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Sep
5
Come Participate in Beach Cleanup Day!
Posted by Editor | September 5, 2009 | Tags: Community Calendar, Environment | Comments Off
| September 19, 2009 |
Puerto Viejo’s diving community and local residents are being called upon to celebrate International Cleanup Day on Saturday, 19 September.
 Keeping the beach clean keeps the birds, fish and people happy! |
Local dive shop Crocodive Caribe is organizing volunteers to target underwater and shoreline debris in the Parquecito area of Puerto Viejo. Project AWARE Foundation coordinates underwater clean up events and urges divers and volunteers to jump in their wetsuits, pull on their gloves and make a splash for trash!
“Project AWARE is pleased to support Crocodive Caribe. Divers are the guardians of our underwater environments – they often see first hand the effects of marine debris on our delicate ecosystem. This event is the largest single day volunteer event on behalf of our underwater environment. It’s a fantastic example of how people can work together to take action.” said Jenny Miller Garmendia, Director of Project AWARE Foundation.
“It’s not too late to get involved,” said Tania Dunkley, who is coordinating the event for Crocodive Caribe
“If you’re interested in participating, drop by our store or give us a call: 2750-0919 And you don’t have to be a diver to get involved. Bring your friends and family along and help make clean waters a reality.”
“We are working closely with local merchants and some San Jose based organizations to make it a family day with entertainment, education, certificates and lots of fun!” said Dunkley
Activities will start at 9 am on Saturday September 19 on the Parquecito beach, near the Puerto Viejo’s police station. Ground volunteers will be asked to collect and categorize debris on the shoreline, while divers will proceed with an underwater cleanup. Crocodive Caribe is providing for free all certified divers with the necessary equipment. For further information call the Site Organizer: Tania Dunkley at 2750-0919 or 8879-5548.
All divers need to confirm participation before the day and will be required to bring their diver certification card and sign an Underwater Liability Release Form.
| About Project AWARE Foundation Project AWARE Foundation, a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. Project AWARE Foundation offices located in Australia, United States, Japan, the United Kingdom and Switzerland combine efforts to conserve aquatic resources in 175 countries of the world. |
Sep
1
$15 fares on Nature Air
Posted by Editor | September 1, 2009 | Tags: Tourism, Transport | Comments Off
No sign of an airport for the Caribbean Coast (even Limon no longer is seeing scheduled flights) but if you want to fly anywhere else in Costa Rica, Nature Air is offering incredible deals on domestic flights within Costa Rica for just $15.
The prices are only available for tickets booked on their website by Sept 15 for travel completed by Oct 31 and is subject to availability. But there are real tickets for sale on this deal: I did a quick search for a flight between San Jose and Tortuguero in September and sure enough a $15 flight was offered.
Go to www.natureair.com, put in your flight search details and look for the “Locos” fare category.
Remember that these are small prop planes with strict luggage limits of 30 pounds (13.6 kg) per person. If you exceed this, expect to pay more for your excess luggage than you paid for your ticket!
Aug
13
The Stars of the Rainforest
Posted by Zoë | August 13, 2009 | Tags: Environment, Tourism | 5 Comments
 Angelina Jolie as worn by Encar, Jaguar Centre |
Angelina Jolie stretched out a delicate hand and gripped mine tightly. I was enchanted. After all it’s not every day that you meet a star. Impressively beautiful but also graceful, her charisma was palpable.
As she wound her tail around my neck and swung upside down I wondered if her namesake has the same ‘star presence’… For the Angelina Jolie I met lives in Playa Chiquita, not Hollywood, but like her namesake, is surrounded by stars – of the Rainforest.
At Jaguar, Rescue Centre for the Protection and Conservation of Wild Fauna of Costa Rica, orphaned, mistreated, injured and confiscated animals are brought to heal and/or grow before being reintroduced where possible, back into their natural habitat in protected areas.
 Young smiley sloths with Blanca, the famous ‘Barefoot Vet’ |
Angelina Jolie and friends are lovingly looked after by the owners of Jaguar, Encar & Sandro who are ably assisted by this coast’s own ‘Barefoot Vet’, Blanca, and enthusiastic volunteers. Encar & Sandro created Jaguar to fulfill a need and it has become their passion and indeed a way of life. Totally committed to conservation and rehabilitation, Encar & Sandro can be found surrounded by an ever changing ‘galaxy of stars’. For a guided visit please telephone 2750 0710 or you can book a tour online through Gecko Trail Adventures which includes transport and other area spots of interest.
