Costa Rica Jacó Regional by Howler - January 2021

REGIONAL

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h o w l e r m a g . c o m

BY HOWLER s i n c e 1 9 9 6 j a n u a r y 2 0 2 1

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EDITORIAL

T

he new year … a time to say goodbye and a time to say hello.

We want to thank all of our supporters from the past year! It has meant so much to us to see the community come together to support one another. We have big plans for 2021 and we are looking forward to having each and every one of you as part of it.

Wishing everyone peace, love and laughter in the new year!

Kelly Norris Read the full HOWLER

online January issue

here!

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 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

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UP FRONT

by Mark Sydney

SPORT

Fishing

COVER STORY

A C O S TA R I C A A D V E N T U R E N OT TO B E M I S S E D

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A

ttention anglers! Following the gradual easing of international pandemic travel restrictions, November 1, 2020 saw Costa Rica open up to visitors from most of the world.

Intrepid saltwater anglers especially should rejoice at the perfect timing. Right on the heels of the opening comes Costa Rica’s annual worldclass billfish bite. From December through April, the waters of the Pacific, especially off Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, teem with marlin and sailfish. Anglers from the four corners of the globe come to catch them. Seldom if ever are they disappointed.

The country’s two most popular destinations during this period are Los Sueños Marina near Jacó and Pez Vela Marina in Quepos, both with incredible sportfishing fleets. These marinas also host some of the world’s most prestigious billfish tournaments. The acclaimed Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown and the Offshore World Championship at Pez Vela are just two of many.

G UA N AC A STE A L SO H A S TE RR I FI C FI SH I N G

Marlin, sailfish, sharks, tarpon and roosterfish have to go back into the water.

It’s the law!

Tourists vacationing in Guanacaste this season should also enjoy memorable sportfishing adventures. By heading to Tamarindo, Flamingo, Playas del Coco and resorts in Papagayo, for instance, you can easily make arrangements with experienced local charter captains. There are ALWAYS billfish around, with the added bonus of yellowfin tuna and dorado (mahi-mahi).

TO READ MORE AND SEE ALL OTHER OCEAN ADVENTURES:

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Jacó

HOT SPOTS HAVE YOU COVERED P L E N T Y O F O P T I O N S F O R A L L I N T H E FA M I LY

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.

One of the best things about Jacó is having so FEB 2001 many options17 The beaches of Jacó are wide with dark to choose chocolate sands where lively surf and from. sunshine fill the days. But it's the bars, restaurants and nightclubs that keep the candle burning long after sunset.

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12 COT2007

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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. Not to worry because we’ve got you covered! Our local experts have gone to work and compiled a list of all the best spots to help guide you to your perfect getaway!

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Attractions, Adventures and Activities

ISA

ONV2001

Restaurants, bars and nightclubs

V I S TA LO S S U E Ñ O S PA R K

TWIN FIN GASTRO BAR

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!

B-Freshis happy to announce to announce our new concept, serving homemade fusion-style food, cocktails and more!

Instagram @twinfincostarica

You can find more information at vistalossuenosadventurepark.com or on Facebook @vistalossuenos.

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

MIRO MOUNTAIN

PESCA SEAFOOD HOUSE Located in Jacó Walk Instagram @pescaseafood

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.

HARTLEY RANCH RESTAURANT est. 1842

Steakhouse featuring certified Angus black beef Located in Jacó Walk Instagram @hartleyranchrestaurant

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

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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 Jacó. www.lasirenajaco.com/ Instagram @lasirenaplayajaco

BIRD OF PARADISE HOTEL Beautiful and unique boutique hotel located in the heart of Jacó, 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 Jacó 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 HRG PROPERTIES & RENTALS The premier vacation rental and real estate service at Los Sueños www.hrgvacations.com Instagram @hrgvacationscr

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

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! | 11

REGIONAL JACĂ“ CR

Red-legged honeycreeper Sunrise from La Baula Lodge Prothonatory warbler

Sunrise in Tortuguero Howler monkey

Toucans

Purple gallinule

Lizard

Sloth

Red-eyed tree frog Sunset from La Baula Lodge

Kingfisher

Slaty-tailed trogon 12 |

Collared Caiman

Story and photos by Lori Anne Haskell

EXQUISITE TORTUGUERO TWICE THE ENJOYMENT IN TWO TRIPS

I

recently had a chance to travel to Tortuguero, Costa Rica — not once, but twice. My first trip was for three days, the third week in October and my second three-day visit was the following week.

