Costa Rica Kicks Off New Pacific “Route of the Americas” Cruise Voyage
New Mesoamerican cruise route sets sail for the first time from the destination’s tropical port city of Puerto Caldera
San Jose, Costa Rica – January 20, 2014 – For the first time, an international cruise departed on January 15 from a Costa Rican port to tour the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico, as part of the regional strategy called Mesoamerican Cruise Route, sponsored by the Costa Rica Tourism Board together with port and tourism authorities of the countries. This new route allows international travelers to embark on Puerto Caldera (in Costa Rica) and departs on the new route, being called the Amazing Pacific. Travelers now have more time in Costa Rica to explore its beaches, lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes with Azamara Club Cruises.
“We are honored to be part of Azamara’s new cruise ship route, as we continue to solidify our presence as an important cruise destination in Central America,” said Mr. Allan Flores, Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica. “This has been a major cooperation between Costa Rica’s Tourism Board and port authorities, as well as those from neighboring countries, which we are positive, will result in an unforgettable journey for travelers.”
This new route will certainly boost overnight stays of international travelers in Costa Rica and presents a tremendous opportunity for the Pacific coast of Central America and position it as a fascinating cruise destination.
For every visitor, Costa Rica offers a rich cultural experience and a myriad of options that all fall in line with country’s sustainable tourism initiatives.
The new Mesoamerican Route consists of an a 14 night voyage on the Pacific coast aboard the “Azamara Quest” Azamara Club Cruises®, from the Caldera Port, passing places other popular destinations including: Puntarenas Costa Rica, Gulf of Papagayo, Costa Rica; and docking at San Juan Port in Nicaragua, in Acajutla, El Salvador, Quetzal, Guatemala and the Mexican ports of Chiapas, Huatulco and Cabo Blanco, and finalizing its journey in Los Angeles, California.
Roughly the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica houses 5 percent of the world’s known biodiversity. The country is known for its natural and ecological wonders and is a world leader in sustainability. Cruise passengers will have the opportunity of exploring Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, featuring some of the country’s best national parks known for their large and diverse populations of forests and aquatic birds. Caldera’s rainforest, which begins just inside the coastline and continues up into the mountain ranges, features a multitude of rivers and waterfalls.
Additional Route of the Americas ports include Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico.
For more information on Costa Rica and the variety of options available to cruise passengers, visit www.VisitCostaRica.com.
About Costa Rica
Costa Rica is located in Central America, nestled between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south; it is bordered on the east by the Caribbean Sea and the west by the Pacific Ocean. With an abundance of unique wildlife, landscapes and climates this small country proudly shelters approximately five percent of the known biodiversity in the world. In order to protect and preserve its wealth of natural resources Costa Rica has become a global leader in sustainable practices with protected areas comprising 26 percent of its land mass. With a peaceful spirit, emphasis on education and an economy based on tourism, technology and exportation, Costa Ricans and visitors alike enjoy one of the highest standards of living and organized tourism infrastructure in Latin America among a tropical paradise of lush rainforests, mystical volcanoes and cloud forests and beaches that meet mountains filled with monkeys and macaws. Offering a broad terrain of activities and accommodations, visitors to Costa Rica will find a range of hotel options ranging from small beachside bed & breakfasts, to authentic intimate boutique mountain lodges, to major international business hotel brands and everything in between; Costa Rica’s accommodations offer something appealing for everyone’s desires. The phrase “Pura Vida” can be heard echoing throughout Costa Rica from coast to coast. Used as a greeting or expression of happiness, the phrase literally translates to “pure life,” however its true meaning is “full of life,” which accurately describes the adventure and wonder that await visitors.
About InstitutoCostarricense de Turismo (ICT)
Established in 1955, the Costa Rica Tourism Board spearheads the vital task of regulating and promoting Costa Rica’s extensive of tourism offerings. The ICT and its partners in the private sector work tirelessly to garner recognition, standardize practices, provide insightful research data and foster cultural development for the country’s coast to coast one-of a kind tourism products and resources.