If an ardent sun worshipper and beach lover were to design the ideal destination, chances are it would look much like Costa Rica! This gorgeous Central American nation is blessed with tranquil neighbors: the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. For visitors, this means a wide array of beaches, from gentle waters and fluffy white sand to fast waves and shell-filled walks on the coast. Big Five Tours introduces its visitors to the best of Costa Rica, ensuring that, whatever your vision of an ideal beach, it is fully realized.
Costa Rica has over 300 beaches. Why not explore them all? However, if you have time only for a few, these are our top picks:
If surfing is on your mind, set aside a day for Playa Avellana. Conditions are perfect year-round for experienced surfers, and the surrounding area offers plenty of accommodations. The beach, set against a backdrop of old trees, mangroves, and fields, is as diverse as Costa Rica itself. In some spots, you can stroll along rocky shores and wade in tide pools. In others, you can enjoy the dazzling turquoise water and powdery sand. Be sure to stop for some pizza at the famous Lola’s, a beachside bar.
Playa Potrero appeals to a wide range of visitors, making it the ideal spot if you are traveling with companions. While some of you lounge on the beach and gaze at the turquoise water, others can try scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. The beautiful setting offers endless views of exotic plant life and volcanic mountain ranges. Why not charter a boat at the nearby marina for a fun afternoon of exploration, or venture into the rainforest at the nearby Palo Verde Natural Reserve or Santa Rosa National Park? Adventure awaits!
Find serenity in nature. Driving into the charming village is a fun excursion in itself, but then you arrive at the small beach. Nestled in a protective cove (and connected to another, larger beach, Play Corozalito), Punta Islita is surrounded by lush greenery. Keep your eyes open for numerous bird species or the Howler monkey. Here, you can catch some rays or opt to go horseback riding, jet skiing, or kayaking. Accommodations nearby make this an ideal destination.
With hundreds of other exceptional choices, you are sure to find your ideal beach in Costa Rica with Big Five Tours.
It’s not always easy to pick a destination to visit. That’s why we created this travel quiz to help you figure out where your next beach vacation should be!
Bhutan is a land of incredible diversity – and beauty. Dramatic glacial mountain peaks, rugged alpine shrub, and subtropical forests create ideal habitats for thriving wildlife populations. But to be sure that man doesn’t tread too heavily on nature, the Bhutanese government has always been proactive, and progressive, in its environmental policies. Approximately 26 percent of the country is protected as biological refuges, and among its most treasured residents are the sleek, powerful cats. Big Five Tours offers you a ticket to this most isolated and exciting of lands.
In 2012, the wildlife community was thrilled when the elusive Pallas’s cat, also called manul, was captured on film in the Wangchuck Centennial Park. This species, rarely seen, has roamed Bhutan’s rocky ledges for millions of years, changing little. Also making an infrequent appearance on film that year was a baby snow leopard. These remarkable, and shy, creatures are endangered, and it is believed this sleeping baby, tailed curled around his body to keep warm, was one of only 7,000 left in the world.
Bhutan is the land of hidden beasts! In addition to these very rare species, researchers have discovered what they call “hidden” tigers, living in the Himalayas. It was previously thought that the beasts couldn’t stand the high altitude or frigid temperatures. Other feline inhabitants of Bhutan: the clouded and common leopards, the leopard cat (a little “big” cat), the Asian Golden Cat, marbled cat, and the Eurasian lynx.
While big cats are notoriously elusive, that can’t stop intrepid travelers from trying – and, in the process, seeing Bhutan’s gorgeous landscape and other wildlife species – at the various national parks. Royal Manas National Park, a World Heritage Site, Wangchuck, Phipsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thrumshingla National Park, Jigme Dorji National Park, and many other parks and refuges allow visitors to enjoy the best of Bhutan.
To protect its natural resources and biodiversity, Bhutan requires a daily tourist tariff. If you have been searching for an exclusive experience, look no further. Big Five Tours can arrange your trip, and a local guide will accompany you. In addition to the gorgeous vistas and wealth of natural beauty, you will have the opportunity to engage with Bhutan’s vibrant culture, discover hidden villages, tour historic monasteries, and meet with warm and welcoming Bhutanese people.
Explore Bhutan; there are wonders to behold at every turn, both natural and manmade. And always keep an eye open for the mysterious, sleek, big cats!
Palm trees, pure white sands, crystal clear azure waters, cloudless blue skies, a living dream, this is the only way one could describe the Maldives. Many wonder where all those picture perfect beach photographs in postcards and calendars come from. Wonder no more, it is most likely taken from the Maldives Islands.
