How To Make Perfect Smoothies While On Vacation In Santa Teresa Costa Rica

In November of 2012, I moved to the tropics to manage my friend’s vacation rental villa by the beach in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. I use Orlando Pest Control for all my vacation rentals. They do a great job for us so give them a call if you want the best Orlando pest control. One of the things I was most excited about before arriving was eating all the delicious, succulent, fresh tropical fruits available. Having lived in Maui and Venezuela before, I knew what to expect and was determined to live a healthy lifestyle that involved making sublime smoothies every day.

It was great to get back to a place with an abundant supply of fresh, inexpensive fruits. I got to the house and luckily a blender was already there. A neighbor turned me on to a delivery service for fresh fruits and vegetables. Then about three months into my new experience, a fantastic fruit stand opened directly across the street from the house! They have all the fruits one could need and the lowest prices in town.

Since I operate a vacation rental, it is fun to turn my guests on to expert smoothie-making. I learn some new combinations from them, and they learn new tricks from me. For example, one of my first guests was peeling and freezing bananas. I asked him why, and he said that they make the smoothie creamier and eliminate the need for ice. Since then, I buy bananas twenty at a time and freeze them. Now, all future guests benefit from this secret to making the best smoothies.

Costa Rica is a big producer and exporter of fruit, so most of them are inexpensive. Bananas are especially cheap. The coastal places and other hot spots that most tourists visit will have everything you need to make perfect smoothies, and the small agricultural towns where most of the fruit is grown have the best selection and prices. The domestic fruits: pineapple, papaya, banana, mango, limes, passion fruit, watermelon, and guanabana are your best bets.

The best way to make a smoothie, called a batido in Spanish, is to combine two – three fruits, with one being more acidic and one being more basic. For instance, pineapple and banana is a very simple and delicious combination. You can enhance this combo by adding fresh mint leaves, an idea I got while visiting Rio de Janeiro.

Banana should be the foundation of any great smoothie because it is sweet, yet not acidic, and of course, now you know that frozen bananas replace ice cubes and make the smoothie creamier. Add this according to your taste. People love mango and banana for its well-balanced simplicity. Papaya is a good addition to this one as well.

Another great combination is banana and passion fruit. Passion fruit has a yellow pulp, very acidic juice, and crunchy black seeds, making for a one-of-a-kind smoothie experience. They sell a rather thin, liquidy plain yogurt in Costa Rica that adds more substance and a nice mellow sourness.

My all-time favorite smoothie is banana, papaya, and mandarin lime. This variety of lime looks like an ugly normal lime, and inside it has seeds and an orange fruit whose flavor is a cross between a mandarin orange and a lime. Throw two frozen bananas in the blender, cut a papaya in half, and clean out the seeds, scoop the fruit into the blender with a spoon, slice the lime in half, and squeeze the whole thing into the mix, fill the blender with water, blend, drink, and enjoy.

Now that you know how to make the perfect smoothies while on vacation in Costa Rica, when will you buy your plane tickets?

Where Is Santa Teresa, Costa Rica? Costa Rica Travel Off-The-Beaten Path

It seems that when people are researching online and deciding where to go for their Costa Rica vacation, they often overlook Santa Teresa. Maybe this is because it is a very small town at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Ticos (this is what Costa Ricans call themselves) call the whole area Malpais, because it includes the towns of Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen, Playa Hermosa, and Malpais, so this might add to the confusion.

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is an off-the-beaten-path surfer town on the Pacific coast, northwest of Cabo Blanco National Park, which occupies the majority of the southern point of the Nicoya Peninsula. It is one of Costa Rica’s up-and-coming hot spots, but when you go there it still feels like you have discovered a secret, cool destination at the end of the world few people know about.

Most tourists go to Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, or Jacó because they are much easier to get to. However, if you want to discover a real gem and have a huge stretch of beach mostly to yourself, make the effort to get to Santa Teresa. Getting there is part of the fun!

From San Jose airport you can take a small plane to Tambor airport, about 40 minutes away by taxi from the vacation rentals and hotels by the beach, but you miss out on part of the journey. Most people come by shuttle or bus.