I traveled with two different groups of friends, and our guide each time was Randall Ortega Chaves from Costa Rica Birding Journeys, located in Tarcoles.

We were incredibly lucky to visit Tortuguero at a very unique time. On both occasions, we did not see any other tourists outside of our group. In preCOVID-19 times, Tortuguero was a very popular tourist destination with upwards of 500 tourists per day. So these recent visits gave a sense of taking a step back in time. It was a rare opportunity to be there in the midst of just the wildlife and no other humans. It was spectacular!

Both trips started out early in the morning from the same departure point, Jacó Walk in Jacó, via the travel van Randall owns. We stopped on the way to see the views at Río Sucio and to give everyone a break to stretch our legs. Another necessary stop was to allow the passing of the "banana train" — a zipline device used to transport bananas from one side of the road to the other.

COOL PLACES

WILDLIFE PREVIEWS Upon arrival at the Tortuguero boat dock, we all loaded our luggage onto the boat and took a seat.

The boat ride to our hotel, La Baula Lodge, took about an hour and provided some exciting first impressions of what awaited in Tortuguero. We had amazing views of osprey, jacana, kingfisher, lizards, herons, caiman and more.

Upon arrival at our hotel, we were assigned our rooms and welcomed with delicious fruit drinks.

After a great lunch, which included vegetarian options, we headed out to the river for our first boat ride and beach walk. This boat ride presented

some delightful views of sloths, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, peregrine falcons, puffbirds, gallinules and much more. Our return boat trip to the hotel was followed by dinner and drinks, then afterwards a riveting presentation by our guide on photography and Tortuguero.

I spent a lot of the free time available walking the trails at the hotel. What I was able to see there was a treat: white-collared manakins, a slaty tailed trogon eating a huge flower, a gartered trogon relaxing in the trees and a cool river turtle, plus many spider and howler monkeys. During one of my walks, I was able to watch a family of howler monkeys, including a newborn. I also witnessed a toddler in the troop just learning how to howl. It was hysterical! His howl was very high-pitched and different from the father. I could not help but laugh at his attempts.

One night in Tortuguero, our group was able to go to the beach late at night to see a green sea turtle laying her eggs. No flashlights or photography were allowed as it disrupts the turtles. We watched as she laid her eggs and buried them, and then walked back out to sea. Seeing these endangered turtles lay their eggs is truly spectacular. I highly recommend adding this to your bucket list.

TRIP TWO HIGHLIGHTS My second visit to Tortuguero offered some different experiences. First, our group had amazing views of the sungrebe, which I had never seen before. We also saw an anteater foraging in the trees above for termites in a high overhead termite nest. That was a highlight for me!

In addition, we got to see two bare-throated tiger herons together. As part of a courtship ritual, the male kept singing to the female. It is rare to see two tiger herons sharing space, so this was a special moment for me. | 13

