The Thrifty Traveler: San Carlos Edition

Looking to visit San Carlos, Costa Rica?

 Here are some fun and
affordable suggestions!


 1. La Fortuna Waterfall
For just $10 you can take a hike to visit this stunning waterfall. Dare to swim in these cleansing aquamarine waters after a nice hike, you will not be disappointed!
*Word of advice-you may want to arrange for a ride to the park entrance (if not it will be a bit of a hike)!
La Fortuna Waterfall

 




2. Free Natural Hot Springs
If you only have time for one thing in San Carlos, this should definitely be number one on your list! Meditate in these warm, clear waters that provide the finest specimen of nature's oasis.

Where can you find them?
In La Fortuna of San Carlos, 8 miles from La Fortuna , towards Tabacon hot springs, by the Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica






3. Del Bosque
Del Bosque is a once in a lifetime opportunity to tour this unique family-run farm! For just $12 you can buy a Campesino Pass which gives a complete tour of the farm, a natural fruit juice and snack, and a tour guide. Other options include a cultural meal and in depth tour of side projects. 
Del Bosque Site 

4. Rainforest Chocolate Tour
Take a ride on the wild side, and get in touch with one of nature's most precious resources: chocolate. Yes that fine, rich, and satisfying treat that has been around for centuries. Learn how how to make this delicious food, and try some fresh chocolate made indigenous-style.

10 Things You Must Know: San Carlos

La Fortuna De San Carlos Catholic Church | Photo by Gerwin Filius

San Carlos, Costa Rica

1. Name of city in its Native Language: La Fortuna de San Carlos
2. Official Language: Spanish
3. Currency: Costa Rican colón ₡
4. Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
5. Closest Airport: Juan Santamaria Intl Airport or Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport
6. Getting Around: The airport is a few hours away, so you'll need to get to San Carlos by bus or car rental. Once you arrive, you can take advantage of tourist charter buses, metered taxis, public buses, or bike rentals to visit the sights. TripAdvisor gives a pretty thorough list of relevant links and information in their article Costa Rica: Transportation.
7. Climate: Tropical (more detail)
8. Tipping: Included in the bill for restaurant waiters; 25-50 cents per bag for hotel porters and $1 a day for housekeepers; small amount to cabbies if you have luggage, $5-10 for full-day drivers.
9. Entry Requirements: Passport required; Tourist Visa is not required for stays of 90 days or less, but tourists must present a return ticket. Visitors must pay a departure tax of 29 USD when leaving. Yellow fever vaccinations are required if arriving from some countries in South America or Sub-Saharan Africa.
10. Culture Tip: Costa Ricans are very polite, so always say please and thank you, and try not raise your voice in anger. It is common to say hello and goodbye to friends and acquaintances with a light kiss on the cheek, or an air kiss accompanied by a kissing sound. Note that women kiss women and women kiss men, but men do not kiss men; instead, they either shake hands or give each other a one-armed hug. 

What did we miss? What kind of essential information do you look up while planning a trip? Tell us in the comments!

Pic of the Week #4: Location Revealed!

Arenal Volcano | Photo by Leonora Enking

And the answer is: La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica! 

This week's picture is a view of the Arenal Volcano, one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world. There are more than 121 volcanic formations in Costa Rica, and seven of them are active.

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