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Casita
Toucans
Costa Rica |
Welcome to
Toucans… lush, private and nude!
A neat as a pin vacation rental
“casita” with master bedroom with queen bed, fully-equipped
kitchenette plus direct access to a nude swimming pool, complete with an 8-foot
tall solid privacy fence. |
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NOTE: This is NOT a resort....it's one (1) rental unit in
a private compound where you can be nude all day. The casita is adjacent to the
owner's private villa.
  Casita Toucans is owned by a couple of ex-pats from the Tampa
area who gave it all up and moved in May 2006 to live in paradise in Costa
Rica. Their residence and Casita Toucans are located near the city of Liberia,
in the northwest part of the country, near the Pacific beaches.
Here
is what they say about themselves:
“D & J are a fit,
young-at-heart, open-minded, 50-ish couple. A little bit crazy and
adventuresome, yet laid-back. Red wine lovers. Nature lovers. Peace lovers! And
of course….nudists. D & J belong to AANR and were members at the
following Florida resorts: Caliente, Paradise Lakes, Cypress Cove, Sunny Sands,
and Sunnier Palms. They sold their home north of Tampa, Florida and moved to
Costa Rica in May 2006.”
 Casita Toucans
is adjacent to their permanent residence and share a private swimming pool,
complete with waterfall. Guests have unrestricted access to the rental through
a side locked gate.  There is plenty of room
for parking.
Monkeys across the street
There is a community
of howler monkeys that occasionally use the forest across the street from the
villa and the vacation rental. About once every week or two they will wake up
the neighborhood in the morning with their howling. You can usually walk out
into the street and see them in the trees. They are perfectly safe, as they
tend to avoid contact with humans.
You've seen monkeys in zoos and
circuses, but you never expect to see them in-the-wild right across the street
from your casita.
Costa Rica Overview
 Costa
RicaCosta Rica is located in the Central American isthmus, between the Pacific
Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is a privileged destination because of its
location in the middle of the Western Hemisphere. Its varied landscapes and
mild climate make this small country the perfect getaway for a spectacular
vacation.
Land of peace, Costa Rica is the oldest democracy in Latin
America with more than 100 years of political stability.
"While many
of the banana republics invested in guns and bullets, Costa Rica invested in
education."
Costa Rica’s economy has been constantly growing
during the last 10 years; the country has signed seven trade agreements with
other Latin American countries and has two preferential access agreements with
the European and the American markets. This economic development has been
encouraged by direct ocean access on both coastlines, easy access by road to
neighboring countries, Nicaragua and Panama, as well as regular flight
connections to North America, Latin America and Europe. Costa Rica has two
international airports: Juan Santamaría in the capital city and Daniel
Oduber in the northwestern city of Liberia.
Costa Rica is
internationally known as a potential major electricity producer: 97% of the
territory has electric power and telecommunications are available throughout
the territory. In terms of health indicators, Costa Rica has the best life
expectancy rate of Latin America: 78 years on average. San José, the
capital city, is ranked fourth among the Latin America’s cities with the
best quality of life. Ninety-five percent of Costa Ricans have access to safe
drinking water.
Everything in Costa Rica makes clear the citizens are
a highly literate people: the country boasts of 93% literacy in those 10 years
or over, the most literate population in Central America. Many of the
country’s early fathers like the first president, Jose Maria Castro, were
former teachers who were concerned about the education in Costa Rica. In 1869,
the country became one of the first in the world to make the education both
free and obligatory, funded by the state’s share of the great coffee
wealth.
Costa Rica attracts important investments thanks to its
efficient productivity in high-technology, its well-educated population and the
high-quality technical education accessible in the country.
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 Costa Rica is a leading young country with a progressive economy
in Central America along with Panama. Nicaragua and Lake Nicaragua form Costa
Rica’s northern boundary while Panama is immediately to the south.
Two modern international airports serve Costa Rica, the capital of
which is San Jose (SJO) in the central part of the country. The international
airport in Liberia (LIR) services daily air traffic from North America, Latin
America and Europe via airlines including: American, Delta, Continental, US
Airways, Copa, Air Canada, and Champion Air (charter).