 Amanda, dreaming up some new seductive moves. |
Your donation of minimum US$10 will go in entirety to caring for their stars of the rainforest.
Angelina Jolie may be one of the newer stars, but she shares the stage with an impressive cast. Amanda, a flirtatious kinkajou with an eye for a good looking man, is a permanent resident. With three feet instead of four, she lives at Jaguar and practises her seduction techniques on visiting men.
Hollywood stars often claim that working with children or animals is to sacrifice their share of the limelight and certainly the ‘baby stars’ at Jaguar steal the show.
The baby stars at Jaguar may be adorable but the ‘dangerous’ stars have an appeal all their own. Ever seen a Margay up close? Stunningly beautiful, fantastically feline and deceptively cute, try and resist the temptation to play with them…they’re wilder and stronger than they look!
 Eyelash Palm Pitviper |
And last, but certainly not least, are the creepy, slithery stars that can make the hair stand up on the back of your neck if you come across one unexpectedly…The Snakes.
Venomous and non-venomous, Jaguar’s snakes are reassuringly housed so that you can see them up close without fear. But perhaps after listening to Encar or Sandro you might feel quite differently about the Snaky Stars and applaud their efforts to breed endangered snake species to reintroduce into the wild.
So the next time you’re in the area, give Jaguar centre a ring and visit some of the ‘stars of the rainforest’… you’ll be helping to protect the wildlife of Costa Rica and enchantment is guaranteed.
 Amanda enjoys a snack from a volunteer and Sandro |
 A baby raccoon cuddling up with brothers and sisters |
 Baby Ginger monkey with cool dude hairdo |
 Tigrili, the Margay, on the lookout for a game at Jaguar Centre |
 Gianni the owl at Jaguar Centre |
 Terciopelo / Fer de Lance at Jaguar Centre |
All photos taken at Jaguar Centre and used by kind permission.
| Article by Zoë Courtier. Zoë is the proprietor of Geckoes Rainforest River Lodge. Two luxurious holiday houses with private plunge pools in a magnificent rainforest and river setting minutes from Playa Cocles. More information at www.geckoeslodge.com |
Aug
13
Recycling Program Back Online and Needs Volunteers
Posted by Editor | August 13, 2009 | Tags: Uncategorized | Comments Off
Since the recycling service started up again last week they’ve been inundated with six times the normal amount of materials. You have done a Fabulous job of saving your recyclables while the service was suspended.
Our friends at Biological Corridor have taken over the day to day management of the collection and separation system. You can understand, as with any new endeavor, there is a learning curve.
Have you seen our recycling center? It’s set in the jungle, bordered with gingerbread, there’s a really cool recycled bottle wall. Now, imagine the recycling center literally overflowing with tons of materials for the new team to deal with.
The Corridor is calling for you to come give a hand.
It may not be sexy work, but it is work that you can feel good about! The Corridor is seeking volunteers to participate in the process from now and until about a month from now when they can get on top of this big and important job.
Some businesses, thank you Hotel Guaraná, Casa Viva, & Café Viejo, have sent employees to the recycling collection center in Patiño to help out for a day or three (and they’ve paid their salaries!)
Please contact:
Alaine, in English: at
ATEC 2750 0398 or
cel 8320 4821 or
home for a while 2750 0089
or the Corridor en español:
2756 8033 or
2756 8136
If you can’t help out in person, consider making a donation. You can arrange that through ATEC or online with a credit card here on Puerto Viejo Satellite and we will cover all credit card fees so 100% of your donation gets to the organization.
Source: Greencoast.com: Urgent Call for Volunteers–Llamada para voluntarios
Aug
5
New Immigration Law Passes 2nd Reading
Posted by Editor | August 5, 2009 | Tags: Government and Politics | 3 Comments
The details of the much talked about new immigration law are now basically final.
The measure was passed yesterday in what should be its final form. It will take effect six months after the administration publishes the law in La Gaceta so while there is some small measure of flexibility for when the government will implement it, the details are set.
The law is of great interest to the many ex-pats from North America and Europe who make their homes in the Puerto Viejo area as well as to the even greater number of Central American migrants from Nicaragua and other places.
Some of the highlights include:
- All residents will be required to join the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social as a condition of their residency.
