Posts tagged Sarchi
Shopping: The Price of Paradise
Jul 10th
Handmade furniture is inexpensive in Sarchi and Palmares
The general rule for cost of living in Costa Rica is that services are inexpensive while imported goods are more costly than in the States. Just imagine: hiring a housekeeper for four hours costs the same as a package of Double Stuff Oreos (about $8)! However, residents quickly decide what’s worth the splurge and what we can do without.
Many goods are expensive because Costa Rica taxes imports heavily – anywhere from 1% to more than 55%. In fact, due to import duties and store markups, many products end up costing almost twice what they would back home. I see this in a positive light: higher prices make me contemplate each purchase – it’s a built-in way to curb impulse spending.
However, electronics break and supplies need replenishing. Like many expats, I travel to the U.S. twice per year to visit family and friends. For each trip, I pack lightly, but not to avoid luggage fees or skip the baggage claim: on the return trip to Costa Rica, I stuff my suitcase full of electronics, gourmet food products, and other goods that I cannot find in Costa Rica. In the last year, I’ve purchased two laptops, knitting needles, small electronics (premium headphones, a USB hub, a travel surge protector, etc.), lactose allergy treatment, and reference books (gardening and internet marketing). The only thing these products have in common is that they were either impossible to find in Costa Rica, or they would have cost me much more purchased locally.
Golfito offers great duty-free shopping
U.S. and online stores typically offer a much larger selection of goods for sale than retailers in Costa Rica, so if you’re in the market for specialty items – brand names, niche products, personal goods – you’ll probably want to purchase them in the States. Basically, any imported good will likely cost less in the States, and it’s up to you what you need now and what can wait until your next trip home.
That said, fabulous deals can be had in Costa Rica. The south Pacific port town of Golfito is a hub for duty-free shopping, and a large variety of electronics, liquors, and other items are available for up to 50% less than in other parts of Costa Rica (just a little more than the same item purchased in the States). Sarchi, a town made famous by its artisan woodworkers, is an incredible place to search for bargains on furniture and home décor. Here, a three-piece microfiber sofa set can be purchased for under $1300. Less than an hour from Sarchi, the town of Palmares also has a growing furniture industry, and prices are much lower than those of Sarchi, although the selection may not be quite as broad. Delivery from Golfito is equivalent to 3% of the item’s value, while delivery from Sarchi and Palmares is usually free within the Central Valley.
Clothing can be a notable exception to the rule of expensive imports. Ropa Americana stores sell used clothing, but you can also find great deals on new clothing. You’ll have to return often – they usually only have one item in one size at any given time – but I’ve bought brand new sweaters (with tags) for under $2 and brand name jeans for less than $5. Specialty items, like men’s big & tall, women’s plus sizes, exotic fabrics, or intimates, are harder to find and usually best purchased in the States.
Far from feeling deprived, I love my pared-down lifestyle. My bank account is much healthier and I no longer wish for the newest, coolest, most expensive products. I buy everything I need, and lots of things I want, but on a slower schedule. I wonder if that means I’ve adjusted to Tico time?
Provinces of Costa Rica
Feb 21st
Costa Rica has seven provinces that are actually legal jurisdictions of the country, each with its own local court system and building guidelines, etc. However, people often refer to these areas to describe location and activity also.
> Alajuela
Size: 9,753 km2
Population: 590,000
Coordinates: 10º, 27′,46″ north and 84º, 48′, 25″ west
Borders: North: Nicaragua; south: San José; South West: Puntarenas; West: Guanacaste
Capital: Alajuela
Alajuela stretches from the Central Mountain Range to the fertile northern plains, presenting a remarkable diversity of stunning landscapes. Visit two of the most popular active volcanoes in the country, Poas and Arenal. The main crater of Poas, a mile in diameter, displays fumeraol and geyser activity that has earned it the distinction of the largest geyser in the world.
Arenal regularly astounds visitors with its rumbling eruptions of ash and lava. Relaxing in the thermal waters at Tabacón Hot Springs, in the shadow of Arenal, is the perfect way to conclude a day of jungle exploration. The artisan center of Sarchi is home to Costa Rica’s famous hand-painted oxcarts.
> Cartago
Size: 3’125 km2
Population: 393,000
Borders: North and East: Limón; West: San José
Capital: Cartago
Km from Puntarenas to San José: 21 km
The numerous farmer villages that cover the land with a multi-color carpet from the different plantations produce coffee, vegetables, sugar cane, potatoes, macadamia nut, Pejibaye, and ornamental plants. There are some National
Parks and Protected Wildlife Refuges in Cartago: The Papantí National Park, the Irazú Volcano National Park, and the Guayabo National Monument, which is the largest and most important archeological site discovered in Costa Rica.
