About Bocas del Toro
The Archipelago de Bocas del Toro is located in the northwestern region of Panama barely 35 km from the Costa Rican border. This chain of more than sixty islands and mangrove keys is a piece of heaven that only recently has been discovered by international travelers. It is for this reason that much of the island string maintains its perfect, untouched, magnificence. The small and charming airport lies within the capital of Bocas del Toro on the island of Isla Colon, the most visited and most developed of all the islands. Isla Colon has a funky Caribbean flair that shows in the brightly colored buildings and clothing of the locals, as well as the amazing Latino-Caribbean food. The adventure traveller will delight in the intact coral reefs, deep-sea fishing, boating, kayaking, snorkelling, surfing, and deserted beaches. The main island is a perfect base camp for travelers, with sufficient infrastructure, restaurants, hotels, tour services and water taxis. The pace of life in Bocas revolves around the water. Most hotels are built on (and over) the calm, crystal clear Caribbean. Water taxis are available everywhere to take you zipping through the mangroves and keys to the smaller islands and restaurants that lie seemingly in the middle of nowhere in the mangroves. It is best to make hotel reservations before arriving, especially during the busier months of December through April. The friendly and welcoming people of Bocas del Toro are a intriguing cultural mix, from native Ngobe-Bugle Indians, West Indian descents, Latinos of mixed ancestry, and various nationalities of expatriates. While exploring the islands, it is common to hear Spanish, Guari-Guari (the Creole language of Bocas del Toro), Patois (a mixture of Spanish, Afro-Antillean English, and Guari-Guari), as well as English. The Indians travel throughout the archipelago (from island to island) in dugout canoes. Often you can see a whole family “commuting” in a canoe that barely seems large enough for one person, let alone four. One of the most popular tours includes an all-day snorkelling trip to Dolphin Bay, Red Frog Beach, and Cayo Crawl. These trips typically cost about $15 per person and provide an excellent opportunity to see many coral reefs and their abundant marine life. The unique cultural mix along with its relative isolation has made Bocas del Toro a wonderful option for visitors to Panama and it’s easily accessible with Macaw Air.
About Playa Carillo
Playa Carillo is a very secluded beach on the Nicoya peninsula, ideal for the traveler day tripping from other locations. What Carillo lacks in infrastructure, it makes up in natural charm and crystal clear water. Located 5 miles from Samara, it is easily accessible by a newly paved road and a small airport where our charter flights land. This beautiful destination is set in a small bay that is perfect for casual swimming, snorkeling, fishing, or just absorbing the tropical sun. Fresh fish can be purchased directly from fishermen landing on the beach with the days catch. Tropical mountains are a backdrop for this beach, and spectacular views can be found at a nearby restaurant on the hill. The main road has a few restaurants, cabinas for rent, and a small grocery store. The town economy is based on fishing, and some sailors anchor their boats in the bay. This is a 'Blue Flag' beach (an award given for cleanliness), so please leave this beautiful beach the way that you found it.
About Dominical
Dominical is in the central Pacific region of Costa Rica, and is a surfer's paradise. It consists of a small town with a church, a couple of restaurants, some cabinas, surf camps, and some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable, along with world class surf, and an active and mellow surf culture. Several visitors turned expatriates have stayed here opting for a different life, starting small service businesses and families. The beach is lined with dense forest, and is ideal for bird watching and hiking, and the frequent rainfall keeps this place lush year round. The cool ocean breeze, and sounds of the waves make for a pleasant and peaceful nights sleep after a hard surf or hike. There is a wide range of accommodations here, from rental houses to small rooms. The dining scene is "tipical" Costa Rican, and superb fish can be enjoyed simply, for an outstanding price. The traveler can also opt to purchase fish directly from the fishermen, and with a little effort, and some wasabi, have some of the freshest s ashimi possible. Trips to the nearby Nauyaca waterfalls can be had by horseback, and besides a gorgeous ride through beautiful scenery, the end result is a spectacular 200 foot waterfall. This is a very civic-minded community with western style ecological infrastructure like recycling, turtle hatcheries, protected areas, and reforesting in place.
