http://RealAdventures.com/articles.htm Check out some of the recently updated travel & vacation listings on RealAdventures. Be inspired, go explore! en-us Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:54:47 GMT Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:54:47 GMT http://RealAdventures.com http://RealAdventures.com/articles.htm 100 100 http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1210199_Top-10-things-to-do-at-Cusuco-National-Park http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1210199_Top-10-things-to-do-at-Cusuco-National-Park Articles Honduras Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:11:26 The huge diversity of activities you can do in Cusuco National park is amazing. I will give you top 10 I most like. -
The huge diversity of activities you can do in Cusuco National park is amazing. I will give you top 10 I most like.


1) 4x4 car experience!
To get to national park, you have to get with a 4x4 vehicle. San Pedro Sula, has a elevation of 120 meters above the level, and the highest elevation of the park is at 2200 meters above sea level. But the car can reach till the 1800!. While you drive up you can see the astonishing views of the mountain valleys. Plus, you can feel the elevation changes. As you go up it gets colder and all the geographical terrain changes.

2) Stop at "Caritas Observation Tower" at Naranjito village.
Caritas is a NGO that brings a lot of help to the mountain villages surrounding Cusuco National Park. It starts with the only bilingual (Spanish English) school, for the mountain villagers children at a very low prize. A chicken farm, this creates meat and eggs at a lower prize because middlemen are eliminated. A rabbit farm, for meat + a lot of nice things to help develop the villages.

3) Get some traditional Honduran food at "Buenos Aires village".
Buenos Aires is the last village of the mountain. It holds the entrance to the national park. Here you can get very delicious meals at "Toucan restaurant" or "Quetzal restaurant". The villagers from here are amazing they have protected the biodiversity of the park since before it was protected by the government.

4) Visit "Toucan Waterfall".
To get to this astonishing waterfall, you have to hike for one and a half hour. While you walk you get to see different traditional/high quality/conservation coffee farms. The waterfall has 4 falls you can only get to sea the 4th one when you get there. Swimming at the cold water is something you can't miss!

5) Hike to "Golondrinas Waterfall".
This trail is bit more complicated, 1hour and a half of a more difficult terrain. At this hike you have a denser cloud forest trail. The environment is different from Toucan Waterfall the canopy of the trees is closer and a more mystical look. Hidden inside this forest, the waterfall looks as it in a cave and creates a Jurassic environment.

6) Check out Quetzal Waterfall
Departing from the Visitors center of the National Park, one of the easiest trails allows you the chance to be close to the core zone.

7) Mountain biking
Once over there, mountain biking trails are remarkable, 6kms of downhill from Base camp to Buenos Aires Village, and 9 Km of mostly horizontal and downhill to Naranjito Village. This tour can last around 2 to 3 hours of marvelous views.

8) Camp at one of the different location.
Recreational camping is something with a lot of potential. Being alone with nature makes this destination an exotic place to be. The cold climate makes this a cozy experience and because there is no electrical energy the only thing youll hear is from nature itself. There is no more than 5 mm of difference between all the stars in the sky.

9) Stay at the EcoLodge.
The Honduran government helped to create the Ecolodge at Buenos Aires Village. With solar panels its eco friendly. The capacity for accommodations is five double rooms, a kitchen, a living room, and an incredible view balcony.

10) STAY FOR MORE THAN A DAY!
I just said 10 things to do at the park, but the options are way more. Caves, more than 10 trails, more villages, mountain rappelling and abseiling, etc. Come to Honduras, its an amazing country with a strong culture.



Details & Reservations: Top 10 things to do at Cusuco National Park
RealAdventures | Honduras Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1204565_India-in-December http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1204565_India-in-December Articles India Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:10:26 Our excellent trip to India in December of 2008 after the terrorism that occurred in Mumbai earlier that year. We visited the Taj Mahal and many forts but the highlight was our visit to two of the countries finest Tiger sanctuaries -
Our excellent trip to India in December of 2008 after the terrorism that occurred in Mumbai earlier that year. We visited the Taj Mahal and many forts but the highlight was our visit to two of the countries finest Tiger sanctuaries


