Costa Rica Jacó Regional by Howler - February 2021

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 F e b r u a r y 2 0 2 1

|1

2

|

“W

EDITORIAL

Join us in welcoming our new associate in the Jaco zone, Tania Guevara!

Originally from Colombia, Tania brings a great new energy to the team and we are extremely excited to have her on board.

Tania@howlermag.com

Read the full HOWLER

online February issue

e travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next to find ourselves. We travel to open our hearts and eyes and learn more about the world than our newspapers will accommodate.

We travel to bring what little we can, in our ignorance and knowledge, to those parts of the globe whose riches are differently dispersed.

And we travel, in essence, to become young fools again — to slow time down and get taken in, and fall in love once more.”

— Pico Iyer We invite you to share your adventures with us as you travel around this beautiful country in the land of pura vida!

Share photos and write to us at kelly@howlermag.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook @howlermagazine

here!

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 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 HOWLER (TM)2017

|3

OFFSHORE HEALTH BENEFITS A S S I S T I N G E X PAT R I AT E S SINCE 2002

Licensed and Bonded for $1 Million Per Medical Claim

• Required Covid Letters for Immigration into Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico, USA and Beyond - All Medical Insurance Plans include COVID 19 Coverage • Assistance with Medical Insurance - 7 days a week through Whatsapp • Top Rated Global Medical Insurance with Access to the USA and Canada • No Agent or Application Fees • Represented Plans: Cigna Global, Aetna International, HCI and Allianz • Licensed & Bonded ($1 million per claim) Is your broker / agent licensed? You may want to ask. Since 2002, we have helped thousands of Expats Globally.

offshorehealthbenefits.com 4

|

512-296-4976

Contac t : offshorehealt hb enefits.com/contac t- our-team

US 512-296-4976

|5

REGIONAL JACÓ CR

TOP

10 Waterfalls in Costa Rica

Story by Karl Kahler

I

n a country that ranges in altitude from 12,533 feet to sea level, and where some regions get 7 meters of rain per year, you can expect a lot of fast water flowing down steep hillsides.

Costa Rica was created by tectonic uplift and volcanic activity, so it’s full of craggy mountains and towering bluffs. And it’s besieged by tropical rainstorms from two oceans that dump prodigious amounts of water, all of which has to go somewhere.

COOL PLACES

So when down-rushing water meets sheer cliff, what happens next? Some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.

6

|

Visitors to Costa Rica can choose from a huge variety of stunning places to see, ranging from golden beaches to cloud-shrouded volcanoes to dense rainforest trails. But it’s worth taking the time to visit at least one of the country’s great waterfalls.

This is no secret to Ticos, who will often pack a picnic and make a day out of a visit to a catarata, especially those with swimming holes at the bottom. The water is cool and refreshing, the view is awe-inspiring, and in places you’re treated to the spectacle of local daredevils leaping from dizzying heights.

In addition, just getting to some of these waterfalls is a worthwhile adventure in its own right. Access to some falls involves an invigorating hike through the jungle, and in places you can get two adventures in one by riding to the waterfall on a horse or an ATV. H AV E F U N B U T B E C A R E F U L Be aware of the potential dangers of cliffjumping, or even of trying to swim in the turbulent pool directly underneath a big waterfall. A long jump that ends in a belly flop can be fatal, as can a slip-and-fall while trying to climb up the side.

And at some falls, the power of the water creates a maelstrom at the base that can suck you underwater and spin you around like a sock in a washing machine until you drown.

Yet for jumpers, the pools at the base of most big waterfalls have a built-in safety feature, thanks to centuries of erosion: The power of the pounding water usually carves out a deep, obstructionfree pool where they don’t have to worry about hitting underwater rocks or a shallow bottom.

Watch where the experienced locals jump, and ask lifeguards or tour guides about potential dangers.

Here — in no particular order — are our picks for the 10 greatest waterfalls in Costa Rica.

1

Nauyaca

2

This two-tiered wonder near Dominical has an upper fall measuring 45 meters and a lower fall of 25 meters, with a total height of about 230 feet.

The real action is at the bottom, where the water cascades beautifully over a broad cliff face. Cliff-jumping into a deep, swimmable pool is allowed, but it’s best to have a guide. Access is by a 2.5-mile trail from the highway, which you can do on foot or (highly recommended) on horseback.

La Fortuna

3

Just a few miles from La Fortuna in Arenal, this stunning 230-foot waterfall is visited by up to 100,000 people a year.