Nature Air and
Sansa provide flights to other Costa Rican destinations.
Car rental
companies include Hertz, Dollar, National, Budget, Thrifty, Economy and a
number of other local or regional providers. Rent a small SUV 4X4. Check your
present car insurance, as well as the credit card you intend to pay for the car
with, to determine if either covers rentals in Costa Rica. Some do, but only on
the main paved roads. Some credit cards provide collision coverage free of
charge.
If you do not to rent a car, the owners will arrange your
airport arrival and departure transportation.
Casita Toucans is
located in the northwestern Costa Rican province of Guanacaste, at the edge of
city of Liberia in a new gated residential community which is guarded 24/7. The
Inter-American highway to the capital city of San Jose passes nearby so you
could hop in your car and drive down there!
Casita Toucans is within
easy walking distance to a new shopping center with a modern supermarket. A
three-story mall with cinemas is nearby. A number of good restaurants are
within an easy walk or drive.
Good sources of info on the web are at
http://www.costaricamap.com/ing/aboutcr.html or
http://www.1-costaricalink.com/costa_rica_provinces/guanacaste_costa_rica.htm
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Casita Toucans includes:
* Queen sized bed
*
TV w/cable (many channels in English including CNN and Fox)
* Hi-speed
Internet
* Air conditioned.
* Hot & cold water
* Stove &
oven
* Refrigerator
* All cooking & eating utensils
* Coffee
maker
* Linens and towels
* Outdoor grill
* Washer &
dryer
* Parking
* Gated community
 Kayak Use: With a one-week
or more stay, a Sea Kayak is available for your use. This kayak comes equipped
with two seats, paddles, and personal flotation (life vests). A damage deposit
of $250 is required. You are responsible for transporting it to and from your
water adventure. Most SUV rentals have a car top rack. Bungee chords
supplied.
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The casita includes a fully equipped kitchenette complete
with:
Hot & cold water, Stove & oven, Toaster Oven,
Refrigerator, All cooking & eating utensils, Coffee maker, Outdoor grill.
Casita Toucans is within easy walking distance to a new shopping
center with a modern supermarket. A three-story mall with cinemas is also
nearby. There are a number of good restaurants within easy walk or a short
drive.
Dining options range from inexpensive to upper-end. There are
several nice restaurants at the beaches, about 30 minutes drive. Also there is
an excellent Italian restaurant at the nearby shopping center.
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As room rates are subject to change...these are guidelines
only
The vacation rental is $75 per night, or $499 per week for stays
up to Dec 31, 2007. Stays after 12/31/07 are $95 per night or $650 per week.
Deposits: A deposit of 50% is required to confirm your reservation.
The remaining 50% is due upon your arrival.
Deposits are
non-refundable. Optional travel insurance is highly recommended. In the case of
an emergency cancellation, your deposit money will be “on account”
for you and will be applied to your re-booking for an arrival within one year
of the original date.
Payments: If you prefer to use a credit card to
make your reservation, you may do so via Castaways Travel and include 3% for
charge card fees. Cancellation subject to $50/person penalty via Castaways
Travel.
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Adults only please. The casita sleeps two very comfortably
on a queen size bed.
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The Guanacaste region is “the best of Costa Rica and
more.” Just like the rest of Costa Rica, it has beautiful beaches, rain
forests, volcanoes, and an incredible variety of animal and plant life.
However, Guanacaste is just dripping with culture and history. Here you will
find cowboys riding their horses on the side of the road. Ox carts are still
used. Depending on the time of year, you can see bullfights (they don’t
even hurt the bulls there!).
Exuberant nature, pristine beaches,
active volcanoes, contrasting landscapes, impressive places of scenic beauty,
biological diversity ... this is Costa Rica ... hiking in the rainforest,
horseback riding through picturesque trails, mountain biking in the country
side, water rafting in wild and untamed rivers, snorkeling through tropical
reefs, surfing the most incredible breaks, sport fishing in cobalt blue waters,
golfing challenging greens ...the perfect place to spend your vacation in the
tropics.
