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“¡Bienvenidos!”
recreo represents an unprecedented new level of supreme luxury. As our honored guest, we want you to experience the ultimate in personalized indulgence.
Your personal concierge will arrange and customize your getaway from start to finish, including chauffeured travel to and from the airport and organization of all off-site tours and expeditions. Relax and refresh in your personal luxury villa. Our villas blend sensitively into the natural environment. The warm sun and ocean breezes await you on your private pool and terrace. Your dedicated chef will rejuvenate your taste buds while your personal maid service provides a clean, pristine sanctuary. Indulge in our full-service gym and spa, or improve your game on our competition-quality tennis court with full support facilities. Visit our on-site stable for horseback riding, or board the recreo boat for tubing, snorkeling and enjoying the sights as our captain circumnavigates the coast. Costa Rica offers the very best in eco-discovery – crystal blue waters, volcanic mountain ranges, breathtaking views, and bountiful plant life and wildlife. After a day of exploring, recreo provides an oasis for relaxation and pampering. Peace, privacy, luxury, and adventure are the qualities that embody recreo. Enjoy your experience at recreo. Our dedicated staff has made every effort to ensure you are completely at home and relaxed during your stay with us! “¡Pura Vida!”
po box 783 mattituck new york 11952 usa tel 877 268 2911 : fax 631 850 5452 www.recreocostarica.com
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Let recreo be a refuge for you, a place where your heart is purer and your mind clearer. recreo is a place where everyone feels extraordinary. Come and enjoy the charm that lies deep in its geographic beauty and sublime lifestyle.
recreo is a private estate in northern Costa Rica, on the Pacific Coast, that can accommodate large and small groups in luxurious private homes. Let us use our energy and expertise to organize your overseas trip.
The
recreo Amenities
All amenities at Recreo are available to our guests at their own convenience.
The Rancho : The Rancho is an outdoor dining area for all occasions. Perched on the mountaintop, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding bays, ocean, national parks, and volcanoes. Spa and Fitness Center : The upscale fitness center includes a weight room, a sauna, a recreation room, and areas for tennis, basketball, and volleyball. Horseback Riding : Horses are housed on-site and are available for nature and wildlife tours, horseback swimming for advanced riders, beachcombing, and trips along the mountain trails. Playa Rajada : This is the closest beach to Recreo and by far the most stunning. Playa Rajada has an amazing combination of dark and white sand, tropical dry plants, and clear water. Expect to spend considerable time there swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and sailing. Playa Jobo : Similar in size to Playa Rajada, this beach is accessible by several entrances and is a quiet spot for beachcombing and sunning. Located on the northern peninsula of the cove are a wide variety of collectible shells and interesting rock formations. Playa Manzanillo : The beach is 5 minutes from Recreo and is a great option for kayaking, snorkeling and fishing. Bahia Salinas : This is the largest bay in northern Costa Rica. It is also the second-windiest area in Costa Rica, making it world renowned for wind- and kite-surfing. Fair Play Shuttle : The fair play shuttle affords our guests reliable and easy access to all adventures in and around Recreo. Resembling a golf cart, this is a true 25 mph electric car designed to provide a smooth and comfortable ride. Tennis : Our tennis court is located next to the Spa and Fitness Center and is fully equipped. Rackets, tennis balls, and ball hoppers are provided to our guests.
