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Jaguars in Costa Rica

2011-05-27T08:57:00.000-06:00

A Majestic Cat: For years poachers and farmers protecting livestock have threatened Costa Rica’s jaguar population. Conservation groups estimate that 30 jaguars were killed in the last three years. Those groups are now working with farmers to provide incentives to protect the species.

At least 18 jaguars have been found dead in the Southern Zone’s Osa Peninsula since 2008. Across the country, conservation groups estimate that figure exceeds 30.

The death of Costa Rican jaguars is alarming for wildlife protection groups, particularly since jaguars are listed in the “near threatened” category of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) red list. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), an estimated 15,000 jaguars remain in the wild, all in Latin America. Substantial populations only exist in 13 of the 18 countries where they are found.

Jaguars are considered to be extinct in El Salvador and Uruguay and are critically endangered, if not extinct, in the U.S. The New York-based wildcat conservation group Panthera reports that 40 percent of the world’s original jaguar population has already disappeared.

“The jaguar is still an abundant species, but is threatened by habitat loss and persecution,” said the IUCN’s 2008 red list report. “Due to loss of habitat, poaching of prey and fragmentation of populations across portions of the range, this species is considered to be ‘near threatened.’ If threats continue at the current rate the species will likely qualify for vulnerable status in the near future.”

In Costa Rica, traditional threats to the species remain. Poaching and sport hunting remain a menace, though national conservation and wildlife groups agree that the biggest threat to the jaguar population is their death at the hands of farmers. According to Eduardo Carrillo, biologist and director of the International Institute of Conservation and Wildlife at the National University (ICOMVIS-UNA) in Heredia, the conflict between cattle and jaguar has resulted in the greatest losses of the wild cats in the last 20 years.

“Much of the reason that jaguars enter farms to attack cattle is because sport hunting has diminished their principal prey and sources of food in protected areas,” Carrillo said. “People kill the principal prey of the jaguars and it leaves them without sufficient food. As a result, they leave the protected areas and kill cows and pigs, which results in the jaguars being killed by farmers… In Costa Rica, it is the principal cause of decreasing population of jaguars.”

Carrillo said that as the population of wild pigs, known as peccaries, decreased in Osa’s Corcovado National Park due to poaching in the early half of the 2000s, the jaguar population fell with it. When Corcovado added dozens of park rangers to combat poaching in 2005, the peccary population gradually replenished. While the jaguar population didn’t recuperate as quickly, Carrillo said that six new jaguars were identified in Corcovado during the past year.

In addition to encroachment into farmland in search of food, conservation groups say that shared water sources, such as rivers and streams that run from the forest into farmland, also result in clashes between farm animals and jaguars. Roberto Salom, a coordinator of Panthera’s Mesoamerica Jaguar Program in Costa Rica, said that if a cow or pig wanders into the forest or a jaguar into farmland to drink, there is a higher propensity for an attack.

“Often farmland and forest preserve share the same boundaries, and farm animals and wildlife are in close proximity to each other,” Salom said. “When a jaguar is in the same vicinity of a cow or pig or dog, the risk of attack is high. Even though other animals such as pumas or coyotes sometimes kill the farm animals, farmers usually assume they were jaguars. In order to protect their animals, they kill the jaguars if given the opportunity.”

Working With Farmers

To reduce the number of jaguar deaths at the hands of farmers, wildlife conservation groups are actively trying to educate farmers and landowners located near national forests how to protect their animals from possible attack.

Salom said that the four members of the Panthera program visit farms in Talamanca, in the southern Caribbean, the central Caribbean, and the Northern Zone to suggest possible prevention methods. Ideas for the protection of farm animals include providing a source of water, such as a trough, closer to the farm, or the construction of secure shelters for their animals at night. Salom said that the minor costs incurred to increase animal safety are far less than the cost to replace lost animals.

Carrillo also said the lead investigator at ICOMVIS-UNA, Ronit Amit, is conducting similar efforts in Corcovado, Santa Rosa, Pacuare, San Ramón and Monteverde.

“The reception of the farmers is usually very positive,” Carrillo said. “Farmers are looking for ways to protect their animals from attacks and aren’t out to kill jaguars. With some adjustments, they can both be reduced.”

In Puerto Jiménez, the largest town on the Osa Peninsula, the Wild Cats Conservation Program, or Yaguará, has collaborated with farmers to reduce attacks as well. They are experimenting with alternative strategies, such as a farmer compensation programs when a wildcat kills an animal.

“When the jaguars prey on domestic animals, such as a cow or hunting dog, it is very costly for farmers. If a jaguar kills a hunting dog, for example, the loss is valued at $500 to $4,000,” said Aida Bustamante, the founder of Yaguará. “One strategy that we are trying to implement to resolve the issue is through a compensation program. If one of their animals is killed, we investigate if the cause of death was indeed a jaguar or puma. If we can determine that it was, we try to pay for some of the cost of the animal or supply them with another one. The response has been very positive and we hope it will reduce the number of jaguars killed.”

In recent weeks, Yaguará was permitted to employ an innovative technique that could further enhance the monitoring of jaguars in the Osa Peninsula. In April, the Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Telecommunications (MINAET) approved for Yaguará members to begin placing GPS satellite monitoring collars on area jaguars. Though the ambitious project will require the youthful team of five to spend long nights in the forest trying to capture and place collars on jaguars, Bustamante feels that technology provided by the GPS radar system will reduce the number of wild cat deaths in the peninsula.

“We will be able to observe the movement of the jaguars on the Internet and will know when they are approaching farms,” Bustamante said. “When they do, we can alert the farmers that a cat is near so they can take the proper precautions. It will be a much more direct and efficient way to protect farms and jaguars.”

Bustamante also said that the collars will be placed only on adult jaguars, as they could provide a strangulation hazard for younger, developing cats.

Despite the potential benefits to tracking jaguars with a GPS collar, both Carrillo and Salom say the method carries a high amount of risk.

“I respect their efforts and I hope the project turns out well,” Carrillo said. “But you can get much of the same data with cameras that don’t require human interaction with the jaguars. Catching a jaguar and placing a collar on it could be a very traumatic experience for the cat and could result in an attack if not done properly. Jaguars and humans are not intended to interact.”

Regardless of their chosen methodology, the wildlife conservation groups of Costa Rica are united in their efforts to reduce the number of jaguar deaths and to educate farmers on how to assist them. On the scale of the IUCN red list, “near threatened” hangs between “least concern” and “vulnerable.” It will be the efforts of these organizations that determine the future movement of that pendulum.

Article taken from ticotimes.net

World Turtle Day

2011-05-23T11:32:00.000-06:00

Today is World Turtle Day, sponsored yearly since 200 by the American Tortoise Rescue, to bring attention to, and increase knowledge of and respect for, turtles and tortoises, and encourage human action to help them survive and thrive.

Despite that hard exterior, they're really big softies on the inside and need your protection. This World Turtle Day, be kind to the turtle. I mean, what's he ever done to you?

Turtle Day is celebrated worldwide in a variety of ways, from dressing up as turtles to saving turtles caught on highways, to research activities.

In Costa Rica authorities are using the day with a special appeal to prevent overfishing and implement a tougher stand against those who violate the laws.

Turtle species that today are in danger of extinction are the "lora" (ridley) and the "baula" (leatherback) and the "verde" (green) and the "carey" (hawksbill), due to impacts such as global warming but also because of poor fishing practices.

The leader of the Programa de Restauración de las Tortugas Marinas, Jorge Ballestero, explained that in the case of the endangered leatherback turtle the species could disappear completely.

Data from environmental organizations dedicated to the conservation of turtles reveal a decrease to 3.9% annual spawning of the Hawksbill species since 1960.

World Turtle Day was started to increase respect and knowledge for the world’s oldest creatures.

These gentle animals have been around for about 200 million years, yet they are rapidly disappearing as a result of the exotic food industry, habitat destruction and the cruel pet trade.

Adults and children can do a few small things that can help to save turtles and tortoises for the next generation.

Never buy a turtle or tortoise from a pet shop as it increases demand from the wild. Never remove turtles or tortoises from the wild unless they are sick or injured. If a tortoise is crossing a busy street, pick it up and send it in the same direction it was going – if you try to make it go back, it will turn right around again.

Write letters to legislators asking them to keep sensitive habitat preserved or closed to off road vehicles, and to prevent off shore drilling that can lead to more endangered sea turtle deaths.

Report cruelty or illegal sales of turtles and tortoises to your local animal control shelter.• Report the sale of any turtle or tortoise of any kind.

Article taken from insidecostarica.com

Researchers Doing Everything To Protect Threatened Jaguars in Costa Rica And Panama

2011-03-21T09:43:00.001-06:00

The Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica represents a tiny piece of the jaguar's home range. But the majestic cats have already disappeared from many of their old strongholds. Even where they have managed to survive, plenty of threats remain, mostly from humans.

That means that every jaguar counts, said Aida Bustamante, who along with Panamanian biologist Ricardo Moreno created an organization called Yaguará, which aims to study and protect jaguars and other large mammals in Costa Rica and Panama.

It also means that survival of the species depends on a major attitude adjustment among people who share land with them. So, in between camera checks, the team is on a relentless quest to talk to farmers, poachers and community members and help them think about the cats in a new way.

"Some people believe that jaguars on the Osa Peninsula are not important anymore and that they will become isolated someday," said Bustamante. "But nobody has proved that."

"People love jaguars, and they may have jaguar posters in their rooms, but they're not really protecting jaguars," she added. "People believe the animals cannot disappear. And yes, they can."

All jaguars belong to just one species, Panthera onca, which used to range from the southern United States to southern Argentina. Today, there is an occasional jaguar spotting in Arizona. But the cats are mostly limited to pockets of stable populations between northern Mexico and northern Argentina, with the largest numbers in the Amazon Basin. The cats have disappeared completely from Uruguay and El Salvador.

Jaguar numbers have been in decline for centuries. And while scientists have been assessing populations since 2000, they are cautious about offering number estimates just yet, said John Polisar, coordinator of the Jaguar Conservation Program at the Wildlife Conservation Society.

One reason for the restraint is that, in vast and wild places like the Amazon, jaguar numbers simply haven't yet been surveyed. Even in more developed areas, sampling has been incomplete. And statistical extrapolations -- trying to guess how many jaguars are out there based on how many have been observed in a small area -- can end up being inaccurate.

Camera traps, like the ones Bustamante's team uses, are one of the best ways to get an accurate jaguar head count. Each cat carries a fingerprint-like pattern of spots, so researchers can tell if they are seeing multiple animals or if they're just seeing the same cat again and again.

Photos often reveal a wealth of other information, too, including details about what the animals are eating, what time of night they're out hunting and even how their prey populations are faring. Bustamante's computer is full of photo albums showing jaguars with peccaries in their mouths or rolling like kitty-cats in the dirt.

Memory cards also reveal a parade of ocelots, pumas, tapirs, coatis, agoutis and other passers-by. After the researchers get over the excitement of seeing what their cameras caught, they painstakingly document all of it.

All of Yaguará's cameras lie in populated areas outside of parks and in corridors between fragmented protected areas, because these are the places where threats to the cats are greatest. The researchers are also planning to install more cameras around the Osa. They are expanding their work into Panama and hope to put radio collars on a few jaguars to see where the cats go.

Besides offering much-needed information about jaguar biology, Polisar said, surveys like these can show if conservation efforts are working. But the actual task of conservation brings a far more complicated set of challenges. The fight to save the jaguar is a fight against the cat's history of periodic conflicts with people.

Farmers still frequently kill jaguars that eat their livestock. Deforestation and development are rapidly destroying big cat habitats. And rural hunters may compete with jaguars for the same prey.

To protect jaguars, Bustamante's group employs a variety of strategies. They sell T-shirts to raise money so that they can compensate farmers when jaguars take their cows, pigs or other animals. They also teach farmers better ways to protect their livestock from predators.

To poachers, who may enter the forest to hunt at night, the researchers offer rewards for tips about where to set up new cameras if those cameras end up snapping shots of jaguars. And the researchers speak again and again to community members, trying to convince them that predatory cats are not their enemies. They gave 55 talks last year.

It's not yet clear whether any of these efforts are helping. There have been at least 17 jaguar killings on the Osa Peninsula in just the last two years, Bustamante said, though she added that people seem more receptive to her group and their work.

Ultimately, Polisar added, protecting jaguars -- in both the Osa and in jaguar habitats elsewhere, some of which are up to 20 times larger -- will depend on a nuanced set of strategies that take into account the basic needs of both people and cats, and the social issues that differ from place to place.

In some regions, for example, law enforcement might be a priority. In others, outreach to cattle ranchers or subsistence hunters might matter more. In other words, there is no single recipe or easy formula for saving all jaguars everywhere.

"If you take a big-picture look at the jaguar range, it's composed of pixels -- each a place where jaguars occur," Polisar said. "Jaguar conservation needs some tailoring to local realities, although you can boil down general components of how to conserve jaguars. Among other items, we need to try to get past the distrust and antipathy some people have inherited towards jaguars."

The good news, Polisar added, is that jaguars still occupy approximately 45 percent of their original range (compared to less than 7 percent for a species like the Asian tiger). The jaguar still has options, especially as efforts continue to keep populations connected.

