Overview
Located just south of San Jose, in the interior of Costa Rica, the Central Valley is known for its mild climate, lush plantations and rich, fertile soil - the latter a result of the area's two active volcanoes. But the Central Valley is more than a sight for the eyes; it's a region brimming with arts, history and entertainment for those who visit.
Hotels
Xandari Resort Hotel & Spa: From the tropical gardens and modern sculptures, not to mention the chorus of tropical birds, one would never guess this hotel is only 20 minutes from San Jose's airport. Sam stayed in one of the hotel's 22 unique villas, one with a view of the Central Valley from her own private terrace. The hotel also offers a pool, holistic spa and even a private, natural waterfall on property.
Web: www.xandari.com
Esteban Ruiz Morera (Naturalist at Xandari Hotel): Esteban guided Sam on a hike around the Xandari's rainforest preserve to discover the hotel's private waterfall.
Shopping
Central Market (Mercado Central): This market, as Sam discovered, is not just the central location for shopping in San Jose. It's also a great place to find a good deal on practically everything - from fruit to handbags, to visors and beyond. Prices here are far less than in more touristy areas, and the locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming.
Food/Restaurants/Bars
La Casa del Café: Sam enjoyed a cup of fresh coffee in this cafe while gazing out over a coffee plantation in the valley below. The climate, as well as the volcanic material in the soil, makes Costa Rica a prime location for growing coffee. Once Sam got energized, she continued on her journey to Poas Volcano.
Web: www.dokaestate.com/casadelcafe
Chicharronera Meme Pajarito: At this local hangout, Sam and her friend Fiorella sat down to a meal of 'chicharronera,' or fried pork served with lime. This restaurant welcomes everyone, young and old, into its relaxed atmosphere. It even features music and dancing as the evening sets in.
Churreria Manolos: Sam popped in here for a taste of the churro, a fried stick of dough with a caramel filling. This tasty treat - not a doughnut - is what makes Homer Simpson's mouth water in the Spanish-language version of 'The Simpsons.'
Sergio Reyes' Fruit Stand: During her visit to the Central Market, Sam stopped by a fruit cart to taste some of the fruits local to Costa Rica. She sampled 'mamon,' a small green fruit with a delicious interior similar to a cantaloupe, and guava, which she called "the biggest fava bean" she'd ever seen. Thanks to a favorable exchange rate, the fruit she purchased was not only delicious, but inexpensive as well.
Sights/Landmarks/To Do
Castro's Discoteque: Sam and her friend Laura visited this hot spot for some fun on the dance floor. They found energy, passion and good music - everything one would expect from a Costa Rican disco! (Sam also learned a few insider dance tips: the best dancers always wear black to hide their sweat from the heat of the dance floor.)
Intercultura: Although she speaks some Spanish, Sam thought it would be good to enroll herself in a language class while visiting Costa Rica. Intercultura offers a four-hour immersion course perfectly suited for any traveler, not to mention cooking and dancing lessons, making it not only a school but a cultural center. Here, Sam learned how to make 'gallo pinto' (rice and beans), the unofficial national dish of Costa Rica.
Web: www.interculturacostarica.com
Fabrica Carretas Chaverri-Oxcart Factory: Oxcarts are a traditional and beloved craft in Costa Rica. As Sam learned during her visit, they have been designed and used virtually the same way for nearly three centuries - right down to the squeaky wheels, which folklore says "warns wives that their husbands are coming home, thus giving their lovers time to escape." While owners once decorated their carts with flowers, they began to paint them both as decoration and to protect the wood, a tradition still done by hand to this day.
Poas Volcano: One of Latin America's most visited volcanoes, Poas has been active since prehistoric times. Sam hiked first to Botos Lagoon, a dormant crater filled with deep blue water. It is named for the indigenous Botos people. She then journeyed to the top - about 9,000 feet above sea level - and was not disappointed. At 4,000 feet across, the crater is one of the largest in the world, and the volcanic activity it contains causes the Earth to tremor as often as 3,000 times per day.
Web: www.costarica-nationalparks.com
Alan Vargas-Guide at Poas Volcano: Alan, a guide from Swiss Travel, escorted Sam on her hike to see the infamous Poas Volcano National Park. Along the way, he taught her about the park's history.
Web: www.swisstravelcr.com
Swiss Travel Services: Samantha arranged her tour of Poas Volcano through this popular tour company. The staff were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, providing her and the crew with transportation and a private guide.
Web: www.swisstravelcr.com
Nature Air: Samantha flew Nature Air while traveling in Costa Rica. Based in San Jose, the company is Central America's premier airline for adventure travel. They have 74 daily flights to 17 exotic spots throughout Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama.
Web: www.natureair.com
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