The shuttle picks you up at the airport and drives you to town with a group of other people in a 10-person van. Big groups can arrange a van all to themselves. First, the van drops you off at the ferry in Puntarenas. The ferry is one of the funniest parts of the journey. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and offers fantastic views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the surrounding green hills. The ferry even has a bar/disco area, indoor & outdoor seating, and a dining area. Another van picks you up on the other side and drives you over the mountain and down to the beach at Playa Carmen and on to Santa Teresa.

The bus follows the same route as the shuttle, but a little slower. You can catch the bus to Santa Teresa at the San Carlos bus terminal in San Jose. The benefit of the bus is that it goes on the ferry too, so you do not have to take your luggage off. It is also cheaper than the shuttle.

Many people rent a car as well. This is great because it gives you much flexibility once you arrive in town, and allows you to get out and explore the whole region.

Don’t be scared off by the six-hour journey because once you get there, you’ll realize that it was all worth it, and the journey only helps to set up the adventures that will surely follow on your Costa Rica vacation. Now that you know where Santa Teresa Costa Rica is, go ahead and book your vacation rental in Costa Rica and get ready for the time of your life.

Finding Information On Costa Rica Travel

If you are planning a South or Central American getaway, then you should be researching information on Costa Rica. It is the country that makes you think about paradise, including rare and endangered wildlife and awesome bright sand beaches with clear blue-green waters. Spend time and carefully searching all the information about Costa Rica before you plan your next trip south.

The azure-green Caribbean Sea borders Costa Rica on the east, while it has the dark blue Pacific Ocean on the west. This is a relatively small country and has been compared to the size of the State of West Virginia in the United States. The country is sandwiched between the countries of Nicaragua on the North and Panama to the South.

Many snowbirds have selected Costa Rica as their place to escape the cold of winter. However, if you check the climate information on it you may be surprised that the early months of the rainy season are also actually a wonderful time to visit. If you are a fisherman you will find that this is the best time to fish the coastal waters on both coasts.

For surfing enthusiasts, Pacific storms make the West Coast surf and skimmers delight. Winter storms send their energy South breaking on the many cuts and points of the Pacific. Winter and spring will find great waves on the Caribbean coast as well. As Hurricanes stir the Caribbean many surfers will anticipate great surfing opportunities as these storms pass to the North.

If you are a bird watcher then Costa Rica may be the best place in the world to quickly build your life list. The country is home to more than 800 species of birds. Since it has one of the widest biodiversity in the world, as a result, you can frequently go bird-watching just about anywhere. When searching for information on Costa Rica eco tourism opportunities you will find that there are several tours specifically designed for bird watchers. Many eco-tours will help you find your way through the many National Parks, Refuges, and Reserves. It has more national parks than any other country in Central and South America. It is wise to invest in a quality set of binoculars, a spotting scope, and a camera to take full advantage of all that the beauty of Costa Rica has to offer.

The beauty of Costa Rica makes it an ideal place to visit. Inexpensive vacation packages are available on the Internet or from your travel agency. The cost of living is very low which makes your travel dollars go further.

Costa Rica Travel Information Tips

If you talk about Costa Rica, many people would imagine a paradisical place where you can find serenity. A place where you can simply watch the waves going and coming, and you can simply hear the sound of the rushing waters as well as the different chirps of various birds. In short, Costa Rica is where you can take the stress out caused by the stress, hustle, and bustle of the urban setting that you are currently living in. However, before you book a flight to Costa Rica, here are some of the Costa Rica travel information tips that would guide you on your trip.

Costa Rica travel information brochures can be acquired by writing to the Costa Rica Chamber of Commerce. But why wait to get the details when you can browse online? Many resorts have websites that will give you maps and valuable information. Travel information will also tell you the best time of year to book your vacation and if the venues are cleaned by Orlando Pest Control.