And the level of commitment to efforts like those on the Osa is encouraging. At the very least, some people in some places are finally now thinking twice before killing jaguars.

For the people who are doing everything they can to protect wild cats, the work is truly a labor of love. Despite years of relentless research and campaigning for the sake of the animals, Bustamante and her colleagues have never actually seen a jaguar in the wild.

"The locals say you'll see them once every 10 years or twice every 25 years," Bustamante said. "We've been here for eight. None of the three of us have seen jaguars. It's really hard."

Article taken from insidecostarica.com

Part Of Costa Rica Disappears Following Japan Earthquake

2011-03-18T09:29:00.000-06:00

One of Costa Rica's most important tourist attractions in the the Zona Sur (Southern Zone), the Tómbolo de Punta Uvita, has disappeared following last Friday's 9 magnitude earthquake.

Experts of the Obvservatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica (OVSICORI) - Costa Rica's volcanology and seismic institute - believe that the tsunami caused by the earthquake increased tides and possibly a drop in the sea floor.

The Tómbolo or the "cola de ballena" (whale's tail), is a stretch of sandy beach located in the Parque Marino Ballena in Punta Uvita that visitors, during low tide, of the area can walk from the mainland out to sea almost one kilometre.

However, since Friday morning residents of the area and confirmed by experts, the level of water covers most of the Tómbolo even at low time and the only way to reach the tail is by swimming out to it.

And the tail itself is about half submerged in the water and almost completely during high tide.

Article taken from http://www.insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2011/march/18/costarica11031802.htm

Why Do They Paint the Bottom of Trees White?

2011-02-25T10:07:00.001-06:00

If you have ever noticed around Costa Rica many trees with the trunk painted white and wondered why someone would go to the trouble; there may be a good reason. The white painted bottom is rarely a decorative statement or an attempt to make the tree more aesthetically pleasing. It is, however, a practice that can potentially save the life of the tree.

This practice is common in Costa Rica and Latin America, but almost impossible to get straight answer as to why.

Trees can benefit from a coating of white paint when recent landscaping has entailed the removal of a larger tree that once provided shade for another, or the excessive removal of branches has left a tree barren and its trunk exposed to the sun's rays.

Sunscald
The bark of trees is just as susceptible to sun damage as is human skin. Too much hot sun directed onto a tree trunk day after day may not leave behind a sun burn but it will cause damage to the bark that will become noticeable over time. Sunscald is denoted by bark that cracks and falls off, or simply changes colour. Wrapping the tree with a specially designed trunk cover or painting the tree trunk can prevent sun damage.

Bores
A tree borer is an insect that tunnels underneath the bark of a tree and cause severe damage to the underlying layers of the tree. Adult tree boring insects will even lay eggs under the bark; leaving larva to chomp away at the phloem (nutrient-transporting layer) of the tree.

According to the University of California, a large infestation of tree borers feeding on a single tree can result in damage that can only be rectified by heavy pruning or removal of the tree. Tree boring insects often seek out trees with the weakest outer protection, so painting trees that are susceptible to sunscald can prevent bark damage and keep tree borers at bay.

Animal Damage
Painting the trunks of trees is also helpful in deterring furry, four-legged vermin. There are some wild animals that feast on tree bark, causing severe damage to the trees that become their daily lunch. According to the University of Vermont, adding a small amount of repellent to the white paint can prevent hungry animals from gnawing on tree bark.

Misconceptions
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to use white paint to protect a tree trunk. In fact, any light-color paint can be used. What is important, though, is the type of paint used. Latex based paint that is used to paint the interior of your home is sufficient, but if you want to be "green" use paint that has an organic base. Never use an exterior paint because it contains fungicides that can harm the tree.

Road Safety
Some roadside trees are painted with reflective paint to enhance visibility to drivers. This is purely a road safety measure.

Article taken from insidecostarica.com

Activities in Pavones Beach UPDATE!!!

2011-02-18T14:23:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone!

Check the link for more info on the Festival:

http://www.festivalgolfodulce.blogspot.com/

3 Days Festival in Pavones Beach

2011-02-17T11:40:00.000-06:00

Hello!!

I would like to invite everybody to enjoy the "1 Festival EXTREMO" that will take place in Pavones for 3 days. The events will start on Friday and will end on Sunday.

Activities:

- Tournaments: Surf - Kitesurf - Skateboard - Paddleboard
- Rally: Boats - Cars - Atv
- Concerts: Mantra - Paco Villa - Zenda - Wagner Vargas - Moon Light - A-Traviesa - Caca de Vaca - On

The Animal of the Day!

2011-02-11T09:55:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone,

Our friend Cheryl Rhodes sent us these nice photos of a Sloth. She took the pics from her property.

Posting Comments

2011-01-31T15:39:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone,

I want everybody to get more active with the Blog, this is why here are the two steps to post comments on any post:

- Click on the Title of the post
- Scroll to the bottom and look for the POST A COMMENT link

Let's comment :-)

PS* To announce or promote activities and share experiences, recommendations or words of caution regarding local activities and events let us know and we will post them.

Calling all Hippies!!!!

2011-01-31T15:28:00.000-06:00

A notice is being passed around Golfito extending an Open Invitation to a REGIONAL RAINBOW EVENT.

"Come join the Brothers and Sisters at the Rainbow Hostel located on the Water in Golfito"

This is a FREE Event

For more Info please check us out at

www.therainbowhostel.com

or call 8890 4732

PEACE & LOVE

From 01/15/2011 to 02/28/2011

Costa Rica Investigates Mysterious Death of Sea Turtles

2010-12-13T14:02:00.000-06:00

Scientists in Costa Rica are studying the death of at least 10 and 12 more ailing turtles in the southern zone. Universidad Nacional (UN) told the press that the environmental organization MarVia found the 22 turtles floating near Matapalo beach.

Ten of the Kemp's Ridley turtles died within days of bringing them to shore and biologists and veterinarians have no idea of what caused their deaths.

According to Widecast Network, this occurs when creatures have been floating adrift in the water for a prolonged period.

Widecast diretor, Claudio Quesada, told the La Nación that the turtles could have been at sea for more than two months, as they showed dehydration and lack of feeding for weeks.

Chemicals from nearby drainage from crops of palm, rice and pineapple, given their concentration of agrochemicals, could be the reason as some of the substances could affect the turtles.

So far this year another 41 Kemp's Ridleys were found in the biological reserve on Caño Island in a similar state as those of Matapalo.

* Kemp's Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) is a critically endangered species of sea turtle. It is one of two living species in the genus Lepidochelys, the other one being L. olivacea, the Olive Ridley. It is also the rarest sea turtle. Kemp's Ridley is the smallest living sea turtle species, reaching maturity at 2–3 feet (61–91 cm) long and averaging only 45 kilograms (99 lb).

It is typical of a sea turtle, having a dorsoventrally depressed body with specially adapted flipper-like front limbs. Like other sea turtles, it possesses a horny beak.

Article taken from insidecostarica.com

Sunset in Golfito

2010-12-08T10:54:00.001-06:00

Our friend Chris Castellanos sent us these nice photos he took of yesterday's sunset, one word can describe this.....BEAUTIFUL!!!

Thanksgiving visitors.....

2010-11-25T13:10:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone!!!! Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

We have a friend visiting us today.......anybody know the name of this bird????

Airport Tax Can Be Paid Online in December

2010-11-19T09:00:00.001-06:00

Travelers will be able to pay their exit tax online beginning in December

Just in time for the holiday rush and the onset of the tourist season, Bancrédito (Banco Créditor Agrícola de Cartago) is unrolling a system in which travelers can pay their exit tax online.

The new system is intended to reduce wait time at the airport and allow travelers the flexibility of paying anywhere in the world. The Web site, which is expected to go live on Dec. 1, can be accessed at http://www.coimsa.com/.

“Bancrédito is working with the Finance Ministry in the modernization of tax collecting services, with the aim of eliminating lines [and] offering mechanisms of electronic payment that facilitate and expedite payment of the tax,” wrote Arnoldo Trejos Dobles, general manager of Bancrédito, in an e-mail to The Tico Times.

The airport exit tax, which is currently $26, can also be paid at select hotels such as the Intercontinental and Holiday Inn.

Article taken from ticotimes.net

Main Road Between Quepos and Manuel Antonio in Danger of Mountain Collapse

2010-11-08T09:53:00.000-06:00

The Aguirre Chamber of Commerce issued an alert today warning that the main road connecting Quepos to Manuel Antonio is in danger of a mountain collapsing onto it. All business owners are advised to evacuate the stretch between the Tutu Bar and Mimo’s Hotel until a geologist advises how to resolve the danger.

The following emergency alert was sent out by e-mail by Harry Bodaan, president of the chamber:

“I just left a meeting with Ana Orosco, mayor of Quepos, and Dr. Alejandra Quesada of the Health Department concerning the imminent danger of a mountain collapse onto the main road leading from Quepos to Manuel Antonio. The subject area stretches from the new Tutu Bar to Mimo’s Hotel and everything on both sides of the road.

Owners are advised to close their businesses and vacate their premises until a geologist gives a report of what needs to be done to resolve this danger. The populated areas below this mountain are in grave danger of massive landslides.

Please prepare for the eventuality of Manuel Antonio being inaccessible until solutions can be found to do the necessary repairs to the main road, and be ready to contribute to the repair of the ‘Old Manuel Antonio Access Road’ in a major way.

... The imminent danger on the eve of our high season threatens the entire area of Manuel Antonio if swift action is not undertaken. We need your full cooperation as we stay focused on what to do next.”

Heavy rains caused severe damage to roads in Manuel Antonio earlier this week.
Courtesy of Jennifer Rice

Article taken from ticotimes.net

Finally......Good News!!

2010-11-08T09:20:00.001-06:00

Transition From Costa Rica's Wet To Dry Season Has Begun

Only days after the devastating rains wreaked havoc on Costa Rica, the Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) – national weather service – said the transition from the rainy season to the dry has begun.

This means less rainy days during the next several weeks of transition of the season that will continue until next May.

Although October was the dried month on record for the last half decade, the first days of November saw three days of constant heavy rains causing flooding and landslides and directly responsible for 25 casualties, thousands forced to take refuge in shelters, many losing everything except the clothes on their backs.

Many areas, like Costa Rica's Southern Zone, are still with serious problems in transportation, electricity and drinking water.

Work crews of the Ministerio de Obras Pubica y Transportes (MOPT) have been working around the clock to repair and rebuilt many of the roads destroyed by the force of nature, the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) restoring electrical power and telephone service, while the Acueductos y Alcanterillados (AyA) to provide fresh drinking water.

"The south of the Southern Zone is in a total mess", said Transport minister, Franciscao Jiménez.

Article taken from insidecostarica.com

Road Closed - Costanera Sur

2010-11-05T11:42:00.003-06:00

Hello!!

In these pics you can see how bad is the weather situation affecting the roads. This is located in La Costanera Sur, road from Palmar Sur - Dominical - Quepos.....

Photos taken from the FaceBook Profile of Que Pasa

Rain, rain and more rain!

2010-11-04T21:56:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone,

Our country is facing some of the worst rainy seasons ever. In Golfito has been raining for over a week, without stopping. Today, in the news was presented a landslide in Escazu, destroyed homes and killed at the moment more than 25 people and the account continues to grow. The link below shows the Rio Grande de Terraba, near Palmar, grown in an incredible way. The neighbors say that this is the first time they see the river in this way.

The roads are closed in many parts of the country, domestic flights canceled. There is uncertainty about what might happen in the next few hours. In these three last days, it rained, which on average rains throughout November.
In the Canton de Golfito have been no reports of landslides, but there are fears in the hospital, because according to people who work there, the mountain is slowly crumbling.

I will try to keep everybody up to date.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=109385025795438&set=a.109384592462148.10672.100001718235872

New Gallery in Golfito - GRAND OPENING!!!

2010-10-29T12:29:00.000-06:00

Costa Rica Recognized For Biodiversity Protection

2010-10-26T11:22:00.000-06:00

Costa Rica has been named as the winner of the 2010 Future Policy award at a global summit on biodiversity in Nagoya, Japan, as the country aims to be the first developing nation to meet UN biodiversity commitments.

The prize, issued by the World Future Council, was given in recognition of the country's 1998 biodiversity law, which was held up as a model for other nations to follow.

Costa Rica channels funds from a fuel tax, car stamp duty and energy fees to pay for nature reserve management and environmental services like clean air, fresh water and biodiversity protection.

Landowners are paid to preserve old-growth forests and to plant new trees. As a result, forest cover has risen from 24% in 1985 to close to 46% today.

It has also established a national commission on biodiversity, comprising scientists, civil servants and indigenous representatives, which proposes policies to the government and promotes green education among the public.

Partly as a result, Costa Rica ranks third in the global Environmental Performance index and first in the Happy Planet index.

"We are declaring peace with nature," said Mario Fernández Silva, the ambassador of Costa Rica, referring also to hiscountry's abolition of its army in 1958. "We feel a strong sense of responsibility about looking after our wealth of biodiversity. Our attitude is not progressive, it is conservative. Our view is that until we know what we have, it is our duty to protect it."

