Finding a Costa Rican Paradise

Day two of our trip found us meandering to the North of San Jose into the picturesque towns and hillsides of Costa Rica. The curvy roads leading into the mountains are not for those easily car sick. May I recommend adding dramamine to your packing list.

  Our first stop was a little town with a large claim to fame. The name of the town is Sarchi and it’s about an hour north of San Jose. This beautiful artisan town is the home of the world’s largest La Carreta or ox cart. Oxcarts are a big part of Costa Rican history. Originally used to move Coffee beans until trains and trucks were able to get to the hillside towns.In 1988 it was made the national labor symbol. Although the carts are historically very important, Costa Rican ox carts are special. The hand painted designs on the carts were first used as a type of branding ,so your cart wasn’t stolen but later became a family design, kinda like a family crest. The geometric shapes and bright colors make each one unique.

Another attraction in Sarchi is the local Catholic Church, Templo Catolico de Sarchi Norte. They were doing construction the day we went. You can still tell its very beautiful with lovely gardens and an ethereal angel watching over the church steps.

 Costa Rica is covered in mountains , most of them are old burned out volcanoes but there are 6 volcanoes that are considered active. Further to the North we find the Arenal Volcano.  An Active Volcano rising 5479 ft above sea level. Its last eruption was in 1968 when it destroyed the village of Tabacon. The last time it showed any signs of life was in 2010 but it’s still one of the 10 most active volcanoes in the world. Our guide took us to a small viewing area just off the main road. Up what seemed like a million steps was a breathtaking view of the volcano.

    Back on the road we head just a little further North to the town of La Fortuna where we find the wonderful Tabacon Hot Springs resort. In my humble opinion this is one of the best places on EARTH. With exquisitely landscaped gardens and creatively designed pools the springs are a wonderful oasis from the real world. Tucked back in the hills of Costa Rica the hot springs are fed from water heated by the Arenal Volcano. The design allows for pools of varying temperatures. The water is hotter the closer to the volcano with a cold pool in the middle. There are 18 pools in all ,plenty of room for guests of the hotel and the many day guests that arrive on the tour buses from the city. While the village of Sarchi and the Arenal Volcano are both beauty for the eyes the hot springs are for both the eyes and the body. Soaking in the warm water lets the worries of the world float away.

After a wonderful restorative soak we head into the resorts restaurant. Serving both native cuisine and American favorites buffet style it has something for everyone. The staff was friendly and very accommodating. I would highly recommend staying at the resort if you have a few days to spend. I know I will be back.

    As we traverse the winding roads back to the city, I watch as the heads of our group bob in slumber and I stare out the window into the fog. Once again amazed at the beauty of Costa Rica.