You have to walk down about 500 steps to get to the bottom (and then you have to walk back up), but with its swimmable pool and the cool mist from the powerful torrent, it’s worth it. No cliff-jumping, please, and swimming too close to the base of this fall can be dangerous.

Montezuma

This waterfall is not just something to do while visiting Montezuma, it’s a reason to go there. An easy walk from town, the swimmable pool at the bottom is always full of tourists and locals, including daredevils who scale the cliffs and jump from dizzying heights. The lower fall is 98 feet, and it’s almost impossible to jump from the very top and live. But higher up, there’s a 39-foot jump that even New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has survived. |7

5

Llanos de Cortés

8

|

Located near Bagaces, just off the freeway between Liberia and Cañas, Llanos de Cortés is a big, broad waterfall that would have pride of place in any beauty contest among cataratas in Costa Rica. The broad pool at the bottom is swimmable and popular with locals and visitors alike, and there are rugged trails that lead to the top.

4 6

Río Celeste

Río Celeste (“Sky-Blue River”) is famous for its bright blue color, which is caused by aluminosilicate particles suspended in the water that reflect sunlight only in blue. This spectacular waterfall is the centerpiece of Tenorio Volcano National Park (between Arenal and Rincón de la Vieja). Park visitors are not allowed to get wet here, though locals sometimes hike in from downriver.

La Paz

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is famous for a lot of things, including a nature reserve with jaguars and the luxurious accommodations at the Peace Lodge. But as the name implies, it boasts five great waterfalls along 2.2 miles of hiking trails. And at just 19 miles from Alajuela, it makes a great day trip from the Central Valley.

|9

7

Finca Bellavista Finca Bellavista is an engineering marvel near Golfito renowned for its luxury treehouses, some of which are accessible only by hanging bridges.

But just descend from your treehouse, take a walk along the nature trails, and you’ll find waterfall marvels like this one.

8

La Llorona Named after a terrifying ghost of local lore, La Llorona (“The Weeper”) plunges from a cliff in Corcovado National Park straight into the Pacific Ocean. Said to be 100 feet tall, it represents the end of the Las Marias Trail from park headquarters in Sirena.

Understandably, it’s usually viewed by boat.

10

|

9 La Cangreja

You’ll need your hiking boots for the three-mile trek to this little-known beauty in Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park. Plummeting upwards of 130 feet, La Cangreja (“The Crab”) takes about four hours round-trip to visit, but as you can see, it’s worth the exertion.

James Kaiser is the author and photographer of Costa Rica: The Complete Guide.

Visit his website at https://jameskaiser.com/ costa-rica-guide/

Rio Pacuare

10 This vista will be familiar to anyone who has floated down Costa Rica’s best whitewater rafting river, the Pacuare. Yes, you will paddle like hell through the fastest rapids, and you will probably fall into the water at some point, but during tranquil moments you will admire cliffside vistas like this one.

