November 30th, 2008 by Carolyn Ramer
The old route 1 that leads to the capital of Guanacaste, Liberia, will soon be improved as government officials are planning to expand it to 4 lanes. The first stage of the road’s improvement is planned to begin in 2009’s second semester if all goes as planed.
The entire project has been divided into 4 stages that will begin with the 60 kilometers from Cañas to Liberia. The stretch between Cañas and Liberia has been chosen to be worked on first due to the fact that the land on either side are government property and no elaborate legal work needs to be done.
Government officials will be publishing the proposal requests next month and hope to receive company bids by January 2009 and start the first stage by the second semester. The construction time for these first 60 kilometers will be around 10 to 12 months according to the Transportation Department’s Vice-Minister, Pedro Castro.
At the time the first stage of the project takes off, officials will begin working on the expansion of the rest of the route. The remaining three stages of the project have been divided into the stretch between Barranca to Arizona, Arizona to Cañas and Liberia to Peñas Blancas.
Officials have stated that the new route is expected to have a lifespan of 20 years and the material used will be the one that authorities deem convenient for the country. The first stage of the project will cost US$150 million and will also include a bicycle lane and sidewalks for 30 kilometers of the total 60 kilometers.
Category: Travel and Places |
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November 28th, 2008 by Carolyn Ramer
Rincon de la Vieja is located in the North Pacific region in Costa Rica in a province named Guanacaste. Guanacaste has rapidly become widely known for its variety in tropical beaches that provide for hours of relaxing, soaking up the sun and surfing.
However, Guanacaste is also home to some of the most important and exciting National Parks in the region. One of these parks, the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, is the most visited attraction in the Guanacaste area. The Rincon de la Vieja, which would translate to “the old lady’s hideout”, holds the secrets of indigenous tribe legends and magical healing powers through its natural resources.
Today, the Rincon de la Vieja region attracts thousands of tourists that engage in adrenaline packed activities offered by the staff at the Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin. The tours are one-day activities that are great for all family members. Some of the activities that are available at the Rincon de la Vieja area are listed below and are a must on anyone’s list:
- Hike to the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano’s Active Crater
- Hike to Observe Volcanic Activity at Las Pailas
- Hike to the Hacienda’s waterfalls: Las Chorreras, Oropendula and Victoria
- Simbiosis Spa and Volcanic Mud Springs for a pleasant revitalizing treat
- Rio Negro Volcanic Hot Springs
- Horseback riding that range from 1 hour to 3 days
- Sabanero for a Day is where tourists will become real Guanacaste Cowboys while herding cattle, roping, and whatever surprise may come your way!
- Mountain bike: single track and double track
- The Canyon Canopy Tour: Rappelling, rock climbing in a slot canyon, traversing, Tarzan Swing, via Ferrata and bridges
- Rio Negro Tubing Adventure where class III rapids are tubed down in the impressive Rio Negro Canyon. A must do!!!!.
- Canyoning at Victoria Waterfalls, this is the only canyoning tour offered in Guanacaste.
- The morning farm Tour: Visitors will experience feeding horses, milking cows and more.
Tourists of the Rincon de la Vieja region as well as guests at the Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin have returned to their homes with a great experience and adventure to tell their friends and families. Safety is always a number one priority for all adventure tours in order to assure the best experience and a future visit for more!
Category: Hotels, National Parks |
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November 26th, 2008 by Carolyn Ramer
The two-millionth tourist who enters Costa Rica via the Juan Santamaria International Airport just outside of San Jose will receive a very pleasant surprise. Authorities project that the lucky person will be setting the first two million mark around the first week of December.
According to the tourism department’s projections, the year 2008 will be the first in Costa Rican history in which the country will reach the 2 million tourist milestone. The lucky two-millionth tourist will receive a special treat from the Costa Rican Board of Tourism as well as free hotel stays, tours and many surprises.
The winner will be received at the Juan Santamaria International Airport with big surprises and media attention. The Board will be providing free hotel stays as well as providing free tours to several regions in the country in order to show the winner the best of Costa Rica’s attractions.
During the year 2007, Costa Rica received just over 1.9 million tourists. The country received an approximate US$1.9 million dollars from the tourism industry thus reaffirming the industry’s strong contribution to the country’s income.
Government authorities as well as the public and private tourism industry sector expect to close the year with an overall increase of 8% in comparison to 2007.
Category: People |
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