If you do a good job of searching the Costa Rica travel information you will find that it is not advisable to go to Costa Rica starting from May to July. This is the rainy season in the Republic of Costa Rica. This is when roads start to become muddy. As a result, transferring from one place to another would take a lot of time, which is a waste since you would want your vacation time spent relaxing and visiting the nicest place that Costa Rica could offer. Starting from November up to May is when the waves are ideal for surfing enthusiasts. But if you want to go fishing, January till May is the best time to do so.

Your travel information can never be complete if it does not include the many excellent tourist attractions of the republic. There are numerous national parks including the Arenal Volcano National Park, Santa Rosa National Park, and the Corcovado National Park. There are also religious sites that serve as tourist attractions at the same time such as the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles and Orosi Church and Religious Museum. And of course, the stunning beaches, which are the main attractions in Costa Rica, are very beautiful.

Don’t forget to visit the different towns in Costa Rica which have a lot to offer to foreign visitors. According to several Costa Rica travel information sites, the most beautiful town in this country is the town of Monteverde and Santa Elena. But no matter where you go in Costa Rica, you will be amazed and captivated by all the beauty that nature can give, making your trip very priceless.

Travel Tips For Costa Rica

Costa Rica is mostly a friendly, hospitable, and tropical paradise when one considers it. There are just a few peculiarities about this jewel of the Caribbean before one visits it. One great thing to mention about it is that it is a great place to get sick! That may seem ironic, but Costa Rica is world famous for its excellent health care system. This has brought a certain amount of “medical tourism” to the country.

Getting Around Safely

Before traveling to the wild and jungle zones of Costa Rica, one may be required to travel around its more civilized zones. This may require a great deal of caution as Costa Rica is known for having one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the world. One great example – that is not always obvious – is to avoid a pole or a branch poking out of the road. This is a warning sign that it is a pothole or an open manhole or sinkhole. When you see these symbols steer clear!

Speaking of which, traditional road signs are almost always absent. Even the locals may not know the name of the street or the road they are on. And driving under the influence is never recommended – it could land the DUI driver in prison for up to 3 years. Pedestrians also need to be extra cautious as they have no right of way!

Alternatives and Some “Risks”

Taking a cab or a bus can be safer. Just be sure the cab is red with a yellow triangle. If you fall asleep on the bus, you could wake up without your baggage! The US State Department (TravelState website) has offered warnings that such crimes are on the increase. These seem relatively minor offenses compared to those of other countries in the region (notably Mexico). The wise traveler will always take precautions against theft. Other than the few wily pilferers and unsafe drivers, the rest of the Costa Ricans are very friendly, helpful, and kind.

Nature’s Hazards

Mother Nature and her creations are present in abundance in Costa Rica. It is wise to be aware of these things when one steps on the ground in Central America. Volcanoes are present in the country and should have their own natural warnings. However, there are always fatalities when people and volcanoes get together. If one visits Arenal volcano, it is important not to get to close to the edge or lip and fall in! The same goes if one decides to camp in a quarry or natural ravine. The camper could roll into a deep gully or river. Some do not survive.

The beaches do not have life guards. If one doesn’t know how to swim against a rip tide, it is best to stay out of the waters. Bull sharks and crocodiles are known to inhabit these territories. Be on guard for these stealthy ambush predators!

Jaguars and stray dogs can also be found in the jungles. Jaguars do not usually attack humans. Stray dogs can be found just about anywhere. Do not approach them. Oh, and do not pick up or handle the colorful poison dart frogs. Just admire their beauty from a distance.