| 11

12

|

| 13

14

|

| 15

16

|

| 17

MOON PHASES

FEBRUARY TIDE CHART

FEB 4

3rd Quarter

DAY

HIGH TIDES

LOW TIDES

HIGH TIDES

LOW TIDES

Mon 01

05:14 9.19 ft

11:19 −0.49 ft

17:40 9.48 ft

23:46 −0.12 ft

Tue 02

05:58 9.01 ft

12:01 −0.36 ft

18:23 9.46 ft

Wed 03

00:32 −0.02 ft

06:44 8.68 ft

12:46 −0.09 ft

19:10 9.28 ft

Thu 04

01:22 0.23 ft

07:34 8.25 ft

13:35 0.31 ft

20:02 8.98 ft

FEB 11

Fri 05

02:17 0.56 ft

08:30 7.79 ft

14:30 0.78 ft

21:00 8.63 ft

New Moon

Sat 06

03:18 0.87 ft

09:36 7.41 ft

15:32 1.20 ft

22:05 8.34 ft

Sun 07

04:27 1.05 ft

10:47 7.25 ft

16:43 1.45 ft

23:15 8.22 ft

Mon 08

05:39 1.00 ft

12:00 7.38 ft

17:57 1.44 ft

FEB 19 1st Quarter

FEB 26 Full Moon

SUNRISE FEB 1 FEB 28

6:01 am 5:53 am

SUNSET FEB 1 FEB 28 18

|

5:44 pm 5:49 pm

HIGH TIDES

Tue 09

00:23 8.31 ft

06:46 0.73 ft

13:05 7.74 ft

19:05 1.19 ft

Wed 10

01:24 8.54 ft

07:44 0.36 ft

14:02 8.21 ft

20:04 0.83 ft

Thu 11

02:19 8.79 ft

08:35 0.01 ft

14:53 8.65 ft

20:55 0.49 ft

Fri 12

03:07 8.99 ft

09:20 −0.25 ft

15:38 8.99 ft

21:41 0.24 ft

Sat 13

03:52 9.06 ft

10:01 −0.37 ft

16:20 9.17 ft

22:23 0.13 ft

Sun 14

04:33 8.99 ft

10:40 −0.33 ft

16:59 9.18 ft

23:03 0.17 ft

Mon 15

05:13 8.77 ft

11:17 −0.13 ft

17:37 9.04 ft

23:42 0.34 ft

Tue 16

05:52 8.42 ft

11:53 0.21 ft

18:15 8.75 ft

Wed 17

00:20 0.62 ft

06:31 7.96 ft

12:29 0.65 ft

18:53 8.37 ft

Thu 18

01:00 0.97 ft

07:12 7.45 ft

13:07 1.15 ft

19:33 7.94 ft

Fri 19

01:43 1.36 ft

07:56 6.92 ft

13:48 1.67 ft

20:17 7.51 ft

Sat 20

02:31 1.73 ft

08:48 6.47 ft

14:36 2.13 ft

21:09 7.15 ft

Sun 21

03:28 1.99 ft

09:50 6.17 ft

15:34 2.46 ft

22:10 6.95 ft

Mon 22

04:33 2.06 ft

10:59 6.15 ft

16:43 2.55 ft

23:16 6.99 ft

Tue 23

05:39 1.88 ft

12:05 6.43 ft

17:53 2.32 ft

Wed 24

00:19 7.27 ft

06:38 1.48 ft

13:00 6.95 ft

18:53 1.83 ft

Thu 25

01:13 7.73 ft

07:28 0.94 ft

13:48 7.60 ft

19:45 1.18 ft

Fri 26

02:01 8.25 ft

08:12 0.36 ft

14:31 8.30 ft

20:31 0.50 ft

Sat 27

02:46 8.76 ft

08:54 −0.19 ft

15:12 8.97 ft

21:14 −0.13 ft

Sun 28

03:28 9.17 ft

09:34 −0.64 ft

15:52 9.52 ft

21:57 −0.61 ft

HOWLER MAGAZINE

| 19

REGIONAL JACÓ CR

20

|

Cruising to Isla Tortuga ADVENTURE WITH TOUCHES OF LUXURY

Story and photos by Mario Molina Salazar & Maria Laura Charles

J

ust like the desktop wallpaper image of a dreamlike tropical island, Isla Tortuga may surpass the most exotic limits of your imagination. This idyllic gem is located in the Gulf of Nicoya, the region of Costa Rica with the largest number of islands.

An all-inclusive excursion with Costa Cat Cruises is one option for visiting Isla Tortuga. Expect luxuryinfused adventure as you board the catamaran, departing first thing in the morning from the beautiful Los Sueños Marina, just a short drive from downtown Jacó and 75 minutes from San José international airport.

Once the cruise begins, you can enjoy delicious fresh snacks such as banana breads, seasonal tropical fruits, coffee and juices, to the beat of lively Latin music.

FEATURED ADVENTURE

Take your pick from all the comfortable lounging spots around the boat. Feel the cool natural breeze outside or stay inside the safe, enclosed, airconditioned space while viewing a captivating Pacific seascape and remote volcanic islands. At this point, you simply sit back and relax, letting the friendly and attentive crew take care of you.

The sight of turquoise-colored water is a sign of the imminent treat you’ve been anticipating: the sublime and breathtaking Tortuga Island.

LIKE A MOVIE Your onshore arrival at the cruise destination is like a movie scene with a soundtrack mix of palm leaves rustling in the wind, waves breaking on the shore and Bob Marley’s smooth reggae music in the background.

Private beach chairs await as you take in the splendor of your surroundings: sugary white sand, towering palm trees and crystalline waters. Quench your tropical thirst with a sensational margarita or rum punch from the open bar. When it’s lunchtime, you can eat as much as you like from the selection of traditional foods served buffet-style. What else could you ask for?