Golfito
About Granada
Granada is considered as one of the 25 places in the World that have to be seen. There are many reasons to visit Granada for a week or even a day. A beautiful city steeped in history, Granada is the oldest European established city in the Americas. The architecture is predominantly Spanish Colonial and the streets are filled with stucco churches, museums and edifices painted in an array of pastel colors. The community there is truly international, as are the hotels, the shopping and cuisine. Granada has many parks, each with its own statues, monuments and gazebos. You can travel the quaint streets in one of the horse-drawn carriages for a unique experience. The city itself is situated on the bank of Lake Nicaragua. It is a short boat ride to one of the thousands of islands, or even a short ferry to Ometepe, the famed twin volcano island. Mombacho, the other nearby volcano boasts tours of wildlife preserves, waterfalls and hot mud spas and a nearby butterfly hatchery. With all this and much more at a very reasonable price, the real trick is to come up with a reason not to visit Granada. Granada is a place where you can settle in...on one of the long, breezy porches running along the main square. Settle into a white wicker rocking chair and soak up the scenery….
Liberia is a travelers, hub city in the heart of the Guanacaste province. Most of the culture that Ticos call their own emanates from this area; from the food- to the cowboy culture. Liberia has an international airport that is perfectly situated starting point for an adventure down the Pacific coast. Liberia is a mishmash of old colonial culture, meeting fast food and urbanized western culture. It has sufficient tourist infrastructure, hotels, and car rental.
Nosara is a picturesque little village on the Nicoya peninsula that is known as one of the prime locations for endangered Ridley sea turtle nesting, and is a part of the Ostional protected wildlife refuge. During prime season (August and September) the visiting naturalist can expect to see thousand of turtles invading the beach, digging to lay eggs, and returning to the sea. This is a truly 'once in a lifetime experience' for the visiting ecotourist, as the majority of the worlds population of these endangered turtles come here to propagate their species. Nosara is comprised of three different beaches, Playa Pelada, Playa Ostional (where the turtles are), and Playa Guiones. The intense foliage in this part of Guanacaste obscures the buildings from view, and from the beach, one can hardly believe that there is any town at all. The local population of expatriates and Ticos formed a civic action group that turned what was a deforested area years ago, into a beautiful protected sanctuary protecting the quality of life for locals, turtles, and the visiting tourist.
Panama City Known for its canal, the country's natural attractions offer an irresistible lure to far-sighted travelers. Panama has some of the finest bird watching, snorkelling and deep sea fishing, as well diving, rafting, kayaking, historic tours and nature treks that are considered world-class. Panama City is a thriving commercial centre stretching 8 km along the Pacific coast, from the Panama Viejo to the edge of the Panama Canal. There are actually "three" Panama Cities that visitors should become acquainted with: the modern skyscraper city, the Colonial-era Casco Viejo and the ruins of the original Panama City in Panama Viejo. Modern Panama City set on beautiful Panama Bay, with a prosperous business district, a lively nightlife, a fantastic restaurant scene and the only rainforest within city limits in the world- “the Metropolitan Natural Park”, it is also considered one of the safest cities in the world. The "second" Panama City- Casco Viejo sector it dates from the 17th century Spanish era. Several noteworthy historical buildings dot the area including 17th century churches and convents, one restaurant is housed in former Spanish dungeons. The "third" Panama City is a picturesque ruin: Panama Viejo (Old Panama), a site with the ruins of the original 16th century Panama City. If this doesn’t intrigue you well there is one famous pastime throughout the world, partying, the action all takes place in three sectors of the city: the business district, Casco Viejo and the Amador Causeway.
Pavones can be found on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica near the border of Panama, and is the most famous surf break in Central America because it is considered by many to be the longest left-hander in the world. Visitors to Pavones can expect to see howler monkeys and wildlife in the lowland rainforest, and see fireflies at night. The ideal time for the visiting surfer is during rainy season when the waves are at their best. The ride can last up to three minutes on a good day when all of the 'sections' are working together, and the paddle-out is easy due to the ideal current that sweeps you into the lineup. For non-surfers. Pavones offers a pristine beach, beautiful rainforest, world class sportfishing, hiking and birdwatching, SCUBA diving, and horseback riding on the beach. Macaw air offers exclusive travel packages at the best resort and private airfield, giving you more time to enjoy this amazing place, without the hassle normally associated with getting to this remote location.
