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 […]
Read PostIn 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 […]
Read PostThe 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 […]
Read PostDid 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: […]
Read PostTulum 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 […]
Read PostNicaragua’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 […]
Read PostEarlier 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 […]
Read PostThe 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 […]
Read PostCosta 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 […]
Read PostLast year, Frontier Airlines started measuring passengers carry-on baggage at the gate prior to boarding. Any item that exceeded their size limits had to be checked, and more importantly, paid for at the gate. It seems that the days of having bags checked at the gate for free are gone for most major US airlines. […]
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