Choose from a variety of fun activities to enjoy during your stay on the island. You can snorkel in the blue depths, bounce along the sea on a banana boat or hike the lush trails towards the highest peak of the island where a lookout point provides stunning views.

Participate in any or all of these activities, or just take it easy taking in the wonders of this place.

Isla Tortuga offers an extraordinary snorkeling experience. Swim with an astonishing variety of marine life species including angelfish, porcupine fish, morays, needlefish, spotted eagle rays and many more tropical beauties.

B I O D I V E R S E H A B I TAT You may be surprised by the different types of animals that call Tortuga Island home. It is not unusual to encounter white-tailed deer, many kinds of birds, green iguanas, peccaries (a wild pig species) and even peacocks.

Whether your island visit finds you physically active, decompressing or in a festive mood, eventually it will wind down and be time to leave. Any sadness you feel should fade once you hop back on the catamaran for the return party cruise. Dance and sing the way back while the sea breeze blows through your hair and the golden hour shines. It’s the life you deserve!

When your boat trip ends at the marina, it will be perfect timing to watch the sunset. Find a place at Los Sueños Marina Village with a gorgeous view — the perfect cherry-on-top closure to your unforgettable experience.

For Information: Contact Want to learn more about this tour?

Contact the amazing For information: Costa Cat Cruises costacatcruises.com Phone/WhatsApp: 506 8390 7070 and book your space.

| 21

costacatcruises

CRUISE TO PARADISE AND DISCOVER THE MAJESTIC TORTUGA ISLAND!

LEAVING FROM

DAILY 7:45 AM

CALL US: +506 8390 7070 | reservations@costacatcruises.com | costacatcruises.com 22

|

Finca Morpho is a regenerative education, experimental permaculture intentional community in Costa Rica on 4.2 hectares of

Review"What can I say about Finca Morpho?

My experience there was utterly life changing. I learned more about nature

surf beach meets jungle farm near the Osa

and the Earth in a few weeks than 4

Peninsula's point of Cabo Matapalo on the

years at university. I learned that we

Golfo Dulce. Here we are morphing ourselves and thus the world through inner and outer work as a living model of sustainability, creativity, freedom, and authenticity, with our primary goals being peace of heart and open minds to all ideas and new ways of life.

humans are a part of this world and realized ways we can better live with our environment. I have been integrating these teachings EVERYDAY of my life since I left and have been dreaming all the time of returning. Oh and there's world class surf and delicious mangos. Yes, it's pretty much paradise ;)

We are proud to announce some amazing events and workshops this new year! For more info visit us at fincamorpho.com Or visit our sister farm lapazcostarica.com

| 23

Jacó

PLENTY TO SEE AND DO ENJOY THE AREA

T

ourism is on the rise and has already started hitting Costa Rica in a big way! Playa Jacó continues to be one of the most popular and lively beach towns on the Pacific coast. Only 90 minutes from San José, it is easily accessible and full of adventure for the whole family.

Take time to explore the town and the EB 2001 surrounding17F The beaches of Jacó are wide with dark chocolate sands where lively surf and area.

sunshine fill the days. But it's the bars, restaurants and nightclubs that keep the candle burning long after sunset.

24

|

12 COT2007

VI

Jacó is the perfect spot for a weekend escape from the busy city of San José. You can simply relax on the beach, surf, go ziplining and watch the noisy scarlet macaws fly around the area.

Although one of the best things about Jacó is having so many options to choose from, it can seem a bit overwhelming to pick the best ones for you and your loved ones. Take time to explore the town and the surrounding area.

03 ONV

We hope you enjoy your time here in Jacó.

Attractions, Adventures and Activities

ISA

ONV2001

V I S TA LO S S U E Ñ O S PA R K The premier adventure park of Costa Rica is found just minutes away from downtown Jacó. Take your pick of adventures from ziplining, ATV and buggy tours, Tarzan swing, waterfall tours and more!

Scan QR code.

Use code HOWLER2021

10% Discount

MIRO MOUNTAIN

Restaurants, bars and nightclubs EL POINT JACÓ BEACH Beachfront bar and restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and the best sunsets with Happy Hour every day Live music, pet-friendly, special events Facebook @elpointjacobeach

PESCA SEAFOOD HOUSE Located in Jacó Walk Instagram @pescaseafood

TSUNAMI SUSHI Touted as the best sushi in Costa Rica, located in Jacó Walk Facebook @tsunamisushicr

Looking to hit the trails or get a birds eye view of downtown Jacó? Look no further than Miro Mountain, a beautiful secret spot tucked away in the mountains, offering great views of Jacó. If you go early, you are likely to see monkeys, morphos, tiny tropical frogs or even the occasional sloth! Locals love hiking or biking through the trails, but no cars allowed!

