Sometimes a vacation can feel hectic.  “Expert travelers” agree that a vacation is really about slowing down and enjoying the journey.  You don’t want to feel that you need a vacation from your vacation when you return home. 

“Slow Travel” is related to the slow food movement that began in 1990 as an alternative to fast food, microwaved meals, and processed foods.  It honors high-quality, healthy, and local meals that are enjoyed in a calm environment that lets the diner appreciate the food. 

Slow travel embodies the concept that travelers are hungry for more substantive trips.  I want to not rush from one place to another but to slow down and really immerse myself in the experience.

In essence, slow travel is less about collecting experiences and photos and more about making meaningful connections with places and people.  Here are some tips on how to slow travel: 

• Take your time and immerse yourself in your surroundings.  Connect to locals and ask them for advice. 
• Make time for rest and downtime.   
• Go off the beaten path.  Skip the “Top things to do in XXX” list. 
• Stay longer in one place. 
• Create your own personalized itinerary. 

At the Cayuga Collection Hotels, we make it easy for you to stay an extra night and have an extra special experience.  During Wildlife Season from May to November, we invite you to stay an extra night.  On us. 

Here are some ideas on what you could use that extra night for at each of the Cayuga Collection Hotels in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama.

Isla Palenque, Golfo Chiriquí, Panamá

Take a day trip to the town of Boquete.  We recommend the Coffee Tour at Hotel Finca Lerida where you can also explore the cloud forest and go for a hike to a waterfall.

Hotel Senda Monteverde, Costa Rica

Visit Bernal at his cheese farm.  Just a few years ago he was still working at the local bank.  Today he is making some of the best cheese in Monteverde (served at our El Sapo Restaurant at Senda).  He is happy to share his story and let you sample some of his newest creations.

Arenas del Mar Beachfront and RainForest Resort, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Go on the Coastal Hike, also known locally as Reto Mae.  It starts at “Cow Beach” and you finish at the hotel.  It is a real adventure and requires some climbing over rocks and physical fitness.  Your reward is waiting for you at our Playitas Restaurant in the form of a cold beer and fresh ceviche (or a burger if you prefer that). 

Kura Boutique Hotel, Uvita, Costa Rica

Honestly, the best thing to do with an additional night at Kura is to do… nothing.  Lounge at the pool and enjoy the view.  But if you have not done it the previous days, make sure you visit the Nauyaca Waterfall. 

Hotel Aguas Claras, Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Visit the Green Macaw Project in Manzanillo.  Over the past years, over 45 Green Macaws that were raised in captivity can now be seen in the almond trees along the coast.  Take a tour and learn about how this was accomplished. 

Jicaro Island, Lake Nicaragua, Nicaragua

Take a guided kayak tour across the lake to the mainland and explore the natural hot springs at the foot of the Mombacho Volcano.

Interested in staying an extra night.  Contact us here or write to me directly at hans@cayugaonline.com.