Sunday, July 3, 2016

Hacienda Guachipelin a Guanacaste Experience


In Hacienda Guachipelin there are a lot of great opportunities to spend an unforgettable family vacation by combining relaxation and adventure activities.


Hacienda Guachipelin is a nature-connected and ecological property with cozy design located in the middle of Guanacaste right next to the National Park Rincon de la Vieja. Hacienda Guachipelin is surrounded by tons of green areas (during this period of the year) with beautiful plants and flowers that you can enjoy while you are laying in one of the hammocks that you will find in front of your room.

 

 

It has a cozy restaurant with a large buffet of typical Costa Rican food and other changing offers, a quite nice bar with a terrace where you can finish off with your day, a relaxing swimming pool and even a playground for your children. All those areas surrounded by the nature of Rincon de la Vieja Guanacaste.


 

 

What Hacienda Guachipelin makes so special is that is an actual working ranch. Due to that you will have the chance to milk a cow or do numerous adventures. This makes it is a great place for you and your kids.

 

 

A great family adventure is the tubing tour that starts with a horseback riding. Tubing is an activity where you get a rubber tube and ride through a river on your own. The tubing takes a whole hour and varies between faster and slower parts, so that you can enjoy the stunning nature around the river of this national park. Smaller children are accompanied by professional guides the whole time.

 Everything in the surrounding is connected perfectly with Hacienda Guachpelin. The home-owned canopy tour is also very special and different to a lot of others which are known in Costa Rica. You are able to enjoy the beautiful river underneath your feet while you swing from ledge to ledge.

 

 

For sure, the National Park Rincon de la Vieja itself with its volcano and special areas where you can see hot water or mudd coming out of the  grounds invite for a relaxing family walk.


As you can see, Hacienda Guachipelin, Rincon de la Vieja National Park and its adventures are a great family location. 
Let us help you arrange a complete itinerary around the country including this type of experiences!

Monday, June 13, 2016

El Establo Mountain Hotel

Experience the adventures of Costa Rica's Cloud Forest


This exrtaordinary 4 star accomodation  is located in the middle of Costa Rica's beautiful and mystical Cloud Forest in Monteverde. Due to its great location you and your family can enjoy a perfect stay between exploring nature and participating adventure activities that bring you closer to this amazing evergreen region.  

The large property is placed up on a hill in the middle of Monteverde's dense and green flora and fauna. Every room offers a perfect view of the valley where the village Santa Elena is located. In Santa Elena, you will find everything you need from grocery stores, souvenir shops to very cozy restaurants. Everything is reachable by foot. 


Due to the fact that it is a family owned hotel, the charming staff understand what is important for families and will let you feel very comfortable. The hotel offers heated indoor pools, spa, restaurants, cafe-bars, tennis court, basketball court and mini soccer court. As you can see, here are no limits for family activities.



Two highlights of the property are also the hiking trails through the cloud forest and the house-owned canopy ziplines. During an exciting night walk you will able to see and learn about various kinds of insects, frogs, birds and different plants of the Cloud Forest.



To experience a more adventurous activity, the canopy tour will let you and your family have a lot of fun. The amazing view of the treetops under your feet while you are ziplining in about 70 m height is incredible.




 
But the property itself is not only the great spot. There are a lot of other family-friendly tours offered in the close surroundings. A few examples are sky trek, sky tram, cultural historical walk, horseback riding, coffee tours, orchid gardens and animal watching tours.






Let IL VIAGGIO TRAVEL arrange your perfect family experience at Costa Rica's cloud forest!

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

A worry-free destination

Costa Rica a unique worry-free destination

Our beautiful democratic country has been stable and peaceful since 1948. Since then, the money which had been allocated to the military (like many other countries in the world still do) was moved to improve education, health and the conservation of natural resources. In Costa Rica health and education is free and mandatory for everyone. Which means we are a very healthy country with very educated citizens. This amazing factors makes us an ideal family destination.

There are various reasons why we say Costa Rica is Unique
Let me give you three examples:

1/ Costa Rica is a small territory which encompasses only 0.03% of the planets surface but is one of the top 20 richest countries in biodiversity.
At IL VIAGGIO TRAVEL we believe that this amazing fact will enrich the whole family by learning, exploring and taking part on a sustainable responsible way. For example by visiting the turtle nesting, whale and dolphin watching, viewing the scarlet macaw in its natural environment... and much more.

2/ Rich Culture
Our travelers can be part of the traditions by visiting and doing workshops for example at the oxcart factory (national symbol) or at the house of a local artisan of the famous "mascaradas" or by being part of our indigenous legacy.
And if you visit during a certain festivity we will take you there.

