http://www.RealAdventures.com/vacations/438250_articles-central-america.htm Check out some of the recently updated travel & vacation listings on RealAdventures. Be inspired, go explore! en-us Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:08:09 GMT Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:08:09 GMT http://www.RealAdventures.com http://www.RealAdventures.com/vacations/438250_articles-central-america.htm 100 100 http://www.RealAdventures.com/listings/1184253_El-Salvador-A-Bargain-Adventure http://www.RealAdventures.com/listings/1184253_El-Salvador-A-Bargain-Adventure Articles El Salvador Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:09:26 Although often overshadowed by expatriate hotspots like Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama, El Salvador is proving to be a viable alternative for travelers in search of a lowkey, lowcost Central American adventure. -
Although often overshadowed by expatriate hotspots like Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama, El Salvador is proving to be a viable alternative for travelers in search of a lowkey, lowcost Central American adventure.


Although often overshadowed by expatriate hotspots like Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama, El Salvador is proving to be a viable alternative for travelers in search of a lowkey, lowcost Central American adventure.

Popular with the outdoors set for years, El Salvadors empty beaches, mountainous terrain, and rustic appeal have been attracting surfers, hikers, mountainbikers, and plain old pioneering spirits ever since the countrys civil war ended sixteen years ago. Beaches like El Sunzal sport long, slow swells that are perfect for experienced and aspiring surfers alike. $25 will get you a onehour surfing lesson with the resident instructor at Sunzals Casa de Mar, a tropical hillside hotel made up of 11 villas. $40 buys drinks and a fullcourse meal for two at their hilltop restaurant overlooking the Pacificthink fried fish, ceviche, and seafood cocktails.

Naturelovers will want to head north into the cooler air of El Pital, the nations highest point (8,957 ft.), to explore the regions lush pine, oak, and cypress forests. Cabins and guest rooms start at $50 at quaint ecoretreats like El Pital Highland. Hiking, camping, paragliding, canoeing, and horseback riding are offered, but simply basking in the solitude and tranquility of the region also makes El Pital a satisfying spiritual retreat.

The best part El Salvador uses the American dollar as its local currency. There are no money exchange hassles and the cash in your wallet increases in value as soon as the plane touches down at Comalapa International Airport. And the lack of largescale tourism means that overpriced tourist traps and foreignerhungry hustlers are still a rare breed in the country.

Go during the dry season (NovemberApril) when its easier to travel around the country. Keep in mind that many services shut down around Christmas, Easter, and the first week of August. Prices may increase during those periods.

The list below covers some of the most accessible places to stay, eat, and visit in the country. Some of the listings are considered luxury. In Tom Thumbsized El Salvador though, nearly all are priced well below North American standards and the atmosphere is always casual.

WHERE TO STAY

Los Almendros de San Lorenzo Although one of El Salvadors finest boutique hotels, prices are still incredibly low. Double rooms start at $85 and huge, beautifully decorated suites start at just $120. This restored centuriesold hacienda is located in Suchitoto, an old Spanish town which has changed very little since the days of the Conquistadors. Cobblestone streets lined with cotton trees and whitewashed colonials overlook scenic Lake Suchitlan. Visit Santa Lucia Mrtir, the historic 16th century church that stands in the towns plaza, or take a ferry ride across the lake to pass some time. Dinner and drinks for two at the hotels gourmet restaurant average $50. The oversized garlic shrimp easily rival anything the Mediterranean has to offer.

4a Calle Poniente 2b, Suchitoto 01150323351200 www.hotelsalvador.com.

Casa de Mar If you surf, or always wanted to, Casa de Mar is the place to be. Situated on a hillside overlooking El Sunzal beachone of the worlds best surfing spotsa night for two in one of the large villas runs about $150. If that seems steep for Central America, consider that similarly luxurious retreats in Costa Rica cost upwards of $250 a night. Each villa has a TV, airconditioning, cozy furnishings, and a deck overlooking the ocean. Even sans surfboard, this lowkey hotel is a great place to unwind. The pool is just steps from the beach and, despite Sunzals international fame, there are precious few tourists to be seen. Stroll the beach at dusk and have a drink at one of the surfside cafes under the large coconut palms.

KM. 43 Carretera del Litoral, El Sunzal, La Libertad. 01150323896284 www.casademarhotel.com.

