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Sunday
09 March 2003
Dominical
By Paul Hovinga
One of my favorite destinations in Costa Rica is the
Central Pacific coast. For people like me, who love
nature but who also love a comfortable life, this area
is as close to Paradise as you can get. If you take it
easy- and you should- the drive from San Josι will
take you 4 hours. An absolute treat!
First you'll have
to cross the Cerro de la Muerte, 3600 meter of
breathtaking views and constant climate changes.
Travel early in the day, for in the afternoons it
usually rains there, or heavy fog blocks the views and
can make the trip a little dangerous. Behind the
mountains lies San Isidro del General, a wealthy and
friendly town. It claims to have one of the nicest
climates in the world. Many foreigners retire there
and you will see them sit on the terras at Central
Park, watching the world go by.
Our final destination is Dominical. The ride from San
Isidro to Dominical is one of the most beautiful and
exciting in the world. In about 40 minutes you'll pass
four different mini- climate zones. Not only can you
notice the changes in vegetation, but also the sudden
drops and rises in temperature are telling you that
another climate took over. And let's not forget to
mention the splendid views of the Pacific ocean that
you will see on the way! Like I said, a real treat.
Dominical is a laid back surfer village. The waves
are, supposedly, the most consistent in the world and
watching the surfers do their thing makes me think
more than once that the worlds is not such a bad place
after all.
My favorite hotel is Villas Rνo Mar. Located 400
meters outside the town, on the banks of the Barϊ
river you'll find this masterpiece of architecture. A
wonderful ensemble of construction and garden design
makes me feel like Adam. The only fruit tree missing
is the apple tree, so history can not repeat itself,
although the snakes are omnipresent. I
t's not that Villas Rνo Mar is a 5 star hotel with
waiters swerving around you all day and bowing
managers at the entrance. It's the atmosphere that
does it. Of course the rooms are very nice and so are
the furniture and the bathrooms. The gardens are
beautiful as well as the pool and the tennis court. Do
I love that place!
The Central Pacific area is where the mountains meet
the sea. One of the few spots on earth where you'll
actually find rainforest right behind the beaches.
One
trip you should make there, is the hors back ride to
the Nauyaca Waterfalls. Don Lulo and his son in law
Giovanni designed a near to perfect tour. Their horses
are well fed and strong, and even if you are an
amateur rider, you'll enjoy every minute of it.
Breakfast and lunch are served on their finca, with an
abundance of animals around. Chances are that you are
feeding the green parrot who is sitting on your
shoulder while all of a sudden her jealous husband
does a very low fly over to warn you that too much
intimacy is not appreciated.
The waterfalls are stunning. Relax on the rocks, swim
in the crystal clear, cold water or, do some serious
cliff diving from 20 meters up.
Don Lulo is a professional and he understands what his
guests are looking for! Don't forget to include this region in your itinerary.
You won't regret it.
Paul
Hovinga is a travel consultant. He and his staff will
help you design your perfect holiday in Costa Rica.
Contact them at
baulatours@racsa.co.cr
or
tel. (506)
256-9792 fax (506) 221-0346
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