3/ 25% of the territory is National Parks
Costa Rica has been a world leader in conservation policies where a wide variety of ecosystems like volcanoes, rainforests, cloud forest, wetlands and marine areas are protected. 
To support this outstanding effort we recommend you visit them. And an important factor is that the distance between one to the other can be as short as a 2hour drive. Let our experts show you the best way your family can interact and be part of this unique experience.

Based on this and many other reasons why Costa Rica is the best Family Destination at IL VIAGGIO TRAVEL we have designed specialized organized tours. This programs can be bought as organized trips or as examples to create your own journeys with the help of our experts.

With us you will be able to explore all the wonders of one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world.

Monday, June 6, 2016

Unique exclusive beachfront private residence

For every visit where I check products and services I have a special check list (look below at the post about this topic)  that helps me identify the family friendly properties. When a property has almost all of the required fields its a WOW Product. And I want all of you to know that I have found one that I truly love. Its name is The Palms Private Residence Club.

This property has location, location. Its a two or three bedroom residence steps away from the white sanded beach of Flamingo (on the
uncrowded area of Flamingo).

The luxury oceanfront villas are a private sanctuary with full indoor and outdoor amenities.
Some outdoor services:
  • Infinity Pool with kid friendly area
  • Pool towel service
  • Snorkeling Gear
  • Surf Boards
  • Beach Volley Ball
  • Sea Kayaks
  • Paddle Boards
  • Pool Side Bar
  • Fitness Center
  • Wi Fi
  • Reserve Fresh Water Tanks
  • Back up electric generators
  • 24hr on site property manager, beach security, concierge, and gate operator
  • BBQ area
  • Umbrellas and comfy chaises at the beach
I have just mentioned a few of the outstanding services available on site. But I do have to mention the inside of the Villa as well because it
has everything a Family needs:
  • fully equipped kitchen with top-of-the-line Sub-Zero and Viking appliances
  • Big spacious main room with private bathroom
  • second and third rooms for children with entertaining mezzanine and private bathroom
  • terrace and balcony
  • ultra-plush bedding
  • inviting seating areas for family to gather together inside or out
And if that is not enough. We can give you a special dinner on the comfort of your villa or at the marvelous outdoors with a sunset as your background. This amazing dinner is prepared by a private chef and with local fresh ingredients. Or if your kids like the experience of a bonfire under the stars, we can make it happen at The Palms.


The property itself is not only the amazing spot. Its the location. From the property you can experience tons of Family Friendly tours like:
  • Snorkel and Sunset Catamaran
  • Horseback Riding
  • Canopy
  • Pottery Making Tour
  • Surf, Yoga or Karate  Lessons
  • Jungle Boat Tours
  • Beach Hopping

As you can see this is a comfortable, convenient and fun place to stay!


Where kids explore Costa Rica wilderness




This beautiful 4 Star Hotel is located near the town of Uvita and the ‘Marino Ballena’ National Park on the South Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Up on a hill between the Pacific Ocean and the rainforest-covered mountains you and your children (from toddler up) can experience a great time. You will enjoy a perfect stay between relaxation, adventure and wildlife. 




Due to its perfect location, the view from Cristal Ballena is priceless. Whether from your hotel  room, the pool or the cozy gourmet dining restaurant, you will always enjoy the great view of the Pacific Ocean. Cristal Ballena with its Mediterranean atmosphere and breathtaking sunsets will let you feel like home.



The cozy rooms of Cristal Ballena with its nice balconies and luxury furniture are spacious and offer space for up to 5 people in one room. You even get the chance to take your whole family and stay in two rooms, that are able to connect for up to 10 people. As you can see, there are no limits for a perfect family stay.


Cristal Ballena also offers great green areas with a on-site trails where bird watching tours are offered, a large pool with beach toys for children, a tropical garden and a shuttle service to the beach of Playa Ballena, which is very close. Furthermore there are a lot of adventurous activities located in the surroundings which you can participate during your stay at the Pacific Ocean. 



The south-pacific region is full of exciting nature and adventure tours: snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, whale-watching (during season), hiking, horseback riding and boat tours are only some of the many activities available for you to enjoy during your stay at Hotel Cristal Ballena.



Book your visit with IL VIAGGIO TRAVELwe are Family designing trips for Families!!!



Friday, May 13, 2016

why kids need wilderness & adventures

Let your kids be wild in Costa Rica.

 Now a days kids are filled with pressure, and can be pretty intense. School, homework, sports and/or other extra curricular activities fill the week. We all can feel like there is no time left to fit anything else in. There has to be. Our younger kids and teenagers need wilderness and adventure in their lives and who better to model it to them than us, their parents. Wilderness and adventure will help develop them into well-rounded young adults.



