley, EditorThe Tico [email protected]

Visit us online! Here’s a taste of what you’ll find at ticotimes.net

Visit Amazing Río Celeste

Tel: (506) 2278-6628E-Mail: [email protected]

www.celestemountainlodge.com

•Our18roomsenjoyamazingviewson2volcanoes,rainforest,ourlushgardensandgorgeoussunsets.

•Included:Washbasin,hairdryer,hotshowerandtoilet,cloth-hangingandshelving.Twohandicappedfacilities.

•Threedeliciousmealsincludedinourrates.

•ThemainattractionisRíoCelesteplusweofferawidevarietyoftoursinthearea.

NEWS: daily coverage and analysis

TRAVEL: dispatches from Costa Rica’s beaches, trails, hotels and hideaways

REAL ESTATE: pro tips on searching and selling from market experts

COSTA RICA 101: basic info on expat living for recent arrivals or would-be residents

OUTDOORS: soccer, surfing, fishing and more

ARTS & CULTURE: artists, musicians, events and movements

DINING & NIGHTLIFE: good eats

COLUMNS: opinion, practical advice and cultural reflections

CHANGEMAKERS: stories of people mak-ing a difference in Costa Rica

Media Kit 2017Tel: (506) 4000-0838 · [email protected]

Established in 1956, The Tico Times has built incomparable brand recognition and positioning among international and potential residents of Costa Rica. Our daily readers in and out of Costa Rica are interested in travel, lifestyle, real estate, arts and culture, dining and nightlife, investment, philanthropy and more.

Our team is ready to work with you to create the best strategies for your business on our platforms, increase traffic to your website and social media, and get the most from your publicity budget.

Media Kit 2017Tel: (506) 4000-0838 · [email protected]

Established in 1956, The Tico Times has built incomparable brand recognition and positioning among international and potential residents of Costa Rica. Our daily readers in and out of Costa Rica are interested in travel, lifestyle, real estate, arts and culture, dining and nightlife, investment, philanthropy and more.

Our team is ready to work with you to create the best strategies for your business on our platforms, increase traffic to your website and social media, and get the most from your publicity budget.

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ford.co.crHorario: Lunes a Viernes de8:30 a.m. a 6:00 p.m.Sábados de 9:00 a.m. a 2:30 p.m.

Escazú: 2523-5180, Ruta 27, Salida a Multiplaza Escazú contiguo a la gasolinera Fill N Go.La Uruca: 2523-5020 Naranjo: 2450-5757 Liberia: 2665-3333

Foto corresponde al modelo Explorer versión XLT 4X2 con precio regular desde USD $59,900. Monto puede ser pagado en colones al tipo de cambio según el BCCR el día de la cancelación. Esta publicación deja sin efecto ofertas y/o promociones de fechas anteriores en este medio y otros.