Did you know….weathermen say that it is almost
impossible for a hurricane to strike a direct hit on Costa Rica? This far in
the western hemisphere hurricanes only occur well above the 10th
latitude.
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Local and regional services and recreation
include:
* International airport just 15 minutes away (Free
pick-up and drop off)
* Beautiful beaches--30 minutes
* Spectacular
sailing, diving, & fishing
* Surfing
* Active volcanoes
*
Canopy tours
* Horseback riding
* Nature trails
* Whitewater
rafting
* World-class golf
* A mall with movie theaters
* Walk to
modern shopping center & restaurants
NOTE: ALL rates, prices and
costs mentioned below are NOT guaranteed and WILL change without notice.
Beaches
Hermosa, Coco, Panama, Ocotol are all within
a 30 to 40 minute drive. Each have restaurants nearby for a mid day beer or a
lunch. Sunsets are to die for especially at Hermosa!
Sun bathe on a
secluded beach. It’s a bit of a trek to get to Playa La Penca but
that’s probably why you are likely to have this cozy, white-sand beach to
yourself. Here you can snorkel, swim or just relax and soak in some rays in
relative seclusion. The shortest route there is via the monkey trail (the
owners will show you how to get there), a right-hand turnoff about three miles
out from Coco. Follow the signs to the Congo Trail Canopy Tour and continue on
past it about another three miles until you reach the soccer field.
There’ll be a sign directing you to La Penca as well as to Las Brisas, a
popular beachfront bar/restaurant overlooking neighboring Playa Potrero. There,
the beer is cold and the tacos are great.
Swimming and
Diving
Costa Rica has an abundance of beaches, almost all good for
swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. There are good professional diving
companies nearby in Playa del Coco, Playa Hermosa, and Ocotal (all about 30
minutes drive). Cost runs approximately $150 for two people, but the cost is
dependent on what you bring with you vs. renting. The crews are very helpful
and usually carry your gear, help you get set up, and are fun and friendly. In
Playas del Coco is Summer Salt Dive Center owned by Sandra and Patrick Odermatt
506-670-0308 or cell 357-5531 or 824-7258 e-mail:
info@summer-salt.com.
Active volcanoes:
 Arenal volcano (a 2 hour
drive) is a fantastic sight…when the weather cooperates. Some days you see
the summit with smoke and boulders being ejected, but other days the clouds
completely obscure it. At night you can usually see the red glow from the
crater, and sometimes you can see the glowing red boulders as they roll
downhill.
 Rincon de la Vieja is about
45 minutes drive from Liberia. There is a national park with a rewarding 2 to 3
hour hike through stunning forests and fields of bubbling hot cauldrons. Nearby
is one of the most spectacular waterfalls ever (during the week there are fewer
people around, and skinny-dipping is possible! See the picture below under
“waterfalls”.)
Miravalles, about a 45 minute drive, is
dormant. However there is some of the most beautiful charming countryside on
and near its slopes. Also, Costa Rica has two geothermal electricity generating
plants there that tap into the hot gases from below, and you can drive right up
to them.
There are a couple of other nice volcanoes around San Jose
that you can walk right up to the edge, but it takes a 4-hour drive to get
there.
Golfing
Several world class golf courses are
in Guanacaste. Four Seasons is outstanding.
Papagayo Gold &
Country Club, Libertad (south of Sardinal, 20 minutes from the Liberia
airport). Has 18 holes, open 8AM to 5PM, Tuesday – Sunday. Fees: $70 for
18 holes or $40 for 9 holes, both include cart and cooler with ice. Restaurant
& bar, rentals, driving range, putting greens. Info from a May 2007
advertisement, call 506-697-0169 or info@papagayo-golf.com for current
update.
Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course is one of the best championship
golf courses in Central America.
www.haciendapinilla.com. Phone 506-680-7000.
Garr De
Leon Golf Course at Paradisus Playa Conchal. 18 hole par 72 course.
www.paradisusplayaconchal.com. Phone 506-654-4123 ext
8805.
