Costa Rica Vacation Condos
Video Gallery
by Joe Di Franco on June 10, 2016 at 10:35 PM
...that places like this still exist on this ravaged planet is simply...hopeful.
by Joe Di Franco on March 28, 2016 at 11:33 AM
by Joe Di Franco on March 28, 2016 at 11:31 AM
by Joe Di Franco on December 11, 2015 at 11:31 PM
A time honored tradition of making tamales in Costa Rica... A Christmas favourite.
Giselle Bundchen 's new video/song...
by Joe Di Franco on December 4, 2015 at 6:07 PM
Giselle wraps up her video simply with: "...and that's a wrap from BEAUTIFUL Costa Rica!" What else can I say other then agree with her totally. Pura vida :)
by Joe Di Franco on September 11, 2015 at 7:00 PM
...everything you wanted to know about CR and you weren't afraid to see it. :) enjoy.
by Joe Di Franco on August 25, 2015 at 11:23 PM
A video tour of our fully renovated VG#10 unit.
by Joe Di Franco on June 27, 2015 at 5:55 PM
The best service, friendliest staff and amazing outing on every cruise of the Gulf of Papagayo --from beach hopping to snorkeling to kayaking and much more.
by Joe Di Franco on June 25, 2015 at 10:26 PM
Our little Playa del Coco has an anthem! enjoy...
MyTanFeet --five to 8 day Guanacaste tou...
by Joe Di Franco on April 17, 2015 at 10:24 PM
The wonder couple, MyTanFeet.com, has done it again with a wonderful video of a 5-8 day suggested itinerant. Of course you can alter it as you desire or extend it even to more exploration of this wonderful garden called Costa Rica.
Tom Brady in CR
by Joe Di Franco on March 29, 2015 at 5:42 PM
see for yourselves...
by Joe Di Franco on February 8, 2015 at 8:11 PM
title says it all...but I can simply add another 100 plus reasons to visit. :)
by Joe Di Franco on December 23, 2014 at 8:19 PM
from Videographers Frank and Sandy...
Published on Jun 20, 2014
Come with us as we travel across Costa Rica and see it like you've never seen it before. Full High Resolution 1080p, full HD stereo sound. Stunning wildlife, landscapes, towns and places. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy! Travel with us to La Paz Waterfalls, Poas Volcano, Carara National Park, Coco Beach, Punteranas, Atenas, Grecia,Hotel Villa Caletas, and so much more!
by Joe Di Franco on December 22, 2014 at 5:48 PM
I will let the tune lyrics and images speak. Enjoy.
Playa Penca (Coco's hidden jewel)
by Joe Di Franco on December 14, 2014 at 5:40 PM
Video courtesy of our friends at MYTANFEET.com and posting it to Youtube.
Playa Penca in Guanacaste, Costa Rica has become one of my favorite beaches to visit during our stay. (But this isn't the one near Playa Potrero.) This is a little hidden beach that we were first introduced to by our friends at ArroyoAdventure as a snorkelling destination and later they taxied us by boat to it for a picnic and a few hours of beach fun. We brought drinks and food, and they dropped off a kayak for us to enjoy --three hours later, then picked us up and returned us to Coco..
Playa Penca is at Point Caciche (where the northern ridge of Playa del Coco beach meets the ocean). Unlike Coco beach's golden brown sand and sand-blurred water, Penca's white powder sand and clear turquoise water offer a Caribbean- type feel. Penca is truly a secluded beach -unless beach-hoppers or snorkelers are visiting, very few access this jewel and hidden treasure. Playa Penca is easily accessible by water via kayak, seadoo/jet-ski, or boat; it only takes about 20 to 30 minutes kayaking! Only accessibly by car (read SUV) in the past few years, thanks to future developers that have built access roads. You will find its access on the road between Coco and Playa Hermosa (just before you start to head downhill towards Playa Hermosa.) As you drive down to the parking area, you get amazing views of Playas del Coco, on your left, and Playa Hermosa on your right. A small parking area marks the end of the driveable road. Grab your towels and beach items (drinks and snacks too) and find the path that will lead you down to the beach --approximately 250m hike down to the beach. Walking down along the path, you experience that true unspoiled nature of Costa Rica.
