Sat, 25 May 2013 04:07:18 -0800WeeblyFri, 27 Apr 2012 18:24:29 GMThttp://www.junglecreek.com/2/post/2012/04/the-happiest-place-on-the-planet.html"Happiest Place on the Planet" 

     Many of us have made Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica our home. We greet each other with a honk, a wave or "Pura Vida" when a familiar face passes by. The endless efforts to get things done on time and done correctly are some of the frustrations we all deal with.  Expectations repeatedly unmet makes it easy to take for granted the beautiful bright colors that to live in.  Costa Rica is voted the "Happiest Place on the Planet" because what matters here is what matters most in the big picture. For example at 5:30 people stop, they relax, wipe off the rim of their Imperial and they watch the day end with an epic pink and purple sunset.  

     Taking the time to enjoy Costa Rica and experience what it has to offer makes all the difference.  You can't fake authenticity.   Paddling out in the ocean no matter what kind of day I have finished or am about to begin always puts a huge smile across my face from ear to ear.  The ocean, nature and wildlife that surrounds us produces a fresh clean energy that breeds happiness.  How can you not smile when you see a troop of Titi monkeys swinging from the palms, or a sloth taking a snooze?  The key is to soak it up, to take it in and appreciate how blessed we are to call this paradise our home.   

     It should be no surprise that people from all over the world decide to spend there precious time off from work to vacation here. The wild rafting trips, ziplining through the rainforest and sunset sailing are just some of the adventure activities tourists can fill their days with.  I know my guests are truly on vacation when they slow down and enjoy the calm relaxed environment that this amazing culture has made their norm.  Besides the obvious beauty Manuel Antonio has to offer it's the people that make it unique. It's the business owners, the vacation homes, the restaurants, the exciting tour companies that give the tourists great options to make the best out of their Pura Vida vacation in the "Happiest Place on the Planet!"]]>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 01:14:13 GMThttp://www.junglecreek.com/2/post/2011/11/some-simple-travel-tips-for-your-manuel-antonio-vacation.html1. Pack your sunscreen and the right attitude
Two of the best things about this beautiful country is the breath taking beaches and the "Pura Vida" attitude Costa Ricans share.  I send all my guest to "Mary's Charis" down at the local beach to soak up the sun.  Mary and her two helpers Ivan and Batti will make sure you have the perfect spot to enjoy the view from your chair under an umbrella with a drink in your hand.  But she doesn't provide sunscreen and the sun is strong in Costa Rica.  Make sure to bring sunscreen with you.  Sunscreen is over priced here and something you absolutely need.
Try to relax and appreciate the simple life. It might take a day or two to adjust to the speed of things around here but once you do you won't want to leave.  You might have to wait for things longer then your use to but know it's not personal. Try not to get frustrated and enjoy it! Being in a rush is foreign to this culture and your on vacation.

2. Have a guided tour through the National Park
One of the most amazing aspects of Manuel Antonio is the wildlife. Jungle Creek get's so many animals that pass by the property daily.  One place you are sure to see some crazy creatures is in Manuel Antonio National Park.  If you want to get the most out of your experience you need a guide.  The highly trained, knowledgeable, English speaking guides I recommend for our guest will ensure you see it all and have a good time doing it.  It's incredible how they can spot the different animals in the jungle.  Also the passion the guides have for their country and the wildlife makes you appreciate it that much more. 

3. Save some money at the Duty Free
If you are planning on having a few cocktails on your trip it is worth making a pit stop before going through immigration.  When you land in Costa Rica you can stop into one of the 2 Duty Free shops in the airport.  They allow you to take 8 bottles through immigration and customs when you land.  Immigration is one of the few things that goes fast here so there is no need to rush down stairs.  Alcohol is something else that is more expensive here compared to the U.S.  If you want to save a some money make the quick stop before you leave the airport and head South to Manuel Antonio.

4. Make sure your Passport is valid.
When traveling to a foreign country it is always important to know about the immigration requirements.  In this short video below Evelyn a vacation home expert explains what you need to know before coming to Costa Rica.  It would be terrible to travel all the way out here and have to get back on that plane to go home.  

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