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It is that time of year again when we show our Mothers just how much they mean to us. This inconvenient time in May falls right after spring break and right before summer vacation so sometimes this day can just fall to the wayside. Plan something special that you can put off until you and the family have more time to celebrate this very special day. This Mother’s Day give mom a gift that she is sure to cherish for many years to come. Give her a family vacation to Costa Rica!

She, no doubt has planned countless family vacations in your lifetime and there were sure to be some that she had to deal with crying children, pubescent teens, bickering young adults, and even a grouchy husband. Why not take this Mother’s Day to book a Costa Rica Vacation Rental, reserve some airline tickets, and plan some excursions that she can excitedly wait for until the trip arrives.

The best things about Moms are that they don’t normally ask for thank yous, or even apologies. This year you can really shock her when she opens a box and finds airline vouchers, photos from the Tamarindo Vacation Rental you have planned, and some brochures for adventures you have dreamed up. Sure this is not the cheapest mothers day present but get all your siblings in on it, even your dad can chip in. Let this Mother’s Day be one that you can brag about to your kids for years to come.

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Afraid that Mom won’t be up for a long trip like Costa Rica. You may be surprised what that woman can do. Mothers never cease to amaze their children. Let Sunday’s festivities revolve around planning what great adventures the family is going to have this year. Are you so adventurous that you’re going to be surfing and paddle boarding with Mom? Or maybe a little more low-key adventures are in order.

No matter what the adventure level you choose, you and the family are sure to have an amazing time. Nights spent at the Costa Rica Vacation Rental are sure to include hours sitting outside, watching the waves crash, and enjoying the perfect weather and gentle breeze. The family can sit back and reminisce about all their favorite family vacation memories and even the not so favorite ones.

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Mornings can be spent cooking dinner at the condo, and then walking along the shoreline to the amazing Central American sunrise. You can see all the locals walking their dogs on the beach and watch the town wake up for another beautiful day in the sun. Check out the wildlife there are see some of the most beautiful iguanas, elegant birds, and playful monkeys, all enjoying the wonderful tropical weather in Costa Rica.

Can’t decide exactly what you want to plan? Why not just ask Mom what she would like to do. Sometimes just hanging out in front of the Tamarindo Vacation Rental basking in the sun is the most appealing plan for the day. Maybe another day she would like to try quading through the jungle with the wind in her hair, and mud on her tires. Let her decide what pace to take on this dream vacation. Without a doubt it will be the talk of the table for many Mother’s Days to come.

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Dental
Dental work is something that is probably far from your idea of something to experience on your dream vacation. However, with many fresh out of college students, who have not yet landed a job with dental benefits, getting a check up in Costa Rica may be worth the stop. A teeth cleaning that can cost upwards of around $250 in the US averages around $40 in Costa Rica. Same situation applies with cavities, root canals, and teeth whiting. You don’t need dental insurance in Costa Rica so this is a bargain that you may not be able to afford to put off. Check online for dentists in your local city you will be visiting or even ask your rental agent if they could refer you somewhere. Kill two birds with one stone while on this vacation.

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Yoga
A yoga retreat sounds like a peaceful way to enjoy your vacation. Sure maybe coming with the kids and family was not your idea of the most tranquil situation. However, right outside your Tamarindo Vacation Rental there are an abundance of top notch yoga classes. Most have drop in rates and some of the most amazing instructors. It is not the same as a full week long retreat on a deserted island, but it can be just enough serenity to get you through the day.

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Exploring Trails
Working out might not be your favorite thing in a gym but if you are dreading getting your workout on while on vacation, just bring some running shoes with you. For a more low key workout there are nice trails that you can walk with your family just a short distance away from your Costa Rica Vacation Rental. If you are looking for more of a workout you can jog the trails and experience nature while getting your calorie burn on. If you’re just looking for a quick workout nothing helps the burn like a fast paced run on the beach in the sand. You can even wear a suit and run in about a foot of water for some resistance training.

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Local Entertainment
Something else that you might not know you would enjoy is some local entertainment. Ask the locals what they do on different nights of the week. Maybe there is a local painting and wine party, or a bingo game. Perhaps there is a local fiesta and rodeo going on that week. Some times the hidden treasures are easily revealed when you just talk to the locals of the town.

