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opted for another jungle safari — this time on foot to
Manuel Antonio National Park’s Punta Catedral trail.
The forest here is thick with massive ficus trees but the
path is well groomed — except for the occasional igua-
na, which likes to sun itself right where you are walking.
It’s about a 30-minute round-trip hike that gets a little
steep in places and has a stop-off at a 1/2-mile-long
pristine, white-sand beach called Playa Manuel Anto-
nio. We wished we had brought our snorkeling equip-
ment, but instead took a leisurely dip in the warm water
of this tropical paradise, tucked into a deep cove, and
bordered by palm and mango trees.
On our last night in Costa Rica we watched the sunset’s
orange hues settle over the ocean while sipping Guaro
y Fresca. Hmmm, think I’ll pour a shot or two of that
Guaro rum into a glass of Fresca and ice right now and
do a little vacation reminiscing.
If you go
Photos courtesy Costa Rica Tourism
Costa Rica has a tropical climate with average annual tem-
peratures between 71 and 81 degrees F. The dry season runs
from January through May; wet season from May to Decem-
ber. The wettest months are July and November with a dry
spell in August or September. Unless you are a surfer, you
probably want to visit during the dry season. Trails can be
muddy when it’s wet. If you are taking a canopy tour, take it
on a sunny day. If it’s cloudy you won’t see anything and tour
operators may not refund your money because of weather.
Costa Rica is bordered to the north by Nicaragua and to the
southeast by Panama. It is mostly coastline and has a Ca-
ribbean coast that is characterized by sandy beaches, man-
groves and swamps, and a Pacific coast that has more rugged,
rocky terrain.

Costa Rica has an abundance of plant and animal species.
Among the best places for tourists to see the diversity of
wildlife are Corcovado National Park, Tortuguero National
Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

Fiesta Resort & Casino: Agoda.com is an online hotel dis-
count site that offers bookings for Fiesta Resort & Casino. Top: The fabled Quetzal bird found in the rainforests of Costa Rica.
Visit: www.agoda.com/fiesta-resort-and-casino/hotel/pun- Middle: Crocodiles lazing in the heat. Bottom: The pool at the Fiesta
tarenas-cr.html
Resort.

82 Wine Dine & Travel Spring 2014