DESTINATION: COSTA RICA
 If you havent yet familiarized yourself with the travelers dream that is Costa Rica (rich coast), its time to educate yourself. Think big rainforests, amazing animal species, coral reefs, fantastic surf and volcanoes and youve got yourself one of the most ideal and safest holiday locations in Central America.
Its also the perfect destination for the eco-tourist with some of the most rare and endangered wildlife species on the planet. More than a million tourists are drawn to Costa Rica each year. Heres a look at some of their favoured destinations:
Monteverde Cloud Forest
An outstanding wildlife sanctuary that is home to more than 400 species of birds, 100 species of mammals and over 1,500 plant species. Walk on trails through forests liberally draped in orchids and watch out for the quetzal, sacred bird of the Mayas and Aztecs, distinctive for its long green plumes. Shrouded in clouds, the forest has a unique air of mystery to it.
Arenal Volcano
Costa Rica is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and has five active volcanoes. The most active and spectacular is the fiery Arenal that erupts daily. Visit La Fortuna near the base of the volcano for a fantastic fireworks display and then relax in the local Hot Springs. An excellent volcano to climb is the dormant Irazu with its stunning green crater lake.
Manuel Antonio National Park
While some consider it small (twice the size of Central Park, New York), it has an incredible wealth of attractions from stunning tropical beaches, an amazing array of birds and wildlife, rich dense forestation and easy access to everything.
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Explore thousands of acres of wetlands on a nature cruise here - one of the best ways to see a lot of wildlife in Costa Rica including millions of birds, animals and fish.
Corcovado National Park
This is a fabulous place to come to trek in tropical rainforest and see some endangered plant and animal species. There are plenty of small lodges allowing easy access for those that dont like slogging through the mud. But those that do are treated to far more variety in the interior sections of the park.
Beaches
Costa Ricas coastline stretches for 1,800 km which means theres plenty of beaches to enjoy. Some of the prettiest are in the province of Guanacaste and on the Nicoya Peninsula. Alternatively head to the Rasta Southern Carribbean coast for a good time or to South Puntarenas for a quiet escape. Tamarindo and Playa Langosta on the Gold Coast are the top surfing destinations. While on the Central Pacific Coast, Jaco and Playa Hermosa are the places to go for the swell.
VIP has plenty of accommodation choices to keep you happy and theres plenty of options if you use the VIP card for savings on accommodation, tours and services. | PACIFIC ISLAND DESTINATIONS
Here are highlights of some places to visit this winter during your South Pacific tour.
1. Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands
This longest lagoon in the southern hemisphere is dotted with islands along its 140 kilometre stretch. Uepi Island is one of the inhabited 20 with a fringing reef, rainforest and fabulous dive sites.
2. Cook Islands
Perfect for those seeking activity or nothing at all. Stay in a private over water bungalow or a cottage on a white sand beach. There are hikes, cruises, snorkeling, shopping and fishing to be done. Visit local markets, take in a church service or simply relax.
3. Kite surfing, Rakiraki, Fiji
Shred up the beaches in one of the South Pacifics top kite surfing locations. Sandy Point is the most popular stretch where long winds blast down amongst the islands.
4. Vanuatu
These 83 islands are a true paradise of sun-bleached strands, aquamarine seas and shipwreck dives. There are also tribal cultures to visit. Visit Efate Islands Port Vila for night action, Espiritu Santo has the famed pink-sand Champagne Beach, Tanna and Ambrym have volcanoes and on Pentecost Island is the famed land diving.
5. New Caledonia
If you like birds this place is for you. The famed endangered Kagu calls this island home - a bird well known for its loud calls and nocturnal habits. Other interesting species include a range of endemics like doves, parakeets, pigeons, honeyeaters, a tool using crow and a mysterious grass bird.
UPCOMING PACIFIC EVENTS
> Land Diving, Bunlap on Pentecost Island, Vanuatu (April / May)
> Heilala Festival, Tonga (end June)
> Maire Maiva Nui Festival, Cook Islands (July)
> Bula Festival, Nadi, Fiji (mid July)
> Festival of Pacific Arts, American Samoa (20 July - 2 Aug)
> Mt Hagen Cultural Show, Papua New Guinea (18-19 Aug)
> Hibiscus Festival, Suva, Fiji (1st week, Aug)
> Tuila Festival, Apia, Samoa (Sep)
> Goroka Culutral Show, Papua New Guinea (16-18 Sep)
> Rising of Balolo, all South Pacific Islands (Oct)
> Constitution Day, Niue (19 Oct) |
