Pura Vida, Costa Rica!

While we are currently all staying home and can only dream about our next tropical vacation, Costa Rica awaits and can´t wait to welcome you again when this situation blows over. In the meantime I´d like to bring the country a little closer to you by naming a few interesting facts relating to Costa Rica's culture and natural environment.

When traveling through Costa Rica and interacting with the local Ticos (the term Costa Rican citizen use to refer to themselves), a strong appreciation and even love for nature can be felt pretty much everywhere. This might be connected to the fact that even though Costa Rica is such a small country, more than 5% of the entire world´s biodiversity can be found here particularly due to its various forms of vegetation. Besides its famous rainforests and coastlines, the country also offers wetlands, mountains, rivers and even arid plains, all home to many distinct species.
The Ticos value Costa Rica´s popularity for its natural environment and surely put an effort into protecting it. Not only in the tourism sector but also in other industries Costa Rica has become one of the most eco-friendly countries. It is aiming at becoming the first fossil-free country on the planet and 99% of the energy used is renewable, making it a forerunner to even many developed countries.

Not only the environment is thriving but so are the people. The Nicoya Peninsula, a favourable area for tourists, is one of the 5 blue zones in the world where the lifespan is remarkably longer than in all other places and the inhabitants usually live to at least 90. Among the crucial factors were a healthy diet, sufficient sleep and water that are rich in calcium and magnesium.

Doesn't it sound tempting to get your own little taste of this simple but fulfilling and pure way of life – also known as the famous Pura Vida?

Costa Rica Inspires!

The quarantine established during the global crisis caused by the COVID-19 has made us travel in a different way, which is throughout our imagination. Plenty of holidays plans were canceled nevertheless, this has not stopped our minds to get inspired to keep discovering the world and at the same time, ourselves. 

Costa Rica is a tropical paradise like you have never seen before. The people who have visited this incredible country surrounded by hospitable locals (Ticos and Ticas), amazing weather, breathtaking beaches and the perfect combination of relaxation, adventure, culture and nature; have agreed in the following: Once you come here, you will never want to leave!

Costa Rica, located at the middle point of Latin America and Central America, has one side on the Caribbean and another into the Pacific Ocean. Besides, Costa Rica is divided into seven provinces which are San Jose, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Limon. 

Costa Rica has the goal of becoming a carbon neutral country and run exclusively on sustainable energy and resources. Moreover, Costa Rica hosts more than 5% of the world's biodiversity and more than the 25% of the Costa Rica’s land is reserved for National Parks. Facts that make this destination one of the most sustainable countries in the world. 

In addition, there are more than 121 volcanic formations in Costa Rica, and seven of them are active. As a matter of curiosity, the Poas Volcano has the second widest crater in the world, the Arenal Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes and the Irazú Volcano is the highest volcano in Costa Rica. 

Furthermore, Costa Rica is famous among bird watchers due to the 850 species that the country preserves in its different habitats divided into rainforests, cloud forests, dry forests, beaches, rivers and mangroves.  

Come to Costa Rica and do no let escape the opportunity to have an appointment with unforgettable sunrises and sunsets, which take place at the same time the 365 days of the year due to its proximity to the equator. 

Think about your holiday, think about Costa Rica!

When you catch yourself dreaming and are ready to make future holiday plans again; we are here for you on +506 2289 8225 or at contact@ilviaggiocr.com.

Keep yourself tuned for more engaging information about this amazing destination and Pura Vida to all of you!

Il Viaggio Travel

Family Beach Day in Jacó

Last weekend I took my family on a day trip to Jacó Beach. Jacó is a town at the central pacific coast around two hours away from San Jose. It´s a great place to experiences nature, adventure and wildlife.  You can simply spend a relaxing family day taking a stroll down the beautiful black beach and enjoying the sun with the whole family. The kids will have a blast playing in the waves and shallow water while the parents can have some time for themselves.
The wide stretched beach presents the perfect opportunity for some joint family activities such as beach ball games. 

If you like a little more action, you can join an ATV or Buggy tour along the beach and through Costa Rica´s fields and rainforest. You will be able to go to places that you can´t reach by foot. There will often be opportunities for wildlife sightings and stopping at panoramic viewpoints to enjoy the beautiful scenery. We could see many pelicans and other types of birds. Personally, I can recommend the Buggy tour as the whole family fits in one which makes it possible to explore the area altogether in a fun and entertaining way.

In case your family is really active and you want to do more than just hang out on the beach, there are various things to do in Jaco´s surroundings. For instance, you can hike to Miro Mountain, an abandoned building located in the mountains south of the town. From there you´ll have a spectacular view on Jaco town and the coastline. Another of the many possible entertainment options is going on a waterfall tour to explore the rivers and waterfalls just a short distance away from town. Both parents and kids will have a memorable experience jumping off waterfalls and swimming in the pools.

It can be guaranteed that you will be having a great time, whatever you choose to do in the end. Though, the only thing that really cannot be left out is admiring the beautiful sunset from the beach at the end of the day.

Manuel Antonio, the jewel of the Pacific!

A Costa Rican paradise located at the central Pacific coast of the country, which will amaze the senses of all adventure and nature lover families. The beautiful and varied biodiversity of the area has made the National Park of Manuel Antonio one of the most visited places of the country. The great variety of accessible trails will allow every tourist to explore the incredible species of flora and fauna around the green forest while enjoying the breath-taking virgin landscapes from the different viewpoints of the park, which are great to capture one of the most marvellous surprises that Costa Rica can offer to its travellers. During the walk throughout the Manuel Antonio National Park you may encounter different types of national birds, agoutis, colourful crabs and groups of white-faced monkeys playing around, sitting or laying down. Nevertheless, there are other animals that are not that easily spotted. Therefore, it is recommended to hire an expert tour guide to guide you through the forest to observe and learn about other hidden animals, such as: Toucans, frogs, slots, squirrel and howler monkeys, iguanas, spiders, snakes, etc. 

In Manuel Antonio, you and your family can have the opportunity to experience total peace by strolling around secluded beaches surrounded by impressive cliffs, giant palm trees and the hypnotizing sound of the waves, which is possible if you enter the park from 07.00 am in the morning. A refreshment in the different four accessible beaches, after a long walk and humid temperature, will be the best reward. South Espadilla, Manuel Antonio, Escondida and Playita beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, playing all together and sunbathing on white sandy and crystal-clear water beaches.

Are you convince enough to not miss one of the most wonderful places in Costa Rica? Contact with Il Viaggio Travel and let them make your wishes come true!

Get Ready for some Family Time in Arenal!

 Ever been to Arenal? I`m referring to the area surrounding the famous Arenal volcano which is located approximately 2-3 hours north of San Jose by car. It lies within the lush Costa Rican rainforest and offers endless leisure opportunities for everyone. Among the main places to visit in the area are the town of la Fortuna, the hot springs as well asseveral national and private nature parks. Apart from that, many different activities such as tubing, zip-lining, horseback riding, four wheeling and kayaking are offered as well.

I need to mention that this blog focusses on things to do that are in line with the expectations and interests of all kinds of families that travel to the area.
I want to share my personal experience and give recommendations on particular attractions which are worth a visit.
The idea to write such a blog came to mind after a friend of mine asked me which places in Arenal would be the best to visit with his family when talking about my recent trip to the area.
He has two kids aged 5 and 8 so I took a minute to think about options that would be suitable. Arenal is known as one of the most popular places to visit in Costa Rica which is why there are many different companies offering various activities. I could understand that this makes it difficult for someone who goes there for the first time to pick one. 

Generally, I recommended him to consult and book the trip with a travel agency specialising in family holidays such as the local company Il Viaggio Travel that is known to be a family expert and is familiar with the most family-friendly hotels and activity providers.
Though in terms of particular activities I can recommend a few that will definitely contribute to making your family trip to Arenal a truly memorable experience.
In my opinion, the two things that everyone visiting Arenal needs to do are relaxing in the hot springs and going on a hike in the rainforest.
In terms of hiking there are various possibilities including the Arenal National Park and other nature parks.

My personal favourite remains the so-called Mistico Park which is around a 30-minute drive out of La Fortuna. It has well developed facilities and a paved path going all around the park which makes it rather a walk than a hike and means it is even accessible for wheelchair users. In this regard, it is worth to mention that several employees offering their assistance will be encountered throughout the park. 

It is pretty easy and save to do the walk and therefore a great fit for families who want to experience the rainforest in a rather relaxing way. The loop trail, which takes around 1-2 hours, includes 16 bridges and even a waterfall. Six of the bridges are in fact hanging bridges and have made the park unique and especially popular. These really turn the hike into an adventure for the little ones.I saw children and their families having the best time admiring the beautiful flora and fauna as well as the stunning views of the Arenal volcano from several locations.
Especially when walking with a guide there is a high chance to see many different animal species such as monkeys, sloths, birds and even snakes. As these can be a bit further away at times, I highly recommend taking some binoculars.
I can assure that this will be an unforgettable adventure for both adults and children.

As mentioned before, a holiday in Arenal is not complete without a visit to the hot springs. The water is all natural and heated up by the volcano itself. There are plenty of resorts that have their own hot springs and you can visit most of them for an entrance fee.
If you want to treat your little ones, take them to the Kalambu Hot Springs. Those even feature a water park with slides and make it the perfect place for children to let off steam and occupy themselves.

If you fancy a more quiet time, I can personally recommend the Paradise Hot Springs as these really give you a good value for money and are suitable for all ages. I went there during my last trip and had such a relaxing time. It provides its guests with three big pools and a number of smaller jacuzzies. These have different temperatures so you can choose between hot, medium and even cool fresh-water pools. One pool even has a bar with seats in the water where parents can enjoy some cold drinks while the kids play and hang out close by.
You will see for yourself that this is such a great way to end an exciting day in Arenal!