REGIONAL
Freecopy
h o w l e r m a g . c o m
BY HOWLER s i n c e 1 9 9 6 M a r c h 2 0 2 1
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EDITORIAL
M
arch 2021 marks another month of growth and expansion for the team at the Howler’s Jacó regional magazine. As our distribution and online reach continues to grow each month, so does our team! Introducing Cécile Populaire! Ceci comes to us from Reunion Island and has lived in Jacó/Hermosa for the past year after traveling Costa Rica for three years. She has a background in human resources and property management. Ceci is also a yoga teacher with a passion for surfing!
Tania@howlermag.com
— JOHN C. MAXWELL
Read the full HOWLER online March issue here!
Interested in advertising with us? You can reach the team at Jaco@howlermag.com! Instagram/Facebook: @howlermagazine Reach outside of your local network, join us in capturing the attention of readers throughout Costa Rica, the U.S. and the world!
Kelly Norris
Join the regional magazine publication by including HOWLER in your business marketing strategy.
Contact Kelly today! (506)8364 5376 kelly@howlermag.com Publisher / Editor-in-Chief John B. Quam CR Office: (506) 4701-5942 Sales and Marketing Manager Terry Carlile, Kelly Norris & Tania Guevara Graphic Design, Art Director & Rock Star Adriana C. Zerpa Cover Phography Jorge A. Russell 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. The Howler Magazine does not assume responsibility for the content of its advertisements.
Images not credited are acquired from stock photography services. 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. Copyright © 2021 The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A. Copyright © 2021 Howler Media Holding, Inc. Panama The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A. Ced. Juridica: 3-101-725213
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REGIONAL JACÓ CR
Sierpe town sign
Beach at Reserva Tortuga
COOL PLACES
Common potoo
The author and a friend chsing waterfalls
Caiman
Mangrove hummingbird
Chuck will
Juvenile black hawk
Howler monkey with baby
Plain xenops
Sierpe River tour
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Story and photos by Lori Anne Haskell
A HIDDEN GEM
OJOCHAL Q U I E T
A N D
O
jochal is a hidden gem of Costa Rica. It's not far south from popular tourist destinations Uvita and Dominical, but in my opinion, a much nicer place to stay. It gives you quick access to Sierpe and the river tours, but is quieter and more quaint than the neighboring tourist towns. We arrived in Ojochal late afternoon on Wednesday. After unpacking, we met up with a local guide and friend of mine, Cesar Moraga Ruiz. We decided to take a walk near the beach and watch the sunset at Playa Ventanas. The walk was about a mile on a dirt road in the jungle next to the ocean. On the walk, we saw many mammals and birds, starting with an adorable agouti quickly crossing the street. A couple of steps later, we noticed movement high above and saw howler monkeys eating leaves. Upon looking closer, we saw one howler monkey with a tiny baby clinging to its back — so sweet! We also saw a beautiful common black hawk perched at the beach in a tree, a ringed kingfisher perched over a creek on a branch, various woodpeckers at nesting holes in trees, and many tanagers and flycatchers. Sunset at the beach was stunning. After arriving back at the hotel and changing, we headed to dinner at a local restaurant. The restaurant was located down a steep hill and nestled into the jungle. The service and food were superb.
Q U A I N T The next morning, we rose early to drive south to Sierpe to go on a river mangrove tour. We boarded the boat and began our journey down the beautiful Sierpe River. We saw many birds and mammals: howler monkeys with babies, two mangrove boas mating, a rare bird called chuckwill’s-widow, many herons, a mangrove cuckoo, and many more. REWARDING LUNCH After a couple of hours, we stopped for lunch at a farm that is only accessed by the river. There, we met a local family that grows all organic crops and raises cows, chickens, turkeys and more. Lunch served on a covered patio consisted of various local food we all enjoyed. While eating, we enjoyed amazing views of the mangrove hummingbird, which is usually quite difficult to see. After the river tour ended, we headed to a museum in town called Finca 6, home to some of Costa Rica’s famous stone spheres. The country has an assortment of over 300 petrospheres, also known as bolas de piedra (literally stone balls). The spheres are commonly attributed to the extinct Diquís culture, and they are sometimes referred to as the Diquís Spheres. They are the best known stone sculptures of the Isthmo-Colombian area.