The country has also received nearly us$56 million in donation and debt write-offs – much of its from the US – to expands in forest and marine conservation programs.

The government also says it has expanded eco-tourism and tightly regulated bio-prospecting (the commercialization of traditional medicine) and initiated measures to share the benefits.

According to the ambassador, his small country has more varieties of butterfly than Africa, and more bird species than all of North America, as well as many flora and fauna that have yet to be identified, but are threatened by multinational corporations which seek to access natural resources by manipulating free trade agreements.

"Our biodiversity law has got us in trouble because it has run up against the free-trade agreement we signed, which has encouraged many transnational pharmaceutical companies to try to get access to our natural resources. We have stuck to our policies."

The jury for the prize – made up of experts from across the planet – also commended Australia's efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef and the biodiversity laws of Japan and Norway.

"This is stimulating best practice and encouraging others to follow," said Ahmed Djoghlaf, executive secretary of the UN Convention on Biodiversity. "Business as usual is not an option."

After celebrating their award, Costa Rican officials were considerably less ebullient about the prospects for a deal at this week's biodiversity conference in Nagoya.

"The sense of urgency is not here, just as it was not evident in climate talks. We remain optimistic, but we are already thinking of the next conference in India," said Fernandez Silva. "Costa Rica is so tiny. We need a planetary answer, but there are many things that won't get fixed here."

Elsewhere at the conference today, in an alternative prize-giving ceremony, civil society groups presented the Dodo Award for failure to evolve to Canada and the European Union for "their obstructive behaviour" in the talks so far.

"The EU and Canada lead the way to extinction, with China and Brazil close behind," noted the CBD Alliance.

Article taken from insidecostarica.com

French Gypsy Sailors

2010-10-22T16:13:00.002-06:00

Banana Bay welcomed a professional circus sailboat to the Bay this week. This French pair lives aboard sailing around the world performing. Today the neighborhood enjoyed a unique acrobatic performance on their deck with another promise for tomorrow. Here is their link: www.voilierspectacle.com

Myths and Legends of Costa Rica

2010-10-21T16:33:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone, in this month of Halloween I want to share with all of you some stories, legends and myths of Costa Rica. Some of them were what kept me well behaved when I was a child and actually so far lol.

The Ox-less Carts

This particular period of time carried its own problems The new leader, who had a number of arrests, wants to leave a marked and innovative course. The reward for doing these was the respect of his people who followed his orders, trusting his ideas for the good of the commonwealth.

San Jose de la Boca del Monte (it was the first name of the City of San Jose) had to be built - under the new leader rules - in the strongest city of the new Republic. Of course this would not be possible if its inhabitants continued to wander the valley. That kind of living feels at ease without relations between each others, due to the selfishness and greed of the landowners! The saying to justify-' was: "Everybody in their houses and God in all of them"; and because that belief that seems uncivilized, feed on a sick freedom, denying all solidarity and strong cohabitation. The liveliness that all people need is to be progressive, productive and caring for the progress. This issue had to be inverted.

Soon, after he showed his strong directing side, the leader started to realize how San Jose de la Boca del Monte showed its firsts organizational signs that will lead them to a modernized city. And this was accomplished by the ruling of an intelligent, fatherly leader Although, the government was undeveloped, it offered the necessary bases to carry out the innovative project of making a city. How it could not be possible to fall into temptation of acquiring the necessities to make life more pleasant9 Those first pioneers, who were used to fight the adversity of an unattended colony of the Guatemala Kingdom, started to feel the necessary human heat to get rid of the segregation, which made life difficult for them.

One lovely morning, in an Open Meeting, the neighbors decided to come down from the hills in order to fulfill the leaders orders. It was not liable to oppose his commands, so they did it gladly.

They started by dividing the land into blocks to make enough land to hold four families.

Immediately, they started c"La Fiesta del Barro" (mud Party) in order to build a well based and spacious houses made of sun-dried clay brick. The city was boiling with enthusiasm and hardworking; some were cutting and carrying wood from the mountains, others were churning mud with animals, and the smartest of them were knitting fabrics. And what about the ovens, that were built for common use by the women and getting ready to use*7 Some were cutting different kind of grass to give to the cattle and biscuits for everybody to enjoy.

In less than a year, those hard working peasants were enjoying a nice house with milking houses and barns to store the season's crops, as well as small part of land on which the family could grow their own crops and vegetables to sell at the market for a personal income. The laziness they once had, had now been changed into an organized com m unity.

Then it happened that the Mother Nature seemed to test the newly built village, news from up North of the Country arrived announcing a plague of cholera creeping towards the village.

The alarm was in the village; at once, Juancho Pacheco went house by house in order to call to a meeting in Eduviges Brenes' house.

As it was expected, Juan de Dios, known as "Juancho", an active and well spoken person, showed enough enthusiasm to motivate the people.

'See here my friends, I did not know about cholera... that sickness had taken too many lives in the 56' war that were produced because of unsanitary conditions. And this was told by Gomez just before he had come from North called by the government. And this is not a story telling; he seems to know about that because he comes from an European University. "Do you know who his father is? Don Paco Gomez, is he with us? I would ask don Paco, he knows more of the matter than me, have a word with him and tell everybody the news. Because he was not here! It seems that he was sent by Lajuela (Alajuela), where the things are very bad, and has a lot of deaths already. And we are here, so ignorant and without any worries of the business and with all this sickness around us. Is better to let don Paco tell us about the matter'

'Good evening and thank you all for being here tonight, and thank you Juancho, who was very concerned. ! While talking to my son, he told me that we should do something very' soon, because the unsanitary ways of lifestyle we use among us is the cause of this terrible disease. But we should learn about better way of sanitary ways and have potable water in our homes to wash our hands and clean our vegetables, we could fight this disease. We must do something very soon.'

'So, what should we do' Don Eduviges asked?

'Get together with the educated ones' suggested Juancho., 'if you let me do it I will ask him to tell me what we should do.

'We are with you!'All of them said, and the meeting ended.

The next day, early in the morning Juancho went to look for Dr. Gomez, who received him very warmly.

'Doctor', I have come to ask you for your help in order to convince the village folks to clean up and fight the cholera epidemic. They will do whatever you say, and you already know our lifestyle... Filthy! Filthy! ; OK? And it is a good idea, one of the activities has to begin through education, a neighborhood Committee must be organized. No time to waste, because the piping from the government is coming any minute and we have to install it. The water is the main thing for our health. And we must clean up the town im-. - mediately.'

'And who do you think could do the job? I don't know, you are in charge, you must find that person.

Juan de Dios, without loosing his time and as Chairman of the Health Committee of San Jose de la Boca del Monte, started to create the committee with really quick success, with the help of the Cubillo family and others. And he explained the job to be done, as cleaning toilets and other tasks.

Daniel, the eldest asked 'How do,you expect to do such a job Juancho?

That is easy - Juancho said- look; you put an extra compartment on the cart soit can easily fit six barrels. And with a rope you start to take out all the crap from the bottom of the holes and put it into the barrels. Then, because you don't want to be seen, put on black clothes that cover your heads and then, between two, pull the cart to the Virilla River an empty the barrels and that will take care the mess.'

'Seems OK', Miguel said, 'but, what about the smell? I can feel sick in my stomach just thinking about it!'

That can be easy fixed, Juancho reassured them. If you start the job after ten o'clock at night, when they are all asleep, no body will see you, not even when you take out the muck from their holes in the garden. Anyway, it's a secret that will be kept with me.

Then the job was started. The town folks were overjoyed to see their tanks empty in the mornings, but at the same time, the town was horrified by the occurrences during the night. After the lamplighter put out the lights, the whole town was left in a scary situation, because of the horrifing darkness. In the mornings, people told stories about how the chickens had been stolen, the nests were ransacked and pigs were slaughtered. And to everyones surprise, the girls were mysteriously getting pregnant and people were saying that it was the Holly Spirits job. Blasphemy! they were saying. To complete the story, the browe ones who dared go on a spree, come back late to their homes, appeared speechless and without sight. They all swore that they saw an ox less cart leaving the "crime scene".

And so many times this story was told, that people stared to believe that the town was haunted.

"YES", said my grandfather, after hearing the story, "my grandfather told me this story too, but he told the other part that nobody knows. The children that were born from those unfortunate girls mysteriously pregnant over night were in fact members of the Cubillo's family. They were about one hundred in total, so for the next hundred years. The Cubillo's family made up one third of the population without know-'ing their sons secretly committed these "crimes" when finished their jobs of emptying the septic tank of the town. How about that?

Story written by: Próspero Castro Fallas, cc/Papillo

The Cegua

A peasant was walking with me. He had a healthy soul that he had being able to maintain, with ail its purity and simplicity. I love virgin souls and I take the pleasure in penetrating them, and listened closely to his conversation and only interrupted to ask questions. There was no breeze through the trees, and nobody was on the road and the majestic silence ruled the starry night. All of a sudden we heard the galloping of a horse.

"Someone is coming" I told my partner he put in practice his country man ear, safely and convincing he said:

"Not in this road, it's going up the road"
I haven't finished the words in my mouth, and then suddenly the galloping stopped, A few moments later the galloping started again, but tt wasn't rhythmical like last time, there was something strange about tt.

In a quiet tone of voice, almost superstitiously respectful the man whispered to me:
"That rider has encountered "La Cegua", but do not fear my friend, because there are two of us and she won't come near, because we are walking"

"La Cegua?" - I asked with interest. "What kind of animal is that"?
It seemed to me as if a smiie appeared on the lips of the man as if my ignorance amuse him:
-But, Sir! How is it possible that you, who read lots, do not know about "La Cegua"? It is the devil itself, and God help you if run into her.

"I assure you that I do not know, explain it to me:
We were very near our destination and the dogs could smell us started barking, not menacingly, but in friendly welcome way. The stars lit up the night and it seemed like one of those fantastical landscapes you only see in books.

No soul has become the same after seeing "La Cegua". Strong men. healthy, happy, joyous, hard working men, had change completely. "Some even die out of fright-", then he began to name a list of a few people he knew that has lost their life of this terrible apparition
"It's not easy to see her" it goes everywhere, in particular places mostly. Around here appears a lot, this is why you will never see a rider by himself, there is almost always two riding together."
Is it possible that she can be seemed by two? - I asked! "When we are by ourselves she approaches us. He replied happily, because he knows he has been listening with a lot of interest.

In some places out of the town's limits, where there are a lot of bushes and trees on along road, is the usual spot where she likes to surprise the passing riders. She appears in the middle of the road, and with a very sweet and weak voice she says: -"Kind Sir, Tin very tired, and I'm in my way to see my sick mother, would you be kind enough to give me a lift to..0 And she gives the name of the nearest town, (because she is the devil itself and knows everything).

"Then, it is a person, or has a person characteristic9 -I dared to ask again.

"She is a very pretty young girl, with big black eyes, curly hair and a beautiful mouth. Everyone who looks at her falls under her charms and felt very sorry for her because they can see the tiredness on her and her little voice."

At that moment a gentle breeze started to make the leaves move that created shadows all around and then brushed the path ahead us, as if some invisible mischief force was moving ahead of us. Mother Nature was helping the narrator the effect he wanted.

-"Not even the most cold-hearted men and no one can resist to her charm. Some take her on the back of the saddle, but most prefer to take her on their laps. To her is the same thing, When they started to move, if she in front, she turns their face, if she in the back, she makes the rider turn back And comes the very scary thing, and the beautiful woman disappears, her face looks like the skull of a horse, fire comes out her eyes. Se opens her mouth and shows her huge yellow horse like teeth and lets out a horrible putrid breath. At the same time her arms like iron. hang on the rider. The horde seems to know what is happening, it take off in a crazy gallop trying to get rid of the monster."

-"And then what happens?"

-"Then the men who have picked up the girl, and of course with wrong intentions on their minds, are later found dead with their eyes wide open in fear and with a horrible look on their faces. The others, as I told you before, live but, serve out to remain there uselessly.

We arrived to the gate and I could hear the dogs barking louder. Meanwhile, I was in a deep meditation. Is there no other healthy way to teaching this fantasy0 Who has not encountered "La Cegua" Who has not surrendered to the seduction of a beauty and its physical charms and nothing more? Who hasn't surrender to the misunderstanding mercy?

And then, the weakness of the body, the soul, and perhaps death? And "La Cegua" is a stow used to scare young men into doing the right thing and keeping their minds pure.
Story written by: Melitón Araya Marín

The Tulevieja

Another terribly sad and depressing story about young women who have babies out of wedlock, is the famous "Tulevieja." This creature wears an old "tule" or hat and is short and skinny; some say that it has the body of a chicken and large breasts that hang down. Regardless of the details, most will agree that she isn't a pretty sight...The "Tulevieja" was once a thirteen year-old girl who became pregnant, thus getting kicked out of her job and causing the anger of her parents. When she gave birth, she refused to breast-feed the baby, thus killing him. She was sent to Puntarenas by her parents (province by the coast), where she got sick and died only two weeks later. Because of the injustice that she committed, she's doomed to wander around houses, looking for children that she can breast-feed.