Cartago is the city that was most affected by earthquakes, some of them caused by the volcano Irazú. In 1841 and 1910 the city was almost totally destroyed. For that reason you’ll find hardly any buildings older than 70 years. In 1574 the first church was constructed. Also destroyed in the same year was the Supreme Court of Central America, which was a gift of the American Andrew Carnegie.
The cool climate during the whole year is very pleasing. The average temperature is 20-24° C with no extremes during the year. In the higher elevation, for instance in Tierra Blanca, the temperatures are considerably lower.
> Guanacaste
Size: 10,141 km2
Population: 220,000
Borders: North: Nicaragua; East: Alajuela; West: Pacific Ocean
Capital: Liberia
Km from Liberia to San José: 203 km
The northwestern province of Guanacaste named after the large umbrella-like trees prevalent in the zone, encompasses a vast area if diverse topography. From the boiling mud pots of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, to the sun-drenched beaches of the Pacific coast, this corner of the country offers much to the adventurous traveler and sun worshipper. Santa Rosa and Guanacaste National Parks are vital protective areas for the Dry Pacific climatic zone.
Santa Rosa is also a very important historic site and protects remains of structures dating from the colonial period and Costa Rica’s struggles for independence. The seasonal lake of Palo Verde National Park attracts the largest concentration of waterfowl and wadding birds in Central America.
> Heredia
Size: 2,657 km2
Population: 316,000
Borders: North: Nicaragua; South: San José; West: Alajuela; East: Limón
Capital: Heredia
Km from Heredia to San José: 11 km
High mountains thick with tropical forests, spectacular waterfalls and raging rivers provide settings for a multitude of nature and adventure activities in Heredia Province. The rugged mountains of Braulio Carrillo National Park are characterized by thick forests, deep rivers cutting through steep canyons and countless waterfalls.
Heredia also has a University and part of the National Park Braulio Carrillo. There are lots of rain forests with all its nature called flora and fauna.
There are several interesting locations in this Province. Starting with Heredia and its old church, a bathing spring called Ojo de Agua, National Parks, and Volcanoes Barva. Heredia is full of beautiful landscapes and views.
> Limón
Size: 9,188 km2
Population: 275,000
Borders: North East: Caribbean Ocean; West: Heredia, Cartago, San José; South West: Puntarenas; South East: Panamá
Capital: Limón
Km from Limón to San José: 166 km
The crystal clear Caribbean beckons all dreamers to enjoy Limón Province’s 130 miles of sandy beaches and coconut palms. Barra del Colorado offers world-class tarpon and snook fishing. The beach at Tortuguero National park is the most important nesting site in the western Caribbean for the green sea turtle.
Cahuita National Park and Manzanillo provide excellent scuba diving throughout the year. The laid-back Afro-Caribbean lifestyle of the region is irresistibly alluring. It is the perfect place to shed pressures of the concrete jungle.
One of the most interesting sites of Costa Rica is Tortuguero. A system of natural lagoons and navigable channels also called the Costa Rica’s Amazons. It hosts the Tortuguero National Park and is a must for any tourist interested in Flora, Fauna and Turtles.
> Puntarenas
Size: 11,277 km2
Population: 360,000
Borders: North: Alajuela, San José, Limón; East: Alajuela; North West: Guanacaste; South: Pacific Ocean; South East: Panamá
Capital: Puntarenas
Km from Puntarenas to San José: 106 km
Blessed with seemingly endless beaches, Puntarenas stretches along two-thirds of the country’s Pacific coast to the southern border with Panamá. The popular Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most beautiful in the country and a south Pacific paradise. The dense rich green jungle of Corcovado National Park stands as an unspoiled showcase of tropical nature.
The private Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is one of the richest in the world. Straddling the Continental Divide, this is the only known home of the very rare golden toad. Carara Biological Reserve protects a transitional zone and harbors an incredible variety of wildlife including the larges population in the country of the endangered scarlet macaw.
> San José
Size: 4,959 km2
Population: 1,300,000
Borders: North: Heredia, Alajuela; East: Cartago, Limón; South West: Puntarenas.
Capital: San José
San José is the hub of the country. Located in the Central Valley, surrounded by towering green mountains, the capital city is vibrant and not as intimidating as most Central American capitals. Several downtown pars provide tranquil green oasis amid the stresses of city life. Nightlife is vibrant and international restaurants are plentiful. Various museums, including the 100 year-old National Theater and several dance and theater companies make San Jose the cultural capital as well.
The city of San José has been the capital of the Province of San José since 1823. It is the place where most of the Costa Rican population is concentrated. Here, there are many public interest sites, such as museums, galleries, and entertainment places like restaurants, casinos, bars and nightclubs. In the countryside you’ll find coffee, vegetables, sugar cane, beans, corn and ornamental plants.