www.recreocostarica.com
The
recreo Estates
Recreo is designed for those who want the ultimate in convenience and luxury. With twenty-five private estates to house large or intimate groups, our accommodations are unparalleled. Personalized resort services are provided to all of our guests: Private Pools Private Relaxation Areas Private Golf Carts Personal Cooks Air Conditioning Housekeeping DirectTV
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Internet Access CD and Stereo Equipment Pre-Arrival Bar Stocking Pre-Arrival Grocery Stocking Water Coolers All Linens Hammocks
Activities and Tours
Recreo supplies all equipment to participate in these activities: By Sea : Kayaking Sailing Sport Fishing Deep-Sea Fishing Boating Exploration Waterskiing
Tubing Kite- and Wind-Surfing Underwater Photography Snorkeling Swimming Beachcombing
By Land : Horseback Riding Hiking Bird-Watching Flora and Fauna Nature Excursions
Mountain Biking Local Geography and History Trips
Trips and Tours : White-Water Rafting Bird Island Sanctuary Fishing Golf Lake Arenal, La Fortuna Monteverde Rain and Cloud Forest Tour
Nicaragua Trip Rincon de la Vieja Tour San Jose Trip Surfing Shopping Zoo-Africa Mia
The Climate Recreo is located in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. The climate is tropical, with an average temperature of 83ยบF year-round, providing a constant opportunity to enjoy the sun and outdoor activities. Costa Rica has only two seasons: dry and green! The dry season, generally between December and April, has very little rain, and the green season lasts the rest of the year.
www.recreocostarica.com
activities and tours
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Everyone can enjoy the recreational adventures at recreo. To participate in any of our activities, visit the Welcome Center, where our concierge will be happy to make all the arrangements.
ADVENTURES AT RECREO
Waterskiing
Horseback Riding
Location : Playa Rajada and Playa Jobo Ages 12 and up
Location : Recreo and surrounding area All ages
This fast-paced activity will have you gliding across the water at high speed.
Jalisco and Flor de Cana are Recreo’s docile horses, who live on-site. They will lead the way along the ride. Tours for large and small groups can be easily arranged.
Tubing Location : Playa Rajada and Playa Jobo Ages 12 and up
There is nothing more refreshing than the wind on your face as you zip across the water lying on a tube.
Mountain Biking Location : Recreo and surrounding area Ages 12 and up
Set your own pace as you ride around the 68 acres of Recreo.
Beach Volleyball
The Mountain Top Cantina
Location : Playa Rajada All ages
Location : Recreo All ages
Feel the white sand under your feet as you, your family, and your friends smash and volley the ball over the net.
Enjoy the indoor/outdoor dining area at the top of Recreo Mountain, with spectacular views of the bays, ocean, national parks, and volcanoes. This is the perfect destination to watch the sun rise and set. Play cards and darts, have a family dinner, or share a few cocktails with friends as you take in the mesmerizing surroundings.
Underwater Photography Location : Playa Rajada and Playa Jobo All ages
Encountering the wildlife underwater is incredibly rewarding. Capture on film the countless, bizarre colorful animals below the waters of Playa Rajada and Playa Jobo.
Beach Combing Location : Playa Rajada and Playa Jobo All ages
Comb the beach for hidden treasures; you never know what you’ll find.
Kite-Surfing Location : Playa Copal Half day or full day; Ages 15 and up
A kite-surfing experience for all levels of ability, just minutes from Recreo. You can take lessons or surf on your own all day. (Ideal months to kite-surf: December through April.)
Sunfish
Sport Fishing Location : Playa Rajada and Playa Jobo All ages
Experience the thrill of the rod and reel in your hand as you fish for red snapper, tuna, mahimahi, sailfish, and rooster fish.
Leisure Boat Rides Location : Playa Rajada All ages
Share special moments with friends and family, or cuddle up with someone special, as you view the beautiful landscape from the sea.
Panga Fishing Tour Location : Playa Manzanillo or Rajada Ages 12 and up
Hop aboard this one-man sailboat and cruise around the waters of Playa Rajada.
Dive for fish with the local fisherman of El Jobo. This local’s only boat tour lets you experience the traditional way of fishing- with spears in hand off the side of a “panga”. You will be treated to fresh ceviche as a reward for all your hard work.
Hiking and Nature Walks
Swimming
Location : Recreo and surrounding area All ages
Location : Your private pool or Playa Rajada and Playa Jobo All ages
Explore our 68 acre mountain as you walk along the roads and forests of Recreo. Learn about the area’s plant and animal life and spot iguanas, birds, land crabs, frogs and monkeys along the way.
Enjoy a great day in the sun. Splash, wade, and paddle around a pool, or dive into the ocean.
Location : Playa Rajada Ages 15 and up
ADVENTURES AT RECREO
EXPLORE COSTA RICA
Snorkeling
Rincon de la Vieja Hiking Tour
Location : Playa Rajada and Playa Jobo All ages
Location : Rincon de la Vieja Half Day
Get an up close view of the world beneath the waters off the shores of Playa Rajada and Playa Jobo. An abundance of marine life is waiting to be discovered.
Take this half day tour with an English speaking guide to the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, and hike through steamy sulfuric fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, boiling thermal waters and vapor geysers while exploring the 2 miles of trails in the middle of the rainforest. This tour includes a picnic lunch in the park. For the more experienced hikers, there is the option of climbing to the summit. Best done in the dry season to take advantage of the views.
Scuba Diving Location : Playa Rajada Ages 15 and up
Explore the marine life of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Recreo will arrange for instruction, equipment and guides.
Kayaking Location : Playa Rejada or Manzanillo Beach Ages 12 and up
Surfing Tour Witch’s Rock/Ollies Point Location : Santa Rosa National Park Overnight; All ages
Sea kayaking is one of the most low impact ways to enjoy the beauty of the waters off of Playa Rejada or Manzanillo Beach, known as “fisherman’s beach”, only 5 minutes from Recreo. Your guide will take you to the best spots for viewing wildlife above and below the surface.
This trip is designed for the experienced surfer who likes to go off the beaten path and get the full flavor of what Costa Rican surf is all about. You will enjoy secluded beaches and fall asleep under a sky full of stars in your deluxe tent suspended above a Land Rover Defender. We can get you there in style…….
Yoga
Surfing Tour Nicaragua
Location : Recreo All ages
Location : San Juan del Sur Overnight; All ages
With multiple meditation areas, Recreo is ideal for individuals seeking a purer lifestyle. Group and private instruction are available. We can also provide chefs for the specific dietary needs of yoga groups.
Nicaragua is a surfer’s paradise and Recreo has the benefit of being located just 30 minutes from the border of Nicaragua. Once inside Nicaragua, the quaint surfing town of San Juan Del Sur is only 45 minutes away. Stay overnight at Morgan’s Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge.
Bolaños Bay Bird Island Sanctuary Location : Isla Bolaños Half day; All ages
Bolaños Bay’s Bird Island Sanctuary is a short boat ride away that will take you to the nesting ground for brown pelicans, frigate birds, and American oystercatchers. For anyone who is physically fit, a three-hour hiking tour provides an opportunity to explore the entire island.
Hacienda Guachipelin Location : Rincon de la Vieja Full day; Ages 13 and up
A working cattle ranch set below the Rincon volcano. Raft along the Rio Negro, zip line above the forest canopy, and horseback ride to the spa. Soak in the volcanic mud and hot springs.
Golf Location : Liberia Half day or full day; Ages 12 and up
Tee times can be reserved at the public course Papagayo.
EXPLORE COSTA RICA
Africa Mia
Deep-Sea Fishing
Location : Liberia Half day; All ages
Location : Playa El Coco Half day or full day; Ages 12 and up
This private natural reserve showcases African animals, such as zebras, giraffes, peacocks, and flamingos.
For the serious fisherman, deep-sea fishing tours can be organized. The fishing for sailfish, marlin, rooster fish, tuna, and more is outstanding year round.
Monteverde Rain and Cloud Forest Location : Monteverde Overnight visit; All ages
This national park has activities that everyone can enjoy. Horse-back riding, floating bridges, and hiking all provide an opportunity to spot the Quetzal bird, unique to this forest. You can also visit the cheese factory, butterfly gallery, and serpentarium, where 11 of Costa Rica’s 17 venomous snakes are showcased.