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MOON PHASES

JAN 6

JANUARY TIDE CHART DAY

HIGH TIDES

LOW TIDES

HIGH TIDES

LOW TIDES

Fri 01

04:08 8.97 ft

10:21 0.11 ft

16:41 8.57 ft

22:36 0.86 ft

Sat 02

04:49 8.94 ft

11:00 0.08 ft

17:21 8.71 ft

23:19 0.78 ft

Sun 03

05:32 8.80 ft

11:41 0.15 ft

18:03 8.79 ft

Mon 04

00:04 0.77 ft

06:16 8.58 ft

12:23 0.29 ft

18:47 8.80 ft

Tue 05

00:52 0.83 ft

07:04 8.30 ft

13:09 0.50 ft

19:36 8.77 ft

JAN 12

Wed 06

01:45 0.93 ft

07:57 7.99 ft

14:00 0.74 ft

20:29 8.72 ft

New Moon

Thu 07

02:42 1.02 ft

08:56 7.72 ft

14:55 0.98 ft

21:27 8.68 ft

Fri 08

03:44 1.04 ft

10:00 7.57 ft

15:57 1.15 ft

22:29 8.71 ft

Sat 09

04:50 0.94 ft

11:07 7.60 ft

17:03 1.18 ft

23:33 8.83 ft

Sun 10

05:55 0.70 ft

12:13 7.82 ft

18:08 1.07 ft

3rd Quarter

Mon 11

00:35 9.04 ft

06:57 0.36 ft

13:14 8.18 ft

19:11 0.85 ft

HIGH TIDES

JAN 20

Tue 12

01:33 9.27 ft

07:53 0.01 ft

14:11 8.57 ft

20:09 0.60 ft

Wed 13

02:27 9.46 ft

08:45 −0.29 ft

15:03 8.93 ft

21:03 0.39 ft

1st Quarter

Thu 14

03:18 9.54 ft

09:34 −0.47 ft

15:52 9.17 ft

21:53 0.29 ft

Fri 15

04:06 9.48 ft

10:19 −0.48 ft

16:39 9.27 ft

22:41 0.31 ft

Sat 16

04:52 9.27 ft

11:03 −0.34 ft

17:24 9.20 ft

23:27 0.47 ft

Sun 17

05:37 8.92 ft

11:46 −0.04 ft

18:08 9.00 ft

Mon 18

00:11 0.74 ft

06:22 8.46 ft

12:27 0.37 ft

18:52 8.69 ft

Tue 19

00:57 1.08 ft

07:07 7.94 ft

13:09 0.86 ft

19:36 8.32 ft

Wed 20

01:43 1.44 ft

07:54 7.41 ft

13:52 1.36 ft

20:22 7.94 ft

Thu 21

02:32 1.76 ft

08:44 6.94 ft

14:39 1.84 ft

21:12 7.63 ft

Fri 22

03:26 1.99 ft

09:41 6.59 ft

15:31 2.22 ft

22:05 7.42 ft

Sat 23

04:25 2.08 ft

10:43 6.42 ft

16:29 2.44 ft

23:02 7.37 ft

Sun 24

05:26 1.98 ft

11:45 6.48 ft

17:30 2.46 ft

23:59 7.49 ft

Mon 25

06:23 1.71 ft

12:42 6.74 ft

18:28 2.27 ft

JAN 28 Full Moon

SUNRISE JAN 1 JAN 31

6:01 am 6:06 am

Tue 26

00:52 7.75 ft

07:13 1.32 ft

13:32 7.15 ft

19:21 1.91 ft

Wed 27

01:40 8.10 ft

07:59 0.88 ft

14:18 7.63 ft

20:09 1.46 ft

Thu 28

02:25 8.48 ft

08:41 0.44 ft

14:59 8.14 ft

20:54 0.97 ft

Fri 29

03:09 8.82 ft

09:21 0.04 ft

15:39 8.62 ft

21:36 0.52 ft

Sat 30

03:50 9.08 ft

10:00 −0.26 ft

16:19 9.03 ft

22:19 0.16 ft

Sun 31

04:32 9.21 ft

10:39 −0.45 ft

16:59 9.33 ft

23:02 −0.06 ft

SUNSET JAN 1 JAN 31 16

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5:33 pm 5:47 pm

HOWLER MAGAZINE

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REGIONAL JACÓ CR

From blank wall to life-sized farm kitchen scene, this transformation of a bland urban building emerged from sketches painted in phases consistent with depth perspective.

Photos courtesy of Artify Jacó.

Two other murals by the same artist. in different Costa Rica locations. Photos courtesy of Pulun Pérez Barquero Article sponsored by

Parque Marino del Pacifico in Puntarenas

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RECOPE en Moin, Limon.

by Stewart Invierno

IMPORTANT CORNER OF JACÓ GETS THE LOVE IT DESERVES U N IQ U E 3-D MUR AL P UTS MOD ERN TWIST ON TRADITIONAL THEME

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n a short, nondescript road in Jacó, you can find the post office, police station, government offices and the CCSS Jacó Clinic — the main medical facility in town. And in the parking lot at the end of the road, across from the soccer field, the weekly farmer’s market pops up every Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

And yet, with all this local activity and pedestrian traffic, the area feels remarkably industrial. Chain link fences, parking lots and concrete walls in need of paint give the area a rather inhospitable vibe.

This bleak vibe was exactly what attracted Artify Jacó to the area, and to one wall in particular. The wall of the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock (MAG) faces the entrance to the local clinic and is in direct line with traffic due to a curve in the road. You couldn’t ask for a better wall for public art: high visibility to an ever-changing local and tourist population in an area so central to the real heart of the community. A key objective of Artify Jacó is to connect more people to art and creativity in their everyday routine, so this wall checked all the boxes.