El Pital Highland Youll need to rent a car to get to this highaltitude retreatand make sure its a fourwheel drive. Three cabins, eight guest rooms, and a partially outdoor restaurant sit atop Cerro El Pital (Pital Hill). The chilly weather (usually in the 60s) makes for a welcome change from El Salvadors lower elevated tropics. Rooms start at $50 and a steak dinner for two goes for about $20. Gaze across mountains, volcanoes, and rivers toward neighboring Honduras and Guatemala while hiking or enjoying one of the many outdoor activities.

Reservation office in San Salvador is located at 1a Calle Poniente & 21 Ave. Norte, 1204 01150322590602 http//www.elpital.com.sv

Royal Decameron If an allinclusive resort with multiple pools, allyoucaneat buffets, and an open bar is more your style, then you may want to consider Royal Decameron. This 552room hotel tends to attract a slightly rowdier mix of Canadians and Eastern Europeans who come for the fun and the sun. Located on Salinitas beach, 45 minutes from the capital, the twoyearold resort offers spa facilities, a gym, five restaurants, guided excursions, and a nightclub. You may have to book through an agent to get the best price, but $1,000 per week for an allinclusive stay for two adults is typical.

Kilometer 79 on the road to Acajutla, Sonsonate 01150322093100 www.decameron.com

El Pimiental Beach, San Luis Talpa, La Paz Consider renting a house at this desolate beach just 25 minutes from the airport. Citydwelling Salvadorans employ cuidanderos (caretakers) to watch over their beach houses in the area. These same cuidanderos are often paid to cook and look out for guests who rent the properties. Youll need a car to get around, but if you can snag a deal on a house, its worth experiencing the bliss of swinging from a hammock just steps from a deserted beach and dreaming about never going home. Check websites like www.viviun.com and www.vrbo.com for home listings. Prices vary greatly, but expect to pay around $150 a day. Considering the seclusion and beauty, its a very reasonable price (especially spilt several ways).

From the airport take the Comalapa Road toward San Salvador, get off at the San Luis Talpa exit, and follow the signs to El Pimiental.

WHERE TO EAT

Pollo Campero Although this is basically a Guatemalan fast food franchise, Salvadorans wax poetic when describing the fried chicken served at this Central American favorite. Flights from El Salvador to the U.S are often redolent with the smell of crispy tostones, sweet plantains, heavily seasoned beans, and the venerated fried chicken that Salvadorans bring with them in takeout boxes. To visit El Salvador and not sample Pollo Campero is a mortal sin. Bring about $5 for each diner.

Check the website for locations, or just look for the chickeninacowboyhat logo. www.campero.com.

La Curva de Don Gere This oceanside eatery attracts a steady stream of locals with its huge selection of traditional dishesPlatos Tipicosand revolving troupes of Mariachis that can seemingly belt out any Spanish song ever penned for a dollar. Located near the bustling port town of La Libertad, Don Gere is near surfing hotspots like El Sunzal, El Tunco, and El Zonte. Meat dishes start at $5, seafood at $8, and sandwiches go for about $3. Be sure to visit the port just down the road and watch fisherman haul in and prepare their catch at the fish market on the pier.

On the road to San Diego, 600 meters east of the Shell station, La Libertad 01150323353436. There are other locations throughout the country.

La Posada de Suchitlan Waitresses in flowing multicolored dresses serve unbeatable Gallina India (country chicken) at this wood and stucco restaurant on the cliffside. The panoramic view of Lake Suchitlan will have you breaking out the camera and snapping pictures before you even sit down to order. There are rooms for rent (La posada is also an Inn), but most people come for the food and the view. Stop in on your way to Suchitoto. A full course meal for two (with drinks) will set you back about $25.

Final 4 Calle Poniente, Blvd. San Jos, Suchitoto 01150323351064.

Champitas No trip to El Salvador would be complete without visiting a local champita (roadside canteen). In these ubiquitous makeshift shacks, $3 will get you a plate of something. Whether its a piece of grilled chicken with rice and beans, tortillas with cheese, or a few pupusas, the emphasis is on price. Many a surfer and backpacker has subsisted exclusively on champita food for longer than is recommended. Try to find one that looks wellkempt.