Relax
No matter what your plans for your vacation are, you are going to have a blast. Even nights chilling at the pool, barbequing at your Costa Rica Vacation Rental can be a night to create memories for a lifetime. Take some time to think about what you want to do on your trip and even plan a day to do nothing. The more you know what your options are the more things you will be able to experience. Costa Rica has so much to offer for a variety of styles of travel. Let this vacation be one to be remembered.

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Planning your vacation to your dream Costa Rica Vacation Rental this year?  I am sure that you have dreamed of all the great adventures that you have planned, and all of the sites and sounds of nature that you look forward to experiencing.  No doubt, you have also read about the Pura Vida lifestyle and the amazing culture and personality that Costa Rica has to offer.  Something else that you may want to experience is some of the 5 amazing foods that Costa Rica is known for.

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Gallo Pinto is definitely something that you and your family need to try on your Central American vacation.  While you can attempt to prepare it at your Tamarindo Vacation Rental, you need to try the real local fare at a local “Soda” that offers “Casados.”  These are small little restaurants that offer the local cuisine of Costa Rica.  Pinto is a staple of Costa Rica, which is a mix of rice and beans and some sauces and spices.  Normally enjoyed with breakfast and possibly lunch and dinner, it will fill your belly and tastes delicious at the same time.

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A secret ingredient to the wonderful Costa Rican version of Gallo Pinto is a sauce called Lizano.  It is sweet and a wonderful rich brown color.  It adds a delicious flavor to Pinto as well as eggs, or meat, or whatever else you want to put it on.  It is the Costa Rican equivalent of ranch or even ketchup.  It is more then likely going to be on the table at almost all the restaurants you visit in Costa Rica and makes for a great souvenir to bring home to remember the authentic flavors of Costa Rica.

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Plantains are also usually served with the typical meals in Costa Rica.  Served usually Maduro style is when the plantain is sweet when they grill it up or bake it.  Some even caramelize the plantain to make it even sweeter.  A perfect accompaniment to the typical Costa Rican meal.  You can also cook the green plantains, which taste more like a French fry or a starch rather then a banana.

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Fruits in Costa Rica are also another must have fare.  You can normally buy them from a local vender on the side of the road or at one of the local markets.  They make the perfect breakfast or snack to enjoy at your Tamarindo Vacation Rental.  Fruits are a lot sweeter here as they are ripened right before they are harvested.  You definitely have to try the Pineapple, Mango, and Banana in Costa Rica.  They have a flavor that you will hardly recognize to their counter parts in the States.

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The last “food” that you really need to try is really a beverage.  Of course you would think that Coffee is the number one drink to try which would be a fair assumption; however, most people have probably been able to try Costa Rican coffee in the states.  In stead you need to try Cacique also known as Guaro. It is Costa Rican sugar cane rum and one that is normally involved in all Costa Rica festivities.  It mixes well with juice and can also be consumed in shots.  Buy a bottle at the local market and enjoy a local drink while relaxing at your Costa Rica Vacation Rental.

Looking to plan your spring vacation with friends and family this Spring Season, look no further, Costa Rica is a perfect paradise of sunshine to sit back and relax.   Sure your original plan of gathering up the kids for a beach day sounds great.  Get them all in their swim suits, listen to them bicker in the car, get to the beach to possibly enjoy a brisk and overcast morning, quickly discover you should have packed more snacks and juice boxes, return home with kids sleeping in the car and their sandy feet all over your backseat.  Sounds relaxing right?  Instead convince their grandparents to remember how much they love spending time with their beloved grandchildren and you and the spouse plan a romantic adventure get away and a much needed vacation from the day to day life that work and family provides you.  Do not worry, even if you can’t pawn the kids off on someone else, Costa Rica provides some amazing adventures for kids as well that will be sure to keep them entertained while you sit back and soak up some sun at your Costa Rica Vacation Rental.

Other than just needing a well-deserved vacation there are a few great benefits to traveling in the month of April and May.  One of which is the weather.  If you are not afraid of a little rain, you could be in for a delightful surprise of some raindrops in the tropics.  With quick short spurts of rain one to two times a day this season brings a wonderful cool breeze that makes this tropical paradise an amazing 90 degrees.  You can experience a real tropical rainstorm with thunder and lightning shows in shorts and a tank top.  The downpour doesn’t last long, and you can quickly return to the beach for a day of fun in the sun and sand.

