Corporate social responsibility
Text books for public schools
Hacienda Guachipelin, with its CRS program, works closely with the schools in the vicinity. The hotel sponsors texts books for 4 public schools. Even though public education in Costa Rica is free and mandatory, the government budget does not cover for books.
For this reason, the one of the country’s news papers, La Nacion, has partnered with companies like Hacienda Guachipelin, to provide the least favored students with scholastic text books. The text books have been previously approved by the Costarrican Ministry of Education. This is the second year that Guachipelin participates in this program, and we hope to there next year.
CRS
Vamos a la playa
Puerto Carrillo beach
Before I came to Costa Rica I didn’t know much about the country. One of the things I did know was that Costa Rica has a lot of beautiful beaches. Now when I am here I know that there are so many nice beaches it is actually hard to choose which one to go too.
My favorite beach so far is Playa Conchal. This beach is special because most of the sand is covered by small white shells. That is also what the name of this beach means in spanish, shell. Because of the shells the visibility of the water is very clear. Another nice beach I have been to is Puerto Carrillo. The day I went there we had some really big waves to play in. Before we left the beach we also enjoyed one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen.
Closer to Liberia you find Hermosa Beach, this beach is a little bit more crowded. Here you can go on a banana boat, rent a jet ski, do snorkeling and there are a lot of restaurants close by.
In my country it’s only possible to be on the beach a couple of weeks every year so I am enjoying every second in the sun. So far I have seen the beaches on the pacific side of Costa Rica, now I am looking forward to see what the Carribean side has to offer.
Weather Report
Guanacaste is known as the sunny side of Costa Rica. This area has the best weather in the country and specially from November, when the drought season starts. But even when the rainy season starts, from June to November, the weather is still nice and warm and the rain showers only last for 1 or 2 hours for the most part, showing the warm tropical sun for the rest of the day. This is no coincidence, since Costa Rica is located 8 degrees north of the equator and bathed by the warm Pacific Ocean waters on the west and by the Caribbean waters on the east. Being a tropical country, Costa Rica has only 2 seasons, Dry and Green.
The expected temperature in Guanacaste for this month is a low of 67 and a maximum of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Guanacaste is now very close to major US cities since major airlines have direct flights from cities like Dallas, Houston, Atlanta among others, and cities like Los Angeles are conected to Liberia International (LIR) through EL Salvador.
There is so much to offer in Guanacaste, that 1 week is not enough. There are white sand beaches, great fishing, golf, adventure tours, scuba diving, active volcanoes and much more. Another important thing is that there are accommodations for all budgets.
Come to Hacienda Guachipelin to enjoy the great weather and the best adventure. Send us an email to reserve+guachipelin.com for more information.
warm weather
Best Ethical Destination
As mentioned on the Ethical Travel recent publication , Costa Rica, a small Central American country, was declared one of the 10 most ethical destinations. Environmental protection, Social welfare and Human rights are elements evaluated to create the Ethical List.
“We sincerely hope that travelers will refer to this list when planning their 2011 journeys. By visiting the countries mentioned here, we “vote with our wings”—sending a signal that travelers are aware of where their money is going, and willing to support nations that care about the environment, human rights, and the global community.” as mentioned by ethicaltraveler.org.
Not only has Costa Rica has been declared as one of the most ethical destinations, but also as the happiest country in the world.
Hacienda Guachipelin is a mountain and adventure hotel located in the west part of the country on the foot of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. For reservations or information please send an email to reservas@guachipelin.com
Challenge the rapids of Rio Negro in a tube
White water tubing Rio Negro
I did white water rafting in Australia, now it was about time to try white water tubing in Costa Rica. The difference between rafting and tubing is that when you go rafting you’re in a boat and you are together with others, when you go tubing your alone in your tube. One of the girls on the tour described her tube as a “huge dunkin doughnut in camouflage” and that’s actually a pretty good description.
This tour starts at the foot of the great Victoria Waterfall. We were a big group of people doing this tour together and the saying “the more, the merrier” is really true in this case. First the guide gave us some information about the safety. Among other things, he told us that they would be there to rescue us if we would go in to the water. We were ready to start challenging the rapids of the river. One by one we went in to the river and once you’re in all you have to do is hold on to your tube and enjoy the ride, especially when going backwards. There are several big rapids on this trip and even though those are the funniest parts it’s also nice when you get to the slower parts and you have time to enjoy the nature around you.
This is an activity that I can recommend for everyone, young and old. You just have to prepare yourself to get wet. I managed to stay above water the whole way but still my clothes got completely soaked in water. I believe I was smiling all the way down the river.
