Costa Rica Tourism News

December 2009 Issue:
Current  exchange rate is  ¢565 colones for one US Dollar

News & Facts:
Monteverde firm pioneers tourist rail transport there: While central government officials struggle with expanding the urban rail system, a private company has quietly set up a tourist rail service in Monteverde.
The company is Monteverde Trainforest, and passengers get a 90-minute ride on a 24-inch gauge rail car pulled by an LP gas engine. The trip covers eight kilometers.The equipment has the style of 19 century trains but on a smaller scale.The line opened officially July 1. Like most companies in Monteverde, the rail firm stresses the biodiversity that visitors will encounter. Wheelchair accesible.

La Ruta bike race kicked last month in Jacó for four days of competition: The Ruta de los Conquistadores, the nation's coast-to-coast bike race, took place last month.The race has been endorsed by the Federación Costarricense de Ciclismo. This was the 17th edition. The competition started in Jacó Nov. 11. Some 450 bikers participated, both from Costa Rica and other countries. The race had several classes based on age and sex. It is well-known for the many changes in elevation that participants must overcome.

Map of Turrialba Volcano prepared: The national emergency commission has prepared a detailed map of areas that might be affected by Volcán Turrialba. The mountain continues to emit acidic gases. The volcano's neighbors, both human and animal are suffering from the gases, and vegetation has been destroyed.However, experts say that the situation is normal. The national park at the volcano has been closed, not only because of the volcanic activity but because the roads are in bad shape.

Nutcracker' begins run Dec. 3: This is the annual tour de force at the Teatro Nacional presented by the Fundación Amigos Pro Mejoras del Teatro Nacional and the Centro Nacional de la Música. There are dancers by the dozen, including invited performers  from the American Ballet Theater in New York. The theater says this is a new production of the classic work with the participation of the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional. The principal ballet soloists are Yuriko Kajiya and Carlos López of the American Ballet Theater. The theater will present 12 performances starting Dec. 3 at 8 p.m.

US Airways and TACA announced travel accord: US Airways customers will be able to enjoy expanded travel between the United States and destinations in Central and South America, thanks to a new agreement with TACA Airlines beginning Jan. 12. The code share agreement will complement existing US Airways flying to Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize and beginning Dec. 15—Rio de Janeiro, Brazil—from its Charlotte, North Carolina, hub. With this new agreement, US Airways customers traveling from the United States to Latin America will be able to connect through TACA’s hubs in San Salvador, El Salvador; San José, and Lima, Peru. US Airways customers can travel on a single ticket to those countries, as well as Guatemala, Belize, Honduras and Nicaragua, the company said.

Again, we wanted to take this opportunity and share with you all some of the comments our clients have expressed about traveling with Costa Rica Connection and Costa Rica Sun Tours during these last months: 

“You and Sun Tours, your Costa Rica counterpart, were excellent to work with as well.  A couple of times I had a question and called and they were very responsive and helpful.  I have recommended Costa Rica Connection to people along the way in Costa Rica as well as here in our town”  Jan, November Traveler 
 
“Henry, Thank you for the most wonderful family trip.  It could not have gone better.
We enjoyed every moment in your beautiful country.  The planning was perfect and Carlos Calvo, our guide, and Roger Ruiz, our driver, were incredible.  They were professional, helpful, caring, informative, and wonderful with our children and adults and were perfect guides for our adventure. We really appreciate your help and I will recommend you and your group to all I know. Pura Vida, Norma Thweatt – November 2009

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