HOWLER May 2019
C o s ta R i c a Li fest yle, T ravel & A dve nture
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Los Quetzales National Park A Costa Rican
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EDITORIAL
It’s a World Effort, But Has to Start Somewhere
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f you're from a country with firstworld privileges, then taking pride in our community here in Costa Rica might not come naturally. Most of us have been raised in areas where people take for granted the resources at their fingertips. Arriving in other places around the world, we might start referring to what we were accustomed to “back home.” Well, you are not in Kansas anymore Dorothy … you are out in the WORLD. It was our previous mindset not to even think twice whether the water coming out of the tap was clean; we would just drink it. When we turned a light on, it stayed on because our infrastructure has been developed to accommodate our needs. Our garbage was put out on certain days and some waste management company sent high-tech trucks to pick up our trash and also our recycling. We flushed the toilet and it was gone away and treated. These are the kind of things we didn’t think much about in our home countries, before arriving in a place
where such issues can be challenging. This is not unique to Costa Rica, but a situation being grappled with worldwide. Most of the developing world is seeking solutions for the safe disposal of the massive amounts of garbage that all of us produce each year. This globally critical issue has been compounded by China's recent refusal to be a dumping ground for the world's waste. This compounds problems in countries that have exported their waste to China in the past. I see it as a wakeup call to stop using items that cannot be recycled or properly disposed of. Plastic is the worst offender, causing many threats to our ecosystem. Costa Rica has recently stated its national goal to become plasticfree by 2021. This is a monumental undertaking. It will take the efforts of each individual, as well as companies and importers of products to make this happen. In your own daily life, try to get through a single day without using plastic that you would normally throw away. It seems like an easy thing until you actually try. Most consumable products are wrapped in plastic; then there are straws, bottles and bags, just to name a few. A couple of years ago, Max Machum, a 12-year-old boy, made the effort to expose what drinking straws do to our environment and our wildlife. Every time I go into a place that still serves drinks with a plastic straw, I am amazed by the lack of awareness. Thanks to Max’s efforts,
however, things are changing. More often now, I am offered the option of no straw, or a paper or bamboo straw. When I shop at AutoMercado, I don’t see plastic bags anymore. This company has clearly made the effort to stop the perpetuation of single-use plastic bags. As an emerging country, Costa Rica is making great strides in many areas to protect its environment. Some skeptics call it a “greenwash”, and yes, in some cases that might be true. But I believe this may be one of the few places on earth that really does care about its eco-image to the world. Each of us has a duty to keep this gem green and protect it. Visiting tourists are reminded at the airport to enjoy, but not remove, natural items. Also, do not leave unnatural items that will affect the natural ones. We all must strive to make this world a better place to live, for ourselves and future inhabitants. Some rightfully say that print is a cause of environmental harm. We sought out a printer that uses eco inks and recycled paper. We are also proud of being in the unique position of knowing that Howler copies are kept and shared by many readers. Thanks to our great writers, photographers and design team, Howler is not merely glanced at over a beer and then tossed … or worse, not picked up from the newsstand.
John B. Quam
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HOWLER T r o o p
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his month's cover art was created by Holland Henton. Once Holland saw the quetzel photo, it just felt more like a portrait painting than a photo. Along with the National Park being so majestic, the piece just fell together as a masterpiece inspired by the Mona Lisa.
Holland Henton. Holland's creative work has been awarded with an Emmy, winner of The AICP Show for Advertising Excellence / Campaign and made a part of the archives of the Department of Film at The Museum of Modern Art in New York. His work has been honored in The New York Art Directors Club, Graphics, Archive, The One Show, Communication Arts and inducted in the Madison Avenue Walk of Fame for the Southwest Airlines slogan— “Ding! You are now free to move about the country!” Out of all the titles Holland holds the one he prefers most is — “Dad.”
WRITERS Sylvia Barreto Benites. Owner of Spanish for Expats, a tutoring and translation service. spanishforexpats23@gmail.com Joanna Blanco. An integrative nutritional health coach who helps clients embrace wellness in five inter-connected areas of life: relationships, livelihood, physical activity, spiritual awareness and diet. Juan Diego Evangelista. Owner of Cheboards and native of Argentina. JD has been a dedicated surfer and surfboard shaper since he was a little boy. He lives with his family in Tamarindo. Ivan Granados. Managing Partner at GM Attorneys. He specializes in real estate and corporate law. igranados@gmattorneyscr.com Ellen Zoe Golden. Former entertainment biz PR flack, now living the dream as a travel agent and journalist in Tamarindo. Ben Harris. Dive Officer with Sea Shepherd crews, assisting with local logistics, deck and media. Dive experience in Galapagos, Cocos, Malpelo and Coiba. Marian Paniagua. Certified nurse and yoga Instructor, and local artisan, born and raised in Guanacaste. 8914-0199. marianpaniagua@gmail. com Jenn Parker. An avid writer, traveler, and nature lover on a mission to surf the earth and share her stories. Nicole Rangel. Managing Editor of Howler and freelance writer and editor. Making memories forever with her family. nicole.rangel@gmail.com Fabricio Riggioni. Investment Consultant at NATIVU. 8301-0663. fabricio@nativu.com Tom Schultz. BS Biology and Geology, avid birder and nature photographer, retired software executive. tom@pananima.com
Patricia Sterman. Argentinian fashion design graduate, living in Costa Rica for 20 years. Owner of Azul Profundo Boutique, jewelry manufacturer and co-founder of SalveMonos animal protection group. Valerie Veer. Co-owner of V3 Reptiles, with enthusiasm for herpetoculture and nature in general, paired with long-time interest in photography. Rachel Cherry White. Chases the sun from Michigan to Costa Rica with her four children and husband. She is a contributor to Fodor’s Guide to Costa Rica, Michigan HOME & Lifestyle and online. She is working on a novel. Tatiana Vandruff. Principal LEED GA, at Grupo Pacifico Architects and Builders, sustainable design and construction for over 30 years. www. grupopaciticocr.com or tvandruff@grupopacificocr. comm
PHOTOGRAPHERS Marco Diaz. Biologist and professional photographer for more than 15 years, focused on Costa Rican nature, rural and urban landscape. marcodiazphoto@gmail.com Phone: 8331 4284. . marcodiazbodas.myportfolio.com Marcel Freitez. Venezuelan-born photographer, in Costa Rica since 2014. Nature and surfing are his main interests. shakamediainfo@gmail.com 8330 5436. Joel Guy. Lives in Hawaii. Damien Poullenot. An accomplished international photographer from France. José Gerardo Suárez Monge. Professional photographer, graphic designer and author of seven Costa Rican historical photo books. Call 7062-3086 or 8794-7679. Nahuel Sebastian Pini Steffich. Enjoys photography. Lives in Tamarindo.
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May 2019 Vol. 24 No. 5 PUBLISHER / EDITOR-in-CHIEF John B. Quam BUSINESS DEVELOpmENT Martin Svoboda - Managing Partner John D. Lane - Director of Business Development C r e at i v e D i r e c t o r Martin Svoboda E d i t o r i a l S ta f f Nicole Rangel - Managing Editor Debbie Bride - Copy Editor Marian Paniagua - Creative Director Pura Vida and ACE departments Graphic Design Cover Design - Holland Henton M. Alauddin - Print Specialist O p e r at i o n s Nikki Durling Floribeth Rodriguez Rosales C o n ta c t
John Quam - Managing Partner headmonkey@howlermag.com Martin Svoboda - Managing Partner martin@howlermag.com Editor: editor@howlermag.com Advertising: ads@howlermag.com CR Office: (506) 4701-5942 US Office: (720) 507-7596 (leave message) Howler Magazine Costa Rica @thehowlermag @howlermagazine The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A. Ced. Juridica: 3-101-725213 The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Howler organization or its advertisers. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests write to: info@howlermag.com. The Howler Magazine does not assume responsibility for the content of its advertisements. Images not credited are acquired from stock photography services.
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HOWLER
CO N T E N T S
Costa Rica's Shangri-La Cover Story
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Up Front
4 - Editorial 6 - Contributors and Howler Troop 10 - Community Services 14 - Cover Story: Los Quetzales National Park
18 Travel & Adventure 18 - Feature: On the Road to Shambhala 24 - Cool Places: Santa Teresa Time 28 - Creature Feature: Mussurana
Santa Teresa Cool Places
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30 ACE - Arts Culture Entertainment
30 - Cultural Heritage: Costa Rican Flag 32 - Museum: Children's Museum of Costa Rica 34 - Urban Tourism: El Mercado Central - San José
36 Pura Vida - Living Costa Rica
36 - Education Spotlight: Educarte, a Head Start 38 - Spanish: The Gender of Nouns Part 2 40 - Yoga Wisdom: Mantras and Affirmations
42 CR Biz
Costa Rica Flag Cultural Heritage
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42 - Feature: Reserva Conchal Sustainable Waste Practices 44 - Doing Business Right: Say No to Plastic 46 - Entrepreneur CR: Your Business and Your Health 48 - Entrepreneur CR: Big Brand or Small Boutique? 50 - Investment Chat: Innovation and Creativity 52 - Building CR: How Much Will it Cost? 54 - LegalEase: VAT - Tenants and Owners
58 Directories Flip Mini-Mags Surfing CR & Dining Guide IDE G GU DININ
SURFING HOWLER
COSTA RICA
May 2019
R
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Say No to Plastic Doing Business Right
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Surf Trek with CHE
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Chooses Costa Rica
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COVER STORY Los Quetzales National Park
Costa Rica’s Shangri-La by Tom Schultz
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View of Dota region from Cerro de la Muerte.
Resplendent quetzal - the signature sight in the area.
S
hangri-La, the mythical, magical, cloud-shrouded village hidden high in the mountains, was described in the 1933 novel “Lost Horizon” by British author James Hilton. Does a place like this really exist? Perhaps in Costa Rica it does. The legendary history of two little towns, San Gerardo de Dota and Providencia, nestled high in mountain valleys following streams is shared in our related story on page 18, “On the Road to Shambhala.” Separating these
two towns is a vast forest spanning more than 5,000 hectares, which in 2006 became the site for Los Quetzales National Park. This park was created to protect the habitat of its prized namesake bird, the resplendent quetzal, but the surprise is really found in its cloud forests and “tropical alpine” attributes. So indeed, Costa Rica has its Shangri-La. This is my personal favorite spot in the entire country, and one of my favorites in the whole world. The
national park and Dota region have a beauty and allure like nowhere else in the country. From its access point at the highest elevation of 10,000 feet, close to Cerro de la Muerte, you can drive on a public highway to beautiful, alpine-like villages on either side, plunging down through valleys cut by the Brujo or Savegre Rivers, respectively. Cool, crisp air and pristine, crystal-clear streams are part of the environment for plants, animals and birds found only at these higher
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High elevation thistle you find in the páramo.
Savegre Waterfall in San Geraldo.
Scientists opted for the name ‘páramo’ because the ‘tropical alpine’ designation seemed oxymoronic. 16
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Sooty thrush eating berries: one of the endemic (unique) birds seen only in these high-elevation areas. Photos: Tom Schultz
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elevations. You are also surrounded by wonderful forests — cloud forests — not as famous as Monteverde’s but just as beautiful. Huge boulders, remnants of erosion and even glaciation, dot the landscape. Kilometers of hiking trails take you deep into the forest, to hidden waterfalls and small glacially made lakes. Bright blue morning skies give way to mist and fog in the afternoon, providing a magical end to each day. This is a unique alpine ecosystem found only in the intertropical areas from Costa Rica and Panama south to Colombia, Ecuador and Northern Peru. Scientists opted for the name “páramo” because the tropical alpine designation seemed oxymoronic. Low-growing shrubs and mosses, dwarf trees and lichens make for a remarkably beautiful but stark environment for a usually cool walk. Unique, endemic plants, animals and birds inhabit this zone, making it a draw for botanists, and especially birdwatchers. Half of Costa Rica’s endemic birds can be found here. This area is so special, it’s advisable to break up your visit into three parts: Los Quetzales National Park, then separate visits to Providencia and San Gerardo de Dota. (Again, see the related story on page 18 for details about the latter two locales.)
Getting There
From San José, take the South Interamerican Highway to Perez Zeledón, which takes about two hours. From places like Quepos and Dominical in the south, travel north to Perez Zeledón. This also takes around two hours. At approximately the 76-kilometer point you reach Chespiritos #1 Restaurant, one of the so-called “rest stops/truck stops” from the days when this was the ONLY route north or south. It is on your left if coming from the north, right if from the south. The national park entrance and headquarters are right across the street.
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Visiting Los Quetzales National Park
The park headquarters has ample parking space and facilities. If you have not done so already, warm up with a cup of coffee and use the restaurant facilities across the street. Entrance fees (although often not requested) are the same for any national park: 1,500 colones for nationals and $15 for foreigners. Two park trails exist in the small area accessible to tourists. Take the shorter, 400-meter Circular trail for a less extensive introduction to the area. The longer Ojo de Agua trail is a linear 2-kilometer walk in each direction. If you can only choose one trail, I recommend walking at least part of the Ojo de Agua route. Starting at 10,000 feet, it goes through the secondary-growth forest as you walk down to the end. More impressively, small sections near the beginning of the trail expose you to the very special páramo ecosystem. Mornings are the best time to visit the park, even during the dry season, since the clouds and mist roll in like clockwork in the early afternoon. And dress for cool, if not cold, weather. We carried ski caps and gloves during our last visit in December. Bundle up for your hike and enjoy being in a totally different alpine world!
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FEATURE
Male quetzal - only the males have the tails.
On the Road to Shambhala
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
The quetzal started to bring hundreds and hundreds of tourists to the area.
Providencia and San Geraldo de Dota by Tom Schultz
W
ith Los Quetzales National Park coming as close as it gets in Costa Rica to the fabled Shangri-La (see Cover Story, page 14), the bordering valley villages of Providencia and San Gerardo de Dota might be the Shambhala of this ineffable area. Shambhala is an alternate name for “paradise on earth” in its original Tibetan language and source. The reallife tale of these two towns is every bit as enchanting. What is literally a “road to Shambhala” legend starts with Costa Rica’s 1937 agreement to build its part of the Pan-American Highway (now called the Inter-American Highway, or Route 2). Survey teams seeking a suitable route for the 110-kilometer section of road from Cartago to San Isidro had to support themselves in the remote Talamanca mountains. While hunting for food, particularly moras (wild blackberries), they followed the Brujo River and found a high fertile valley that could sustain families. Declaring it was “providence” that led them there, they stayed, built houses, and named their tiny community Providencia. World War II and Costa Rica’s short-lived civil war of 1948 slowed construction of the Pan-American Highway. But by the early 1950s, it was pushing its way south, opening up areas that had previously lacked access. Efraín Chacón, cutting his way down the slope hunting for wild peccary, came across yet another undiscovered, unnamed valley, dense with oak and aguacatillo (wild avocado) trees. Along
the base of the valley ran the Savegre River, fed by the pure waters of Mount Chirripo. Like settlers in the nearby Providencia valley, Chacón was so taken by the surrounding beauty, he decided to stay permanently.
Lured by wild trout The settlers in Providencia started to farm, and to plant coffee, now considered among the world’s best, while Efrain cut trees to clear farmland. He discovered that the stream was full of wild trout to catch and eat. During Costa Rica’s civil war, Chacón had fought alongside President José Figueres, known affectionately as “Don Pepe.” The former president, who abolished Costa Rica’s military in 1949, liked fishing trout and thus became an occasional visitor to the Chacón family farm. Over time, the location proved so popular with the friends and other diplomats joining Figueres on these fishing trips that the area’s first lodge, Savegre, was opened. Savegre Lodge became a well-kept secret in angler circles until some visitors came along who were also interested in birds. As it turned out, aguacatillo tress are the favorite food for what may be Costa Rica’s most impressive bird — the resplendent quetzal. The rest, as they say, is history. The quetzal started to bring hundreds and hundreds of tourists to the area and the village of San Gerardo de Dota took form.
Road to San Geraldo de Dota
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Miriam's - known for its food and deck view bird feeders. You can see a dozen birds only found in the Dota region. Photo: Marco Diaz
Silence is better for finding birds and animals. Photo: Tom Schultz
Rainbow over Savegre River near Savegre Lodge in San Geraldo. Photo: Tom Schultz
Visiting Providencia From the senderos (hiking trails) area of Los Quetzales National Park, take the road to Providencia. It’s a 12-kilometer drive down a winding dirt road along the Brujo River, dropping in elevation from 10,000 to about 6,000 feet (3,000 to 1,000 meters). In good times the road is … well, okay … but during rainy season, pretty bad. A 4 x 4 vehicle is always best suited for the trip. In your winding downward descent, the forest around you changes. It gets a little warmer, the species of plants and birds change. Eventually, you come to cleared areas and small farms, surrounded by rising cliffs and large boulders. Boulders have become the latest attraction to the Providencia area, for
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Hiking along the river and through the boulders on the trail to the Savegre waterfall. Photo: Tom Schultz
free climbers and the sport of bouldering. There is even a yearly Bouldering Festival held in late March or early April. Providencia itself is very small and divided into four barrios: La Roca, La Piedra, Zapotal and El Centro. These four areas were reportedly named for the original settlers, who all built crude cave-like dwellings using overhangs of boulders for their roofs. There are few “tourist” places to stay or eat here, except for the new, rather nice, glamping cabins of Tami Lodge and the associated Cascada del Savegre restaurant. For me, the highlight is in La Piedra, where Ana and Enrique Calderon Aguero offer cabinas and a small restaurant, La Cabina la Piedra. Ana told us in Spanish (the couple speaks no English) that her
father was one of the founding fathers of Providencia, having discovered the locale and planted the first coffee there, and where the family still operates a small coffee plantation. If you visit for a meal or stay the night, Ana toasts the coffee right before your eyes and serves wonderful traditional meals. Hiking, rock climbing and swimming in wonderful streams also await in this exquisitely isolated place, as if from another time and place. Hummingbirds, tropical flowers and lush plant life abound. There is no good way to continue down the mountain from Providencia. It truly is the end of the road, so back up before starting your return trip. howlermag.com
How to spot a quetzal… just look for the crowd. Photo: Tom Schultz
BRAULIO CARRILLO • JACÓ
Acorn woodpecker - one of the more visible and unique birds found in these high elevations … so clownish-looking. Photo: Tom Schultz
Road to Providencia … it can be a little difficult at times … especially when storms cause trees to fall across the road! Photo: Tom Schultz
Visiting San Gerardo de Dota Much better known than Providencia and much more developed, San Geraldo de Dota has become a world-renowned mecca for birdwatching. From January into April, it is filled with people who come mainly for one thing: the resplendent quetzal. Tourists fill the roads, gazing into the fruiting aguacatillo trees for the amazing sight of a male quetzal. It’s worth the trip alone just to see one. However, San Geraldo has so much more to offer. Approach the town by driving south about 2 kilometers from the national park headquarters, then turn right and head further down that road. Although the road is (was) paved, damage from Tropical Storm Nate in October 2017 has made some sections barely passable with one lane, and the surface is pretty much destroyed. It’s possible
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Volcano hummingbird - found only in these páramo ecosystems. Photo: Tom Schultz Savegre River valley, home of San Geraldo Photos: Marco Diaz
Dantica Lodge in San Geraldo, one of the many top notch places you can stay. Photos: Marco Diaz
to drive a car, but a 4 x 4 would be a much better choice. Your first stop, about 1,000 feet down the road, is Miriam's Cabinas and Restaurant. Inside this unimposing structure is easily the best restaurant in the area. The small, typically furnished eatery — usually with a fire lit in the woodburning stove in the corner — is famous for its scenic views of the Savegre River valley from a small deck at the back. Even more famous are the bird feeders, where you might spot 15 or more of the 23 endemic birds found only in this region. The food at Miriam's is wonderful too, with trout — no surprise — being a signature dish. If that is not your fare, simply walk across the street to Costa Rica’s loftiest pizzeria, its mountain location elevated above 9,000 feet. Cafe Joannes Paulus II offers cold beer and good pizza, not to mention bird feeders and a hiking trail behind leading to a waterfall. Again, plan for a relaxing late afternoon meal; the sun was still shining when we ordered our
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Cloud forest fungus art. Photo: Tom Schultz
pizza, but by the time it arrived, the mist and fog had started rolling in. As you continue down … and further down … towards the town you will start to emerge from any mist and cross over a bridge. If the time of day and conditions are right, start looking in the trees for a quetzal, or at least start looking for the crowds of birdwatchers looking at one. The area from here on, is prime quetzal territory, so keep an eye out. After passing several newer large lodges, then finally crossing through the center of San Geraldo, you come to the end of the road. The famous Savegre Lodge is there on the left, and a few other lodges also. At about 7,000 feet elevation, the air feels a bit warmer, but still cool and crisp. From the end of the road, a trail takes you back to the Savegre waterfall. Although hurricane damage has blocked some portions, it is still a wonderful hike. You will also find several restaurants, a small botanical garden and a viviero selling high-elevation plants. In addition,
there are places to mountain bike or take horseback trips into the forest, and there is just no end to the natural beauty.
High-season getaway Dota is a favorite year-end holiday getaway for us. Since the birdwatching crowds do not start arriving until the middle of January, and most locals prefer beach destinations for Christmas and New Year’s, it is easy to book one of the lodges here with in-room fireplaces (there are a few). We bring along our Christmas music, wine and cheese, to enjoy a relatively cold night and cool day or two in the North American holiday spirit. This past year, we experienced it standing on a bridge with the Savegre River rushing under it, watching a rainbow over the lodge near sunset. Then with the full moon rising, and our noses taking in the cold air and scent of fireplaces in the early evening ... it was, for a moment, Shambhala. howlermag.com
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Santa Teresa Time
COOL PLACES
Just While Away Your Day by Rachel Cherry White
This laid-back town emits pura vida vibes, which means things move at a slower pace.
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n the Nicoya Peninsula’s southwest coast sits the idyllic village of Santa Teresa. A haven for surfers, hippies and tourists, not to mention Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen, this dusty little community has everything you need for a perfect vacation: breathtaking beaches, protected nature, a multicultural mix of dining spots, wellness and just plain relaxation. Obviously, it is worth the time and
effort, but getting to Santa Teresa is a bit tricky. From the north on route 21 in Guanacaste — surprise, surprise — there is no straight shot. You must drive all the way down the east coast of Nicoya Peninsula and around the south tip, heading north. Coming from places east or north and reaching Puntarenas, there’s a ferry that will take you across the Gulf of Nicoya or planes that fly into Tambor. From there, it’s about a 50-minute drive.
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Bask in the Sand The main coastal attraction in town is Playa Carmen, a Blue Flag beach within walking distance of the hotels and restaurants making up Santa Teresa’s main drag. Soft, white-sugar sand lined with palm trees makes this picturesque shoreline ideal for soaking up the sun. The beach breaks and consistent swells make it ideal for every level of surfer. Swimmers need to watch for rip currents. Just to the north of town is Playa Santa
Teresa, ranked high on “Most Beautiful Beaches in the World” lists. The farther north you go, the more deserted this beach becomes, making it your own private utopia.
Embrace nature Just seven miles south of Malpais is Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, a 4.5-square-mile habitat for whitefaced and howler monkeys, deer, coatis, sloths and lots of birds. Opportunities
to spot these creatures are your bonus reward for the strenuous three-mile hike (each way) through tropical forest to the gorgeous Playa Cabo Blanco. The beach is pretty rocky and not ideal for swimming, but glorious for cooling off after the ups and downs of the hiking trail path. If you decide to make the trek, start as early as you can to beat the intense heat and humidity, and bring plenty of water. Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is open Wednesday through Sunday weekly.
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History Tinged by Tragedy
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he Cabo Blanco area has a fascinating history, tinged by tragedy but with a favorable outcome. Until the 1960s, severe deforestation had taken its toll on the landscape. Nicolas Wessberg and Karen Mogensen, a Eurpean couple chasing their Costa Rican dream, were troubled by what they saw happening and appealed to the international community for help. These forest preservation efforts were the genesis of Costa Rica’s first protected area, and the founding of its National Park Service (SINAC). Wessberg was later murdered in the Osa Peninsula, where he was researching the area for a potential national park. His contributions as a conservationist are memorialized in a park north of Montezuma, Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve.
Tempt your tastebuds People from around the world have settled in Santa Teresa, giving it a rich and varied culinary scene. You will find something to satisfy all appetites, from fun fish markets, sushi with a Japanese chef and homemade Italian pasta, to authentic French bakeries and of course, the ubiquitous seafood.
Be well
Photo: Tom Schultz
With a myriad of yoga shalas, pilates studios, spas, holistic clinics and fitness centers — whatever your mind, body or soul needs — Santa Teresa will not disappoint. This laid-back town emits pura vida vibes, which means things move at a slower pace, giving the wellness seeker every opportunity to indulge in the abundant treatments the town has to offer.
Relax When welcoming visiting friends from the U.S. recently, I asked, “Where are you planning to go while you’re here?” My friend smirked. “We’ll be dividing our time between the beach and the pool,” he said. When I take a vacation, I always try to see everything, do everything, and … um, eat everything. But my friends taught me an important lesson. Relax. Everything you need is right in front of you. No need to go chasing the coolest yoga class, the best brunch spot, the swankiest souvenir shops. Santa Teresa is perfect for strolling down to the beach at sunset and spending time with friends and family. It’s perfect for kicking back with a beer and a book, just whiling the day away. It’s a different time zone, where you’re never late and no one is in a hurry. It’s Santa Teresa time.
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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 27
CREATURE FEATURE
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
This snake poses no danger to humans.
Mussurana by Valerie Veer
More Friend Than Foe, Except to Other Snakes
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he mussurana (clelia clelia) is a medium-sized snake species in the colubrid genus. It is found primarily in a geographic region that includes Costa Rica, extending from Guatemala south to Brazil. Most Ticos know the snake by the name zopilota. The average adult length is between 1.5 and 1.6 meters (4.9 and 5.2 feet), but some grow up to 2.4 meters (7.9 feet), with females being longer. This egg-laying breed of snake changes in appearance at different life stages. Juveniles have a whitish-yellow ventral color and light pink dorsal surface, which becomes lead-blue when they mature. Mussurana are mostly snake eaters, using the 10 to 15 strong teeth at the back of their mouths to grasp the head of their prey. They then coil around
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their prey, killing it by constriction. The ingested snake’s long body is compressed as a wave in order to move through the mussurana’s gastrointestinal system. They are immune to the venom of most other snakes that they feed upon, particularly pit vipers, but not to the venom of coral snakes. With their preferred habitat being dense ground-level vegetation, mussurana will also feed on available small mammals in the absence of other snakes. While rear-fanged and mildly venomous, this snake poses no danger to humans. It rarely strikes, even while being handled. Even if it did strike, the rear fangs would make envenomation difficult unless it had time to chew. In some regions, mussurana are even kept as pets by farmers to keep pit vipers away
from their livestock. Very few human envenomations have been reported and they were not fatal. Attempts were made in Brazil to breed and release large numbers of mussuranas for the control of pit vipers. Although this plan did not work very well, the mussuranas continued to be used to keep venomous snake populations down. They were also studied for their immunity to bothropic venom. Eventually, the Butantan Institute in SĂŁo Paulo, Brazil, which specializes in antivenins, erected a statue of the mussurana as a symbol in tribute to combating venomous snake bites. Mussuranas are increasingly rare, due to the disappearance of their prey, and some populations are almost extinct in many habitats. howlermag.com
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CULTURAL HERITAGE
ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
The country’s geographic, cultural, economic and political vibrancy shines through in the coat of arms imagery.