- A new immigration police force will be formed out of the Fuerza Publica to enforce the provisions of the law
- Immigrants applying as pensionados (a status that allows a foreigner residency as a retiree but not to work) will now have to prove a monthly income of $1000US/month, up from $600. However, the part of the law that made that provision retroactive to pensionados already here was deleted so that worry was avoided.
- Immigrants applying as rentistas (a status that allows a foreigner residency and to work as a business owner or investor) will now have to prove a monthly income of $2500/month but this includes status for close family members.
- Police will now only be able to detain a person for a maximum of 24 hours while their immigration status is being verified.
The law does not address the issue of perpetual tourists, those who leave the country for 3 days every 90 days and then return for a new 90 day visa. Some in government had suggested a rule allowing a maximum of two 90 day stays per year.
More details: La Nación: Próximo Gobierno tendrá nueva ley migratoria
Jul
30
Police Stations Face Deadline to Upgrade Septic
Posted by Editor | July 30, 2009 | Tags: Government and Politics | 1 Comment
A long standing complaint that the Puerto Viejo and Cahuita police stations did not have proper septic tanks has esclated with the Ministry of Health ordering the building to be closed.
The station in Puerto Viejo, located beachfront, has already had a septic tank donated by the local tourism association CATCAS and local business owners doing construction in the area have stepped in and donated work to get the septic field built.
So apparently the work is well under way.
But an A.M. Costa Rica article yesterday alarmed many people as it only mentioned the closure order and not the fact that work is ongoing.
The tourism board among others are negotiating with the health ministry to make sure the order is delayed so that the work can be completed and Puerto Viejo is not left without a police station.
Update: One of our readers contacted The Tico Times, a generally more reliable source, and got this additional information from reporter Mike McDonald:
Thank you for your concern about the police stations in Puerto Viejo and Cahuita. I have received a lot of emails about this article in the past 24 hours and there is some confusion about the issue. The police stations are not closing nor is anyone trying to close them.
This is what happened: The Ministry of Health issued a series of orders to the Ministry of Public Security about some health and safety concerns they noticed in police stations along the Atlantic coast, which is nothing abnormal. The Health Ministry requested that the station in Puerto Viejo replace a damaged door, install a new fire extinguisher, replace some old electric outlets and repair two windows.
The only closure the Health Ministry issued was for the kitchen and the bedroom in the police station in Tuba Creek. The Tuba Creek police station will remain open, but officers will not be able to cook or sleep there until the two rooms are cleaned and repaired. I confirmed this information with both ministries. I also spoke with Luis Videla, the man from the Southern Zone Chameber of Commerce cited in the AM Costa Rica article. His concern was mis-communicated in AM Costa Rica’s story. His wish was to call a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Public Security, which has been scheduled for next Monday, to ensure that the police stations comply with the Health Ministry’s requests so they do not have to close the station in the future.
Jul
27
Internet Scam Offers Buyers Area Real Estate
Posted by Editor | July 27, 2009 | Tags: Real Estate | 1 Comment
 This lot plan or variations thereof which have been image flipped and renumbered have accompanied many of the scam sale offerings |
It seems that buyers have been plunking down large sums of money on the internet to buy lots in what appears to be a non-existent subdivision development in the Margarita-Sixaola area.
Caribe Sur Real Estate has received visits from a number of people who have visited their offices looking for assistance in locating the property they’ve bought.
The lots are being promoted on a various websites including eBay and marketed as 1.75 acre ocean view properties.
The lots are promoted as ready to build with “nearby” electricity, roads and septic sewer systems in place. There is no electricity, there are no roads, there is no subdivision, there are no septic sewage systems, the land is raw jungle and sometimes very steep.
Caribe Sur checked with the local municipality and they have no knowledge of such a development. They checked with all the neighbors – including those on the supposed land survey – and none have ever heard of such a development – or such a neighbor!
Of the many victims who have flown down to locate their investment once they have made the final payment – none have ever found the lots. Topographers have been hired – neighbors have been harassed – some even sued – and yet no buyer has ever ended up with what they purchased.
Caribe Sur contacted the seller who is listing many of these properties, Michael Leu, and asked him to come down and show them the lots, or send someone down that knows them – but they have been ignored. He has never done so – not for them and not for any of his buyers.
The rules of real estate in Costa Rica can be complex, can depend on where the land is located (rules for within reserve areas and for in the maritime zone are different for example), and can be unfamiliar for foreigners. Some common sense rules though should keep you safe:
1. Don’t buy property sight unseen.
2. Consult a local lawyer who has been referred by someone you trust (not the seller) on any transaction and before any money is exchanged.