1. Kids need the freedom to learn what life is like without a schedule.

There are so many books out there right now about the next generation and the lives they are living with the pressures that surround them and the belief that they cannot fail. Let them fail in some areas of their lives. The outdoors is a perfect place to learn to try new things. It takes a lot of work to get strong at wilderness activities, but there really is no failure – you just try again. Take your kids out so they can actually just sit and watch a sunset instead of seeing it out the car window on the way to a game or academic event.

2. Kids of all ages need a connection to nature.

There is no substitute to exploring the natural world around us. Costa Rica is the best location due to its wild biodiversity. The encounter with nature can be a simple walk on a National Park to a wild Canopy Tour in the rainforest.










3. Kids need time to kick back and relax.

Provide them with boredom. Make them figure out how to entertain themselves when they are in a wilderness setting. When they have nothing more than nature their imagination start exploring and to imagine. After a while you will
see your kids building rock structures  or just let them kick back in the hammock. That's it. Nothing exciting, but so good for them.

 

 

 

4. Kids need to figure out how to exist without technology.

Seriously, I cannot even begin to list all of the things that suck up our kids’ time when they are at home from ipads, video games or TV. And with older kids there is the computer they need for their schoolwork and research, texting, social
media and on and on. Take them to places where there is no cell service at all. I am totally serious. If they have phones, they will learn to take photos of their adventures and the beauty around them since nothing else will work on those devices they cannot let go of. They will probably gain a real appreciation for nature. Show them that not only can they survive without technology, but they can thrive and love the time away.

5. Kids must be taught the importance of conservation.

In my opinion, the next generation isn’t going to have the option of not conserving our resources. Teach them how to do it now and model it constantly for them. We have a huge role to play here. Take them out  to the National Parks and let them learn how important the natural world is.

Nature will feed the soul of the young generations.



In Costa Rica will help you achieve the 5 points mentioned. Its a country where nature will open their eyes, the adventure will make it a unique rich experience and will help them see the world in a total different way.
Costa Rica is the best fit!
Contact us and we will program your upcoming family trip.

Monday, May 9, 2016

Wetlands Experience




This amazing location is a great Family Spot for all ages (from 12 and up). It shows kids a new perspective of wildlife. Its an experience of unique sensations, climate, adventures, everything here will be different. Even better if we leave tecnology back home!

This incredible place is called Rancho Humo Estancia and is located on the Nicoya Peninsula of Guanacaste.

The Rancho Humo Estancia is a combination of an eco boutique hotel, a ranch, that is run by local people, a native wetlands reserve, the Tempisque River and the Palo Verde National Park. In total, Rancho Humo is about 1,100 hectares.

The hotel itself is a perfect place to calm down and just enjoy the nature. Almost every room offers a great view over the wide nature reserve and the exclusive furniture let you have a comfortable and relaxing time. If you want to refresh yourself from the warm weather in Guanacaste, there is also a nice pool located on a big terrace.

Due to its corporation with the Costa Rican gastronomical institute Chateau1525 from San Jose every dish was a total delight. Chefs from the cooking corporation prepared gourmet dishes based on the rich and exotic local gastronomy of Guanacaste. You will dine in casual elegance with very personalized service. By the way, all meals during your stay in Rancho Humo hotel are included.

On the second day we started exploring the whole Estancia. The program started with a visit of the cows that live right next to the hotel on the ranch, which is run by local people from Guanacaste. As you can see, Rancho Humo is very interested in supporting the communities from the surroundings and making you part of it. During the visit we were able to experience their everyday lives by milking the cows by ourselves. We were Sabaneros for the day!

The second tour we did was a river boat tour on the Tempisque river which started with an adventurous drive on safari vehicles. During the boat tour we were able to explore the amazing ecosystem with its crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys and various types of birds. Due to the local guides, we could watch animals that we would have never found without them.

In the afternoon, we did a horseback riding tour. During this tour, we could enjoy the wonderful and wide views over the land with its very special combination of colours. The dry yellow/brown grounds and the green mountains in the backgrounds matches on a very unique way.
 
On the last day, we did explore the beautiful wetlands by driving through with the safari vehicles. These wetlands offers a paradise for birdwatchers. Lots of different species that you can spot in their natural habitats. If you are lucky, you can even find a JabirĂș.

All in all, the trip to the Rancho Humo Estancia is a really big pleasure. Its the perfect place to connect yourself to the surrounding nature and calm down for a few days.

Other optional tours in the area are visit Palo Verde National Park, a coffee plantation, the mountain nature reserve to see orchids, turtle nesting tour (seasonal), cultural tour to the colonial city of Nicoya, and much more...
  
As you can see, Guanacaste offers a lot of unique experiences!


So why not exploring this area by having a great stay at Rancho Humo Hotel and be supported by IL VIAGGIO TRAVEL as your local ground operator here in Costa Rica!!!!