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PROUDLY Waved, Carried and Worn by Sylvia Barreto Benites
T
here is nothing more symbolic of a country’s heritage than its national flag. The flag represents a cultural identity that unites all the people and values it stands for. Costa Rica’s flag is an important element of civic events as well as cultural ones. It is the pride of athletes who wave it after winning international sporting events, and its colors are worn every four years by Tico soccer fans everywhere on earth during the World Cup. The Costa Rican flag embodies the ideology of the people and the land that holds them. It also represents the establishment of a sovereign and peaceful nation. Throughout the country’s history, Costa Rica has adopted eight flag designs reflecting different stages of independence. Initially, it was the Spanish flag and after independence, a Mexican flag. From 1823 to 1848, there were variations of a flag with two sky blue bands and a white band. Doña Pacífica Fernández Oreamuno, the wife of Costa Rica’s first president, designed the flag we know today. She was a great admirer of France’s liberal ideas,
revolutionary principles and inspiration for independent countries. Depicting the beauty of Costa Rica’s people and land, each color has its significance. Blue is for the skies of Costa Rica, white represents the reigning national peace and red stands for life — the spilling of blood for liberty and the Tico’s generosity of heart.
Symbolic imagery As an important component of Costa Rica’s flag, the shield, or coat of arms, in the center has also changed over time, from stars and symbols to the current design with water, stars and land. The country’s geographic, cultural, economic and political vibrancy shines through in the coat of arms imagery. At its center are the three most important volcanoes in Costa Rica: Arenal, Poás and Irazú. In front and behind are two vessels portraying the commercial and cultural exchange with the rest of the world, while the blue ocean represents the Caribbean and Pacific ports. Silver stars above correspond to the seven provinces; San José, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia,
Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Limón. To the left, a rising sun on the horizon symbolizes modern Costa Rica’s free and prosperous republic. The green valley depicts the Central Valley as a hub of population and economic vitality. Lastly is the gold frame representing coffee production, since Costa Rica was the Latin American pioneer in establishing this industry. Some distinct laws pertaining to the Costa Rican flag are interesting. It cannot be flown permanently outside a home, although houses can be adorned with flags, colors and coats of arms during civic festivities. The flag is not allowed to be used in advertising representing a product or political parties. It is flown outside all public buildings and outside the president’s house, and is allowed to be placed on licence plates and cars of particular public officials. Both the flag and coat of arms are significant Costa Rican symbols. They reflect a common history and are a reminder of the importance of independence and sovereignty, something Ticos are very proud of.
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 31
ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
Our History From the Darkness
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF COSTA RICA
FEATURED MUSEUM
T by Sylvia Barreto Benites
Diverse activities and exhibitions appeal to children and family members of all ages. 32
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he idea of a national children’s museum was born in the heart of Gloria Bejarano Almada, first lady of Costa Rica during the administration of Calderón Fournier (1990-1994). Visiting the children’s museum in Venezuela inspired her to create a similar interactive educational space for children in Costa Rica. Upon returning from her trip she began proposing the project to different ministries and was told the country simply lacked the funds. She was about to give up when Orlando Morales, minister of science and technology, offered her a space to house the museum. That space was the abandoned penitentiary, long considered the most feared facility in Costa Rica both during and after its nearly 70 years of operation. Having first opened its doors to prisoners in 1910, the building deteriorated over time, along with the lives of those detained there, as diverse social defense groups lobbied on behalf of inmates. After years of growing drug abuse and gang violence, conditions worsened instead and there was a growing outcry for a replacement rehabilitory system. In 1979, the penitentiary was finally closed for good. When offered this venue for her brainchild pet project, the first lady couldn’t fathom how to turn so much tragedy and darkness into an exploration and learning place for children. The building was in ruins, with a collapsed roof, water damage and nature encroaching on its foundation. Disregarding the advice of naysayers to give up on the idea, she decided to visit the premises anyways, and saw some potential. After some months and with her husband’s backing, the penitentiary reconstruction project began taking shape. Uniting with Fundación Ayúdenos Para Ayudar (Help Us Help Foundation) was the next
step in raising funds to make the project a reality. On April 27, 1994, with a backdrop of fireworks and the Costa Rican National Symphony Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, the Costa Rican Center for Science and Culture opened its doors. It was a fitting way to celebrate the transformation of a dark historical corner into a vibrant space for enlightenment and enrichment. The Children’s Museum of Costa Rica became the first learning center of its kind in Central America, opening its doors with 21 interactive exhibits. One of the most memorable was the Franklin Chan room, where Costa Rica’s first astronaut comes alive in animatronics. Visitors delight in seeing his space gear and food, and sitting inside a space capsule. Today the museum occupies approximately 3,800 square meters, where diverse activities and exhibitions appeal to children and family members of all ages. The building houses the Costa Rican Center for Science and Culture, The National Gallery, The National Auditorium, CREA+, an area for young people, the Torren event center, the Penitentiary Museum and the National Natural Amphitheater. The 40 educational exhibits span a range of educationally rich topics like the universe, space technology, dinosaurs, the history of Costa Rica and ancient Egypt. There is even a supermarket, where children can learn how to shop and balance a budget. This year, the Children’s Museum is celebrating 25 years of thrilling kids from all over the world. Special performances of children’s theater, as well as classical and heavy metal music concerts, are scheduled throughout May. For ticket information, visit boleteria.museocr.org or call 2258-4929. Photos courtesy of Children's Museum of Costa Rica
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General information Visit: www.cdm.org Location: Calle 4 and Avenida 9, San JosĂŠ Cost: $4 children under 15, $7 general admission Available on request: school classes, day camps, guided visits and customized school tours that can even include an obstacle course.
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 33
ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
THE HEART OF THE CITY
URBAN TOURISM
El Mercado Central de San José by Sylvia Barreto Benites
No one should miss taking this walk back into Costa Rica’s history.
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T
here is nothing that touches the pulse of a Latin American community like its markets. That’s where you can feel an energy unlike any other. The Central Market of San José is a vibrant example. In the heart of Costa Rica’s capital city, it has an unmistakable rhythm and feel. Tight corridors brim with colorful products, the intermingled smells of fresh fish and meats, cooked tamales and brewing coffee beans wafting through the open space above. This is the place to be. The Central Market of San José has been an urban commercial hub for more than a century, not only a place for people to sell their wares but also a social space. In the beginning, the city of San José was built around its market site. At conception, it was simply an open space where people gathered to purchase their weekly needs, have a bite to eat and mingle with the community. It wasn’t until 1880 that a permanent building was erected, which a century later was named a National Treasure. This 1990 designation saved the building from demolition and much needed repairs were made. Today the flea market-style building houses restaurants, butchers, fishmongers and shops that sell anything you can imagine. It’s a loud place, where people bustle from stand to stand calling out orders and haggling prices to the soundtrack of tinkling radios weaving salsa music through the crowd. It is a visceral experience, unique to this San José attraction. The market is set up with a peripheral spread of enclosed spaces selling any number of Costa Antique photo courtesy of José Gerardo Suárez Monge
Rican-made products at lower prices than anywhere else in the city. It is a great place to buy freshly roasted nuts, for example, and also souvenirs that are a bit more original. It is truly difficult to describe the magnitude of shopping variety. Navigating your way through the labyrinth of stalls with products hanging from every space, you ultimately reach the middle of the market. That’s where you will find a number of restaurants that have been there for as long as anyone can remember, serving dishes that have been passed down through generations for just as long. This dim space may not look appetizing at first, but it is a mecca for traditional Costa Rican cuisine. With a sense of timelessness, the Central Market beats at the center of the city. For this writer, a trip to the market includes finding the stall where Tito (Grandpa) worked as a young man and eyed Tita (Grandma) for the first time while she was eating lunch. No one should miss taking this walk back into Costa Rica’s history, when the city grew and lived off the central market. Unlike a museum, this space is still alive, holding on to the past but still a vital part of modern city life.
General information Hours: Mon-Sat, 6:30am-6pm, Closed Sun Location: Between Central and First Avenues and 6th and 8th Streets, 250 meters northwest of Parque Central, San José howlermag.com
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 35
PURA VIDA / LIVING CR
EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT
EDUCARTE: Head Start on a Wide Worldview by Nicole Rangel
From this inner identity comes the capacity to care outwardly for the community and environment. 36
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o much of what makes Costa Rica such a special country is the connection between the people, history and focus on the future. This is mirrored in schools where educational practices nurture children’s potential as leaders of tomorrow from the earliest age. Educarte in Villarreal, Guanacaste, is an innovative role model. Educarte offers a pre-K through high school program rich in tradition, sustainability, self-awareness and worldliness. The bilingual (Spanish-English) program turns trilingual in sixth grade with the addition of French. This language enrichment opportunity reinforces the melding of many different cultures represented in the student body — more than 15 countries — for a worldview steeped in personal and social identity. Educarte’s teaching practices are guided by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Specifically, the international agency’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) promotes project-based educational environments suitable for children of all learning needs and abilities. The focus is on “environmental integrity, economic viability and a just society for present and future generations.” With ESDs being the foundation for creating a capable, caring, thriving future generation, Educarte is leading the way in Guanacaste. Educarte works with students to identify their “personhood.” That means helping them
understand what it means to take care of oneself mentally, emotionally and physically. From this inner identity comes the capacity to care outwardly for the community and environment. Educators at Educarte focus on key ESD objectives such as good health and wellbeing, reduced inequalities, peace, justice and strong institutions. There is an important wider context of supporting conservation objectives to protect life below water and on land, and to promote responsible consumption and production of resources.
Living the lesson
Art at Educarte is more than just a painting or drawing activity; it is an exercise in using recyclable materials to recreate everyday items. Science goes beyond delving into the life cycle of animals; it also contemplates the impact of human waste mismanagement on wildlife habitats and food supplies. Students take a local community perspective in investigating economic and social issues through their reading and writing assignments. In collaboration with the local cultural heritage agency Guanacastequidad, Educarte bridges an important cultural and historical gap. The school receives regular updates on various events, sites and personalities of cultural significance to Guanacaste. These unique learning activities give students a sense of pride and connection to the communities around them. howlermag.com
Photos courtesy of Educarte
Multilingual and multidisciplinary
Educarte provides a truly bilingual education for students from pre-K through fifthgrade, with class time split between Spanish and English instruction depending on the subject. In sixth grade, French language is introduced and the teachers start preparing students for graduation. Educarte’s approach to trilingual education has been shown to enhance students’ motivation for language learning and cultural enrichment. French is not the only other elective option at Educarte, however. Beyond the curriculum mix of multilingual education with a Costa Rican connection and sustainable development support, Educarte offers some of the most interesting and unique electives, or talleres, during the school day. Students have regular opportunities to choose and change up their class
activity schedule, in varying degrees of self-learning, group interaction, crosscultural learning and physical exertion. Talleres run the gamut of physical favorites like soccer or basketball, as well as arts and crafts or music. From there, the learning and passion for new pursuits can lead down avenues as specialized as cooking, math club or origami. In some instances, taller commitments transcend into Educarte-sponsored sports like water polo, soccer, and swim team competitions against other local schools.
While developing their talents and appreciation for new sports or activities through this elective program, students are learning about themselves. Just as importantly, teachers are learning new ways to connect with their students in the classroom. Science supports that such a multilingual, multidisciplinary learning environment opens up parts of the brain that help students develop into more thoughtful and connected citizens and future world leaders..
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o learn more about Educarte, schedule an appointment by email or attend the special “Inside Educarte” event on Saturday morning, May 25, 2019. It’s an opportunity for prospective parents and students to visit the campus, see the learning environment and ask questions about the school. Contact: info@educartecostarica.com or 2653 6363
Inside Educarte - Open House Visit: Saturday May 25th, 8am-Noon
www.educartecostarica.com
Pre-Maternal to 11th Grade
Learning Today to be Leaders of Tomorrrow info@educartecostarica.com • (506) 2653- 6363 HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 37
PURA VIDA / LIVING CR
by Sylvia Barreto Benites
The Gender of Nouns Part 2 Adjectives
Pesky Subjects (and Objects)
SPANISH
A
Adjectives come after the noun.
s readers of our last Howler article are already aware, the Spanish language topic of noun gender is hardly straightforward. For anyone whose first language is English, learning the rules for masculine and feminine nouns is never going to be second nature. Instead, it’s one of the most truly “foreign” aspects of Spanish and other languages with gender distinctions that don’t exist in English. The complicating factor we addressed in last month’s introduction to this topic is that gender is not just all about the Spanish noun itself (referring to a person, place or thing). Instead, masculine or feminine is a label or code for knowing which article or adjective to use with the noun. Our focus in Part 1 last time was on the use of definite and indirect articles with masculine or feminine nouns in singular or plural form (“the”, “a/ an” or “some”). We continue now with a lesson on the use of adjectives with masculine and feminine nouns in Spanish. First, remember this basic rule about Spanish nouns: those ending in “o” are masculine and those ending in “a” are feminine. But there is a little more to it than that.
Prescription for description
Adjectives follow the same kind of game rules as articles in Spanish — they change for the noun. Adjectives that end in “o” can also end in “a,” “as” and “os” based on if the noun is masculine or feminine. Adjectives must match the noun. Another important note is that adjectives
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come after the noun. In English, once we arrive at the noun we have collected all the necessary information about it. In Spanish, you are just getting started. The rule of thumb is that descriptive adjectives go after the noun. Examples: “el chico hermoso” (the beautiful boy) and “la chica hermosa” (the beautiful girl). If the noun is plural, so is the adjective: “los chicos hermosos” (the beautiful boys) and “las chicas hermosas” (the beautiful girls). These are also perfect examples to show how the articles and adjectives change based on the noun. As you might have guessed, there are exceptions. Adjectives ending in “e” only have two changes — singular or plural. Examples: “el chico inteligente” (the smart boy), “la chica inteligente” (the smart girl), “los chicos inteligentes” (the smart boys) and “las chicas inteligentes” (the smart girls). For nouns ending in “or,” “ol,” “ón,” “án,” “ín” and “és,” add “a” to describe a feminine singular noun and “as” if it’s plural. If these nouns are masculine plural, you add “es.” Examples: “el chico japones” (the Japanese boy), “los chicos japoneses” (the Japanese boys), “la chica japonesa” (the Japanese girls) and “las chicas japonesas” (the Japanese girls). A point to ponder: adjectives of quantity go before the noun. That is why you say “muchas gracias” (many thanks) and “tanto tiempo” (so much time). In conclusion, I repeat these general words of advice. Keeping track of your nouns is just one more step in understanding and commanding Spanish. Read Spanish with these gender rules in mind. Look for the noun and see what comes before and after it to figure out how to label it.