Please note: there are no facilities here! Not in the parking lot and not on the beach. Or at least not yet! But the seclusion and scenery are definitely ...priceless.
by Joe Di Franco on December 11, 2014 at 9:21 PM
Our very own Canadian, Alanis Morissette lending her talented voice to a new documentary on the "story" of coffee ... As we sip our rich java each morning, we never think about where this exquisite liquid comes from or how many people it took to cultivate the beans required for it. Surprisingly, most of the people who work diligently to bring us our cup of coffee are actually women.
by Joe Di Franco on November 30, 2014 at 5:24 PM
Simply another talented individual working with the richness and natural "talents" of CR highlighting the sites, sounds, and pleasures of this wonderful destination.
Costa Rica -- A Nature Vacation Experien...
by Joe Di Franco on November 30, 2014 at 5:11 PM
Produced by Global Television and Published on Mar 23, 2014: a travel video about Costa Rica.
.. everything you wanted to know about CR but you were simply waiting to ask....
Costa Rica is a fascinating country in Central America bordered by Nicaragua and Panama, a natural paradise between the Caribbean and the Pacific. Located at more than a thousand metres above sea level, San José, Costa Rica's capital city, not only boasts an idyllic location in the heart of Central America's coffee country, but also an enviable climate. The extent to which Costa Rica joins with European tradition can be seen in the Teatro Nacional. The coffee barons, to whom the glorious development of San José is owed, created taxes for the export of coffee beans and thus funded the construction of the magnificent building. In a fertile mountain valley at the foot of a volcano, is Turrialba, a town that radiates a serene calm but once was an important station on the route of the Jungle Train from San José to the Atlantic coast. The crater of the Poas Volcano is surrounded by the dense green of a rainforest and overlooks the north western Meseta Central. Although it is one of the country's most active volcanoes, it is the most visited, as visitors can go by car almost to the edge of the crater. The Rain Forest Aerial Tram is Costa Rica's most popular tourist attraction, a ride on an open gondola through the jungle. A journey of discovery amid a canopy of trees, hovering at treetop level through the solitude of nature. Fascinating nature, "joie de vivre" and colonial history are omnipresent on this land bridge between North and South America, Costa Rica is surely one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
by Joe Di Franco on October 31, 2014 at 5:39 PM
Although I would NOT recommend to do this... the possibilities are always "endless" in CR.
by Joe Di Franco on September 21, 2014 at 8:04 PM
...once again amazing scenery and wild life. enjoy.
Killer Whale vs Tiger Shark
by Joe Di Franco on September 13, 2014 at 12:59 PM
Of the coast of Cocos Island.... Check out this amazing video of Killer whales hunting, killing and feeding on tiger shark from the MV Sea Hunter trip to Cocos Island from Sept 1 - 10 2014. Big thank you to Edwar Herreño and Undersea Hunter Group.Of the coast of Cocos Island.... Check out this amazing video of Killer whales hunting, killing and feeding on tiger shark from the MV Sea Hunter trip to Cocos Island from Sept 1 - 10 2014. Big thank you to Edwar Herreño and Undersea Hunter Group.
Coatis of Playa Huevos --2 of 2
by Joe Di Franco on July 15, 2014 at 12:09 AM
Coatis of Playa Huevos --1 of 2
by Joe Di Franco on July 14, 2014 at 11:44 PM
An amazing day for a beach picnic at Playa Huevos... great friends, clear, calm, and warm ocean... and getting to snorkel (south end of beach -by the cave). After lunch, a family of coati decided to visit us along with an osprey and a few condors.
by Joe Di Franco on July 14, 2014 at 3:03 AM
From Roseto Valfortore (La Chiesa Madre --Santissima Maria Assunta) [ITALY], to Toronto (Holy Angels Parish)[CANADA], to Playa del Coco (Iglesia del la Virgen del Mar)[COSTA RICA]....our faith, our tradition, our celebration in honour of Our Lady of Mount Carmel / La Madonna del Carmine / La Virgen del Mar and patron of Playa del Coco and all its fishermen -Nuestra Señora del Monte Carmelo... procession and celebrations rich in local traditions passed on from one generation to the next.... enjoy. Following the mass, the procession leads its way along Main St. to the boardwalk and on to the beach. Here the statue is transferred on to a boat along with all the followers. The procession now becomes one of boats (from small decorated "pandas" to larger yachts and catamarans) and local fishing vessels that make their way to Playa Hermosa and then to Playa Panama --picking up other devoted followers along the way. The full procession then makes its way back to Coco and back to Her place in the parish. (- even a soccer game takes place during the celebration) Simply... another beautiful day in Coco!
by Joe Di Franco on July 14, 2014 at 3:01 AM
by Joe Di Franco on July 14, 2014 at 2:59 AM
by Joe Di Franco on July 12, 2014 at 9:10 PM
An amazing day for a beach picnic at Playa Huevos... great friends, clear, calm, and warm ocean... and getting to snorkel (south end of beach -by the cave). After lunch, a family of coati decided to visit us along with an osprey and a few condors.
