La Virgen, Sarapiqui, Heredia, Costa
Rica, Central America
Fred Eslick
506 761 1019 rancho office
506 761 1197 tele/fax
feslick@gmail.com
www.rancholeona.com
Sarapiqui "A Boon for Budget Adventure Travelers" says the New Key to Costa Rica Guide
04/05/2008 Coming to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast with its long tropical beaches, spectacular sunsets, four star accommodations and golf courses think Sarapiqui instead. Though it is not everyone’s cup of tourism tea it offers the untourist and adventuresome a rich, lush jungle experience with many beautiful rivers to explore including the pristine Sarapiqui.
One area businessman, Fred Eslick, a partner and investor in Rancho Leona Sarapiqui River Lodge hopes that it truly becomes the undestination for what he describes as the untourist, those more laid back and adventuresome looking for slow travel and community experience.
“I’d like to see more people stop and stay awhile. Untourists on slower travels. Most tourists just pass through this region on these quick strip package tours for an hour walk through the rainforest or a quick raft ride on the river. They’re missing a lot. I have a selfish interest here but this place has a lot to offer for those looking for a different experience that is off the beaten path,” says Eslick.
“The one thing I don’t want to see here is that the Sarapiqui Region take a course similar to what is going on in other parts of the country- overdeveloped, overrun and become the very thing that many people like myself sought to get away from ,” Eslick adds.
“When I first came here over 3 years ago it was the sights and sounds of the river and jungle that I fell in love with. The peace and quiet was welcome after many years living in Los Angeles. The natural beauty here is very mystical and enchanting. This whole bio region of the jungle and river reminded me that it is all alive, has many parts but one whole life, a breathing pulsing place,” says Eslick.
“It’s awesome here. One of my favorite books is the Tao Te Ching. I read it regularly. One of my favorite lines says when men loose a sense of awe there will surely be a disaster. I believe this is a key to understanding a lot of the critical eco-issues facing us as humans in our earth household today. Somewhere along the path we lost a sense of reverence, respect and awe for our natural world. Nature became something to exploit, tame and conquer. We’ve had a lot of disasters on our hands and hearts these days with more serious ones to come, Eslick concludes.
Sarapiqui has long enjoyed a great reputation with avid wildlife watchers and river enthusiasts. The Sarapiqui zone with the Indio Maiz Reserve in Nicaragua is the largest rainforest reserve in Central America. The Sarapiqui River is one of the cleanest and most diversified rivers in Central America also. It offers everything from class 1 to 5 rapids for rafting and kayaking excitement to relaxing boat floats for nature voyeurs. One can take a trip all the way up the Sarapiqui River to Nicaragua’s Rio San Juan and places like El Castillo. The border region along the edge of the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve down to Barra del Colorado and onto the popular Tortuguero National Park is an adventure which has been described as a little Amazonia.
For those starting off in San Jose and heading towards Volcano Arenal-La Fortuna and a visit to the Caribbean beaches of Puerto Viejo Talamanca-Cahuita the Sarapiqui is great stop in between for a nights rest and a place to explore.
Off the beaten path the Sarapiqui region offers a wide range of activities and accomodations. Budget backpackers and four star tourists will find something to their liking here. Sarapiqui is a different side of Costa Rica that is often overlooked. Families, budget travelers and tour groups will find it to be an enchanting, tropical and an unforgettable undestination. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx