Area Activities

Rancho Cartagena and Costa Rica is the ideal destination for adventure travelers and those looking to relocate, there is plenty to see and much to do, a tropical haven for those who enjoy the ambience and tranquility of the outdoors. This small country with its magnificent biodiversity is fast becoming one of the hottest tourist destinations and places to live on the planet. Biologically intense on land as well as underwater, Costa Rica offers nature lovers the perfect environment to view a plethora of wildlife species in their natural habitat. If just taking it easy and relaxing is what you desire, there are plenty of restaurants, clubs and beaches to enjoy food, drink and the renowned sunsets.   

There are numerous web sites available for any of the listed activities.

Language

Spanish is the native language with English spoken by most.  There are many European nationalities that visit or call Costa Rica home, so it is not uncommon to hear Spanish, English, French, German, Italian and more, sometimes at the same time, which adds to the attraction of Costa Rica.  

Climate

There is plenty of sun to enjoy the many activities in Costa Rica.  Temperatures are normally around 80 F year round.  There are two main seasons: Dry and Wet.  The dry season starts in November and ends in April.  The wet season is from May through October, with October having the most rain.  The rain is normally sporadic and does not interfere with the many activities to choose from.

What to bring with you

Think comfortable cotton for clothing.  Hats, sunglasses, sandals and sun protection should also be included.  The social atmosphere is casual, so prepare to be accepted in what you feel comfortable in.  Jackets are not needed in the Northwest province of Guanacaste.

Religion

The most prominate religion in Costa Rica is Catholic.  However, there are churches for most religions and several with English spoken in the area.

Water Sports 

Surfing: 

The history of surfing the west coast of Costa Rica has inspired the Surf and Travel culture and the movie “The Endless Summer”.  Both have added to the popularity of the sport.   Some of the best surfing in the world is located in this area and Rancho Cartagena is near 10 of the 17 listed “hot” locations. There are many excellent year round surfing schools, rentals, camps and lessons, both local and remote.   A good web site for additional information is: www.surf-costarica.com    

Sailing:

 Perfect winds, warm water and beautiful coves and anchorages on the west coast of Costa Rica have inspired many charter and rental companies to make various craft available.  There are many cruises to choose from that include sight seeing, snorkeling and breathtaking sunset food & drink outings.  Departure is available at Flamingo Beach, Potrero and Tamarindo all 20 minutes from Rancho Cartagena.

Fishing:   If fishing is what you are looking for, the pacific side of Costa Rica is known even to the casual angler as a world class fishing area. There are dozens of great fishing options throughout Costa Rica many are on the Pacific Coast but there are also fresh water fishing options near by and no shortage of guides and rentals for either salt or fresh water fishing. 

 Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:   One of the best ways to get a first hand glimpse of Costa Rica’s stunning underwater marine life and many bays, islands and beaches is looking through your lens while scuba diving or snorkeling. With its current popularity in Costa Rica diving and snorkeling has created many tour groups and travel agencies that now offer underwater trips and excursions.

 River Rafting & Kayaking:   The many mountains and abundant rain are together responsible for one of the best white water river selections in the world.  There are many river trips that are run by experienced rafting outfitters and they not only provide plenty of excitement with pleasant water temperatures, they also pass some gorgeous scenery.  White water enthusiasts are well aware of Costa Rica and that includes Olympic kayaking teams, but every year tens of thousands of visitors experience the thrill of rafting for the first time. The river routes available to rafters range from turbulent waters to lazy meandering.  The most popular rafting trips offer a good combination of challenging rapids and calmer stretches where you can sit back and enjoy the passing scenery.  Kayaking is very popular for ocean and river exploring and is available at most points and is included on most sailing trips.  Scales of difficulty range from Class I to Class VI  

Land Sports

Horse back riding:

