Travels to North Pacific
The months of November and December are marked by holiday celebrations throughout the country. Nearly every pueblo holds its own fiesta, where horse parades, rodeos and bullfights are the key attractions amid a host of festivities. Nowhere are the Tico’s deeply-rooted traditions more evident, as they come together to dance, eat, drink and ride their beautiful criollo horses.
In Costa Rica, the criollo horse is esteemed for its elegant high-stepping gait, noble character and hardiness. Its roots trace back to the Barb and Andalusian horses brought by the Spanish conquerors. The sabanero, or Costa Rican cowboy, …
Location: Gold Coast, North Pacific, Playa Brasilito »
Activities: Horseback Riding »
Having your own set of wheels is the way to go when exploring the beaches of Guanacaste. Although public buses run between the seaside locales, the freedom to go at your own pace and stop when the notion strikes is a key factor to a good road trip.
Today I was continuing north to the beaches of Conchal and Brasilito. Surfing would no longer be the prevailing sport, as the stretch of coastline between Playas Grande and Flamingo is too rocky and shallow for decent swells.
On the way, I stopped at an antique store where I …
Location: Gold Coast, North Pacific, Playa Brasilito, Playa Conchal »
Activities: Pacific Beaches, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling, Sunsets »
I savored the comfort of my king-sized bed and tiled bath, rarities in most mid-range Costa Rican hotels. A throng of white-throated magpie-jays, locally known as urracas provided entertainment during breakfast on the veranda. Perched in almond tree branches, they watched and waited as I finished my toast, then swooped down to devour the remaining crumbs.
The helpful staff at Hotel Las Tortugas arranged a turtle tour for me that evening. My tour would be guided by park rangers from Las Baulas Marine Park, which encompasses the beaches of Playa Grande, Carbon, Ventanas and Langosta, and …
Location: Gold Coast, North Pacific, Playa Grande »
Activities: National Parks & Reserves, Turtle Tours »
