Costa Rica

Today we will be visiting San Carlos

Alajuela Province which is

North of San Jose and East of Liberia

San Carlos is the 10th canton in the province of Alajuela in Costa Rica. The canton covers an area of 3,347.98 square kilometers, making it the largest canton in the country.

The capital city of the canton is Quesada, which is also known as San Carlos.

As we starting thinking about travel, we’ve gotta getaway.

Well San Carlos is one place you will want to stay and relax and enjoy the actives in the area.

It’s a tropical oasis, that will inspire you to relax, enjoy nature,

be adventurous, or simply take in the sights & sounds.

Alajuela province is home to mountain ranges, volcanoes, and coffee fields.

Although many tourists enjoy going to the capital city, if you are looking for a

The place where less tourists frequent, than San Carlos.

It’s pretty much untouched.

What is there to do in San Carlos?

With 149 options, I am certain there will be something that you will enjoy.

Here are a few options listed: Volcanoes tours, Several Thermal Spa’s,

Visiting the jungle with a tour guide, Zip Lining, Bird Watching, Rafting,

Horse Back Riding, Shopping,

And Zoo visiting (The Zoológico La Marina )

The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season).

This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal time

for exploring rainforests and lounging on beaches.

September and October are Costa Rica's rainiest months, with rainfall lasting nearly all day. If you happen to book a trip during these months, not to worry: These are the most beautiful months along Costa Rica's Caribbean coast.

Visiting Juan Castro Blanco National Park

Should on your list of places to visit

Juan Castro Blanco National Park is part of the Arenal Huetar Norte Conservation Area.

The park is on 35,000-acres and on-site it has 3 volcanoes.

The Arenal Volcano is located in San Carlos province.

It has been dormant since 2010 but it’s one of the 10 most active volcanoes in the world.

Monitored and studied by seismologists.

There are many opportunities for accommodations for all budgets.

But here is one resort that I would highly recommend.

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa

In tune with Nature

Just steps away from the Arenal Volcano National Park


Resort video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=12&v=JjxRGqAf-yM&feature=emb_logo

What is special about this Resort?

It is situated within the Thermal Mineral Springs,

One of Costa Rica’s largest networks of naturally flowing hot springs,

Offering the feeling of Harmony & Well-Being

With 103 guests rooms & suites that are well-appointed, World Class Cuisine,

And let’s not forget the Award Winning Spa offering different Spa Treatments including open-air bungalows and it’s a wonderful resort to hold your,

Wedding, Honeymoons & events

This hotel is for ages 18 yrs +


There are two open-air, full-service restaurants and four bars.

The region’s top chef’s, create a new gastronomic experience using

Local ingredients

Couples seeking an intimate dining experience can indulge a private dining experience,

Romantic, candlelit, open-air rain-forest bungalow

Guests can also enjoy snacks, and in-room dining 24 hrs a day.

This resort is not all-inclusive

Contact me today, to start planning your well-deserved vacation.


Recipes from Costa Rica

ARROZ CON LECHE - RICE PUDDING

The key to great arroz con leche is cinnamon. It's that special kick that infuses and inspires the dish. While some question the logic of raisins in a dessert, the added texture gives the dish more character.


Plus, it just wouldn't be Costa Rican without it.

Cooking Time: 45 min Yield: 8 servings Level: Easy

INGREDIENTS

1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup evaporated milk
6 cups milk
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 sticks cinnamon, cracked
1/2 cup raisins
1 teaspoon fresh nutmeg

DIRECTIONS

Bring uncooked rice, 1/2 cup water, 4 cups milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and nutmeg to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat stirring occasionally to avoid scorching. Let boil for 5 minutes. Add sweetened condensed milk and simmer over low heat. Stir in two cups milk in small portions. Milk should barely simmer with bubbles breaking only outside edge of the surface. Stir until mixture thickens. Add raisins and cook for 10 more minutes. Serve chilled or at room temperature.


CEVICHE

A Costa Rican seafood staple, Ceviche is made from fresh sea bass, snapper, octopus, abalone, or shrimp seasoned and soaked in lemadarin, lime, or lemon juice. Ceviche is shared at festivals, family dinners, bars, and street vendors.

Cooking Time: 1 Hour 30 min Yield: 8 servings Level: Intermediate

INGREDIENTS

2 lbs very fresh sea bass, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
1 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1/2 cup red bell peppers, minced
1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 cup vegetable or olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

Place sea bass in a stainless steel or glass bowl. Pour lime and lemon juices over the fish. Cover and let sit for 1 hour. Add onions, red bell peppers, parsley, and cilantro. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Add olive or vegetable oil, and salt and pepper to taste before serving. Serve on a bed of lettuce or with crackers.


Top it off with a refreshing

Watermelon Mojito

Refreshing watermelon makes this mojito a thirst-quenching cocktail!

Course Cocktail

Cuisine Costa Rican

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 1 cocktail

Calories 260 kcal

Author Toni Dash

Ingredients

  • 4-2 inch cubes of seedless watermelon
  • 6-8 mint leaves
  • 1 1/2 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice strained for seeds
  • 1 1/2 ounces simple syrup
  • 1 1/2 ounces white rum
  • Club soda

Instructions

  • Muddle (mash together) the watermelon, mint leaves with the lemon juice in the bottom of a 16-ounce glass.
  • Fill glass with ice. In a shaker combine the rum and simple syrup; pour into a glass over ice. Add a splash of club soda to fill the glass.
  • In a shaker combine the rum and simple syrup; pour into a glass over ice.
  • Add a splash of club soda to fill the glass.


It's time to start planning, let's work together!