A Convention Center is infrastructure that will stimulate meeting tourism and promote encounters among people of different backgrounds and cultures, who meet one another with the aim of building and maintaining connections that allow them to share their experiences.The National Conference and Convention Center (Centro Nacional de Congresos y Convenciones) has been designed with the purpose of providing different environments for many kinds of meetings. The rooms are comfortably furnished and sui

The Quetzal Education and Research Center is located in San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica, and acts as a second campus for the Southern Nazarene University. The Center helps students learn about field biology and research, while also promoting biodiversity, sustainability and social responsibility.To this end, it collaborates with students and researchers around the world, helping to educate and carry out research based on tropical cloud forests and their communities of flora and fauna. QERC bring

Vlog with Liz Clark

by Cathy BrownTHERE’S A TROUBLING FACT you might not be aware of: Americans leave 500 million perfectly good vacation days unused every year. Do your part to help end this plight — don’t waste even a single one of your precious days off sitting at home or (gasp) at work, when you could be spending it in a place like Costa Rica.But when you come, you don’t have to hit the same spots as everyone else. Here are some roads less traveled in Costa Rica that deserve more attention.1. MontezumaMontezuma

by Joseph CyrA COUPLE OF MILLENNIA AGO, Roman philosopher Seneca said, “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” He got it partially right. Travel boosts, restores, and expands not just the mind, but also our bodies, our senses — all of us. For those on a quest to restore work-life balance, Costa Rica is the ultimate destination. Here’s why.1. It’s the birthplace of modern zipline tours.As in soaring through treetops, through jungle canopy and cloud forest, protected ecosystems

If you can barely remember the last time you left your state, let alone got on a plane, you’re in plenty of company. After a year or more of being largely housebound, when we finally come out on the other side, our “first trip” out of the country will feel extra special, a celebratory antidote to the sadness and the many, many months spent chilling at home.But where to go? To a beach? A city? A rainforest? A cultural hotspot? There are so many possibilities, and Costa Rica offers them all. With

In 2020, a large majority of your travel may have consisted of going from the couch to the fridge and back again—so it’s understandable to crave an actual vacation that involves actually getting out of your house. While there are tons of destinations to choose from, one spot that likely ticks nearly all of your boxes—no matter what you’re looking for—is Costa Rica. Whether you want to hit up the beach, or the rainforest, or the mountains, or a city, or a little bit of everything, Costa Rica trul

From November 26, 2020 to January 31, 2021, Visit Costa Rica held a contest, inviting the public to nominate someone who had been essential to them over the past year for a chance to win a seven-day trip for two to Costa Rica in 2021/2022.After reviewing more than 5,000 nominations from individuals in North America who had shared stories about “essential” loved ones, community members, colleagues, students and more, Visit Costa Rica selected 15 “Who Is Essential to You” contest winners.The first

Fall in love with its biodiversityThe refuge is located in the far south of the Nicoya Peninsula, close to Isla Tortuga. The entrance is located 30 minutes from Paquera.The park is comprised of 1,496 ha of tropical forests, mangroves and grasslands along the coast. It offers 17 trails for hiking enthusiasts, where you can see some of the 78 mammal species identified by researchers, along with 232 bird species, 87 species of reptiles, and over 500 different plants.White-tailed deer are frequently

Corcovado National ParkThe protected area of Corcovado encompasses 41,788 ha of shallow lakes, swamps, mangroves, rivers, lowland rainforests and cloud forests, as well as 46 km of sandy coastline. It is one of the most unique ecosystems in Central America, welcoming naturalists who come from around the world to study it. Its extensive territory allows visitors to observe the biodiversity of one of the last truly untouched areas of Central America. The park is home to 6,000 insect species, 500 t

While lying on a beach and enjoying a tropical cocktail is a perfectly wonderful way to experience Greater Miami, some people want a little more action. The good news is that we have plenty to offer adventurers, from trying your hand at a ninja warrior course to air boating through the Everglades. Read on to see how to get the most thrills from a short visit to one of the world’s most exciting destinations.Day OneNothing kicks off a Miami adventure better than a hot, eye-opening cup of Cub