It started in Delhi as we landed after a long and eventless flight from Newark NJ. We are friends of Reid the owner of KRAZ TV , a family entertainment site. After some delay in the US due to a winter storm we flew nonstop to Delhi Airport and landed in fog. The experience of landing in an exotic country full of sights and sounds we are not used to is one reason we love travelling. My wife and I have visited other exotic destinations such as the summit of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and trekking to Everest base camp in Nepal, so we are seasoned travelers. India awaited us as we took the taxi ride to our first hotel a five star beauty in downtown Delhi.
Our first few days in Delhi were filled with tours around the city to all the usual attractions. The Red Fort and the new Hindu Temple were big on the list it seemed. Then we opted to take a day and seek out the NADI card readers(Vedic Astrologers) to see if they could find our leaves among the vast archives of readings. We found the Astrologer in a Hindu temple and gave the Astrologer our vital information. We would return at the end of our adventure to see if we were "FOUND".
After several days in Delhi we were ready to set out on our travels around the northern part of India. Our first mode of transportation was a private Taxi who drove us to our first destination Ranthambhore National Park situated in the eastern part of Rajasthan, where the Aravali Hill ranges and the Vindhyan plateau merge with each other. The park is about 11 km from Sawai Madhopur, which is also the nearest town from the park. The drive was a white knuckle one since the Indians drive like the Greeks, a close encounter at every turn. but when we arrived it was a wonderful experience. Great food and service highlighted our stay at the Wild trails resort just outside the park entrance. We dreamed of Lions and Tigers and Bears that night in anticipation of our adventure in the park in the days to come. We were not disappointed too bad even though we never actually saw a tiger in this park. We did see a group of other residents of the park and beyond. There were birds, mammals, and reptiles such as the crocodile we were able to get a look at. Many types of deer and beautiful wild Peacocks and the wild chicken. But no tigers. We left the park happy but unsatisfied about the tiger sightings or lack there of. In the next park we would have much better luck!
The morning we set off for the next stop in our adventure Agra, the home of the Taj Mahal. Our journey started by taxi once again and the trip was no less exciting than our first "white knuckle" ride but the scenery was magnificent. All the visuals one would expect deep in the Indian continent. Monkeys at the road stops and cobra charmers along the way. We enjoyed these road trips very much indeed. The food was excellent if you like spicy fare which we certainly do. The restaurants were mainly the tourist places along the route. Finally we arrived in the slightly polluted city of Agra home of the Taj Mahal built in the 7th century by a famous Mogul King. It is truely MAGNIFICENT. Better than I ever hoped. A wonder of wonders. We were pleased.
Morning in the less than 4 star hotel found us eating a very nice western breakfast with other tourists and locals. As we readied our cameras and looked out to the hazy air we would use to breath. It was cold and foggy/smoggy when we started on our day of touring and we were ready. As we approached the first fort the walls suddenly appeared from the haze and we were standing at the gates of a monumental work of the Mogul empire. Awesome is the word I used so often as we went from one building to the next. Our cameras grew hot as we snapped a unending succession of "shots". The sights, sounds, and smells were truly exotic sometimes in a pleasant way. Our path led us finally to the truly AWESOME. The Taj Mahal. Gleaming with it's white marble exterior and beckoning to us to enter it's sweeping rooms and halls. Inlaid with the work of thousands of hands with material brought by tens of thousands of elephants it is AWESOME.
We stayed two days in Agra and then it was time for our next adventure. Another Tiger sanctuary named Bangdhavarh.By train. A real experience not for the faint of heart!!! The trip was akin to a space flight I would imagine with a nauseous period followed by a feeling of just wanting to be still for a minute. The compartments were crowded and we learned if ever we went again we would rent all four spaces to have the entire compartment in private.But finally it came to an end with a shudder. We had arrived. Our ride picked us up and we were driven to the park where we were in for quite a treat.
Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the district of Sahdol in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India and the Tiger Trails Resort where we had a great experience with excellent service. We sighted several tigers over the next few days and even saw one close up from an elephant's back. This park with it's tigers and other wildlife made our trip a classic adventure and an amazing destination that we were lucky to experience. Christmas found us sipping beer and cocktails by an open fire with an Indian dance troupe complete with a fire eater. We had a wonderful time. Our trip was nearing it's end and we were driven back to the dreaded train station on New Years night for the final ride back to Delhi.
The train station was damp and dreary on that New Year night with all sorts of people waiting to go all kind of places. We had our passes and basically knew how to board(quickly) since the train wastes no time waiting on passengers it seemed to me. It finally arrived and we boarded just to find once agaiin we had side bunks with no room for our luggage and ourselves. But we were experienced by now. Our trip took over 20 hours and was fraught with uncomfortableness. But we survived. Our ride awaited us at the Delhi Train Depot an amazing place in itself. With characters never dreamed of. And back to our five star luxury hotel in Delhi. Above the fray. Back in "civilization". And the real danger of these times.
Our Nadi leaves were found at least mine were and they foretold great riches. I am still waiting but I think I may have already received those riches in the adventure itself.