TO SEE MORE SCAN THE QR CODE
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REGIONAL JACÓ CR LA COCINA DE DOÑA MARTA
RANCHO SHADDAY Story and photos by Stewart Invierno
A
s one of the most developed beach towns in Costa Rica, Jacó bustles — always offering residents and visitors plenty to see, eat and do. But you need to remember, this is still Costa Rica, where “most developed” remains a relative term. That means you can find Jacó’s beaches, waterfalls and trails empty on many days throughout the year, revealing the true magic of this Central American land. There’s no question we all love the small beach town life that Jacó offers, along with the sense of “punching above its weight class” given the mix of creative entrepreneurs living here. It is also nice to know that authentic Costa Rica still exists within the town and it is certainly easy to find rural experiences just a few minutes in any direction from Jacó Center. One of my favorite quick get-aways, where it’s easy to fall back into Costa Rica’s authentic charm and natural beauty, is Rancho Shadday, also known as “la cocina de Doña Marta.”
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Just a short drive from Jaco’s Maxi-Pali, this exquisite eatery is easy to get to but feels worlds apart. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended, especially in rainy season, as you need to climb some winding hills. However, I’ve seen all sorts of transport modes on this road, including many mountain bikes, ATVs, motorcycles and even pedestrians.
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Directions are simple. Cross the highway from Maxi-Pali and stay on the road for 12 kilometers until you see the Rancho Shadday sign.
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(This is the same road that continues to Bijagual and many other fun adventures). Be on the lookout en route, as you’ll pass a small waterfall and potentially see some wildlife as well. On a recent trip we also passed newly harvested beans drying in the sun on the roadside, slightly reminiscent of my trips to Asia. The big roadside sign welcomes you to the unassuming Rancho Shadday. Perched at the top of the hill, above the road, you’re afforded amazing views in every direction. You can look west down the valley to spot Quebrada Ganado and the ocean beyond. One of the first things you may notice, after the view, is that the open-air restaurant has a packed dirt floor. And a bunch of chickens that sometimes run between tables. On a previous visit here, I saw three kids move their soccer game from the parking area to the cover of the restaurant when rain showers broke out. Using the wooden bar as the goal, the small kids laughed and played, giving us a great pre-dinner show. FA R E F O R T H E A S K I N G There is no menu at Rancho Shadday … at least I haven’t seen one. Typical (traditional) Costa Rican food is served; just ask what options they have. Food is cooked on a traditional wood-fired stove. There is also a sugar cane press that the staff uses to make fresh juice. You can also ask to press some yourself if they aren’t too busy. It’s a fun throw-back experience for the kids.
The restaurant is nicknamed for its owner,"la cocina de Doña Marta"
I N F O R M AT I O N Rancho Shadday Open every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. We paid cash but did spot a credit card machine. Telephone 8759-0263
TO SEE MORE
Find your way there on WAZE or Google Maps
SCAN THE QR CODE
Just-harvested beans drying in the sunn
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Abierto todos los dias a las 8am
Desayuno, Almuerzo, Cena
Best Sunsets in Jaco
Happy hour
de 5pm a 7pm
todos los dias
encuentrenos en redes sociales
ElPointJacoBeach | 15
MARCH TIDE CHART
MOON PHASES
March 5
3rd Quarter
March 12 New Moon
March 21 1st Quarter
March 28 Full Moon
SUNRISE MARCH 1 MARCH 31
5:57 am 5:40 am
SUNSET MARCH 1 MARCH 31 16
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5:53 pm 5:54 pm
DAY
HIGH
LOW
HIGH
LOW
HIGH
Mon 01
04:10 9.42 ft
10:15 −0.92 ft
16:33 9.88 ft
22:40 −0.89 ft
Tue 02
04:53 9.47 ft
10:56 −0.99 ft
17:15 10.01 ft
23:25 −0.92 ft
Wed 03
05:37 9.29 ft
11:39 −0.83 ft
18:00 9.88 ft
Thu 04
00:11 −0.71 ft
06:23 8.91 ft
12:24 −0.44 ft
18:47 9.51 ft
Fri 05
01:00 −0.29 ft
07:14 8.37 ft
13:14 0.12 ft
19:39 8.97 ft