Surfing
Bring your board or rent one. Costa
Rica is fast becoming a prime destination for all kinds of surfers.
Fishing
Some excellent companies out of Playa del Coco
running less than $150 per couple for a half day. Be there at 730AM, spend
about 4 hours trolling and viewing the beautiful coastline. In March 2007 the
owners hired a fishing boat with some friends and caught a 45 lb. Wahoo and a
25 lb. Mahi Mahi. Both fish put up good fights. The crew cleaned and bagged
them before the boat reached shore. Lots of fish for the freezer! You can BBQ
what you catch at the casita, nude of course. Suggestions: Blue Marlin Service
with Olman Solis Segura 670-0707 or 348-6510 or
olmanfishingcostarica@hotmail.com
out of Playa del Coco.
Sailing
Sail away on a
trimaran. The Cool Runnings loads in the morning off Playa Hermosa for a 4-5
hour excursion. You’ll have a chance to spot dolphins, turtles, humpbacks
or, maybe even, a whale shark before the trimaran settles off of a quiet beach
for snorkeling and lunch. Or join the 46-foot trimaran for a sunset cruise
later in the afternoon. Relax, have a drink and some bocas as it glides along
the Papagayo coastline, and then watch the sun dip into the horizon. For
reservations call 506-824-1875 or 506-672-0103.
Forest canopy
rides
 Costa Rica has many tours
involving a ride through the jungle canopy. They are typically around $65 per
person or less, and take 2-3 hours. Even though you are up sometimes 75 feet,
you are linked securely to the tree stands. Some people are nervous at first,
but that is quickly replaced by pure fun of it! The guides are well trained and
VERY safety conscious.
One of the newest, longest and best of Costa
Rica’s increasingly popular canopy adventures—the Witch’s Rock
Canopy Tour—is right in your back yard at your casita. You’ll ascend
up into the tree canopy, strap on a harness and zip from treetop to treetop
along suspended cables, across breathtaking views of tropical dry forest,
waterfalls and the Pacific Ocean. Located on the Papagayo peninsula, within one
hour’s drive from most area hotels, the tour itself takes a couple of
hours. The owners can help arrange it for you. Cost at last report was $50.
Call 506-666-7546 for info.
Waterfalls
 
The national park Rincon de la Vieja, just north of Liberia, has several very
nice waterfalls….and an absolutely fantastic one (see pictures below)!
Several mountain rivers also have many small falls, offering many nice swimming
holes.
About 20 minutes east of Liberia heading toward San
José, there is a dirt-road turnoff that will take you to the Llanos de
Cortez waterfall, a gorgeous secluded spectacle that spans 45 feet wide and
drops 30 feet into a white-sand pond surrounded by lush greenery. It’s the
perfect picnic getaway—and free! Take your bathing suit, swim and climb up
on the rocks to get behind the fall. Buses from Liberia will drop you off the
main road to Cortez, but it’s a 20-minute walk from there. A rental car or
private taxi will take you all the way.
Horseback
riding
 There are many riding
stables in Costa Rica. This is a great way to get off the road and see
beautiful sights in nature. The Guanacaste area of Costa Rica actually has an
abundance of cowboys. It’s not unusual to see them riding along the side
of the road or rounding up cattle in a field. Average cost is around $40 per
rider for a several hour (or half day) ride.
Horseback on the
beach:
Directly behind the Witch’s Rock Canopy Tour is
Ocean’s End Trails, which offers horseback riding tours of the area’s
exotic surroundings. The trails wind through dry forest, natural springs,
mangroves and a lush estuary that is home to numerous species of tropical
birds. Ultimately you arrive at pristine white-sand Cabuyal beach, where
experienced riders can let their mounts run. Or just relax, soak up the sun and
swim. The tour takes about four hours in all so combine it with the
Witch’s Rock canopy tour for a full day of adventure. Info at
506-369-8184.
Hiking and nature trails
The national
park Rincon de la Veija has an abundance of easy and hard nature trails. Hike
on the slopes of an active volcano. If you are in good shape, hike to the
volcano summit and back in one day (dry season recommended: January thru
April). You can spend 2 to 3 days hiking this park and see so many different
things. Cost is around $8 per person per day. They have a snack shop
overlooking Liberia from about 1000 feet…awesome view!