You should now start wondering something else. How to get yourself in that picture and experience it first hand? Lucky for you we can help. But first here is a little background on the Islands (as if you need even more reasons to visit):
The Maldives are almost naturally perfect and beautiful. Located in the southwest of Sri Lanka, the island nation is made up of over 2,000 coral islands, many of which are uninhabited. The majority of inhabitants reside on only one of the 202 inhabited islands.
The capital city Male houses ¼ of the population. On many islands, people live completely across the land as they have for thousands of years.
How to get there: The Maldives are very tourist friendly as they depend upon tourism for their economy. There are several airlines to choose from when choosing a flight to the main airport. Once there small air taxis or boats help visitors get from island to island.
Accomodations range from budget to ultra-luxury. If you really want to go all out, many islands are used as a private resort sanctuary.
The twin islands of New Zealand are jam packed with fantastic destinations. It is impossible to get the full experience in one trip. If you were to visit New Zealand a thousand times, you are sure to have a thousand unique experiences. What should you see? What should you do? These top three destinations have something for everyone to enjoy and are sure to have you planning your next trip before you even leave!
Waitomo Caves
If you are looking for an experience that you can’t get anywhere else, travel to the Waitomo Caves in the Waikato Region. These caves have been changing and evolving for over 30 million years! A trip through the caves will allow you to see stalactites, stalagmites and other cave critters. However, there is one particular critter that will amaze you. The Waitomo Caves are home to a species of worm named Arachnocampa luminosa which actually glow! Thousands of these blue glowworms create a light show that can only be seen in these caves.
Auckland
A trip to Auckland provides you with the opportunity to experience a mix of contemporary amenities, natural beauty and vibrant Polynesian culture. Here you can wander through art galleries, taste wine from famous New Zealand vineyards, and enjoy active nightlife. Auckland is the perfect place to enjoy the cosmopolitan life as well as experience the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Due to the abundance of activities available for travelers, Auckland should be on your New Zealand must-see list.
Otago Peninsula
If you travel to the South Island’s Otago Peninsula, you will find a paradise set in the middle of an urban environment. Along with lush pastures, sandy beaches and volcanoes, you will get to meet some of New Zealand’s most famous residents. Yellow-eyed penguins, blue penguins, albatross, sea lions, fur seals and other creatures can all be seen. Once you get your fill of nature, return to the city to enjoy art, wine, culture and dining. The Otago Peninsula is the perfect example of how man and nature can live together in harmony.
Of all the words you could use to describe New Zealand, “unique” probably describes it best. This is one destination that will create multiple memories that will last a lifetime.
Tigers are among the most impressive animals in the world. They are the perfect combination of strength, speed and agility. Despite their awesome attributes, the tiger population is actually shrinking. To combat this, countries like India have set up special programs and preserves to help save the tigers.
The Tiger Project was started in 1972 and was created as an effort to ensure that national parks and sanctuaries in India are protected. This project has helped protect many tigers from poaching and extinction. The efforts of the Tiger Project can be seen at the Ranthambore Tiger Preserve. This is considered one of the best places to spot these incredible felines. This preserve offers tours where you can see tigers, nilgai, wild boar, hyena, sloth, leopards and more. The Ranthambore Tiger Preserve is definitely the premier destination for those who want to observe tigers.
Another good place to do some tiger watching is the Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh. One interesting fact about this park is that it was said to be Rudyark Kiplin’s inspiration for the classic, Jungle Book. Similar to the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, the Kanha National Park is also a great place to see tigers as well as other impressive animals. Visitors can expect to see bears, elephant and peacocks in addition to the resident tigers.
While the Tiger Project has suffered its setbacks, it has definitely helped to protect tigers from extinction. It would be a shame to think that without efforts to help save tigers all over the world, children born today may never have the opportunity to see them. If you are aching for the chance to see these spectacular animals in the wild, be sure to plan a trip to India and visit both the Ranthambore Tiger Preserve and Kanha National Park.
When you travel for fun, it’s hard to pick out your next destination. That’s why we’ve invented a fun way to help you decide. Take our travel quiz and start planning!
Botswana is a country in southern Africa that is very unique. It is considered one of the least populated countries in the world. Only about 2 million people live in Botswana, so the animals literally outnumber the humans! The landscape is mostly desert, however there are a few areas that can sustain the beautiful animals that people usually go to Africa to see. One of these special places is the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve.