Another great perk of the “rainy” season is that you can bargain a bit more for activities and take the benefit of local low season discounts.  You never need to worry about a restaurant reservation or overbooked activity.  You can even call many places ahead and ask if they offer low season price breaks.  Many Tamarindo Vacation Rentals even lower their prices a bit for the season and you have more options of great available locations.

Some rainy activities also just aren’t the same in the dry season.  First the rain forest is best viewed in its lush green natural beauty.  Wrapping up the dry season means the quick burst of color in this tropical land of beauty.  Trees quickly become lush and green, and all of the beautiful colors of flora and fauna decorate this country to return to its natural state of gorgeous ambiance.   Hiking and animal watching becomes a whole new adventure when you have lush trees to search for monkeys, birds, and huge iguanas.

Surfing is always amazing in Costa Rica but sometimes the best surf days are when you wake up and it’s a little overcast.  The winds have taken a break and you are sitting in 70-degree water catching perfect set after set.  Sure great sunshine gives an excellent tan but the clouds sometimes can provide a day of clear views of the next set of waves rolling in.   Also some of the most amazing multi-colored sunsets occur when there is some clouds in the sky to provide texture and color, sit back and enjoy the view from your Costa Rica Vacation Rental.

Why plan just another beach trip when you can instead book a Tamarindo Vacation Rental and plan your next adventure vacation!  Not all adventures are created equally and Costa Rica just so happens to offer some of the best.  A huge variety of activities from canopy tours, deep sea fishing, surfing, ATV rides, stand up paddle boarding, yoga retreats, white water rafting, hiking and sight seeing, kayaking, mountain biking, and even just enjoying fantastic nightlife and local cuisine.  You will be sure to have a trip of a lifetime that you will never forget.  Make sure to pack a waterproof camera and maybe a poncho and put on  your fun shoes because this vacation is going to be a blast!

5. Fishing in Costa Rica you will experience some of the most beautiful game fish around.  Amazing boat crews who have been raised fishing these waters will be sure to get you a great catch.  Delicious Tuna, Wahoo, and Amber Jack will be a great dinner at your Tamarindo Vacation Rental, just buy some drinks and dinner is served.

4.  White water Rafting is sure to be a blast for all ages.  Depending on your age level Costa Rica boasts a variety of levels of rivers with great companies and tours running through each of them.  A perfect way to get some exercise and get your blood pumping.  Get a video and pictures of your ride down the river to brag to all your friends at home what you did for Spring Vacation.

3. SUP or Stand Up Paddle boarding is a great way to get a workout while mastering the balance that this sport requires.  A great sport for all ages, as well as a beautiful way to view the coastline from atop the water.  Once you get the hang of the balance you can really get going on these things, and really see some beautiful coastlines.  Also seeing as you are above water it is a perfect way to get a full body tan!

2.  Surfing is by far one of the best workouts you can get while having the time of your life.  Right outside of your Tamarindo Vacation Rental there are miles of perfect surf break right in your front yard.  Throw on some sunblock and enjoy the day in the sun mastering the skill of surfing.  Beginners have a large variety of surf shops offering lessons so that you are sure to get up by the end of the day.

1.  Snorkeling is not for the faint of heart in Costa Rica.  The Caribbean side offers some of the most beautiful underwater views of coral and fish that you will ever see.  From spotted rays, to puffer fish, sea turtles and even nurse sharks, you will be sure to get the underwater adventure that you were searching for.  With warm water temperatures you could spend hours exploring the underwater world swimming with experts.

Contact us today to plan your next Costa Rica vacation. We can assist you in booking your Costa Rica vacation rental, tours and more. Enjoy paradise today and visit Costa Rica!

10.    ATVs- Show your younger kids your wilder side with them hanging on while you whip around turns and slide in the dirt on your quad.  They will hang on tight and tell all their friends back home how awesome it was to experience the wind in their faces and the amazing jungle views.

9.    Stand Up Paddle boarding- Can be a difficult task at first, but over all a great way to view the beach from atop the water.  Mellow enough for younger children, but a great way to get out and get some exercise while learning something new.

8.    Hanging Out Poolside-  After a few days packed full of high octane activities there is sure to be a day where you and the kids just want to enjoy the sunshine poolside.  This will give you a good chance to catch up on a book your reading and just enjoy some R and R.