You’ll know you’ve reached the top when you find yourself surrounded by mysterious old ruins. You can find the entrance located at the south end of Jacó, across from the Delta gas station.

Local tip: Miro is one of the best places to catch a sunset view that you will never forget. | 25

Hotels and vacation rentals

Shopping, art and souvenirs BIKINIS LOVE DESIGNS

LA SIRENA Boutique hotel located steps from the beach in one of the most beautiful areas of Jacรณ. www.lasirenajaco.com/ Instagram @lasirenaplayajaco

BIRD OF PARADISE HOTEL Beautiful and unique boutique hotel located in the heart of Jacรณ, half a block from the beach and just steps away from many cafes, shops and restaurants. https://birdofparadisehotel.com/ Instagram @birdofparadisehotel

THE RESERVE COSTA RICA Modern luxury villas located in Playa Hermosa with ocean views. www.thereservecostarica.com Instagram @thereservecostarica

Customized swimwear, plus all the beach accessories you could want!

Shop in-store or online. https://www.bikinislovedesigns.com/ Instagram @bikinis_love_designs

MARVECA BEACHWEAR

This Bikini boutique right in Jacรณ town center, across the street from the Red Cross. Watch how bikinis are manufactured right in the store; the designer also hand-paints all their unique prints. Choose from many prints and colors to order a custom-made bikini, ready within 24 to 48 hours. Many different styles include reversible bikinis, surf bikinis and recently-launched little beachwear collection. https://marveca-beachwear.com/ Instagram @marveca_beachwear

ROMINA CEJAS SURF ART

Customized surfboard art and more! https://rominacejasurfart.com/ Instagram @rominacejassurfart

26

|

Yoga and Fitness

Local realtors

AURORA YOGA

DAVID KARR

Aurora Yoga is located in the heart of Jacรณ in Jacรณ Walk. In 2010, Aurora entered the local community wanting to provide space and instruction that would allow the community to focus and grow their practices together. And together they have helped the community grow closer, more understanding and stronger. The classes are fun and mindful.

For more information and class schedules: Facebook @aurorayoga Instagram @aurorayoga www.aurorayogajaco.com

Costa Rica is a beautiful country, but when it comes to making the move and researching the country further, most people become confused and frustrated.

Finding someone you can trust and help guide you with the process is the most important step.

David Karr has been living in Costa Rica since 2005, where he resides full -time in Jacรณ Beach. Since then he has been consulting and guiding people with real estate and living in Costa Rica. He works with the top attorneys to ensure your transaction is safe and secure, while providing clients with in-depth market analysis and inside information so they can make the best decisions possible. His expertise is in the Central Pacific and Jacรณ region, but he can assist with all parts of Costa Rica.

David Karr, Costa Rica Real Estate Sales & Consulting https://linkin.bio/davidkarrcostarica www.cppropertiescostarica.com Instagram @davidkarrcostarica

002 2 C E D 30 visitor Information Additional Check out our map p. 14-15 to find the most convenient grocery stores, ATMs, and everything else you need to know!

There are endless things to enjoy in the area, whatever your pleasure, so check the latest Howler Jacรณ regional magazine every month for all the latest and greatest tips! | 27

Get Ready for Costa Rica

!

Legal Due Diligence Seminars

Discover the important legal issues about moving to Costa Rica to live, from 30+ Years of Canadian and Costa Rican legal practice — helping expats.

Limited Attendance Seminars AND Open Q&A Sessions with LIC. RICK PHILPS, COSTA RICA LAWYER

February Seminar February 9, 2021, 9AM to 11AM March Seminar March 9, 2021, 9AM to 11AM Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo Ask about more mo seminar dates available until July 2021

www.costaricacanadalaw.com More Information and Reservations Email: rick@costaricacanadalaw.com 28

|

More info here:

| 29

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 30

|

5 LUXURY VILLAS

by Lyndsay Bilodeau

Private Pools | Oceanview 3-4 bedrooms | 6-8 pax *restrictions apply*

$899 *any 2 nights*

Limited Time Only!

506 8931-3333 THERESERVECOSTARICA.COM

@thereservecostarica

| 31

Scan QR code.

Use code HOWLER2021

32

|