3. Check local market conditions and prices. In this area, land is generally priced at a particular amount per square meter (depending on the view, location, etc). If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Using a reputable local real estate agency is a good place to start your search. The Puerto Viejo Real Estate page has a list of local agencies and developers.
The area and the lifestyle is also not for everyone. So don’t rush into buying. There are many affordable rentals where you could spend 6 months or more getting to know the area before you purchase a lot.
Sharing information about scams like this is a good way to make them powerless to affect people. Caribe Sur has published a detailed page on this scam with much more information on how this is being marketed and how people can avoid this. We aplaud all the work they’ve done to document this and suggest you share this information and the link http://www.caribesur-realestate.com/margarita/ widely on Costa Rica message boards and such.
Jul
27
Bracelet? T-Shirt? Joint?
Posted by Editor | July 27, 2009 | Tags: Crime & Punishment | 1 Comment
 Local artisans at the market along the Puerto Viejo beachfront |
Investigators have busted a vendor at the artisan’s market in Puerto Viejo who was selling marijuana along with bracelets, necklaces and other assorted souvenirs.
La Nacion reports that the man, with the last name Velázquez, but known to local police as Juan, had been under surveillance for several days by OIJ investigators from Limon.
The investigators were responding to anonymous complaints from neighbors that drugs were being sold openly at the market, which is on the main road in downtown Puerto Viejo.
On Friday, the agents made 5 drug purchases and then arrested Velaquez. They seized several marijuana joints along with a collection of bracelets. As well, they seized several marked bills which had been used in the drug purchases.
A judge in Limon then gave Velaquez six months of preventative detention while the investigation and court case proceeds.
More: La Nación: Artesano vendía drogas a turistas en Puerto Viejo
Jul
22
Puerto Viejo named to list of “Top 10 Cheap Beach Vacations” Worldwide
Posted by Editor | July 22, 2009 | Tags: Tourism | 6 Comments
The website Away.com has named their list of their top 10 cheap beach vacations and Puerto Viejo has landed right in the middle of the list! Their list is:
1. Cannon Beach, Oregon
2. Tulum, Mexico
3. Placencia, Belize
4. Morro de Sao Paulo, Brazil
5. Negril, Jamaica
6. Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
7. Cape Ann, Massachusetts
8. Huntington Beach, California
9. Outer Banks, North Carolina
10. Destin, Florida
We think we’re #1 but we’ll take the compliment! You can read the article here.
Jul
16
Police who charge tourist $100 for smoking marijuana detained
Posted by Editor | July 16, 2009 | Tags: Crime & Punishment | Comments Off
Two policemen in Puerto Viejo, identified by their surnames Morales and Pereira, have been detained and suspended after allegedly extorting a bribe from a Canadian tourist who they caught smoking marijuana.
The incident happened on Sunday afternoon when the two officers apparently came upon the Canadian man and his girlfriend smoking marijuana. They said that if they were not paid, they would take harsh action. The man paid them $40 and agreed to meet them later to pay the rest of the amount.
A local businessman though was aware of the situation and called the chief of the police in Bribri. Together with officers from the judicial investigation office (OIJ), they arrested the two officers.
The two policemen have been charged with the crime of extortion, a crime which is punishable by a prison term of 2 to 8 years.
In addition, they have been suspended from their positions for 3 months pending the investigation and barred from contacting anyone involved in the case.
Source: La Nación: Policías cobran $100 a turista para dejarlo fumar marihuana
Jun
26
Recession? says Who?
Posted by Editor | June 26, 2009 | Tags: Economic Development, Local Business News | 6 Comments
You would never know there was a recession in Puerto Viejo with the number of projects currently underway. And on top of all the building, they are finally making progress in fixing the roads. Rumor has it that they are hoping to complete the pavment between Hone Creek and Puerto Viejo with final black top in September and October, as that is when there is the least chance of rain.
 New Palí store in Hone Creek on opening day.  Local artisan David at Muebles Rustico across the street from the new Palí  The new Banco Naciónal bank building |
Today was the opening of the new Palí in Hone Creek. They are known throughout Central America as the discount grocer. Controlling interest of Palí along with 4 other Central American supermarket chains were bought by Walmart a few years back. If today’s line ups and traffic jam to get in are any indication, it will be a huge success.
David, local furniture builder and wood artist who works right across the street, seemed happy with the opening. It seemed more important to him that there would be more women to watch than the opportunity to sell more furniture.