Puerto Jimenez the gateway to the beautiful Osa Peninsula, and the unique Corcovado National Park. The Osa Peninsula could be described as the jewel of Costa Rica. Located at the very South West tip of the country, the area is the home of the only remaining tropical rainforest in Central America. The Corcovado National Park protects this breathtaking habitat for over 500 species of trees, scarlet macaws, toucans, jaguars, coatis, reptiles and lots more. It is a nature lovers paradise with the bonus of having white sandy beaches with warm turquoise waves. With out a doubt, your vacation to Costa Rica just isn’t complete without a visit here. Flight time to Puerto Jimenez: Just a brief 1.5hrs along the most breathtaking coast line. Matapalo is located in the Osa Peninsula in the southwest corner of Costa Rica near the Panama border. Matapalo is across the bay from Pavones, and like Pavones is very difficult to access by car due to very poor roads, and difficult weather. The area is rich with dense jungle and concentrated wildlife, and is not really a town per-say, but more a region with a name. It is one of the most bio-diverse places on earth, and the main attractions, other than surfing, is the Corcovada National Park and the Isla Del Cano. Animals that can be seen are three kinds of monkeys, scarlet macaws, sloths, anteaters, poison arrow frogs, toucans, and others. The surfers are the most frequent visitors, and visiting surfers will not be disappointed as Matapalo serves up 3 world class breaks. The beach catches swell from Pavones and has a double point-break that is comparable to Rincon in California. From the water, you may see flocks of scarlet macaws flying overhead, and perching in the almond trees lining the beach. This i s a wild paradise for the traveling surfer. Expect wild animals, wild weather, and wild surfing in one of the least developed areas in Costa Rica. The air strip is conveniently located about 12 miles away by car, but a 4x4 is definitely needed due to the weathered roads.
Punta Islita is a beautiful, isolated beach that is comprised of two separate beaches, Playa Islita, and Playa Corozalito. The beach is located in a small cove and is divided by two estuaries. The strong surf formed cliffs of nearby Camaronal, where at low tide, the visitor can expect to see colorful tropical fish inhabiting the tidal pools. Playa Corozalito has a mangrove swamp where the lucky visitor may spot nesting sea turtles or troupes of howler monkeys in the nearby trees. This special, secluded beaches offer the visitor spectacular views, horseback riding on the beach, nature hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography. The visiting surfer can find world-class surf at the nearby, secluded beach of Camaronal, and enjoy one of the 'secret spots' of Costa Rica.
Quepos is normally visited by people passing on their way through to the National Park and beaches of Manuel Antonio. Once a banana-exporting port, Quepos, has now accommodated itself to the numerous tourists, providing options of places to stay eat. Many organized tours can be taken from here including sports fishing and dolphin watching. Buses leave regularly from Quepos for the short journey to Manuel Antonio. The last few years has seen a lot of development in this area due to the increasing demand of tourists wanting to come and enjoy the sandy beaches, and forests abundant with various birds and monkeys. Check out ‘l’Avion’ Bar’, perched up on the hill over looking the bay. The bar is a converted cargo plane which has been made into a really creative, cool place to hang out and enjoy a few cocktails.
San Jose is the capitol of Costa Rica, and is cosmopolitan in comparison to many other Central American cities. There are American restaurant chains, hotels, shopping malls, and clothing. A great percentage of the population speaks English, and finding your way around is simple. The people are friendly and warm to visitors, and may try to practice English with you and ask you about your home. There is every degree of accommodation and restaurant imaginable, and there are probably more shoe stores per-capita than anywhere else on earth. San Jose, and the rest of the country for that matter, is very sports conscious. Football (soccer) is the sport of choice, and Ticos have a fanatical patriotic affiliation with their favorite team. It is an enthusiastic topic of conversation, and a great way to break the ice with the local populace. The visitor to San Jose will definitely want to bring a camera, as photographing the street markets and the architecture is rewarding, and makes a great souvenir for the family b ack home. Night life is big city active, and dancing salsa, theater, shopping, and partying, are the order of the day. Definitely try some 'tipical' food in an open air market, or soda (the Tico equivalent to a cafe). There are communities of Chinese, Caribbean's, Gringos, and a thriving Jewish population. Ticos come in all sizes, skin tones, and religions, and are a very well blended and peaceful society. San Jose is an ideal hub for exploring Costa Rica, and is centrally located between the coasts.