No city in America makes for a guys’ weekend like Miami. Where else can you rev up for the day with Cuban coffee, jet-ski all morning, golf all afternoon and spend the night in some of the best clubs in the world? Throughout your getaway, you’ll smoke hand-rolled cigars and fuel your fun with cuisine from across the globe. Read on for your action-packed guys’ weekend itinerary in Miami, and don’t plan on getting too much sleep.Day One: On the Water, On the SceneMorningYou

Greater Miami & Miami Beach is a dream destination for a girls’ getaway. Whether you’re celebrating a big occasion like a birthday or bachelorette party, or simply cherishing some time away with your best gal pals, you’ll find everything you want. This weekend itinerary is packed with a mix of relaxation, shopping, culture, dining and good times.Friday: Spas, Shopping & A Stylish SupperMorningNo matter where you’re staying, start your day at the iconic Fontaineble

Greater Miami & Miami Beach is a romantic place. It’s a destination steeped in salty breezes, breathtaking vistas and international flavors – and it overflows with both natural beauty and endless options for luxury, too. If you’re wondering how to spend a romantic three-day weekend in Miami (and why not extend your romantic weekend getaway by a day?), here is a three-day itinerary for the ultimate romantic weekend for you and your love.Day 1: Gardens & GourmetStart your

With all of the beauty Greater Miami & Miami Beach has to offer, it’s no wonder locals and visitors alike are constantly sharing pictures on social media. And like any destination, there are definitely some photo ops you don’t want to miss. From colorful Art Deco hotels and a bar in an old city bus, to stylish restaurants, mind-blowing museums, a flower-clad tea room and a park known for its domino matches, these are the most Instagrammable spots in Miami.RestaurantsLittle HenWhe

From cutting-edge museums to oceanfront spas, here's how to make the most of 72 hours in the Greater Miami & Miami Beach.FridayMorning: Wynwood’s Top Artsy SpotsKickstart your weekend with breakfast treats from The Salty Donut in Wynwood. Choose from brioche-style donuts like guava-and-cheese, a unique take on a quintessential Miami dessert.Get your selfie game on at one of Miami’s most Instagrammable spots, The Miami Selfie Museum. Visually stunning backdrops make this museu

If 24 hours is all you’ve got for exploring Greater Miami, have no fear: it’s doable, but expect an action-packed day. This one-day Greater Miami itinerary covers all the best, from beaches and food to history and culture.Morning: A Sandy StartFirst things first: the beach. Walk, run or bike along the 40-block Miami Beach Boardwalk, which runs along the Atlantic from 5th to 46th Street. Go the full length to see Miami Beach’s candy-colored Art Deco Historic District and famous

If you only have 24 hours to spend in South Beach, it can be challenging to decide how to make the most of your time. We’ve crafted an itinerary with the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, culture and nightlife to make your choices easy.Morning: Art Deco & Beach BlissThere’s no better place to get acquainted with South Beach than at the Art Deco Welcome Center, situated on famous Ocean Drive. While the Center offers a wealth of local information, it also presents the chance to

Wisps of smoke-gray, pale-brown, and soft yellow intersect the dusky-green plumage of the Japanese white-eye. The clear, light voice of this small perching bird seldom sings alone. Mejiro (the Japanese word means “white-eye” and refers to the white ring around the eyes) is a sociable creature, and forages in teams. It’s a charming little thing, seducing us humans so easily with its agile tolerance. White-eye individuals sometimes preen each other’s feathers, even those of other birds. You may fi

Listen for the clear and varied song of this passerine bird, because you may not easily see it. Shy, it isn’t easily approached. Just 8 to 9.5 inches in size, with fairly plain rusty-brown plumage marked by darker streaks, it doesn’t stand out until you hear its beautiful, repetitive call. Hwamei does have one distinct feature, though, a white marking around the eyes, which extends backward. The chinese word hwamei means “painted eyebrow,” referring to this mark.From late spring through summer,