Swimming with Whale Sharks – Key to their Conservation?

September 3, 2014

Last month, we traveled to Mexico for Reefs to Rockies’ annual whale shark adventure. Now in its fifth year, this annual trip remains one of our favorites. Every year, humans kill as many as 100 million sharks. We believe that sharks are worth far more alive than dead and swimming with sharks just may be […]

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Earthquake Near Quito Causes Damage to Pan-American Highway

September 2, 2014

On August 12th, 2014, a 5.1-magnitude earthquake shook Ecuador’s capital city and surrounding areas. The earthquake caused damage to slopes along the Pan-American Highway and the government has decided to close the highway near the damaged sites for the next six months. There is only one other highway that provides access to Otavalo in northern […]

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Seeing Sea Turtles – Akumal Bay, Mexico

August 31, 2014

In summer, visitors to Akumal, Mexico have the opportunity to observe the complete life cycle of sea turtles from hatching to nesting. During a recent trip, we stayed one night (August 1, 2014) at a beachfront hotel in Akumal’s south bay. We were reminded at check in that it was peak nesting season and that […]

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Panama Canal Celebrates 100th Anniversary Today

August 15, 2014

The Panama Canal, a 48-mile shortcut between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, celebrates its 100th Anniversary today. In 1994, the American Society of Civil Engineers named the Canal as one of the “Seven Wonders of the Modern World” paying tribute to civil engineering achievements of the 20th Century. Partial (4-5 hours) and full transit (8-9 […]

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Peru – South America’s Most Awarded Destination at the 2014 World Travel Awards

August 13, 2014

Did you hear the news? Peru was South America’s Most Awarded Destination at the 2014 World Travel Awards. This annual event serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. The 2014 event was held in Quito, Ecuador on Saturday, August 9. Peru’s Awards: Leading Cultural Destination: […]

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Tulum Ruins – Riviera Maya, Mexico

August 9, 2014

Tulum doesn’t have the highest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula. Tulum doesn’t have a ball court or observatory. What Tulum does have is stunning Caribbean views and white sand beaches. Tulum’s claim to fame is that it’s the only seaside Mayan archaeological site. If you find yourself in Cancun or Mexico’s Riviera Maya, try to […]

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Nicaragua’s Newest Airport Now Open

July 21, 2014

Nicaragua’s newest airport is officially open and that means it’s even easier to get to the enchanting Ometepe Island in the middle of Lake Nicaragua. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Ometepe is home to richly diverse habitats and wildlife, as well as incredible culture and history. According to La Costeña’s flight schedule, Ometepe’s airport will receive […]

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In Case You Missed It – New Screening Measures By TSA At Certain Airports

July 15, 2014

Earlier this month, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was directed to implement enhanced security measures at certain overseas airports with direct flights to the United States. The five-sentence announcement was posted on TSA’s website on July 6. In a nutshell, powerless electronic devices, e.g. cell phones and laptops, will not be permitted onboard planes. Be […]

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Costa Rica Bird Festival – September 26-28, 2014

July 14, 2014

The second Costa Rica International Bird Festival will be held at Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve from September 26-28, 2014. Selva Verde protects over 500 acres of primary and secondary rainforest and is home to more than 370 species of birds, including the endangered great green macaw. Located in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí in […]

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Costa Rica Sets Higher National Park Entrance Fees in 2014

July 2, 2014

Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) published updated park entrance fees for the country earlier this year. The new rates are scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2014. Fees vary for local residents and international tourists. For international tourists, some fees will increase from $2-$10 USD, but most parks will charge an […]

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