7.    Beach Day-  The beaches here offer warm water and clear blue skies.  Take the kids to the beach and enjoy swimming, building sand castles, or even shopping from some of the local beach vendors.  Enjoy a fresh coconut with your toes in the sand.

6.    Kayaking-  There are great tours that take the family up the estuary in Tamarindo which is a perfect way to view wildlife.  View up close monkeys, iguanas, a variety of birds, and probably even a crocodile or two.  The tour company can even pick you up at your Costa Rica Vacation Rental and save you the hassle of lugging around equipment or finding how to get there.

5.    Visit the skate park-  While it is by no means a world renown park, it is a great way for your kids to meet some other local kids and hang out and enjoy the park.  There are always kids around just hanging out and enjoying some sunshine.

4.    Experience the nightlife-  There are great restaurants in Tamarindo when you are looking for a night out from your Costa Rica Vacation Rental.  Enjoy great food, drinks, and performances.  It is not uncommon for live musicians or performers to stop by the restaurant to show off their talents.  See fire dancers or musicians bring some life to any night out.

3.     Shopping-  Everyone likes to take home a little bit of vacation with them.  Tamarindo has tons of great shops with souvenirs ranging from Coffee to key chains.  A tee shirt is a great way to show off where you have been during your family vacation.

2.    Zip lining- fastest activity you can experience flying though the treetops.  There are a fair amount of canopy tours offered near your Tamarindo Vacation Rental.  A great way to experience a thrill ride with your kids.  It is the equivalent of a real life rollercoaster.

1.    Surfing- The most amazing activity to learn with kids of all ages.  The surf schools are everywhere in Tamarindo and offer great lessons to get the surfer up by the end of the day.  Perfect photo op for your family to bring home and give your kids bragging rights for how awesome their Tamarindo family vacation was this year!

Get ready for a fun family vacation and book your trip to Tamarindo today! Contact us for assistance in finding the perfect vacation rental for you and your family! Pura Vida.

Semana Santa is a great time to enjoy the freshest of fish and seafood in Costa Rica.  As most Catholics also refrain from eating meat and poultry during this week you will find amazing seafood options and specials throughout the country.  The typical “casado” is a delicious plate served in most restaurants with a delicious fish either fried or grilled, vegetables of the day, usually a stewed squash dish, amazing sweet plantains, rice and beans, and some times a small salad.  You can find these plates for around $5 at many restaurants in Costa Rica.

While most Ticos (locals from Costa Rica) take off the entire week for Semana Santa, some just get off Thursday and Friday.  To truly experience some of the culture in Costa Rica head to the beaches to see how the locals like to spend their time off.  The clubs and nightlife scenes will be a different setting completely filled with local Ticos from all the nearby cities.  This time of year is not in short supply of local parties, festivals, and events.  All the festivities bring a crowd so look into getting your Costa Rica Vacation Rental reserved so that you are sure to get a great place to stay with a prime location.

While some of the cities in Costa Rica at this time of year have parades, the masses are drawn to the beaches.  With perfectly clear blue skies and a weather forecast in the 90’s all week, even Ticos are found baking in the sun.  You can see locals playing soccer on the beach or giving surfing a try.  A Tamarindo Vacation Rental can give you prime location to be just steps away from all of the cities excitement at night, and all of the best waves and beach activities during the day.

You have to check out Lagarteada! In a small town in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste a 150-year-old Semana Santa tradition still survives. This tradition is called a “lagarteada” and involves a rowdy bunch of people, mostly men as you can imagine, jumping into a murky river on Good Friday and herding a full-size alligator into submission with their bare hands. The unlucky alligator that is captured is tied up and carried into town where it spends a few days in a special pen built for the special occasion. The MINAE (Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía), Costa Rica’s Environmental Protection Agency has given this crazy event its blessing with the condition that the alligator is returned unharmed to its home.  Your Tamarindo Vacation Rental located just a half our to an hour away, leaves this as a must attend event.  This could be the only chance in your lifetime to see a real life alligator rodeo.

No matter what your plans for Easter are you can be sure to enjoy a crazy family adventure this year in Costa Rica.  You will be exposed to a beautiful culture, witness the local religion, and enjoy the sun and surf.  One thing is for sure that you don’t need to worry about having a good time, as all of the local Ticos will assure it!

10. Instead of searching for little green leprechauns this St. Patties come down and experience some amazing nature.  Costa Rica hosts many animals and reptiles in all sorts of colors and sizes.