What better way to see the natural wonders of Costa Rica than by horse back.  The cowboy culture and tradition was originally started by the Spanish where vast cattle ranches covered the majority of this area. Rancho Cartagena in its “previous life” was one of these local cattle ranches.  It is an ideal way to take in the pastures, tropical forests, beaches, swimming spots and restaurants in a very natural relaxed atmosphere.  Although Rancho Cartagena has many trails to ride and much wildlife to see there are many opportunities to rent horses by the day or by the hour.  Our neighboring ranch is Finca Casagua which is famous for their “Canteen Tours” which ride from restaurant to restaurant sampling the local food and drink.  Finca Casagua also provides boarding, training and lessons.  Another activity not to miss, is participating in one of many local “Topes”.  They include many riders in a group, which ride from a destination to a nearby town to enjoy the local people and the local food.  Dancing at the towns’ social area is normally part of this horse and rider event.  

Canopy and Zip Line tours

A growing number of tours let visitors explore the elevated ecosystem of the rain forest canopy that contains most of the jungle plants and animal species. Varied devices such as mountain climbing equipment and construction cranes now provide tourists with the opportunity to visit this biological frontier. There are various degrees of rides that can take passengers on never to forget trips floating through the tree tops.

Golf & Tennis

While most tourists come to Guanacaste for its fantastic weather and gorgeous beaches, they are also coming here for the world-class golf and tennis resorts found in the province. Some of the best golf courses in Costa Rica can be found in this area with many more still being developed.  Both courses and courts can be found in the nearby Tamarindo, Flamingo and Pinilla areas.   Enjoy your sport and enjoy it near the beautiful Pacific Ocean.  

 Motorcycling, ATV & Cycling

This is a great way to experience the pleasures of this country.  Whether riding in the coastal areas, lush tropical rain forest, volcanoes and the mountainous regions or a combination of them all it is a great way to see Costa Rica.  If your desire is off road or road riding there are numerous tours and brands available to choose from for the riding adventure of a life time. 

Camping is always an experience.  So get ready to create some new stories in Costa Rica.  It is permitted to camp in most areas but you should check for any conditions that may exist at any of the many beaches or natural parks.

Skateboard areas are limited, due to the lack of concrete but there are Skateboarding parks in Tamarindo, Lake Arenal and San Jose. 

Snow Plowing

Snow plowing, “digging out” and the freezing cold are not allowed in Costa Rica.  However, leaving  the “snow plowing”, the “digging out” and the “freezing cold” areas, are allowed and welcomed for all regions.

There are independent gyms available in Tamarindo and Flamingo, and most larger hotels offer the same.  Yoga & Pilates classes are numerous and the Spas are world class establishments.

Whether a serious trekker or a casual beach comber you’ll find that the treasures of this country can be seen from many scenic trails.  There are maps and tours that range from the beautiful beaches to the clouded forest or the highest peaks.  For your viewing there are over 850 bird species, the largest concentration anywhere.  

Spectator Activities

Beaches

Rodeos, Fiestas & Topes

Horsemanship is a way of life and a national pastime for the people of Costa Rica.  Your trip would not be complete without watching from the bleachers or sitting on the rails of one of the many Fiestas that normally feature bull riding.  There is much excitement and it is the center for an excuse to have a party.  Topes are an old tradition and are another way to be involved in the horse culture.  They are a collection of riders and horses that ride from one town to another with a food, drink and dance, at both.  Horses may be rented to participate.     

Soccer

Shopping

There are plenty of opportunities to shop for clothing, furniture, art and souvenirs all over Costa Rica.  There are large super markets and small local markets available in most areas. 

Travel

All main roads are paved and they link to any of the rougher access roads to reach the more remote areas.  Many maps and listings of scenic places to see are available in stores and hotels. 

Restaurants & Night Life

Reasons to enjoy life are never at a shortage while in Costa Rica.  In the area around Rancho Cartagena there are many choices, from local cafes and bistros to full luxury restaurants, all of which, offer a place to sit and enjoy the many foods from around the world.  Many of these restaurants will also prepare the fish that you have caught.  For your enjoyment there are varied entertainers that make the night life come alive with their music.  Both Tamarindo and Flamingo are within 20 minutes of Rancho Cartagena and they provide many choices for this part of your stay in Costa Rica.