A Swedish student exploring Costa Rica
Camilla at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin
You might wonder who I am and what I’m doing in Costa Rica. So I’m going to tell you. My name is Camilla Ödling and I’m a twenty two year old student from Sweden. Back at home, in the north of Sweden, I study tourism. That is my main reason for coming here. I’m doing a seven week internship in Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin to exchange experience and meet new people. This is my first time on this side of the Atlantic and also the first time I travel alone. In my country winter just started and temperature is below zero so I’m enjoying the Costa Rican climate more then you can imagine. Obviously this is very different for me, with a completely different culture and also the fact that most of the people here only speak Spanish.
During my remaining four weeks in the hotel I’m going to write articles about my time here. I’m going to tell you all about the adventures, the food, the volcano, the beaches, the animals and much more. I hope that you will enjoy it.
Pura Vida, Camilla
Happiest Country in the World
As mentioned in the New York Times recent article, Costa Rica is the happiest nation in the world.
“You think it’s a coincidence? Costa Rica is one of the very few countries to have abolished its army, and it’s also arguably the happiest nation on earth.” as Nicholas D. Kristof, a columnist for The Times since 2001, is a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner mentioned in his article.
For example the Dutch sociologist on the basis of answers to surveys by Gallup and others, lists Costa Rica in the top spot out of 148 nations. Another approach is the “happy planet index” devised by the New Economics Foundation, a liberal think tank. This combines happiness and longevity but adjusts for environmental impact — such as the carbon that countries spew.
From the staff at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin we want to extend a warm invitation to visit Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. There are direct flights from US and Canada, as well as Europe. We want you to experience Costa Rica and why we are the Pura Vida country.
For reservations from US or Canada Call Toll Free 1-888-730-3840 or send us an email to info@guachipelin.com
Canyon Canopy Tour
Tripadvisor Review
A guest from Canada who handles student groups in Costa Rica for the summer vacation wrote the following review on tripadvisor:
I have stayed at the Hacienda now for the past 3 years. Each time for 3 days with a group of High school students.The Hacienda is a unique blend of a working ranch/ hotel. They have certainly improved the food and hotel to make it more comfortable. The rooms are air conditioned and very comfortable. The personal are very friendly and always willing to assist you in any way possible. Some of the staff do not speak english but I never had any trouble having any question or concern dealt with rapidly and effiecently through the main desk, Now, one has to keep in mind that this a working ranch. So yes, there are some animal noises or smells around the sable area. It is the fact that the Hacienda is a working ranch that makes it so special. The hotel offers a variety of adventure activities that are well worth the price. The Hacienda is ideally located a few kilometers from the national park. I recommend this hotel if you are looking for a unique Costa Rican experience. This is why I come back year after year and all my high students always have a positive experience.
To make your reservation for Hacienda Guachipelin call toll free from USA or Canada to 1-888-730-3840 or write to info@guachipelin.com . You can also make your reservation directly on sites like expedia or travelocity . There are great specials for the next 3 months, like $35 per person or the 3rd night free (some restrictions apply).
New York to Costa Rica
If you are planning to travel to Costa Rica from New York , for the coming month of september, there are great news. Airfares in Jet Blue couldn’t be any better: $385.55 taxes included (as quoted today) per person for a round trip ticket. Imagine leaving New York, from JKF at 6 AM 08:39 AM and arriving to San Jose, Costa Rica‘s international airport Juan Santamaria at 11:21 AM. It doesn’t get any better. If you want to rent a small 4×4 for a week, for the first week of september, there is a rate with insurance for $223.82 with National Car Rental. This vehicle is enough for 2 or 3 people. Then just imagine to go for 3 days to Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, the most visited national park in Guanacaste for as low as $194 for a 3 night special that includes a double room with a/c and tv, breakfast and a horseback ride tour to one of the waterfalls in Hacienda Guachipelin. After a 3 night stay at Hacienda Guachipelin, travelers can enjoy the beach area nearby, like Coco Beach or Hermosa Beach of the Papagayo Gulf area.
Costa Rica is famous for the diverse adventure offer. From mountain bike to horseback rides, zip lines, rafting, trekking, hiking and more. There are lots of active volcanoes, hot springs and waterfalls. The best part is that Costa Rica is really friendly to tourists. For more information on tours contact guanacastetours.com . Don’t miss out on the September and October specials on Costa Rica. Pura Vida !!!!
JetBlue Costa Rica
Up to 50% off !!!!
Costa Rica, this small nation, almost the size of West Virginia, is known as much for its leadership in sustainable tourism as it is for its incredible offering of activities and experiences for all types of travelers. Whether someone is looking to be adventurous, relax with the family, explore nature, take in a second honeymoon with someone special, or all of the above, Costa Rica has a special offer in hand. There are over 75 special travel promotions running in the country ranging from additional free nights, great upgrades, up to 50 per cent discount on spa treatments and much more. For a complete list of the hotel properties, tour operators and car rental companies that are offering special vacation deals, visit http://www.visitcostarica.com/ict/news/com-vpromomay2010.html. Travelers wanting to take advantage of these promotions should mention VPROMO when requesting the special rates.