Cafe San Fernando The first thing that most visitors to San Salvador notice is the large volcano looming over the cityand the first impulse is to climb it. A twolane road winds upward through thick foliage and eventually deposits you at scenic Caf San Fernando just short of the summit. Grilled rabbit, beef loin, salmon, and a jalapenocoated tbone steak are on the menu. But coffee, pie, and the spectacular view of San Salvador are what bring most patrons here ($3 should cover it). Afterwards, continue up to the summit and peer into El Boqueron (the crater).

Kilometer 23.5, Carretera Ruta Boqueron, San Salvador 01150378778944.
Details & Reservations: El Salvador A Bargain Adventure
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]]> http://www.RealAdventures.com/listings/1156544_Orcas-Humpback-Whales-In-Costa-Rica http://www.RealAdventures.com/listings/1156544_Orcas-Humpback-Whales-In-Costa-Rica Articles Costa Rica Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:04:46 Orcas and humpback whales have been sighted in increasing numbers in March 2008. We have sighted, documented and photographed seventeen orcas and ten humpbacks already this month in the Northwest Pacific of Costa Rica while diving with Bill Beard's - US $112/Night
Orcas and humpback whales have been sighted in increasing numbers in March 2008. We have sighted, documented and photographed seventeen orcas and ten humpbacks already this month in the Northwest Pacific of Costa Rica while diving with Bill Beard's


Dear Traveler,
There are few places in the world that can offer the rich diversity provided by Costa Rica. Where else can you find tropical rainforests, active volcanoes, jungle lined rivers, white sandy beaches and scuba diving all in one province?

GENERAL COSTA RICA SCUBA DIVING INFORMATIONThe best yearround landbased diving in Costa Rica is available on the Northwest Pacific Coast in the Gulf of Papagayo and the Catalina Islands, but there is also diving available in the Central Pacific and South Pacific regions. Snorkeling is good along the Southern Atlantic/Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, and a couple of dive operators are located there, but with limited capacity and availability.

Average visibility ranges from 30 ft. to 50 ft. with possibilities of up to 80 ft. Diving is done around volcanic rock formations and rock pinnacles. There is very little hard coral, but there is some black coral, soft coral and orange cup coral that opens up at night. There is an abundance of life among the rocks which can be seen on both day and night dives.

Night dives are consistently a favorite in the Gulf of Papagayo (not offered in the Catalina/Flamingo area). You will begin the dive with a relaxing ride during which you will experience a sunset unlike any other. The dive itself offers you the chance to explore the micro life, along with very large puffer fish, nudibranchs, gigantic slumbering parrot fish, lobster, tube worms and sea horses. In addition to the marine life we take the opportunity to extinguish our lights and play by the light of the phosphorous, which can create quite a light show. The cup coral, open at night is stupendous.

Some additional information you might find useful.
Water temperature from midMay to midDecember is generally from 7578 at depth and a polartec or 3MM suit are usually sufficient. From midDecember to midApril, water temperatures vary from day to day, with thermoclines causing temperatures to dip to 70 at depth so you will want to bring a full 3MM suit during this period (5 MM if you are easily chilled). The outside temperature at the beaches is 85 to 90 year round. The rainy season runs from May to November, with these months providing some of our best diving.

Because of its compact geography, everyone in Costa Rica is presented with a cornucopia of choices. The biggest challenge in Costa Rica is trying to decide which combination is best for your vacation. This is where Bill Beard's Costa Rica Adventure Travel comes in. We have been in Costa Rica since 1970 and know the country well enabling us to provide our clients with the best that Costa Rica has to offer.

Our goal is to help you share in the wonders of nature and enjoy every minute of your vacation. Our commitment to quality and personalized service is unsurpassed.

All of our Bill Beard's Choice Tour packages are privately escorted in a modern, airconditioned vehicle by one of our English speaking, Costa Rican naturalist guides traveling at your pace.

Invariably, when we ask our clients what one thing stands out most about their vacation, the reply is "the guide." Guides take the hassle out of travel. They provide education, insight into the host culture, and in many cases a lifetime friendship.

COME TO COSTA RICA FOR THE NATURAL BEAUTY...STAY FOR THE ADVENTURE

Details & Reservations: Orcas & Humpback Whales In Costa Rica
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