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Om Mani Padme Hu m is the above sanscript phrase, a well-loved Buddhist mantra commonly translated as, "The jewel is in the lotus."
MANTRAS AND AFFIRMATIONS YOGA WISDOM
by Marian Paniagua
Each mantra has its own unique sound, frequency and intention.
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n 1994, the alternative medicine specialist Masuru Emoto (1943-2014) opened a research center in Japan to study the response of water to different stimuli. Emoto put water in glass jars and subjected it to different types of music, words and images, before letting it freeze at 25 degrees below zero. Then with a microscope, he photographed the crystallized molecules of the water. This experiment yielded some remarkable discoveries, notably that the samples frozen in accompaniment with the words “love” and ‘thank you” were composed of geometrically perfect crystals. In addition, Emoto decided to test the effect of will and intention on frozen samples of contaminated water. When exposed to a group of children meditating with the intention of gratitude, these deformed and deconstructed water molecules were transformed into crystals that were geometric and harmonious. This explanation of Emoto’s research can provide clarity about the chanting of mantras in conjunction with some practices of yoga and the impact on human consciousness. Keep in mind that the human body, as well as the earth, consists of 70 percent water. Also, be open to the possibility that your words, thoughts and intentions have an impact in changing your body and your environment, and vice versa. A mantra is a sacred phrase, word or syllable that is recited to support you during meditation. Meaning “tool of thought” in Sanskrit, it can be chanted or repeated as many times as needed. It is common for yoga instructors to guide your
What You Speak You Become attention towards your breath to silence the mind. However, not everyone has the same disposition to easily become still and focused solely by directing attention to breath. So this is when mantras can help you achieve not only a serene mind but also an altered state of being, according to the mantra you chant. Each mantra has its own unique sound, frequency and intention; when you chant a mantra repeatedly, you begin to vibrate within its frequency. For anyone who finds that Sanskrit sounds do not resonate as a way to enhance the practice of yoga or meditation, I propose using affirmations instead. Affirmations can be in your own language, which makes them more familiar to your logical mind. An affirmation is something that you say or think. Just like mantras, affirmations, when repeated, have a direct effect on your nervous system and also alter the energy that you hold. With your body composed of 70 percent water, the impact is harmonious. The affirmation I use in my personal practice is: “I choose love.” The mantra I like to use is: “Om Namah Shivaya.”
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EAT • SLEEP • SURF • STRETCH
The Yoga Shala at RipJack Inn
Classes Workshops Retreats
www.ripjackinn.com • (506) 2653-1636
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FEATURE
Reserva Conchal a Leader in Sustainable Waste Management Practices by Nicole Rangel
Reserva Conchal is setting an example in waste management and inspiring others in our community to do the same.
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ost humans are taught that the responsible way to dispose of garbage is to put it in the trash. Then we move on with our lives. Typically, we give little thought to what happens to the various pieces of food, paper, plastic, tin and other unused or used up materials that we place in the garbage on a daily basis. At Reserva Conchal, these discarded items are not an afterthought, but something hundreds of employees manage and think about on a daily basis. Waste is usually categorized into five different categories: liquid, solid, organic, recyclable and hazardous. Reserva Conchal has put significant time and energy into classifying, separating and managing all of these waste products by adopting the most environmentally, socially and economically prudent practices. Staff teams work diligently seeking the most appropriate vendors to dispose of or recycle waste in the most beneficial ways for Costa Rica. These practices have often been shared with and modeled by other organizations. More importantly, Reserva Conchal employee themselves learn the value of treating waste with respect and disposing of it in a correct and responsible way. An admirable example has been set by the Westin Hotel at Reserva Conchal, where 85 percent of the total waste items produced
are reused or recycled to minimize the environmental impact.
From food frying to fuel
One impressive example is the disposal of used cooking oil (liquid waste) from kitchens on the premises for processing into biodiesel fuel. Vendor verification assures that the oil is safely transported to a facility that cleans and repurposes it for further use in a more responsible form of fuel consumption. Hazardous and solid wastes that cannot be recycled are removed from Reserva Conchal for safe and responsible disposal off-site. That includes car batteries, lubricating oils, batteries, and flourescent lights. Arrangements are in place with certified vendors who face significant financial repercussions for non-compliance under Costa Rican law. Other reusable waste find its own avenue of new life through Reserva Conchal’s inhouse recycling program. Materials that are separated and prepared for transport include #1 and #2 plastics, aluminum beverage and food cans, glass containers, tetra-paks and paper goods. As part of a national recycling strategy, these sorted items are taken to a Santa Cruz facility for sale to various reprocessing companies. The proceeds are then returned to the Santa Cruz government for improvement projects. Photos courtesy of Reserva Conchal
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Organic magic
Organic waste management is a special success story of recycling ingenuity at Reserva Conchal. Restaurant and hotel food waste is taken to an on-site facility where it is meticulously tilled for four weeks. This creates a sweet-smelling, nutrient-filled compost of incomparable quality, which is then spread throughout the resort’s golf courses, green areas and gardens. Famed author Ray Bradbury wrote, “Ours is a culture and a time immensely rich in trash as it is in treasures.” Reserva Conchal treats its trash
as treasure and reaps the rewards. Through the extensive recycling programs in the Westin and W hotels, the company is educating guests on the need to be mindful of where their trash is going when throwing it away. But more importantly, the treasure is in knowing that employees of Reserva Conchal are taking back these practices to their homes and educating their families and friends on proper waste disposal. Waste is a part of their lives and they are changing Costa Rica and the world, one piece of trash at a time.
Inspiring a better way of living www.reservaconchal.com
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DOING BUSINESS RIGHT
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by Ben Harris
y 2050, it is reported, our seas will contain more plastic than fish. This fact may be alarming but should not be surprising, in a world where single-use disposable plastics have been a way of life for decades. Costa Rican businesses and their customers can be part of the problem or the solution. It’s a choice we can make right now, individually or together, towards reversing this ever-worsening environmental threat. • Our beaches are lined with plastic bottles that were used just once, but will take 450 years to decompose. Around the world, 1 million plastic drinking bottles are purchased every minute. • Nearly 2 million single-use plastic bags are distributed worldwide every minute. • Recycling is not an excuse for justifying single use. While plastics in some locations are recycled, most plastics are not recycled, nor can they be. • Most plastics end up in the ground or burnt into the atmosphere. Around 79 percent of plastic waste has accumulated in landfills, dumps or the environment.
TURNING THE TIDE AGAINST PLASTICS •
Over 8 million tons of plastic finds its way via rivers and drains into the ocean. This proves fatal to marine life such as turtles and whales that mistakenly fill their bellies with plastic bags and flotsam. Without delay, it is time to say goodbye to single-use plastic altogether. To clean up our oceans, we must first clean up our lives of convenience. Businesses have a large responsibility for consumer usage of plastics and simple purchasing practices can help. Buy glass bottles, not plastic. Offer reusable shopping bags or remind consumers to bring their own. Restaurant owners need to offer only paper or biodegradable straws. And for takeaway food, prepare it in paper, foil or multi-use packaging. All these items find their way onto our beaches and with every changing tide, into our oceans. There is still time to turn the tide on plastics in our oceans, but that time is now. It’s the right way to do business, both for providers and consumers of products or services, in Costa Rica and everywhere.
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Thank You
Sponsors and Volunteers 6th Annual Dog Day Afternoon Fundraiser
Please thank and support these generous organizations who support our community A Lo Nica Agua Y Sol Angelina's Restaurant Antares Sailing Artesanias Catalinas ATV Tours Conchal Bagel Kitchen Beach and Pool Crawl Beach House Restaurant Belina Bermuda Hotel Supply Blue Water Properties / Becky Clower Bob & Ann Nelson Bohemia Restaurant Bolas Locas Family MIni Golf BoMar Tours Bonnie Bradshaw Camparino Pizzeria Carpe Diem Casa Cameleon Charlie & Joan Pellaton Cheboards Coco Loco Restaurant Costa Rica Sailing Center Deb Saal & Jeff Goode Diamante Eco Adventures Park Dr. Alan Alvarado Dr. Villalobos Dragonfly Restaurant EJ Jewett EK Jewelers El Be Restaurant El Castillo Restaurant
Falafel Bar Flamingo Adventures Surfside Flamingo Brewing Company Flex + Flow Gym Flor Y Bambu Good Vibes Rock School Gyrocopter Hotel Conchal Hotel Pasatiempo Howler Magazine Jorge Granados Jungle Gym Kelly’s Kountry Kennels (Alberta, Canada) KineFish Sportfishing & Snorkel Tours La Botella de Leche Hostel La Forketta La Olivia La Perla’s Restaurant La Pizzetteria La Senda Labarynth Las Brisas Latitude Surf Experience Lavender Spa Longboards BBQ Los Altos de Eros Lucy’s Retired Surfers Restaurant and Bar Lynn & Jim Selig Mar Vista Gracia Restaurant Margaritaville Resort Marie’s Restaurant Maxwell’s Restaurant
Mermaids & Sailors Boutique Mexican Connection Mo Jo Surf Nature’s Art New York Pizza Numu Cabinas Onzen Spa Osteopatia Pacific Soul Sailing Papaya Con Leche Papaya Restaurant Petit Paris Pinilla Golf Pura Vida French Touch Signs Pure Perro Dog Training & Massage Reserva Conchal Revive Wellness Sea Star Serendipity Sharkey’s Shogun Sol Y Mar Sugar Beach Restaurant Potrero Surf Box Surfside Golf Carts Symbioseas Upholstery The Deli Cafe The Swell Dealer Theresa Ayre Tressa Porter Thu & Neville Alexander Vida Bowls Westin
BARBARA'S ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER
is a vital year-round operation We need your continual support 2654-4148 / voicefor4legs@gmail.com HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 45
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Your Business and Your Health
I ENTREPRENEUR COSTA RICA
by Joanna Blanco
f you came to Costa Rica with dreams of a new lifestyle, new experiences and a new business venture, well, then ... you are already an entrepreneur in life. For anyone first arriving in a foreign country with unfamiliar laws, culture, people and food, this scenario can be exciting but at the same time pretty exhausting. If, in addition, you want to open a new business, then it is important to think about your integrity and your health. I worked for a decade in the hospitality and travel industry. This gave me guidelines, responsibilities and plenty of opportunities to grow in my professional experience. But all these came with a lot of personal stress that adversely affected my health. I suffered from many gastroenteritis-related conditions, which ultimately led me to certify as a health coach. My certification training required me to pay attention to what my mind and body were telling me. Along the way, there were “aha moments” that gave me total clarity and understanding about the health challenges in my life. Based on what I’ve learned, these are some insights to help you enjoy success and good health in your new business and lifestyle. Applying three major entrepreneurial concepts in all areas of your life is good for wellness as well as business.
1. Uniqueness
Think about your favorite cake and how you might drive a long way just to buy a piece. 46
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Differences in self-concept, values and experiences make us totally unique from one another. It is important to know who we are, and what we want, and to not let others interfere with our beliefs. When you are true to yourself, you are authentic; this makes you centered and in balance. The same is true in your business. You start by investigating and working through a plan to have a business that offers an authentic product or service for a specific target market. You should strive to exceed your clients’ expectations. They will stay with you as you represent that unique difference in the market.
2. Consistency It is important that your service or product stays essentially the same over time, even with appropriate improvements. Think about your favorite cake and how you might drive a long way just to buy a piece. That is the type of desire and expectation you need to generate in your clients’ minds. Apply the same tried-and-true principles of consistency to your health. When you find something that works for you with excellent results, you need to continue with it. For example, drinking less coffee and jogging four times a week might improve your energy and focus, so maintaining these practices will surely help you enjoy better long-term health.
3. Creativity and open mind There may be times when we feel out of control and overwhelmed, perhaps when we have more work than we can manage. That’s the right time to be creative and make a plan. This will give you flexibility in finding the right kind of help. It may be another person who can add positive energy to your business. For example, if you are spending more time than intended creating your web page, look for a professional designer to do the job. Take the same approach in your personal life, whenever you feel anxious or emotionally distracted. Many health problems are directly connected with anxious episodes. In those moments, we need to be creative and find a temporary escape outlet — a walk in nature, a relaxing massage, or maybe even meeting friends for a drink (yep … that’s also part of being healthy!). Be open-minded and let those feelings fade by giving yourself time and permission to relax. I hope you will think of these concepts as your free pass to a rewarding business experience and well-balanced lifestyle promoting body and mind health. howlermag.com
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ENTREPRENEUR COSTA RICA
Big Brand or Small Boutique? by Patricia Sterman
The only way to make a small boutique special is to make YOU feel special by shopping there. 48
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’ve been trying so hard in my local fashion business to survive against big brands. It helps to remind myself of the answer to this question: what makes a small boutique special and competitive? On the other side of the coin is what makes the big fashion brands NOT so special? Did you know that Zara, Pull and Bear, Bershka and Stradivarius are owned by the same company? Imagine this scenario: You go into any one of these stores, you buy this beautiful dress at an amazing price, then you travel 10,000 miles to Europe and there you see 20 other women wearing the very same dress. That opened my eyes. The only way to make a small boutique special is to make YOU feel special by shopping there. That means knowing it would be very unlikely to see anybody else wearing the same dress as yours anywhere around town, and that the jewelry you are wearing is handmade and one of a kind. It means you receive personalized attention from sales staff, with emphasis on your needs, preferences and body type. It means follow-up customer service when we place a special order for a product not in stock, and keeping our inventory fresh, original and appealing to everyone in your family.