Nicaragua Location : Rivas, Masaya, Managua, Granada and Monkey Island Full day or overnight visit; All ages
Tour five historic cities, including Granada, which was founded in 1524 and is the oldest city in Latin America. Feed the monkeys on Monkey Island, watch the sulfur rise from the active volcano Masaya, purchase souvenirs at the Sioux Indian Market, and dine in three rustic restaurants during your trip.
Colorado River Rafting Location : Liberia Half day; Ages 13 and up
Brave the class I to II waters on a two-person inflatable canoe. This white-water experience is designed for both beginners and those experienced in the sport.
Buena Vista Location : Buena Vista Full day; All ages
Buena Vista is an adventure center for young children and adults. Ride horses, zip-line above the forest, and slide down the large waterslide. Relax in the volcanic mud and thermal hot springs.
Tamarindo Surfing Location : Tamarindo Overnight visit; Ages 13 and up
You can visit the renowned surfing city only three hours from Recreo. For the daring souls who want to learn to surf, lessons are available. For experienced surfers, this city is a thrilling experience.
Volcano Arenal Location : La Fortuna Overnight visit; All ages
Activities such as bungee jumping, ATV rides, and horseback riding will keep everyone entertained during the day, and at night this active volcano is a spectacular sight to see.
Safaris Corobici Location : Canas Half day; All ages
Take a gentle riverboat ride down the Corobici River. Observe exotic trees, plants, and animals along the way. Aracaris, parrots, motmots, cuckoos, and falcons are frequently seen flying around. Monkeys, iguanas, and otters are often spotted during the ride.
Costa Rica Culture Tour Location : El Jobo All Ages
Expand your knowledge of another culture! With our Costa Rican Culture Tour, you will rub elbows with the locals, learn how they can teach us to live more “green” and discover first hand why the Costa Ricans who are affectionately called “ticos” have earned the reputation of being so friendly. All proceeds from this tour are added to the El Jobo fund to help this small town with its most basic needs.
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FITNESS CENTER
To continue your daily exercise routine, or to start a new one, visit Recreo’s Fitness Center, which includes a stateof-the-art weight room and aerobic exercise equipment, as well as TVs and music to keep you entertained while you work out.
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SPA
Pamper yourself at Recreo’s Spa. Improve your circulation and increase your flexibility as you smooth away stress with a steam bath in our Sauna room. Or make an appointment for massage therapy, facials, manicures, and pedicures.
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SPORTS
With beautifully maintained facilities on-site, Recreo offers tennis, basketball, and bocce ball. We have all the necessary equipment available for our guests.
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RADIO CALL CHANNELS
Each house will be equipped with radios for our guests to use. The following channels have been set to assist our guests when they visit.
16 : Emergency 17 : Mountain Top Cantina 18 : Activities 19 : Tennis Court 20 : Conference Center 21 : Welcome Center (front desk)
recreo : 800 west playa rajada el jobo la cruz : guanacaste costa rica po box 783 mattituck new york 11952 usa tel 877 268 2911 : fax 631 850 5452 For more information please visit
www.recreocostarica.com
cuisine
Costa Ricans use the word tico to refer to themselves and their ideals. Known to be friendly, helpful, laid back, unhurried people, their cooking style is a reflection of their way of life. Tico cuisine is full of culture, tradition and amazing flavors. Staples include rice and beans, fruits, and vegetables. The food is not particularly spicy but rather seasoned with natural herbs, most commonly cilantro. Enjoy the homestyle cooking that predominates in Costa Rica, as your personal cook prepares your meals.