The Cadejo

There once was a young man called Joaquin, who lived in the old capital city of Cartago. Joaquin loved to party, and to party hard, and he used to cause much suffering to his parents, especially his father. Sometimes, his father tried being tender and soft with him, at other times strict and authoritative, but nothing seemed to work. Then, his son didn't come back home until after a one-week rampage through all of the local bars and corrupt places. His father looked at him with burning red eyes, a look which was passed on to his son's eyes, and ordered him not to ever come back to the house. However, Joaquin wouldn't move or answer anything, and his father's scoldings and curses were so harsh, that they transformed him into a black dog called "Cadejos" that wanders forever, with a chain around its neck. The dog will follow any person that is straying from "the good path" by drinking and staying out late, and will not part from their side.

I hope you guys enjoy this nice stories that have been a part of all costa ricans.

Our New Sign!!!

2010-10-21T12:25:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone, take a look on the new sign we're installing for our Tour Desk......what do you guys think?????

Hanging loose at Tierra Mar

2010-10-21T11:57:00.000-06:00

It's a ghost town here these past weeks..... Went to see who was at the door hoping to set up a tour or show some property and this is our only "action" today. Iggy was there.....looking for a hand out. Come on all you seasonal folks. Get down here before we go nuts with boredom. Looking forward to seeing some of you at the door next time.

Here we go again!!!!!

2010-10-20T16:05:00.001-06:00

Costa Rica Promises Southern Zone An Airport
Costa Rica's presidenta, Laura Chinchilla and the ministro de Transportes, Francisco Jiménez, have declared a "public interest" the construction of an airport in the southern zone.

The airport, which would cost us$35 million dollars and to be paid for by the Dirección General de Aviación Civil, would be located on fincas 9 and 10 in Valle de Diquis in Sierpe de Osa.

No start date was announced.

Article taken from insidecostarica.com

Horsing Around in Puerto Jimenez.....SOON in our Tour Site!!!

2010-09-28T14:20:00.000-06:00

What better transportation could there be for goofing off in Pueblo 'Puerto Jimenez' than by horseback? Enjoy a half day of full day of exploring the town center, the outlaying rural roads and the beaches. Be on your own agenda instead of an organized tour.... For your safety and convenience, a mounted "Campo Cowboy" with local knowledge will chaperon you. The gang will have a blast!

(Priced for Groups of 4 or more. Discounts for children under 7 years riding 'double')

Half Day Ride:

$48 per horse
$10 per double rider (child only)
FREE guide with horse (Tips optional but recommended)

The tour starts in Puerto Jimenez. Clients will take "the ferry" from Golfito, price approx. $10 round trip pp.

http://www.golfitocostarica.com/
www.golfitocostarica.com/costarica_tours/index.htm

If you are a foreigner in Costa Rica......

2010-09-28T09:19:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone, this is a "be aware" article.....

Tourist Overstay Fine Not Yet Being Applied, December Is The Deadline

Leaving Costa Rica for foreigners who have overstayed their "tourist" visa period could be costly and be barred from returning to Costa Rica for a period of up to three times they overstay. Although that is the law, immigration officials have yet to enforce it, which could be anytime between now and December 13.

Visitors from North America and Europe typically are given a stay of up to 90 days, while many other nationals are only given 30 days, when they must leave the country or their stay in Costa Rica becomes illegal and are subject to sanctions and expulsion.

Under the new immigration law that went into effect on March 1, 2010, tourists are required to pay a fine of us$100 for each month they over stay their visa period and must stay out of the country for a period of up three times their overstay before they are allowed to return.

Immigration officials can easily check the passport and their database to see when a person entered the country by land or air and can also determine if a person is not permitted re-entry. The rules are usually stricter at the country's airports than at land border crossings.

However, the immigration service has yet to enforce this overstay rule and according to immigration officials tourists who have overstayed their visa period will not be required to pay. Not yet anyways, but will be required to do so when the law is expected to be enforced before the middle of December.

Currently, Costa Rican authorities at the San José airport are checking the entry stamp at the security check point which occurs after paying the exit tax and given a boarding pass by the airline.

Article taken from http://www.insidecostarica.com/

Independence Day in Golfito, September 15

2010-09-27T16:17:00.000-06:00

Photos taken by Pedro Bozza

OMG........Dollar is going down...

2010-09-17T10:22:00.001-06:00

Good morning to all,

The dollar touched its lowest point in 2010 and approximately more than a year. The National Bank today, September 17, shows $498 and $507.50 purchase and sale.

Something that has been a constant this year is that the days near days of payment and where companies are withdrawing money from banks to pay employees, the dollar begins to drop, sometimes up to 25 colones. After that pay day passes, the dollar starts to rise again, a little weird right?

Anyway, I hope this game with the dollar and the people who control this changes, reach a point where it remains stable and without so many variants.

WE NEED A MORE STABLE ECONOMY

Information of all the country's banks and the dollar exchange rate for today below:

http://indicadoreseconomicos.bccr.fi.cr/IndicadoresEconomicos/Cuadros/frmConsultaTCVentanilla.aspx

Independence Month and Activities in Golfito

2010-09-14T10:40:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone,

In this month of Independence and especially the 14 and 15, our town of Golfito will have several activities. The 14th, schools and colleges will have the parade of lanterns, the parade will be at approximately 6:00 pm. Each school will have a parade.

On the 15th, the most important day of the month, because it represents our independence, again, schools and colleges will have a parade with bands, flag bearers and cheerleaders. The parade starts at 8:00 am from the 3km to Central Park (Pueblo Civil), which will end with an event.

Attend and enjoy this beautiful celebration.

I will post some nice pics and videos of the activities next week.

History of the Lantern Parade

2010-09-14T10:23:00.000-06:00

The Lantern Parade is the Scream of Independence

All September 14, students, parents and teachers take the streets with beautiful and colorful lanterns to commemorate the scream of Independence.

But although this is one of the busiest national celebrations, there are few Costa Ricans who really know the real story.

Do you know why the Costa Ricans and other Central Americans walk the streets of their country with lanterns? The response….from the nineteenth century in Guatemala.

Overview

It was Dolores Bedoya that ran through all the streets of Guatemala, Antigua now, the night of 14 September 1821 with a lantern in his hands and looking for citizens to gather at the square opposite the town hall, where they were together the county councils of Guatemala, including Chiapas, Honduras and El Salvador.

Meanwhile, in Costa Rica, which belonged to the deputation of Nicaragua León, was unaware of the events that occurred in the neighboring country.

The objective of the Guatemalan population, was yelling at one throat "Viva la Patria", "Viva la Libertad", a few hours to declare independence of that nation, on September 15.

The whole town gathered at City Hall with their lamps and lanterns, there was no electricity at that time. Everybody with their calls and pressures, ensured that the patricians stamped the desired signature.

Since then, year after year, people began to decorate free humble homes with lights to commemorate the patriotic holidays and the exploits of Dolores Bedoya.

The lanterns lit at 6 pm and by the singing of National Anthem of Costa Rica, give faithful testimony of such a worthy celebration in search of the freedom of nations and thousands of villagers tired of the oppression under Spanish rule.

Decorations with lights were kept for years as a tradition, but it would be until the end of last century, that the parades took popularity. Walks with lanterns were feeling in each town to celebrate the eve of Independence Day.

In the Second Republic

The twentieth century set the tone. Heretofore the listed courses, lighted by candlelight and filled with patriotic colors were just a habit, there was nothing to makee the Ticos to take the streets and celebrate the proclamation of independence.

As the story goes, were the same neighbors who gathered to organize the parade and once again give the appropriate credit to Dolores Bedoya, a revolutionary.

Until mid-century and after the 1948 revolution, during which there were important changes, the Founders of the second Republic paid special attention to the rescue of patriotic values, especially the Parade of Lanterns.

The reformers have encouraged communities to come out each year through neighborhoods with lanterns to celebrate another year of freedom and love of country, awarding prizes for the best creations.

Those responsible for promoting the activities were the teachers of schools and colleges across the country.

By 1953 there was the appointment of Manuel Ureña as Director General of Schools of San Jose, who gave special attention to the celebrations and officially to all schools on 14 September as a special day for the Parade of Lanterns, at 6 afternoon.

The tradition continues today and this year is no exception.

"On 15 September in our country have not yet heard the news of independence, so that the custom of the lamps was copied without any basis in Guatemala," said Frank Fernandez, a historian.

City Counsil

Independence news came to Costa Rican the first half of October, after a long journey from the neighboring country of Nicaragua. It was not to tell the story, but to make knowledge of the Ticos, the decision of the other Central American nations.

After that day, the people, and the Spanish authorities were summoned to attend a town meeting to understand the implications of independence.

Delegates of San José, Heredia, Alajuela, Barva, Aserrí, Espiritu Santo de Esparza, Bagaces, Cartago and Ujarrás gathered at City Hall, in Cartago.

The Spanish authorities came to that meeting without weapons, because the Costa Rican youth took the barracks and took off all weapons, in order to settle the issue by dialogue, not force.

José Francisco Osejo was who led the group and managed disarmament.

Absolute independence from Spain was the October 29, 1821. In just one month, Costa Rica had a constitutional government and the first Constitution, called Pacto Fundamental Interino of Costa Rica or Pacto de Concordia.

For 1824 in Guatemala, met the Central American Federation and forced the independence celebrations take place on 15 of the current month.

VIVA COSTA RICA!!!!!

‘Extremely rainy' September, October await Costa Rica

2010-08-24T17:16:00.001-06:00

The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) has projected “extremely rainy” conditions from August through October for the Central Valley and the Pacific Slope. The agency predicts that eight cyclones will affect Costa Rica this year, four of which will likely reach hurricane strength.

Meanwhile, intense rainfall in Costa Rica last weekend forced 143 people into shelters, damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes and buildings and possibly killed a 47-year-old mother.

On Monday, rescue crews from the National Emergency Commission (CNE) and the Costa Rican Red Cross searched the canton of Aserrí, a mountain town south of San José, for Damaris Alvarez, a mother of three who was carried away by swelling torrents on Friday afternoon.

According to the Red Cross, Alvarez was waiting out the downpour in a concrete structure when water from a confluence of the Río Cañas rushed in and swept her into the stream.

Rescuers searched for Alvarez throughout the weekend but found no signs of her remains. Red Cross teams continued the search on Monday.

In Corredores, in the country's Southern Zone, 170 homes were flooded by the weekend's cascades. A dam that broke on the Río Claro last week forced 22 people from the zone into temporary shelters, where they remained on Monday.

The CNE has deployed a team of specialists to repair the dam.

In San Sebastián, a southwest district of San José, the deluges prompted the CNE to move 121 people from the area to a shelter.

According to an analysis by Julio Madrigal, a geologist for the CNE, they cannot return to their homes due to high risks of building collapses and landslides.

The Mixed Institute for Social Aid (IMAS) has agreed to provide financial support to the 121 victims in the shelter and will consider the possibility of renting new homes for the families.

On Monday the Health Ministry evaluated whether to declare the homes in San Sebastián to be uninhabitable.

On Sunday, the CNE issued a green alert, the lowest of the country's three alert levels, for the Central Valley, for Cartago province – east of San José, the southern and northern Pacific zones and for several towns along the Caribbean Slope.

The CNE advised residents in these areas to be aware of the danger of landslides and flash floods.

By Mike McDonald

Tico Times Staff

38 Reasons Why Move To Costa Rica?

2010-08-18T08:59:00.007-06:00

(1) Year-round spring-like weather in the Central Valley. One of the most ideal climates in the world. No heating or A/C needed in this area, so you will always feel comfortable.

(2) An unblemished international image and reputation. How often do you hear bad news about Costa Rica? Only good news! As the say here, “Solo bueno,” which means “only good.”

(3) Latin America’s oldest democracy.

(4) NO army or terrorism. Costa Rica has NO enemies.

(5) Excellent health care at a fraction of the price you would pay at home. Dentists are cheap, too. Many doctors and dentists are trained abroad. Costa Ricans who reach the age of eighty have the longest longevity rate in the world beyond that age. This is mostly due to the country’s lifestyle. Many a foreigner who has moved here claims that “they have added years to their lives and life to their years.

(6) Good real estate investments if you do your due diligence and buy at the right price. In 2006 Costa Rica was considered one of the world’s best emerging real estate markets. Many properties are in locations with breathtaking panoramic views. You would pay millions of dollars for these views in some parts of the U.S. Costa Rica is a prime warm-weather destination like Hawaii and retirement haven which will drive the real estate market in future years.

(7) More North American residents proportionately than any other country outside of the U.S. They can’t be wrong!

(8) A tightly-knit expat community

(9) The ONLY country in Latin America with a time-tested organization (Association of Residents of Costa Rica or ARCR) to help you with everything you need to make the move from A to Z.

(10) An excellent quality of life. Costa Ricans have one of the highest life spans in the world and the country boasts around 900 centenarians.

(11) Good communications with high-speed internet in may areas. Cable and satellite television are available with all of your favorite programs from the United States.

(12) Tax savings - The financial benefits of being a U.S. citizen living abroad is attractive because you can enjoy the tax-free foreign earned income benefit of more than $90,000 per year.