Details & Reservations: India in December
RealAdventures | India Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1200889_Experience-Amsterdam http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1200889_Experience-Amsterdam Articles Netherlands Tue, 29 Sep 2009 03:09:29 Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a laidback city with both traditional and modern sightseeing adventures. -
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a laidback city with both traditional and modern sightseeing adventures.


Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a laidback city with both traditional and modern sightseeing adventures. The combination of history and the newer, more alternative, lifestyle ensures that visitors are a melting pot of people from all walks of life. Amsterdam is busy city with loads of street activity.

The city centre is the main tourist area with Damrak, a wide avenue, which runs from Centraal Station to Dam Square. The latter originally gave Amsterdam its name. Amsterdam is a city with plenty to do, many attractions and a thriving entertainment scene.

The districts, towns and villages surrounding Amsterdam are steeped in history and offer wonderful landscapes with many an old windmill a photographers or artists paradise!

Amsterdam's relaxed attitude and tolerance of a number of things which you would not find elsewhere make it an unusual European city. For instance, on open display in the city youll find pornography and hashish cafs. This city is home to one of the most lurid red light districts in Europe and its relaxed stance on drugs has given it the reputation of being the worlds cannabis capital. This easygoing lifestyle has drawn people from all over the world to live here and immigrants now make up over 30% of its population.

The traditional history of Amsterdam still exists though and the architecture, medieval churches, museums and galleries that are all around the city are a favourite with tourists and locals alike. It is a haven for the arts with Rembrandt being its favourite son.

Located on the estuary of the river Ij, Amsterdam is only 20 kilometres from the coast of the North Sea. The Netherlands is renowned for its lowlands and canals, many of which wind their way through the city centre and provide ideal scenery for a lovely holiday aboard a boat or barge.

Details & Reservations: Experience Amsterdam
RealAdventures | Netherlands Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1200692_Adelaide http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1200692_Adelaide Articles Australia Tue, 29 Sep 2009 03:09:03 Adelaide is one of the best planned cities in the world. Adelaide is a thriving city with plenty of attractions, Adelaide restaurants, entertainment and a good base for exploring the surrounding areas. -
Adelaide is one of the best planned cities in the world. Adelaide is a thriving city with plenty of attractions, Adelaide restaurants, entertainment and a good base for exploring the surrounding areas.


Eyecatching Adelaide, the capital of South Australia , is known in Australia as the City of Churches '. A well planned and laid out city, Adelaide has a grid of wide shopping streets and various squares all within a couple of square kilometres making it almost impossible to get lost in the city centre. Adelaide 's reputation for elegant architecture and cultural standing is yielding to an exciting, new vitality and verve for some of the best of Australia 's festivals, arts exhibitions, theatres, pubs, clubs and all manner of entertainment.

With a Mediterranean style climate, Adelaide has warm, dry summers making it perfect for open air activities and a great place to explore on foot or by one of the many tours available. The selection of accommodation available in Adelaide and the surrounding areas is superb with everything from congenial bed and breakfast hosts to fivestar, luxury hotels.

In the heart of seaside Glenelg, only 20 minutes from the city centre, is a magnificent beachfront which continues south to Brighton then Onkaparinga and the pretty Fleurieu Peninsula .

Adelaide is also the stepping stone to some of Australia 's finest wine producing areas. Rent a car and drive for a couple of hours, or relax and take a guided tour, and you'll pass through some stunning scenery with cosy villages, steeped in history, to enjoy on your way to valleys bursting with wineries, great restaurants and tons of other attractions.

Adelaide is the capital of South Australia and known for parks, churches and a more conservative life style. The River Torrens runs through the centre of Adelaide and is a most pleasant city for walking around. Close by is the Barossa Valley, Kangaroo Island, Glenelg and Victor Harbour.

