Costa Rica is an exotic land known for its pristine natural beauty and exciting adventurous activities. Its sunny shores are lined with gorgeous sandy beaches that attract sunbathers, surfers and more. Costa Rica’s exterior is another world where fiery volcanoes spit lava into the sky and monkey shrieks rise above dense, untamed jungles. Costa Rica is the place for vacationers who seek the thrill of adventure, yet enjoy luxurious living.

Costa Rica is the perfect vacation choice for a romantic getaway or a memorable family vacation. Costa Rica condo rentals and Costa Rica vacation homes are diverse with great accommodations and convenient amenities for any vacation!

If you enjoy beach life, head for Jaco. Gorgeous Pacific Ocean beaches invite you to relax in the sun during the day and party into the night. Horseback rides along the beach, off-shore fishing for billfish and blue marlin, diving, golfing and surfing are among the daytime delights; but when the sun sets the action heats up on Costa Rica’s most famous party beach.

You’ll find a different kind of excitement if you head inland to Playa Hermosa. In the midst of tropical jungle, your are close to Costa Rica’s famed wildlife and bird refuges. A visit to one of the country’s outstanding national parks allows you to experience the untamed beauty of this exotic land. Barbilla National Park near Playa Hermosa is a UNESCO wilderness site, part of the Talamanca-La Amistad Biosphere Reserve. Rushing streams and quiet pools punctuate the lush tropical landscape. More than 300 species of birds flit through the jungle canopy, exotic orchids dripping from tall tree branches where howler monkeys wail.

Costa Rica visitors can get a close-up view of the jungle canopy on a zip-line canopy tour, a vacation “must-do.” Another can’t miss is a trip to watch the Arenal volcano erupt. Watch the show while soaking in the relaxing thermal waters at the Tabacon Hot Springs or take a horseback trip for a closer view.

Start planning your Costa Rica Beach vacation today! Search Costa Rica Condo Rentals, Costa Rica Vacation Homes and other Vacation Rentals in Costa Rica.

If you’re an avid reader of  iTrip’s vacation blog, then you probably already know that Costa Rica is indeed, what’s hot in 2010 – where vacationing is concerned, that is. Boasting a diverse landscape for travelers of all persuasions, from the adventure seeker to the beach bum, Costa Rica vacation destinations are some of the best in the world.

And now, the top five reasons why
Jaco, Costa Rica is the trendiest Costa Rica vacation destination…

1. Location- Jaco is in close proximity to San Jose, Costa Rica and their International Airport, where vacationers can easily shuffle back and forth from Jaco’s booming nightlife and San Jose’s big city lifestyle.

2. Culture- Known as the Central Pacific’s hottest party scene, Jaco, Costa Rica boasts a vivacious atmosphere that attracts a string of animated individuals from all over the world. But- don’t let Jaco’s reputation fool you, it’s just as easy to find the peace and quiet you may be seeking. Watch the sunrise early in the morning, while inhaling the refreshingly clean air, or enjoy one of Jaco’s world-famous horseback treks alongside their beautiful beaches.

3. Surfing- Jaco Beach is one of Costa Rica’s top 10 beaches, so it’s plausible to say, surfing and Jaco go hand in hand. In fact, it’s a surfer’s sanctuary. Beach dwellers will see both amateur and pro surfers riding the large waves of Jaco’s crystal clear, blue waters.

4. Food and Shopping-While Jaco, Costa Rica is likely the most Americanized town in Costa Rica, their selection of international cuisine is impressive. Jaco vacationers will find in array of exceptional fine dining spots, from 5-star sushi bars/restaurants, to authentic Costa Rican cuisine. As for shopping, Jaco has several shopping strips. Jaco tourists will easily find Costa Rican style clothing and accessories, as well as an abundance of fabulous high-end fashion brands.

5. Outdoor Activities- The variety of outdoor activities in Jaco,  just may well be the most exhilarating part of vacationing in Jaco, Costa Rica. Jaco outdoor tours include, scuba diving and snorkeling, where you’ll be able to see giant manta rays, white tip sharks, and sea turtles up close and personal, safari tours, where you’ll encounter jungle crocs and a number of exotic birds, and the ever popular canopy tours, where you’ll find yourself zipping through the rain forest tree tops.