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DESAYUNO : BREAKFAST Huevos : eggs, any style Huevos Rancheros : eggs cooked in a tomato-based sauce and served over a tortilla (considered mildly spicy) Torta de Huevo : an omelet with cheese, ham, onions, and/or peppers Tostadas : toast Avena : oatmeal Cereal : cereal Platanos fritos : fried plantains Panqueques : pancakes Jamon : ham Salchichon : sausage Queso Frito : fried cheese with tortilla FRUTAS : FRIUTS Aguacate : avocado Manzana : apple Naranja : orange Melón : cantaloupe Papaya : red and yellow Piña : pineapple Platano : banana Sandía : watermelon Uva : grape ALMUERZO : LUNCH
Emparedado : sandwich Casado : rice, black beans, plantain, and cabbage salad, with meat, chicken, or fish Empanada : a turnover with meat, potatoes, cheese, and beans Boquitas : snacks Gallo : meat, beans, potato, or cheese served with a tortilla Patacones : thick round slices of deep-fried plantains Picadillo : seasoned potatoes and ground beef wrapped in a tortilla Ensalada : a coleslaw-like salad, made with cabbage and tomato Chimmichurri : a salad with tomato, onion, and cilantro CENA : DINNER Arroz con camarones : chopped shrimp with rice and vegetables Arroz con pollo : chopped chicken with rice and vegetables Arroz cantones : chopped pork, ham, and sausage with rice and vegetables
Sopa de pollo : chicken soup Sopa negra : black bean soup Olla de carne : beef stew with yucca and plantains Canelon : stuffed pasta shells with either seasoned ground beef or chicken and melted cheese and sauce Casado : rice and black beans with fish, meat, or chicken Bistec encebollado : steak with onions Chile relleno : red bell peppers stuffed with beef Pollo en salsa : chicken with tomato sauce Pescado : fish, with your choice of whole fish or filet, fried or broiled, or in garlic sauce Pasta : pasta with your choice of a meat, cream or tomato sauce. Chuleta : pork chops Cerdo : pork Carne molida : ground beef Bisteck : steak Pollo : chicken
BEBIDAS : BEVERAGES Café : coffee Te : tea Leche : milk Fresco de frutas : fruit drink Fresco de limon : lemonade Vino : wine Ron : rum Guaro : the national drink of Costa Rica; it is made from sugar cane and is similar to rum Cerveza : beer (Imperial, Pilsen, Bavaria) Refrescos : a refreshing blended shake Pina coladas Tequila LOCAL RESTAURANTS Ecoplaya : This resort has an informal restaurant and bar, that serves international and national dishes. El Cenizaro : Named after the tree centered in the middle of the dinning room, this restaurant serves typical Costa Rican dishes in an open-air atmosphere. La Negra : Known for it’s seafood dishes, this restaurant is located just before the Nicaraguan boarder. Pollo Rico : Located in La Cruz, this casual restaurant serves the finest fried chicken. SPECIAL REQUESTS We will be happy to tailor your menu to meet your dietary needs and preferences.
costa rican wildlife
There are many ways to observe the wildlife and plant life of Costa Rica at recreo. Explore the countryside, spend time at the beach, hike the recreo trails, or even lounge by the pool—all these activities provide the opportunity to see a wide variety of the plants and animals that abound in Costa Rica. COSTA RICAN WILDLIFE Despite its small size, Costa Rica features a greater biodiversity than Europe or North America and at times is referred to as the “biological crossroads” of the world. Costa Rica is home to over 500,000 species of plants and animals: More than 200 species of mammals, 857 species of birds, 11,000 types of insects, 9,000 species of plants, and 1,200 varieties of orchids have been identified throughout the country. Costa Rica has one of the world’s most complex ecosystems, and new species of plants and animals are discovered each year. In 1970, the Costa Rican government developed a National Parks System, and now over a quarter of the land in Costa Rica is protected by a combination of national parks, natural refuges, sanctuaries, conservation areas, and biological reserves. Recreo is situated in the Guanacaste Conservation Area, which is currently home to 65 percent of all the species identified within Costa Rica. Approximately 230,000 plants and animals can be found in the dry forest, reefs, rivers, and beaches of Guanacaste, which has become the site for the largest ecological restoration initiative in the tropics.