World Cup 2014 fever takes hold of Coco
by Joe Di Franco on July 6, 2014 at 1:14 AM
Simply honoured to be part of it... here today watching the World Cup live at Zii Lounge, with our good friends and supporting them fully. The "dream" came to an end and here you can see, even in their darkest hour, as the dream came to an end in the final shoot-out, the Ticos, take to Coco's Main St. to show their total support of their beloved team... "La Sele". Congratulations to a great run. The little country that almost did it all... Costa Rica. I am honoured to have had the opportunity to cheer along with my friends. Vamos, Vamos Ticos!
by Joe Di Franco on July 3, 2014 at 2:13 PM
Title says it all. Thank you Mytanfeet TravelBlog for the images.
The turtles arrive....
by Joe Di Franco on June 20, 2014 at 12:04 AM
by Joe Di Franco on June 19, 2014 at 11:40 PM
Dole Bananas... -everything you wanted to know about bananas, but you were afraid to ask.. :)
by Joe Di Franco on June 14, 2014 at 10:30 PM
I am cheering for both, Italy and CR --I only wish Canada was there too!
Extreme Fishing the Osa Peninsula Costa ...
by Joe Di Franco on May 23, 2014 at 2:42 PM
If you love fishing... you need to see this! simply sharing all the possibilities...
by Joe Di Franco on April 28, 2014 at 8:55 PM
All I can say is "WOW" and "Educational". Can't wait to show this to my students too. Mother Nature --all pure and no comparisons, even when digitized!!!
by Joe Di Franco on April 14, 2014 at 7:35 PM
...amazing scenery, fabulous flora and fauna, but a few too many snakes. On all your hikes, always remember that they (snakes) are there too. Mr. Di says, "Enjoy but always be aware of your surroundings -around you, under you, and over you!"
by Joe Di Franco on March 9, 2014 at 9:38 PM
I guess a take off of our own "I am Canadian". Once again ...amazing imagery. Enjoy.
The Venado Caves --near Arenal
by Joe Di Franco on February 27, 2014 at 9:13 PM
The Venado Caves --near Arenal (Fortuna) are still quite raw. But progress and technologies are reaching these remote natural beauties. When we visited, all we got were: rain-boots, a hard-hat and a flashlight! now they have head-mounted lights! Mr. Di says... A definite site if you are in the area. (And, if you feel adventurous... take the "farmer's trail" that takes you along the ridge of the hills and down into Venado --but only if you have a 4x4.
by Joe Di Franco on February 16, 2014 at 5:38 PM
..just another video of the amazing fishing opportunities and the fact that when in CR... Mr.Di says... never leave home without your camera and always carry a full battery, if not an extra recharged battery too.
by Joe Di Franco on February 4, 2014 at 9:04 PM
...some amazing shots of flora, fauna, and scenery; --some although beautiful...can be very dangerous; Mr.Di says: ....observe from a safe distance, BUT never touch, grab, or capture!!!!!a
Fishing for lunch in the Gulf of Papagay...
by Joe Di Franco on January 26, 2014 at 12:53 AM
Although this is filmed in Play Flamingo, realize that this could, very much, be Playa del Coco and our friends at Arroyo Adventure ... your fishing guides. I must agree with the hosts of the video, catching your very own lunch and getting back to shore to have it prepared for you ...not only tasty but also priceless!
by Joe Di Franco on January 11, 2014 at 8:41 PM
Realtor Becky takes you for a quick snap shot of the coastal beaches of Guanacaste....
by Joe Di Franco on January 11, 2014 at 8:05 PM
...yet another short video of our wonderful "El Coco".
by Joe Di Franco on December 30, 2013 at 8:57 PM
Just another of the numerous natural wonders of CR....
by Joe Di Franco on December 6, 2013 at 12:52 AM
Simply majestic images and a quick geographical tour of CR's treasures....
ice cone at Lanos de Cortes waterfall
by Joe Di Franco on November 27, 2013 at 7:49 PM
The boys enjoyed a refreshing snow-cone after climbing to the top of the waterfall. To climb to the top, cross the river and follow the path up the side of the mountain. Good footwear is highly recommended. (for your own safety and those climbing behind you).