On a related note, many small boutiques have in common the added special appeal of a local shopping experience. Customers have another reason to feel good about selecting merchandise that is not widely available, if at all, anywhere else in the world. They recognize the importance of shopping locally, especially in a small country like Costa Rica, because it supports and stimulates the local economy. I love it when people come back to my store at night, dressed in their brand new outfit, with makeup and hairdo, all ready to go out. They have become what they envisioned that morning with salty bodies and crazy hair. I love helping people in the store get dressed for a family photo session, preparing them with a harmonized look for lovely sunset pictures. I love hearing about that special event you are shopping for, then seeing you leave the store with the perfect complete outfit, including accessories and shoes. In conclusion, for a business like mine to survive and thrive in the face of big brand competition, I have to love what I do. My boutique has a face and a heart, and that is what makes it special.
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INVESTMENT CHAT WITH NATIVU
Innovation and Creativity: Keys to Successful Investing
by Fabricio Riggioni
Innovative companies and individuals will always be rewarded in the long run.
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nnovation and creativity — these are probably the two best qualities you can have as an early-stage investor. Why? Because you will probably make a lot of amateur mistakes at the beginning and you will have to be creative enough to get yourself out of them. Creativity will also be extremely helpful when you have to act on business opportunities for yourself or your clients. As you evolve over time as an investor, creativity will enable you to transform your portfolio in different ways while investing in different industries. I believe people are born with different levels of creativity, but it’s also something all of us can work on developing every day. We achieve this by getting ourselves outdoors or otherwise away from our normal routine: swimming, hiking, surfing, playing an instrument or whatever provides a mental diversion. We need these moments to light our own creative spark. There is potential for real estate investors in Guanacaste to be more creative when it comes to both residential and commercial developments. It’s easy to single out the few who have done something different and innovative in this area. The more an investor innovates in developing a project, the harder it is for competitors to catch up. Innovative companies and individuals will always be rewarded in the long run. That’s why you should always keep adding value to your investments, companies and assets. When creating a new real estate project (residential or commercial), these are the three main areas where creativity and innovation pay off.
1. Financial aid Have as many financial options for your potential clients as you can. Be flexible and be ready to negotiate with two or three options carefully thought through beforehand that will close the deal for both of you. Remember always to have a win-win mentality when creating the scenarios you will present to clients.
2. Marketing If you are not an expert, hire someone who understands how marketing has evolved in the last five years … someone who wants to learn endlessly and is also technologically savvy. Use your database wisely and always be constantly improving how you communicate with existing and potential clients. The marketing department’s goal should always be repeat customer business and new customer referrals based on positive experiences.
3. Design When designing and developing a product, always think about who your clients will be and how you’re going to make them fall in love with your idea and your vision. Always ask yourself: How am I going to disrupt what’s being done near my area and how am I going to make this unique? This is where you let your mind fly. Brainstorm for days, weeks and even months … just to make sure yours is the best possible idea out there.
• hInvestment Consultant: Fabricio Riggioni Phone: (506) 8301-0663 • Email: fabricio@nativu.com 50NATIVU | #searchfind owl | online howlermag.com
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BUILDING BUDGET FACTORS IN COSTA RICA
BUILDING COSTA RICA
How Much Will it Cost? by Tatiana Vandruff
Finishing details work both ways in your building budget: they can increase the price tag or reduce it.
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H
ow much will it cost? As anyone who has ever budgeted for building a new home will likely attest, “it all depends.” Ballpark estimates typically reflect our priorities in terms of size, design components, materials and resale value, as well as location and site logistics. Finishing touches may tip the end-product classification scale in the range of bare-bones basic, North American standard or luxury. At least this is how it generally works in developed countries, and to some extent universally. But in some parts of the world, the budgeting concept of “ballpark” is relatively meaningless. Costa Rica is not like other places many of us are familiar with. Especially at the onset of undertaking to build a new home here from scratch, answers to a broader range of budgeting questions must be sought from a wider range of sources. Asking around can be helpful, but also mind-boggling. Some of the same geographic attributes that make Costa Rica such an appealing place to live have a significant bearing on construction costs. Only in the most general terms, for the most basic new home construction styles and finishes, might we venture to say the average cost per square foot ranges from $100 in accessible locations to $180 at higher elevations and otherwise more challenging locations. As would be the case anywhere, you could save lots of money building a new home in Costa Rica with your own bare hands. But let’s assume you came here eager to settle into your new digs and kick your feet up as soon as possible. Sweat equity wasn’t supposed to be part of the deal, which is why you need to budget carefully for leaving it up to the building experts.
The following are key variables affecting your building budget. Particularly in the first three instances, keep in mind there are significant geographical differences between regions. For example, Guanacaste is different from the Central Valley, Central Pacific and other regions in terms of climate and terrain. Each region has its own building challenges.
Climate
The influence of climate on many aspects of your new home plan and design should not be underestimated as budgeting factors. Building site position and facing direction should take into account exposure to humidity, wind or salinity.
Accessibility of Location
Site accessibility logistics have a significant impact on the costs for transportation and delivery of materials, goods and heavy equipment when needed.
Site Topography
Building site considerations are very important to your bottom line costs. These include specific site topography, soil quality and stability characteristics affecting foundation design, usable area dimensions, land slopes and scenic views.
Specifications
Keep in mind that finishing details work both ways in your building budget: they can increase the price tag or reduce it. Comparing basic construction costs among most builders is relatively easy. But when you factor in specific finishes and components, along with quantity, quality, availability and proper howlermag.com
installation techniques, plus transporting specific materials, these are powerful cost triggers.
Design
Due diligence to ensure your new home is designed properly, with architectural plans bearing accurate information, will translate to more cost-effective builder estimates. The closer these are to your budget, the better you can manage your investment without costly derails. Poorly planned dwellings inevitably create cost overruns. Do your research to avoid engaging with an architect or engineer who might overlook the above-mentioned kinds of climate, site, location and specification factors. Being mindful of the challenges and cost implications in advance is your best protection from unpleasant surprises.
Going Green
Notwithstanding the eco-conscious motivations for building green, many wonder if the added costs now will translate into future savings. Can there really be a return on investment, and if so, enough to be worth the expense? Our Sept/ Oct 2018 Howler article
BUILD BETTER.
“Building Green” offered insight into some of the long-term cost benefits related to energy efficiency, water use reduction, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, lower maintenance costs and higher real estate value.
Award Winning Architects
Builder
Project Management
Again, when choosing a builder, do your homework. There is no shortage of non-qualified or inexperienced builders who claim to know their business but deliver poor quality construction results. The extra cost and hassle of fixing construction mistakes and defects add up to a huge headache that could have been prevented. Costa Rica is a small country, making it easier to ask around, verify performance track records and check reviews and references. Doing extensive research at the budgeting stage will not only save you money but is the makeor-break key to a great experience building your dream home in Costa Rica. Professional architects and builders who take pride in their work will be there for you throughout the process, making it enjoyable as well as successful!
LEED Accredited Sustainable Architecture Interior Architecture Planning, Permitting, Construction
We’re Proud to Present Another Sustainable Project
Electricity - 95% Solar (PV) Operated OVERSEAS PACIFIC REALTY New Costa Rica Offices Playa Flamingo - Guanacaste (506) 2666-3306 info@grupopacificocr.com www.grupopacificocr.com HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 53
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Tenants and Owners: This Change Affects
YOU
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0 ly 2 u J T % VA
+ 13
LEGAL EASE
VAT Changes Coming Soon for Rental Leases by Ivan Granados
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ffective in July 2019, with the approval of Costa Rican law 9635, a major change is being applied to the tax on income from leases:. 1. Sales tax (charged on all goods and some services) becomes value added tax (VAT)). This change means VAT replaces sales tax in this instance. 2. Costa Rica’s tax office will make all income tax payers automatically registered as payers of VAT, also effective in July 2019.
Additionally, there are tax deduction implications, which you are advised to discuss with your attorney and/or accountant.
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The VAT will now be applied to all goods and services (except for some exemptions) and the rate will be 13 percent August 2019 is the first filing date for VAT forms. Income tax in Costa Rica will remain payable yearly. However, starting in 2019, the fiscal year will end in December, not September. Additional changes to income tax in Costa Rica will be explained in a future Howler article. Beginning in 2020 the fiscal year will be from January to December, the calendar year, rather than October to September. More important details Under the previous sales tax law, sales tax was only applicable to short-term rentals (one month or less). Long-term rentals (more than one month) were not required to pay sales tax; they were only required to pay income tax on the rental income annually. The new law requires VAT payment for longterm rentals if the rent amount exceeds 1.5 times
the average Costa Rican monthly base salary income. Currently this is CRC ¢650,000 (US $1,085). If the monthly rent is equal to, or less than, 1.5 of the Costa Rican base salary, the lease will be exempt from VAT. If it is more, it will be taxable and must be withheld and paid monthly to the tax office. Additionally, as with most taxes, there are tax deduction implications, which you are advised to discuss with your attorney and/or accountant. What does this mean if I am a landlord? Starting in July 2019, when your rental income from any long-term lease (over 1 month) exceeds the exempt amount noted above, the VAT tax rate is 13 percent monthly. This amount must be added to lease payments for you to collect and remit monthly to the government. For short-term leases (less than 1 month), the VAT tax will remain at 13 percent. What does this mean if I am a tenant? If your lease is short-term (less than 1 month), the tax on your rent payment will remain at 13 percent. If you are a long-term renter (1 month or more) and your monthly rent exceeds the exempt amount stated above, the rent payment will be increased to cover your landlord’s increased VAT payment to the government. For current tenants, different outcomes are foreseen going forward. Determinations for each case will be based on the specific lease circumstances. Whether you are an owner or a tenant, this major change in the law will affect you shortly. howlermag.com
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CR BIZ DIRECTORY Real Estate, Property Management
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SPECIAL PLACES COSTA RICA Property Management & Rentals Full management, rental and concierge services Flamingo and Playas del Coco Mon-Sat, 8-5 2654-4493 / 2670-2198 specialplaces@crvr.net
RE/MAX OCEAN VILLAGE Making Dreams Come True Experienced professional real estate sales team serving the entire Papagayo region Playas del Coco, Ocotal, Playa Hermosa, Playa Panama Daily, 8-5 2670-2175 remax-oceanvillage-cr.com
KRAIN Luxury Real Estate Member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Ocotal, Flamingo, Potrero Daily 8-5 2654-4010 info@kraincostarica.com
ARCHITECT
RPM REAL ESTATE Sales, Management and Rentals RPM has 60 dedicated staff focused on providing great service to our clients, guests and owners. Plaza Tamarindo #17 Mon-Sat, 9-5, Sun 9-2 2653-0738, US: 866-631-6958 kevin@rpmvacationrentals.com rpmrealestatecr.com
Playa Tamarindo 7 days a week, 9-5 2653-0073 www.remax-oceansurf-cr.com
PLAYA HERMOSA
HORIZON PACIFIC Property Management and Rentals A leader in quality properties and services: Vacation rentals, management, association administration Tamarindo, Plaza Palmas #17 Mon-Sat, 9-5, Sun 9-2 2653-0390 horizonpacificvacations.com
RE/MAX OCEAN SURF & SUN Nobody Sells More Real Estate Sales of residential condos, homes and single-family home sites
OCOTAL
Tamarindo & Flamingo Mon-Fri, 8-5 2654-4004 / 8407-1898 info@plantacionproperties.com
Flamingo, Potrero, Tamarindo Daily 8-5 2654-4010 info@kraincostarica.com
PLAYAS DEL COCO
CHRISTIE'S International Real Estate Specializing in Costa Rica real estate for over 27 years
KRAIN Luxury Real Estate Member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World
REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