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left : spider monkey
hibiscus
MARINE LIFE The main reason Costa Rica has such rich marine life is a phenomenon called “Surgencia.” During Surgencia, the ocean waters cool to a temperature of 16 degrees centigrade in the dry season. When this occurs, the upper layers of the ocean are pushed inward by the trade winds, and the cooler water is brought to the surface, increasing the flora and fauna in the area.
white-faced capuchin monkey
Turtles Six of the world’s eight species of marine turtles nest on the beaches of Costa Rica. Five of these can be found on the Pacific Coast by Recreo: endangered green sea turtles, giant leatherbacks, hawksbill turtles, loggerhead sea turtles, and olive ridley turtles.
Dolphins : Manatees Dolphins : Dolphins are highly social marine mammals living in groups of up to a dozen individuals. They are often frequent visitors during boat rides and snorkeling. They are considered to be among the most intelligent of animals. Manatees : Manatees are large, fully-aquatic marine mammals sometimes known as sea cows. They are slow swimmers, averaging only 3 to 5 miles per hour.
Fish Schools of sailfish, red snapper, needlefish, roosterfish, tuna, Spanish macarole, and mahimahi flourish in the waters of Playa Rajada.
MAMMALS
Monkeys There are four types of monkeys living in Costa Rica, and they are the loudest of all the animals in the jungle. They make their presence known with their roughhousing, howls, chattering, screeches, and roars. White-faced capuchin monkey (or Cebus) : is the smartest and most inquisitive simian. It gets its name from its black body and monk-like white cowl. These monkeys are frequent visitors to Recreo; two other excellent places for seeing them are the Santa Rosa and Manuel Antonio National Parks. Spider monkey : is the most widespread monkey in Central America. Spider monkeys often rattle the branches, bark, and screech loudly when you come across them. They are copper in color and grow to meter and a half in height. Squirrel monkey (or Titi) : is the smallest primate and an endangered species. Squirrel monkeys are always on the go, eating almost anything. Howler monkey : is the largest of the Central American monkeys. A howler monkey weighs as much as ten pounds and roars like a lion. (The sound can be heard up to a mile away.) They are selective eaters and are rarely aggressive. During the wet season, these monkeys migrate to Recreo.
Nocturnal Mammals Raccoons, kinkajous, and opossums are nocturnal and are rarely seen in the daylight. They feed on fruit, lizards, and tarantulas, and can often be seen hunting at night. Raccoon : The same species of raccoon found in North American is also found in Costa Rica. Kinkajou : Kinkajous make a short barking “wee-wee-wee” noise. They have big black eyes and soft woolly fur, and their tails are longer than their bodies. They generally live about 23 years. loggerhead sea turtle
Opossum : Nine out of the 70 known species of opossums are found in Costa Rica. Three common species are the common, the water, and the gray four-eyed opossum. They are marsupials, which means that newborns crawl from the birth canal into the mother’s pouch, where they finish maturing. Porcupine : A porcupine is easily identified by its spiny, blackish coat and its lighter-colored head and belly. Porcupines are arboreal, meaning they spend much of their time in trees. green iguana
Small Mammals Squirrel : There are two species of squirrels found in Costa Rica: the variegated and the agouti. They feed on fruits and seeds. Variegated squirrels are often seen playing with one another or defending their favorite trees against competitors. An agouti looks like a big guinea pig. Skunk : The scent produced from a skunk comes from its anal glands and is used to scare away predators. Three species of skunks can be found in Costa Rica: hog-nosed, spotted, and hooded. All are terrestrial. The hog-nosed skunk is widespread throughout Costa Rica; the spotted and hooded species are less common. Anteater : The anteater in Costa Rica is called the tamandua or collared anteater. It feeds on ants and termites using its long snout to root for the insects in the ground. Because it has no teeth, it swallows the insects whole and then digests them with the sand and gravel found in its stomach. Armadillo : Armadillos are almost blind, but have a keen sense of smell. They are known for their bony armor shell. Armadillos give birth to quadruplets that hatch from the same egg. Coati : The white-nosed coati is a long-tailed member of the raccoon family. Coatis are diurnal, meaning active in the daytime. The males are mostly solitary, although the females and their young live in groups of up to 30. Peccary : Peccaries are a type of wild pig. They have small straight tusks and are known for their strong odor.