Details & Reservations: Adelaide
RealAdventures | Australia Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1200830_Everest-Base-Camp-Trek http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1200830_Everest-Base-Camp-Trek Articles Nepal Sat, 12 Sep 2009 05:09:34 Everest Base Camp trek certainly among the most legendary trek in the world. Everest Base Camp trek takes you into the heart of the Nepalese Himalaya, with breathtaking views of many of the world's uppermost and most beautiful mountains -
Everest Base Camp trek certainly among the most legendary trek in the world. Everest Base Camp trek takes you into the heart of the Nepalese Himalaya, with breathtaking views of many of the world's uppermost and most beautiful mountains


Everest Base Camp trek certainly among the most legendary trek in the world. Everest Base Camp trek takes you into the heart of the Nepalese Himalaya, with breathtaking views of many of the world's uppermost and most beautiful mountains

This trek is without a doubt the most famous trekking route in the world, and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to glimpse some of the most breathtaking unimaginable scenery. Nepal is a attractive country and the trek gives an insight into the lives and culture of the Sherpa people. The trail ascent is steady and well placed to best suit the acclimatization required. Sunrise on the snow capped peaks above the Khumbu Glacier is an unforgettable sight from the summit of Kala Patthar, with base camp below us. This trek is one for the lover of high places and those wishing to push themselves to the limit. It is a tough challenge and not to be taken carelessly with generally well graded paths but some tougher sections along the Khumbu glacier. It is appropriate for people who are generally fit and used to walking in the hills and is an experience never to be forgotten. On the Everest Base camp trek, we achieve the height of 18500ft (5545 meters), and is well within the reach of the average hill walker. If you have ever longed to set eyes on our highest mountain, then the view from Everest base camp will stay with you forever. Ever since the early days of climbing expeditions, the 8848m mountain has had a lure of its own very few people return from this trek unmoved by the experience of staring at Everest.

For more details please go to Mosaic Adventure Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd
Details & Reservations: Everest Base Camp Trek
RealAdventures | Nepal Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1197885_History-Of-Scuba-Diving-Adventure-In-Costa-Rica http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1197885_History-Of-Scuba-Diving-Adventure-In-Costa-Rica Articles Costa Rica Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:06:05 As early as 1970 scuba diving in Costa Rica was unheard of. It wasn't until 1978 that whitewater river rafting was started and it was the mid 80's before we knew what a zip line canopy tour was. -
As early as 1970 scuba diving in Costa Rica was unheard of. It wasn't until 1978 that whitewater river rafting was started and it was the mid 80's before we knew what a zip line canopy tour was.


By Bill Beard
Less than a decade ago, Costa Rica was virtually unknown as a destination for diving. Suddenly it is being applauded for its variety and abundance of marine life. New facilities along the Pacific coastline are now offering firstclass dive boats and fully stocked dive shops. And best of all, divers enjoy the excitement of truly virgin diving in areas never before explored.

Costa Ricas bid to become a player in the arena of the worlds leading dive destinations didnt happen overnight. It has taken time and determination. In the 1960s bananas were the number one industry, coffee production was second, and tourism didnt exist.

When Bill Beard, widely recognized as the true pioneer of scuba diving in Costa Rica and one of the key players in bringing Costa Rica to the forefront as a dive destination made his first trek in 1970, there were no scuba tanks in the country. But on his second visit he changed that by bringing tanks in his bags something you probably couldnt get away with today. He got his tanks filled with compressed air at the local gas company and found someone to take him out in a dugout canoe. It wasnt difficult to see the potential for diving in Costa Rica, but it certainly wasnt easy for Bill to fulfill his dream.

To bring this vision to life meant that Bill Beard had to carve an industry where none existed. He is responsible for many firsts in Costa Rica scuba diving the first working instructor, the first dive shop, and the first beachbased dive center to run daily scuba diving excursions.

Training of the first divers in Costa Rica came in the back of his barbeque restaurant in San Jose, where students attended classes after hours. Word spread and classes filled. It was in these first few sessions that most of the dive masters now working on Costa Ricas live aboard boats and in landbased dive operations throughout the country got their training.

It wasnt long before Bill opened Costa Ricas first professional, fullservice dive shop, Mundo Acuatico, in San Pedro, which is still in operation today. In the early 1980s, Diving Safaris, owned by Bill Beard became the first beachbased dive center, getting its start in Playa del Coco, moving to Ocotal, and eventually settling in Playa Hermosa. When Bill Beard and his wife Nadine were running the daytoday operation in the late 1980s and early 1990s they were the recipient of many awards from the scuba diving community, including No. 1 in Rodales Scuba Divings Top 10 Dive Operator in the IndoPacific and SSIs Platinum Pro 5000.