Sat 06
01:54 0.25 ft
08:11 7.78 ft
14:10 0.76 ft
20:39 8.37 ft
Sun 07
02:57 0.79 ft
09:19 7.28 ft
15:17 1.34 ft
21:48 7.87 ft
Mon 08
04:09 1.14 ft
10:35 7.06 ft
16:34 1.65 ft
23:03 7.64 ft
Tue 09
05:26 1.19 ft
11:50 7.20 ft
17:54 1.59 ft
Wed 10
00:14 7.72 ft
06:35 0.95 ft
12:55 7.60 ft
19:02 1.26 ft
Thu 11
01:16 7.98 ft
07:32 0.59 ft
13:50 8.08 ft
19:57 0.83 ft
Fri 12
02:07 8.28 ft
08:20 0.25 ft
14:36 8.52 ft
20:43 0.44 ft
Sat 13
02:52 8.53 ft
09:01 −0.01 ft
15:16 8.86 ft
21:23 0.15 ft
Sun 14
03:33 8.67 ft
09:37 −0.15 ft
15:54 9.05 ft
22:01 −0.02 ft
Mon 15
04:10 8.68 ft
10:12 −0.15 ft
16:29 9.08 ft
22:36 −0.05 ft
Tue 16
04:46 8.55 ft
10:46 −0.00 ft
17:04 8.97 ft
23:11 0.06 ft
Wed 17
05:22 8.29 ft
11:19 0.27 ft
17:38 8.72 ft
23:46 0.29 ft
Thu 18
05:58 7.91 ft
11:54 0.65 ft
18:13 8.35 ft
Fri 19
00:23 0.63 ft
06:36 7.45 ft
12:29 1.11 ft
18:50 7.92 ft
Sat 20
01:02 1.04 ft
07:18 6.96 ft
13:09 1.60 ft
19:32 7.45 ft
Sun 21
01:47 1.46 ft
08:06 6.52 ft
13:55 2.06 ft
20:22 7.03 ft
Mon 22
02:40 1.81 ft
09:05 6.22 ft
14:54 2.38 ft
21:25 6.74 ft
Tue 23
03:44 1.99 ft
10:15 6.19 ft
16:05 2.46 ft
22:36 6.73 ft
Wed 24
04:53 1.89 ft
11:23 6.50 ft
17:18 2.17 ft
23:44 7.02 ft
Thu 25
05:56 1.51 ft
12:22 7.09 ft
18:22 1.58 ft
Fri 26
00:41 7.53 ft
06:50 0.94 ft
13:12 7.84 ft
19:15 0.83 ft
Sat 27
01:32 8.14 ft
07:38 0.30 ft
13:57 8.63 ft
20:03 0.05 ft
Sun 28
02:18 8.74 ft
08:22 −0.31 ft
14:40 9.37 ft
20:49 −0.65 ft
Mon 29
03:02 9.23 ft
09:05 −0.80 ft
15:23 9.95 ft
21:33 −1.15 ft
Tue 30
03:47 9.54 ft
09:48 −1.10 ft
16:06 10.28 ft
22:17 −1.40 ft
Wed 31
04:31 9.62 ft
10:32 −1.14 ft
16:50 10.32 ft
23:03 −1.36 ft
HOWLER MAGAZINE
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SURF
G
COSTA RICA
LEARN TO CATCH
THE PERFECT WAVE B E G I N N E R
T I P S
by Gina Conejo
B
eing a Costa Rican city girl from San José, not one of those Ticos who grow up on the beach or head there as often as they can, I had never surfed a day in my life until a few months ago. I enjoy traveling, lived in the Big Apple for a while and then moved to Florida. I would constantly get the typical remark, “Oh, so you are from Costa Rica … the surfing there is great!” Yet in truth, I knew nothing about it firsthand. Having recently moved to the beach, I took it upon myself to learn to surf like a pro — well, maybe just learn to surf for starters. Now, after exploring the surf world for a few months, I am ready to share all my insider tips with you. LO NG RUN OR SH ORT SNA P? Now you need to ask yourself the following question: are you in it for the long run or just for a weekend vacation? For me, this is a long-term commitment.
SURF 101
Q UA LITY COUNTS Many surf instructors are used to the one-time lesson tourists who just want to feel excited about getting on a board. This makes it hard if you are a serious beginner looking to learn good technique.
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GE AR I NG UP Make sure you have the right gear. Surfing does not require much, but it has to serve the right purpose. If you're a lady you definitely need a swimsuit made for the action. There are many local swimsuit designers with practical designs as well as fashion. Many cute styles and patterns are available. If you are a guy, as proud as you may be of your sixpack, to avoid getting all scratched up by the foam top boards, get a rash guard. Or just ask your instructor to rent you one if you are doing the one-off lesson. AP P FO R T HAT When to surf? Lucky for you, your instructor will tell you and this is part of learning to surf. Become a surfer, don’t be a “Barney” (watch the surf classic film “North Shore”). But if you want to get ahead, continue reading Howler’s surf section and all the back issues online. Also download an app like MSW (MagicSeaWeed). It has surf cams and allows users to upload reports and photos — sort of like the Waze of waves. Beginner tip: Don’t surf big waves; stay away from them and the crowd! Your first lesson should be 60 percent on land, learning technique, stretching and paddling, and getting practice standing up on the board.
d! ou starte y t e g d l That shou ight age, it m r u o y t a wh r surfing No matter u o y t e g me” to Surf on! . a be “ go ti d i v a r in pu feet wet
Photos : Shaka Media. TO LEARN MORE SCAN THE QR CODE
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