Sloth : Sloths have a flat face, beady eyes, and long arms. They also have long claws for climbing trees, where they spend most of their time. They are most well-known for their slow movements, a manifestation of their slow metabolism.
Large Mammals Deer : The same white-tailed deer that is found in North America can also be seen in the rain forest of Costa Rica. Santa Rosa National Park, minutes from Recreo, has the largest population of deer in Guanacaste. Wildcat : Six different species of wildcats exist in Costa Rica: the tigrillo, margay, ocelot, jaguarundi, puma, and jaguar. Today these cats are rarely seen in the wild because of the loss of their natural habitat. They can be seen in the country’s nature reserves. Fox and Coyote : The brown-gray coyote and the nocturnal gray fox are found mostly in the northwest region of Costa Rica. The coyote is a close relative of the graywolf although it is smaller. Foxes are also members of the dog family although they are even smaller, about the size of a house cat.
Bats Bats make up half of all the mammal species found in Costa Rica. Today 100 types of bats can be found, including two very rare ones: the Caribbean white bat and the ghost bat.
BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS Costa Rica has 1,250 species of butterflies and 8,000 species of moths. They are commonly seen year-round but are more predominant in the rainy season. Some of the common butterflies and moths include:
red-eyed tree frog
Thoas Swallowtail Marpesia Berania Doxocopa Laure Banned Peacock
Zebra Longwing Morpho Butterfly Green Page Moth
REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS
FLORA
Iguanas : Lizards : Geckos
The plant life in Costa Rica is abundant, with 13,000 species having been identified to date.
Iguana : There are two types of iguanas living in Costa Rica today: the green and the black iguana. They can grow to 2 meters in length and spend most of their time high up in the rainforest canopy. Lizard : Generally seen at the beaches, the lizards do not sit still for very long. One species, the Jesus Christ lizard, is known to run across water to escape enemies. Gecko : Geckos are easily spotted. They like to climb smooth walls using the sticky pads on their feet. Geckos are harmless, at times you can see them crawling on the outside walls of your home. Their presence is welcomed in tropical regious because they feed on insect pests.
Frogs By living and breeding in the canopies of trees rather than in permanent bodies of water, many of the frogs and toads found in Costa Rica are considered specialized amphibians. There are 35 species of Eleutherodactylus frogs, 26 species of hyla (tree) frogs, and 13 species of glass frogs. The more exotic species are extremely colorful, with striking yellows, scarlets, purples, and blues which serve as natural warnings to predators of their toxicity. It is strongly advised that you do not pick up a frog if you come across one, as some of the toxins they secrete from their skin are fairly strong.
BIRDS Over 850 species of birds have been identified in Costa Rica, and bird-watching is one of the country’s main attractions. There are over 50 species of hummingbirds, 15 species of parrots, 6 species of toucans, 75 different flycatchers, 45 varieties of tanagers, 29 types of antbirds, and 19 species of cotingas.
Flowers The national flower is the Guaria Morada, a type of orchid. With 1,500 species of orchids, Costa Rica provides much of the world’s supply. Other flowering plants include bougainvillea, heliconia, impatiens, hibiscus, and angel’s trumpet.
Trees Many of Costa Rica’s 900 species of trees blossom at different times of the year. The deciduous tress found in the Guanacaste area cover the forest with beautiful reds, yellows, oranges, and pinks at the beginning of the dry season. In Guanacaste you can spot various fruit trees, forest vines, poro, jacaranda, and corteza, in addition to the guanacaste tree for which the region was named.