ABC REAL ESTATE Fine Selections by the Beach We offer personalized service and a full range of real estate services Plaza Tamarindo Mon-Fri, 9-5, Sat, 9-1 2653-0404 tamarindo@abccostarica.com
BROKERS COSTA RICA Property Management & Rentals We specialize in luxury rentals and property management Hermosa del Mar Plaza #7 Mon-Fri, 8-5, Sat, 8-noon 4702-7098 / 2665-8746 info@costarica-brokers.com
ARCHITECT ABARCA ARCHITECT ABARCA Freddy Alvarez Abarca Blueprints, construction plans, technical direction, 3D modeling, and construction Limรณn City 8847-6649, 2758-1048 estudio@sisarquitectura.com sisarquitectura.com howlermag.com
COMMUNITY & SERVICES DIRECTORY
GUANACASTE DENTAL Comprehensive Dental Care Advanced family, implant and cosmetic dental services Tamarindo - Garden Plaza Mon-Fri, 9-7, Sat, by appointment 2215-5715, US (866) 978-8305 info@guanacastedental.com guanacastedental.com
MAR HOLÍSTICO COSTA RICA Wellness Tours & Event Planning Wendy Abarca 8390-5375 marholisticocr@gmail.com marholisticocr.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Mar Holístico
PHOTOGRAPHY
TAMARINDO DENTIST First Dentist in Tamarindo Implants • Orthodontist • Endodontist • Cosmetic Dentistry Tamarindo 24/7 for emergencies 2653-2020 smile@tamarindodentist.com
INSURANCE
EVENT PLANNING
COMMUNITY
CEPIA Nonprofit Organization We promote culture, health, sports and education for children Huacas Mon-Sat 2653-8365 cepiacostarica@gmail.com
DENTAL SERVICES
BUILDING SUPPLIES
M&G DE HUACAS Marble, Granite and Quartz Custom countertop, highest quality and materials, free inspection and quote 50m east, 150m north, 75m west Huacas Community Center M-F, 7:30-5, Sat, 7:30-2 8840-3815 litomtz74@gmail.com
DENTAL SERVICES
BOOKSTORE
THE BOOKSTORE OF THE WAVES New and Used Bookstore Stamps, mail delivery, free WiFi and so much more Tamarindo 2653-2670 Alei@bookstoreofthewaves.net TheBookStoreoftheWaves
PACIFIC SMILE DENTAL CARE Kids & Adults - English Speaking Highly experienced staff— orthodontics, implants, endodontics, gums Near Auto Mercado, Tamarindo Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat by appt. 2653-4354 info@pacificsmilecr.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Tamarindo and Flamingo Mon-Fri, 9-1, 2-5 2654-4367 / 2653-2155 info@gmattorneyscr.com
DENTAL SERVICES
ATTORNEY
GM ATTORNEYS Legal Services Full service in all areas of law
CARACOLA GRÁFICA Eduardo Gamboa Art, Graphic Design and Music Villarreal, Guanacaste 8330-1687 eduardogamboa.djflix@gmail @caracolagrafica
ALL INSURANCE CR - TAMARINDO Health, Auto, Homeowners and More Offering the best coverage with customer service a priority Across from Auto Mercado Mon-Sat, 8-5 2653-4300 / 973-536-1191 (24/7) info@allinsurancecr.com
BESALTY Surf lessons, diving trips and photography. Santa Teresa, Puntarenas 8am - 4pm 8744-5461 Laura, 8588 3779 Ugo besaltyadventures@gmail.com www.besaltyadventures.com @besalty.adventures
CARIVE PRODUCTIONS Photo and Cinema High-end professional photography and cinematography based in Tamarindo. Tamarindo 6105-1069 info@cariveproductions.com www.cariveproductions.com
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COMMUNITY & SERVICES DIRECTORY
CARLOS PALACIOS Surf Photography Capturing Pura Vida Based in Playa Santa Teresa 8338-3057 insecto@gmail.com www.insectoart.com Carlos Palacios Photography @insecto
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TAMCAM MEDIA Seize the Day. Then relive it Videography, social media management & GoPro rentals. La Plaza Flamingo Suite #A6 8am - 9pm +506 7197 9127 (what's app) tamcamrentals@gmail.com tamcamrentals.com
EDUCARTE Preschool, Primary, Secondary Private bilingual school 5km south of Huacas Mon-Fri, 8-3:30 2653-6363 info@educartecostarica.com PURA VIDA VIBRATIONS Sound Baths, Breath Work & More The power of Sound and Breath Work. These activities lead to a state of total relaxation and introspection in which healing and connection to our higher consciousness take place. Tamarindo Call for appointment 8828-8947 / 8812-0100 hello@puravidavibrations.com puravidavibrations.com Pura Vida Vibrations @puravidavibrations
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
60
SOUND & BREATH
PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHY SURF REPORT Surf photography sessions and daily surf report at Guiones, Nosara. Playa Guiones, Nosara 8465-2678 psurfreport@gmail.com photographysurfreport.com @photographysurfreport @photography_surf_report
SCHOOL
PHOTOGRAPHY
GUSTAVO JIMENEZ Surf Photography, Wildlife, Portraits, Landscape, Art Photography Playa Avellanas, Guanacaste 8384-6198 bagheera_05@yahoo.com selvaazulphoto.com @Selva_Azul Gustavo Jiménez Selva Azul
PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHY
GALLO PINTO TV Esteban Delgado Surf, aerial and water photography and videos. Playa Grande, Guanacaste - 24/7 8622-4036 & 2282-6429 estebandg7@gmail.com @estebandelgadophoto @dg7photo
SHAKA MEDIA Photography Services Shaka Foods - Tamarindo 8330-5436 Shakamediainfo@gmail.com @shakamedia @ShakaMediaCR
PEST CONTROL
PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHY
CARLOS PALACIOS
CABO VELAS PEST CONTROL Pest Control - English Speaking Bug Busters is now Cabo Velas Pest Control with 10 years of experience El Llanito, Villarreal Mon-Fri, 7-4 8416-4860 / 8702-6807 bamboopq@yahoo.ca
B FIT RETREAT Training, surf and adventure Tamarindo Adapted to tides and activities 8720-0438 www.bfitretreat.com bfitretreat @bfitretreat
CAVALLINI VETERINARIAN Animal Hospital Full-service veterinarian hospital for all animals and wildlife Royal Palms Plaza, Santa Rosa M-F, 8-noon, 1-7, Sat, 8-12, 1-4, Sun, 9-noon, 1-5 (pet shop only) 2652-9009 / 8815-5713 (24/7)
THE DOGTOR Vet, Grooming & Pet Shop Export proceedings, delivery, pick-up and drop-off service Plaza Palmas #3, Tamarindo Mon-Sat, 8-5 8351-9910 / 4702-5106 thedogtortamarindo@gmail.com howlermag.com
SURFING HOWLER
COSTA RICA
May 2019
Surf Trek with CHE
SECRET
SPOT
Laird Hamilton
Chooses Costa Rica
Free copy
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DINING GUIDE Page 21
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BRAULIO CARRILLO • JACÓ
Aerial Tram Hanging Bridge Zip Line Gardens Tapirus Lodge and more...
15% OFF
Book adventures online at rainforestadventure.com
Book lodge online at tapiruslodge.com Discount code:
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CO N T E N T S Costa Rica Surf Trip Cover Story
Surfing Costa Rica
MOON PHASES
May 4 New Moon
1 - Cover photo by Marcel Freitez, Shaka Media 4 - Moon, Sun and Tide Chart 6 - Cover Story: Surf Trek to a Secret Surf Spot 10 - Surf Profile: Brisa Hennessy 12 - Surf Legend: Laird Hamilton - Health & Fitness
DINING GUIDE HOWLER
6 BRISA HENNESSY
May 11 1st Quarter
GoodTimes Great Food
Surf Profile
May 18 howlermag.com/dini
Full Moon
ngguide
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15 Restaurants
10
16 - Playa Grande - Bula Bula 17 - Playa Grande - El Oasis Chill Out and Lodge 17 - Playa Grande - Pots & Bowls 17 - Playa Grande - Rip Jack Inn 17 - Villarreal - Black Stallion 18 - Huacas - New York Pizzeria 18 - Huacas - Soda Guaymy 18 - Huacas - La Playita Restaurante 19 - Tamarindo / Langosta - El Barco 19 - Flamingo - Vaca Loka Italian Restaurant 19 - Flamingo - Marie’s Restaurant 20 - Flamingo - Margaritaville: 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar 20 - Flamingo - Margaritaville: Banana Wind Cafe 20 - Flamingo - Margaritaville: Capriccios Pizza Bistro & Cafe 21 - Brasilito - Lucy’s Retired Surfer Bar & Restaurant 22 - Surfside / Potrero - Nasu Restaurant 22 - Surfside / Potrero - The Beach House 23 - Las Catalinas - Sentido Norte
LAIRD HAMILTON Surf Legend
12 4
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May 26
3rd Quarter
SUNRISE May 1 May 31
5:22 am 5:17 am
SUNSET
Read all current and past articles online
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May 1 May 31
5:50 pm 5:57 pm
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TIDE CHART
May 01 - May 31, 2019
DAY
HIGH TIDES
LOW TIDES
HIGH TIDES
LOW TIDES
HIGH TIDES
1 Wed
12:20am 7.10'
6:25am 1.56'
12:45pm 7.72'
6:56pm 1.37'
2 Thurs
1:08am 7.45'
7:07am 1.25'
1:25pm 8.16'
7:38pm 0.88'
3 Fri
1:50am 7.81'
7:47am 0.94'
2:05pm 8.58'
8:16pm 0.42'
4 Sat
2:28am 8.14'
8:25am 0.65'
2:41pm 8.94'
8:54pm 0.04'
5 Sun
3:06am 8.39'
9:01am 0.43'
3:17pm 9.20'
9:30pm -0.23'
6 Mon
3:44am 8.55'
9:39am 0.30'
3:55pm 9.33'
10:08pm -0.36'
7 Tues
4:24am 8.61'
10:19am 0.28'
4:35pm 9.32'
10:48pm -0.34'
8 Wed
5:04am 8.56'
11:01am 0.37'
5:17pm 9.16'
11:30pm -0.18'
9 Thurs
5:48am 8.43'
11:45am 0.56'
6:03pm 8.86'
10 Fri
12:16am 0.09'
6:36am 8.25'
12:35pm 0.83'
6:53pm 8.48'
11 Sat
1:08am 0.42'
7:32am 8.07'
1:33pm 1.10'
7:51pm 8.10'
12 Sun
2:06am 0.73'
8:32am 7.98'
2:39pm 1.27'
8:59pm 7.83'
13 Mon
3:10am 0.93'
9:40am 8.06'
3:49pm 1.25'
10:09pm 7.77'
14 Tues
4:16am 0.95'
10:46am 8.33'
4:59pm 0.99'
11:15pm 7.93'
15 Wed
5:22am 0.78'
11:48am 8.74'
6:03pm 0.57'
16 Thurs
12:17am 8.24'
6:22am 0.51'
12:44pm 9.19'
7:01pm 0.11'
17 Fri
1:13am 8.59'
7:16am 0.23'
1:36pm 9.57'
7:53pm -0.29'
18 Sat
2:05am 8.89'
8:06am 0.03'
2:24pm 9.81'
8:39pm -0.55'
19 Sun
2:53am 9.08'
8:52am -0.04'
3:10pm 9.88'
9:25pm -0.63'
20 Mon
3:39am 9.12'
9:38am 0.05'
3:54pm 9.75'
10:09pm -0.54'
21 Tues
4:25am 9.00'
10:22am 0.28'
4:38pm 9.45'
10:51pm -0.29'
22 Wed
5:09am 8.76'
11:06am 0.64'
5:22pm 9.02'
11:35pm 0.08'
23 Thurs
5:55am 8.44'
11:52am 1.07'
6:06pm 8.50'
24 Fri
12:19am 0.53'
6:41am 8.07'
12:38pm 1.52'
6:52pm 7.97'
25 Sat
1:05am 0.99'
7:31am 7.73'
1:30pm 1.91'
7:44pm 7.48'
26 Sun
1:53am 1.42'
8:25am 7.47'
2:24pm 2.20'
8:38pm 7.10'
27 Mon
2:47am 1.76'
9:19am 7.35'
3:24pm 2.31'
9:38pm 6.89'
28 Tues
3:41am 1.95'
10:15am 7.39'
4:24pm 2.22'
10:38pm 6.87'
29 Wed
4:37am 1.99'
11:07am 7.58'
5:20pm 1.95'
11:34pm 7.03'
30 Thurs
5:29am 1.88'
11:55am 7.89'
6:10pm 1.56'
6:17am 1.66'
12:41pm 8.27'
6:56pm 1.11'
31 Fri
12:24am 7.30'
SURF EAT STRETCH SLEEP REPEAT #gogrande
We h a v e y o u c o v e r e d . Free 2 hr
Board Rental with surf lesson
simply mention
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Sunset
Happy hour
Daily, 4-6 2x1 cocktails 1000c beers Discount bocas menu
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SURFING COSTA RICA
by Juan Diego Evangelista
THE SECRET
SURF SP0T
SURF TREK with CHE
LIVED I UP TO
have wanted to surf this secret spot ever since I saw the waves breaking on Google Earth. After careful study, I learned that one particular area had waves that was a point break when there is a big south swell coming up. I was captivated. I discovered that when there's a big south swell, there are waves off this one point. Located in an area of Costa Rica known for great surf, but also not an easy place to get to, which could be anywhere depending upon time of year and road conditions, not Tamarindo or Jaco. This hidden treasure is hard to get to in the best conditions, but this spot is best to arrive via a boat ride from the main camping spot. You could probably make it there without a boat, but it would
EXPECTATIONS It felt like the place and the board knew each other, as they were so in sync. 6
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Photo: Nahuel Sebastian Pini Steffich
be one hell of a walk and even longer paddle. That’s how the 11 of us got together and planned this family weekend trip, one that included camping at a nearby known surf spot and a boat trip to the secret spot for some amazing waves. It was six adults and five kids — all under the age of 7 — who went along for the adventure.
Off to a bad start
delay, then driving to the campsite — we arrived 20 minutes before the boat. The first day of camping, we remained at the main campsite break and took the children to see the sharks, crocodiles and even jaguar footprints. Of course, we surfed, and it did not disappoint; there were 6- to 8-foot waves. The surf session included a rescue mission, as we discovered an injured pelican that had
Things started off badly. The kids and some adults took the boat from the main tourist town, provided by a well known captain, while the rest of us piled in my car for the drive to the campsite. Not far into the journey, the back wheels of the car locked up, and we almost flipped over. I called Jordi Galloway, who was going on the boat with the others, and caught him before he had left. He went and got my truck and brought it to us so we could take the damaged car to the mechanic. Eventually, we were on the road again, and amazingly — even with the
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 7
SURFING COSTA RICA
a hook stuck in its beak. After we removed the hook, the pelican stayed by our boat like a child and even came when we called him. That was an experience catching waves with a pelican. Next day, a group of us made the boat ride to this hidden treasure. I had already logged over 200 visits to local spot, nearly every weekend in past years. So, after seeing the satellite pictures of this spot while looking around the area for new, uncrowded places to surf, I had previously made a few exploratory visits to check out the place. I already knew that the point break there would spit fast, hollow rights with this south swell already in motion. Interestingly, when we arrived that day the water seemed very calm, and my friends were worried that nothing would happen. Then five minutes in, it started pumping.
First one in
Of course, I was so excited, I was first in the water. Going down the line on my first wave, I didn’t pull back soon enough and ended in the shallow part, hitting the rocks hard, scraping up my ribs. (A few days later, I found out that I had actually broken a rib.) But I was not deterred. Nor was anyone else in our group which included Jordi Galloway, Marco Brice(n)o and my wife, Mareike. In fact, she got the best wave of the day. The waters around the area are filled with marine life including dolphins, whales and turtles. I used my lighter 9’0 x 22 .5 x 3 board and had a great session. It felt like the
place and the board knew each other, as they were so in sync. There were a couple of challenges though. The waves swarm down each side of the larger area and meet in the middle, which happened to be the end of the line for us who were surfing the southend. At one point, I snapped my leash and the board was blown into the opposite current. Retrieving it was not fun in the rocks.
Beauty of surfing
Some of the others were a little afraid of the sharks, but I felt pretty confident, even as scraped up as I was. So I took some ibuprofen and jumped back in, embracing the beauty of surfing with my friends and my wife. We stayed riding those waves as long as we could until the tide changed and the spot was no longer working. Our boat returned to the campsite and we enjoyed another session there. Later, my kids and I walked in the shallow shore break, alongside a shark followed us for about 200 meters. After another night camping, we all returned home — via boat or truck — with me making a stop at the mechanic to pick up my nowrepaired car. It didn't matter that the trip started out rough, spending time camping is always a great time. And getting to do a session in the now "Che-marked" waves of this secret spot, was totally worth it. In fact, I've already scouted satellite images for our next epic surf trip. I'll keep you posted!