Whitewater rafting
The owners have personal experience with
Rincon Corobici’s “Rios Tropicales” tour. They offer 1 hour, 2
hour, and 3 hour trips. The owners took the 3 hour trip for $85 per person and
it was a blast! The raft tipped over on the last and biggest falls, so the
guide asked if guests wanted to do it again. Sure! Went over the falls again
without flipping! Includes a very nice lunch at their restaurant overlooking
the river. Also a snack mid trip. Guides are great, nice a friendly, and VERY
safety conscious of your needs. Definitely worth the money! Call 506-669-6262
for more info.
Experience the cowboy culture
Just
six miles from Coco, past the town of Sardinal, El Chapernal pays tribute to
Guanacaste’s ranching tradition. Among its attractions are local cowboys,
folkloric music and dancing, an old-time sugar mill and typical Guanacastecan
food. The hacienda sits on 1000 hectares of dry tropical forest and offers
opportunities for biking, hiking, horseback riding and swimming. If you like,
take in the tropical surroundings via a traditional ox cart tour. For more
information call 506-273-4545/384-9011.
Nude Beaches
The Costa Rican government owns ALL of the coastline, 200 meters in from the
water line. This is a very benevolent government, so them owning it is not a
problem. BUT, this is also a fairly conservative Catholic society, so... nudity
is not public... nothing like a government sanctioned nude beach.
However, people here are also laid back and accepting. Nice folks! The nude
beach in Manuel Antonio just sort of happened years ago, and everybody is so
accepting that it's there, so it has stayed. Yes, it's mostly populated by gays
(haven't seen any lesbians, I guess they got our lickidy-split). But the gays
don't bother you, and we've never seen any gays sex there.
OK, where
else CAN you go? There are plenty of beaches where you can go nude, especially
during the week, because they're remote and nobody is around. But, these
beaches (and islands) are so remote that driving to most of them is out of the
question. If you find a nude beach, you'll probably have to hire a boat and
drive to take you. If that seems a strange thing to do, please remember that
the "Tico's" are cool, and I suspect one of these boat captains will just grin
and take you where you want to go. If you're exhibitionists, leave him around
to watch. If not, tell him to come back in a few hours. Easy money for him, and
he'll probably enjoy the fact that you're doing this. Give him a few extra
bucks.
The only other option, at this time, is us! We opened this nude
vacation rental because Costa Rica has no nude nude facilities, and it NEEDS
them! We're thinking about a much bigger one in a few years.I hope this helps.
Please stay in touch, and feel free to contact us and ask ANY questions. D
&J Costa Rica
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The owners will bend over backwards to help you have
the best vacation ever |
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If you're looking for luxury and a 5 star
experience, forget it. This wonderful casita Toucans experience is for those
folks who are active and love adventure .... in Costa Rica. |
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Toucans has limited services so don't go expecting
room service or breakfast in bed....plan to cook it yourself. |
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The climate in Guanacaste is a lot dryer than the rest of
Costa Rica. From May through December, when seasonal winds bring in moisture
from the Pacific Ocean, afternoon showers are normal. This “rainy”
season is usually like Florida in the summer.
However, from January
through April rainfall is rare with bright sunny days. Temperatures year-round
range from the low 90’s to the low 70’s. Meteorologically, it is
almost impossible for a hurricane to hit Costa Rica.
For weather in
Liberia, Costa Rica, go to:
http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/78774.html
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Wish there were a few more casitas so a group could be
accommodated rather than one couple
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Click on the Photo Album button to view some photos of
Costa Rica Toucans. This is the largest collection of photos that we have for
any destination that we feature. You can contribute to this section - all you
have to do is go to our Contribute
Trip Report / Photographs page.
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We need your trip reports from from folks who have recently
visited Costa Rica Toucans. You can contribute to this section - all you have
to do is go to our Contribute Trip
Report / Photographs page.
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