(13) Opportunities for savvy entrepreneurs

(14) Friendly people with a great sense of humor and a country populated by one of the “happiest people in the world.”

(15) Many people but not everyone speaks English.

(16) 1000s of activities to stay busy and happy so you won’t get bored

(17) A nature lover’s Disneyland and the perfect place for those who like adventure tourism. Volcanoes and rain forests are near the Central Valley and the Caribbean and Pacific Beaches are only a few hours away.

(18) Affordable hired help.

(19) The country’s sheer beauty.

(20) Fantastic beaches with warm water. No wetsuit is needed here!

(21) One of Latin America’s prime tourist destinations according to Travel Weekly magazine.

(22) Many products and services from the U.S.

(23) A huge variety of inexpensive fruits and vegetables available all year.

(24) Affordable transportation (buses and taxis). You won’t really need a car here.

(25) Much less expensive than living in most countries

(26) Exotic flora and fauna.

(27) Low property taxes (A quarter of one percent of the home’s listed value up to $200,000)

(28) A variety of local restaurants, offering some of the best chicken and fish, plus, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Italian, Mexican, typical Costa Rican food and more.

(29) Convenient Location. You can be in Miami or Ft. Lauderdale in under three hours.

(30) Beautiful and devoted women.

(31) Low violent crime rate compared to most places. I wouldn’t be living here if I thought my life was in danger. Crime is on the rise world-wide and Costa Rica is no exception. NO country is entirely crime free nor is immune to the increasing crime rates that you find almost everywhere in the world. Furthermore, the news media likes to sensationalize crime in every country.

(32) You want to experience a new culture and people.

(33)) You want to do volunteer work like teaching English to school children or contribute something to the country in another way.

(34) You want the life-long experience of learning a beautiful language to open a whole to new world of possibilities.

(35) You want a simpler lifestyle.

(36) You want start a new and exciting life abroad.

(37) Costa Rica is a place for those who believe and are willing to seek something better in this world and their lives.

(38) Plus so many more intangibles

By Christopher Howard M.A.*, http://www.liveincostarica.com/

GolfitoMasterTours Opinion:

I received several negative comments about this article. The majority of foreigners, where they say that more than half of the points are false. That is why I write a short comment about the article

--- CR is not the perfect country to live. There are many problems in all fields, such as medical, legal process, inefficient police, obstruction of almost all the permissions that a person should ask when you are building a house, apart from a huge variety of other problems. I know foreigners who have spent years making a single process, such as residence in CR, a process which in my opinion, should not be so slow. Obviously, there are people who speed up these barriers by giving money to the right person in the government. Which is a bad practice, but often it is the only way to do things in this country. This is a big problem, because most of the "Ticos" think that foreigners have a money tree in the yard. If that were true, I should ask some of them for a couple of seeds to plant a few trees in my yard.

The reality is that every country has these problems and even more. No country is going to be perfect to live. The mentality that everyone should have is always positive, in spite of all the problems you may encounter when you move to another country.

Therefore, a few tips:

- If you are thinking about coming and living in CR, arm yourselves with patience and why not bring some extra bags filled with more patience.

- Be careful with the "Ticos" who speak English. A large proportion of them are looking to take advantage of any situation and to take money from you.

And remember .... the Pura Vida, is no longer very pure life.

In summary, I believe that many of the points mentioned in the article did not reflect what actually happens in CR.

Even so, CR is a beautiful country to live and pleasantly, there are many more positives things than negatives living in CR and that's for REAL!!

New neighbors on the Cost of Golfito!!!

2010-08-06T16:09:00.004-06:00

Hi all, recently I took some pictures to a new neighbor in the Bay. Well, is not the only one in town, we heard rumors that there are approximately 3-5 crocodiles swimming all the cost of Golfito daily. We have been informed that there is one of at least 5 meters long. In fact one of them killed a dog several weeks ago.

As you can see, the photos are not very good, but at least, are the proof that there are crocodiles in the bay of Golfito.

Here the pics

These pics were taken in front of Servicios Tierra Mar in Golfito

In our Tour Website SOON!!!!!!

2010-07-28T14:49:00.004-06:00

Full Sportfishing Day

Would you like to be on the Ocean fishing with one of the world's most experienced and capable Captains?? Golfito is the place, Captain Bobby McGuinness is your Man!

Costa Rica's Southern Zone is home to the beautiful protected Golfito Bay. Across the Golfo Dulce lies Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula. Golfito and the Golfo Dulce are famous for fantastic inshore fishing, and of course, outside the gulf are the incredibly rich waters of the Pacific full of Marlin, Sail and Tuna!

IGFA World-Champion Captain Bobby McGuinness holds 142 World Records.

Captain Bobby is recognized as the foremost Skipper in these Pacific Costa Rican waters.

The sport fishermen who cast off with Captain Bobby call him "a fish magnet" because he rarely fails to meet your expectations - and his reputation is based on your fishing success! His boats are equipped with the latest electronics and safety gear.

$1500/day

"Cazador" is a 37-foot Merritt. Built for comfort and for fishing in Costa Rica, it is powered by twin 450hp Cummins diesels developing a cruising speed of 27 knots, and has a full range of electronic, tournament-class fishing and safety equipment.

$1050/day

“SweetDream” is a 28 ft. Pursuit, powered by a single Cummins diesel with all the electronics, tournament-class fishing gear and safety equipment.

Nearby Vacation Rentals and Tour Options LINK: http://www.golfitocostarica.com/

Tourism In Costa Rica Grew 3.96% In First Half Of 2010

2010-07-23T16:53:00.003-06:00

Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) - Costa Rica's Tourism Board - has an optimistic outlook for this year, expecting to reach two million visitors for 2010. The optimism is based on the 3.96% increase in tourism the first half of this year as compared to the same period in 2009.

According to date by the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (Costa Rica's immigration service) the number of tourist arrivals from January to June 2010 was 1.124.044. In contrast, during the first half of 2009, 1.025.460 tourist arrivals were recorded.

Given these figures, the executive director of the Cámara Costarricense de Hoteles (CCH), Pablo Solano, despite the increase in tourist arrivals, the average occupancy rate reported by his membership has risen slightly over last year, averaging 60%.

Solano added that the hotel operators are positive that increase will continue due to the ongoing efforts by the Chinchilla government to attract more visitors to Costa Rica.

Tourist arrivals from the United States is still the most important market for Costa Rica, showing a 10% increase for this year, for a total of 468.172 visitors, 43.218 more than the first six months in 2009.

Article from insidecostarica.com

A thought provoking movement - US Military and Costa Rica formed an alliance.......

2010-07-19T15:35:00.003-06:00

Then We take Costa Rica... The US And The Militarization Of The Caribbean

How then can we understand the American presence in Costa Rica? The US is in fact in the process of militarizing the whole Caribbean area, something which is crucial to the process of rebuilding America's dog-eared hegemony in Latin America. Indeed, this has been one of the key policy objectives of the Obama administration. Click here for original article in Spanish. http://www.anarkismo.net/article/17043

On Thursday 1st July, the parliament of Costa Rica approved a US request for permission to station between 7,000 and 13,000 US troops (the precise number is still uncertain) on its territory. The troops will arrive in 46 warships.

This request, backed by Laura Chinchilla's government and the parties who support her - the National Liberation Party (PLN), the Libertarian Movement (ML) and Costa Rican Renovation (RC) - would be covered under the Security Section of the Free Trade Agreement between Costa Rica and the USA which was signed despite significant popular resistance after a rigged referendum in October 2007.

The excuse being given to justify this extraordinary presence of US troops is the fight against drug trafficking, a sort of catch-all expression normally used throughout the region to justify any outrage against the local population or any interference that Washington feels the need to indulge in.

But is drugs really the issue at stake? Is this really a war against drugs? Let's examine the military equipment being employed...

"According to the Costa Rican press, most of the warships are frigates with a length of 135 metres, the capacity to carry two SH-60 Seahawk helicopters or HH-60B Blackhawks, as well as 200 marines and 15 officers each.

But other ships and aircraft carriers, such as the USS Making Island, have the capacity to carry 102 officers and nearly 1,500 troops, and are armoured and ready for intensive combat. They can carry 42 CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters, five AV-8B Harrier fighters and six Blackhawk helicopters.

Authorization has also been given for the arrival of fighter submarines, catamaran ships, a hospital ship and also amphibious combat and reconnaissance vehicles. Permission has also been granted for a littoral combat ship, the USS Freedom, which has anti-submarine capacities".

And it is the nature of all this military hardware which provides ample room for doubt about its true purpose.

How then can we understand the American presence in Costa Rica? The US is in fact in the process of militarizing the whole Caribbean area, something which is crucial to the process of rebuilding America's dog-eared hegemony in Latin America. Indeed, this has been one of the key policy objectives of the Obama administration. This is evident from the statements of ML deputy Carlos Góngora on the reasons for authorizing the US occupation: "because Venezuela is buying weapons from Russia, and to prevent drug traffickers selling drugs to kids outside their schools".

The USA's loss of hegemony in the region, after its military adventures in the Middle East under Bush and the so-called "War on Terror", facilitated the arrival of other economic interests in Uncle Sam's traditional "backyard" (Europeans, the Russians, the Chinese as well as a multitude of South-South relationships with governments considered hostile by the US government, such as Iran); and of course wherever there is competition for markets, there is friction and conflict. Moreover, during the same period, there was a strengthening of mechanisms of regional economic and political integration (the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America or ALBA, the Union of South American Nations or UNASUR), which is another scenario that threatens US hegemony, since any scenario of greater unity will produce different negotiating terms and a pole of development with a greater degree of independence, even though it does not go beyond the limits of capitalism.

This latest threat, represented by growing Latin American integration and the more dynamic role of countries in the region (Brazil and Venezuela, for example) was identified in a US Air Force document dated May 2009, which analyzed the importance of the new bases in Colombia, particularly:

"[South America is a] critical sub region of our hemisphere where security and stability is under constant threat from narcotics funded terrorist insurgencies, anti-US governments, endemic poverty and recurring natural disasters".

After all, every relationship of hegemony or domination is ultimately maintained by force, or at least the threat of force. It is no coincidence that: in late 2008 the Fourth Fleet was re-activated to strengthen the USA's Southern Command, which oversees Latin America in case of "crisis"; in Aruba and Curaçao, two military bases were installed as Forward Operating Locations; in Panama in late 2009, the installation of 4 military bases was approved; in January, in the context of the tragedy unleashed by the earthquake in Haiti, the USA took the opportunity to occupy the country militarily, with 20,000 Marines, making it a de facto military platform (which incidentally also partially undermines the hegemony of Brazil, which had led the UN occupation of this republic, MINUSTAH); and finally, we have the agreement for 7 new US military bases in Colombia, together with access to that country's air land and sea space and to any other base on Colombian territory.

As we can see, the USA's military presence in the Caribbean is overwhelming. But what is the purpose of it? The answer can be seen in the military document quoted above:

"[Development of this Cooperative Security Location] improves the U.S. ability to respond rapidly to crisis, and assuring regional access and presence at minimal cost (...) [Palenquero] will also increase our capability to conduct Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), improve global reach, support logistics requirements, improve partnerships, improve theater security cooperation, and expand expeditionary warfare capability."

And apart from this massive military presence, we must also look at other processes that are associated with this struggle for hegemony even if they do not involve the direct participation of the USA.

First, we have the Honduran Coup on 28 June 2009, which shows that the old habit of sponsoring coups and strong-arm regimes to combat "communism" (ie, any force that might challenge US hegemony or pursue a too-independent policy) remains an alternative for the US. From unconvincing expressions of disapproval and the parody of negotiation, next came unqualified support for a regime that was imposed by a coup d'état. Even though they have denied it, US involvement in the coup is clear, because the army in Honduras never moves a finger without the prior permission of their American "masters" stationed at the Soto Cano base. In fact, the State Department acknowledged, prior to the coup, having discussions with the military in order to, they say, "defuse the crisis". We now know that the US embassy was fully aware of the plot. In any case, the coup had the effect desired by Washington, which was not only to get rid of a Chavez ally such as Zelaya, but also to send a message to the whole region. Central America, which had started to lean towards the integration processes, has come back to following Washington discipline since the coup. Both Mauricio Funes in El Salvador and Álvaro Colom in Guatemala, who had expressed their intention to join ALBA several months earlier, have since distanced themselves from it in order not to suffer the same fate as Zelaya.

On the other hand, we have the Security Agreement between Colombia and Honduras, which came into force in February this year, whose declared objective is the fight against "terrorism and drug trafficking" in terms that are no different to those coming from Washington. It is clear that Colombia is acting as a "mediator" on behalf of the USA, which, even though the US openly supports the Porfirio Lobo regime, would have produced quite a ruffling of feathers in Latin America, where most countries do not recognize the legitimacy of the new government in Tegucigalpa –for the US to strengthen its military ties directly with that country after the coup would have been too much a hard pill to swallow for the region. Thus, this agreement strengthens US hegemony in Central America, but is presented for public consumption as a South-South agreement.

Add to that the multi-million boost to the Mérida Initiative, an initiative supposedly created to lead the "War on Drugs", aimed at Central America and Mexico, and we have a complete picture of the increasing US military pressure on the region for its "anti-drugs fight".

This is the general scene which allows us to understand what is happening in Costa Rica and the seriousness of this "agreed" military occupation. Though nothing much is stirring, there have been small signs of concern from some quarters. Already people are talking about the serious threat that this new step means for the region. We can only hope that the brave Tico [Costa Rican] people, i.e. those who mobilized and fought against the US FTA, take up the challenge and oppose the occupation.

By José Antonio Gutiérrez D
Anarkismo.net

Dengue Exploding Countrywide

2010-07-19T14:34:00.000-06:00

Anti-malarial pills were once a must in visitors' suitcases alongside the Hawaiian shirts and guidebooks, especially if the itinerary called for travel to Costa Rica's southern and Atlantic regions.

But today's record-high dengue infections have made it the most dreaded mosquito-borne disease.

Dengue's porters, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, have caused a 408 percent surge in Latin American cases during first six months of 2010 over the same period last year. In Costa Rica, 10,788 cases have been reported from January-June, nearly 4,000 more than all of 2009.

While the effects of dengue aren't as severe as its mosquito-transmitted sister malaria, it can be deadly. In Costa Rica, 19 people have died of dengue since 1993, with one death so far in 2010.

Dengue has had outbreaks in Costa Rica every two or three years: 2005 was the worst in the past decade with 37,798 cases nationwide, followed by 2007, with 26,504 cases and 2003, which saw 19,703.

Rodrigo Marín, national dengue control coordinator, said the disease is emerging where it hasn't existed before, which means many people are not aware they are at risk. The combination of 2010's hot summer with an early rainy season is proving a serendipitous recipe for the aegypti's population explosion.

“Weather conditions have been very flattering to the proliferation of the vector Aedes aegypti (mosquito) … and the Central American sub-region … is already seeing an increase in dengue transmission that can potentially affect large population groups,” read a July 7 World Health Organization outbreak alert.

In past years, Costa Rica's Pacific and Caribbean coastal regions and low-lying areas have typically been the hardest hit by dengue. But this year, the Central Valley has seen a record 2,000 dengue cases.

Few Costa Rican regions have seen an outbreak like Santa Cruz on the Nicoya Peninsula in the northwestern Guanacaste province. The sparsely populated area has already reported more than 2,000 cases, prompting the cancellation of next weekend's Annexation Day festivities whose bull runs are popular with tourists. Health officials want to avoid an influx of people to the area due to the high concentration of infected mosquitoes that may bite visitors and further increase the disease's spread to other parts of the country.

Juan Luis Sánchez, regional medical director for the health ministry said, “We are hoping the actions the Health Ministry is taking will achieve their desired result.” Sánchez's office is based inside the small Santa Cruz government clinic that has recently been seeing up to 70 dengue patients a day.

Guanacaste's seasonal dry conditions mean that farms and homes regularly store water as a reserve for water shortages. And clean, standing water is the preferred breeding environment for the aegypti mosquitoes.

Malaria vs. Dengue

Malaria, a serious, sometimes fatal disease, is treatable with medicine and also readily prevented by anti-malarial pills taken before and during visits to risk areas. Also, since its vector, the Anopheles albinus mosquito, tends to bite at night and prefers rural, unpopulated areas, sleeping under a mosquito net at night helps to prevent infection.

Dengue's carriers, on the other hand, tend to bite during the day and proliferate in urban settings. In dengue risk areas, prevention involves active and consistent measures including wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and using insect repellent. Napping with a net is also important, since the aegypti bite during the day (see information box).

Malaria has waned here because of controls over the anopheles mosquito, according to Marín, the national dengue control coordinator. From a high of nearly 7,000 malaria cases reported by the Health Ministry in 1992, malaria has nearly been eliminated in Costa Rica.

“Costa Rica is actually in a state of pre-eradication (when it comes to malaria), with only 72 cases this year,” Marín said.

As for dengue, Marín said many cases go unreported, as there is not one specific telltale symptom or reaction to dengue. Sometimes it's high fever, other times its body aches or vomiting, sometimes it's a sharp pain behind the eye, and symptoms vary according to a person's age, with young children usually affected more mildly than adults.

For Jerry “Bubba” Hallstrom, known for his popular fishing report (often published in this paper), it was high fevers with mild hallucinations, sweats, chills, no energy and no appetite that led him to seek medical attention.

“Dengue is one of the worst things I have had to get over,” said Hallstrom, a resident of Jacó, who has now had it twice. “It makes you realize how strong people are who have to live in pain every day because of chemotherapy or other illnesses.”

Hallstrom never felt a bite, doesn't remember being bit, and said he is at a loss as to how to protect himself in the future.

“You can keep your yard free from mosquito puddles, but you can't do anything about your neighbors' yard or your neighbors' neighbors' yard,” he said.

So for travelers used to arming themselves with pills as they head to the tropics, guarding against dengue will take a lot more work and presence of mind

By Chrissie Long

Tico Times Staff

Getting Your Drivers License In Costa Rica

2010-07-06T12:01:00.000-06:00

With the obsessive traffic fines and sanctions, foreigners living and/or working in Costa Rica are best to get a Costa Rican drivers license and avoid getting fined for driving without a license, for you see any foreigner outside of their “visitors” visa is required to do so. The fine for not following this regulation is ¢68.100, plus 30% for PANI (Children’s welfare agency) and 3% a month late fees.

The rules for foreigners calls for anyone outside of his or her “visitor” stay (90 days for North Americans and Europeans, 30 days for most others), they are required to obtain a Costa Rican drivers license and the changes to the traffic law of March 1, 2010, exposes those who do not or fail to carry a drivers license with them to the above mentioned fine.

If you do not plan to stay in Costa Rica more than your “visitor” status, then no problem: a passport, showing the date of your entry into Costa Rica and your drivers license from your country of origin will do.

But, if you need a Costa Rican drivers license, read on.
It is very important to keep in mind that the traffic rules and regulations change without notice, or reason for that matter of fact, and always ensure that, before heading out to the drivers licensing centre, your information is current.

The following is the basis of the steps in getting a Costa Rican drivers license, and although there may be some changes, the core of the system has been in tact for some time.

But, before please keen in mind that the process is, although not rocket science complicated, you will need to have lots of patience. If you are an impatient person, then be prepared to be stressed out. We suggest a “chill pill” before heading out to the COSEVI (Consejo de Securidad Vial), Costa Rica’s version of the DMV.

And before you even start to line up, make sure you have your “medical certificate”, a very important part of the obtaining a Costa Rican drivers license. And, all licenses issued to foreigners has to be done so at the La Uruca, San José licensing offices.

To get the medical certificate you can locate any one of the many doctor offices located around the COSEVI, some set up in parking lots. The exam included an eye exam, blood pressure (a blood test is now part of the exam) and lots of questions about your physical and mental. The exam is not to determine you are healthy or not, just that your healthy enough to get a drivers license.
The process takes little time and costs between ¢10.000 and ¢15.000 colones.

You could go to your family doctor, but this is not generally recommended as “your” doctor may not have the required form or be current with the regulations, meaning it will take more time and more costs. In the alternative, some pharmacies have not gotten into the medical certificate game, providing the service while you are buying aspirin for the headache that is ahead.

Now, with your medical certificate in hand, your passport (very important that you must not be over your “visitor” stay) and your foreign drivers license (not important if it was issued from your home country or some other country).

Having a foreign drivers license is very important as it will eliminate the need for the written and driving test, since Costa Rican officials feel no need to be tested if you have a license from a country that strictly enforces its traffic laws, like the United States, Canada, Europe, etc.

The hard part in this process is making your way in the line. But, once that is done, and you have paid the fee to the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) branch conveniently located in the COSEVI installations, you are almost done, with the last step getting your mug shot and waiting for the printer to finish.

Whatever you do, don’t smile.

For some reason, MOPT officials do not want smiles in the drivers license photos. We do not know the reason for this, but smiles are frowned upon.

Drivers licenses are issued for the first time for only two years (up to five years on renewal), at which time you will have to go through the whole process again.

This process can take anywhere from under an hour to the whole day, depending on a number of things like the number of people getting a license that day, if the equipment is working, you have all your documents and don’t have to make line again and well just about any other reason public officials can think of for you to have a “memorable” day at the licensing office.

Now, with drivers license in hand, you are ready to “legally” drive in Costa Rica and subject to fines and sanctions like a Tico (Costa Rican), which if unpaid will stop you from renewing your drivers license in two years.

But, wait, if you get a ticket driving with your foreign license and don’t pay it, it won’t affect you. Not yet, anyways.

Article from http://www.underthesuncostarica.com/

Wildlife Preservation....a good thing???

2010-06-23T17:10:00.001-06:00

Hello friends! I want to tell you about another animal that has come back to Golfito. It's a "bitter-sweet" return however. A caretaker for the property of a local ex-pat reported last week the loss of his dogs. One moment they were running and playing in the yard and the next they made a run straight into the jungle, obviously interested in a bit of adventure. Well they got it! At sunset, the dogs had not returned and worry set in. Morning arrived and he decided to go up the trail that leads to the water source on the property and YIKES!!!! At the top of the trail he came face to face with a jaguar! He started to move slowly back and when he turned to retreat, there was ANOTHER. He looked for his best option out and believe it or not- ONE MORE!!!! He decided to RUN!!!!! We have since learned that the dogs did not ever return and that mother jaguars more commonly have 2 cubs and they raise them until the cubs are fully mature. We can only speculate, but sadly enough, we think it's obvious the return of the animals to our wildlife corridor will come at some sad cost to our neighbors with pets who live on the fringe of the corridor.... and maybe even for those of us further into the urban zones. I say this because another friend, Mariana the local dentist, told us that she was driving back to Golfito (night time). She had to stop the car suddenly near the Hotel Ceibo at the Las Gaviota junction because there was a jaguar in the middle of the street! She said she told several people about this but nobody believed her.....well now I can say, MARIANA I BELIEVE YOU!!!! What do you all think we should do about this new exciting yet scarey development in our surrounds?!!

A view of Golfito from the Sky....

2010-06-14T17:09:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone, my friend Adriana from Samoa del Sur gave me these nice pictures taken from an airplane. I love Golfito, this is why I'm sharing these pics with all of you to fall in love of Golfito together.

This is "El Golfo" or Barrio Bellavista

This one goes from the "Kilometro 1" passing the "Muellecito" to Hotel Delfina.

Dollar Exchange On The Slide

2010-06-11T16:50:00.001-06:00

After holding steady for more than a week, the US dollar exchange began sliding this week, falling more than ¢12 colones in the last couple of days.

The buy are this morning is ¢529.86 and the sell is ¢540.76, dropping almost ¢5 colones overnight.

Only a few days ago the buy was ¢553.09 and the sell ¢542.46.

Modernity on Osa’s Doorstep: For better or worse, remote Osa Peninsula is getting connected

2010-06-11T16:39:00.001-06:00

PUERTO JIMENEZ – Catalina Arias sees the concrete slowly creeping.

Two Worlds: Doña Catalina, a resident of Puerto Jiménez on the Osa Peninsula, now has a foot in both worlds, with her wooden house behind her and a newly paved road in front.

The road that lopes past her house, where she once slogged through mud up to her knees to make the two-kilometer trek to the beach, is now paved.

For decades, she walked with her daughter and her neighbor's horse to the coast every week, often through heavy rainfall and muck, to collect 150 coconuts and carry them to her home in Barrio Agujas.

Sitting on a small, log stool outside her house, she scrapes the meat out of the coconut, dilutes it, filters it through a hand towel, and squeezes it into coconut oil for cooking and for skin creams. She funnels the liquid into half-liter plastic bottles and sells each one for ¢ 3,000 ($5.52). Alone, she can fill about 30 bottles per month.

Arias, who says she is somewhere around 74 years old, still makes the hike to the shore each week, but now her feet stay dry. She doesn't have to wait stranded on the beach for the rain to stop because the mire is too thick for the horse to tread through or the rivers are too high to cross.

Instead, she walks along the new blacktop highway that was finished less than a year ago. Instead of inhaling dust kicked up by passing cars, the glow of yellow reflectors warns her of traffic.

Broad-shouldered concrete spans now stand alongside the rickety, one-lane bridges, built from logs or steel beams sunk into the riverbanks and topped with planks or slender sheets of metal that were once used.

“It's changing,” Arias said as she chopped a coconut in half with her machete. “This little place, yes, it's definitely changing.”

The Osa Peninsula, along Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast, has always been one of the country's most remote and least developed locations, but it's quickly being connected.

Pavement is replacing gravel. Fields that have been owned and tended by Costa Rican families for generations are being sold to foreign developers.

Plans for more hotels are being sketched out, and talk of a marina has boat owners buzzing.

A proposed international airport in Sierpe, the gateway to Drake Bay, only lacks an environmental viability study before construction begins.

For the people living here, these signs of investment and infrastructure offer the promise of jobs, capital, and a more civilized future. Some wonder, though, at what cost this development will come.

“This place is going to explode,” said Mitch Zychowski, a U.S. citizen and part-owner of the recently opened Agua Dulce Lodge and Resort here. “When that airport is built, people are going to come like mad.”