Tamarindo is a funky surf community located on the "Gold Coast" in the Guanacaste province. It is a world community of expatriates, surfers, retirees, Ticos, and travelers, and has accommodations for every budget. It has a well developed tourism industry, and is an ideal base camp for the traveler, with lots of information on the rest of the country, and tour offices to point you in the right direction. Tamarindo is situated in a bay filled with boats, and extends to the hills above the town offering amazing views. Tamarindo is known for its spectacular sunsets, world class sportfishing, surfing, canopy tours, and active nightlife. It is lovingly referred to as "Gringolandia" because of the huge North American population, and almost everyone speaks English. Many travelers spend the majority of their vacation here, day tripping to the local beaches and enjoying the nightlife. There is something different to do every night in Tamarindo, with each bar having its specific night. Tamarindo is like a version of Hawaii in the 1960's, with a surf savvy populace of tourists, and places catering to the surfer. There are several large surf shops offering all kinds of boards and apparel, surf trips, and accessories for the traveling surfer. For the non-surfer, there are plenty of activities. Several spas offer full day treatments, there is yoga and a gym, canopy tours, and a multitude of restaurants offering a variety of fares.
Tambor is a picturesque functioning fishing village located near the airstrip. Tambor is situated in a bay, with a public access fishing dock in the center, and the village just walking distance north. The village has a few 'tipical' restaurants, a street lined with flowers, and a beautiful look into Tico life. The visiting photographer can find colorful fishing boats in the harbor, beautiful sunsets, and local flavor. The fish served at the restaurants is fresh, and prepared in a simple, affordable manner. Santa Theresa is an experienced surfers dream, and offers some world-class breaks. The south-facing beach picks up the best swells in the area, and the visiting surfer can find a hollow, spitting, right-hander at the popular and dangerous 'suck rock', or just South, an easier and smaller beach break. Santa Theresa offers a full range of accommodations for the visitor, from the ultra-deluxe 'Flor Blanca Resort', midranged surf camps, and basic camping on the beach. Flor Blanca has a fantastic restaurant with a Canadian chef, offering sushi at lunch and dinner, fantastic mojitos, fresh fish, steaks, burgers and more. The town of Santa Theresa is a funky blend of local expatriates, Ticos, and visitors. There are two coffee shops at either end of town, a great Argentinean BBQ, and a slow pace that everyone can enjoy. The primary attraction is surfing, but non surfers can enjoy an amazing secluded beach, topless sunbathing, clean water, first rate food and accommodations, funky nightlife, and a leisurely pace. Mal Pais is a tranquil little village with charming hotels loosely spread out along three kilometers of road. At the southern end it borders the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve while to the north it merges with Santa Teresa where you can find shops, tourist facilities and a vibrant surfer scene. The coastline of Mal Pais is in many parts rocky and some bizarre volcanic rock formations create fascinating scenery. The adjacent maritime sanctuary of the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve serves as a nursery for many aquatic species so that sport fishing or scuba diving can be a thrilling experience here. Ashore as well, the proximity of the Cabo Blanco National Park is the reason for teeming wildlife and verdant forests. Although there is no entrance to the reserve from Mal Pais, you can enjoy the surroundings of Cabo Blanco on a walk along the beach or up the hill.
About Tortuguero… Tortuguero is the most important nesting ground for the Green Sea Turtle in all of the These turtles currently face the danger of extinction. Tortuguero is located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Flying over is truly amazing, you will experience a bird’s eye view of small beaches, mangrove swamps and the beautiful coastal rainforest. The wildlife is abundant, especially birds, monkeys, sloth and reptiles. The Tortuguero Park is home to half the bird and reptile species found in Costa Rica. The National Park is named after the mass of turtles that choose to lay their eggs here. During July to mid- October is defiantly the time to see the green turtles lay their eggs in large numbers, or even February to July, when the leather back turtles nest in small numbers. To the north Barra del Colorado is well known for its superior Sport fishing. Anglers come from around the world to come fish these plentiful waters. Known as "Costa Rica's Amazon", Tortuguero is a navigable network of lakes and channels that crosses this National Park and allows a great diversity of fauna and flora to be observed close at hand. This park protects over 350 species of birds and mammals, including endangered species such as Green Macaws, Jaguars, and many types of Sea Turtles, making this a must-see destination with Macaw Air.