by Joe Di Franco on November 27, 2013 at 7:45 PM
by Joe Di Franco on November 27, 2013 at 7:43 PM
by Joe Di Franco on November 27, 2013 at 7:42 PM
Playa Huevos --caves during high tide
by Joe Di Franco on November 27, 2013 at 7:41 PM
by Joe Di Franco on November 27, 2013 at 7:40 PM
by Joe Di Franco on November 27, 2013 at 7:38 PM
by Joe Di Franco on November 27, 2013 at 7:37 PM
Did anyone see where my mango went?
by Joe Di Franco on November 27, 2013 at 7:36 PM
Howlers 2 --@ Pelicanos entrance
by Joe Di Franco on November 27, 2013 at 7:35 PM
by Joe Di Franco on November 27, 2013 at 7:34 PM
Howlers at Beach entrance Pelicanos
by Joe Di Franco on November 27, 2013 at 7:32 PM
by Joe Di Franco on November 27, 2013 at 7:29 PM
by Joe Di Franco on September 29, 2013 at 5:30 PM
This is great but good old Italian " stove-top cafettera" is definitely "my" way!
Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks -conservatio...
by Joe Di Franco on September 3, 2013 at 9:51 PM
Great work being done by a local marine biologist.
by Joe Di Franco on August 28, 2013 at 10:10 AM
the majestic seas...
by Joe Di Franco on August 28, 2013 at 10:04 AM
No words can do it justice...
by Joe Di Franco on July 7, 2013 at 5:56 PM
Once again, the pictures, scenery and the excitement say it all....
by Joe Di Franco on July 5, 2013 at 8:49 PM
...the title says it all!
by Joe Di Franco on May 17, 2013 at 9:30 AM
Canadian students visiting CR...
by Joe Di Franco on April 20, 2013 at 2:31 PM
I will let their comments and expressions on their faces to do the talking...
Humback Whales in Playa del Coco
by Joe Di Franco on April 11, 2013 at 8:57 PM
3-humpback whales enter the bay of Playa del Coco, Jan 2012.
by Joe Di Franco on March 4, 2013 at 9:08 PM
...a video that speaks a 1000 words...
Los Juncos' Jacuzzi
by Joe Di Franco on January 26, 2013 at 3:57 PM
Artist: Monika Brauer and friends of Los Juncos.
by Joe Di Franco on November 6, 2012 at 11:11 PM
Just a few young guys having the time of their life ...Pura Vida Style.
by Joe Di Franco on November 3, 2012 at 7:15 PM
Hummingbirds and morphos are definite visitors to both Valle Grande and Los Juncos gardens. Late at night, the bats could easily be feeding on the cacti on Coco hill and mosquitos around the grounds. Beautiful video. Enjoy.
Making Traditional Tomato Paste
by Joe Di Franco on August 28, 2012 at 8:50 PM
I was going to film this year's "salsa" making event at "nonna's" --but it seems it has already been done and with great music and editing. Enjoy.
by Joe Di Franco on August 15, 2012 at 9:31 PM
These guys make it look so easy and have a great collection of videos of many of their dives in CR. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
by Joe Di Franco on May 15, 2012 at 10:14 PM
Good music, good vibes and of course, good images of my favourite area.
Dolphin Rescue
by Joe Di Franco on March 25, 2012 at 9:52 PM
Tourists and locals come together to lend a hand and assist our ocean cousins... Truely an amazing experience for all these people... -possibly a central or south american/brazilian beach... ?
Coco's boardwalk ceremony --president's ...
by Joe Di Franco on March 8, 2012 at 11:56 PM
CR president Laura Chincilla's arrival at the Coco ceremony. Once she is settled, the welcome speech and national anthem.
Costa Rican President visits Coco
by Joe Di Franco on March 8, 2012 at 11:03 PM
Costa Rican President Laura Chincilla's speech in Coco for its boardwalk's ribbon-cutting celebration.
New Year's Eve 2012 @ Midnight
by Joe Di Franco on January 22, 2012 at 2:43 AM
New Year's Eve. If you ever wondered how Playa del Coco celebrates New Year, wonder no more.... video taken from Coconutz Bar-Restaurant.
by Joe Di Franco on January 20, 2012 at 8:21 PM
The Beaches of Costa Rica
by Joe Di Franco on January 20, 2012 at 8:21 PM
by Joe Di Franco on January 20, 2012 at 8:12 PM
CR, where the possibilities are endless...
by Joe Di Franco on December 13, 2011 at 8:41 PM
enjoy.. but do listen to the informative and descriptive lyrics :)
Pilot Whales of Cano Island--Osa Peninsu...
by Joe Di Franco on September 17, 2011 at 5:57 PM
The video I shot of the pod of False Killer Whales in the Gulf of Papagayo (while we were deep-sea fishing with Mapache) although very active in the distance, the pod dispersed as we approached --all I have is poor images of breaching and jumping in the distance. But, these guys truly lucked out as you can see form this video. Pura Vida at its best!.