Photos courtesy of CHEBOARDS
8
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FACTORY & SURF SHOP Custom + Stock Boards Ding Repair Tamarindo www.cheboards.com +506 8556 2910
Cheboards
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 9
SURFING COSTA RICA
BRISA HENNESSY Ripping at 3 years old
SURF PROFILE
‘To have my name, number and the Costa Rican flag on my jersey, getting to surf against my heroes — it still feels pretty surreal.’
by Ellen Zoe Golden
W Athlete: Brisa Hennessy Sport: Surfing Age: 19 About: Power with style that she uses to wipe clean all competitors Sponsors: Rip Curl, ProLite, Vertra, T&C Surfboards, Makani McDonald board shaper, Ricante, Future Fins
Photographer: WSL/Damien Poullenot
10
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hen Brisa Hennessy dipped her toes and board in the waters of Queensland, Australia last month, she accomplished something no Tico — male or female — has ever done. She is the first Costa Rican to compete on the World Surf League’s (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). Before that first date, for the Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast, Hennessy had ended up in the Top 7 of the Qualifying Series circuit last year. A double qualification by another surfer moved her to number 6 and a rookie slot for the 2019 CT. Now, she is surfing among the best, including world title holder Stephanie Gilmore (Australia), as well as heavyweights Lakey Peterson (United States) and Carissa Moore (Hawaii), to name a few. In Queensland, Hennessy beat Hawaiian royalty Coco Ho. Brisa admits that she's admired these women her whole life and couldn't wait to be among them. “I look up to Coco Ho and Paige Hareb a lot and it was pretty scary,” she explained. “Everyone howlermag.com
is unique and inspiring in so many different ways, which has made me grow as a surfer and person. I needed to bring out my surfing and get the best waves.” To get a heat win in any CT event does a lot for a surfer’s confidence, Brisa added. “It doesn’t happen too often for a rookie, so I will take it. To have my name, number and the Costa Rican flag on my jersey, getting to surf against my heroes — it still feels pretty surreal. It was a highlight to make round 2 heat and seeing the Costa Rican flag flown for the first time ever on the WSL world stage.” Hennessy’s outstanding skills as a surfer have garnered attention at the WSL’s highest level. Deputy Commissioner Jessi Miley-Dyer raved, “It's exciting to see Brisa join the Championship Tour after such a successful Pro Junior and Qualifying Series career. Having her as the first Costa Rican to join the Tour is incredible. The way Brisa carries herself both in and out of the water is exceptional, and she's already proved herself against the world's best at events.”
Native pride
The CT is just the latest in a career of accolades that has included a gold as an International Surfing Association Junior World Champion from Hawaii, where Hennessy lived for years. Yet, it’s her new role for Costa Rica that is her favorite badge of honor. “I was born in Matapalo on the Osa Peninsula. My parents ran a surf school, so I practically was born in the ocean, with the beautiful surfing lifestyle. I grew up there until my ninth
birthday,” she said. “What a blessing to be born in a place this beautiful. Costa Rica is where I fell in love with the ocean, the surf and I stood up on my first wave when I was 3 years old. I am honored to be the first Costa Rican on the Championship Tour and represent a place so close to my heart.” Also on her mind is the possibility of being one of the Costa Rican surfers eligible to participate in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. She got closer to that goal with a Women’s gold medal at the Olympic qualifier last year, the Pan American Games held in Punto Rocas, Peru. To prepare for this phase of her career, Hennessy based herself in Fiji before leaving for the Championship Tour, getting in shape with workout routines designed by trainer Ingrid Sieple. In the water, she’s coached by Glenn Hall, a retired CT competitor who was Matt Wilkinson’s personal coach while he was a title contender. As for Hennessy's focus during this phase of her surfing, two things are clear to her. First, she wants to have a good time. “For me, I want to perform and show my surfing. If I’m doing that, I'm having fun and being in the present moment. That’s when it all comes together.” Brisa’s second priority is to continue representing her country. “Costa Rica has the biggest and most special place in my heart. I was so fortunate to have grown up there and to have fallen in love with surfing and the ocean. Hopefully, I can make everyone proud by living each day with a beautiful pura vida heart and way of life.”
Odry’s Massage Massage Pedicure
Manicure Waxing
Tamarindo - main intersection, above Tamarindo Transfer & Tours Daily, 9am-6, call for appointment, walk-ins welcome 2653-0939 ordrys.massage@hotmail.com
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SURFING COSTA RICA
Laird Hamilton
SURF LEGEND
Surf Legend Chooses Costa Rica Destination to Promote Health and Fitness by Jenn Parker
12
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M
ost of us would probably agree that surfing is the best activity to maintain your surfing fitness. But is it enough? What about the times you can't be out in the water? If you have ever not surfed for a few weeks or even months and then gone back in the water, you know the feeling of being out of surf shape, even if you are still in great regular shape. So, is there a way to train and stay on top of your surf game even when you are not surfing regularly? Is it possible to prepare for an upcoming surf trip when you don’t have waves at your disposal? What if surfing is not your thing, but you wouldn’t mind looking and feeling more like a surfer?
Who better to show us how it’s done than Laird Hamilton, named by Surfer Magazine as “the sport’s most complete surfer.” He is a living surf legend, having pushed the boundaries of big wave surfing and helped to pioneer the sport of stand up paddle boarding and hydrofoil boarding. Hamilton has also become a fitness and wellness icon. In better shape than most surfers half his age, the 55-year-old powerhouse charger is essentially the poster child for an all-around healthy lifestyle that surfers can embrace anytime, anywhere. It just so happens that Costa Rica is where Hamilton will soon be sharing his tips and techniques firsthand during howlermag.com
the XPT Experience, a three-day wellness retreat geared to all kinds of athletes and fitness enthusiasts including surfers. When Las Catalinas hosts the event June 20-22, it will be the first time XPT Experience participants will have an opportunity to surf, train and learn from Laird Hamilton himself. It will also be a first for him. “I have never surfed in Costa Rica, and I can’t wait to paddle out,” he said when asked about the retreat location. “I have always heard of great spots like Pavones, Witch’s Rock, and Ollie’s Point and especially Playa Grande, where we will be surfing for the Experience. I’m looking forward to that adventure.”
Training photos courtesy of XPT
Keys to Staying in Surfing Shape
T
o perform at our best in the ocean, a combination of flexibility, endurance, strength and balance is the key to maintain good surfing form. Surfing fitness also requires proper nutrition, sufficient hydration and a rested body. Exercises that promote flexibility, core stability and the ability to flow from one movement to another will help keep your muscles limber and lubricated. Yoga, swimming, and cross-training that focuses on your specific surf muscles (triceps, biceps, deltoids, trapezius, abdominal muscles, latissimus dorsi, obliques, pectoralis major, quadriceps, gluteals and gastrocnemius) can be beneficial during dry spells. A clean diet rich in lean protein, fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts, as well as at least two liters of water a day, is vital. Basically, surfing is a whole lifestyle, and the best way to stay in at least semi-surf shape when you are not consistently surfing is to maintain the other components of the lifestyle.
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 13
SURFING COSTA RICA
Photo: Joel Guy
Ideal fit for XPT
A weekend like this in Costa Rica could change your life!
14
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With Costa Rica long recognized as a surf and wellness destination, deciding to host the three-day “fitness vacation” here seemed like a no-brainer for Hamilton and his wife, pro-volleyball player and wellness guru Gabrielle Reece. The celebrated sports couple created the XPT Experience in early 2016 as a way to share their exercise and lifestyle philosophy to promote balanced and healthy lifestyles. “Costa Rica will be the perfect place to bring our XPT curriculum and to explore new activities such as underwater ocean training and surfing,” Hamilton said. “It's an adventure our whole team is looking forward to.” Las Catalinas, north of Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo, was hand-chosen by Laird and Gabrielle for a variety of reasons. As a carfree beachfront community on one of northern Guanacaste’s most picturesque coastlines, it was designed to promote a healthy, active, and sustainable lifestyle. People from all around the world come here to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities ranging from yoga to snorkeling and scuba diving. There are some surf breaks to the north and south, as well as
three uncrowded and pristine beaches. The bay is protected and typically very calm for paddle boarding and ocean strength training. There are also 40 kilometers of mountain biking and hiking trails through Las Catalinas, where the panoramic views will take your breath away! With diet and nutrition being significant components of the XPT way of life, Costa Rica is also ideal for enjoying an easily accessible, colorful and delicious selection of fresh, locally sourced food. Laird and Gabrielle promote a paleo-based diet. Above all, Costa Rica is a place that naturally inspires spending more time outdoors and in nature. It is difficult to stay inside and inactive in such a lively and mesmerizing destination. It’s a place where even non-surfers can take a page from Laird Hamilton’s playbook in connecting with a more physically active and healthy self. It may be easier here than anywhere else to attain or maintain that best version of yourself. Say goodbye to gyms and hello to ocean, sand, and mountain fitness. A weekend like this in Costa Rica could change your life! howlermag.com
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Good Times Great Food
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DINING GUIDE
PALM BEACH
Palm Beach, next to the estuary Hours Breakfast available all day long: 7:30am-2:30pm Lunch: 11am-3pm Dinner: 5:30pm-9pm Phone: 2653-0975 frontdesk@hotelbulabula.com Specialties
Daily:
Sunset happy hour 50% off appetizers 4-6pm
Monday:
Mexican all-you-can-eat buffet 5:30-8:30pm
Wednesday:
Italian All you care to eat buffet 5:30-8:30pm
Specialty coffees and espresso
The Great Waltini's - Bula Bula: American Fusion Cuisine Enjoy casual fine dining and experience “a fusion of the Americas” in a tranquil and inviting setting. At the Great Waltini’s, you can enjoy a sumptuous meal in an attractive dining area or choose to sit under the stars and enjoy your meal on the garden patio. Choose from houseaged steaks, seafood dishes, and down-home fare. Top with cocktails and desserts — the complete experience. Located in beautiful Palm Beach Estates next to the estuary. We are easily accessible from Tamarindo via boat taxi (complimentary with dinner reservations). Pickup time are 5, 5:30 and 6 pm. Please call before 2pm to reserve boat taxi (2653-0975). Happy hour – includes domestic beer, well drinks, famous giant Bula margaritas and appetizer specials.
MENU SELECTIONS Ahi Tuna
Annie's Salad
Double Cut Pork Chop
Hand Carved Turkey
Blackened Shrimp Salad
Aged Filet Mignon
Mahi-Mahi
Baked Lasagna
St. Louis Style Pork Ribs
Mixed Seafood Combo
Aged New York Steak
8 oz filet prepared tropical, blackened, sautéed or fried Oven roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and house made gravy 8 oz filet prepared tropical, blackened, sautéed or fried Tuna, mahi-mahi, jumbo shrimp, calamari, and mussels in a white wine saffron sauce
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Blackened chicken breast with avocado over crisp greens and fresh vegetables Blackened jumbo shrimp, sliced avocado over fresh lettuce and fresh vegetables Italian sausage, beef and pork, tomato, ricotta, mozzarella and romano cheese
10 oz cut prepared charbroiled, blackened or au poivre in brandy cream sauce 10 oz cut prepared charbroiled, blackened or au poivre in brandy cream sauce Baked tender and served with our famous tropical Bula Bula BBQ sauce
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Hours Fri - Sun, 4pm-10pm Phone: 2249-6166, 8496-2221
El Oasis Chill Out
and Lodge
Authentic Asian Food
Main road to Playa Grande
Enjoy traditional Vietnamese and Thai cuisine in a tropical garden setting.
Hours Daily, 8am - 5pm
Specialties Smiles and Good Vibes private Asian Chef Service, Pho, Free delivery to Playa Grande and Matapalo
MENU SELECTIONS
Appetizers
Spring rolls, rainbow salad and nems
Entrees Pad Thai, bun nems bowl, Cantonese rice, stir fried wok
PLAYA GRANDE
Playa Grande Proper Hours Daily, 8am - 9:30pm Breakfast, 8-11am Lunch, 11am-5pm Dinner, 5-9pm Happy-Hour 4-6pm Sunday Brunch 8am-2pm Phone: 2653-0480 ripjackinn.com
Pots & Bowls:
Rip Jack Inn Tree Top Dining
A diverse menu that includes fresh local seafood as well as tasty treats from the land, crisp salads, veggie bowls, local dishes and options for kids! Specialties Smoothie bar, fresh & frozen cocktails, bocas menu, vegetarian menu available, gluten free options, full service for retreats and weddings.
MENU SELECTIONS
Phone: 4701-2394 potsandbowls@gmail.com
Coffee Shop and Plants
Fresh, healthy and fun. Focus on homemade ingredients. Different dietary options: gluten free lactose free - vegan. Specialties Coffee, plants and pots Costa Rican boutique Workshops
MENU SELECTIONS Choco-Banana NiceCream
Peanut butter, cacao, almond milk, granola, bee pollen, nibs
$9
Tuna Poke $14 Sushi rice, avocado, edamame, wakame, mango
8 min. drive from Tamarindo, 2km south Villarreal Hours By reservation Phone: 8869-9765 Specialties Zipline and BBQ buffet for only $85.
Black Stallion:
Rustic Outdoor BBQ
Dine with the stars of Guanacaste on a private ranch. Enjoy a delicious BBQ buffet with sides. Wine, beer and sangria included! Call for reservations. Available for private parties and events.