These are our top five reasons to vacation in Jaco, Costa Rica- but, let us assure you, there are plenty more.

Costa Ricans love their soccer, (or football, in this case) and Americans love sports and Costa Rica, which only adds to an already appealing vacation destination.

Jaco Beach is proud to announce that they now have a professional soccer team- the Jaco Rays. Already a trendy spot for surfing and tourism, Pat Hundley, a local condo developer, decided it was high time to bring soccer into the mix. And, being that soccer is the most played and watched sport in Costa Rica, we feel comfortable saying that Hundley is nothing short of a genius.

For the time being, the Jaco Rays will play in the League de Acenso (the second division) but, they aspire to soon be in league with two of Costa Rica’s top soccer teams, Saprissa and La Liga.

Here’s how it works: in order for the Rays to move up into the first division, they must win their division. According to a source close to the sport, by year’s end, “the team with the worst record in First Division drops down to Second Division and is replaced by the winner of the Second Division Championship.” 

The community is certainly looking forward to this, especially since the Jaco Rays are the only team on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica- and, the Rays are surely guaranteed to give a boost to the long list of activities in this tourist heavy country. In fact, our predicition is that the Rays will have Jaco vacation rentals booked to the nine during the high season.

Jaco Stadium is ready for some soccer, and we’re all ready for the Jaco Rays!

The McKee Project (McKee Jaco) has elected to be the voice for the countless number of stray animals roaming the streets of Jaco, Costa Rica. Their dedication is a noble gesture and an inspiring notion – but, it’s also a tremendous responsibility.

The project began in the summer of 2003, with the intention of helping the community address the issue of the large number of helpless strays left to wander the lonely streets in Jaco.

“In spite of the economic problems and lack of volunteers, we are able to spay/neuter more than 1,000 animals per year, both stray and from low-income families, as well as treat and find homes for over 500 dogs and cats each year,” says The McKee Project website.

They also help by offering additional medical services, and by treating animal related maladies such as, mange, ehrlichia, recuperation after accidents, and many other things.

Their mission statement is simple and to the point – “To End Pain and Suffering of All Companion Animals in Latin America”

According to the project’s website, they accomplish their mission in four ways:

1. Effectively eliminating the numbers of unwanted and abandoned animals through Aggressive Companion Animal Population Control Campaigns (McKee uses surgical techniques: spay/neuter, until a safe and sure pharmaceutical method is available).

 

2. Basic medical care through the McKee Associate Veterinary Network: vaccines, nutrition support, and critical emergency care.

 

3. Education and Participation of Communities: Making responsible and responsive communities — Education & Participation — Everyone has a role.

 

4. Replacing shelter “solutions”, by constructing better Companion Animal Homes: Building responsible owners & good homes through education in schools and McKee Community Centers.

 

The McKee Project wouldn’t flourish without help, however. Like many other animal rescue projects/programs, McKee Jaco is a non-profit organization. This means that it functions without any “outside help.” Their survival depends on the support of individuals “who wish to help stray animals and animals belonging to people who simply cannot afford to take proper care of them.”

“GOOD FOOD, GOOD FUN AND ALL FOR A GREAT CAUSE”

To make their efforts easier, The McKee Project holds fundraisers – much like the McKee Jaco Fiesta Party on August 14, 2010 at Jaco Taco, a trendy, local hangout and restaurant.

This fundraiser will include live music by the CHUPACABRAS, (a very popular band in the region) a raffle and a silent auction. The doors open at 5 p.m., and the $20 contribution includes free dinner with a margarita, dancing and much more! All of the proceeds will go to the rescue and rehabilitation of homeless animals in Jaco, Costa Rica.

Jaco is a wonderful Costa Rica vacation destination, and it’s also home to many great ”ticos,” “ticas” and animals. So, come on down to Jaco for some surf and fun, than head out to the McKee Jaco Fiesta Party fundraiser to support a great local cause.

iTrip.net has the perfect Jaco, Costa Rica vacation rental waiting just for you!