The Linyanti Wildlife Reserve borders the Chobe River, and is a vast area that has grasslands, woodlands, and even islands. A majority of people who visit the reserve are hoping to see some of the animals that occupy this diverse area. Some of the animals you might see are elephants, zebras, impalas, giraffes and antelopes. One particularly beautiful site is when thousands of zebras gather to head south for the summertime. It has to be seen to be believed. Daytime in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve is full of activity, and so is the nighttime. Lions, cheetahs, wild dogs and leopards relax during the day, but are very active at night. Bird lovers will also have a great time in the reserve as there are hundreds of species of birds. Observing these animals in their natural habitats is something every world traveler must experience.
If you are searching for an all-natural adventure, you will definitely want to visit the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. The plants, animals and landscapes of Botswana will come alive and leave you with some of the most exciting memories ever.
There are so many things to do in Peru that it can be overwhelming; where do you get started? Do you visit the Andes first or explore the desert? What about adventure through the Amazon rainforest or ancient ruins? No matter what you decide, you can rest assured that you will have an amazing time that is full of possibilities.
Iquitos
If you are a nature lover, you will love Iquitos. This city rests on the banks of the Amazon River and cannot be reached by road. Once you arrive, you will notice the exotic flora and fauna that surrounds you. If you want to explore the natural offerings of Iquitos, be sure to visit the many parks and nature reserves. Once you are done exploring the rainforest, it would also be a good idea to explore the culture of the city as well. The people of Iquitos are known for their rich traditions and hospitality.
Machu Picchu
If you have ever dreamed of visiting an ancient lost city, then you absolutely must visit Machu Picchu. Set high in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is one of the most famous archeological sites in the world. While there are sure to be other tourists, seeing the staircases, temples, palaces and fountains are well worth dealing with the crowds. The beauty and history of Machu Picchu is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Peru.
Lima
If you are interesting in discovering the culture of Peru, be sure to pay a visit to Lima. Here you will find a busy city that still hangs on to its culture and traditions. This perfect mix of past, present and future is as vibrant as it is interesting. While in Lima, take advantage of the great shopping and sample of some o f the finest cuisine in the world!
As you can see, Peru definitely has something for everyone. No matter what you are in search for, Peru is sure to charm and amaze you with its diversity, culture and spirit.
Fun Fact: Visit the ruins of one of the world’s most sophisticated and legendary cultures, the Mayans.
Nestled between Zambia and Zimbabwe is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. Victoria Falls is a waterfall that is 1.7 kilometers wide and 108 meters tall, which makes it the largest in the world. This waterfall has to be seen, as it is a testament of how powerful nature can be.
Victoria Falls is known by the locals as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” and has been an object of intrigue for travelers for over a hundred years. Scottish explorer David Livingstone journeyed to Africa in the 19th century and wrote about his experience with Victoria Falls. In his work Narrative of an Expedition to the Zambesi and its Tributaries, he describes the waterfall as something that is so majestic that it is hard to put into words. Victoria Falls still continues to mesmerize onlookers more than a century later.
While the height and width of the falls is astounding, even more interesting is its geological makeup. Other great waterfalls like Niagara were formed by the slow recession of rock over which the river falls, while it seems that Victoria Falls seems to have been formed by a crack across the river. This mighty rift is the reason why spectators can see the entire length of the falls head on.
Visitors travel to Victoria Falls every year to marvel at the power of the river. In 1989, it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both geological and ecological values. If your travels will take you to Zambia or Zimbabwe, make sure you adventure out to see the Victoria Falls. It will be an experience you won’t forget.
Fun Fact: Beach lovers, you’ll fall for Tela’s “Hidden Port.” Pristine beaches are ringed with verdant rain forests: paradise.
In a world that is increasingly tech-savvy, it can be hard to find mystique. However, there is one place in the world that maintains its ancient allure. The ruins of Machu Picchu are tucked away in the Andes Mountains of Peru and are home to a wealth of ancient mysteries.
Machu Picchu is a secluded ancient city that is almost a secret. Sitting 2000 feet above the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu cannot be seen from the ground. The surroundings of this five-square-mile city are home to houses, baths, temples, parks, palaces and storage rooms which are all beautifully preserved. If you are an architecture buff, you will definitely be impressed by the workmanship of the ruins. Blocks of granite weighing more than fifty tons are intricately arranged so that not even a knife blade can fit between the cracks. The attention to detail that was used to build Machu Picchu is incredible!