Zychowski, whose hotel offers sport fishing and a number of eco-tours and recreational activities, hopes that the airport and the new roads will bring enough tourists to fill the 84 beds in the 12 two-story cabins that he and his partners have built along the beach. In return, the lodge will put local residents to work.

Zychowski employs a team of Puerto Jiménez natives to make beds, clean, cook, and serve hungry visitors. More tourists, more employment, he reasons.
But flocks of tourists to the Osa Peninsula are precisely what some people fear.

So far, tourists have mainly been attracted by mother nature. The area's isolation and lack of construction has helped preserve one of the planet's most diverse stocks of flora and fauna. Small eco-lodges attract a modest number of tourists who come to marvel at the wildlife and forests of Osa's national parks and refuges.

Alejandra Monge, executive director of the Corcovado Foundation, a group dedicated to protecting the peninsula's Corcovado National Park, worries that the amount of people that an international airport would attract will threaten the natural beauty that has so far been conserved.

“The parks in the zone barely have the capacity to attend the amount of people that there are now,” Monge said. “When you build an international airport one thing comes right after another – first the airport, then the Marriott. There are not enough resources here to satisfy that kind of demand.”

Monge likens the proposed airport here to the international airport in Liberia, the capital of the northwestern province of Guanacaste, a project that facilitated floods of foreign investment and spurred a high-rise condominium and mega-resort craze. Some developments in Guanacaste have led to violent clashes over natural resources, especially water supplies.

“That's not the type of development model we need here,” she said. “We need small hotels. People love the rustic jungle lodges here. They preserve the nature and most of them are in the hands of locals, which gives people here the opportunity to learn the business too.”

The large-scale and often haphazard development schemes in Guanacaste have left a lasting impression on people's minds, and many fear that similar plans here will ruin Osa's unique tranquility and beauty, and threaten its natural wealth.
But Alberto Cole, the mayor of the Osa Municipality, says that the airport will not lead to rampant development.

Zoning Plans

A team of researchers at the University of Costa Rica in San José are drafting the final versions of the regulatory and zoning plans for the Osa Peninsula. Cole said the plans will be completed within three months.

While the final drafts must pass through a series of steps before the municipality adopts them, Cole said that once in place, the new guidelines will help maintain the small scale that has so far characterized the development of Costa Rica's ecological gem.

“We don't want development without limits,” Cole said. “We have a market, a brand here of sustainable development, not mega-projects, and that's the style we want to keep. What we are after is quality, not quantity.”
Among the plans are limits on hotel sizes – no more than eight meters in height. If a developer cuts down trees for a building, he or she must plant others nearby. In total, Cole said, only 20 percent of the Osa's territory will be developable.

Later this year, the National Training Institute (INA) will open a center here to offer free English classes to residents in order to prepare them for an influx of North American travelers. With a better grasp of the language, taxi drivers can become tour guides and local pulperías can supply goods to visitors, Cole believes.

But those who oppose having the Osa so closely linked to the global community claim that locals will see few benefits from international visitors.

Rosa Jiménez, 39, also sells coconut oil in Barrio Agujas. The 20-hectare farm that she lives next to has been in the hands of Costa Ricans for as long as she has been alive. She sells bottles of oil to her neighbors “every once in a while.”

But with the freshly paved roads that pass the farm, the property's value has risen sharply and the family has decided to sell. A North American man has visited the farm several times in the past two months.

Jiménez doesn't know what his intentions are, but she does know that foreigners have a tendency to buy products elsewhere.

“I hope there is work,” she said. “It would be nice if the people who come, come and buy from us. But I don't think they will. They have their own suppliers. They buy their supplies in large supermarkets or they bring their own. They don't buy from us.”

Even Cole admitted that few tourists stay and spend money in small towns such as Barrio Agujas and Sierpe. Rather, they arrive in Osa and go directly to hotels or to the beaches, such as those at Drake Bay.

For Cole, a possible solution is to build on the natural or cultural attractions of these towns. Palmar Norte, an economically depressed gateway town to the Osa, could benefit from museums and tours that showcase the area's historical sites and archeological treasures, such as the pre-Colombian stone spheres fashioned by the region's indigenous inhabitants.

Another option, he said, is for the residents of these pueblitos to travel or move to Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez to work in new hotels or as tour guides.

But for Catalina Arias, traveling, other than her one trip per week to the beach to collect coconuts, doesn't seem appealing. She just hopes that buses that will fly past her house on the new blacktop road en route to their respective hotels will stop, once in a while, to say hello.

“They will build the airport and they will build the highways and that's fine,” she said. “The people will come. I'll still be here, God willing, making coconut oil. I just hope they don't forget about me.”

Francesco Vicenzi
Tico Times

Will The San José - Caldera Be Shut Down? Deadline Fast Approaching

2010-06-04T12:15:00.001-06:00

The 48 hour deadline is quickly approaching, as officials of the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT) anxiously await the report by Autopistas del Sol, the concessionaire of the San José - Caldera highway, on its plan of action to make the road safe.

Although the MOPT issued a 48 hour ultimatum this week, it is more likely that no report or decision or action will be for at least a week, as Autopistas prepares its report.

The highway and the concessionaire which opened on January 27, 2010, has been under heavy fire for problems with falling rocks and mudslides, primarily on the section of the road between Orotina and Atenas.

The week earlier a woman died while being a passenger of a motorcycle that ran into a gigantic rock that came loos from the rock wall and landed on the highway, in the middle of the night, in an area with no illumination.

Dozens of other drivers have filed claims against Autopista and the MOPT for damages to their vehicles, and more have complained that the road is unsafe.

A Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos report indicates that the road is unsafe in at least 15 points along its route.

The MOPT has threatened to shut down the highway completely is Autopistas does not provide a plan of action satisfying all the concerns.

Article from http://www.insidecostarica.com/

Guess who have returned to Golfito? ARA MACAO

2010-06-04T11:53:00.003-06:00

I'm super happy to tell you that the beautiful

Macaws have returned to Golfito. Have been

observed all around the Community in groups and in

pairs, from the Duty Free to Kilometro 3.

These photos were taken at the local cemetery where they were feeding in the treetops. We have achieved 5 beautiful Macaws and hopefully more return to Golfito expanding its territory and species.

Storm Alerts are on Throughout Country

2010-06-03T17:20:00.001-06:00

Costa Rica's National Emergency Commission (CNE) declared a yellow alert on Wednesday for the Central Pacific and the Southern Zone as two distinct storm systems pounded the regions.

The yellow alert is the second of the country's three alert levels.

The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) is forecasting heavy rainfall and strong winds for both areas through Thursday.

The first of the two systems struck the Pacific Coast on Tuesday night and, as of Wednesday afternoon, had flooded 60 houses and downed large tree branches near the Central Pacific coast towns of Jacó and Quepos.

The Red Cross reported that a fallen tree along the highway in Quepos destroyed one home and damaged the roof of a hotel.

In total, 1,000 people have been affected by the storm systems. The CNE has sent supplies such as blankets and plastic tarps to communities where homes have lost roofs.

The Central Valley, the Northern Zone and the Caribbean are currently under green alert, the lowest of the country's three alert levels.

By Mike McDonald
Tico Times Staff

Hummingbirds in "Cerro de la Muerte", Costa Rica

2010-05-31T16:05:00.001-06:00

I was on my way to Golfito by bus (Tracopa) and the bus stopped in a Restaurant called La Georgina (Cerro de la Muerte). I was expecting nothing but cold, I never imagined my surprise when I went in the back part of the building. I was never able to count them, but my guess was more than 100 Hummingbirds flying around their food and about 2 feets from me......I just have one word.......AWESOME!!!!

Remember, if you are doing the same route, it is my recommendation to all of you to have your camera ready to shoot videos and photos.

Hummingbirds in "Cerro de la Muerte", Costa Rica.

Poorest Communities To Be Priority Of The New Government (Golfito)

2010-05-31T15:35:00.002-06:00

This is an eye opening article listing Golfito as one of the our President's priorities. I knew we were RICH in "Naturaleza" - but didn't realize the depth of concern over our areas status on the poverty scale.

The Article:

During a session of the Consejo de Gobierno (Cabinet) presided by acting president, Alfio Piva, 10 of the poorest cantones were identified and selected as a priority of the Chinchilla government.

The selection was made based on reports by the Índice de Desarrollo Social (IDS) del Ministerio de Planificación or Social Development Index in English.

Making the list of the poorest areas in Costa Rica are: Coto Brus, Los Chiles, GOLFITO, Upala, Buenos Aires, Limón, Corredores, Matina, Siquirres, Pococí and Sarapiquí.

These communities will be part of the governments program "Comunidades solidarias, seguras y saludables", getting help in the areas of security, education, health, housing and labour among other problems.

Would any of you have thought we would earned a place on this list??? I will be interested in your comments.

Article from http://www.insidecostarica.com/

Don't kill the Goose that lays the Golden Eggs (English Subs SOON!!!)

2010-05-25T11:14:00.002-06:00

This video was not presented to the press and widely reported by their creators, because when the Government and authorities of the Ministry of Tourism outgoing learned of its contents, put all the pressure that they are able to stay out of public knowledge

See the video below...

Don't kill the Goose that lays the Golden Eggs

Regional Trade With EU Opens

2010-05-24T15:19:00.004-06:00

Central America and the European Union (EU) are officially free-trade partners. On Tuesday, the six countries of Central America and the 27-member EU bloc signed a free-trade and cooperation agreement in Madrid, Spain that will slash tariffs on key items such as bananas, milk, automobiles, textiles, rice and sugar.

In Agreement: European and Central American leaders signed an historic agreement between their two trade blocs that left both sides feeling optimistic.

If the agreement is ratified by Costa Rica's Legislative Assembly, it will be the country's eighth free-trade deal, with number nine – the agreement with China – also awaiting the legislature's approval.

“This is one of the first achievements of this government,” said Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla via videoconference from Madrid on Tuesday. “ Costa Rica now has access to the biggest markets in the world, including Europe, the U.S. and China.”

The final round of negotiations in Madrid centered on setting satisfactory trading quantities for sugar, cheese, powdered milk, textiles, beef and bananas, as well as assuring the geographic origin of specific products. During the previous round of talks in Guatemala during the first week of May, disagreements over quotas for these products stalled negotiations. The talks began in mid-2007.

On Tuesday, Foreign Trade Minister Anabel González said that the agreement offers a “very positive balance” for Costa Rica and Central America.

“We were able to strengthen and improve access offered for many products, which will bring growth to those markets under secure and foreseeable conditions,” González said. “National products will have preferential access to a market of 500 million consumers with strong purchasing power.”

On the top of Costa Rica's priority list were bananas. The current tariff of ¢ 176/metric ton applied to bananas will be reduced in increments over the next 10 years to a base tariff of ¢ 75/ton. The terms of the agreement will save European countries an estimated ¢ 50 million per year on banana imports.

According to COMEX, the Foreign Trade Ministry, 70 percent of the bananas exported to Europe from Central America come from Costa Rica.

In terms of quotas on milk, powdered milk and cheese, which were the most difficult points, Costa Rica agreed to accept 200 tons of powdered milk from Europe annually, while the Central American region as a whole will receive 1,900. In terms of cheese, Costa Rica will receive 317 tons a year initially, with an annual increase of 5 percent. Central America will receive an annual supply of 3,000 tons of European cheese. Costa Rican dairy producers have resisted increased imports of these products (TT, May 14).

“The amounts given to Costa Rica only represent around 10 percent of the total cheese given to Central America,” said Fernando Ocampo, the vice trade minister and one of the deal's chief trade negotiators. “As far as dairy products, the Costa Rican share is significantly less than what is being sent to the other Central American countries.”

The ovation for the signing was shared across most of the national sectors affected by the deal. Within 24 hours of the announcement of the signing, the Agriculture Ministry (MAG), the Food Industry Chamber (CACIA), the Chamber of Industries (CICR) and the Dos Pinos dairy cooperative, the largest milk and dairy producer in the country, all voiced their support for the accord.

“We can declare that the Costa Rican agricultural sector is, without question, one of the biggest winners of the negotiation outcome,” said Gloria Abraham Peralta, the minister of agriculture. “We achieved, and actually improved on, the goals we set out to achieve with the agreement.”

If the Legislative Assembly ratifies the agree ment, which is expected, the agricultural sector expects to see an immediate surge in the demand for bananas, pineapples, cut flowers and foliage, and fruit juices. Together, these products make up a third of Costa Rican exports to Europe. Increased demand is also anticipated for sugar, rice and yucca. According to the Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer). During the first three months of 2010, 18 percent of all Costa Rican exports were shipped to the EU.

Supporters of the agreement point to the 2003 free-trade agreement between Chile and the EU as an indicator of the potential benefits for Costa Rica and other Central American countries. Since that agreement went into effect, exports from Chile to the EU have increased from $7.8 billion in 2004 to over $17 billion in 2008. During that same stretch, Chile's imports from the EU increased at a slighter slower rate, going from $3.5 billion to $7.1 billion.

Representatives of a variety of Costa Rican economic sectors were also pleased with the rule of origin, sanitation, environmental impact and fair-trade clauses included in the agreement.