This was a period of great growth for Costa Ricas adventure tourism industry, and Bill wasnt the only one paving the way. It was during this same time that another pioneer was forming his own niche within the country. Californianative, Michael Kaye, led the way in another waterbased activity by opening Costa Ricas first white water river rafting company Costa Rica Expeditions in 1978.

Many rafting companies soon followed in Michaels footsteps, and Costa Ricas whitewater river rafting industry was suddenly booming. The Class 4 rapids and pristine beauty of the Pacuare and Reventazon rivers quickly garnered worldwide attention. Today the Pacuare is widely considered one of the top five rivers in the world for white water rafting. There are a number of rivers being used for rafting today and the Sarapiqui and Tenorio have also become very popular.

Michael Kaye has continued to be a leader and shaker in what has become an eco adventuretourism mecca. Costa Rica Expeditions now owns hotels in Monteverde, Tortuguero, and Corcovado. Michael and his company have received several awards from Conde Naste and the Travel & Leisure for sustaining ecotourism.

Scuba diving got another big boost in the 1980s when Tomas Pozuelo, owner of Jacks and Pozuelo, Costa Ricas largest cookie and snack companies, bought the Okeanos Agressor. Getting the permits necessary to bring this vessel to the area enabled scuba divers to enjoy the beauty and electric diving at the Cocos Islands. Doing this really put Costa Rica on the map as one of the worlds top ten dive destinations. Its beauty is unsurpassed, and it is famous known for its large schools of hammerheads, rays, and other pelagics. Many times it has been voted No. 1 in Rodales Top 10 Dive Destinations and Top 10 Dive Liveaboards. The Okeanos Agressor was joined at the Cocos Islands in the 1990s by two additional liveaboard vessels owned by Avi Klapper the Sea Hunter and the Undersea Hunter.

The deepsea sport fishing industry was taking off in the early 80s with new hotels and the countries first marina being built in Flamingo. Until that time most of the sport fishing boats were based at Ocotal and Bahia Pez Vela. There was a shortage of nice fishing boats and Dennis Garrett started filling that void by designing and building a wonderful 32foot sport fishing boat in Costa Rica. Many of the 117 worlds records set during the 1980s to the late 1990s on Costa Ricas Pacific coast and the Barrio del Colorado on the Caribbean side still stand today. One thing that helped the industry was Costa Rica initiating and supporting the catch and release program that has helped assure there are always plenty of fish.

In the 1990s, Canadian Darren Hrenluk, opened the Original Canopy Tour and the complexion of ecotourism changed again. This unique, exhilarating, and exotic experience fit well in Costa Ricas natural landscape.

Everyone had their own niche market, but no one was packaging these activities together. Avid river rafters came to San Jose, but didnt make the fourhour trek to the Pacific beaches. Scuba divers went to the Pacific coast or Cocos Islands, bur rarely saw the rest of the county, with the exception of the transfer to and from the San Jose airport. Fishermen flew on prop planes to where the fish were biting before returning to San Jose.

The first scuba diving tourists to come to the Pacific were so much in awe of the sights they were being treated to under water that they often left Costa Rica without seeing any of the topside beauty. To participate in the white water rafting it was necessary to overnight in San Jose, and most scuba divers werent willing to give up two nights of their weeklong dive vacation.

However, it was natural to combine turtle nesting and hatching tours or scenic, tranquil river floats to the scuba divers itineraries as they were nearby. Divers visiting landbased operations were still diving five or six days, but in the early 1980s we recognized the need to maximize their vacation time. The divers began doing a few tours in the afternoon and seeing the turtles at night, but they were still leaving Costa Rica without experiencing the volcanoes and rainforest so many planned a second and third trip back to the country.

By the year 2000, a wide variety of activities such as hanging bridges, aerial trams, ATVs and canyoning treks had sprung up in every corner of the country. Canopy tours became ubiquitous. According to a recent survey by the ICT (National Tourism Institute) 85% of all tourists now reported that a canopy tour was on their list of must dos while visiting Costa Rica.

Many things changed the face of tourism in Costa Rica, but it was the opening of the Daniel Oduber International airport in Liberia that put the ability to provide combination adventure tour packages over the top. More than 40 flights a week bring over 100,000 passengers a year into Liberia and the Guanacaste province. Tourism is now the leading industry in Costa Rica, leaving bananas and coffee far behind in its wake.