Most Important Costa Rica Travel Tips

  1. Costa Rica travel can be exciting, but it is important to stay safe and protect your belongings while you are abroad. Instead of carrying a purse or wallet, you should use a fanny pack or money belt which fits securely around the waist. This will prevent any pickpockets from taking your money and important documents. You should also leave any valuable jewelry at home, or at least locked in the hotel safe if you must bring these items with you. Never leave money or valuables in your room while you are gone.
  2. Only use the red taxis when trying to find a taxi. These taxis are red and they have a license plates with red numbers, making them very easy to spot. At times there are illegal cabs on the streets and these taxis do not have the red numbers and colors. When you get in the taxi look at the meter and make sure it is set at zero. It is possible to negotiate the price of your trip before the meter is started, and if this is the case then you will know before you reach your destination what the exact price is for the fare.
  3. Instead of carrying around your original passport and other important documents take a copy of them and leave the originals locked in the safe at your hotel. This tip while enjoying Costa Rica travel can help you prevent a nightmare of delays and bureaucracy if you do have your wallet or purse stolen. The black market offers a high price for passports and other stolen identification papers, especially when they are from an American citizen.
  4. Use common safety precautions. While Costa Rica does not have a lot of violent crime this activity can occur anywhere and in any country. Only use well-lit parking lots and ATMs, and do not exchange currency out on the street where anyone can see you do so. Never carry more currency than you will need for the day. When driving keep your doors locked and windows rolled up, and never roll down your window while stopped at a traffic light even if someone is trying to get your attention or talk to you.
  5. One Costa Rica travel tip is to watch out for teamwork among thieves. One common technique is for one person to bump into you while another is stealing your money and valuables. If you get a flat tire do not leave your vehicle unmonitored while you change the tire. Another common tactic is for one person to distract you and help with the tire change, while an accomplice is emptying your vehicle of everything that has any value at all.
  6. When shopping and dining out make sure you know what taxes will be imposed. While you are shopping it is important to note that there is a thirteen percent sales tax on purchases, and this can be calculated into the price you pay or added to this amount. Before you make a purchase determine whether the sales tax is included, and do not be afraid to negotiate. In restaurants and bars, there is an added ten percent tax on top of your total price. Tipping is optional but appreciated.
  7. Make sure that you pack properly for Costa Rica travel. Light clothing and natural fabrics are a must, but you will also need a light jacket or sweater for when it is rainy or when the nights turn cool. If you will be exploring the forested areas then boots, jeans, and a long-sleeved shirt should be included in your packing list.

Weather San Jose Costa Rica – Know Before You Retire

San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica so many people would like to know about the weather in San Jose Costa Rica. They would, most likely, include San Jose in their itinerary when they try to travel to that country. Therefore, the weather of San Jose in Costa Rica would certainly be the thing that they would like to find.

In fact, the weather in San Jose Costa Rica would be close to the overall weather of Costa Rica. Since this country is located between the north of the Equator, you would find that Costa Rica has tropical weather throughout the year. There are some microclimates in the country depending on various factors such as rainfall, topography, elevation, etc.

The seasons in Costa Rica are defined by the rainfall of the country. Therefore, you would not find that the definition of the four seasons might be slightly different from the traditional definition in the Northern Hemisphere.

Usually, people in Costa Rica would separate a year into the period of the dry season and the period of the rainy season. The dry season is regarded as summer in weather San Jose Costa Rica while the rainy season would be defined as winter in weather San Jose Costa Rica. Usually, the summer season would go from December to April while the rainy season would be from May to November.

Most of the time, the weather in San Jose Costa Rica would not have a big difference. You can cope with the weather in San Jose most of the time and there is no need for you to worry that you cannot cope with the weather if you live in a country with both summer and winter.

What to do with the weather in San Jose Costa Rica

As mentioned above, summer is defined as the period from December to April. Therefore, you need to find the relevant clothing to suit this weather in San Jose Costa Rica. You should always try to bring warm clothing if you wish to retire in San Jose between May and November because it would be winter in that period according to the weather in San Jose Costa Rica.

Differences between the weather in San Jose Costa Rica and other cities. In Costa Rica, some of the cities near the Caribbean slope would have the larger rainfall when compared to San Jose. The humidity of San Jose would not be very high compared with some other cities in the cities around Caribbean areas.

To conclude, San Jose has weather similar to many of the cities of Costa Rica. You would find that it is quite easy for you to cope with the weather in San Jose Costa Rica especially when you live in a country located in America. You would find that there would not be many differences so you can bring the clothing that you are currently putting on for the tour to Costa Rica. Of course, if you are living in the other part of the world you have to find the information about the weather in San Jose before you retire in Costa Rica.