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Pilot dies in plane crash
         Jaime Argudo, 39, was killed when his single-engine plane crashed into the forest in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. He was en route to the Liberia Daniel Oduber International Airport, where he was to pick up several tourists and bring them to Juan Santamaria International Airport. Civil Aviation launched an investigation of the crash of the Aeroparaiso Airlines modern plane, whose pilot did not report any emergency to the Juan Santamaria tower, under which control he was until the plane disappeared from radar screens a half hour after take off.

Destitute man owned fishing boat
Calipso V, a Costa Rican fishing boat that was seized carrying a record 8 tons of cocaine, is legally owned by a destitute young man, Fernando Quesada, 19. He explained that two foreigners –Colombians, according to law enforcement agencies– provided him with crack –to which he is an addict– and cash to convince him about accepting the “biggest deal in his life.” Quesada, who has lived on the streets for the last four years, said that he signed the documents that make him the legal owner of the boat, which is valued at some $100,000, and that he received some 100,000 colones, less than $200, for doing so. Quesada told the police that a few days back he went to the dock in Puntarenas where he had seen “his” boat, planning to earn some money, but was beaten by two tall men, who warned him never to go back near that place.

75,000 visitors less
         The number of tourists visiting Costa Rica decreased by 75,000 October 2005-September 2006, as compared to the number of visitors in the preceding 12-month period, when records show a historical peak of 1,569,400 tourists. According to the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR in Spanish), this means a drop of $100 million in income from tourism, since each visitor spends an average $1,300 during his stay in Costa Rica. CANATUR Alberto Lopez said that this had been expected, but that the whole tourist sector is moving to counter the effect. The Minister of Tourism, Carlos Benavides, asserted that his Ministry is working to recover the lost ground and that 2007 will be a good year for tourism in Costa Rica.

A Hike to San Luis Waterfall

By Chris Grass Monteverde

San Luis waterfall is one of the most spectacular in the country. Adding to the mystique of the 100 meter catarata is the adventure getting there! Approximately a three hour hike from downtown Sta. Elena, the falls are nestled deep in the valley. If you're short on time it's possible to hire a taxi which will drop you off at the San Luis Research Station (managed by the University of Georgia ). You can also hire a guide and go by horseback. It is a fairly quick, although sometimes difficult, hike from the station to the waterfall. The rocks can be slippery, the trail washed out, and the insects intense. However, those willing to brave the elements are rewarded with an incredible view. Here is our recommended itinerary:

Start from your hotel and stock up with water and a couple snacks. There are a few nice cafes on the way (Dulce Marzo or Bromelias are my two favorites) where I usually stop by and grab a coffee with a couple of pastries. Walk up the road to Monteverde Reserve until you reach the sign for San Luis (about a kilometer past the gas station la Bamba). Take this right and continue down the very steep and windy road down the canyon. Before making it too far down there is a wonderful spot for a snack or little picnic. The view is fantastic and there is a small picnic bench to rest on. Down, down, down you go until you see a sign for the San Luis Research Facility and Catarata . The sign is on the right side of the road but you must take a left here. It's easy to miss so keep an eye out for it.

The research station is another nice place to drop the bags and take a rest. If you arrive around lunch time they will feed you a hearty meal for about $10 p/p. From here the hike should take about 45 minutes. Continue on the same road past the station until you reach the trapiche de Don Miguel. It's $8 for entry on his farm which goes towards keeping up the trails and miscellaneous expenses. He will show you the trail head and warn you if there have been any problems with the trail. Bring cash… I'm not sure he has electricity out there, let alone a machine to accept credit cards.

This is where the hike becomes fun; as the trail meanders through the rain forest you'll get glimpses of the river until you're dropped right on top of it. Hiking shoes are definitely recommended but you could probably get through barefoot if you felt so inclined. A sign will indicate you've finally reached the waterfall… ignore that. Walk up around the sign and another fifty meters or so until you're brought face-to-face with the crashing water. There is a little “bench” here to enjoy the scene but the pool of water is often too tempting. It is fairly deep and extremely cold. Enjoy a dip and then make your way back to the research station.

Personally, I'm fairly spent by this point so I have the receptionist call a taxi. It will cost about $10 all the way back to Sta. Elena. If you want to try and make it UP the huge hill you came DOWN, good luck and God bless. Add a couple hours to the journey though…