MENU SELECTIONS
Grilled Mahi
Mixed BBQ Buffet
$45
Greek Chicken
Seafood Buffet
$45
Served with a yogurt cilantro lime sauce, mixed veggies and grilled polenta Grilled chicken breast with a creamy caper sauce served with roasted mediterranean vegetables & cauliflower rice
Baby back ribs, chorizo and chicken, sides included A delicious array of seafood and sides dishes
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VILLARREAL
PLAYA GRANDE
Main road to Playa Grande, 20 meters after Wil-Mart
PLAYA GRANDE
DINING GUIDE
HUACAS
New York Pizzeria 200m west of the Brasilito/ Huacas crossroads, Huacas www.nypizzeriahuacas.com @nypizzeriahuacas Hours Daily, 5pm-10:30pm Tues-Sun 3pm-11pm Phone: 2653-6296 8729-5640
Pizzeria
New York Pizzeria is your go-to pizza spot in Guanacaste, for an authentic New York style pizza. Dine-in or take-out available Enjoy! Specialties Authentic New York style pizza Freshly made breadsticks
MENU SELECTIONS
Huacas - Main road, north side half way between Super Compro and intersection to Brasilito Hours Daily, 6am - 9pm Phone: 7028-3264 8911-2191 jimemurillo98@hotmail.com
Soda Guaymy
Typical Costa Rican Food If you want great quality typical Costa Rican food and an ice cold beer, Soda Guaymy's delivers! And its as economical as it gets!
MENU SELECTIONS
Meat Lover's Pizza
Casados
House Special Pizza
Rice with shrimp or chicken
Pepperoni, ham, salami, bacon, and ground beef
Pepperoni, ham, mushrooms, onions, and sweet peppers
HUACAS 3km south of Huacas, road to Tamarindo Hours Daily, 7am-9pm Breakfast 7am-10am
Fish, chicken and beef served with rice, beans and whatever is fresh A traditional favorite: "Arroz con camerones o pollo
La Playita: Poolside Dining Located at the Seis Playas Hotel, La Playita Restaurant & Bar is open to hotel guests and the public, and is known for it's friendly and inviting environment. It is the ideal setting for sharing good food and drinks with family and friends, or a romantic dinner poolside while enjoying the convenient distance to our six local beaches.
MENU SELECTIONS
Phone: 2653-6818 info@seisplayashotel.com
Broken Yolk Sandwich
$12
Pasta
Specialties Food cooked "to your taste!" — con mucho gusto Friday Night Texas Barbecue
Breakfast Quesadilla
$12
Open Grill
BLT La Playita
$10
Fried egg, bacon or ham and cheese on toast, served with seasonal fruit Eggs, tomato, onion, sweet pepper and cheese, served with seasonal fruit Always a favorite for a light bite to eat: bacon, lettuce and tomato
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$14
Build your own pasta bowl, with a mixed salad
From $16
Pork tenderloin, chicken breast, ribeye, New York strip, beef tenderloin & catch of the day
Pineapple FlambĂŠ
$4
Our most popular dessert served hot with vanilla ice cream
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HUACAS
DINING GUIDE
Hours Daily, noon to 9:30pm Mon, 7-9pm, Live Marimba Wed, 7-9pm, Avellino Fri, 7-9pm, Live Marimba Phone: 2653-0075 restaurante @hotelcapitansuizo.com Specialties Healthy dishes made from scratch with local and fresh products All taxes included in price
PLAYA FLAMINGO
Flamingo - 100m south of road to Potrero Hours Daily, 5:30pm-10:30pm Closed Wednesday Phone: 8532-8613
El Barco Del Capitán: European-Tico Fusion, Beachfront Restaurant
El Barco del Capitán is nestled in a beautiful tropical garden within the Hotel Capitán Suizo and offers a modern, healthy and fresh cuisine. Our chef, Jujo Molina, has created the dishes inspired by his European heritage and the incredible products available in Costa Rica. Using our homegrown ingredients from our organic garden, we strive to offer an environmentally friendly menu and an authentic experience to our guests.
Tacos Carne (Lunch)
$15
Tartar Capitan (Dinner)
$13
$15
Linguini (Dinner)
$23
Lomito (Dinner)
$28
Beef in tortillas with mixed cabbage salad, guacamole and tamarindo sauce
The Veggie (Lunch)
Tuna and mango tartar with capers and a cilantro, ginger and soy dressing
Grilled portobello, tomato, zucchini, chilealmonds-garlic sauce, homemade bun
Calamari, jumbo shrimps, mussels, Spanish chorizo, cherry tomatoes, white wine
Calamari Crujientes (Snack) $13
Crispy calamari with homemade green pesto and a honey, red onion escabèche
200gr of tenderloin with a tamarind sauce over Swiss Roësti and vegetables
La Plaza, Playa Flamingo
Vaca Loka:
Italian Restaurant True Italian cuisine. Pasta like you are in Roma! Fresh bruschetta served when you arrive. Buon appetito!
Marie's:
Hours: Daily, 7am-9:30pm
Local and International
Phone: 2554-4136 Specialties Check out @mariescostar for weekly special event nights
The place in Flamingo for delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails with great service. Live music and weekly Monday Morning Market
Present ad for complimentary Passion Fruit Mimosa with breakfast, lunch or dinner entree purchase.
Specialties Pizza, pasta, meat, fish
MENU SELECTIONS House Lasagna
MENU SELECTIONS
MENU SELECTIONS c6.500
Ribeye c6.500
Eggs Benedict
c4.200
Chicken Caesar Wrap
c4.600
Fish Tacos c7.000 HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 19
PLAYA FLAMINGO
Hotel Capitán Suizo, Playa Tamarindo
TAMARINDO/LANGOSTA
DINING GUIDE
DINING GUIDE
PLAYA FLAMINGO
SOMEWHERE OMEWHERE BAR AR Margaritaville Beach Resort, Playa Flamingo Hours Daily from 4pm to 11pm Happy hour: 4:30-6:30 Phone: 2654-4444, ext. 3264 Specialties Nachos, tacos, burgers, salads and sandwiches
World Famous Margaritas!
5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill: Drinks and Casual Dining
Best place on the Gold Coast to take in panoramic oceanfront views and multi-screen sports TV while enjoying hand-crafted cocktails and a delicious casual dining menu. You will want to return again and again for juicy cheeseburgers and mouthwatering tacos, not to mention the perfect margaritas and other specialty cocktails. Enjoy a beautiful sunset view during the daily Happy Hour 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday nights feature live entertainment with the best of the area's local bands and musical talent.
Fri. May 3 - Charly Lopez, 8-10 Sat. May 4 - José Vega, 8-10 Fri. May 10 - Charly Lopez, 8-10 Sat. May 11 - José Vega, 8-10 Fri. May 17- Charly Lopez, 8-10 Sat. May 18 - José Vega, 8-10 Fri. May 24 - Charly Lopez, 8-10 Sat. May 25 - José Vega, 8-10
More to come
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A perfect blend of Costa Rican and international cuisine that includes freshly caught local fish and grass-fed beef. Enjoy the oceanfront sea breeze on the outdoor patio or dine inside in air-conditioned comfort.
An Italian bistro with a tropical view. Choose from a selection of pizzas, pastas and paninis, or build your own dish with a variety of fresh, delicious ingredients.
Hours Daily 6:30am to 9:30pm breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hours Daily 5pm to 11:30pm Pizza only from 9:30pm
Phone: 2654-4444 ext. 3269
Phone: 2654-4444 ext. 3268
Specialties Fresh fish, grass-fed beef, international buffets, kids menu
Specialties Specialty artisanal pizza oven; design your own pizzas and pastas
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BRASILITO
DINING GUIDE
Main corner, Brasilito Hours Mon-Fri, 11am-midnight Sat-Sun, 10am-midnight Phone: +506 4702-0826 costarica@ lucysretiredsurfers.com LucysCostaRica Specialties Only for the brave: Our infamous scorpion shot
Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant: Coastal Cuisine Beachfront restaurant and bar serving unique coastal fusion dishes and cocktails featuring the freshest ingredients in Guanacaste! Lucy’s is more than just a restaurant, it’s a lifestyle. With locations in some of the most tubular spots around the world (New Orleans, Key West, Costa Rica and Aruba), we know how to have a good time. Let the sea breeze and sound of the waves remind you that when you’re here, you’re always on vacation. At Lucy’s we’re serious about our grub – we’ve got all your classic favorites like burgers and nachos, as well as our signature coastal bites with a touch of Pacific flair. Our one-of-a-kind drinks are the perfect way to cool down after a long day at the beach, and we keep them flowing all day (and night!) long. Lucy's’ daily food & drink specials are boat-to-table and will give you something new to try every day, and with live music, a radical bar scene, and six large-screen TVs, Lucy’s is Guanacaste's hottest new bar and restaurant!
MENU SELECTIONS Shaka Ceviche
c5,500
The Juicy Lucy
Avocado Fritas
c5,500
Bacon Brie Chicken Sandwich
Cheese Quesadilla
c5,000
Tsunami Tuna Salad
Serious Nachos
c6,700
Blackened Fish Tacos c6,000
Delicious fresh local fish and shrimp in a citrus marinade topped with avocado
Beer-battered avocado slices served with black bean salsa and homemade ranch
Flour tortilla overflowing with melted cheese, served with pico and guacamole
Fully loaded nachos topped with beans, pico, sour cream, and our rockin’ guac
c7,500
Our famous 8 oz. burger served on a brioche bun with Lucy’s special sauce
Grilled marinated chicken breast topped with bacon, brie, tomato, and spinach
c6,500
Freshly seared yellowfin served over spring mix with fresh fruit and feta
Blackened local fish topped with mangopineapple slaw and avocado crema
Pao Pao Shrimp Tacos c6,500 Fried or grilled shrimp tossed in a sassy pao pao sauce, topped with cabbage slaw
Flank Steak Tacos
c6,500
Marinated flank steak topped with jalapeño chimichurri and queso fresco
Whole Red Snapper Casado c8,000 Served with island rice, black beans, and a side salad
N’awlins Surf n’ Turf c10,000 Marinated flank steak served with head-on Cajun BBQ shrimp and roasted potatoes
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DINING GUIDE
SURFSIDE / POTRERO
1 km east of Banco Nacional in Flamingo Hours Daily, 6:30am-9:30pm Phone: 2654-4671, 2654-5340 Specialties Fresh seafood and pasta
NASU: Creative Tropical Cuisine Welcome to Nasu Restaurant, tropical creative cuisine. Join us oceanside, where the freshest catch is prepared every day by our acclaimed chef. Enjoy the culinary treasures of Costa Rica, where tradition and innovation meet.
MENU SELECTIONS NASU Salad
Shrimp Spicy Tacos
SURFSIDE / POTRERO
Potrero, 800m north of Banco Nacional Hours Daily, 11am -10pm Kitchen closes 9pm
$14
$16
Cheesecake
$8
$25
Grilled lobster, garlic buttered baby-potatoes with with rosemary and mixed vegetables
Keylime Pie
Special dessert of the chef
$8
MENU SELECTIONS Grilled Scallops
c10000
Shrimp Ceviche
c10500
Catch of the Day
c19000
Bang Bang Shrimp
c10000
Seafood Platter
c19000
Grilled Lobster Tails - Market Price
Grilled in a bath of Cacique liquor, lime and garlic
Fresh mahi mahi, grilled jumbo shrimp, sautĂŠed calamari, with rice pilaf and grilled vegetables
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Homemade cheesecake with blueberry topping
Private residence on the beach transformed into a quaint restaurant and bar. Renowned for its fresh seafood, this private residence on the beach was transformed into a quaint restaurant and bar. Come and enjoy incredible food with awesome sunsets and views of the Pacific Ocean.
With tropical salsa, grilled vegetables & potatoes or rice
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Served with garlic buttered baby-potatoes and carrots
The Beach House: Beachfront Dining
Phone: 2654-6203 Specialties Fresh seafood Epic sunset view Call for reservations
Grilled Octopus
Flour tortilla, breaded shrimp, mango coleslaw and spicy mayonnaise
Pacific Lobster All taxes included in price
$10
Lettuce mix, avocado, hearts of palm, blackberries, orange and passion fruit dressing
Peruvian style marinated shrimp, red pepper and onion, tomato and cilantro with plantain chips Crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy shrimp in cornmeal breading with tangy Thai chili sauce
Two roasted lobster tails in wine-garlic butter sauce with grilled vegetables and rosemary potatoes
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LAS CATALINAS
DINING GUIDE
At Casa Chameleon, 4km north of the Potrero soccer field Hours Daily, 7am-10pm No children under 12 years Phone: 2103-1200 concierge@ casachameleonhotels.com Specialties Fresh fish, sunset cocktails, "boquitas" menu
Sentido Norte: Fine Dining Sentido Norte, a restaurant and bar at Casa Chameleon, proudly offers an adult fine-dining experience that celebrates the best of Costa Rican cuisine. Your drive through winding roads above the quaint beach town of Las Catalinas is rewarded by an unforgettable but affordable taste of luxury. Just a few steps uphill from the bright and welcoming entrance, your table awaits in a gorgeous, open-air perch framed by a panoramic view of the Pacific. A design motif incorporating responsibly-sourced teak adds a sense of warmth and well-being to the romantically lit atmosphere. All food and drinks are inspired by the country’s bountiful abundance, combining uniquely local and native ingredients in the glass and on the plate.
MENU SELECTIONS Overnight Oats
$8
Casa Chameleon Burger $19
Guacamole and Salsa
$12
French Toast
$12
Ceviche $14
Moules Frities
$26
Knife & Fork Tortillas
$14
Grilled Chicken Wrap
$17
Grilled Skirt Steak
$32
Chicharrón or vegan huevos rancheros
With greens, avocado & tomato, spicy aioli
Vegan Omelettes
$14
Vegan Bowl
$19
Mushroom Lamb Risotto $33
With almond milk, yogurt, fruit, cashews, local honey or tapa dulce
With sweet plantains and coconut milk cream
With asparagus, mushrooms and caramelized onion
Angus burger with arugula, Swiss or goat cheese and aioli Fresh fish ceviche, leche de tigre, homemade "chilero"
Quinoa, mushroom and squash picadillo salad, spicy garbanzo beans
Hearts of palm ceviche, avocado & tomato Wok sautéed with garlic butter and chardonnay broth
Skirt steak, chimichurri sauce, salad, french fries
Slowly braised with porcini, portobello and crimini mushrooms
Prices shown include 13% tax and 10% service / Prices subject to change
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