NATIONAL PARKS Several national parks are in close proximity to Recreo and provide additional opportunities to get an up-close view of the ecosystem unique to northern Costa Rica. These include: Santa Rosa National Park Bolaños Bay Bird Island Sanctuary Africa Mia Zoo Monteverde Rain and Cloud Forest Arenal Fortuna Rincon de la Vieja National Park
A few more birds that can be found in Costa Rica are: Frigate Bird Kingfisher Spoonbill Motmot
Trogon Woodpecker Wood Stork Egret
thoas swallowtail butterfly
Bellbird Caracara Pelican Heron
recreo : 800 west playa rajada el jobo la cruz : guanacaste costa rica po box 783 mattituck new york 11952 usa tel 877 268 2911 : fax 631 850 5452 For more information please visit parrot
www.recreocostarica.com
guanacaste province : northwest region
To Nicaragua 26 km / 20 mi
POLLO RICO RESTAURANT SUPERMERCADO
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C L IN IC
To Liberia 80 km / 67 mi
P O L IC E
E L J O BO To Cuajiniquil & Junquillal Beach
P L AYA M ANZ A N IL L O G UEST HOUS E
FRO M
Emergency : 16
Playa Rajada : 0.6 km / 0.4 mi
Mountain Top Cantina : 17
Playa Jobo : 2.5 km / 1.5 mi
Activities : 18
El Jobo : 1 km / 0.6 mi
Tennis Courts : 19
Playa Manzanillo : 3 km / 1.9 mi
Conference Center : 20
Bolaños Bay : 4.7 km / 2.9 mi
Welcome Center : 21
El Cenizaro : 4.5 km / 2.8 mi
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to
Ecoplaya : 2.5 km / 1.5 mi Kite-Surfing Center : 6 km / 3.7 mi
recreo : 800 west playa rajada : el jobo : la cruz : guanacaste : costa rica po box 783 mattituck new york 11952 usa
Kristine Pawlowski, Property Manager
La Cruz : 13 km / 8 mi
tel 877 268 2911 : fax 631 850 5452
Cell (Costa Rica) : 8351 6732
Liberia Airport : 80 km / 67 mi
www.recreocostarica.com
Int’l : 011 506 8351 6732
Nicaragua Border : 26 km / 20 mi
BO JO
PL
A
YA
11
5 6
4
M O UNTAI N TO P CANTI NA
13 14
YO GA
3 7 HORSE BARN
2
18
15
8 17
10 W E LCO ME C E NTER
9
1
YO GA HORSE PA D D O C K
EN
22 FRUIT O R C H A RD
TR
To Playa Rajada 0.6 km / 0.4 mi
AN
AY
20 19
CE
TENNI S CO URTS
CO NFERENC E RO O M W
PL
21
ES
T
PL
AYA
RAJA
DA
RO
AD
To El Jobo, Playa Jobo & Bola単os Bay A
R
SPA & F I TNESS C ENTER
A
JA D A
villa rates
BUNGALOW
$5,610.00 High season : November 15 through December 15; January 6 through April 25.
$8,250.00 Holiday season : Thanksgiving week, December 16 through January 5.
$4,488.00 Green season : April 26 through November 14.
THREE-BEDROOM VILLA
$7,500.00 High season : November 15 through December 15; January 6 through April 25.
$11,200.00 Holiday season : Thanksgiving week, December 16 through January 5.
$5,800.00 Green season : April 26 through November 14.
FOUR-BEDROOM VILLA
$10,200.00 High season : November 15 through December 15; January 6 through April 25.
$15,400.00 Holiday season : Thanksgiving week, December 16 through January 5.
$8,000.00 Green season : April 26 through November 14.
FIVE-BEDROOM VILLA
$15,100.00 High season : November 15 through December 15; January 6 through April 25.
recreo
sm
$21,700.00 Holiday season : Thanksgiving week, December 16 through January 5.
$12,900.00 Green season : April 26 through November 14.
costa rica : explore : experience
Prices are for a 7-night, 8-day stay and do not include tax.