“The EU is a market with high standards for production, environmental and labor practices,” said Juan María González, president of the CICR. “Our participation and competition with them will raise the quality standards of our own producers and suppliers.”

In contrast to the intense debate over the Central American Free-Trade Agreement with the U.S. (CAFTA), which took effect on Jan. 1, 2009, there appears to be little opposition to the EU agreement in the Legislative Assembly or in the society at large.

“This agreement has been structured correctly and handled correctly,” said Tomás Pozuelo, president of CACIA. “Some of the other trade agreements were very lopsided initially, particularly for members of CACIA. This one was much more balanced from the beginning.”

By Adam Williams

Tico Times Staff

The New Costa Rica Immigration Law - Overview

2010-05-20T17:11:00.004-06:00

Costa Rica’s new immigration law (nueva ley migratoria) was published in the official government publication La Gaceta on September 1, 2009 ... meaning the new "Ley General de Migración y Extranjería" will be the Costa Rica immigration law of the land starting March 1, 2010.

Costa Rica is a world-wide destination for vacationers, travelers, those seeking investment opportunities and for persons considering second homes, a place to relocate and/or retire.

Costa Rica is also desirable to many seeking better living conditions, improved work opportunities, asylum and/or refugee status from other countries.

However, Costa Rica is a small country with limited resources. As but one example; Costa Rica‟s national healthcare system cannot continue to expand as needed when foreigners are allowed to flow across its borders unchecked and without having to contribute financially to the system – similar to uninsured or underinsured costs plaguing the United States and other worldwide health care systems.

To better address these concerns Costa Rica recently re-wrote its immigration laws, towards:

•Setting-up official positions and commissions to pass rules, regulations and procedures under the directives of the new immigration laws.

•Centralizing and modernizing the immigration process toward better efficiency and enforcement.

•Allowing 'flexibility' in making administrative approvals on those seeking immigration statuses that may fall outside of written guidelines.

•Criminalizing human trafficking and establishing human rights for immigrants.

•'Professionalizing' the Costa Rica Immigration Police force (la Policía Profesional de Migración y Extranjería).

•Setting higher qualifications for residency - mainly to ensure foreigners come with adequate income to support themselves.

•Attempting to close the “Marriage of Convenience” loophole that is a long standing business institution where attorneys document false marriages between Costa Rica citizens and foreigners for the sole purpose of obtaining Costa Rica residency and citizenship.

•Requiring all temporary and permanent residents to contribute to Costa Rica's national social security and healthcare system (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social –or- CCSS) … commonly referred to as, the “Caja”

Editors Note: The new Costa Rica Immigration Law (Ley General de Migración y Extranjería) was published in the official Costa Rica government newspaper La Gaceta on September 1st, 2009. The text of the law is in Spanish. The following simplified guide is the best information available to date but also relies on computer software for the English translations. Do Not Rely Solely on the Below Text for Costa Rica Immigration Laws – consult with a reliable Costa Rica attorney specializing in immigration matters for answers to all legal questions.

Visas

Visas designated for Local Transit, Delivery of Passengers & Goods, Cultural Events, Sports, Economic Purposes, Political Delegations, Media, Tourists, Students, Professional Workers and Medical Patients allow individuals to remain in Costa Rica for various periods of time … anywhere from 48 hours to 2 years depending on the reason.

The largest segment of Costa Rica visas issued is without question for Tourists:

•Tourist visas given automatically to citizens of North America and Europe with few exceptions are granted at the time of entry for a period not to exceed 90 days.

◦Under both the current and new immigration law, renewing a tourist visa is as simple as leaving Costa Rica for a period of 72 hours. Upon re-entry a new 90 day Tourist visa is issued.

◦The new law does allow in-country tourists to petition for up to 90 day extensions at a cost of $100 USD. However, this request must be done in-person and proof of sustainable income will be required … which may negate any positives of this new provision.

◦The new law as published does not place any new limits on the number of consecutive Tourist visas a person may be issued. This will allow those that utilize the "perpetual tourist" method of remaining in Costa Rica to continue, until such time that a new regulation might be implemented.

Non-Permanent Residency (Temporary Residency)

Authorization to remain in Costa Rica for a specified period of time:

•Pensionado - Proof of $1,000 USD or its equivalent per month income from permanent, stable foreign pension or retirement fund (previously $600). A Pensionado can include their spouse and children under 25 or older children with disabilities in their application. Restrictions: cannot work as an employee but can own business in supervisory capacity.

•Rentista - Proof of $2,500 USD or its equivalent per month income guaranteed by a bank (previously $1,000). A Rentista can include their spouse and children under 25 or older children with disabilities in their application. Restrictions: cannot work as an employee but can own business in supervisory capacity.

•Inversionista - $200,000 investment in any Costa Rica business OR a specified amount of investment in certain Costa Rica government approved sectors. Restrictions: income allowed from project only, cannot work as an employee for another company but can own another business in supervisory capacity.

•Representante - Director, executives, representatives, managers and technical employees of companies meeting certain requirements. Qualifying income must exceed Costa Rica minimum wage for specified position by at least 25%. Restrictions: can only work for approved company as an employee but can own another business in supervisory capacity.

Important: The new income requirements are not retroactive. Any person that has applied for or been granted residency prior to implementation of the new law on March 1, 2010 will only be required to prove income at the previous levels for approval or renewal (ie: Pensionado/$600 mo., Rentista/$1,000 mo.)

Permanent Residency

Authorization to remain in Costa Rica indefinitely can be applied for under the following situations:

•First degree kinship by blood of a Costa Rica citizen (ie: parent, child or sibling under 25 years of age or older if disabled and parents if elderly)

•First degree relative status of a Costa Rica citizen (ie: marriage)

◦Important: The new CR immigration law allows for investigations of all marriages to determine they are legitimate. Immigration officials can now conduct interviews with both spouses as well as friends, family, neighbors and co-workers at both the time of application and for renewals.

•After 3 consecutive years of another residency status (applies to the foreign person, their spouse and first degree kinship by blood)

All Permanent Residency statuses allow the individual to work and earn income within Costa Rica as an employee or business owner.

Exception to Residency

Individuals convicted of a crime within the preceding 10 years either in Costa Rica or in a foreign country where the crime is recognized by Costa Rica law will not be eligible for Costa Rica temporary or permanent residency.

Requirement of Residency

The new law obligates all residency types to participate in the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) national social security and healthcare insurance system … commonly referred to as the “Caja”. Proof of participation and payments for the entire term of residency are a requirement for any renewals.

Fees

The new law establishes fees to users of the system to help fund the department and enforcement.

•An "additional" $25 USD fee for all applications and renewals of residency status.

•An annual $5 USD fee will be charged to non-residents with some exceptions, such as tourists.

•Tourists can apply for a visa extension prior to the 90 expiration for a fee of $100 USD.

•Non-residents can apply for a change of status while in-country for a fee of $200 USD.

Penalties

Violating the terms of any visa or residency status now has the following penalties:

•Overstaying in-country past the specified time allowed by visa or residency results in a fine of $100 USD per month of violation -or- expulsion of a period equal to triple the time of violation (ie: 3 month overstay violation = $300 USD fine -or- 9 month expulsion).

This is not a complete guide to Costa Rica’s new immigration laws … simply an overview for quick reference with many aspects subject to change via regulations by the new authority of Costa Rica's immigration management and commissions along with any court reviews and decisions. Consult with a reputable Costa Rica attorney specializing in immigration law for all legal questions.

Be sure to watch for upcoming administrative regulations that will further define what is required of those seeking visas, temporary residency and permanent residency in Costa Rica.

Article taken from http://central-america-forum.com

It's official, The Costanera Sur Is Now Complete

2010-05-03T09:19:00.000-06:00

On Thursday, Costa Rica's president, Oscar Arias, made official the completion of the Costanera Sur, the 42 kilometre road between Quepos and Playa Dominical.

Area residents have had to wait some 40 years, pretty fast for Costa Rica, to see the completion of the road that now connects the Central Pacific coast to the South Pacific coast in minutes instead of hours.

There has always been a route between Quepos and Dominical. However, the road was full of potholes, narrow bridges that swayed as they were crossed and flooding was constant during the rainy season, taking hours to cross, if one even dared.

Many of a vehicle had to be pulled from the deep water and mud that filled the road, many others left their axles behind, while others their suspension shot.

For business and most travelling to the Southern zone, it was preferable to risk the Interamericana Sur and the "cerro de la muerte", winding through mountains, fog and slick roads, rather than the Costanera.

Now, travelling from San José to Golfito, by way of the Costanera, is a breeze.

When you take into account the new San José - Caldera highway and the completion of the Costanera Sur, the 6 to 8 hours or more to Southern Zone is now under 4 hours or less.

Legislative Assembly Doubles the Buying Power in Golfito

2010-04-27T15:16:00.005-06:00

As a destination for bargain shoppers looking to take advantage of tax-free items, Golfito became more enticing over night.
In a unanimous vote on Wednesday, legislators raised the limit for tax- free purchases in Golfito, allowing thrifty buyers to stuff more into their vans and trucks. Whereas before, customers could purchase a mere $500 worth of goods every six months, under the new law they'll be able to bring home $1,000.
Golfito is home to the Free Trade Depository ( deposito libre ), a duty-free shopping locale with especially attractive discounts on large-ticket items such as refrigerators, stoves and sound systems. The depository was established in 1990 to encourage development and tourism in the economically depressed southern region. In Costa Rica it's not unusual for newlyweds and families moving into a new home to assemble all their friends and family for a junket to Golfito, where each can use his or her quota to help fill the new house.
According to a statement from the bill's sponsor, the Citizen Action Party (PAC), the former quota was insufficient to encourage visitation to the zone, thus defeating the law's purpose. Statistics from the Regional Development Board of the Southern Zone (Judesur) show that the number of visits to the depository has dropped 25 percent between 1997 and 2007.
PAC legislators Alberto Salom and Oliver Pérez presented the bill in March of 2009 with the aim of restoring the purchasing power of the quota and this increasing commerce in the area. And the new law contains a mechanism to ensure the value of the quota doesn't depreciate over time.
“As of now, the value of the purchase card, as it's popularly known, will be reviewed regularly,” said Salom.
The Free Trade Depository is open to foreigners and residents alike. For more information, call 2232-1198.

By Chrissie Long
Tico Times Staff

Revisions to Costa Rica's Traffic Law Blocked by Motion Judicial Review

2010-04-19T15:10:00.007-06:00

Just when it seemed lawmakers were about to come to an agreement to reduce high fines contained in Costa Rica's controversial new traffic law, the left-leaning Citizen Action Party (PAC) blocked forward progress by requesting a judicial review of proposed reforms.
The move effectively ends debate in the short term over the traffic law – which has been criticized for penalizing traffic violators with fines as high as $500 – because it delays a vote until after a one-month review process by the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court (Sala IV). The current Legislative Assembly is scheduled to leave office in two weeks.
The PAC made a similar motion three weeks ago with the final piece of legislation required to implement the Central American Free-Trade Agreement with the United States. That law is currently under review by judges, but probably also will not make it to the floor for debate before the assembly turns over.
“It's a regrettable decision,” said Jorge Méndez, legislator with the National Liberation Party, who was the leading proponent of the traffic law reform, according to the daily Diario Extra. “Thanks to this, drivers will continue to receive high fines.”
He added, “Our intention was to resolve this issue before we left.”
But Alberto Salom, leader of the PAC delegation in the current legislature, justified his motion by saying that the PAC was not the only political group in favor of putting the bill before judges.
“It's a right of a legislator. This was the time in the process (to send it to Sala IV). There wasn't another. …” he said. “I oppose the bill in the terms in which it is laid out.”
Judges will be reviewing the law for alleged violations of the rights of the disabled.
Reforms to the traffic law have been on and off the floor of the assembly since the law was originally approved in November, 2008. Following its approval, it became clear that a majority of legislators disagreed with the high fines as well as other elements of the bill. Legislators gave themselves an additional six months to discuss reforms, but weren't able to agree on changes before the law went into effect earlier this year.
As many as 21,000 tickets have been issued under the new law, which penalizes people who attempt to bribe an officer with a $415 fine, those who talk on a cell phone while driving with a $300 fine and those who fail to obey a stop sign with a fee of $300.

By Chrissie Long
Tico Times Staff

Golfito Travel Nostalgia

2010-04-12T11:45:00.005-06:00

In the early 1980's, Golfito began it's journey towards tourism. Check out this early Lacsa Airline commercial promoting the region. The end of the United Fruit Company's reign in Golfito and departure from town put a definite damper on the movements in that direction for more than a decade- but our tourism community is back on track.... "You can't keep a natural wonderland like Golfito down". Check out the landing strip back in those days. It was still in dual use - As a par 3 golf course for the Chiquita-Dole executives and as the local commercial air field. Cool!

Windstar Cruiseship in Golfito

2010-03-29T09:45:00.007-06:00

Windstar, an awesome cruiseship came trough Golfito yesterday enjoying our quaint port town atmosphere with many passengers taking advantage of local tours.

Dangerous or Not

2010-03-26T13:40:00.012-06:00

I was told this morning that a moth/butterfly might be dangerous, the locals call them papalomoyos. Somebody knows if this animal is really dangerous or not????