Instead of having to drive four hours from San Jose to enjoy the offerings of the Pacific regions and Guanacaste, the region the majority of tourists prefer to visit, there was now have the choice to fly directly into Liberia. From Liberia visitors can be at many of the Pacific beach resorts in half an hour to an hour.

Maximizing your vacation time has become a breeze. Fly into Liberia, spend time snorkeling or diving while staying at the Pacific beaches with their gorgeous views, travel by car or van to Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, make the crossing by boat to Arenal Volcano for the hot springs, canopy tours, ATVs, and canyoning. Make a wild river raft down the Sarapiqui, take out in a verdant rain forest, and fly out of San Jose.

The visionaries who created the ecotourism market in Costa Rica overcame many hurdles, but the only challenge facing you today is to decide which activities will make your vacation dreams come true.
Details & Reservations: History Of Scuba Diving & Adventure In Costa Rica
RealAdventures | Costa Rica Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1200104_American-Crocodiles-On-The-Tarcoles-River-Of-Costa http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1200104_American-Crocodiles-On-The-Tarcoles-River-Of-Costa Articles Costa Rica Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:06:50 American Crocodiles On The Tarcoles River Of Costa RicaBy Bill BeardThe Crocodile Man Tour on the Tarcoles River is now world famous due to all the publicity it has received in the past few years.The river passes through the Carara National -
American Crocodiles On The Tarcoles River Of Costa RicaBy Bill BeardThe Crocodile Man Tour on the Tarcoles River is now world famous due to all the publicity it has received in the past few years.The river passes through the Carara National


American Crocodiles On The Tarcoles River Of Costa Rica
By Bill Beard

The Crocodile Man Tour on the Tarcoles River is now world famous due to all the publicity it has received in the past few years.

The river passes through the Carara National Park into the Pacific Ocean and is also a bird watchers paradise, particularly for the Scarlet Macaws & toucans.

Our accommodations are at Villas Lapas that is next to Carara and has it's own 500 acre private reserve.

But we are here for the crocodile tour. As his boat quietly approaches the muddy shoreline, Jason Vargas begins looking for a crocodile a big crocodile.

A grin soon lets the others on board know he has found his prize. As he steps off the boat and sinks his bare feet in the mud a sixmeter crocodile (almost 20 feet long) quickly eases up, right to where he is standing.

This is just a typical day for Mr Vargas, who for the last seven years has lead a crocodile feeding tour along the Trcoles River, Costa Ricas longest waterway, measuring about 100 kilometers (62 miles) long.

With a job such as this come risks and Mr Vargas is not shy about showing the scars all over his body from his numerous encounters with crocs, as well as bulls.

That was a close one, he said while pointing to a scar near his groin. The croc planted his tooth right here.

His show called the Crocodile Man Tour attracts about 200 people from all over the world on a weekly basis during the high season months.

This local Crocodile Dundee uses about 15 different crocodiles for his feedings, all ranging from four meters (about 13 feet) all the way up to six meters (almost 20 feet).

Since I work on a daily basis with the crocodiles I can more less distinguish their personalities, Mr Vargas said. I never take my eyes away from their eyes when I feed them.

Its not necessarily about taking precautions but about precision and courage.

With personalities come names such as Monica Lewinsky, Fidel, and George Bush, just to name a few.

We name them according to the territory. Monica, for example, could be among 100 other crocs and I can tell her apart, he added. We have a chance with our line of work to get acquainted with them. There are crocs that have been here for 60 even 70 years.

These reptiles can swim up to 45 kilometers (about 28 miles) per hour however in shorter distances, Mr Vargas said, they can swim faster than that.

The best research is to be here with them, said the 30yearold croc aficionado. Ive also had the opportunity to talk with the best scientists and biologists from around the world. Ive shared my knowledge with them as well as theyve shared theirs with me.

A recent study carried out by the Universidad Nacional Autnoma (UNA) of Costa Rica and scientists from the National Geographic Society, cited violent fights over females as the main cause of blindness in many of Costa Ricas male crocodiles.

On site research was carried out at the Trcoles River, which flows into the Pacific and is the second most contaminated river in Latin America. The research consisted of taking blood samples, tail scales, and eye tissue from the reptiles, in addition to water samples from the river.

Mr Vargas, who assisted biologists in this study by helping them locate, capture and weigh the subjects, said he knew the cause even before the study took place.