You might have guessed that Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s most visited tourist attraction. One thing you might not know is that it is also on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in Danger. Visitors are encourages to be very gentle and tread lightly to help preserve the ruins. It would be a shame if future generations aren’t able to enjoy them.
When preparing for a trip to Machu Picchu, remember that this location is rather secluded so there will be a lot of walking. You will also want to bring plenty of water and sunscreen as the Peruvian sun can be tough. There are guided tours available if you would prefer, however wandering the ruins yourself can be an equally exciting experience.
Are you ready to explore the ancient and mysterious Machu Picchu?
Fun Fact: Don’t just soak in the Maldivian culture: participate in it! Join a dance class or learn to play the traditional bamboo and hide Bodu Beru drums.
One of the most common words used to describe Kenya is “magical”. For evidence of this, all you need to do is watch the Wildebeest Migration at Maasi Mara. Over a million wildebeest follow the smell of rain in hopes of finding fresh grass. Not only is this an amazing sight, it is also an amazing sound! You can literally hear the heard approaching, millions of hoof beats drumming like thunder. There are wildebeest as far as the eye can see, with some zebras sprinkled in as well. This migration can be very dangerous to members of the heard, as predators such as lions and hyenas are drawn to the spectacle. The dung from the migrating animals serves as a fertilizer for the plains, setting the stage for next year’s migration.
As impressive as the great Migration is, it’s only one of the many extraordinary experiences that awaits travelers who visit Kenya. The country’s natural splendor starts with its weather as it is a year-round tropical haven for travelers from around the globe. Usually the days are bright and sunny and the nights are cool. The agreeable climate makes the gorgeous beaches and national parks enjoyable any time of the year. The weather alone makes Kenya stand out from other destinations, but there is so much more to this African gem.
One of the biggest elements to Kenya’s natural beauty is its wildlife. Even excluding the great Migration, Kenya offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world as the famed Big Five call it home. The lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant can all be seen roaming free. While there definitely is no absolute guarantee you will see all of the Big Five in one trip, the possibilities are pretty good!
In reality, the only word that can come close to describe everything Kenya has to offer is “magical”. Whether you want to just take in the scenery or go in search of the Big Five, Kenya is definitely for those who seek natural beauty.
Fun Fact: The 18th Century Fortaleza de San Fernando de Omoa was built to protect the coast from pirates.
Fun Fact: San Lorenzo depends on tourism for its economic well being; local artisans offer wonderful goods for a bargain.
If you are passionate about the ocean, Belize hosts some of the clearest waters you have ever seen.
If you are looking for a little bit of Central American heat with a splash of Caribbean water, Belize is the place for you. Visitors to Belize will experience a place of total perfection where they can enjoy the best of both worlds. As soon as you step off of the plane, you are surrounded by the brilliant colors of the sapphire ocean and the lush native foliage. The people of Belize are always ready for a good time as there is plenty of shopping, lounging, eating and adventures to be had. When you return from your trip, you will wonder if your experience was real or a dream.
There are many national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and marine reserves to explore while in Belize. Over forty percent of the country is protected, so you are likely to see plenty of native animals both on land and sea. Hiking tours are a great idea as you will be guided through some very interesting places and will be able to observe creatures that you can’t see anywhere else in the world. If you are passionate about the ocean, Belize hosts some of the clearest waters you have ever seen. Snorkeling with the sea turtles is definitely an enriching experience.
While Belize is becoming a more popular tourist destination, the country does everything it can to ensure that it keeps its habitats and animals safe. When traveling to Belize, keep this in mind. With so many amazing things to see and do, treading carefully while visiting can help preserve the natural beauty of the county. This way, both natives and visitors can enjoy everything that Belize has to offer.
Because of their attention to environmental conservation, Belize has become a very unique place that showcases the best of ecotourism. The luxury buildings and hotels have been erected were done so with the environment in mind. They even use solar energy and reclaimed wood! You might leave Belize feeling greener than when you arrived.
The people of Belize are very proud of their country and are doing everything that they can to ensure that it stays both healthy and beautiful for those who wish to see it. When visiting, take your time so that you can take in everything that it has to offer and come away revitalized from the wealth of the planet.
Fun Fact: Close to Yojoa Lake, the Pulhapanzak waterfall is as grand as Niagara and drops a stunning 140 feet.
Fun Fact: Turiplaza is the largest marketplace for Honduran artisans; folk dancers show off their own living art!