9.  Finding that four leaf clover not going too well?  Booking a Tamarindo Vacation Rental will be sure to bring the luck.  An amazing beach that seems to go on endlessly is the perfect location to learn to hang ten.

8.  Searching for the gold at the end of the rainbow?  Look no further.   Stand Up Paddle boarding into the sunset with the days fishing boats pulling into shore is a site that can’t be missed.  Bring your camera because this view is golden.

7.  Looking forward to your corned beef and cabbage dinner?  Switch it up and enjoy a local casado.  Typical Costa Rican dish with sweet plantains, gallo pinto (rice and beans), a side salad or veggies, and a protein of your choice chicken, beef, or fish.  Cheapest dish around at about $5 a plate and you’ll be sure to leave satisfied.

6.  Start your morning off right with a nice big serving of green eggs and ham.  Your Costa Rica Vacation Rental just steps away from the beach will be an amazing location to cook up a nice family breakfast.  Green French toast can also be fun, sliced green apples with some peanut butter or Nutella, bon appetit!

5.   Seeing green? Take a zip-lining tour.  Flying at unbelievable speeds through the jungle will be sure to provide you some lush foliage.

4.  Save some green!  Need to bring home some souvenirs?  Costa Rica is known for its amazing coffee.  Buy a bunch of bags for your friends and they will enjoy a little bit of Costa Rica every morning.  An amazing, cheap gift that people can get some use out of.  Bottles of Guaro, Costa Rican rum are also cheap as well as Lizano, a really popular Costa Rican sauce used at every meal.

3.   Lucky number 7!  Visit the local casino and play some cards or slots. Who knows maybe you will get lucky.

2. What about your Jameson and Irish Car Bombs?  Tamarindo has those too.  The local sports bars will be filled with amazing specials and Irish events as well as other discotheques serving all your favorite St. Patties Day brews and specials.

1.   Make them green with envy.  Come home and re-live your Costa Rica vacation and show all of your friends your amazing photos of all the details of your trip: the great Tamarindo Vacation Rental you stayed in, to the amazing food you ate, and the great people you met and all the adventure activities that you loved!

Contact us today and book your Costa Rica adventure today! We can assist you in booking your Tamarindo vacation rental, tours, restaurants and more!

If you are heading to the Guanacaste Pennisula check out the beach town of Tamarindo. This popular beach town if full of activities including surfing, atv tours, catamarans and more.  Here you can relax from the hectic schedules back home and relax on the beach or jump into the swell for a surf. While handing out at your Tamarindo Vacation Rental and figuring out what to do at night whether a late night dinner, drinks at a quiet bar or a dance club check out our suggestion below! This little town packs a punch with great activities all week long for any type of vacationer.  Spring Break will also host amazing parties, and events to attract tourists and locals alike. Each night you find a variety of places to enjoy and dance or mingle.

Monkey Bar and Aqua Discoteque are known to bring the party. Offering incredible drink specials, ladies nights and even open bar! If your looking for great music to dance to, mingle, and have some cocktails, these two places will be your best bet.

Looking for a more lounge atmosphere check out Voodoo Lounge , Lazy Wave or El Garito for outside seating, great music, and a good atmosphere.

Sharky’s has opened back up, new and better then ever.  Offering cheap drinks, 80′s Rock & Roll and Classic Rock Music & Videos, and all the sports you can handle.  Great place to go and have a drink to get the night started.

Pacifico Bar is known for great reggae nights and attracting the locals.  The new Chillerz Bar just opened also in the Tamarindo Beach Circle just a couple doors down.  Black Moon Bar is another newcomer to the show and hopefully will add to the huge variety of nightlife that Tamarindo offers. Also, just down the road from Pacifico Bar is The Beach Club that hosts a variety of parties on the beach including their famous full moon parties.

If your looking for a more relaxing night out from your Tamarindo Vacation Rental you can also check out some live music at Lazy Wave, Pasa Tiempo, or live music at Kahiki.

This Spring Break you will not be disappointed in the huge variety of places you can check out for nightly entertainment as well as all the activities the town offers during the day.  Check out local flyers posted and talk to the locals to find out which night is big for each of the different spots.  Pack your bags, get your Costa Rica Vacation Rental booked, and come enjoy your Spring Break in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

Contact us today for more information on vacation rentals and tours. We are here to assist you in creating a vacation you will always remember!