They thought it was the pollution in the river causing their blindness, but I told them it was the territorial fights over females during their mating season, said Mr Vargas, who grew up playing around the mangrove swamps in Trcoles.

During the fights two or more male crocodiles attack the head and tail of their adversary with their teeth in an attempt to court a nearby female.

These mating fights, sometimes leading to deaths, wont affect the future crocodile population in the river, Mr Vargas said.

There are too many crocs here, added Mr Vargas, who said he knows this river like the back of his hand. There are approximately 25 crocodiles by each square kilometer along this river.

Regardless of job offers from companies such as the Discovery Channel, Mr Vargas said he does not have plans to leave the Trcoles area.

I wouldve had to travel and leave my friends and family behind, he said. I consider this my passion. I couldnt see myself doing anything else, anywhere else.

Mr Vargas first crocodile encounter took place about ten years ago, when another National Geographic team visited the Trcoles area for a documentary.

My adrenaline was in full force, said Mr Vargas, who hand fed the animal in front of cameras. It was very exciting.

About a year ago though, Mr Vargas had a close call with a fivemeter20cm (about 17 feet) long croc nicknamed Osama, which bit his hand after he tried to feed him and would not let go.

In that moment, I asked God for forgiveness because I thought that was it for me, said Mr Vargas, who said he fought the croc for approximately three minutes in the water. I was in full survival mode. I asked people for help. I was exhausted.

The attack forced Mr Vargas to take three months off for physical therapy, but that did not faze him from his passion.

Mr Vargas has continued working by leading five daily tours six days a week where he explains in detail the wildlife living along the river, in addition to his knowledge on crocodiles.

I respect (crocs) a great deal, Mr Vargas said. Ive seen them kill cows and birds and anything in their path. They have an immense amount of power with their heads.

According to Mr Vargas, a negative factor concerning crocodiles in Costa Rica are the four to five people dying every year from their attacks.

However, the good thing is the number of tourists that they attract to the country. A big number of tourists going on our tour come solely to Costa Rica to see crocodiles, Mr Vargas said.

For me, its like a blessing having crocodiles here. If we didnt have crocodiles we would have to travel to Australia or Africa to see these creatures.

To see more about the Crocodile Man Tour GO HERE

For more information and reservations contact Bill Beard's CLICK HERE
Details & Reservations: American Crocodiles On The Tarcoles River Of Costa
RealAdventures | Costa Rica Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1200103_-camel-trekking-and-tours-to-the-desert-of-Morocco http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1200103_-camel-trekking-and-tours-to-the-desert-of-Morocco Articles Morocco Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:06:20 Morocco is very close to Europe, but despite its proximity has many differences, as Islamic country it is. So, say the fastest way for a European to enter a new world of Africa. Northern Morocco has a similar landscape to the south of Spain. In t -
Morocco is very close to Europe, but despite its proximity has many differences, as Islamic country it is. So, say the fastest way for a European to enter a new world of Africa. Northern Morocco has a similar landscape to the south of Spain. In t


Morocco is very close to Europe, but despite its proximity has many differences, as Islamic country it is. So, say the fastest way for a European to enter a new world of Africa.

Northern Morocco has a similar landscape to the south of Spain. In the center is Atlas, a very large mountain range visited by adventurers. South has different entry points into the wilderness. Along the coast takes place


Adrouinaventure .c.la offers customized guided tours and camel trekking to Sahara desert of Morocco and open windows to the world of the early inhabitants of North Africa, which opened up the ancient trade routes between Africa and the Western Sahara. a magical land where snowcapped mountain peaks occur, spectacular gorges, valleys and wisely cultivated splendid mound of sand that change color as the day progresses. A visit to the Sahara desert is definitely an experience everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. It is a journey well worth the effort and you will have fond memories to last you forever. Imagine yourself on top a camel, trekking through the Sahara desert. There is nothing around you and all you can hear are the footsteps of the camel on the soft sand. The sky is vast and clear in the day and filled with millions of bright stars at night. It is a very peaceful experience, one raley known to
Details & Reservations: camel trekking and tours to the desert of Morocco
RealAdventures | Morocco Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1197884_Canyoning-Waterfall-Rappelling-In-Costa-Rica http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1197884_Canyoning-Waterfall-Rappelling-In-Costa-Rica Articles Costa Rica Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:06:06 This is the original wet & wild, Imagine rappelling through waterfalls and canyons in rock climbing harness. Be prepared to be soaked to the skin & at the end, a hot shower, dry clothes and a delicious hot lunch at base camp. -
This is the original wet & wild, Imagine rappelling through waterfalls and canyons in rock climbing harness. Be prepared to be soaked to the skin & at the end, a hot shower, dry clothes and a delicious hot lunch at base camp.