Considering the building’s tenants, we looked for an artist who could bridge the contemporary work of previous Artify Jacó murals with an agricultural theme that would still feel fresh and interesting for viewers. A nostalgic look at farm life in a trompe l'oeil or 3-D style seemed to do just that.

For 15 days in November 2020, Pulun (Keilor) Pérez Barquero, with the help of his cousin Ariel Herrera, visited our town and created the latest mural for Artify Jacó. What follows are some of the artist’s thoughts and impressions from this experience.

What is your background as an artist?

I am one of those few people who knew from childhood what I would become when I grew up. In my early years it was just a hobby, but art has such an enjoyable feeling when experienced, that you always want to learn a little more.

I am so immersed in my discipline that all my decisions revolve around my future as an artist.

Working as a muralist has allowed me to get to know my country, discover new cultures and open my mind to understand new ways of thinking. Being an artist has made me the human being that I am.

What was the most challenging aspect of the mural in Jaco?

This mural made me leave my comfort zone. Those who know my work know that I enjoy painting flora and fauna, especially from Costa Rica.

Creating a trompe l'oeil of a home, seen from the inside — it tested my little familiarity with painting in perspective. The most complicated part was making the sketch to ensure that everything fit well and created the desired effect.

What is your favorite detail or aspect of this mural?

The warmth that wall now projects ... the feeling of coming home. I am from a rural area in Costa Rica and I feel that this painting depicts part of my childhood. Leaving aside the technical aspect of the work, I feel connected with this scene and it makes me think of my family: coming home on a summer afternoon, visiting my grandmother and sitting down to have coffee with her. I hope I can pass that feeling on to other people. | 19

Romina Cejas +506 8374 8931

rominacejassurfart

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by Ben Harris

HOPE FOR THE HUMPBACKS

READ MORE

WHALES AND MORE ENDANGERED

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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

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by Lyndsay Bilodeau

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by Lyndsay Bilodeau

NO SOIL? NO PROBLEM WITH AIR PLANTS

PLANT LIFE

E

ver look up under the canopy of a tree here in Costa Rica and see all the wonderful little plants that live up there? If you have, chances are you probably have come across an air plant or two … or maybe even hundreds!

DIVERSE NATIVE SPECIES

Air plants are epiphytic and/or aerophytic in nature, and will attach themselves to trees, telephone wires or rocks using their roots to latch on.

If you know a bit about epiphytic and aerophytic plants, you know that they do not need soil in order to grow.

The genera tillandsia is part of the bromeliaceae family and can be found from the southern United States all the way down to parts of Argentina.

Tillandsias generally prefer humid environments.

In fact, air plants live off of water and air alone, and their root system is primarily used to anchor themselves to other surfaces. They produce their own nutrients through a process called photosynthesis. They can absorb small quantities of water through tiny structures on their leaves called trichomes, and can also absorb other nutrients through dust and dirt trapped in the air.

Costa Rica has over 200 native tillandsia species.

The most commonly found air plants within Costa Rica belong to the genus tillandsia. There are over 650 different species of tillandsia in the world, and a countless number of hybrids. Costa Rica has over 200 native tillandsia species.

Photos below: Lyndsay Bilodeau

When the tillandsia plant has reached maturity, it will enter a reproductive phase and begin to flower.

Interestingly, this only happens once in a lifetime, not only marking the start of the reproductive phase but also nearing the end of the life cycle. During this phase, tillandsias will also begin to produce “pups” that will eventually grow into individual mature plants.

Tillandsia flowers are quite varied and can come in a myriad of colors, sizes and shapes. Some tillandsias will produce a large inflorescence shooting from the center in a series of bloom tracks that can reach up to a meter in height. These bloom tracks can survive for an extended period of up to one year in some species.

One of the most popular species easily found in Costa Rica is the tillandsia caput-medusae (Medusa’s head), also known as octopus plant for its tentaclelike shape. This beautiful tillandsia has stiff, slightly curled leaves covered in fine grey hairs (trichomes), allowing it to absorb nutrients and humidity from the air. Resemblance to jellyfish tentacles explains the Medusa name. | 25

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