Blog - Ask Zipy | Learn About Costa Rica

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Costa Rica Dental Tourism

by Ask Zipy on 02-15-2019 03:51PM in Chamber of Commerce, Costa Rica, Vacations

As a young dental student in San Jose, before deciding on his specialty 17 years ago, Alberto had an opportunity to do his practicum in a small town of Quepos Canton. Only three months into his practicum, Dr. Alberto knew that he was home. As a dentist, Dr. Gonzalez has developed his own style of practicing modern day dentistry combined with traditional beliefs. He works closely with his patients to ensure that the treatment is appropriate and cost-effective. One example is that the doctor will opt for a filling rather than crown or extraction to preserve the natural tooth.

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When Sloths Fly: Fun at the Jacó Air Fest

by Ask Zipy on 02-13-2019 09:55AM in Costa Rica

I have never seen such a spectacle! There were a variety of paragliding, paramotoring, hang gliding, various drones, a hot air balloon, and of course, my personal favorite, skydiving. My friends at Skydive Costa Rica put on quite a show! They are a high performance skydiving troop with the fastest speed landing. You all, it was amazing. My heart was racing as my friend Arnold did flips and twirls and then landed at incredible speeds. I swear I could feel my fur move with the wind from his landing!

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Zipy's New Office Grand Opening

by Ask Zipy on 02-12-2019 02:08PM in Costa Rica

My human friends were so excited about my new office that they threw me a grand opening party this past Thursday, February 7th, 2019. I was so humbled to be the guest of honor. I bolted around like lightning in the rainy season, sampling food, taking photos, and trying some tasty beverages! Z’s Poolside delivered some incredible vegetarian Spring rolls, Chocolat delivered both savory and sweet treats, my friend Ruth filled the table with amazing snacks, and my mom bought me my favorite treats. This guest of honor was certainly spoiled!

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Ho Ho Ho and a Bottle of Fun Aboard El Escape Bus, Manuel Antonio's Newest Adventure!

by Ask Zipy on 02-02-2019 10:16AM in Nightlife

Costa Rica’s new El Escape Bus located in Manuel Antonio is an absolute must on your tropical vacation. It is an adrenaline pumping, brain teasing, adventure filled with laughter and unforgettable memories. Truthfully, it is like no other experience down here and such an incredible way to transform into a whole new persona, if even just for an hour.

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Costa Rica Marriott, San Antonio de Belén

by Ask Zipy on 01-30-2019 11:59AM in Hotels

Zipy had an opportunity to visit yet another grand hotel nestled in a small community of San Antonio de Belén, just 15 minutes from Alajuela’s Santamaria International Airport. As you drive onto the 30 acre coffee plantation, your voice lowers as you marvel at the beauty of the gardens around you with this grand Spanish Colonial Hacienda structure of the Marriott Hotel in the background. Once in the courtyard, you notice the original wooden reminders of the horse stables, farming equipment, and in the far corner, a lovely old carriage (a Guanacaste symbol of history) that was used to take the lady of the house to tea with friends. At the entrance to the grand foyer, we were welcomed by Adrián and Mariela, the Sales Center Coordinators who offered to take us for a tour of the Hotel. Adrian proudly shared some of the history of the plantation and incorporation of the elements of iron, wood, and stone featured in the architecture, with Spanish antiques and paintings throughout the hotel. As we walked toward the open air lounge, one of many lounge areas on this floor, there was a Sushi Bar and a rum bar to the right and the concierge office on the left along with a number of small conference rooms available to the guests. Straight ahead, was a balcony overlooking the central courtyard or Central Patio where daily welcoming cocktail is served to new guests.

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Battle of the Bands for PAWS at Ronny's Place

by Ask Zipy on 01-30-2019 10:25AM in Costa Rica

The 8th annual PAWS (Pets of Aguirre Welfare Shelter) Battle of the Bands was held at Ronny’s Restaurant. Zipy popped by for a few minutes to listen to Benjamin & The Howlers with Nancy on fiddle with many musicians ready to play their music, as the restaurant was getting filled with old friends and new to enjoy an afternoon of music and fun. The PAWS volunteers once again did a great job with the raffle offering great items, including a donation of a fabulous painting, wine, dinner for two, spa session and many more from a private and business establishments from Matapalo to Manuel Antonio. Before leaving, Zipy met a couple from Quebec, Canada and a family from San Jose who have heard about the event and were looking forward to a great afternoon. It’s wonderful that the entire community has joined and is supporting a wonderful cause by not only donating, attending but recommending to their guests to attend Battle of the Bands.

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Zipy Experiences Costa Rica Hostels

by Ask Zipy on 01-26-2019 08:34AM in Hotels

While in La Fortuna, Zipy had an opportunity to visit Arenal Hostel Resort. This Hostel is where the action is for the young or young at heart. The main complex was quite funky. As you walk in and pass the spa, you enter the courtyard. There are trees and hammocks, many occupied with relaxing tourists, everywhere. Zipy went to the office and introduced himself and then visited with some tourists. Next he went to see the heated pool and the swim-up or sit down bar. He noticed a board with activities for the day, one being a beer contest. He pondered it.

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Ecotermales La Fortuna - A Dip in Paradise

by Ask Zipy on 01-20-2019 09:14AM in Vacations

When he arrived, Zipy was welcomed by the staff, took pictures, and then Allan, the guest services manager, graciously offered to give the team a tour of the premises. As we were walking towards the pools we passed family room facilities, a Koi pond, and a waterfall. The sounds somewhat prepared us for what was to come, yet not entirely. We passed the towel station, changing rooms, shower facilities, and the lockers. The lockers were well lit and closely supervised not only by human presence but also hidden cameras to ensure guests’ safety. As we were walking down the path, Allan enthusiastically gave us a bit of the history of the property which Zipy found fascinating. In 1956 the owners had noticed a new natural stream on their cattle farm and were elated that the cattle had drinking water on the property. After discovering that the cattle would not drink the water due to its high temperature he felt that the farm was cursed and fenced off the stream. Twelve years later Arenal volcano erupted and the family was forced to move away. When they returned back to the farm, they decided to enjoy the stream with their friends and family. The lady of the house then wanted to share the treasures with the world, but maintain its natural beauty.

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Don Juan Chocolate & Coffee Tours

by Ask Zipy on 01-19-2019 02:59PM in Costa Rica

We started down the chocolate row as Alonzo explained that the plantation has 700 cacao trees and 50 different fruit trees. The cacao trees we had seen were at all different stages of development and there are two types of cacao trees, those with orange and those with red pods. Both have a slight difference in taste. At the different stations, descriptors were posted with the different stages of the process of making chocolate and Alonzo shared his knowledge. We discovered that, it takes seven months for a pod to develop into a cacao bean, a cacao tree has to be two years old before bearing fruit, and the best beans come from trees that are five to six years old. A tree’s lifespan can be up to a 100 years. Alonzo explained that squirrels and birds are natural enemies of cacao fruit.

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Zipy Explores Selina La Fortuna

by Ask Zipy on 01-19-2019 01:21PM in Hotels

Rodney explained that the facility has the capacity to sleep 178 people. Guests can choose from a single or Micro room, teepee by the campfire, or a dorm room with four, six or ten beds. They also have the option of staying in one of the seven deluxe rooms. All of the rooms are neat, bright and each has funky designs created by local artists. The deluxe rooms even have a record player and retro furniture. All of the rooms, with the exception of the Micro rooms and the Teepees, have private baths. The 11 Teepees are interesting, unique, and laid out in a semicircle. This gives you the feel of a true camping experience with an open fire pit to complete the circle.