Hone Creek was also just graced with a new office for the local water company. It seems that Hone creek will be the central town for most supporting services to the area. Large construction material provider, Colono is located right in the center and opened just over 1 year ago.
The new Banco National Building which is right next door to the Bank of Costa Rica has just been completed and is ready for occupancy. In addition to the bank there will be some offices and retail also in the buillding.
As if one new Supermarket was not enough, developers are wasting no time in constructing a new Mega-Super right in downtown Puerto Viejo. Prices will not be as low as discounter Palí, but will provide some competition for the current markets in town whose prices often seem aimed at tourists, making living and shopping in the community difficult for locals. This can be a real hardship for the locals, when typical salaries run $400- $500 month.
And finally, a gas station. Just down from the new Palí is a new gas station just going in. It should be ready in a couple months. Right now, the closest one is in Penshurt, 22 kms away, so advance planning and wasted fuel is required for a fill-up. Local sources say it will have the same owner as the station in Penshurt.
Not all are thrilled by all these displays of capitalism, as the lively debate on the Talamanca News on previous development news has proven.
 New gas station building site, Hone Creek. |
 New Mega Super site, Puerto Viejo. |
Jun
25
Police apprehend five undocumented African migrants in Manzanillo
Posted by Editor | June 25, 2009 | Tags: Crime & Punishment | Comments Off
Police arrested five migrants of African origin who had been abandoned by smugglers on the beach in Manzanillo, reported an official today.
The Security Ministry said in a statement that the incident took place last Wednesday, when police discovered five foreigners, allegedly from Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea, who were walking in an unknown direction and with no identification documents.
Apparently, the five foreigners were abandoned on Manzanillo beach, near Puerto Viejo, and made to believe they were in Canada, presumably the final destination of the trip, the ministry explained.
The five were identified as Glemeskel Berivan, 26 years, Golden Assefa, 25, both from Ethiopia, Allen Negash, 24, from Eritrea, and Almeda Ali, 26, and an unidentified minor under 16, both from Somalia.
The Costa Rican authorities believe that 28 other Africans may have been abandoned in the coastal area near Panama by the same smugglers.
In November 2008 officers seized in Costa Rica four Eritreans, who also entered the country without documents.
The authorities indicated that there are at least two ways in which African immigrants illegally enter Costa Rica: both start in Europe.
Some of them enter Italy illegally, where they get a permit to travel in the European Union. Then they go to Spain and from there are flown to Costa Rica, to cross Central America and Mexico by land to reach the United States.
Africans also have taken flights from Malta, an island located near southern Italy, to Venezuela, then moved by sea or land, mostly with a final destination of the United States.
Source: Univision: Policía de Costa Rica aprehende a cinco inmigrantes africanos sin documentos
Jun
23
CATCAS General Meeting on July 20
Posted by Editor | June 23, 2009 | Tags: Community Calendar, Local Business News | Comments Off
| July 20, 2009 | ||
| 2:45 pm | to | 4:45 pm |
CATCAS, the South Caribbean Tourism and Business Board, is announcing a general meeting for all members on Monday July 20. The meeting will begin at 2:45pm at the Casa de la Cultura in Puerto Viejo.
There is only one item on the agenda for this special meeting: discussion of a project to construct facilities for the association and authorization to seek financing for this.
Questions should be directed to Rolando Soto at turismocaribesur@yahoo.com.
Jun
21
Murder Suspect Released
Posted by Editor | June 21, 2009 | Tags: Crime & Punishment | Comments Off
On Wednesday, the court in Limon released the suspect who has accused of the murder of Carlos Navarro, known locally as Rulos.
The suspect, identified in the latest La Nación article by last name Lewis (but previously referred to by last name Mitchell) was initially ordered held in preventative detention for three months by a Bribri judge. He had been held since June 3. The prosecutor had said there was sufficient proof to hold him while the investigation proceeded but the Limon judge has taken a different view.
Source: La Nación: Tribunal de Limón libera a tres asaltantes y a acusado de crimen
Jun
18
Find Restaurant Menus Online!
Posted by Editor | June 18, 2009 | Tags: Site news | 3 Comments
Trying to find a place to eat? You can now explore restaurant menus online on Puerto Viejo Satellite.
Head to the Restaurants page and look for listings which have a View Menu shown.
Some menus you can see which we have so far are:
If you’re a restaurant owner or manager, email us a clear photo, PDF or Word document of your menu and we’ll get it posted.
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