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.

survey services

Can You Name This Country? picoftheweek #4

 Guess this country!

Where in the world are we heading next week?

Tell us your guesses below and we'll reveal our location on Monday!

Treat Yo' Self: Buenos Aires, Argentina!

Faena Hotel

Treat Yo' Self in Buenos Aires at the Faena Hotel! This incredible 5 star hotel is known for exquisite beauty, delectable entrees and spirits, outstanding service and it's top of the line tranquil spa service.

Splurge on the incredible Faena Suite which overlooks the Faena Art District and provides breathtaking views of Buenos Aires.  The walls are decorated with contemporary art work created by local artists and the suite has an amazing combination of stunning antiques. This suite will allow you to experience unquestionable high end hospitality.

Spend your afternoon relaxing and unwinding by the Pool Bar known for its amazing cocktails, or enjoy many services available at the amazing spa including facials and body massages.  The spa's infamous ancient healing rituals will have you feeling instantly refreshed.

Rojo Tango

Host a private candlelight dinner at La Cava restaurant located in Faena's sprawling wine cellar. You will enjoy savory food while surrounded by 4,000 aging bottles of superior wine.

Classy entertainment is available every night in the El Caberet.  The famous Rojo Tango show, which originated in Argentina, regularly plays at this first class hotel.
 

Faena Arts Center

Enjoy a short walk around the corner of the hotel to experience all that Buenos Aires has to offer.  The Faena Art Center  home of local, international artists and designers is an award winning venue well known around the world for its fashion and culture.

Where are your favorite spots to splurge in Buenos Aires?



The Thrifty Traveler: Buenos Aires Edition

           

1.  BA Free Tour:  You better believe it, the Buenos Aires walking tour is completely FREE! When? Everyday at 11am and 5pm. So come and enjoy this fun and entertaining tour, and learn something new about the Argentine culture! BA Free Tour

2.  Fútbol:  Soccer is the most popular sport in Argentina, as well as most of Latin America. The season starts in February and goes until November, and tickets are very affordable (the cheapest being "entradas populares"). Buenos Aires is home to the two rival first-division clubs, Boca Juniors and River Plate. So check out a Superclásico and watch these two teams compete, they will sure have you on the edge of your seat!

Learn more here: ASA 

3.  Do you Tango?  Take a class or watch the pros, you choose! At Club de Tango you can check out some impressive tango performances, or try a lesson. Many of these events have a low-admittance fee or are free! Have fun and dance on. See what's on the agenda here: Club de Tango

4. La Noche de los Museos:  The night of the museums is an event that takes place annually every November. The tradition began in 1977 in Berlin, and now over 130 cities in the world celebrate it. In BA all of the cultural hot spots stay open until 2am, and the night is filled with endless festivities, films, music performances. Event Info

10 Things You Must Know: Buenos Aires

Puerto Madero | photo by Maritè Toledo, Flickr

Buenos Aires, Argentina

1. Name of city in its Native Language: Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires
2. Official Language: Spanish
3. Currency: Argentine Peso $
4. Time Zone: Argentina Time (ART)
5. Closest Airport: Ministro Pistarini International Airport (also known as Ezeiza International Airport)
6. Getting Around: Taxis (metered) or remises (fixed rates); buses (known as "colectivos"); the underground/subway system: Subte. Buenos Aires is also a very walkable city.
7. Climate: Humid summers and mild winters - but remember that it's the southern hemisphere, so the hottest month is January (more detail).
8. Tipping: 10% to restaurant waiters; 10 pesos for hotel porters; round up for taxi drivers, 10% for car services/full-day drivers.
9. Entry Requirements: Passport required. Tourist Visa is not required for stays of 90 days or less. Prior to arrival, US, Canadian, and Australian citizens must pay a $160 reciprocity fee; print your receipt and present to the immigration officer in Argentina (this fee is valid for multiple trips spanning 10 years).
10. Culture Tip: At bus stops, remember to queue while waiting for the bus and respect the order of the queue when boarding.

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