The Inside Scoop: Costa Rica

What can you do to get the best tips when traveling? Just ask a local, and get the inside scoop!

To wrap up this week on Costa Rica, we decided to bring you some advice from a Tico himself:

Jossue Guevara is a native Tico from Escazú, Costa Rica. He was born and raised in Costa Rica and only recently has relocated  overseas. He is currently resides in East Clandon, England where he is working for the Nonprofit Organization, Cherry Trees.

TTI: What are some activities that you think are worth the cost?

Jossue: Without a doubt, the Sky Tram and Sky Trek. They are gondolas that bring you up to a platform and has an incredible view of Lake Arenal and the Volcano and is over 200 feet above ground!

TTI: What are some of the local's favorite hotspots?

Jossue:  The favorite spot the locals love is Baldí, which is a resort and spa that has natural hot springs in La Fortuna. 

TTI: What is one recommendation you would give to a friend traveling San Carlos for the first time?

Jossue: I would recommend that they make sure their hotel is in an ideal location. I would suggest one that is as close to the center of the town, La Fortuna.  This way, you will be at the center of all activities, restaurants, tour agencies,  and transportation. 

TTI: What is one thing most tourists aren’t prepared for when they visit San Carlos?

Jossue: Most tourists believe that the Arenal Volcano is still active, however in reality it has been dormant since the year 2010.

TTI: Is there a food specific to San Carlos that is a must try?


Jossue: San Carlos is a region whose economy is based predominantly on breeding livestock. The meats are delicious and the local restaurants use these high quality meats in their signature dishes.

 TTI: What is one thing that makes Costa Rica different from other countries?

Jossue: Costa Rica typically gives a warm welcome to visitors, the people are very friendly in general. 

TTI: If you had 1 day in San Carlos what would you do?

Jossue: I would go to the Arenal Volcano National Park and to the Eco Termales  hot springs and thermal pools, for sure!

TTI: What is your country most famous for?

Jossue: Costa Rica is known universally for its strict environmental protection laws, which makes it one of the greenest countries in the world.

TTI: What are some things you can do if you're on a budget?

Jossue: The Arenal Volcano National Park costs very little and features hikes with hanging bridges and incredible views of the volcano and surrounding areas. You can also swim in the thermal waters near the Tabacón river (not to be confused with the Tabacón Resort), this river is hot because of the geothermal activity of the volcano.

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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