Spotlight: Costa Rica - Baldi Hot Springs Resort

Spotlight: The Baldi Hot Springs Resort claims to be the world's largest hot springs, with 25 thermal pools fed by hot springs naturally heated by Volcan Arenal. Whether you stay at the resort, or visit for the day, it is a fun, relaxing way to spend time in this oasis surrounded by volcanoes and rain forests.

Location: Baldi Hot Springs Resort Hotel & Spa is located at 142, Provincia de Alajuela, San Carlos warmed by the thermal activity of nearby Volcan Arenal.

Cost: The Baldi Hot Springs Hotel is a 3-star hotel that costs about $147/night (though you can find deals online). One day passes are available for $35 (adults) or $17.50 (children).

Time: The pools are open from 9:00 am - 10:00 pm daily. You can spend a few hours here or all day.

Description: The Resort features 25 thermal water pools - 10 indoor pools and 15 outdoor pools. There are two water slides that go into one of the larger pools. The pools are fed by continuously running waterfalls that add to the fun. The pools also have different features including swim-up bars, lounging benches, islands, etc. Each of the pools has a different temperature, so you can find the one that is perfect for you, or you can migrate from pool to pool enjoying the variations. The waterfalls vary in size and aesthetics from pool to pool.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - In addition to the pools, the resort has 2 restaurants, a spa treatment room, a sauna, a children's pool and a playground on site. Room prices include a free breakfast. All rooms have free WiFi, which is also available in select public areas.
- Baldi Resort is a smoke-free facility. There is swim-up bar in one of the pools.
- Day passes can be upgraded to include lunch and/or dinner for an additional price $22/meal (adult) or $11.50/meal (children).
- No food or drink or pets are allowed to be brought onto premises.
- The hotel provides robes, towels, slippers and a locker key for guests.
- Access to the SPA is for clients 12 and up.

Nearby: The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort, Parque Nacional Volcan Arenal, La Fortuna Waterfall, Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio

Spotlight: Costa Rica - Ziplining in Monteverde

Spotlight: There are several companies that offer adventure courses, including ziplining, in Costa Rica. Our group went to Monteverde Extremo Park. This park offers a variety of adventures including: the Zip-line Canopy Tour, bungee jumping, extreme swings, and buggy tours. If you want an adrenaline rush, you'll get it.

Location: Monteverde Extremo Park is located in Guanacaste Pronvince, about 2 miles northwest of Monteverde (which is in the Puntarenas Province).

Cost: Zip-line Canopy Tour - $53; Bungee Jump - $73; Extreme Swing - $42; Buggy Tour (single) - $70, (double) - $100, (family) - $200

Time: Plan on spending between 2-4 hours depending on which activities you do. The Canopy Tour will take about 2 1/2 hours.

Description: My group did the Canopy Tour. The Canopy Tour consists of a series of about fourteen zip-lines that zip you through the treetops of the rain forest at breathtaking speeds. Before leaving, the instructors give instructions to the group, including how to use the heavy leather glove that should be kept loosely around the cable at all times to keep yourself oriented correctly, and to slow down if needed.

     Although most of the lines are regular size, there were two extremely long ones, one of which required a minimum weight to ride single; but you could double up if necessary. The last, and longest zip-line is 3,400 feet long and 600 feet high. It passes through a valley to a spot on the other side too far away to see.

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - If you want to take pictures, make sure you have zippered pockets or a secure pouch that your phone will be safe in.
- The harnesses will be very snug. Make sure that you wear clothing long enough to cover all the areas that the harness will touch to avoid chaffing.
- The family Buggy tour is for 4 adults with 2 bumper seats for children under 12.
- Their are a couple of colorful parrots that live at the park headquarters. They are extremely beautiful and "speak Spanish."

Nearby: Tree House restaurant, Monteverde Ecological Sanctuary, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, Bosque Eterno de los Ninos

Spotlight: Costa Rica - Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

Spotlight: The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, which covers 765 acres,  was created in 1992 through the efforts of various community groups, particularly those associated with the Professional Technical College of Santa Elena, Youth Challenge International and the Environmental Life Association. Since it is located along the continental divide, at a height of more than 5,500 feet, it is one of the few "cloud forests" in the world - a term used to indicate a rain forest located on top of a continental divide. Its unique climate makes it ideal to host hundreds of thousands of different organisms - both plant and animal - many of which don't live anywhere else on Earth. A single tree is an entire ecosystem in itself, with dozens of species of plants and animals growing on or living among its roots, trunk and branches. The forest is protected and managed through the funds that are generated through Ecotourism. Its vision is to be a model of participatory administration for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources through ecotourism, training, investigation and environmental education.

Location: La Reserva Santa Elena is located in the Guanacaste Province, Santa Elena, Costa Rica

Cost: Self-guided tours: $15 adult/$7 student; General guided tours: $29 adult/$22 student; Private guided tours: $120 for 1-3 people, plus $29 per additional person (max of 6)

Time: Open from 7:00 am - 4:00 pm daily; plan on spending about 1-3 hours

Description: The Santa Elena Reserve has 5 separate paths you can take to view the vegetation and animals of the cloud forest. Of course, while the plants are always in view, the animals will likely see you before you see them. Although you will probably see birds and insects, you probably won't see any large animals, although jaguars, monkeys and sloths live there. If you are lucky, though, you may spot a quetzal or toucan.

millipede

poison dart frog

     One of the highlights of any tour is being able to climb the observation tower and look out over the landscape. In clear weather, you can see up to 4 volcanoes.

Rating: 3 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Guided tours are offered for up to 8 people, and are offered at 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:30 am and 1:00 pm

- Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance.
- Dress for rain; after all, you are in a rain forest, and there is an average of 7 inches of rainfall per month during the rainy season (May-November). When you add in the moisture that naturally accumulates from the mist brought by the clouds, the annual "rainfall" is about 12 feet.

Nearby: Selvatura Adventure Park, Sky Adventures Monteverde Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, 100% Aventura