Villa Los Juncos
by Joe Di Franco on September 16, 2011 at 9:46 PM
A walk about Los Juncos --showing the condos, rancho (laundry), parking, swimming pool and grounds.
Playa Del Coco's boardwalk
by Joe Di Franco on September 14, 2011 at 11:26 PM
A walk along the newly constructed boardwalk in Coco.
Costa Rica's National Parks
by Joe Di Franco on September 2, 2011 at 7:10 PM
National Parks are absolutely the best place to see for yourself all the biodiversity that you've heard so much about. Without a doubt, they are the must-see destination for all visitors to Costa Rica looking to intimately experience all her exuberant wildlife. Watch this video for a fabulous journey through Costa Rican nature, showcasing spectacular images, magical sound and excellent music. Best Photography Award 1996 for Roberto Miranda, film maker and videographer. 9:46 minutes
Los Juncos #4 (August 2008)
by Joe Di Franco on September 2, 2011 at 7:08 PM
A short video of LJ#4 at purchase.
Please note: 2011 whole villas' outer walls painted; Interior upgrades: new sofas, mattress, curtains, decorations and paintings by local artists.
2010 upgrades: whole interior unit painted, new vanities and mirrors in bathrooms, custom closets and entertainment unit by local artisan, new secure metal/glass front-door, safety deposit box.
Guanacaste, an amazing destination
by Joe Di Franco on September 2, 2011 at 5:45 PM
A brief and vividly colourful snapshot of Costa Rica's Guanacaste province.
Playa Del Coco -Main St.
by Joe Di Franco on August 20, 2011 at 11:12 PM
A drive from the town's "entrance", along Main Street, down to the beach, looping around the soccer field, and back up to Luperon.
Playa del Coco
by Joe Di Franco on May 8, 2011 at 1:04 PM
A great overview of the town, its history, and its warm and welcoming people.
Oliva --nesting grounds of sea turtles
by Joe Di Franco on May 6, 2011 at 9:59 PM
In Ostional there are 4 species of turtles that nest. Once a month, hundreds to thousands of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles arrive at the beach on the same day.
Playa Del Coco, Guanacaste, CR
by Joe Di Franco on January 29, 2011 at 9:05 PM
A short snapshot of the beach and walking trail (boardwalk to be) along with a drive along Main St.
National Geographic Traveler - Costa Ric...
by Joe Di Franco on January 9, 2011 at 8:52 PM
An oldie but a goodie!
Howlers-3
by Joe Di Franco on December 27, 2010 at 10:23 PM
My own video of our wonderful and active neighbours of CR :).
Howlers-2
by Joe Di Franco on December 27, 2010 at 9:58 PM
Costa Blanca --my own video.
Howler Monkeys
by Joe Di Franco on December 27, 2010 at 9:27 PM
Pez Vela -Ocotal. This video was taken next to the guard house as we were leaving following a lunch at the restaurant Picante.
Arroyo Adventure
by Joe Di Franco on December 22, 2010 at 11:23 PM
A video by rvskytour...
The Arroyo Adventure Tours --a cruise in the Gulf of Papagayo with opportunity to swim, snorkel, kayak or sun bathe on one of its many beautiful and secluded beaches. And... always the possibility (and unpredictability :)) of seeing marine life up close --from pilot whales to dolphins, from sea turtles to flying fish, and many others. Let the adventure begin...
His first deep-sea catch.
by Joe Di Franco on December 5, 2010 at 1:29 AM
Lawrence's first catch. Day's total --2 mahi mahi, 1 tuna.
How to fillet a Mahi Mahi
by Joe Di Franco on December 5, 2010 at 1:13 AM
Cpt. Fabio of Arroyo Adventure fillets our catch right on board.
Please note: not for the squimish. :)
Welcome to Costa Rica - Tourism
by Joe Di Franco on November 25, 2010 at 8:19 PM
Landscapes and views of this beautiful country located in the middle of America: Costa Rica