CanyoningRappelling through Waterfalls
By Bill Beard

Arenal & Fortuna HotelsPick up Time Approx 700715 AM (NonPrivate). Drive time to base camp approx15 mins

After leaving base camp, it is just a short drive to the turn off and then the bumpy ride to the canyon begins (approx 20 min drive).

Experienced CanyoningRappelling Guides will carry equipment to the starting point so you use the restroom one more time before the guides start to gear you up in shaded comfort.

One at the first rappelling drop, you will be given basic rappelling and safety instructions before you embark on your rafting tour.

No easy, gentle start here. The first drop is a doozy!! After the first rappel you will be ready for anything. So prepare to get WET. I swear this is a version of the Costa Rican Wet TShirt contest!

At the end of the tour, you will hike about 15 minutes up the canyon. What goes down, must come back up There vehicles wait to take you back to the base camp and a hot lunch and cool refreshing tropical fruit drink.

CD with photos of your Canyoning tour and bonus wildlife shots are available at the end of the tour ($25), and youll be sure to want a TShirt to wear to remind you of all the fun you had.

After lunch, you will be driven back to your Arenal or Fortuna area Hotel.
Details & Reservations: Canyoning & Waterfall Rappelling In Costa Rica
RealAdventures | Costa Rica Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1198059_Hanoi-Travel http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1198059_Hanoi-Travel Articles Vietnam Tue, 26 May 2009 23:05:28 Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and you are sure to have a wonderful stay at the city. During Hanoi Travel you are introduced to a beautiful city which is filled with lakes and treelined boulevards. The ambiance presents breathtaking beauty and once -
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and you are sure to have a wonderful stay at the city. During Hanoi Travel you are introduced to a beautiful city which is filled with lakes and treelined boulevards. The ambiance presents breathtaking beauty and once


Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and you are sure to have a wonderful stay at the city. During Hanoi Travel you are introduced to a beautiful city which is filled with lakes and treelined boulevards. The ambiance presents breathtaking beauty and once in the city you will find it quite impressive. Hanoi Travel introduces you to wonderful restaurants, happening malls and magnificent sights.

The city is situated between two rivers in lowland. Hanoi is sometimes referred to as a city of lakes and attracts tourists from all over the world. The most beautiful among them are the Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, Halair Lake and the Bay mau Lake. Furthermore, Hanoi is a cultural center of Vietnam and thus the city provides many interesting cultural and historic monuments to the visitors.

During your Hanoi travel you can visit the pagodas and temples. You can even witness the French colonial architecture style that is dominant in the structures of the city. Visit the Temple of Literature or the number of museums. The Vietnamese National History Museum, The National Museum of Ethnology, The National Museum of Fine Arts and The Revolution Museum are among the wonderful museums that unfold the rich past of the land.

Hanoi Travel provides you information on the geographical facts and facts related to the transportation. Climate in Hanoi is typical as summers remain hot and wet whereas winters are cold and dry. Transportation in Hanoi includes flights from other major cities of the world. Trains are also found plying in Hanoi from Ho Chi Minh City and Lao Cai or Kunming. There are regular bus services and taxis can also be hired for easy commuting.

Getting to Hanoi is easy from any place of the world. There are bus services from Hoi An, Nha Trang, Dalat, Mui Ne, Ho Chi Minh City and other cities in Vietnam. Shuttle services are there from the international Airport and you Hanoi Travel becomes trouble free.

For more information on Hanoi Travel, browse the following links

* Hanoi Travel
* Hanoi Travel Tips
* Transportation in Hanoi
* Flights to Hanoi
* Airports in Hanoi
* Getting to Hanoi
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Green Trail Tours Taking the Paths Less Travelled
International Travel License No.0595/TCDL GPLHQT
Add Suite 1016 B4 Building Tran Dang Ninh Street Cau Giay district Hanoi Vietnam
Telex + (844 ) 37 54 52 68 103
Fax + (844) 37 54 52 77
Local Time Standard time zone GMT +07 hours
Monday to Saturday 800 a.m until 600 p.m (except Sunday)
Details & Reservations: Hanoi Travel
RealAdventures | Vietnam Articles

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